TRAVEL | postcards from paris

Paris in late summer and early fall is the best, the summer crowds have gone and the temperature is nice and cool. This was my first time in Paris with Roman and I've always wanted to show him around one of my favourite cities.

I found a tiny airbnb near Strasbourg - Saint-Denis. After staying in Montmartre on my last few visits to Paris I've always wanted to try staying in the 10th arrondissement. We also hit a lucky break as our place was only a 3 minute walk away from what is hands-down the { best breakfast spot } ever. Their lines are known to stretch all the way down the street so we really benefited from living right around the corner (we were 2nd in line on a Monday morning).

I also loved that we were within walking distance from Canal Saint-Martin. It's perfect place to sit under the sun.

I think in the four days we walked a total of almost 30km and cycled just as many. As Roman is a big cycler, we rarely visit a city without renting a bike. Paris by far as one of the worst bike sharing we've ever encountered though, nor is it the easiliest way to get around. Driving through Île de la Cité was an absolute nightmare I wouldn't recommend it.

I also visited a another friend from SCAD while I was in town. She moved to Paris from Hong Kong not long before I left left as well. It was nice to catch up over some coffee and beers.

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After every trip to Paris I tell myself that maybe its time to put it aside so I can spend my savings traveling to places I haven't been before. But once I get home I immediately start planning for my next trip there. Looking to go in the Spring, and next time I'm going to bring a better lens :P

TRAVEL | collioure & cadaqués

I learned in art history that Collioure was the birthplace of Fauvism. I, as well as the Fauvists I reckon, was struck dumb by this tiny town's colourful facades. Just take a look at Matisse's Open Window or Les toits de Collioure--the crazy thing was that the colours in the painting were only little exaggerated.

The graphic designer in me was loving all the pinks, greens, and blues. My only regret is that I didn't take enough photos for "research". ;)







The next morning we bid France farewell and Roman drove us back to Spain and down the coast to Cadaqués. Before this holiday, I never thought I'd enjoy spending time at seaside towns so much. I always thought I was a city girl through-and-through, but now I have go have a think about my whole identity.

Cadaqués was not a easy town to get to. The one thing I couldn't stand about driving around in Spain was the endless winding roads. While Roman enjoyed all those hours on the road, I on the other hand always got a bit car sick...

TRAVEL | gruissan

Oh boy, Gruissan was easily one of my favourite places we visited. It was quite clear from the beginning.

Cream coloured buildings, terracotta roofs, laid back vibes, and balmy beach breezes.

In hindsight, I wish we planned ahead so we could've stayed more than one night. I'd return in a heartbeat. If anyone reading this is planning on taking a trip to South France. Please make Gruissan a priority :)




Some candid, but very instagramm-y shots Roman took of me at the Château de Gruissan.
Had a great time painting the beautiful pink buildings.








I love the blue and white colour palettes of the buildings by the French coastal towns.
One of my favourites was this one that I shot the walk to Gruissan Plage. Reminds me of ones
you see in vintage postcards.



The entrance to our B&B.