Coffee at the Musée du Louvre

While I was in Paris, I had a free morning while my friend Anne was at work. I always visit at least one museum each time I’m in Paris, and hadn’t been to the Louvre in years, so that seemed like the obvious choice. If you’ve ever been yourself, you’ll know that the Louvre is so vast that is is impossible to cover in one trip – you could spend an entire day there and still not cover every section. This time I decided to properly explore the magnificent golden Galerie D’Apollon, the Roman antiquities, and the beautiful American, French, Italian paintings of the Denon wing as I’d only previously rushed through it on my way to see the Mona Lisa. And although this was my third visit, there are still entire wings I’m yet to explore properly – but of course that’s half the fun (and another excuse to return, if you ask me).

Wearing: Zimmermann dress // J.Crew jacket // Chanel bag // Salvatore Ferragamo shoes // Tom Ford sunglasses

Afterwards, I had to do a couple of hours of work (I might have taken a vacation for a few days, but my clients did not), so headed to Cafe Marly where I could sit outside and enjoy the gorgeous view while I worked. As far as places to stop for a coffee go, this must be one of my favourite spots in the world. It is admittedly a bit overpriced so I’ve never had a proper meal here, but the French pastries and coffee are always good, you can always get a table outside (they have heaters in the winter so it’s lovely year-round), and it comes with the most fantastic vantage point overlooking the pyramids in the courtyard of the Louvre. As I sat there for a few hours with my laptop, a mille feuille (which I polished off long before these photos could be taken), a newspaper (I’m trying desperately to improve my French which I seem to have all but forgotten since university) and the handsome resident cat, Richelieu, sunbathing on the wall right beside me, I had one of the moments where I realised how lucky I was.

It’s almost a year ago to the day that I took a leap of faith and walked away from a successful career in politics to try a new path. But it’s moments like this that make me so grateful I did. The fact that I can design my perfect day in Paris and call it work, is not something I will ever take for granted so long as I’m fortunate enough to be able to do this. Because everything’s better in Paris…

Wearing: Zimmermann dress (sold out but similar style here + here) // J.Crew jacket (past season, but similar style here + here) // Chanel bag (similar style here) // Salvatore Ferragamo shoes // Tom Ford sunglasses // Chanel brooch // J.Crew earrings + bracelet // Daisy ring c/- (also available in silver) // Missoma necklace (less expensive version here)

Love, Briony xx

Photos by Hana Lê Van