The Return of The Travel Bug: Paris, France
It had been over two years since I went to a different country (unless Cabo San Lucas, MX counts…). Having something you are so passionate about (traveling) get stripped away from you is indescribable. Thanks to Netflix, I binge watched Emily in Paris during COVID. For those of you who don’t know me, I hardly watch TV, so the fact I watched this show all in a day more or less says a lot.
I never had the desire to travel to Paris. I always thought the French would be rude since I didn’t speak it and I would say to people “the Eiffel tower isn’t going anywhere, so I am only going to adventurous places.” Little did I know I would fall in love with Paris and I was very wrong about the city and the people. I spent a week in Paris, France, and feel like I could’ve spent a lifetime. The food, the people, the shopping, the architecture… I don’t even know where to begin. Here’s a snapshot of my highlights and some recommendations if you ever plan to go!
I went to Paris in search of Alfie (sexiest main character in Emily in Paris – who I actually did run into IRL at Hotel Costes and freaked out), but since he was busy with Paris Fashion Week, I landed on searching for the best croissant. Stop by La Maison d’Isabelle if you want a buttery flakey croissant that has been voted on of the best multiple years in a row.
Next up on the dessert train…ice cream. In the heat of summer, theres only one way to cool down since cold brew isn’t a thing and Berthillon did not disappoint. I tried pineapple basil gelato and needless to say I was riding high.
Since I found my way into all the patisseries, walking around and sightseeing was a must so that I didn’t return to the US looking like a croissant…and lets be real, Paris has no shortage of sights to see.
There are some sights that I think you should do a tour and some that I think you can gaze in awe from the outside. I went up both the Eiffel Tower (equivalent of Times Square SOS!) and Arc de Triomphe. I think you can skip a tour, and in the case of the Eiffel Tower, head to Champs de Mars for a picnic or Trocadero Gardens. Bring a blanket, baguette, champagne and voila! Also, potential unpopular opinion but I enjoyed walking/biking/drinking along the Seine rather than the river cruise on it!
Also, ICYMI, the Notre Dame cathedral is under reconstruction since there was a fire in 2019 that broke out and unfortunately it wont reopen until 2024 when the Olympics are in Paris. But, nevertheless another beautiful site to walk around and right next to it is Saint Chappelle, which is a Ornate, 13th-century, Gothic chapel with amazing stained-glass windows of biblical scenes. This one is worth a quick trip inside to see the stories along the stained glass windows.
A quick 15 minute walk away from the Notre Dame Cathedral are the Luxembourg Gardens which are stunning and full or both locals and tourists. There are chairs and benches around to take a load off your feet from walking around. One of my favorite spots I went in Paris – the greenery really is something else.
If you are planning to go to the Louvre, I recommend a small private tour. The museum is massive and I promise you there is more to see than the Mona Lisa in there. It’s the most visited art museum in the world, and having a guide to point out various paintings, sculptures and educate you on the history of the Lourve is fascinating and worth it. P.S. seeing the Mona Lisa feels like you’re at a mini Coachella…so mentally prepare yourself!
As for other things to do, well that involves walking and shopping! Hit up Le Merais (shopping), Montmartre (top hit but skip La Maison Rose), Marché aux Enfants Rouge (biggest closed market), Saint Germain, Champs de Elysee, Seine River, Avenue Montaigne (Shopping – don’t miss Dior), and Rue Saint-Honore (Shopping). If you are going to do some designer shopping – make an appointment with the store since there are usually lines and definitely bring your passport otherwise they wont give you the VAT refund slip.
Now, when it comes to food, there are actually endless options in Paris…after all, the Michelin star did originate in France in 1926. The last time I checked, there were over 115 Michelin star restaurants in Paris ALONE in 2020. That’s a lot of amazing food options.
Food recommendations (where do I start…)
Le Christine (great tasting menu)
Ober Momma or Pink Momma (pizza up to par with NYC)
Contraste (lunch tasting menu – great décor)
Korus (one of my favorite tasting menus)
L’Avenue (amazing people watching post shopping)
LouLou (next to the Lourve – great for lunch)
L'As du Fallafe (Bomb Israeli food in Le Marais)
Café de Flore (café)
Les Deux Magots (café)
Francois Felix (one of my fave café/dinner spots with live music)
Café Antonia (beautiful hotel with high tea – do not miss)
Chez Alain Miam Miam (DO NOT MISS - best sandwich ever and worth the wait)
I have more recommendations – if you have a specific ask let me know and I can help!
Bars/Drinks:
Hotel Costes
Le Bar
Little Red Door
Candeleria
No Entry
Bisou.
Cheval Blanc (Rooftop)
Hotel Plaza Athenee
Le Duc des Lombards
Tips:
Bike or Scooter around – it was one of the most efficient and prettiest ways to see the city
Download ‘FreeNow’ if you want a cab/uber – it’s better and faster
Buy designer stuff in Paris – the Euro to USD is almost 1:1 and you can get a VAT refund
Watch your belongings
Make reservations
Buy Skip the line tickets
Wear deodorant