France, April 2023

We embarked on a dreamy French getaway — a whirlwind of city lights, Mediterranean breezes, and unforgettable food. Our journey began in the romantic heart of France: Paris.

After a few days soaking in the Parisian atmosphere, we boarded a 10-hour bus ride to Marseille, trading elegant boulevards for rugged coastlines. The journey was long, but the promise of the sea kept our spirits high. Marseille greeted us with golden sunlight and the scent of the ocean. The food there? Absolutely incredible. From freshly baked baguettes to perfectly grilled seafood, every meal was a delight — though we must admit, the seafood came with a bit of a price tag. Still, every bite was worth it.

One of the most memorable parts of our time in Marseille was our adventure to the Calanques National Park. With time against us and the sun already leaning toward the horizon, we made the spontaneous decision to hitchhike down to the turquoise inlets instead of trekking the whole way. Bold, yes — but what awaited us was breath taking. Jagged limestone cliffs dipped into sparkling blue waters, and for a moment, it felt like we’d stepped into another world.

That same evening, we caught the bus back to Paris, tired but content. This time, our stay was even more magical: we checked into a river boat on the Seine, rocking gently under the stars. It felt like something out of a movie.

In Paris, we mostly took Ubers, enjoying the convenience, though one day we swapped them out for electric scooters, zipping around the city like locals. But the highlight of the entire trip was without a doubt our anniversary evening: we dressed up and headed to the Ritz Paris, where every detail was dripping in elegance. The night ended with a stroll under the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower — cliché? Maybe. But unforgettable? Absolutely.

The next day, we visited the Louvre Museum, strategically going in the late afternoon when, at the time, entry was free. (Sadly, that policy has since changed.) We only had two hours, so we made a beeline for the Mona Lisa. And while it was exciting to finally see her in person, the huge queue and her surprisingly small size left us slightly underwhelmed. Still, it was a must-do, and we were glad we went. The entire trip was soaked in romance, delicious Parisian food, and heavenly desserts. From spontaneous hitchhiking to five-star dining, our France adventure was the perfect mix of elegance, adventure, and sweet, shared memories.