The Gelato Diaries: France, Italy & Greece

If there was a day during our trip from Paris-Athens that we didn’t each gelato, it evidently wasn’t worth remembering. Gelato, sorbet and on one occasion, plain old ice cream, was an essential party of our daily diet because this is what you do when you’re it’s summer, you’re in Europe with your best friend and you’re twenty years old. Sorbet at Berthillon, Paris On my … Continue reading The Gelato Diaries: France, Italy & Greece

9 Things to know before you visit the Eiffel Tower

As of yesterday, the Eiffel Tower is 126 years old! Not bad for a building that was only meant to be temporary, and torn down after 20 years. When it was unveiled in 1889, it wasn’t popular with the Parisians, but today it’s one of Paris‘ best-loved icons and attracts more visitors than any other paid attraction in the world. 1. A case of mistaken identity It … Continue reading 9 Things to know before you visit the Eiffel Tower

Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise, Paris

Every Wednesday was a half-day at my summer academy in Paris, so during our first week the staff arranged for our cohort to go on Seine cruise with Bateaux Mouches. The sun was shining, the weather was warm and we were all just getting to know each other. I’d been to Paris before, but I’d never taken to the river – I’m so glad we … Continue reading Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise, Paris

Archaeological crypt of Notre Dame: Roman ruins in Paris

With it’s grand boulevards, historic mansions and charming lack of skyscrapers, it can seem like Paris is stuck in the 19th century. The Archaeological Crypt of Notre Dame underneath Notre Dame Cathedral in Ile de City shows that it’s a city in a constant state of change. In the 1960s, during excavations for a car park outside Notre Dame, ancient Roman ruins were discovered 80 … Continue reading Archaeological crypt of Notre Dame: Roman ruins in Paris

One Perfect Day in Paris

If I only had 24 hours in Paris, this is how I’d spend it. No Eiffel Tower, no Louvre, no Moulin Rouge. A few icons, a few shops, a few fabulous views and lots of delicious food. Morning Breakfast: I’d start my day right with a pain au chocolat at the nearest boulangerie. Nowhere has pastries like Paris. Afterwards, I’d head to Musee de l’Orangerie … Continue reading One Perfect Day in Paris

Stay in Paris: Hotel Eiffel Segur

Paris is a tough place to find decent accommodation on a budget, but now that I’ve found Hotel Eiffel Segur, I never have to worry again! Location The hotel is in Montparnasse, my favourite suburb in Paris to stay in. It’s a beautiful neighbourhood that isn’t too touristy but is in a great location for exploring the Left Bank. It’s not far from the Eiffel … Continue reading Stay in Paris: Hotel Eiffel Segur