Tis Me Michelle

Day 2 was one of my 2 full days for this trip. Did I tell you this trip was just a long weekend? A long weekend in Paris is never enough, but a weekend in Paris is a dream.

I wanted to ease into the day, have a nice lil breakfast, and enjoy the beautiful weather. Found a bakery, La Bossue, on the way to the ‘I love you’ wall and Montmartre. A charming patisserie located on a quiet street. The inside was so pretty, but it was just so gorgeous out that I had to sit outside. I ordered ‘The Paulette’, which came with a pastry of your choice + scone or slice of brioche + madeleine + homemade jam. I opted for the pain au chocolat for my pastry. If this were London, I woulda have opted for a scone, but we were in butterland after all. So I had to try the brioche. All good choices. For such rich ingredients, this petit dejuener was light and hit the spot. Enjoyed it all with a cup of cappuccino, journaled a bit, and people-watched. Great start to the day.

After a lovely breakfast, I wandered over to the ‘I love you’ wall, which was just down the road. I had been there on my first visit, but not the last couple. Definitely made me wish I had someone to love it with. After that quick stop at the wall, I began my inclined journey up to Montmartre. I’ve always loved the view up there and always felt like I was dying on my way up. After several steep staircases, I made it. The area with all the artists has been my favorite part of the city since my first visit. And for some reason, the spark wasn’t there for me this trip. It felt so… touristy, for lack of a better word. Truly felt like a bit of a trap. I never left that area so fast. I went to the Sacre Coeur with the intention of finally going in, but the line was so long, it just wasn’t worth it. Took in the view, which is still one of my favorite views of the city… then started my descent.

It was time for a coffee break, so I found to navigate to. All the little tiny roads I walked down to get there became my favorite parts of the city. So many small, quiet, beautiful streets, lots of great shops. Right at the beginning, I stopped at a great shop that sells a variety of local artists’ goods. I ended up getting a pair of earrings and a postcard. The woman working was super sweet, and there were so many great items, but I unfortunately don’t remember what it was called. And as I continued, I found another perfectly gorgeous, quiet street with a photo booth at the end. My cousins and I had done one together in Seattle, and I thought it was such a great souvenir to have while traveling. I stopped in, took some snaps. The man working realized how short I was and that I hadn’t adjusted the seat properly. He fixed it and let me retake photos for free. I’m not photogenic, so it didn’t really help my cause, but how absolutely sweet of him. If you find people rude in Paris or France, you are the problem.

I really enjoyed this walk, and finally landed at Coeur Coffee Roasters. I kept going back and forth between a few, but I landed at the right place. For one, someone had the most adorable senior dog, who was the hit of the whole town. Second, an absolutely fantastic glass of cold brew. Just like breakfast, I enjoyed it outside, taking in the sights.

Up next, I continued my walk around the city, this time a bit further, and I went to check out the Pinault Collection. One of the recommendations from the jazz club owners. Although there was an admission fee, I did enjoy this collection more than the Petit Palais. Overall, another small museum, yet some very unique exhibitions. I’m not huge on minimalism or abstract art, but one of the first rooms was all white, with a huge pile of white candy in clear wrappers neatly laid out as a rectangle in the center of the room. Installments like this are interesting because you are meant to engage, but it feels so wrong. A work of art and a souvenir. The main exhibition was the clinamen by Céleste Boursier-Mougenot. A pool in the heart of the beautiful building, filled with bowls floating, and as they meet one another, they create an almost therapeutic sound. What a tranquil experience. To have a place where everyone can sit, appreciate, and meditate collectively. I coulda have sat there all day.

Wow, this is already a long post, and there was still more this day! On my way to the Pinault Collection, I stumbled on Kura-Ge, a matcha spot that I had seen all over TikTok. I gave it a try, since I was right there, and could use a drink from all the walking. Ya’ll, I’m not sure if the matcha is different there or if the matcha we have in the US is just made for our palates, but it was not it. I got a tried-and-true strawberry matcha. I prefer my drinks not overly sweet, but this one was so bitter and sour. Those flavors plus milk are not right. I couldn’t even pretend to drink it.

After the museum, I grabbed a quick lunch because I had dinner plans. Nothing notable. I stopped at this fantastic mochi spot on the other side of my hotel from the jazz club. It’s called Taozi Pâtisserie, an absolute gem. I got the pistachio flavor. Chantilly pistachio cream, like a dreamy cloud, with some raspberry jam, that paired so well together. Basically, a cream puff, but instead of choux pastry, it’s mochi. I went back the next day too, cause it was that good. After a pit stop at the hotel, I got ready for dinner.

I booked a dinner cruise on the Seine. On the way, I stopped at the Louvre. So sad, I missed the heist in real time, but I had to see those pretty glass pyramids. If you haven’t been to Paris before, I think this cruise is totally worth it. Great views, the dinner was pretty decent, and I definitely had an entire bottle of wine. I can’t deny, this didn’t feel like a solo activity. I’ve done some kind of Seine cruise every time I’ve gone, and I do think they are a great way to take in the sights, but I’ve always done it with others. I had a blast the whole day solo. Some things are just more fun with others, and this is one of them for me.

A jam-packed Day 2! So much walking. I did a lot. And the best parts were all the things I stumbled on along the way. There is something about simply being in Paris that makes me feel alive.