Paris - The City of Love

From the cobbled streets of Spain to the romantic boulevards of France, our three-week journey culminated in the timeless city of Paris. As we embarked on our seventh visit to this city of lights, fashion, and love, Paris proved its mastery in enchantment, stealing yet another piece of our hearts and leaving us in awe of its ceaseless wonders.

This time, we found our haven in the charming Montmartre area at the lovely Hotel Le Ballu, a recently renovated boutique hotel in the 9th arrondissement. Its tranquil courtyard, reminiscent of 1960s Eastern European architecture, restaurant serving delicious bites, and spacious rooms offered a perfect oasis amid the vibrant city bustle, enabling us to explore another enchanting Paris neighbourhood.

Paris was a memorable trip; our reunions and new encounters marked our stay with friends from a 60th birthday celebration in San Sebastian. Moreover, unexpectedly, our paths crossed with Melbourne friends Matt and his gorgeous wife Oudavanh. It is always special when connecting with friends in faraway places. It is hard to describe, but it is a magical feeling you all experience being together and seizing the moments of travelling. It truly warms your heart.

We spent a few days hitting the pavement with coffees and croissants in hand and enjoying slow, lazy lunches at places we have previously visited, including Café de l'Esplanade, which we love, and some new finds.

One evening, we caught up with our dear friends Mario and Nev, and we enjoyed an evening of laughter, complete with delectable food, wine, and cocktails in Little Red Door, a hidden-away gem, one of the World's 50 Best Bars. We also met the charming Chanie. Another evening of magic together!

With three visits to Paris over the previous 12 months, the level of service has been exceptional, the food salivating, and, of course, the wine—no complaints! The city was also much cleaner in preparation for the Olympics than historically.

We spent our final day revisiting a restaurant, Restaurant Le Square Trousseau, which we enjoyed in Paris whilst there, celebrating my 40th. Its cosy ambience and playful chalk-and-paper tablecloths reignited our creative spirits in a familiar yet always refreshing setting. Our Uber driver spoiled us with a little memento of Paris as we jumped out: an Eiffel Tower keyring!

Our time soon ended, but we know it won't be the last visit. There are still too many places to experience and restaurants to try, and we still need to get to the Louvre!! One day, I promise, Wayne!

Three weeks of travel bliss and so many moments with old and new friends from Spain through France that we will treasure as we return to our beloved Belgrade for a few weeks to recover and prepare for the next adventure through Italy!

Date visited: 15 August 2023