Paris

WHERE WE STAYED: Rented an apartment from artist Remi in a residential building in Montmartre. Perks: View of the Eiffel tower from the toilet; 6th floor no elevator—it’s a pro when you’re working off all those creamy french dishes, but a con when you need to pee after a night out.

BEST MEAL: Classic French Onion Soup at a tiny resto in Montmartre served by the owner, a stern school-teacher type. Grocery store baguettes + cheese, naturellement. (Can you tell we were on a tight budget?)

NATURAL HIGH: Jardins de Louxembourg, beautiful in the fall when the leaves start to change. Strolls by the Seine at 'magic hour'.

DON’T MISS: The catacombs! Fascinating and educational. Skip if you’re claustrophobic or your shoes aren’t waterproof (in the fall).
• Centre Pompidou for the exhibits but also for the incredible view.

HIGHLIGHTS: The Louvre of course, split it up into 2 days if you can.
• Shopping (or drooling) in front of some incredible antique shops at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen market.
• Waiting for the metro at night at one of the many beautiful, old stations.

HOW COULD THERE POSSIBLY BE SO MANY: Incredibly stylish women, at any age. Swoon.

MOST RELAXED: Leisurely croque madame and cafe au lait breakfasts to start off the day.

COOLEST BUY: A purple Victorian corset belt in a vintage store in the artsy Marais neighbourhood.

EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS? It felt as though we barely scratched the surface of the many distinct cities that make up Paris, from historic to gritty to opulent. We’ll have to return soon with more time and better french skills.