When Paris Calls You By Name

During the spring semester of my sophomore year in college, I was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad with Florida State University's International Programs. I lived and studied in London and had a number of opportunities to travel around Europe, one of my favorites stops being Paris.

My first of many crepes. | February 2010

I'm not really sure what brought on the nostalgia, but I found myself with an aching heart, longing to return to Paris. Though my visit was during the winter when weather was a bit chilly and the top of the Eiffel Tower was closed due to renovations, I was still mesmerized.

The few days spent in Paris where filled with great food (Parisian do carbs like no other), historic sights and of course, great company. Though I lost touch with most of my study abroad friends, I'll always think of them when I think of Paris, and grow nostalgic for them just as I do the city. There are certain stories and memories from the short trip I think impossible to forget.

One morning, my friends Kristen, Colleen and I decided to stroll the city and forgo the scheduled trip to one of Paris' many cemeteries. The three of us agreed that a cemetery wasn't our idea of how to start your day off on a happy note. With the whole morning ahead of us and croissant sandwiches packed in our purses we set off to get lost in the city, and we did just that. We laughed as we walked through Paris' winding streets and eventually decided to set our course to the Eiffel Tower. I mean, is there really such a thing as having lunch by the Eiffel Tower too many times? While the morning was spent simply, it was definitely a morning I'll never forget, but there is one day in Paris I can call my favorite. The day we visited Versailles.

Alright, so Versailles isn't in Paris, but it is a short train ride away and definitely worth the trip, because it is gorgeous. Growing up, I've seen pictures, I've watched movies and I've read about the palace and its gardens, but being able to visit was a dream realized!

Palace of Versailles from the Garden | February 2010

With such a beautiful palace and a beautiful garden, the view from every window was dazzling. There was so much of me that couldn't take it all in fast enough or simply take in enough of it all. Can you imagine being able to live is such a beauty and calling this place home?

Garden of Eden or Versailles? | February 2010

A peak into the garden. | February 2010

Chandeliers in the famous Hall of Mirrors. | February 2010

A peak to the front gate. | February 2010

While Versailles may claim the top spot on my list of favorite spots in Paris, I mean France, Le Refuge des Fondues in Montmartre definitely deserves to be high on that list as well. You can call it an easy miss as it's tucked away in a corner of Montmartre, but it's definitely a can't miss, otherwise you'll miss out on the fun. 

With it's graffitied walls (designed and developed by guests, myself included), the tight squeeze is definitely worth the alcohol heavy meal and the forced interactions with strangers.

Colleen and Katie with their baby bottled wine at Le Refuge des Fondues. | February 2010

When I visited with a group of my friends, half of us climbed over the table in order to get to our seats. The climb was totally acceptable, especially since that's was the only way to get to get to the seats along the wall. At the same time, there is no real space between tables. I was rubbing shoulders with the gentleman sitting next to me, and though that may normally bother me, after a round of white wine served in a baby bottle, it was easy to consider them just part of the party. 

Cassie, Stephanie and I at Les Refuge des Fondues. | February 2010

That evening, my friends and I enjoyed ourselves, the wine and Paris. Our semester started not too long before and we really didn't know each other too well, but it didn't matter, that same way it didn't matter that I didn't know that gentleman sitting next me. We were all tied together with our desire to explore beyond the boarders of home and we'll always be tied together whenever we think back to Paris or the semester abroad, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Before the end of my time, I hope to make it back to Paris and Versailles. I hope for my stories and memories from times in Paris to grow exponentially. I hope to share a city I fell in love with so quickly with people I love in hopes that they may love it too. 

Paris, as the city of lights and the city of love, I hope my light of love for you never goes out. 

Sincerely, 

Cybill