Paris 2014: Video diary + Maps

Video diaries are always fun to watch, especially for a travel addict like me.

Here is a map of my Paris trip this time.

This is the map I had while planning the trip. There were many places that I didn't have time to go to, but I hope to be able to go my future trips there. I did lots of research to find these places, including notes to myself.

Safe travels xx

Paris 2014: Montmartre & Pigalle

The last day of Paris, I wondered around Sacred Cœur until I had to go back to Gare du Nord to catch my train back to London.

I took the métro to Anvers and walked up a narrow street with tons of souvenir shops. They have crêpe stands, a chocolate museum and typical souvenir shops. Beware of pickpockets!

Petit musée du chocolat

Hike up to Sacre Cœur is not too bad. You can see an overview of the city of Paris and it's breath-taking. Tip: there are many con artists with strings in their hands asking if they can show you how to braid a bracelet on you. WALK AWAY. They make you pay to have the bracelet removed.

 Sacre Cœur

Rue de Martyrs has various cafes, restaurants, boulangeries and shops that are unique. I love anything that's not a chain because they're just more local and in my view worth a visit. I bought some foie gras for my dad there.

While you are around that area, avoid Pigalle station. It is infamous for prostitution so it's not ideal if you're a female walking around that area alone.

I still cannot believe I was ever at Paris. It was all like a dream to me. I think I miss the food most. I was having croissant withdrawal and kept buying croissants in London, oops. I highly recommend Paris. It does live up to it's hype and is a great place to go with friends or your other half (no matter how cheesy that sounds). A bientôt, Paris!

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list" - Susan Sontag

Paris 2014: La Rive Droite

Getting a day pass for travels again, I hit most of the main sightseeing places on the north of the Seine.

Blé Sucre: Kouign Amannn + Pain au chocolat

Le Louvre: give yourself a good 3 or 4 hours, that thing is massive

 Arc de Triomphe

Walking to the top is a satifying workout

 Fanciest Abercrombie & Fitch I've seen

"Travel is to live" - Hans Christian Anderson

Paris 2014: La Rive Gauche

Day 2 was spent on the left bank, or south bank, and also Île de la Cité. We visited various landmarks, including Musée D'orsay, La Tour Eiffel, Jardin du Luxembourg, Notre Dame, and Pont des Arts. I got a travel day pass that works for the métro, the bus, and gives you discounts on river cruises.

Wall for Peace: I find it so perfect that this monument is situated in front of the École Militaire and lines up with the Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately, it was under restoration when I was there, or else there is a feature for people to write messages of peace.

Eiffel Tower: How can you not go when you're in Paris? Enjoying a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower should be quite an experience. The tower lights up at night and starts sparkling at 7pm. 

Tip: skip the queue & order tickets online

 Enjoy a Nutella Banana Crêpe (it was so good, I still remember it) at...

Luxembourg Gardens: This garden is just gorgeous. Take a stroll or just sit and enjoy the sun.

Notre Dame: this magnificent cathedral has an impressive history. Just think of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, such childhood memories.

Pont des Arts: so many bridges in Paris have locks on them. It's cliché, but a significant promise to have a lock with your other half. Please don't use coded locks (trust me, people do put those on). It completely defeats the purpose.

Shakespeare & Company: If you're a writer in need of a place to stay, I think they have a room for that. Find great English books in this historical book store.

Au Pied de Fouet

What to get: Confit de canard, vin du mois

Best duck confit I've ever had. I swear I'm going to that restaurant every time I go to Paris in the future just to have their duck confit. No joke.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing" - Helen Keller

Paris 2014: The Marais & Eastern Paris (10th & 3rd Arr.)

Oh la la! Bonjour, Paris! I'm sure lots of you do not know that I've been learning French since I was about 13 years old. My speaking is not that fluent, but I understand fine. So early this month, I had a week off school at the same time that my friend will be in Paris for a few days. I decided to go see her and visit Paris, something that I've wanted to do for years.

Getting off the Eurostar at Gare du Nord, I had a few hours to walk around and get to Gare de Lyon to meet my friend. I essentially walked south on Blvd de Magenta towards Canal St. Martin. I like going to cute unique places to explore the city. All places I mention are places I would highly recommend going to.

Canal St. Martin: Sit along the canal for a mini picnic!

Antoine & Lili: consists of 3 super cute shops selling clothing, children's toys and home goods. Great for families to go to.

Artazart Design Bookstore: Such a dainty bookstore! It's been there for years, and sells unique books.

Du Pain et des Idées: Traditional boulangerie with a variety of baked goods to choose from. How could a carb-addict like me resist this?

Merci: An adorable shop that sells everything from kitchenware to clothes with a cafe attached.

Ladurée - Madeleine (Original) : Their merchandise is just exquisite, and of course you have to try some of their famous macarons, I recommend the rose flavour, I'm still reminiscing its scent. 

 Our adorable Airbnb (3rd Arr.): This was probably a maid's room transformed into a studio-esque living space. It's just like something I'd like to live in if I was living by myself!

 Dinner: Baguette avec du fromage (so French :P)

"Paris is always a good idea" - Audrey Hepburn