Have you ever been caught saying that you need a vacation from the vacation? Summer travel season is well underway and we are embracing fabulous escapes to recharge. As exciting as it is to explore new destinations, both domestically and internationally, with that comes fully packed agendas taking us from museum to museum and to all of the must-see iconic sites that are associated with the destination of choice.
Personally, I’ve done the hectic traveling before, but on a recent trip to Paris with my friend Reagan Heidelberg, we actually said au-revoir to jam packed itineraries and bonjour to a more laissez-faire approach. We embraced the Parisian lifestyle, staying at a friend’s charming pied-à-terre on the buzzing street of Rue des Martyrs. Both juggling various roles and always tied to a schedule, not being bogged down by obligations was 100% freeing for Reagan and I.
First and foremost, sleeping in was a luxury. Waking up to the sound of birds and rolling out of bed at a natural pace to then walk across the street to indulge in freshly baked croissants was a welcome reprieve. Once we happily carb-loaded, we set out for the unknown. Walking for miles was a no brainer, allowing the streets to lead us to stunning nooks. Admittedly, those streets also did lead us to the most fabulous retail destinations. Shopping in Paris is a completely different experience. Avenue Montaigne, Rue St. Honoré, Place Vendôme, Galeries Lafayette… a fashion lover’s dream, needless to say. Stepping foot into Dior’s global flagship store opened up the most magical world into the preeminent fashion house’s history as we visited the museum. If you’re wondering, it’s a must-see with each exhibit grander than the last.
No reservations were made to dine at the “it” restaurants. After all, we’re in Paris where gastronomy is part of the everyday culture and the bistro scene is exactly how it looks in the movies. Spontaneity led us to making new friends. We even experienced the amazing nightlife where we danced until 3 a.m., not one but two nights, and included us bumping into Lenny Kravitz and Chris Rock at Hotel Costes.
Admittedly, the one thing that we planned was attending a performance by the Paris Opera Ballet at the Opéra Bastille. Seeing one of the other world’s most renowned ballet companies was on my bucket list. The Bolero was hypnotic, a poetic dance unlike any we’ve ever seen. The cherry on top was meeting the loveliest of couples sitting right behind us who treated us to coupes of champagne at intermission.
I’m sharing my personal vacation to hopefully inspire the rhythm of your next vacation. Of course, if it’s a first-time visit there are the obligatory tours to do, but perhaps finding a balance between structure and blind adventure can be accomplished. A fusion of planned curiosity and cherishing the little moments of local living—being one with the destination.
It’s a trip that both Reagan and I will forever cherish. It was only four days, but we came back to our families and fast-paced lives inspired, recalibrated and re-invigorated. Paris, we love you!
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