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A Photo Journey into the Magic of Paris at Night

Elena Sullivan — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 16:57:31 +0000

And then the sun disappears below the horizon, and one by one, the streetlights come on. Restaurants switch on their own lights, each creating its own little glow, and together they give the city a special atmosphere – a kind of unhurried liveliness. The streets are still busy, but everything seems to slow down a little. Many Parisians and visitors are already making their way to restaurants and bars, ready to breathe out and relax after a busy day. The city lights create the perfect setting for it – magical, yet accessible to anyone willing to take a leisurely walk through the streets and enjoy the elegant balance of light and shadow.

As a photographer, I find night photography and cities at night especially captivating, and Paris has a particular attraction for me. Here, the play of light and shadow reaches its peak, and interesting moments seem to appear everywhere. All you need is to find the right angle, hold your breath for a moment (so you don’t blur the shot when using a short shutter speed), and press the shutter-release button.

Then comes the best part, looking through the photos later on a computer screen, or turning them into wall art, as I did with my Midnight in Atlanta photo.

What follows is a collection of photos of Paris at night and Eiffel Tower at night that I took during our summer trip. Enjoy looking through them with a glass of wine or a cup of aromatic tea, sometimes a little visual escape is all you need to lift your mood.

Eiffel Tower & Paris at night

All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!

You might be also interested in reading other articles about Paris, France:

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Paris outfits & Stylish Ideas Without Breaking the Budget

Elena Sullivan — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 10:44:17 +0000

“We’re flying to Paris at the end of June and we only have one suitcase between the two of us.” Once I fully processed that sentence from my husband, I realised that for this trip I was going to have to plan my outfits well in advance. After all, voici Paris — a city where fashion in Paris is not only about looking stylish, but somehow feels like part of the experience. The visual inspiration is everywhere, and it naturally makes you want to be more creative with your clothes too. Suddenly, planning my Paris outfits became almost as exciting as planning what we were going to see and do. (I wrote more about this in my article “Things to do in Paris France on your first trip while learning about joie de vivre”)

I started planning my outfits to wear in Paris well ahead of the trip and would occasionally test my husband with questions like, “What if I need these shoes?” or “I also need to take this dress because I don’t know what mood I’ll be in that day, and maybe I’ll want to wear it.” As you can imagine, male logic works somewhat differently, and phrases containing the word “maybe” seem to introduce a huge element of uncertainty into the equation and, at the very least, cause some concern.

Knowing how much I love putting outfits together, my husband kindly explained that the word “maybe” was simply not going to work for this trip. So, c’est la vie (that’s life – Eng. translation) and all my creative Paris inspired outfits had to fit into half a suitcase. One suitcase between two people. That was it.

Unlike the situation I described in my article “When happiness is packed in one red suitcase”, this time, while preparing for our trip to Paris, I had to squeeze everything I needed for outfit happiness, and all the clothes to wear in Paris, into half of a turquoise suitcase.

What Colours to use in Paris outfits?

Red is a must for Paris, even if it is just a small detail somewhere in your outfit. There is something about red against the streets of Paris that instantly makes an outfit feel a little more French and a little more special. White and black are classics that never really go out of style and are always a great starting point when putting together Paris outfits.

The easiest way to add a little creativity to any outfit is through accessories: a handbag, scarf, earrings or a necklace, and of course, shoes. You don’t need to completely reinvent your wardrobe to create Paris inspired outfits. Sometimes one beautiful accessory or a carefully chosen colour is enough to give a simple look that Parisian feel. When thinking about clothes to wear in Paris, I usually prefer a few versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched rather than taking too many different outfits.

My Choice of Outfits for This Paris Trip

1. Red, White and a Little French Touch

White and red is one of my favourite colour combinations, and I knew I wanted to take it with me to Paris. I started with a simple white vest and high-waisted white shorts from Zara, which made a comfortable base for a hot summer day. Then came the red: a red leather belt, a structured red crossbody bag Parfois and matching red loafers. I also added a colourful silk neck scarf SHEIN with little touches of red, green, blue and yellow. The scarf was probably my favourite detail (and I love love scarves) because it instantly made the outfit feel more interesting without making it complicated. This was my favourite Paris outfits because it was comfortable enough for walking all day but still had that little French feeling I was looking for.

2. A Little Inspiration from Emily in Paris

This outfit was partly inspired by Emily in Paris. I know that some of the outfits in the later seasons of the series can be rather extravagant, but I still think there are plenty of ideas you can borrow and adapt to your own style. This time, I took the inspiration rather than trying to copy the look. I wore a white high-neck top with a delicate face illustration SHEIN and a slightly shimmering silver sequined midi skirt H&M. I added a pastel blue belt and a light blue scarf tied around my wrist, which gave the outfit a softer, more playful feel. The shoes were one of my favourite parts of this look, comfortable printed sneakers from a local Spanish brand – Spanish Bailarinas.

