{Jardin du Luxembourg}

The Jardin du Luxembourg has never looked prettier to my eyes than it did today. There was not one cloud in the sky and the gardens were looking even more stunning than they usually do. Dotted with couples lying quietly on the grass together and groups of men socialising over a game of chess. The faint sound of jazz music vibrated throughout as a live band played on the nearby band stand.

{Milano}

When we arrived in Milan the pouring rain was relentless and didn't stop all day which forced us into the shops and into exploring what Milan is most famous for; the fashion scene. After cafe hopping for the most part of the day the rain finally subsided in the late afternoon giving us the opportunity to climb the Duomo. The gothic architecture took our breath away and we wandered around awe-struck for a while. This alone makes a trip to Milan worthwhile. 

{Chateau de Bagatelle}

This tiny chateau is set amongst some of the prettiest gardens I've seen in Paris, dotted with pagodas and peacocks its impossible not to fall under its charm. It's a little off the beaten track; I managed to live in the 16th arrondissement for a year without realising it was home to this hidden gem. Nonetheless its absolutely worth the little extra effort so we took a picnic blanket and spent the day exploring the gardens which didn't stop surprising us every few minutes with new corners to uncover.

Paris inspirational ideas I

1./ Cocktails on the Mini Palais terrace at sunset {for the Ginger breeze or Golden diplomat}

2./ Chateau de Bagatelle

3./ Macaron picnic at Parc Monceau

4./ La Pagode {for a classic French film and tea in the Japanese gardens}

5./ Drinks along the banks of the Seine {for the incredible sunsets & open atmosphere}

6./ Albert Kahn museum {for the English rose gardens}

7./ Climb Notre Dame

8./ Cocktails at Le Ballroom du Beef Club {for the innovate mixology}

9./ Dine out at Pousse-Pousse {for the ultimate raw food diet experience}


10./ Chagall exhibition at the Musée du Luxembourg

{Venezia}

Venice is such a beautiful place that we couldn't help but smile in awe-struck wonder the whole time. We spent our days wandering the alleyways seeking out the more authentic side of the city. For lunch we found little bars hidden down back streets and enjoyed a selection of Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) amongst the locals. In the evenings we headed to Via Garibaldi where there wasn't a single tourist in sight and the streets were filled fresh fruit markets and Venetians drinking Spritz al bitters and dining al fresco. 

{Venice bliss}

It's surreal wandering through a city without any traffic, where water taxis replace cars and you rely solely on your feet to take you around. There is something so charming about the worn down buildings and the cobbled streets which make you feel as though you're walking in a film set. One of the highlights of the trip was climbing atop St Mark's bell tower and finally being able to get our bearings on the maze-like city. Equally lounging on the wooden harbour along the lagoon was probably the most relaxing way to soak up the sun and the atmosphere.