My annual trip to Paris has finally come to an end, though not without its fair share of anecdotes, new discoveries, and meeting both old and new friends in my beloved second home. At the start of the year I read yet another Paris memoir (I’ve read a few, book clubbers will know), and I was surprised by just how much it made me fall back in love with a city I thought I couldn’t adore any more.
Paris Dreaming is the work of Katrina Lawrence, an ex-beauty editor for Cleo magazine in Australia, who has spent many years travelling back to Paris at different stages of life.
I loved the book so much that I reached out to Katrina to sing my praise and I was stunned when she responded with an offer to give away a few copies of her book to my readers, as well as meet up in Paris in April on this year’s trip (eeee!)
Giveaway: Win 1 of 5 Copies of Paris Dreaming
Katrina was kind enough to offer five copies of her book, along with a YSL lipstick, to 5 lucky winners! The book is a beautiful addition to any Paris lover’s collection of memoirs, and who can say no to a YSL lipstick… what could be more French!?
How to Enter
To win 1 of 5 copies, answer the below in 25 words or less in the comments below:
“What does Paris mean to you?”
Entries are open globally. Winners will be contacted on 18th May. There are five prize packs up for grabs, each with a copy of Paris Dreaming and a YSL lipstick.
A huge thanks to Katrina, Harper Collins and YSL for offering this giveaway to WOW readers! Good luck!
WINNERS:
Congratulations to these 5 lucky winners:
Anita Hammond
Cathy Neubauer
Hannah Louey
Jovana Miljanovic
Elizabeth Schilg
Noemi
May 18, 2018 at 6:03 pmFor me, Paris is the place that always feels like home every time I visit the city. It enchants me and makes me feel to never leave it.
Dina
May 15, 2018 at 9:27 pmParis is a romanticised fairytale destination; a city I’m yet to explore; I’d love to see it for myself (and indulge in French pastries!)
Anita Hammond
May 15, 2018 at 11:57 amTeaching me about aging and beauty, food and eating, drinking coffee and just enjoying the little things but mostly…..it means baguettes, gloriously crunchy baguettes!
Corporate gifts Singapore
May 14, 2018 at 4:10 pmWow! awesome article on Paris giveaway. well, I am from Singapore and I really want to visit Singapore to buy corporate gifts.
Natalia
May 13, 2018 at 2:14 amParis to me means a dream destination. It means amazing wine, food and experiences.
Kate
May 12, 2018 at 6:41 amParis is posibility, and adventure, and dreams I’ve had a million times. Channelling my inner Audrey Hepburn. It means being free to explore history and art, and culture and fashion, and the food! Eat all the pastires my little body can fit without bursting.
Lilly
May 11, 2018 at 9:54 pmThe pure warmth of the summer breeze while you’re riding through the streets. The smell of freshly-made bread and flowers in the air. Paris is an ongoing fascination of light, love, books, style and food.
Shannon Smith
May 11, 2018 at 2:36 pmParis is diverse. It can be whatever you want from it. Hope,Romance,Adventure. Everyone views it differently, but everyone leaves inlove.
Elizabeth
May 11, 2018 at 5:02 amHi Brooke. I have written a short acrostic poem about what Paris means to me 🙂
Pastries and coffee; j’adore!
Art; Picasso, Monet and Matisse….
River Seine; browsing the
Bouquinistes.
Irresistible Parisian men; oh là là!
Montmartre; mon quartier préféré.
Cathy Neubauer
May 9, 2018 at 8:52 am“We’ll always have Paris” is what this city means to me because of the trip my mother and I recently took. It took 10 years of planning and many ups and downs in both our lives but we finally got to go last year. There really aren’t words, Paris is more of a feeling. The art, history, food, beauty, style and sophistication are just a few of the things that made me fall in love but it’s really the fact that I will always have this beautiful memory of a beautiful place with my beautiful mother when life is less than perfect.