3. Champagne Gold and Tulle

For another day in Paris, I wanted something a little more elegant, so I chose a shimmering champagne-gold top MUSE with a draped neckline and paired it with a flowing beige tulle midi skirt. I added a woven tan belt with a large round buckle, a tan handbag with metallic details and layered necklace and several bracelets. The final touch was a high bun, although this was less of a fashion decision and more a matter of survival (ufffff this heatwave!). With the summer heat, having my hair down simply wasn’t an option! Comfortable beige sneakers Tommy Bahama completed the outfit, proving once again that outfits to wear in Paris don’t necessarily have to involve uncomfortable shoes.

4. A Polka-Dot Dress

Polka dots have been around for decades and somehow never seem to disappear. They keep coming back in new collections, especially for spring and summer, and I have always liked their slightly playful, retro feeling. For Paris, I chose a white shirt dress covered in green polka dots by EMBLEMS (Spanish clothing brand), with short sleeves, a button-down front and an olive-green fabric belt. I paired it with a dark olive crossbody bag and white sneakers, which made the whole look much more practical for walking around the city. A white shoulder bag added another simple detail and also served as a elegant item to store bottle of water, a hat and fan (I wish somebody invents a compact air-conditioner, it will be super useful during European heatwaves). This outfit felt feminine and a little vintage, but still comfortable enough for a full day of exploring Paris.

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Best Budget-Friendly Way to Enjoy Paris in 4 Days

Elena Sullivan — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:53:13 +0000

Perhaps I am getting slightly ahead of myself, but yes, it is absolutely possible to enjoy Paris without spending a fortune, and there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to enjoy Paris. I realised this after our summer trip to the city (first impression you can find in this article “Things to do in Paris France on your first trip while learning about joie de vivre”), when we spent four days in Paris and, unfortunately, arrived right in the middle of a heatwave. The sun that Parisian residents spend much of the winter dreaming about had suddenly become our biggest enemy, and we found ourselves looking for any possible way to escape it.

In the end, we understood that the best places to hide from the heat were pharmacies and chocolate shops (Yesss! there is some inrony in this!). It still makes me laugh, two places with completely different purposes: one sells things designed to make us feel better, while the other sells things designed to make us happy. Yet during that particular summer, they offered exactly the same precious luxury: air conditioning.

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and its historic buildings are an essential part of its grandeur and charm; but those beautiful old buildings can be surprisingly difficult to adapt to a changing climate, which means that air conditioning is still relatively uncommon in many apartments and smaller hotels. Keep this in mind when planning a budget trip to Paris and searching online for cheap hotels in Paris, cheap hotels in Paris, France, or more generally economical hotels in Paris. The price may look attractive, but during a summer heatwave, the presence or absence of air conditioning can make a surprisingly big difference to your experience.

So, based on our four days in Paris, I want to share some practical ideas for keeping your trip affordable without feeling as though you have to compromise on the pleasure of being in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Here are some of my favourite things to do on a budget trip to Paris, France

Stay in an Airbnb or Hostel

When Airbnb and the modern hostel concept first became popular, they offered travellers something hotels often could not – a much more affordable way to stay. Over time, both concepts have evolved considerably. Today, some hostels in major cities offer private rooms with hotel-style facilities, while Airbnb has grown into a huge part of the short-term rental market, ranging from simple rooms to beautifully designed apartments.

During my first solo trip around Spain, I stayed exclusively in hostels, and it turned out to be such a fun experience that I still look back on it with a smile. Over the past few years, while travelling around the US, Mexico, where I lived for nine years, and Europe, including Paris, my husband and I have mostly booked our accommodation through Airbnb. Paris was no exception.

We had a specific budget in mind, and since our trip to Paris was in June, right in the middle of the high tourist season, we started looking for accommodation through Airbnb and hostels from the very beginning. Eventually, we found a wonderful apartment through Airbnb and it turned out to be one of the nicest surprises of our budget trip to Paris.

Despite being a budget-friendly option, the location was fantastic, and our two Parisian hosts, Claude and Paul, were simply wonderful! We will remember the breakfasts Paul prepared for us for a very long time. When we booked our room in their apartment, we somehow overlooked the fact that breakfast was included, so discovering this was a particularly lovely surprise. Check out their Airbnb here.

Our experience reminded me that looking beyond traditional hotels can make a huge difference when travelling to an expensive city like Paris. If you are searching for affordable places to stay in Paris, it is worth comparing Airbnb apartments and hostels with traditional hotels rather than automatically choosing a hotel. In particular, when looking for cheap hotels in Paris, France, or economical hotels in Paris, I would always check several accommodation platforms and compare not only the nightly price, but also the location, included extras, air conditioning and reviews.

Here are a few hostels worth checking when planning a budget trip to Paris:

The People – Paris Marais
Generator Paris
St Christopher’s Inn Paris – Canal
Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels
JO&JOE Paris – Gentilly
Auberge Internationale des Jeunes
Oops! Hostel

Stay Near the Airport & Close to the Metro

This is actually what we have decided to do on our next trip to Paris, which will hopefully happen in autumn or winter. We would love to explore more of the city’s museums and galleries, and somehow the colder, rainy weather feels much more appropriate for spending hours indoors surrounded by art. There is something particularly appealing about walking through Paris in the rain and then escaping into a warm museum for a few hours.

