Paris & Brussels 2013

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After shooting Ashlee & Dave’s amazing Paris wedding back in November, Elena and I travelled to Brussels, Belgium, for a mini vacation. While we love Paris, both of us had already been in the past, and we decided to take the opportunity to explore someplace new. Since Brussels is only one hour thanks to the awesomely fast TGV, we figured it’d be perfect!

Needless to say, I was psyched to drink every Belgian beer that I could, and I made it through most of my list: Duvel, Orval, Chimay, Westmalle, Affligem, Kwak, Mort Subite, La Chouffe, Kriek, Maredsous, Leffe, Grimbergen, and Rochefort… Our home base, Hotel Saint-Géry, was a stone’s throw from four awesome pubs (Café des Halles, Le Zebra, Le Roi des Belges & Mappa Mundo) and just a couple blocks from the city center and the Grand Place — in short, the perfect location.

What I loved most about Brussels was the combination of truly old and truly modern. From 300 year-old taverns like Au Bon Vieux Temps to city symbols like the Atomium (built for the 1958 World’s Fair) to the European Parliament, old and new just existed together effortlessly. There’s just something so cool about visiting the Town Hall (Hotel de Ville), which dates back to the 13th century, and then speaking French with the owner of a Greek diner around the corner.

Of course, since Elena and I had a little free time in Paris, we didn’t miss the chance to explore some new areas there, as well. We were even able to check off an amazing foodie spot from my Foursquare list: Le Dauphin in the 11th. Throw in some late night drinks and a stroll by Notre Dame and you’ve got quite the wrap up for an unforgettable trip!

Here are my favorite shots of Paris and Brussels from this trip — enjoy!

Paris

Brussels