Amber
May 7, 2018 at 7:45 pmParis is the city that epitomizes beauty and romance, and the country at the very top of my to-visit list. Everything from the food, to the fashion, to the beauty seems to be on a level that can only be imagined…
Sumbo
May 6, 2018 at 4:04 pmParis is love. Love in the air, love everywhere.
Helena
May 4, 2018 at 4:30 amOn my first visit I was 10 and my dad convinced me to buy the most gorgeous black jacket. For me, Paris is nostalgic.
Joanne Cyr
May 4, 2018 at 12:14 amI can’t explain Paris in just a few short words. For me, it feels like coming home. Maybe I was a Parisian in a former life, but from the architecture to the food, I am happier there than anywhere else on earth.
Chloé H.
May 3, 2018 at 2:22 pmParis is my dream. Beautiful, romantic, so much history & so many delicious sweets! I’m obsessed with Paris & I haven’t even been yet.
Nikita Singh
May 2, 2018 at 5:59 pmi love Paris, city of love. I love the food, fashion everything of Paris.
Katarina
May 2, 2018 at 9:13 amParis is the place I feel most at home, out of the 8 places I have lived <3
Julia
May 1, 2018 at 2:46 pmParis is my heart. On my first day I arrived, I stepped out of the taxi and felt an overwhelming sense of being home.
Pavla
May 1, 2018 at 8:42 amParis is endless wandering, baguette and chocolate on the bank of Seine and architecture porn!
Charlotte
April 30, 2018 at 10:57 pmIt’s the smell of the croissant, the parfum in the street, the person you become because Paris make you feel special.
Anne-Marie
April 30, 2018 at 11:39 amParis is magic. Light on beautiful buildings, beauty at every turn. Paris is elegant yet raw; timeless, but always fashionable. Paris to me is perfection.
Linda
April 30, 2018 at 6:09 amParis to me means history – especially the history of the many revolutions.
Liz
April 30, 2018 at 3:08 amParis is the first city my boyfriend and I went to together. We were 17 and 18 years old and madly in love. We spent hours and hours walking through the city and enjoying the beautiful buildings, streets, parks, art and each other. To make it more special, we went to a concert of Aerosmith, my favourite band, which I had never seen live before. It was one of our most memorable trips! 9 years later aka 2 weeks ago, we went to Paris again together and it was as magical as the first time we were there!
Sharni
April 29, 2018 at 8:43 pmParis lets me continue dreaming in my ordinary life that I know one day soon I hope to be amazed by the Eiffel Tower.
Alexandra F
April 29, 2018 at 8:16 pmTo me Paris means savoir-vivre, elegance and French chic.
Nancy
April 29, 2018 at 6:10 pmParis gives me reason to get lost in a city where I am mesmerized by the energy and passion of Parisians. Life itself down every street, the people and the clouds even, all create a breathless experience.
Nancy Aquino
April 29, 2018 at 6:09 pmParis gives me reason to get lost in a city where I am mesmerized by the energy and passion of Parisians. Life itself down every street, the people and the clouds even, all create a breathless experience.
Caroline
April 29, 2018 at 10:06 amSince I’ve never been to Paris, I hesitate to describe it – but to me it’s a dream that I”ll someday realize.
Oyindrila Ghosh
April 29, 2018 at 4:29 amParis for me is inspiration. From the architecture, art, culture, food, fashion, history, everything is a source inspiration for a designer like me.
Amber
April 29, 2018 at 1:21 amParis means beauty – the fashion, architecture, and desserts. I hope to visit one day soon.
Gunah
April 28, 2018 at 9:36 pmThanks for sharing your memories in Paris. I got ideas to sent time there. How is the weather now there? If I want to visit when should I plan for it? …
Anima
April 27, 2018 at 10:50 pmParis the adventure: a wander at the Louvre, mulled wine tasting with French pastries, Eiffel Tower gazing, and Montmartre street art vibes!