When we were planning our summer trip, we started looking at hotels and apartments in different parts of Paris and noticed something quite interesting: many well-known hotel chains have properties near the airports, and their prices can be considerably more affordable than staying in the centre. So, for our next budget trip to Paris, we are planning to consider one of these hotels, with one important condition: it must be within easy walking distance of a metro station.

This can potentially save a significant amount on airport transfers. By staying near the airport and using the metro for the rest of the journey, you can avoid expensive taxi or Uber rides to and from a centrally located hotel. In our case, our Uber trips from the airport to our Airbnb in central Paris and back cost us €180 in total. Of course, this was our experience, and the cost can be quite different for other travellers depending on the airport, time of travel and location of their hotel or apartment. That is a considerable part of a travel budget that could easily be spent on something much more enjoyable.

Once you are in Paris, the metro makes it relatively easy to reach the neighbourhoods where you want to spend your day, whether your plans involve museums, galleries, shops, restaurants or the city’s famous landmarks. After congested traffic we experienced during our trip to Paris, I have to admit that I am not particularly enthusiastic about spending future visits sitting in buses or other road traffic simply to get from one part of the city to another. The metro is faster, predictable and, most importantly, saves precious time.

So this is the plan we are taking with us for our next visit: find one of the cheap hotels in Paris, France or other economical hotels in Paris near the airport, make sure there is a convenient metro connection, and use public transport to explore the city. It may not sound as romantic as waking up in the centre of Paris, but for a budget trip to Paris, it could be a surprisingly practical compromise.

Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus for Three Days

On our first day in Paris, near the Eiffel Tower, we bought a ticket for one of the hop-on hop-off buses. The ticket was valid for the following three days, which made it feel almost like having pre-paid transport for the duration of our stay. The buses follow a circular route, with around 12–14 stops covering some of the city’s main tourist areas and attractions.

I found this particularly convenient for a first trip to Paris, when you want to see as many of the famous sights as possible without spending time figuring out how to get from one area to another. You pay once and can then hop off whenever you want, explore a neighbourhood on foot, and simply wait for the next bus to continue your journey. For example, you can spend part of the day exploring one area, then hop back on and continue to another without paying for each individual journey.

It is not necessarily the fastest way to move around Paris, especially when traffic is heavy, but as a sightseeing option it can be a practical and enjoyable way to get an overview of the city – particularly during a short budget trip to Paris.

Popular hop-on hop-off companies in Paris:

Tootbus Paris
Big Bus Tours Paris
Open Tour Paris

Visit Small Galleries Instead of the Big Museums

I have always felt that some art galleries are like little art worlds of their own. They can be intimate, cosy and full of unexpected discoveries. You want to stand in front of a painting for a while, look at the details, hear the story behind its creation and simply take your time without feeling that you need to move on to make room for the next visitor.

Paris may be a city of big museums and world-famous art collections but there is still plenty of room for smaller private galleries. If you want to experience a different side of Paris beyond its major attractions, I would definitely recommend taking some time to wander into one of these smaller spaces simply because something catches your eye.

There is something wonderfully unpredictable about it. You might discover an artist you have never heard of, fall in love with a particular painting, or perhaps stand there wondering what exactly you are looking at, and that is part of the fun. Smaller galleries can also help you save both money on entrance tickets and time spent waiting in queues, leaving you with more of both to enjoy the city.

Here is a list of some Paris art galleries worth discovering, even during a short budget trip to Paris:

Galerie Perrotin
Galerie Templon
Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac
Polka Galerie
Semiose
Galerie Continua
Galerie Lelong & Co.
Galerie Marian Goodman
Galerie David Zwirner
Galerie Almine Rech
Galerie d’art Carré d’artistes Marais

Avoid Instagram-Popular Cafés, Restaurants and Bars Near the Main Sights

Instagram is undoubtedly a popular platform for discovering restaurants, cafés and bars, but that does not mean you should automatically trust every “Top 10 Restaurants”, “Best Bars” or “Best Hotels” list that appears at the top of your search. In my experience, particularly in large cities like Paris, these highly recommended places are often much more expensive than you might expect and do not always live up to the hype.

While walking around central Paris, particularly in the area around the Eiffel Tower, we noticed several bars and restaurants with huge queues outside. Looking at the people waiting, I could not help but wonder how many of them were influencers or simply visitors hoping to get that perfect Instagram photo. Yet, just a few minutes’ walk away, in either direction, we found cafés without any queues at all but filled with local residents.

I usually take it as a very good sign. Locals know where to eat, and they are far less likely to choose a place simply because it looks good in a social media post. The food is often better, the atmosphere feels more authentic, and the prices can be much more reasonable. I always try to avoid tourist traps, especially those that have become popular on Instagram, and this simple habit can make a surprisingly big difference during a budget trip to Paris.

