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When we stayed in Paris, I decided that staying in an apartment would be the way to go.  I had heard great things about the difference it could make in your trip.  Having a place to rest your head that was more of a home was very appealing to me.  I have been to Paris several times and my best trips were spent with a friend who lived there for a few years in an amazing apartment just steps from the Tuleries Gardens.  Both times I stayed with her I really felt like Paris could be home for me.  I knew the neighborhood and where I could eat comfortably as well as the great shopping that was near by. 

This time I wanted to stay as close as possible to the neighborhood that I knew.  Maybe not my best choice.  I struggled to find an apartment that worked for 3 of us in the 1st Arr. 

We settled in an apartment from A la Carte Paris in the 17th.  It was perfect for us, clean, comfortable and it had a cute little kitchen and a large bathroom.  The view was perfectly wonderful and the neighborhood divine.   Shopping was super close and quite good.  Even a small outdoor market several days a week, we were able to buy fresh food everyday and really enjoy all that Paris had to offer.

It made the trip and gave us the feeling of home!  I learned a thing or two about Paris and it's neighborhoods, there is more than one great place in the city and maybe I should give them all a try.

Every time I have been in France I make sure to stop by the Eiffel Tower.  I love it.. I know it is totally touristy and crazy but I love it!  It is one of my favorite things to do by far in the city.  I love to watch the sun set and see the lights come on, I guess it is the romantic girl in me but it is the best!

We brought a little picnic with us to eat before we went up to the top to watch the sun go down.  Yummy!!

We did not just have dessert but I do try and eat at least 2 types of desert each day I am there.  They are always so pretty and so good.

The view was fantastic and this time I took some extra time to take pictures of the lights below.

The little cafe on the 1st floor was redone with Tolix chairs- love it!

If you are planning on going to Paris La Tour Eiffel is always a good idea!

But be prepared it is always busy because everyone thinks it is a good idea!

We visited with Sharon our first weekend in France.  She is such an amazing hostess!  Her home is beautiful and I can say that I would do just about anything to live there!  Or any where near there!

We had the pleasure of staying in her guest cottage and eating to our hearts content.  On Sunday morning bright and early we drove out to visit our first of 3 brocantes that were scheduled for that day.  It was so much fun!  We have been shopping for some time here at home and it was much the same with the exception of the language barrier and that there items were often VINTAGE FRENCH (my dream words to attach to any piece).  It was wonderful, and by the time we finished at the 2nd fair the car was full and we had to stop!  You can see our wonderful loot above.  

Sharon then fed us a lovely lunch and we raced off to catch the train back to Paris with almost all of our goodies in tow.  You see we could only take what we could carry.. so sad that our bags were not bigger.

I am so looking forward to my next visit (one where I rent a giant truck to fill with goodies) and visiting again with a great new friend.

After visiting Giverny, Sharon from My French Country home came by and picked us up to start our lovely weekend of shopping and enjoying the French hospitality with her.

Our first stop... bord de scene.

Amazing!

Christelle was a bit embarrassed when I asked to take her photo- but she is so cute- I loved her style! 

As you can see her shop was just about perfect in every way.  We left bags of goodies in hand and feeling ultimately inspired and excited to see what was next!