Here’s the third – and final – part of my trip to Paris with La Redoute… day three consisted of some sightseeing, lots of rain (but it didn’t spoil our day – we were in Paris after all!) and a trip back on the Eurostar. We weren’t joined by the other brand ambassador Nicolette unfortunately as she and her young baby weren’t well, so I hung out for the day with Annie and Sarah from La Redoute – we basically had a free day to do as we pleased!
These first photos are of the stunning coloured glass dome inside the Galeries Lafayette department store – something you must not miss when in Paris. You can wander through the beauty department and look up to the most stunning interior that you’re ever likely to see in a shop.
No trip to Paris would be complete without seeing the Louvre – or at least the pyramid. The last time I was there (1989) I was 17 – the pyramid had just been built and was causing much controversy, much the same way the Eiffel Tower did when it was built… and look at what everyone thinks of the Eiffel Tower now. Paris just wouldn’t be the same without the pyramid at the Louvre.
The sandals I’d originally planned to wear with this outfit were abandoned for practical New Balance trainers – practicality just overrode my need to be stylish, even in Paris. It really did pour buckets; the sun we’d had the day before when out shopping didn’t materialise until the end of the day (more on that at the end).
Three phones, three group selfies (notice we’re all looking at our own phones) – with Annie and Sarah from La Redoute.
We happened to pass a photo shoot with a model in a wedding dress (she definitely wasn’t a bride) – the poor thing was running up and down the middle of the road, in the rain, in a wedding dress and sandals. Not unlike being a personal style blogger.
The architecture in Paris is simply beautiful – and it’s everywhere you look. Everywhere. I was worried my photos may look a little dull because of the grey day, but we’d heard the weather was going to clear up in the afternoon, so we saved a wander through Les Tuileries till the end – and how glad were we that we did? The rain stopped, the sun came out, and we experienced the gardens in full spring bloom… it was absolutely stunning. The picture below looks like an old postcard; it’s so easy to take beautiful photographs in Paris in the sunshine.
We finally took a well earned rest in the Tuileries and looked out over the Place de la Concorde until we had to make our way back to the hotel, grab our bags and catch our train from Gare du Nord back to London. A perfect end to a perfect trip.
I must say a massive, massive ‘Thank You’ to La Redoute for putting on the most wonderful trip and arranging a whole bunch of amazing things for us to do, some great restaurants to eat in, a beautiful hotel to stay at – and two fantastic girls to spend our time with. I was exceptionally lucky to win this prize, and it’s these opportunities that I absolutely relish with regards to blogging. I have one year of being a brand ambassador for La Redoute – I plan to bring you at least one post a month about sorts of things Redoute-related, so watch this space! Paris kicked things off brilliantly, and I hope you’ll stick around to see what I have in store for you all over the next 12 months 🙂
So – have I got you all itching for a trip to Paris? A bit further to go for some than others, but if you can go, then you absolutely should. Any romantic trips planned by anyone for Paris or elsewhere? Do share in the comments!
Biker jacket: Debenhams (, ), Hat: Accessorize (), Sweater: c/o , Skirt: Asos, Bunny ears bag: , Tote bag: c/o , New Balance trainers: c/o JD Sports, Gold & red cuff: , Pendant necklace: c/o Venus With Love
Linking up to: Funday Monday, All Things Thursday, Friday’s Fab Favourites
I am a brand ambassador for La Redoute after winning a competition to find two bloggers to represent the brand for 2014-15. La Redoute paid for the trip and all expenses. All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest.
This is a very good post. The pictures are spectacular, you look fabulous and the fact that you shared so much of your brand ambassador trip with your readers is special. I always enjoy reading your posts. They are consistently enthralling.
Sharon
http://www.afashioncrowd.blogspot.com
http://www.afashioncrowd.blogspot.
I've been taking detailed notes of your outfits, places to visit and places to eat I promise!! I've even ordered a navy jersey maxi dress:-) I'm off to Paris for 5 days at the beginning of July , meeting up with a dear Texan friend, currently based in Qatar. Last time I was there was more than 30 years ago!
