Sparkling Nights & Sweet Strolls

We kicked things off by watching the Eiffel Tower glitter after dusk—an enchanting moment that still plays in my head. Days were filled with chocolate mousse in hand as we wandered pop-up artist markets, and spent a blissful afternoon inside the whimsical Jellycat Patisserie at Galeries Lafayette. Those soaring dome ceilings took my breath away.

Weekend Flea Finds & Petite Luxuries

Come weekend, we roamed flea markets in search of unique treasures—customizing lip gloss and combs at Officine Universelle Buly felt especially luxe. We even dove into a croissant‑making class (hello, buttery heaven). And when the Grand Palais opened the sensory playground of the Euphoria balloon exhibit, we lost ourselves in light, color, and play.

Pharmacy Hauls & Gourmet Grocery Runs

No Paris trip is complete without a stop at the famed French pharmacy—and La Grande Épicerie dovetailed beautifully into that ritual. We snagged all the must-have skincare and gourmet bites, boxed up our finds (with care!), and carried on.

Dinner with a Capital “R”

We reserved just one formal dinner—an unforgettable evening at Ralph’s, which absolutely lived up to the hype. But most nights, we were delightfully tired from a day of wandering. Stumbling into cozy brasseries and neighborhood cafés with no set plans and full hearts became our nightly ritual.

A Chanel Dream Realized

And then—fashion fantasy fulfilled. Somewhere amid all the strolling, I spotted my dream: a 90’s Chanel blazer, tucked into a little shop window. A forever piece I’d yearned for … and now it’s mine. Paris, you just get me.

We waved goodbye to Jen mid‑trip, only to be joyfully reunited with new company—my mom, sister, and Aunt Nola—for the second leg of our Paris adventure. A year ago we’d followed this same beloved path, so instead of squeezing in must-see landmarks, we reveled in what felt right. And this year, my daughter Nola slotted in perfectly.

A Return to Treasure-Hunting at Les Puces

Our Saturday morning began at the legendary Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen—the world’s largest antique and second-hand market, spanning over seven hectares with 14 distinct markets and more than 1,700 vendors. We timed it just right—we dove into its maze of alleyways, stalls, and showrooms. It’s a place where every corner hides vintage treasures and whimsical finds . We bartered a bit, stumbled across quirky art, and walked away with beloved pieces tucked into our bags.

A Romantic Evening on the Seine

Friday night brought a quintessential Parisian highlight: a dinner cruise along the Seine. We opted for a shared, glass-roofed boat—four-course meal, pretty good food, and priceless ambiance. As we glided past the Louvre, Notre Dame, and pastel-lit bridges, Parisians lined the banks—dating, picnicking, laughing. Watching the city’s pulse from the water felt deeply romantic.

Pro tip: For that fairy-tale moment when the Eiffel Tower sparkles, consider splurging on a private boat.

A Final Day of Full-City Energy

Our last day exploded with activity. After devilishly tempting shopping, we tackled the major sights:

• Notre Dame renovation was breathtaking—light and life flooding in.
• Musée de l’Orangerie felt serene yet compelling; advance tickets saved us serious waiting time.
• The Eiffel Tower (again!)—this time we made it all the way to the summit. The queues, the ascent, the descent—wow, it’s a time investment, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it. We descended just in time to collapse into dinner—exhausted, exhilarated, and completely in love with Paris all over again.

Here’s to next year, to more wandering, more family stories, and more of that inexplicable Paris magic.