travel
Not just a shoppers paradise an instagram lovers paradise too because Bicester village is one extremely beautifully done up place making all your instagram dreams come true. And in this post I am putting some worth having info for a trip to Bicester village.
- Its just 45 mins away from London with trains every 30 mins or so from London Marylebone. Its about 20 mins on train from Oxford and about 1hr 30 mins from Birmingham. You get out of the train station at Bicester village and you are literally in front of the shopping complex.
- If travelling by train get an open return ticket. More often than not one looses track of time in all the shopping. But whichever train you decide to take to get back start walking towards the train station 15 mins before the departure time so there is no rush.
- Beautifully done is literally an understatement. I have never been at a more tastefully done floral piece of space.
- The shops are all there, all the designers and some high street too. Bare in mind that the items in the shops are mostly not from the latest collections.
- There are loads of eating options. Cafes and small carts to serve the hungry shoppers on the go.
- Brace yourself for the cue outside the shops. There are lines for fitting rooms and payment too. Specially at big brands like Gucci, Prada, etc.
- The shops accept cash as well as cards.
- For shoppers from outside the UK you can get a VAT refund at the VAT office inside the shopping village. So do bring your passport for that.
- If you are going to be shopping loads bring a suitcase or bag so its easier to walk around and carry.
- There are loads of promotions throughout the year so check their site before planning your trip.
- The town of Bicester is worth exploring too. Its one of the fastest growing towns because of its close proximity to London and Birmingham. It has cute tea rooms, church, etc.
Have you been to Bicester village ? Do you want to visit ?
Love
Chichi
Love
Chichi
Bicester village UK tips
Not just a shoppers paradise an instagram lovers paradise too because Bicester village is one extremely beautifully done up place making all your instagram dreams come true. And in this post I am putting some worth having info for a trip to Bicester village.
- Its just 45 mins away from London with trains every 30 mins or so from London Marylebone. Its about 20 mins on train from Oxford and about 1hr 30 mins from Birmingham. You get out of the train station at Bicester village and you are literally in front of the shopping complex.
- If travelling by train get an open return ticket. More often than not one looses track of time in all the shopping. But whichever train you decide to take to get back start walking towards the train station 15 mins before the departure time so there is no rush.
- Beautifully done is literally an understatement. I have never been at a more tastefully done floral piece of space.
- The shops are all there, all the designers and some high street too. Bare in mind that the items in the shops are mostly not from the latest collections.
- There are loads of eating options. Cafes and small carts to serve the hungry shoppers on the go.
- Brace yourself for the cue outside the shops. There are lines for fitting rooms and payment too. Specially at big brands like Gucci, Prada, etc.
- The shops accept cash as well as cards.
- For shoppers from outside the UK you can get a VAT refund at the VAT office inside the shopping village. So do bring your passport for that.
- If you are going to be shopping loads bring a suitcase or bag so its easier to walk around and carry.
- There are loads of promotions throughout the year so check their site before planning your trip.
- The town of Bicester is worth exploring too. Its one of the fastest growing towns because of its close proximity to London and Birmingham. It has cute tea rooms, church, etc.
Have you been to Bicester village ? Do you want to visit ?
Love
Chichi
Love
Chichi
Brussels is possible to be done in 24 hours so if you have just that much time keep that smile. Often referred to as the centre of Europe because of the virtue of being the centre of european culture and institutions, Brussels is a city beautiful like from a fairy tale. Gold plated buildings, cobble stone streets adorned by string lights sure are a sight from the fairy world.
8 am - 11 am. Begin your day with the main pilgrimage in Brussels The Grand place. Very rightly named. The architecture is stunning and the gold plated on the buildings is a sight to marvel. The whole square deserves some time and is very photogenic. I suggest you do cover the Grand Place first thing in the morning because it gets crowded for obvious reasons. There are many traditional belgium cafes and restaurants in the square where you can fuel yourself with delicious breakfast. It can be Belgian waffles or just the usual european fare. I suggest go for waffles. Also worth checking are the many cute streets branching out from the grand place. Manneken Pis a 61 cm bronze fountain statue of a boy said to be the symbol of Brussels is also close by.
11 am - 2 pm. The Atomium built in 1958 for the world expo. Over the years it has become symbolic of Brussels and a must visit. There is a restaurant on the highest sphere where you can have lunch and also indulge in spectacular panoramic views over the city.
