Today was perhaps the coldest day on the planet, ever. I swear I’m not exaggerating. At just one degree, I realise it’s not the actual coldest day on the planet ever, but it sure felt like it and as soon as I can feel my fingers and toes again, I’ll be sure to look it up on Google.

But if you have to be cold, is there really anywhere better to be than Paris? A quick look in a shop or a cheeky mid afternoon vin rouge is sure to warm you up – as it did us today!!

I spent the best part of the day indoors, in a tee shirt and shorts no less(!) working on a few bits and pieces I wanted to spend some time on. Our productivity levels were high as we munched through a divine raspberry and cashew meringue purchased from the patisserie downstairs from our apartment and by 1pm, we felt it was time for wine.

With plans to visit the Eiffel Tower today, Sarah and I rugged up and headed out at 3.30pm, strolling to the landmark with gloves and scarves firmly in place. Last time I was in Paris, in April 2011, my Eiffel Tower visit was bathed in sunshine and the area was teaming with tourists. Today, however, while the Eiffel Tower is mid construction, the tourist numbers were at a minimum and while the sky was blue, there wasn’t any warmth to be found.

Pic ops quickly taken care of, we were keen to head home. It truly was icy outside. I don’t know how the Parisian girls were walking around with skirts and sheer stockings on but I commend their bravery. I was freezing, so what better excuse than to duck into a cafe out of the cold – I now know why everyone in Paris drinks so much. It’s to keep warm!

We enjoyed the best creme brulee I have perhaps ever had, with wine of course, then set back out on the path we thought was the direction of home.

But without the Eiffel Tower in our line of sight, a few turns off the main roads to duck into quirky looking boutiques and before we knew it, we couldn’t find the street on the map and it was starting to get dark (and colder!) Checking the map as we came to each intersection didn’t seem to be helping – I’m not good with maps to start with (Yes, I turn them upside down to understand better) and Sarah had no idea which way was home. We were lost.

But if you have to be lost, is there really anywhere better to be than Paris? (Until you realise that all the buildings look the same?) Finally recognising a florist we had seen before and then quickly righting the direction we were meant to be walking in, we arrived back at our apartment three hours after departing – just soon enough I think!

Tonight I am grateful to be rugged up inside, where we are about to eat a truckload of cheese, bread, salmon and prosciutto – and wine, of course.