Margot
April 27, 2018 at 10:02 pmParis to me is joie de vivre. I’ve always dreamt of going to Paris as a little girl. Living in Ghent (Belgium), Paris isn’t that far but it took me quite some years until I finally made the dream come true. Once I was there, I fell in love instantly. The beautiful buildings, desserts, flowers. Magic! And of course there are downsides, like the many tourists. But when you find a beautiful, quiet place to enjoy a croissant or macaron… that’s when you really get to know the joys of life and travel.
Mallory Turner
April 27, 2018 at 9:41 pmTo me, Paris means dreaming. I have been traveling for years now and Paris has always been a city I dream of but have never been. That’s changing as I am going in February to spend my 28th birthday! Dreaming about it every day and reading any book I can find on it until then!!
Jerine Lay
April 27, 2018 at 2:56 pmParis awakes our 5 senses – see, touch, smell, taste and hear. In everything we do here, it never fails to arouse all our five senses.
Debra
April 27, 2018 at 12:21 pmParis is a city I dream of visiting. There is much to see and do. The architecture, history, art, and literature are wonderful. Old World meets New World, is the experience it offers for the dreamer of it’s vibrant culture.
Debra
April 27, 2018 at 12:19 pmParis is a city I dream of visiting. There is much to see and do. The architecture, history, art, and literature are wonderful. Old World meets New World, is the experience it offers for the dreamer roof it’s vibrant culture.
Vanessa
April 27, 2018 at 10:29 amMacaroons & Champagne!
semra
April 27, 2018 at 4:02 amParis is a dream I developed when I first read your blog one year ago…You made me fall in love with Paris!
Hepcat Hannah
April 27, 2018 at 1:16 amRomance in the air, beautiful architecture, red wine, effortlessly elegant Parisians having picnics by the Seine, and last but not least… CROISSANTS!
LAURA
April 26, 2018 at 11:59 pmParis is the first city that I visited with my parents, who had never been able to travel before. Very special because of that.
Christie Brown
April 26, 2018 at 11:52 pmParis is everything to me. <3 It's the place I've been in love with since I was a little girl. A place where dreams come true. I can't wait to FINALLY have to opportunity to go there. x
Michelle
April 26, 2018 at 11:41 pmParis to me is a city of firsts. It was my first foreign country visited, where I had my first kiss, and when I first fell in love with architecture and design!
Shannel
April 26, 2018 at 6:46 pmParis to me means Brooke Saward
Hannah Louey
April 26, 2018 at 3:54 pmHow exciting, thanks Katrina for the chance to win a copy of your book (and Brooke of course!):
Paris to me:
Is a city best explored by yourself – with beautiful scenery, oodles to do and delicious food, it’s a dream for solo travellers (like myself!).
Faith
April 26, 2018 at 3:34 pmParis means getting to experience travel for the first time again and again. I’ve the Eiffel Tower 30+ times and everytime I fall in love.
Rachel
April 26, 2018 at 2:38 pmTo me, Paris is love, art, and elegance. Rooftops, french bakeries, gardens and history everywhere you look. Paris is the end and beginning of all dreams.
Sarojini Ganpat
April 26, 2018 at 1:55 pmParis gives a feeling dream and romance. I visited once and cant wait to go again. The boutique shops and bakeries are pure bliss.
Angelo Blagojevic
April 26, 2018 at 12:28 pmParis to me means the city of love and where I took my lovely girlfriend once (who told me about this giveaway ha!)
Jocelyn Stepp
April 26, 2018 at 12:23 pmParis to me means fashion, food, and everything glam. I immediately think luxury and everything posh. Oh, and of course the macaroons!!
Heidi Lindsley
April 26, 2018 at 9:25 amTo me, Paris is a happy memory and something to look forward to. I visited Paris back in 2012, and now am planning a trip back “someday” with my Mom.
Rebecca
April 26, 2018 at 7:23 amParis means memories of my beautiful mum. It was our dream to go together and whenever I think of Paris, I think of her.
