Paris greets me with gray skies and a promise of sunshine. I have five hours in the city of love and light, and I plan on spending them in places that never fail to inspire me. I exit Charles de Gaulle with the intention of entering the city at its heart: the first arrondissement. Known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and unique culture, it’s the perfect place to spend my newfound spare time. 

My day begins at Café Verlet at 256 Rue de Saint Honore just steps away from the Louvre. Since 1880, Verlet has remained a staple of Parisian teas and coffee culture. Reminiscent of the 1920s with its gorgeous parquet floor, mirrored walls, and cozy seating, this café offers one of the most unique experiences in the city. Today, I order their rose petals and litchi-flavored white tea. Noticing that the cup has taken what’s left of my lipstick, I quickly re-apply it using a compact mirror for guidance. The lipstick’s bright, berry shade is perfect for my next adventure: a breezy stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries. I make sure to pick up a Pain aux Chocolat as I exit the cafe.

I have always believed The Jardin des Tuileries to be one of the most special spaces in Paris. It encompasses everything I love about the city and, on quiet days like this one, is the perfect place to enjoy my own company. Finishing my Pain aux Chocolat, I lower myself into one of their picture-perfect green garden chairs in front of the fountain to people watch and dedicate time to journaling. Today, my thoughts present themselves in sketches rather than words. After nearly an hour of letting my pen mindlessly drift across the page, the final product presents itself to me: 

an image of the elderly woman sitting across from me who has spent her morning engrossed in a book. 

One short metro ride later, I find myself in the gorgeous halls of the Musée D’Orsay. Rounding the corner of one, I stand in the presence of Edgar Degas’ Dinner at the Ball. While it’s a small painting compared to the painter’s other works in the museum, it demands one's attention by evoking an unparalleled amount of energy through its subjects. The piece also serves as a social commentary in response to the decadent lifestyles of the bourgeoisie. I end my time at the museum by also paying a visit to Vincent Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait. 

I end my day by taking to the right bank of the seine with just an hour left to spare. The sun decides to make its appearance as I bounce from kiosque to kiosque, shuffling through well-worn books of French poetry. Crossing the Pont Alexandre III Bridge gives me the opportunity to pay homage to my favorite sight of all: the Eiffel Tower. I still catch my breath every time I see her.

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