Our Dorset Life

Last week, my friend Emily and I packed our bags and swapped the Dorset coast for Paris! It was a whirlwind 48 hours filled with croissants, wine, beautiful streets, and just a little bit of work.

Here’s the full review of our trip, from where we stayed to what we ate, and everything in between.

Getting There

We set off bright and early Thursday morning on the Eurostar. Honestly, it’s such an stress-free way to travel, coffee and a pastry in hand, and just a couple of hours later we were pulling into Gare du Nord.

You really can’t beat arriving in the heart of Paris without the faff of airports.

Where We Stayed

We booked into Hôtel Àmoi, just a 20-minute walk from the station, and it turned out to be perfect for us. The décor was chic and playful, with pink accents everywhere, basically designed for people who love a girly aesthetic. The best part? Our room had the most gorgeous views of the Paris rooftops.

You can read my full review here.

Our Favourite Restaurant

Directly across the street we stumbled upon Les Parigots, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite.

Their set lunch menu was unbelievable value, just €19 for a starter and a main. We tucked into hearty French food that tasted way beyond its price tag, and I also tried a glass (or two!) of Provence rosé which did not disappoint.

By the end of the trip, this little bistro had become our go-to spot.

Exploring the Neighbourhood

After lunch, we wandered around the surrounding streets, which were brimming with independent shops, cafés, and boutiques.

It felt like the kind of area where you could stumble upon hidden gems just by turning a corner. This part of Paris had such a local, authentic charm compared to the more touristy districts.

Work & Play

The main reason for our trip was a work event, so Thursday evening was a mix of business and fun. Once we had finished our filming, we headed straight back to Les Parigots for a nightcap.

Eiffel Tower Morning

Friday morning, we made the most of our time before heading home. We hopped on the metro and headed straight to the Eiffel Tower. Even though it’s a cliché, seeing it in person never loses its magic.

✨ Top tip: if you want those Instagram-worthy photos, there are side streets nearby that frame the tower beautifully. Just be prepared to share the space with a few other photography lovers, it’s a popular spot!

The Waffle Stop Near the Eiffel Tower

After the Eiffel Tower we stumbled upon Emily’s Restaurant near the Eiffel Tower for the most delicious waffles. They were warm, crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, everything a waffle should be. The drizzle was just right, not too heavy, so you could actually taste the waffle itself.

A Walk to Remember

Instead of rushing, we decided to walk from the Eiffel Tower all the way across the city, soaking up the atmosphere as we went. Paris is such a walkable place, and you notice so much more when you explore on foot, from intricate architecture to hidden cafés calling your name.

One of the highlights of this stroll was making our way through Montmartre, the city’s most famous art district. This area is steeped in history, once home to legends like Picasso, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Today, it still feels like a village within the city, with cobbled streets and the lively Place du Tertre, where artists set up their easels and showcase their work. The nearby Musée de Montmartre also tells the fascinating story of this creative hub, while neighbourhoods like Belleville now carry the torch with their vibrant street art.

We had the chance to see one of Singapore’s most famous artists, who has been painting for six decades, right there in Montmartre. Watching him work, surrounded by so much history and energy, was an unforgettable moment.

From Montmartre, our walk continued over the Pont Alexandre III, one of Paris’s most stunning bridges. Crossing the Seine there was magical with its ornate lampposts, gilded statues, and views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, it felt like stepping straight into a Parisian postcard.

On the other side, we strolled past the elegant Petit Palais, its grand façade making us pause for a few photos, before carrying on toward the Champs-Élysées. A little window shopping (and actual shopping!) rounded off our walk before it was, sadly, time to make our way back to Gare du Nord.

Time to Go

All too soon, it was time to head back to Gare du Nord for our Eurostar home. We were genuinely sad to leave, I completely fell in love with Paris, and I know this won’t be our last trip.

Paris was everything I hoped it would be and more, beautiful, delicious, romantic, and full of energy. In just two days, we managed to combine work, sightseeing, and (of course) plenty of food and wine. If you’re planning a quick trip, I’d definitely recommend:

Staying in a central boutique hotel like Hôtel Àmoi. Trying the set lunch menu at Les Parigots, amazing value and flavour. Exploring Montmartre for its artistic history and living art scene. Crossing the Seine via Pont Alexandre III for breathtaking views. Getting those Eiffel Tower shots from side streets for the best angles. Walking as much as possible, the city is a treasure hunt waiting to be explored.

Until next time, Paris – je t’aime. 💕🇫🇷