Wendy have a wonderful time – you will love it, and I hope the weather is sunnier for you. Paris didn't seem any different to me after 18-ish years, so I think you might find the same! Have fun x
I saw that girl taking wedding photos with another model in a wedding dress in Montmarte! I thought I saw you as well when I was sitting in a small crepe cafe across from Notre Dame. At least the red hair looked familiar and I immediately thought of you, but I was too shy to say anything (and thought it would be rude to raise my voice in public there).
Small world I guess. At least it is a small city.
You saw her too – wow! And I don't know whether it would have been me even though we did go to Notre Dame that day (I was wearing the outfit you see in this post), with the hat and my hair in a ponytail there was wasn't much that shouted "redhead" about me… but if it was me then it's a shame you didn't say hello, hun!
If anyone ever sees me anywhere pleeeeeeeeeease come and say hello, won't you?!! C x
Lovely post and again great memories. I can't believe how much we fit into 3 days! I could just eat a Cafe Gourmand right now 🙂 x
We did fit in loads, didn't we Annie?!! Goes to show that an itinerary works wonders, no wondering where to go next…!
Paris is stunning! These photos are breathtaking and show some of the amazing architecture and history of this city!! Would love to visit there some day!! Enjoyed this photojournal! 🙂
Your photos are beautiful and it looks like you had a wonderful time! Makes me want to go back!
xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Whitney thank you – we really did have a great time despite the rain :))
With your leopard fedora, polka-dot maxi and black moto jacket…I think you look like a Paris native, dear Catherine!! Too bad you couldn't wear the sandals you originally planned for this look; but – as you are aware! – I now know a little about "practicality over style" when it comes to footwear; I have a blog post coming up where I've styled a maxiskirt with my little Converse sneaker-slides!! I've absolutely loved this photo tour of Paris that you've shared with us…thank you so much!!
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
Paris native… I'll take that! Thanks Monika! xxx
Must have been an amazing trip. Love your pictures. We are planning to see part of Europe, not yet Paris in our 15th yr anniversary in 2 years. I know at some point I want to visit, and your pics would have me going today if I could 🙂
Visit when you can
jess
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I hope you get to Paris for that trip, Jess!! x
You've made me miss Paris all over again! Looks like you had a great time and I love your biker jacket ( might just have to invest in one myself) xx
http://where-did-you-buy-that.blogspot.co.uk/
Yup, yearning for Paris nicely instilled. I haven't been to Paris properly for years – I had a few hours there last year but it was pouring with rain, I wasn't dressed warmly enough and I had luggage with me. So I basically scoured the shops in the train station and left it at that. I really want to pop over and see Versailles as I've never been.
Oh I'd love to see Versaille, too – somewhere I haven't been… that would be so wonderful!!
Of course you have me wanting to hop a plane RIGHT NOW! :o)
Your outfit is so perfect for doing touristy things without looking the tourist. :o)
http://www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
I'm sorry, JJ…!!!!!!!!!! Thanks hun – and for saying I don't *look* like a tourist! Big compliment 🙂
I was going to enter this competition but I completely forgot! :'( x
Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness
Love the photos, Catherine and I am sure you had a fantastic time! I always complain about the weather but I think in Paris you can forget the rain and still have a lot of fun!
xo
Annette | Lady of Style
So funny to see all these familair places. You looked stylish in spite of the rain. Well done. I am going through your posts backwards (sorry, been busy).
These were my photos taken last year on my trip to Paris. See the resemblance? LOL
http://www.nofearoffashion.com/2013/05/what-i-wore-on-my-trip-to-paris-html
Greetje
Gosh yes Greetje – so many similar pictures (I love being a tourist)!!
Going off to Barcelona next week: Thursday, Friday, Saturday. YEAH
Beautiful Pictures 🙂
Fabulous photos. It looks like you had a great time despite the rain.
X x
Beautiful pictures! I love your hat and how it looks with the polka dots and that great tote!
Thanks Jaime – it's one of my favourite hats :))