Enjoy Paris from the Viewpoints

One of the easy things to do to enjoy Paris without spending much money is to find a good viewpoint and simply take in the city from above. From this perspective, you can really appreciate the scale and depth of Paris, the rooftops stretching into the distance, the Seine winding through the city and the famous landmarks appearing almost like small details within a much larger landscape. For me, this is one of the simplest pleasures of a budget trip to Paris.

If you are a photographer like me, definitely bring a zoom lens. It allows you to pick out interesting details from that enormous view and create more intimate, almost compressed compositions. Instead of trying to capture the entire city in one frame, you can isolate a distant building, a rooftop or a familiar landmark and create a much more atmospheric photo.

If you are taking photos with your phone, do not forget about the panoramic mode, called Pano on an iPhone. Paris is one of those cities where a panoramic photograph can really help convey just how vast and layered the city feels.

Some of the most popular viewpoints in Paris include:

Eiffel Tower – one of the most iconic places to enjoy panoramic views over the city.
Arc de Triomphe – a fantastic viewpoint for seeing the grand avenues of Paris stretching out in all directions.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica – offers beautiful views over the rooftops of Paris from Montmartre.
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop – a great option if you want a central view of the city without paying for an observation deck.
Montparnasse Tower – one of the best places to see the Paris skyline with the Eiffel Tower included in the view.
Parc de Belleville – a quieter alternative with lovely views across the city.

Have a Picnic

This was actually one of the things I most wanted to do during our trip to Paris, but the heatwave that had settled over France in those days forced us to change our plans. Sitting on the grass, even in the shade, felt unbearably hot, and the heavy, scorching air seemed to push us towards interesting places where we could at least escape indoors and have a little hope of finding some relief from the heat.

Picnics are a very popular pastime in Paris, and there are plenty of parks and green spaces where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy a simple meal outdoors. If you want to make your picnic part of a budget trip to Paris, it can also be a great way to save money on eating out. Pick up some bread, cheese, fruit, pastries and a bottle of wine from a local market or shop, find a pleasant spot and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Naturally, parks located close to markets and food shops tend to be more popular and can get quite crowded, especially on warm days; but that is also part of the Parisian picnic experience. Here are a few places you could consider:

Champ de Mars – with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.
Canal Saint-Martin – a lively area popular with locals, particularly on warm evenings.
Jardin du Luxembourg – one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – a more spacious option with lovely views and plenty of greenery.
Place des Vosges – a beautiful historic square in the Marais where you can relax on the grass.

Rent a Bike to Get Around

This option will probably be most appealing to people who genuinely enjoy cycling and feel comfortable riding on roads filled with traffic. Cycling is a very popular way to get around Paris, and as a traveller, I found it fascinating to watch. These two- and three-wheeled vehicles add another layer of movement and energy to an already lively Parisian street scene.

If you feel confident enough to join them, renting a bike can be an interesting way to explore the city while also saving time on some journeys. You can rent bikes at various locations across Paris using Vélib’, the city’s public bike-sharing system, or apps such as Lime and Dott for electric bikes. Bonjour RATP can also be useful when planning journeys around the city.

Visit Museums on the First Sunday of the Month

If your trip happens to coincide with the first Sunday of the month, it is worth checking which museums and monuments are offering free admission. A number of Paris museums open their permanent collections to visitors free of charge on the first Sunday, although the exact arrangements can vary from one museum to another.

Among the museums that may offer free admission are Musée d’Orsay, Musée National Picasso-Paris and Centre Pompidou for their permanent collections. At Musée Rodin, free first-Sunday admission is generally limited to the low season, from October to March.

It is worth checking the official website of each museum before your visit, as free-admission policies, opening hours and reservation requirements can change. Even when admission is free, you may still need to reserve a time slot in advance, and the number of free tickets can be limited. For a budget trip to Paris, though, this is a great opportunity to experience some of the city’s world-famous art without paying the usual entrance fee.

Visit One of Paris’s Free Museums

Paris also has plenty of lesser-known museums that offer free permanent collections or free admission throughout the year. These can be a wonderful alternative to the city’s biggest and busiest museums, particularly if you have already spent several days surrounded by crowds and queues.

Some free museums worth discovering include:

Musée Carnavalet – the history of Paris
Musée Cognacq-Jay – 18th-century art
Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris – modern and contemporary art
Maison de Victor Hugo – the former home of the famous French novelist
Fragonard Perfume Museum – the history of perfume
Musée Curie – the history of radiological research
Musée de la Préfecture de Police – the history of the Paris police
Petit Palais – fine arts, with a free permanent collection

I think these smaller museums are a great option for a budget trip to Paris. You do not have to spend a lot of money or visit all the famous places to have an interesting day. Sometimes it is much more fun to find a museum you have never heard of, walk in without any particular expectations and see what you find. For me, these unexpected little discoveries are often what I remember most from a trip.