2 pm - 3.30 pm. Just at the foot of The Atomium is Mini Europe. i.e Europe in a few hours. An animated tour with visual and sound effects of 350 miniatures and attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. You can see many famous european monuments like Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, etc at a scale of 1 to 25. Be amazed by various working models like the fall of Berlin wall, etc. Also get an understanding of the working of EU.
3.30 pm - 4 pm. Parc de Laeken. Brussels has huge parks and this one is the biggest about 10 minutes walk from the miniature park.
4 PM - 6.30 PM. The Belgium chocolate village, well belgium chocolates are world famous so a definite visit to savour the chocolates produced by local artisans on the daily. Closely located and worth checking out are Elisabeth park and National Basilica of the sacred heart which is the fifth largest catholic basilica.
6.30 pm - 8.30 pm. Come back to the centre of the city and end your day with dinner at. Go for traditional belgium. and also savour the desserts. Ah i love the belgium bread and butter too and the Belgium fries yes the Belgium fries that the world knows as french fries. A must snack on during the day !!
Post dinner just walk around the centre and soak in to the architecture around.
With direct eurostar service from london its even more accessible and a great getaway for the weekend or even just a day.
Suggested post - The most perfect 24 hours in Paris
Love
Chichi
How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in Brussels Belgium
Brussels is possible to be done in 24 hours so if you have just that much time keep that smile. Often referred to as the centre of Europe because of the virtue of being the centre of european culture and institutions, Brussels is a city beautiful like from a fairy tale. Gold plated buildings, cobble stone streets adorned by string lights sure are a sight from the fairy world.
8 am - 11 am. Begin your day with the main pilgrimage in Brussels The Grand place. Very rightly named. The architecture is stunning and the gold plated on the buildings is a sight to marvel. The whole square deserves some time and is very photogenic. I suggest you do cover the Grand Place first thing in the morning because it gets crowded for obvious reasons. There are many traditional belgium cafes and restaurants in the square where you can fuel yourself with delicious breakfast. It can be Belgian waffles or just the usual european fare. I suggest go for waffles. Also worth checking are the many cute streets branching out from the grand place. Manneken Pis a 61 cm bronze fountain statue of a boy said to be the symbol of Brussels is also close by.
11 am - 2 pm. The Atomium built in 1958 for the world expo. Over the years it has become symbolic of Brussels and a must visit. There is a restaurant on the highest sphere where you can have lunch and also indulge in spectacular panoramic views over the city.
2 pm - 3.30 pm. Just at the foot of The Atomium is Mini Europe. i.e Europe in a few hours. An animated tour with visual and sound effects of 350 miniatures and attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. You can see many famous european monuments like Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, etc at a scale of 1 to 25. Be amazed by various working models like the fall of Berlin wall, etc. Also get an understanding of the working of EU.
3.30 pm - 4 pm. Parc de Laeken. Brussels has huge parks and this one is the biggest about 10 minutes walk from the miniature park.
4 PM - 6.30 PM. The Belgium chocolate village, well belgium chocolates are world famous so a definite visit to savour the chocolates produced by local artisans on the daily. Closely located and worth checking out are Elisabeth park and National Basilica of the sacred heart which is the fifth largest catholic basilica.
6.30 pm - 8.30 pm. Come back to the centre of the city and end your day with dinner at. Go for traditional belgium. and also savour the desserts. Ah i love the belgium bread and butter too and the Belgium fries yes the Belgium fries that the world knows as french fries. A must snack on during the day !!
Post dinner just walk around the centre and soak in to the architecture around.
With direct eurostar service from london its even more accessible and a great getaway for the weekend or even just a day.
Suggested post - The most perfect 24 hours in Paris
Love
Chichi
The best photo spots in Paris, for Instagram that is. Love it or hate it the reality of todays time, Instagram matters!! Well for if not all for many!! But before we begin, not everyone has the same definition of the perfect Instagram spot. Some like skyline views, some historic, some romantic and so on. This guide is from the point of view of iconic + romantic. Now lets begin.
- La Maison Rose - The pretty pink cafe in Montamarte. Every girl needs a shot here. Wander down the streets of Montamarte from Sacre Couer and you will spot it.
