May 22nd

After a couple of jam-packed days, we decided to treat ourselves to a little extra sleep. It was so nice to wake up without the pressure of an early start! I savored a cup of coffee on our tiny balcony, just pinching myself that I was actually in Paris. Even the simple act of sipping coffee with that view felt special.

Then it was time for the complimentary breakfast downstairs in our quaint hotel lobby. They serve coffee, tea, cappuccino, and an array of delicious croissants and pastries every morning, but we are usually out the door so early that we miss it. This was the first morning we actually made it (talk about a late start for us, lol!), so we could really enjoy it. The lobby itself is decorated so adorably, with cozy corners and shelves filled with books, perfect for a relaxing read.

With our bellies happy, we took to the charming cobblestone streets of the Marais, just wandering without a specific agenda. We loved admiring the cute storefronts, peeking into little boutiques, and soaking in the atmosphere of the many inviting cafes. Then, like a beacon of sunshine, we stumbled upon a yellow floral-covered cafe! You guys know how much I adore a beautiful floral cafe – I swear I want to experience a little something in every color palette! So, of course, we had to stop. I indulged in a classic French hot chocolate (there's just nothing quite like it!), and Brian enjoyed a cappuccino. This particular cafe was extra delightful because, besides the gorgeous florals, they had an antique Mickey Mouse telephone and two giant, huggable teddy bears! It was impossibly cute.

Our next stop was the Musée Cognacq-Jay, a mere five-minute walk from our hotel. What a gem this little museum turned out to be! It was small and intimate, offering a quiet escape and filled with so many beautiful and interesting works of art. It felt like a delightful little secret tucked away in the city. Interestingly, the Musée Cognacq-Jay houses the impressive 18th-century art collection amassed by Ernest Cognacq, the founder of the famous La Samaritaine department stores, and his wife Marie-Louise Jaÿ. Upon his passing in 1928, he bequeathed this beautiful collection to the City of Paris.

Continuing our leisurely stroll, we made our way towards Marché Des Enfants Rouges. Our first mission? Amorino! You simply can't pass by an Amorino without grabbing one of their stunning gelato cones, sculpted into the shape of a flower and topped with delicate macarons. Tres magnifique, indeed! We wandered through the Marché, Browse the antique stalls and admiring the colorful scarves. This market, Marché des Enfants Rouges, has a fascinating history! It was established way back in 1615, during the reign of Louis XIII, originally to supply the neighborhood with fresh produce. It gets its name from a former hospice for abandoned children nearby, who were dressed in red. After a bit more walking, I spotted another absolutely gorgeous cafe called Bontemps La Pâtisserie, a charming little place that felt like it was straight out of a fairytale. And once again, we had the place practically to ourselves! It's been such a treat finding so many wonderful spots with just Brian and me, offering these really special and intimate experiences. This time, we also had the pleasure of a furry visitor – the cutest dog who came to say hello at our table! While the sweets at Bontemps looked incredible, I was craving something a little more savory. I ended up ordering some kind of delicious egg sandwich with fresh vegetables on the most amazing bread – it was soft and light, almost like angel food cake but not sweet at all. I also had a fresh side salad that hit the spot.

Continuing our leisurely stroll, we made our way towards Marché Des Enfants Rouges. Our first mission? Amorino! You simply can't pass by an Amorino without grabbing one of their stunning gelato cones, sculpted into the shape of a flower and topped with delicate macarons. Tres magnifique, indeed! We wandered through the Marché, Browse the antique stalls and admiring the colorful scarves. After a bit more walking, I spotted another absolutely gorgeous cafe called Bontemps La Pâtisserie, a charming little place that felt like it was straight out of a fairytale. And once again, we had the place practically to ourselves! It's been such a treat finding so many wonderful spots with just Brian and me, offering these really special and intimate experiences. This time, we also had the pleasure of a furry visitor – the cutest dog who came to say hello at our table! While the sweets at Bontemps looked incredible, I was craving something a little more savory. I ended up ordering some kind of delicious egg sandwich with fresh vegetables on the most amazing bread – it was soft and light, almost like angel food cake but not sweet at all. I also had a fresh side salad that hit the spot.

Our afternoon took us to the breathtaking Jardin Du Luxembourg. We picked up a bottle of champagne from a nearby shop and found the perfect spot to relax in the garden. It was truly my favorite garden we'd visited so far – the weather was perfect, the atmosphere was idyllic, and everything just felt so… Parisian. We spent a good amount of time simply unwinding and soaking it all in.After our relaxing interlude, we headed over to check out Notre Dame Cathedral. This was a must-see for Brian, the resident history buff. For me? Well, my main reference point for Notre Dame is probably Esmeralda and Quasimodo! If you get that reference, we can definitely be friends. It was incredible to see the progress on its restoration and to witness the sheer grandeur of this iconic landmark.

Feeling refreshed after our afternoon in the gardens, we headed back to our hotel to get ready for our Seine dinner cruise! I slipped into a sultry black dress I had borrowed from my daughter Emery, and Brian looked so dapper in his new black suit. Comfort was key for me, so I opted for my black Pashion Footwear heels that can convert to flats – perfect for a long evening. We had booked our tickets for Bateaux Mouches through Viator. For dinner, I chose the Whole Duck Foie Gras followed by the Supreme De Poulet. And for dessert? They surprised me with a personal celebration! My dessert arrived last, adorned with a giant flaming candle, while the live band played "Happy Birthday"! It was such a thoughtful and magical touch, making it another absolutely amazing day in the City of Lights.