If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter you may have seen that I was in Paris last week. And when I say ‘may have’, I really you ‘must have’ because I couldn’t stop talking about it!! (Sorry about that).

For two magical days last week I whisked off to the French capital with brand Honor for the launch of their new smartphone – Honor 8. This trip was extra exciting for me as it marked my very first press trip abroad, and my first time on the Eurostar! As I waiting in the departure lounge at St Pancras I was happy to find some familiar faces in Emma and Van Anh. Together we boarded the Eurostar and made our way to Paris. As we left Gare du Nord and made our way by coach to our hotel, we soon realised just how special the evening was going to be. We each had a double room booked at the Pullman Hotel Tour Eiffel, located just a 4 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. If you watched my Instagram story you will have seen that I was able to watch the Eiffel Tower light up at 11pm in all its sparkling glory, right from my hotel window! I have never stayed anywhere so breath taking before. The views, the service and the food were exceptional. I really can’t recommend this hotel highly enough. I feel very, very lucky to have stayed there for the night.

As we freshened up and changing into evening attire and made our way to the event, it was soon clear that the night was set to get even better! Similarly to that of the Pullman, the Honor 8 launch was located at Piscine Molitor – an art deco inspired hotel and outdoor pool dating back to 1929. I had previously Googled the hotel to have a look beforehand, but nothing could’ve prepared me for just how beautiful the space was in person. The bright blue swimming pool is offset perfectly against a white and yellow backdrop, with retro dark blue changing room doors dotted around the first floor. Here we sipped on champagne and took photos whilst we waited for the main event to start inside.

The presentation and launch party inside was equally as spectacular with a large mirrored ceiling that reflected the beautiful blue lighting. As the brand’s president and vice president showed us the beauty of the new Honor 8 smartphone, and it’s fantastic functionality, we were mesmerized by the lighting, film and music that accompanied the presentation. French singer and actress Louane Emera closed the show with a beautiful rendition of some of her chart topping hits.

We were then able to step back outside and experiment with the Honor 8, taking photos of the event, before taking one home to enjoy further. With its sleek design, beautiful shape and stunning colour, it’s most definitely a phone for the blogger!

Although the party felt like a dream to be a part of, it was soon time to head back to our hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest after a full day of fun. In the morning I was more than happy to wake up early as breakfast was calling and I was excited to see what the Pullman Hotel had to offer. I was greeted with waffles, croissants, pancakes, all kinds of fruits, cereal, preserves, meats and cheeses. Plus hot food for the English in us. Waitresses kept us topped up with fresh coffee and I thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful. I just wish I could’ve squeezed in more. It was all too good to resist!

As most of the guests departed the hotel and we all went our separate ways, I embarked on a day exploring the city on my own! This is the first time I’ve travelled anywhere alone before. Well, I did fly to Australia on my own and of course spent days there by myself when I lived there. But that’s an English speaking country and fairly easy to navigate. Although I’d visited Paris many times before I was anxious to see how my day was going to pan out. I needn’t have been though! All worries drifted away as I wandered from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs Elysees towards the Louvre and finally on to Notre Dame. It was a rather hot day in Paris, with the temperature reaching 36 degrees. As it got a little too hot for me, I took respite in the many shops that adorn central Paris, including my favourite Laduree. I know we have plenty of Ladurees in England now but nothing compares to visiting one in Paris. After lunch I made my way back to the hotel where I picked up my luggage and headed towards Gare du Nord to get my train home.

On the way back to London I had to take a moment and pinch myself! What a wonderful way to spend a couple of days mid-week. I really can’t believe I had this fantastic opportunity and I’m so grateful to each and every one of you who takes the time to read and follow my blog. Without you this wouldn’t have been possible!