Krystal // The Krystal Diaries
April 26, 2018 at 6:23 amOh I just loved Paris when I went last fall! For me Paris was the start of my love affair with Europe. It’s the first city in Europe I’ve ever visited and from there I took the train to Belgium. I can’t wait to go back to Paris!
Cynthia
April 26, 2018 at 5:43 amit took three trips and being there during the terrorist attacks to fall deeply in love – now i know well that paris is about LIFE.
Cynthia
April 26, 2018 at 5:26 amWhat does Paris mean to you?
Paris means dreams, love, culture, people. Paris also means heartbreak, loss and worry. Paris is just like every city, but just a little more special.
Linda J Hewitt
April 26, 2018 at 5:21 amParis is a dream made flesh, desire become reality, and a secret wish come true.
Therese Taylor
April 26, 2018 at 5:19 amParis _ such a beautiful word, invoking adventure and excitement. Streets of history with endless stories of personal lives. Dramatic episodes of fashion, season after season.
Stephanie Scelsi
April 26, 2018 at 4:21 amParis, to me, is a fairy tale city with endless possibilities and dreams, romance, and many hours spent at cafes eating macarons. 😀
Elizabeth W
April 26, 2018 at 3:54 amParis to me is unassuming luxury.
Tara Sorrell
April 26, 2018 at 3:12 amI feel nostalgia for Paris even though I’ve not yet been. It represents beauty and allure; energy and elegance.
Kenna Britton
April 26, 2018 at 2:27 amParis is open to interpretation, with omnipresent magical possibilities. The Paris experience is uniquely beautiful to each person willing to wholly embrace it.
Amy Clark
April 25, 2018 at 11:54 pmParis to me is the city where I feel most truly myself.
Rabia
April 25, 2018 at 11:24 pmTo me, Paris means culture, relaxation, and amazing desserts!
Sydney Greenwood
April 25, 2018 at 11:13 pmTo me, Paris is culture – food, fashion, art, & exploration.
Karin
April 25, 2018 at 10:36 pmTo me, Paris means beauty, joy, creativity, history and love. The best part is knowing there is always something new and wonderful to be discovered!
Caitlin
April 25, 2018 at 10:14 pmParis represents a dream; a place I’ve always wanted to go. It’s where good food and good company come together in a magical way.
Pierra
April 25, 2018 at 9:47 pmHi Brooke,
Just have to say firstly how much I love your blog! You first inspired me to take the leap and travel solo around Europe two years ago and I’ve since gone back and done it again! As soon as I plan a new holiday I always jump onto WOW and check out the archives- currently taking on all of the advice ahead of a trip to Bali next week and Japan later this year!
Now….
Paris to me is a place where every-where I read about as a child comes alive- from seeing Notre Dame in the flesh, to picnicking under the Eiffel Tower- it really is somewhere where childhood dreams come true.
Claudia Arici
April 25, 2018 at 9:38 pmParis is hidden galleries and walkways, it’s cheese and baguette, it’s white wine drunk along the Seine and it’s a picnic in the Jardins du Luxembourg
darja
April 25, 2018 at 9:24 pmParis means everything and nothing to me. Overcrowded, tourists, traffic, happiness, love and culture!
Julie Sailus
April 25, 2018 at 9:19 pmParis to me means love, art, fine wine and champagne, delicious desserts, French bread and cherry blossoms. Merci!
Zeynep Cansoylu
April 25, 2018 at 6:27 pmI’m never sure if Paris is real. I can’t grasp that we get to people-watch at cafes that are eternal and iconic. Also hosted Dali!
Julia
April 25, 2018 at 6:12 pmParis is the city I once returned to as an ‘obligation’ (boyfriend lives there). Now I return because I fell in love with every corner.
Hayley Copland
April 25, 2018 at 6:10 pmParis is Passionate, Artistic, Romantic, Iconic, Seductive, it means opening yourself up to the beauty all around.
Sanoobar Patel
April 25, 2018 at 5:51 pmParis is romance, excitement and elegance all rolled into one cute macaroon shaped package. I fell in love with the city the moment I set eyes on it.
