Bonjour lovelies from the sunny London! I have just landed back in UK from a lovely trip to Paris! I was invited by Air France and Airbnb to spend a few days in the city of love, Paris, this July. It was magical! Summer in Paris is always marvellous – sight-seeing, picnics by the Eiffel Tower, coffees, brunches, good food & wine; all combined with a lovely sunny weather!
//Welcome to my Summer Parisian Guide & Photo Diary//
My trip has started in Heathrow Airport boarding the AirFrance’s new Boeing 787 (also known as the Dreamliner) – destination Paris! Landed in Paris, the first stop was the Airbnb apartment for a quick outfit change before lunch and photoshoots!
Photo before taking-off -destination Paris
//Parisian Summer – TO DO LIST//
This summer do not think of Hôtel Costes or the restaurant L’Avenue – there are some other amazing terraces and hidden culinary gems in Paris which should be on your summer Parisian list! 1) Café du Petit Palais (lovely terrace) / 2) Cafe de L’Homme (best view over the Eiffel Tower) / 3) LouLous Restaurant (next to muse de Arts Decoratif – amazing terrace and view)/ 4) Ralph Lauren‘s new restaurant / 5) Shopping at Colette (until December when the store closes its doors)
//My Tourist Diary//
After a quick stop at the Airbnb apartment, I started my first day visiting and walking around Montmartre neighbourhood! Sacre Coeur and the surroundings is one of my favourite Parisian spots and I was looking forward to enjoying the beautiful view and vibe over a delicious lunch and a glass of wine! Tips: my advice is to walk up all the stairs to the Basilica, the spectacular view is worth it and also, there are so many amazing bistros for lunch/dinner in Montmartre. Please, do not judge the Croque-monsieur – It is one of my favourite dishes! Carbs do not count as carbs in Paris!
For the first day in Paris I created a french looking outfit: mint-floating dress / golden sandals / extra-size raffia bag and hat!
Shop my Parisian outfit!
After a perfect-long-night-sleep in my beautiful French apartment (scroll down for photos), my energy was high enough for another long day of walking and sight-seeing in Paris. I have created an itinerary called “Parisian-great-tour” , just before leaving the Airbnb! The apartment was just around the corner from Galleries Lafayette so, I made my way through Opera, Place Vendôme and by the time I arrived around Jardin de Tuileries / Place de la Concorde, I knew it was time for breakfast and a long strong latte! Even though you might think that the area is a cliché, the view and the vibes make me come back over and over again for a breakfast a-la-parisienne in the heart of the city!
After the lovely breakfast, I followed my heart and the Seine towards the Eiffel Tower and Musée de l’Homme (my favourite summer spot for lunch). There is a restaurant cold Cafe de L’Homme which is one of my favourite terraces in Paris – the view over Eiffel Tower is absolutely breathtaking. But first, a fast photoshoot!
Shop my Parisian Outfit
I highly recommend you the Cafe de l’Homme restaurant for a perfect lunch in Paris! After a delicious meal, we were back on the ‘road’, towards Arc de Triumph and Champs-Élysées as I had in mind a quick shopping spree in Sephora!
//My favourite intinarary for a summer day in Paris//
Galleries Lafayette – Place Vendôme – Jardin de Tuileries – Place de la Concorde –
Eiffel Tower – Musée de l’Homme – Arc de Triumph – Champs-Élysées
Next to the apartment, it was a local French bakery which become my new Parisian Friend! Each morning I had fresh croissants, Pains au Chocolates and Baguettes! In the last day, I preferred having breakfast in the apartment after some important shopping decisions taken in the bakery! Just before packing everything and make my way towards the airport, I had one more walk in our neighbourhood!
Shop my outfit
//Airbnb Experience//
This trip to Paris was my first one renting an Airbnb apartment! I was usually depended on hotels and room-serivice but, I have now realised the many advantages of staying in an Airbnb apartment. First and most important, I have felt like home! Paris, is and will always be my favourite city in the entire world, but this time I could feel like an actual Parisian! The apartment was situated in central Paris, minutes walk from Galeries Lafayette and the neighbourhood’s feeling captivated me! What I loved most about the apartment was its French vibe and its massive windows! I took the chance and snapped as much as possible !!
//Watch the video for more details of my trip to Paris and longer glimpse of my Airbnb apartment //
To conclude, Paris during summer is always a good idea!
Let me know your thoughts or any other advice when visiting Paris during summer!
Photos: Abdel Abdulai
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