Finding Creative Inspiration in Paris: Visiting the City of Lights for the First Time
Paris has long been home to some of the world’s most creative and forward-thinking people. Walking through neighborhoods like Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Le Marais, it’s easy to see why.
Though I’d dreamed of experiencing Paris since my first international trip at 17, I didn’t make it to the City of Lights last spring, when my mom and I finally paired our long-awaited dream trips for an epic mother-daughter adventure to Italy and France. We spent a glorious two weeks walking more than 200,000 steps, eating pastries, seeing art, window shopping, and soaking it all in.
As a writer and creative, I believe travel—and the chance to immerse yourself in new places, cultures, and perspectives—is one of the best ways to find inspiration. Stepping out of your routine can spark new ideas, fuel creativity, and shift the way you see the world. Paris, with its rich history and iconic beauty, is a perfect place to get lost in that kind of wonder.
I tried hard not to travel with expectations (they’re the root of all heartache, after all!), but this city exceeded any secret hopes I might’ve had. Every corner feels like a story; every café a new idea. Our trip was a beautiful reminder that just being somewhere different can ignite curiosity in the most unexpected ways.
A large part of our curated travel list came from the lovely Anna Kloots (who I saw walking down the street while in Paris!), Yolanda Edwards, and YOLO Journal. If you’re planning a trip to Paris, following them is a must. I’m also happy to share our itinerary and my Paris Google Map with all of our location pins — just drop me a line. There will never be enough time to see, eat, or do it all, but the least we can do is try!