Amro
April 25, 2018 at 5:47 pmEiffel,Louvre,Versailles,Arc de triumph,Notre-Dame, Champs elysees, Musee grevin, Disneyland, Zoo Du Jardin, Croissants, Camembert, Chocolate chaut, Channel, Louboutin,
Claire Shaw
April 25, 2018 at 5:30 pmTo me, it’s the view from the Eiffel tower, the Louvre, hot chocolate from Angelina’s and walking through the gardens on a summer’s day.
Marianne
April 25, 2018 at 5:08 pmParis for me is the city of light, love and life. A reminder and celebration of the beautiful things life has to offer! C’est magique! <3
xx
Einat basteker
April 25, 2018 at 4:22 pmfor me Paris is the best place for foodie like me, i love all the patisseries
and the best to see fashion, even on the streets
Brittany Simmons
April 25, 2018 at 3:03 pmParis is the Belle Époque. Degas, Monet, Hugo, Zola, Balzac— these are my French heroes that come back to life when I’m in Paris.
Kathy
April 25, 2018 at 2:38 pmTo me, Paris epitomizes culture, sophistication, history, and finesse.
Sheree Green-Molloy
April 25, 2018 at 1:44 pmStanding atop the Eiffel Tower soaking in sublime Paris below was a blissful validation that dreams do come true when remaining focused and vigilant.
Rachel en Route
April 25, 2018 at 1:41 pmParis is simplicity and sophistication; an all too perfect conundrum that I may never master. However, I shall continue to live as if I will.
Amanda
April 25, 2018 at 1:17 pmParis is historically elegant & rich with flavor because of the breathtaking landmarks & sweet taste of crêpes and macaroons. Paris est animé!!
Allie
April 25, 2018 at 11:08 amTo me, Paris means coming down with the flu and seeing kindness in action when forced to rely on the incredible generosity of strangers. 🙂
Amy
April 25, 2018 at 10:24 amIt was where i celebrated my 25th birthday with my sister! First time in Europe and absolutely magical.
Elizabeth
April 25, 2018 at 10:08 amParis: fully experiencing independence, inspiration, beauty, food, and language for the first time 🙂
Karlene Pietsch
April 25, 2018 at 10:08 amJazz, dinners at cafe’s, wine, history, incredible architecture.
Georgia McNaughton
April 25, 2018 at 10:00 amI’ve always thought of Paris as my spiritual home. It holds my dearest memories and no matter what, I always long to be in Paris.
Stalla
April 25, 2018 at 9:54 amParis to me means style, sophistication and culture.
Sj Dc
April 25, 2018 at 9:23 amas cliched as it may be, it’s the epitome of Je ne sais quoi..my time there was magical and brings a smile and an yearning always!
TheoChief
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Jovana Miljanovic
April 25, 2018 at 8:00 amParis is a place where streets smell like a fusion of croissants, flowers, and unique scents that comes from within people who live in it.
Viola Aurelia Wandana
April 25, 2018 at 7:17 amTo me, Paris is sassy, loud, crazy and silly. However, it is also mysterious with hidden secrets. Generally, it’s special with magical vibes.
Jennifer Reschke
April 25, 2018 at 7:07 amParis means enduring history to me, I have been there once briefly and would love to return to see the beauty of Versailles.
Lulu
April 25, 2018 at 6:59 amParis is the place that dreams are made of, the most beautiful city in the world.
Tahrer Khalil
April 25, 2018 at 6:45 amFor me Paris is like a dream that one cannot describe in words or even expressions and that only the heart can feel.
Emily Carrico
April 25, 2018 at 6:37 amPairs is a love affair of the old and the new. It’s a place to discover, to imagine–to dream in and dream of.
Dina
April 25, 2018 at 6:37 amParis for me is a place id Love to Explore more. Ive Been there as a Child and Never came back but would love to return ASAP
maria
April 25, 2018 at 6:35 amParis is everything from art, history, fashion, food, the most fabulous city, totally like no other!