Third time is a charm (view my blog from my first time here). That’s how I feel about this trip to Paris. I met a local photographer and had a chance to talk shop, I shot a fashion shoot for a famous blogger, I learned to walk around and get everywhere using the metro, and by the end of my trip, I fell in love even more with Paris.

The first part of my trip I stayed at the Le Meridien, a short fifteen minute walk from the Arch de Triumph. This is a new hotel and very nice. It’s right across the street from a shopping mall and movie theater, and next to restaurants and a really awesome crepe street vendor. I have to admit I had a Nutella crepe every day! I’ve become very familiar with the Champs Elysees area as I stayed at the Napoleon last year and also did a lot of walking. It’s fun to go back and remember where things are. I love that Paris is becoming familiar to me. Very close to the Arch de Triumph is one of my favorite coffee shops: Cafe de Paris. I usually order the scrambled eggs with bacon and my absolute favorite chocolat viennois (hot chocolate with whipped cream).

Also within walking distance are all the famous shops. I obviously stopped at my favorite Zara and was shocked at the lack of customer service. The worse experience I’ve ever had. And although I did buy a leather jacket it has made me wonder if it’s time to break up with this store. If you know me, you know I buy something from Zara at every city/country I visit, but, I’m not sure I want to give my business to a store that doesn’t seem to care. Across the street from Zara is Laduree. My favorite macaron store. I have to admit I went there almost everyday while there. My favorite flavors are salted caramel, raspberry, triple berry, and vanilla.

Uber is available in Paris but since I was there for over a week my friend told me to get a Navigo card. It’s a metro card that can be used to go everywhere, even the airport (which is 40 min away from Paris). The card is only $21 euro and good from Monday-Sunday. There’s an extra $5 one time fee for the card itself, and you need a passport photo, which you can get done at the station for an additional $5 euro. I’m saving my card to reload next time I go. The metro took me everywhere all over Paris and I felt quite safe.

One of my favorite meals was the raclette at Le Chalet Savoyard. If you love cheese, you will LOVE this dining experience! Another great place to dine was Chez Francis, not necessarily for the customer service or the food, but the view of the Eiffel Tower. Order a bottle of wine and wait for the light show, it’s magical!

I hope you get to Paris soon! Au Revoir!