- Palais royale - Well as i said in my how to do Paris in 24 hours post, a shot with the striped columns in the courtyard here was on my bucket list. As for all the places reach early to find it less busy else you can wait. If in luck you will find a section with less people and then just go for the shots without wasting time. Will have to act fast.
- The sinking house of Montamarte - Haha its an illusion and i totally suggest you go, see and take a picture to get what i am saying. Its right next to Sacre Couer
- Arc de Triomphe and the rooftop views from it- Will take about 250 steps to get there but they are totally worth it. You will be able to take stunning pics of Parisian rooftops with the Eiffel Tower. Also stunning are the views over Champs Ulysses.
- Gallerie Lafayette - The glass and steel dome at the Gallerie lafayette is spectacular and a must shot. How about a picture with an eclair or macroon against the dome as the backdrop. If you happen to visit around christmas time you will be able to check out the super impressive christmas tree that they instal. But thats not all you have to go to the rooftop of the gallerie to take some stunning pictures of Paris from above.
- Eiffel tower from Trocadero - Of course, of course, Eiffel tower is a must in Paris and there are a zillion perspectives to it but one breathtaking one is at sunrise from Trocadero ( Eiffel tower with the staircase shot) If you go around sunrise there is no tourist and all the opportunities for the perfect Insta shots.
- Musee de Orsy - The giant clock inside Musee de Orsy is very instagram worthy. But you have to reach at museum opening else it gets crowded for photo opportunities .
- Palais de Luxembourg - Its majestic and lovely at the same time. The garden is lush and you can actually spend some time here reading or just with your thoughts. Photo opportunities are plenty.
- Parisian balconies and cafes - A shot of a Parisian cafe with the authentic parisian bistro chairs and the parisian balconies is well must to capture parisjetaime in its full. The balcony shot can be taken from the hotel you stay in and for the cafe shot there are plenty of opportunities in Montamarte. The one below i took near Palais de luxeumburg.
- Spring in Paris - Well Paris is not really famous for its blooms in spring time but nonetheless it has a few magical shot options specially against the Eiffel tower or any chic Parisian building.
- A picture of the bridges with the Seine - Pont des arts or Pont Alexander III.
- A shot of the pyramide outside Lourve. Best taken at golden hour.
Those are definitely the shots that will complete your Paris Instagram album.
Suggested posts - Paris in 24 hours
Instagram guide to Paris
The best photo spots in Paris, for Instagram that is. Love it or hate it the reality of todays time, Instagram matters!! Well for if not all for many!! But before we begin, not everyone has the same definition of the perfect Instagram spot. Some like skyline views, some historic, some romantic and so on. This guide is from the point of view of iconic + romantic. Now lets begin.
- La Maison Rose - The pretty pink cafe in Montamarte. Every girl needs a shot here. Wander down the streets of Montamarte from Sacre Couer and you will spot it.
- Palais royale - Well as i said in my how to do Paris in 24 hours post, a shot with the striped columns in the courtyard here was on my bucket list. As for all the places reach early to find it less busy else you can wait. If in luck you will find a section with less people and then just go for the shots without wasting time. Will have to act fast.
- The sinking house of Montamarte - Haha its an illusion and i totally suggest you go, see and take a picture to get what i am saying. Its right next to Sacre Couer
- Arc de Triomphe and the rooftop views from it- Will take about 250 steps to get there but they are totally worth it. You will be able to take stunning pics of Parisian rooftops with the Eiffel Tower. Also stunning are the views over Champs Ulysses.
- Gallerie Lafayette - The glass and steel dome at the Gallerie lafayette is spectacular and a must shot. How about a picture with an eclair or macroon against the dome as the backdrop. If you happen to visit around christmas time you will be able to check out the super impressive christmas tree that they instal. But thats not all you have to go to the rooftop of the gallerie to take some stunning pictures of Paris from above.
- Eiffel tower from Trocadero - Of course, of course, Eiffel tower is a must in Paris and there are a zillion perspectives to it but one breathtaking one is at sunrise from Trocadero ( Eiffel tower with the staircase shot) If you go around sunrise there is no tourist and all the opportunities for the perfect Insta shots.
- Musee de Orsy - The giant clock inside Musee de Orsy is very instagram worthy. But you have to reach at museum opening else it gets crowded for photo opportunities .
- Palais de Luxembourg - Its majestic and lovely at the same time. The garden is lush and you can actually spend some time here reading or just with your thoughts. Photo opportunities are plenty.
