Because apparently, once you've fallen in love with Paris, there's no going back.

If there's one city I will never get tired of visiting, it's Paris.

And before anyone says it's overrated, respectfully, we are simply not experiencing the same Paris.

There's something about this city that keeps pulling me back. Maybe it's the architecture, the little cafés, the history, or the fact that I can romanticize absolutely anything while holding a croissant. Whatever it is, Paris has my heart. And after returning again this September, this time with both of my babies, I was reminded of all the reasons I keep coming back.

So here are ten of them. 🤎

1. The Architecture Is Literally Art

I'm convinced I could spend an entire day walking around Paris doing absolutely nothing but admiring buildings. The balconies, the limestone façades, the intricate details, the grand doors. Even the most ordinary streets feel like they belong in a painting.

As a photographer and creative, Paris is an endless source of inspiration.

And don't even get me started on the Palais Garnier. I could stare at those interiors for hours.

2. The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing

The French have seemingly mastered something I'm constantly trying to practice: enjoying the moment. Sitting at a café, sipping a cappuccino, people-watching, and not feeling the need to rush off somewhere. There's something so beautiful about a city that makes even the simplest moments feel like an experience.

Paris reminds me that life doesn't always need to be productive to be meaningful.

3. The Pastries. Obviously. 🥐

Did you really think I was going to write this list without mentioning the food?

The croissants. The pain au chocolat. The macarons. The butter. THE BUTTER.

I don't know what they're putting in those pastries, but I fully support it. There's nothing quite like finding a little boulangerie in the morning and enjoying a fresh pastry while wandering through the city.

4. My Sister Simona Lives There 😂🤎

Okay, let's be very clear. One of the biggest reasons I keep finding myself back in Paris is because my soul-sister Simona lives there. And no, she's not my biological sister, but at this point, we're way past technicalities.

Having someone you love living in one of your favorite cities is a pretty convincing reason to keep booking flights. Getting to spend time together, watching our children make memories, laughing, catching up, and doing life together across continents is something I genuinely treasure.

Paris is beautiful on its own, but having extended family there makes it feel even more special. Plus, free local recommendations. We love a resourceful queen LOL

5. Every Corner Is a Photo Opportunity

I have been a photographer for over a decade, and Paris still manages to make me want to photograph absolutely everything. The flower shops, vintage storefronts, café terraces, cobblestone streets, and beautiful afternoon light. It's the kind of city where you can turn an ordinary walk into an entire photo session. & as someone who loves documenting life's little moments, I genuinely cannot get enough.

6. The History Is Everywhere

One of my favorite things about Paris is how much history surrounds you. From the grandeur of Versailles to the incredible craftsmanship of the Palais Garnier, there is so much beauty preserved throughout the city. I love imagining the generations of people who walked those same streets long before us. It's a reminder that we're all part of a much bigger story. And honestly, visiting places like these only makes me appreciate art, history, and architecture even more.

7. Because I've Watched Way Too Much Emily in Paris 💋🥐

Listen, I know Emily in Paris isn't exactly a documentary, but you cannot convince me that walking through Paris doesn't make you feel like the main character of your own little Netflix series. The planned outfits, the cafés, the flower shops, the ridiculously beautiful streets. It's all giving Emily Cooper, minus the questionable life decisions. And yes, I will absolutely romanticize walking down a Parisian street with a coffee in one hand and a croissant or baguette in the other.

Because if Emily can make an entire career out of romanticizing Paris, I can at least make a personality trait out of visiting it. 🇫🇷

8. It's a City That Encourages You to Slow Down

I love a good itinerary. Trust me, I can plan an entire vacation down to the coffee stops. But Paris is one of those places where I actually enjoy leaving room for absolutely nothing. Walking without a destination. Finding a pretty street. Stopping for hot chocolate. Sitting in a garden. Sometimes the best part of traveling isn't checking something off a list.

It's allowing yourself to simply be somewhere beautiful.

9. Watching My Children Experience It

This one has become especially meaningful to me. There's something so sweet about returning to a place you already love and experiencing it through your children's eyes. This September, we got to explore Paris as a family of four. From visiting Disneyland Paris to wandering through the city with our two little travelers, everything felt a little different this time.

Yes, traveling with children requires more planning, more patience, and approximately 87 snacks. But getting to share these experiences with them makes it all worth it. I pray that as they grow, they'll develop a love for exploring, learning about other cultures, and appreciating the beauty of God's creation.

10. Because Paris Reminds Me to Romanticize My Own Life

This might be my favorite reason of all. I think part of what draws me to Paris is how easily it reminds me to find beauty in ordinary things. I come back different EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

A morning coffee.

Fresh flowers.

A beautiful walk.

A meal shared with people you love.

But here's what I've realized over the years:

I don't have to be in Paris to live that way.

God has given us so much beauty in our everyday lives, and sometimes traveling simply reminds us to open our eyes to what's already around us. I can bring that same appreciation home. To my morning cafecito in Miami. To walks with my babies around the lake. To setting a beautiful table for absolutely no reason. Paris doesn't create the beauty in my life. It reminds me to notice it.

And maybe that's why I keep going back.

Well, that and Simona. Because obviously. 😂

Until next time, Paris.

Avec amour,

Coco 🤎