Add elegance to your space with beautiful wall art prints

Guardians of Time

Golden Gate Bridge in Monochrome

Travel Quiz

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Things to do in Paris France on your first trip while learning about joie de vivre

Elena Sullivan — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 08:41:31 +0000

Croissants, baguettes, macarons, flowers, soulful Bordeaux wine, bicycles and beautiful streets – all of this is, of course, wonderful. But the blazing sun and exhausting heat can fog your brain, and at some point you stop noticing even the most beautiful things around you. You only have enough energy for one thing: finding shade, a bar with air conditioning, or at the very least a fan, and sitting there waiting for your body to cool down to a point where curiosity and energy for wandering the city return.

Paris, France is beautiful. No matter what people say about the snobbishness of the locals (and yes, we met some of those too), the city inspires you with its appearance, architectural greatness, and majestic sculptures. Walking through its streets, you start to feel that joie de vivre is real and that it can actually be experienced in everyday life, rather than being just a romanticized idea from TV series like Emily in Paris.

A lifestyle where you can enjoy life and still work, make plans, achieve goals, casually flirt, drink light wine, and have unhurried conversations about the smallest, most delicate details of life. Somehow, the French have managed to combine all of this into a lifestyle that attracts millions of people from all over the world.

On this Paris trip, my beloved husband and I were tourists in Paris. Nowadays there is a strong trend (especially on social media) to experience a place as NOT a tourist. It creates this idea that being a tourist is somehow, at the very least, not respectable. For a long time, I also tried to travel as “not a tourist.” But what I kept forgetting to ask myself was: as what then? A local resident?

There are so many slogans coming from magazines, travel guides, and online images – sometimes AI-generated, sometimes carefully crafted by marketers – all pushing this idea of “blend in, don’t be a tourist.” But the truth is simple: how can you be a local when it’s your first time in a city?

Even the most popular books about “non-touristic travel” can’t turn you into a local. Reading is one thing, but to truly know a city, you need to live in it. And to understand Paris, France you need to live in the rhythm of the joie de vivre lifestyle, which takes time to learn. All of us, slightly overwhelmed children of the bright capitalist world, where the only thing that matters is being busy and productive every moment, need time to understand joie de vivre. And we also need good Bordeaux, conversations with real French people, and full immersion into the rich culture of this country. There are so many things to do in Paris, but perhaps the most important one is simply to slow down and experience the city in its own rhythm.

Experiencing joie de vivre while traveling in Paris France

Now let’s return to the very real topic of heat because it was everywhere. Where I currently live on the Costa del Sol in Spain, the sun is intense but during our Paris trip, we felt like we recharged our solar batteries for months ahead. I have never experienced such heat even living in Cancun, Mexico, where it’s hot 365 days a year, but there it feels different, and there are air conditioners and fans everywhere.

In Paris, those modern comforts are not as common. Either it’s a tribute to history, architecture, and the joie de vivre lifestyle, or simply a lack of adaptation – you really feel it. Later, after returning home, I read about the heatwave that swept across many European countries, especially France, and the extreme temperatures that unfortunately took the lives of more than a thousand people. I learned that in France this is still a relatively new phenomenon, and many buildings are simply not designed for air conditioning, it’s not something traditionally considered. Heat happens in summer, then winter comes with cold that requires heating anyway, so perhaps it hasn’t been prioritized.

So maybe, in a place so full of joie de vivre, people simply haven’t yet fully adjusted to this new reality. The Airbnb we stayed in had one air conditioner in our room, while another was in the owners’ living room. They looked very interesting, almost toy-like. I think I’m used to more modern, sleek air conditioners from living in Mexico and then the United States, so I initially perceived these differently, not very seriously. But the most important thing is: it worked, and it helped a lot.

Speaking of Airbnb, I’m completely in love with it, especially because of the warm welcome we received from the owners, Claude and Paul. If any of you are planning a trip to Paris, here is the link to their Airbnb. The location was very convenient, just 5–7 minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower, surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops. I will forever remember breakfasts with Paul, which he prepared for us every morning, and our conversations in a French-English mix. I also remember my modest attempts to read French using Google Translate, most of the time my pronunciation was so broken that I eventually just showed Paul the translated text on my phone. As it turned out, that was far more effective.

These four days in Paris were incredibly intense and yes – extremely hot, but they were also full of impressions, enough for many articles and many photos. For the first one, I suggest this collection. There are so many things to do in Paris, but sometimes the most memorable parts of a trip have nothing to do with ticking famous places off a list. For the first Paris trip, I suggest these places:

Places to Visit in Paris for the First Time

Things to Do in Paris for the First Time

Take a Seine River cruise
Watch the sunset from a Paris viewpoint
Walk along the Seine
Explore Montmartre on foot
Have a picnic in a Paris park
Try French pastries, cheese and wine
Visit a local food market
Explore Parisian cafés
Take a walking tour
Ride a bike around the city
Browse small art galleries
Enjoy Paris at night

How to Enjoy a Paris Trip Without Letting the Heat Ruin Your Trip

Don’t underestimate a European summer

Europe (including Paris, France) isn’t always mild anymore. Heatwaves above 35 – 40°C are becoming much more common, and many cities aren’t built to handle them.

