· 2 min read
48 Hours in Paris With Me
Two days, three outfits and far too many steps. A morning by the Eiffel Tower, an afternoon on the Right Bank and the Louvre at golden hour — come along.
I've been to Paris more than once, and it still gets me every time. This trip was short — two days — so I did what I always do: no plan, comfortable shoes in the bag, and one outfit for each part of the city.
Day one, morning: the avenue by the tower
The first morning was one of those rare Paris days with a perfectly clean blue sky. I walked out onto a quiet avenue lined with cream Haussmann buildings, turned a corner, and there it was — the top of the Eiffel Tower over the rooftops. I stopped right there in the middle of the pavement. Classic tourist move, I know.
I was in all black — a loose shirt-jacket, wide trousers, a wide belt — with my tan bag. Everyone around me was in light colours that day. I like being the dark spot in a bright picture.
Day one, afternoon: the Right Bank
After lunch I changed into my long camel trench and went to the Right Bank, where the old fashion houses are. Dark stone, gold letters over the doors, people in very good coats. I put my hair up, kept my sunglasses on even in the shade, and felt like I was in a film for a couple of hours.
Paris is the only city where I walk slower on purpose.
Day two: red at the Louvre
On the second day I wanted colour. I wore a deep red knit dress, a wide cream hat and round sunglasses, and spent the afternoon in the courtyards of the Louvre — pale stone arcades, statues, and that soft light Paris gets later in the day.
The hat and the wind did not get along, by the way. Half of the photos from that afternoon are me holding it with one hand.
What I'd tell you if you're going
- Get up early at least once. The city is a different place before ten.
- Walk between neighbourhoods instead of taking the metro — that's where you find the best corners.
- Pack one colour you don't usually wear. Paris is the place for it.
- Don't over-plan. My best moments there were never on the list.
Two days is never enough. I'll be back — and I'll take you along again.