- Parisian balconies and cafes - A shot of a Parisian cafe with the authentic parisian bistro chairs and the parisian balconies is well must to capture parisjetaime in its full. The balcony shot can be taken from the hotel you stay in and for the cafe shot there are plenty of opportunities in Montamarte. The one below i took near Palais de luxeumburg.
- Spring in Paris - Well Paris is not really famous for its blooms in spring time but nonetheless it has a few magical shot options specially against the Eiffel tower or any chic Parisian building.
- A picture of the bridges with the Seine - Pont des arts or Pont Alexander III.
- A shot of the pyramide outside Lourve. Best taken at golden hour.
Those are definitely the shots that will complete your Paris Instagram album.
Suggested posts - Paris in 24 hours
Just like London its impossible to do Paris in a day but nonetheless we did have a perfect 24 hour in the city of Lights so here i go.
Start your day at 7 am with delicious breakfast of crepes or croissant with your favourite drink tea/ coffee at any of the chic coffee shops along the canal st martin closely located near the gare du nord, the main train station. After that head to quintessential paris Montamarte which also houses Sacre Coeur. Its possible to go by metro but i suggest you uber it because their is quite a climb after the train station and no point getting tired right at the start of the day. At the Sacre Coeur you can climb up for the city views but i suggest you skip that, many stairs and the view is good but we have loads to do. After spending some time admiring the architecture and some obvious photo taking begin a stroll on the streets of Montamarte. Any given street will greet you with stunning architecture, ivy and some of the cutest cafes like La Maison Rose the iconic Le Consulat. Also worth checking out is Place du Tertre where you’ll find plenty of artists painting ‘en plein air’. Montamarte is really the one Parisian district which will give you all the flavours that is quintessential ‘Paris’. Cobblestone streets, cafes, artists, nostalgia, architecture, boutiques, it has it all so a good couple of hours are definitely worth.
It will be about 11 am now, head to the Louvre, well you do not have the hours to do justice to it so lets just skip visiting and instead check out the pyramid in front of it and then head towards Palais Royale. Stop for a quick lunch of whatever you fancy on the way at any of the cafes on the way. The Instagram famous installation at the Palais Royale was on my bucket list and i am super glad to have ticked it off. Spend some time there and also check out the garden and the arches in the Palais.
It will be about 4 pm now, walk through the tuileries gardens and the pontes des arts to take the metro to arc de triomphe. I recommend you climb the 250 odd steps to get on the top for the most stunning views of the city. If you are in luck and the timing is perfect you will witness the most stunning sunset over the city of lights. I personally am not a fan of shopping but if you are you can check out Champs Elysses after Arc de Triomphe, its right there. I did stop for tea and croissant at cafe. It is about 6.30 pm now and you have to now head to the mecca in Paris the Eiffel tower. In the metro would take about 15 mins to reach from Champs Elysees and exploring around the Eiffel Tower about 30 mins. The first time i went to Paris i did go on top of the Eiffel Tower but i feel the views from Arc de Triomphe are much better. So i have not included it in this itinerary. It will be around 7.30 pm now perfect timing to do the cruise on the river Seine and soaking the city of light at night. I recommend you do advance booking for the cruise with dinner if you can but if not tickets are available on the spot.
Well you can’t do and should not do more than this in 24 hours in Paris. The itinerary covers the highlights of Paris and gives you a true taste of #Parisjetaime.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Suggested posts - How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in London
Love
Chichi
How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in Paris
Just like London its impossible to do Paris in a day but nonetheless we did have a perfect 24 hour in the city of Lights so here i go.
Start your day at 7 am with delicious breakfast of crepes or croissant with your favourite drink tea/ coffee at any of the chic coffee shops along the canal st martin closely located near the gare du nord, the main train station. After that head to quintessential paris Montamarte which also houses Sacre Coeur. Its possible to go by metro but i suggest you uber it because their is quite a climb after the train station and no point getting tired right at the start of the day. At the Sacre Coeur you can climb up for the city views but i suggest you skip that, many stairs and the view is good but we have loads to do. After spending some time admiring the architecture and some obvious photo taking begin a stroll on the streets of Montamarte. Any given street will greet you with stunning architecture, ivy and some of the cutest cafes like La Maison Rose the iconic Le Consulat. Also worth checking out is Place du Tertre where you’ll find plenty of artists painting ‘en plein air’. Montamarte is really the one Parisian district which will give you all the flavours that is quintessential ‘Paris’. Cobblestone streets, cafes, artists, nostalgia, architecture, boutiques, it has it all so a good couple of hours are definitely worth.