Always check if your accommodation has air conditioning

Unlike the US, Mexico, and many other countries, air conditioning isn’t standard in Europe. Even hotels and Airbnbs that advertise AC may have only one unit for the entire apartment or cooling that isn’t very powerful. Double-check before booking, especially if you’re traveling during the hottest months.

Buy a handheld fan or better yet, pack a rechargeable neck fan

This was probably our best purchase of the trip. On our very first day traveling in Paris, after realizing just how intense the heat was, we bought handheld fans while walking around the city. They made a huge difference. If I were packing again, I’d definitely bring a rechargeable neck fan, it keeps your hands free and can make sightseeing much more comfortable.

Explore early and late

Do your walking in the morning, take a long lunch or visit museums during the hottest part of the day, then head back outside in the evening.

Stay hydrated

Heat sneaks up on you faster than you realize, especially when you’re distracted by beautiful streets and landmarks. If you run out, don’t worry, street vendors usually sell cold bottles of water for around €1, and you’ll also find plenty of small convenience stores along the way.

Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses

Not because it’s fashionable (although it can be), but because you’ll genuinely enjoy your day much more.

Don’t feel guilty about slowing down

Take the metro, grab a taxi, sit at a café for an hour or more. You don’t have to prove anything by walking 30,000 steps a day. We also discovered that some of the best places to escape the heat were ice cream shops, pharmacies, and especially chocolate stores. I definitely sampled more chocolate than I had planned on this trip but in the name of staying cool, I think it was completely justified.

Add elegance to your space with beautiful wall art prints

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A Symphony of Light, Flavor, and French Decor in Roswell Provision Restaurant

Elena Sullivan — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 17:00:21 +0000

“Il n’y a qu’un bonheur dans la vie, c’est d’aimer et d’être aimé.” — George Sand

Traveling to France is a dream, one shared by many of us who find beauty in its effortless elegance. I often imagine it as pure indulgence: the scent of coffee and buttered croissants, the sound of slow conversation, the feeling of time stretching just enough to let you breathe.

Until that day comes, I’ve found a little France of my own — Roswell Provisions, one of the most charming French cafes and restaurants tucked in the heart of downtown Roswell on Canton Street.

I first discovered Roswell Provisions during my very first year living in the United States, not far from my home in Alpharetta. That first year was, as all first years in a new place are, full of exploration, an emotional mix of excitement, curiosity, and a little bit of wonder. I remember walking along Canton Street one sunny morning when something about the warm light, the rustic wood, and the soft hum of conversation seemed to pull me in. It felt magnetic as if this little café had been waiting for me. And it was exactly what I needed: a comforting reminder of European charm in a brand-new chapter of life.

The Art of French Decor in a Restaurant

By day, Roswell Provisions hums softly: espresso cups clinking, sunlight spilling through the windows, a quiet rhythm of conversation in the air. By night, it exhales into something slower and softer. Candles flicker on the tables, and the balcony upstairs becomes a whisper of Paris, the kind of place where time stretches just a little, where you stay for one more sip of Bordeaux simply because the evening feels too beautiful to end.

The second floor has a more intimate atmosphere, shaped by a gentle mix of warm and muted lighting that softens every corner. The space itself feels thoughtfully balanced — open enough to breathe, yet close enough to invite quiet conversation. The available room upstairs allowed for an abundance of French style decorative accents that feel effortlessly French: vintage mirrors, textured walls, and artful vignettes that tell stories of their own.

My favorite corner, La Salle à Manger, glows with gorgeous, subdued light that instantly transports you to another era, one where dinner stretched into the night and conversation flowed as freely as the wine.

The interior tells a story that feels both familiar and far away. A mix of French decor and rustic textures, wood beams and iron accents meet vintage chandeliers and mirrors that hold the glow of a hundred golden afternoons. The floors creak underfoot — not in complaint, but in conversation — as if reminding you that beauty doesn’t need to be polished to be perfect.

There are French interior design touches everywhere: woven textures, rustic wood furniture, softly glowing light fixtures, whimsical details (like in my photo print Mélodie de Fleur) that feel both curated and spontaneous, and small stacks of novels with France in mind, thoughtful details that make you want to photograph every corner. It’s French decor done the way the I imagine French live — unhurried, a little undone, but always elegant.

In a part of Georgia known for its modern cafés and clean lines, Roswell Provisions feels like a quiet rebellion. A love letter to imperfection. A little reminder that charm isn’t found in symmetry, but in soul.

As someone who loves exploring interiors and often capture these fleeting moments through my photography, I find places like this deeply inspiring. They tell stories through their design that speak of time, taste, and intention. I could spend hours here just looking: at the light, the layers, the way the air itself seems scented with nostalgia. And I often try to capture it through my lens, preserving the golden afternoons and the subtle details that make this place feel like a little corner of France. Roswell Provision is an experience, a whisper of la vie française tucked away on Canton Street.

