When you give a girl a passport, she gets to discover the magical world around her! I couldn't have asked to spend my first week of summer in a more glamorous city. From Versailles to the Eiffel Tower, even to an evening cruise on the Seine, I saw it all. And while it seems impossible to condense my fabulous week into a few words, here are my highlights!

Versailles

While I had been to Paris once before, I had never had the privilege of getting to see Louis XIV's fantastic palace! This time around, I was determined to explore it, and boy am I happy I did! Everything, from each individual floorboard to every nook and cranny on the roof outside, seemed to be wholly sculpted and painted. I was so envious of the fashionable monarchs who spent their days there, lavished in every luxury that the French economy had to offer. With such expensive lifestyles as these in an impoverished time, it's no wonder the peasants rebelled!

Notre Dame Cathedral

I could practically hear the soundtrack of Disney's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"as I strolled through those hallowed halls, painted in sunlight streaking through stained glass windows. It was picturesque and absolutely lovely!

Eiffel Tower at Night

I was a bit concerned about visibility levels when we ventured up to the second level of the Eiffel Tower in the dark of night, but I shouldn't have worried! Each landmark lit up in contrast to the silent and black streets, so you could see your position amongst some of the most iconic structures in the world even better than in the daytime.

Musée D'Orsay

I know this will be an unpopular opinion, but I'm not a major art person. So visiting museums like the Louvre, while absolutely something everyone should do once, is a little daunting to someone who can barely tell Picasso from Rembrandt. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the impressionist exhibits at the Musée d'Orsay.

Sacré Coeur

Like Notre Dame, this spectacular church is full of fantastic statues and offering tables that would impress anyone!

Shakespeare and Company

While maybe a little out of place in France, this English bookstore is a must-see for any bookworm like me!

Shopping!

And of course, who could visit Paris without shopping?! We spent plenty of time at the Galleries Lafayette and visited the painters of Montmartre, and of course, many a street vendor!

I had such a great week in Paris and would love to have stayed forever! I will always remember my week in the City of Lights, and I absolutely fell in love with the City of Love!