Travel to Paris? Mais Oui!

Last month, I had the privilege of taking part in a field trip to the La Roche-Posay headquarters in France. Yes, that’s right, that France. You’ll be hearing tons more about La Roche-Posay, an awesome skin care line, but for now I’m bursting to tell you all about my trip…along with a few tips if you happen to find yourself going there.

Tip #1: Go there! Paris really is one of the most magical places in Earth and should be on everyone’s bucket list. And if you go at the right time of year, like February (tres romantic) it is actually way less expensive than you think.

Just one of the hundreds of awesome sights I saw everywhere. All the time. To be perfectly honest, I don’t even know what it’s called…but who cares. Isn’t it cool?

Tip #2: Pack lightly, purposefully, and if possible, do carry-on only.  A little black dress and a couple of scarves & necklaces takes up way less room than four completely different outfits. Do like the natives do and trade your heels for ballet flats-chic, comfortable, and they take up way less room. And of course you’ll need to leave room for a few textile-based “souvenirs” (see tip #5).

This is all I brought for 5 days…and it was almost too much.

Tip #3: When it comes to food, let you heart, not your head, be your guide. Forget your usual fat-free granola-covered Greek Yogurt and go French with a freshly-baked Pain au Chocolate.  Have the cheese course in between dinner and dessert. Say “Oui” to an afternoon offer of a macron and coffee.

My breakfast table in France. Proof that eating with your eyes really does help satisfy you.

Tip #4 If you want to see everything, don’t try to do everything. This is a classic rookie mistake: rushing from museum to museum without taking the time to stop and smell the roses…or admire the graffiti.

Only the French could have such chic graffiti.

Tip #5:  Shop. I know it’s a cliche, but Paris really does have the best shopping ever.  Forget what’s trendy and look for what’s different. And if you’re careful, you’ll find something that’s super-cool that you’ll keep forever, like the Mary Janes I bought on my first trip to Paris 19 years ago that I still wear today.

I could go on and on with advice but the truth is, I’m no expert. I’m just a girl that loves Paris.

What about you? What’s your favorite city in the world? And what advice would you give potential travelers?