“Pour être heureux, il faut avoir un bon estomac et une mauvaise mémoire.“ — Madame de Staël

Take a look at my other stories about interior design Savannah’s Hidden Gem Victorian House with a Chinese Interior Design and Inside the Bold Hotel Design of citizenM Hotel in Miami South Beach.

The pastry counter is an instant temptation. While Roswell Provisions outsources their pastries, the quality never disappoints. I treated myself to a chocolate croissant and cappuccino, both perfect companions for a slow morning.

Upstairs at Le Bistro, the menu continues the French fantasy: Crêpes, quiches, flatbreads, and sandwiches like Le Croque Monsieur or Le Parisien Jambon Beurre. For something heartier, there’s Beef Bourguignon or Bouche à la Reine — a delicate puff pastry filled with chicken, mushrooms, onions, and béchamel sauce. And for dessert don’t leave without trying Tarte aux Pommes or Les Profiteroles. Each bite feels like a brief escape to Paris.

The Story Behind Roswell Provisions

Every beautiful place begins with a dream, and this one belonged to Kelly Smith-Blacha and Lorry Kemp, longtime friends and Roswell residents who wanted to create more than just a café. They imagined a gathering place where people could slow down, savor good food, and share unhurried conversations — a space that would feel as if it had always been part of the town’s heartbeat.

Their story began in 2008 with Party Chic by KellyKakes, a cheerful events venue filled with creativity and connection. Inspired by the warmth of their community and a shared love of European charm, they opened Roswell Provisions in 2011 — a place that blended the welcoming spirit of the South with the timeless allure of French cafes.

The response was instant and heartfelt. Locals came for the food and for the feeling — that slow, intentional kind of beauty that French design captures so well. Two years later, in 2013, Kelly and Lorry expanded their vision, transforming the upstairs space into Le Bistro, a cozy restaurant that evokes the rustic elegance of a Parisian market or a sunlit café in Provence.

Every corner of Roswell Provisions seems designed to invite conversation and curiosity. You can sense that intention in the way the light falls on the wooden beams, the soft hum of chatter that fills the room, the way people linger just a little longer over their cappuccinos.

This cafe feels like it’s a love letter to community, friendship, and that distinct French joie de vivre that turns the everyday into something beautiful.

What makes this place so special is how it captures the French lifestyle, unhurried, artful, a balance of elegance and ease. Roswell Provisions breathes in local charm and exhales that unmistakable Parisian mood, reminding you to slow down, savor, and find beauty in the everyday.

P.S. For a few hours, you can pretend you’ve escaped to France, without ever leaving Georgia. Through my photography, I love sharing these moments of beauty and tranquility, hoping others can experience a little of that joie de vivre even from afar.

What about you, do you have a favorite spot that reminds you of another country? I’d love to hear about it, share in the comments below.

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Unapologetically Coco Chanel Timeless Fashion at La Librairie Shop

Elena Sullivan — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 01:58:18 +0000

Even if you’re not a fashion enthusiast or follower of haute couture, you’ve almost certainly heard the name Coco Chanel. She was a designer and an an icon who reshaped the very idea of elegance. She populated the “little black dress” term redefining what sophistication could look like.

I’ve always been intrigued by her — that intense gaze, that aura of independence. She often seemed unapproachable, wrapped in mystery and strength. But as a creative myself (I’m a fine-art photographer), I’ve learned that to survive in any creative field, you need both softness and fierce confidence. And beneath her steely persona, Coco Chanel clearly had a poetic side, you can’t create clothing that lifts women’s spirits without having a tender heart somewhere beneath the discipline.

When my husband and I visited the Coco Chanel exhibition in Atlanta, I smiled at how little he actually knew about her story. He had, of course, heard her name — who hasn’t? — but didn’t realize she was born in France, raised in an orphanage, and built an empire from sheer determination. The organizer shared these stories with such enthusiasm that even he became captivated. (He later whispered, half-joking, that perhaps he now finally understood why women adore French fashion!)

Coco Chanel Vintage Fashion Exhibition in Atlanta

This elegant fashion exhibition was organized by Laura Nay, founder of La Librairie Shop — one of the most charming and colorful luxury women’s consignment shops in Atlanta. (Information about her store is at the end of the article) The Coco Chanel clothing and accessories on display came from the personal collection of Shauna Wood’s granddaughter. In the 1960s, Shauna Wood Trabert (she was crowned Miss Utah in 1953 and went on to represent Utah in the Miss Universe pageant that year) and her husband, famed tennis player Tony Trabert, moved to Paris, where he ran the European tennis tour while she modeled directly for Coco Chanel. Working alongside Chanel herself, Shauna became a muse of sorts, appearing in Vogue and Elle, and helping bring to life many of the era’s most exquisite looks.

The fashion exhibition, set within an interior-design showroom on Miami Circle in Atlanta, felt like stepping into Chanel’s world. The color palette — black, white, with some golden-brown accents — echoed her signature aesthetic. Laura’s styling was impeccable; despite the intimate size of the space, every purse, shoe, and dress was placed with intention, allowing each piece to breathe and tell its story. It proved, once again, that in design (as in fashion), it’s not the size of the space but the vision of the person curating it that makes the difference.

