Paris Redeux

For starters, I recognize how fortunate I am to travel to be able to travel abroad. Seeing the world is a fascinating and enriching experience, and I’m grateful for a career and relationship that allows that to be possible. That being said, no trip is perfect. When my husband and I visited Paris for the first time, I came down with the most intense food poisoning of my life. He ventured out around the city alone, while I spent a few days struggling to keep down white rice and water. Visits landmarks and cafes were overshadowed, and I desperately wanted to go back and make up for lost time. Thankfully, three years later we were able to bring that dream into fruition.

Prior to this trip, I became a vegan and despite my concerns, the food was top-notch. The most memorable meals were from Cafe Pinson (polenta fries that dreams are made of), 42 Degres (raw and vegan) , Chez Marianne (amazing falafel plate) and Lauderee, which has wonderful vegan options including a raspberry jam macaron.

We visited the Mousee ’Orsay, Eiffel Tower, and toured the inside of Notre Dame (prior to the fire). The architecture of the wood beams and the sheer size and age of the bells were impressive. We climbed the Arc de Triomphe (which is included in your Paris Museum Pass, which I highly recommend for an extended stay) and the cityscape from the viewing platform is stunning.

Our first trip to Paris was in November, when the city was decorated for the holiday season, the air was crisp, and the Christmas shopping village was set up but this time it was early April, and the city was in full bloom. There isn’t a wrong time to go to Paris, but I enjoyed the outdoor cafes and bustle of the warmer weather.