Paris when it sizzles was one of my favourite films as a teen, but in the case of our weekend away I mean it in the literal sense, yes I appreciate it's August but I didn't actually expect a heat wave. Although I have always wanted to go to Paris with Chris, it possibly would have been easier in slightly cooler weather, 36 degrees is a bit scorchy, but I believe that could well be the definition of a first world problem, so I'll not complain too much. ;)
I last went to Paris when I was 19 and Chris went with the school when he was a kid but we had never been there together. We've taken the boys to Disneyland Paris about 7 times over the years but as it's miles away from Paris central so it doesn't really count.
What better way of celebrating our 23 years together than in the city of love! With lashings of sun cream on and plenty of bottles of water we roamed happily round this beautiful city. I can't recommend it enough, it really is the city of love, it's stunning. Bearing in mind how hot it was, I really didn't expect we'd get round to so many of the sights. There's still plenty to do, so maybe we'll go back and do it all over again. I'm sure we'd love Paris in the Springtime, Fall and winter too come to that!
The weather being so hot was a little problematic for my bag. Getting it to stay stuck was not without its difficulties. I used my OstoGUARD wipes which are really good for removing residue and sweat. Thankfully we only had to pop back to the hotel on one occasion to change my bag (sweat played havoc with the sticky pad) which I didn't think was too bad a result.
I had planned out what to wear a while back, I had wanted to go all Parisian chic and dress to impress, this provincial gal wanted to hold her own against the effortlessly refined natives, but I had to ditch that idea once I had checked the weather forecast and just packed anything I could think of that would allow good air flow. ;) Although saying that, I felt I held my own with my choice of pretty dresses.
We had such a wonderful time, we went to places I had never been before, although I went to Paris when I was 19 I didn't get to go inside any of the landmarks. We sorted that right out, we went UP The Eiffel Tower, having just seen it from below before, (when it was built in 18 hundred and something it was the world's tallest building and remained so for the following 40 years, hard to comprehend now, but Paris has preserved its presence on the skyline by banning any buildings over 8 stories high in the city center, the buildings alone are truly spectacular, without even entering the landmarks, everything around is a feast for your eyes), I have finally been to see Miss Mona Lisa in the Louvre. We went inside Notre Dame and the Sacré-Coeur (I've also been to the Vatican so I seemingly have the trifecta on Catholic church visits).
But one of the best things about Paris is to sit out side the many and various café's and drink wine (me) and eat snails (him). absolute heaven...
Day one. Linen dress from TK Maxx (or TJ Maxx for US readers) a bargain at £19.99. shoes from Salvatore Ferragamo, not quite a bargain but I have had a lot of wear out of them.
Day two, Dress from French Connection (seemed very apt), shoes as above.
Day three, Dress from Primark (one of my faves as it happens and a bargain at £12. Shoes as above above, Bag Louis Vuitton (the hubs treated me to a new one too, which will make an appearance on here at some stage I'm sure, I was thoroughly spoilt)
...and yes, we went there, the love bridge, and really who couldn't fall for the mushy concept. I was highly surprised when hubs asked if we should join them. Probably one of the most romantic things ever...