It will be about 11 am now, head to the Louvre, well you do not have the hours to do justice to it so lets just skip visiting and instead check out the pyramid in front of it and then head towards Palais Royale. Stop for a quick lunch of whatever you fancy on the way at any of the cafes on the way. The Instagram famous installation at the Palais Royale was on my bucket list and i am super glad to have ticked it off. Spend some time there and also check out the garden and the arches in the Palais.
It will be about 4 pm now, walk through the tuileries gardens and the pontes des arts to take the metro to arc de triomphe. I recommend you climb the 250 odd steps to get on the top for the most stunning views of the city. If you are in luck and the timing is perfect you will witness the most stunning sunset over the city of lights. I personally am not a fan of shopping but if you are you can check out Champs Elysses after Arc de Triomphe, its right there. I did stop for tea and croissant at cafe. It is about 6.30 pm now and you have to now head to the mecca in Paris the Eiffel tower. In the metro would take about 15 mins to reach from Champs Elysees and exploring around the Eiffel Tower about 30 mins. The first time i went to Paris i did go on top of the Eiffel Tower but i feel the views from Arc de Triomphe are much better. So i have not included it in this itinerary. It will be around 7.30 pm now perfect timing to do the cruise on the river Seine and soaking the city of light at night. I recommend you do advance booking for the cruise with dinner if you can but if not tickets are available on the spot.
Well you can’t do and should not do more than this in 24 hours in Paris. The itinerary covers the highlights of Paris and gives you a true taste of #Parisjetaime.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Suggested posts - How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in London
Love
Chichi
Heading to Paris anytime of the year, here are a few essentials that must be packed in the suitcase. I say anytime because these are just classic items that go with the Parisian style all year long. The Parisian style that draws me to the city more than the city itself, haha !! Its really the mecca of effortlessness and i just can’t stop wondering how they do it. And in such majority!!! An average person on the Parisian street is far better dressed than a fashion conscious person elsewhere!!! Such a stylish city, hence!!
- Small block heels or kitten heels or flat shoes- There is no way you can do the cobbled streets in high heels so best leave them at home.
- The colours - The two colours that top are navy and red. Parisians love red and navy be it in the accessories or their outfit!!! The other colours are shades of beige, khaki, brown, white, black. In short neutral colours.
- Beret - It was everywhere on the streets of Paris during my trip and i couldn’t be happier. So yes do pack a beret and make it red if possible!
- A trench coat - Paris weather is quite close to London’s. Bright and sunny and begins to rain!! So a trench is a must. If its cold you can add layers inside and good to go.
- A tote bag with a zip that can keep all the essentials for your day out. Camera, charger, umbrella, etc. I say with a zip because Paris is super touristy and just like any touristy city got to be careful of pick pocketing.
Love
Chichi
What to pack for Paris
Heading to Paris anytime of the year, here are a few essentials that must be packed in the suitcase. I say anytime because these are just classic items that go with the Parisian style all year long. The Parisian style that draws me to the city more than the city itself, haha !! Its really the mecca of effortlessness and i just can’t stop wondering how they do it. And in such majority!!! An average person on the Parisian street is far better dressed than a fashion conscious person elsewhere!!! Such a stylish city, hence!!
- Small block heels or kitten heels or flat shoes- There is no way you can do the cobbled streets in high heels so best leave them at home.
- The colours - The two colours that top are navy and red. Parisians love red and navy be it in the accessories or their outfit!!! The other colours are shades of beige, khaki, brown, white, black. In short neutral colours.
- Beret - It was everywhere on the streets of Paris during my trip and i couldn’t be happier. So yes do pack a beret and make it red if possible!
- A trench coat - Paris weather is quite close to London’s. Bright and sunny and begins to rain!! So a trench is a must. If its cold you can add layers inside and good to go.
- A tote bag with a zip that can keep all the essentials for your day out. Camera, charger, umbrella, etc. I say with a zip because Paris is super touristy and just like any touristy city got to be careful of pick pocketing.
Love
Chichi
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