As always, I couldn’t resist taking photos. I believe photography preserves beauty and also emotion, and exhibitions like this remind me why I fell in love with it in the first place. Sharing these moments feels like inviting you, my readers, to pause, to notice, and to find inspiration in aesthetics, fashion, and art.

One wall featured a striking contemporary art piece from Luca Fine Art Gallery, inspired by Coco Chanel No. 19 perfume. It was a perfect touch — modern, elegant, and just mysterious enough to capture her essence. What added a warm, personal note was the small handwritten messages from Shauna Wood’s daughter, placed beside some of the jewelry pieces. Those delicate notes brought a sense of intimacy to the fashion exhibition, a reminder that behind every exquisite item lies a story, a memory, and a life once beautifully lived.

There’s something undeniably magical about seeing vintage Coco Chanel clothing up close: those delicate stitches, the intricate detailing, the quiet confidence woven into every piece. They’re more than garments; they’re small, wearable stories. Standing among them feels like touching history, longing for the elegance of the past while dreaming about the beauty still to come.

Fashion, after all, has never been just about clothes. For women, it has always been a form of self-expression, a language of confidence, identity, and transformation. The right piece can shift your mood, lift your spirit, and remind you of your own strength and grace. And no one understood that better than Coco Chanel.

If you love fashion, style, and the art of living beautifully, I hope this glimpse into the Coco Chanel fashion exhibition inspires you to seek out moments like this, where creativity, history, and emotion intertwine.

Laura Nay, founder of La Librairie Luxury, transforms fashion into a curated experience. Drawing inspiration from her global travels, from the streets of Paris to the markets of Africa and her background in high-end interior design, Laura launched La Librairie in 2023 to celebrate timeless style and sustainable luxury. Nestled in Atlanta’s Buckhead Interiors Market, the boutique offers carefully authenticated vintage and designer pieces, empowering women to embrace confidence and elegance. Through her vision of “trend cycling,” Laura blends classic fashion with modern sensibilities, creating a space where past and present coexist beautifully.

Visit La Librairie Shop Instagram – Shop La Librairie

Visit their store at: 715 Miami Circle Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30324

Curious to learn more about the vision behind this charming fashion exhibition, I spoke with Laura Nay, the owner of La Librairie. In our brief conversation, she shared thoughtful insights about style, storytelling, and the enduring influence of Chanel’s artistry.

What inspired you to do a Chanel exhibit?

It was an opportunity that truly fell into my lap as a client of ours is the granddaughter of Shauna Wood Trabert. I loved her story so much and begged the family to let me be the one to tell her story! My persistence and passion paid off and they allowed us to tell Shauna’s incredible story of being a model for Coco Chanel in the 1960’s becoming one of her most beloved models earning the title of the exhibit as “Coco’s Pet”.

How did you choose which pieces to include?

We included absolutely everything that we had access to of Shauna’s collection which included lots of gifts that Coco gave to her while she modeled for her. Basically everything that was on display for the exhibit was touched by Coco herself!

What do you hope people feel or learn when they visit the exhibit?

I really love the way this story gives a softer side to Coco Chanel. This is a story that shows her generosity and kindness towards Shauna, something that we don’t often hear about Coco. Coco was known to be incredibly tenacious and determined which is how she got to be as successful as she was coming from an orphanage during a time when women weren’t really encouraged to work or even own a home.

Can you tell us a little about your own journey — what led you to open La Librairie?

I have loved fashion since I was a very little girl. Sewing my own clothes, making scrunchies out of extra fabric from my mother’s interior design business. I would wear my grandfathers ties as belts and choker necklaces. In 2023, I was selling antiques and had my own interior design business but I wasn’t fulfilled. Milton, the owner of Interiors Market, encouraged me to pivot into fashion and even offered me an opportunity to showcase fashion inside his store and the rest is history.

How has your personal connection to fashion and art shaped the way you curate projects like this?

I have always been drawn to the story behind the pieces whether it is art or antiques or fashion. I noticed that people responded to these stories that I would share while styling them and decided to focus on the story telling aspect of fashion. My goal is to inspire my customers to want their clothes to tell a story!! Fashion is a way to brand yourself and give people an opportunity to get to know what you love and where you want to go. I hope this exhibit not only shed light on the history of the brand of Chanel but also on how it came to be through the hard work of Coco herself. But also inspires my customers to dream big as this is also a store of love and aspirations on how a young beauty queen from Utah became the face of Chanel and Coco’s pet.

P.S. Do you have a favorite Coco Chanel perfume or piece of vintage fashion that makes you feel instantly confident? I’d love to hear what’s your version of the “little black dress”? Share in comment. And if you enjoy articles about art, fashion, travel, and design, subscribe to my newsletter at the end of this post, I promise, it’s a space for beauty lovers like us.

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