YAS' GUIDE TO PARIS
What’s not to love about Paris?!? The city of lights, love and so much good food. I am getting major withdrawals as I type this. We ate our way through the city and did all the touristy things, but in the midst of it all, we found a few gems. Happy to share so you can hit up these spots during your next trip.
Living my BEST Parisian life.
Lets get down to business and give you the good stuff - what to eat, what to do and where to stay!
My special birthday dinner.
WHERE TO EAT:
Cafe de L’Empire - the BEST french onion soup and chicken with mashed potatoes in a little hole in the wall bistro. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and insanely moist on the inside. We legit went here 2 days in a row because it was SO good.
Allard - If you’re looking for a well establish and fancier spot that has been written about over the years, check out Allard. I recommend making a reservation well in advance since it does book up.
Cafe de Flore - If you want to channel your inner Earnest Hemmingway or Truman Capote, or possibly run into Jane Fonda, then don’t pass up a meal at Cafe de Flore. This restaurant is touristy, but great people watching over some coffee and a croissant. Love this spot.
WHAT TO DO:
SIGHTSEEING:
EIFFEL TOWER - It’s historic, epic and insanely breathtaking. If you go, I strongly recommend purchasing tickets to the top ahead of time so you don’t have to wait in line for hours. I also recommend seeing it at night when the lights are on. Or, if you’re afraid of heights, grab a fresh baguette some cheese and salami and have a romantic picnic by the tower.
ARC DE TRIOMPHE - I have never gone to the top, but it’s still epic to see and next to the best shopping in Paris. A can’t miss.
SHOPPING: I mean there is SO much great shopping in Paris.
CELINE - My favorite store and has become a that I get a bag every-time I visit Paris. BONUS: we get a 30% tax discount if you buy purses in Europe, so you better believe I take full advantage.
ASSOULINE - a great book store to visit.
BARTHELEMY - the BEST cheese shop in town.
When in Paris…;)
Such a great book store in the city.
Legit the BEST cheese shop in Paris.
MUSEUMS:
THE LOURVE MUSEUM is a MUST for obvious reasons. Get your tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines.
PICASSO MUSEUM - I don’t really recommend unless you love Picasso. The museum is small but filled with some of his most famous art.
Picasso Museum
LOCKS OF LOVE:
I am sad that Paris got rid of the original bridge where people put a lock of love for good luck. However, it didn’t stop people from continuing the tradition on a new bridge. We ended up buying locks at a local hardware store, not realizing there were people selling them at the bridge when we arrived.
Because we are cheesy.
NOTRE DAM:
I went in the church and said a prayer. We were fortunate to be able to go before it burned down, but I know they are restoring it. It’s a stunning church that dating back to the 1100’s.
TAKE A BAKING CLASS:
Jason surprised me with a baking class at LA CUISINE PARIS where we learned how to bake traditional Parisian pastries. I. Was. In. Heaven! Such a fun date! Highly recommend it. BONUS: You get to take your pastries with you - I think I consumed like 5 pounds of butter. :)
Yep, we made it ALL and ate it ALL!
The Palace of Luxembourg is a masterpiece of architecture and the gardens are exquisite. Fountains, gardens and enormous hedgerows for days. Admission is free to walk around the gardens but you have to purchase tickets to the palace.
GO FOR A WALK:
Where do I begin, every corner of Paris has its charms. From the delicious smell of fresh baguettes and amazing cheese shops to the sound of violinists on the streets, you just let the sights and smells lead the way.
Be sure to also check out all the gorgeous doors in Paris. I have an obsession and I’ve to say, I think I took 100 pictures of the doors and can potentially make a coffee table out of it.
WHERE TO STAY:
We stayed in St. Germain and loved it. It’s located in the heart of Paris filled with lots of great eateries, hotels and endless array of shops. There is a Patisserie on every corner and you can easily get around by riding a bike, taking taxis or Uber, or jumping on the metro.
HOTEL MONTALEMBERT is a 5 star luxury boutique in the center of Left Bank. We loved our stay here. It’s a moderately priced hotel with the great location. Super clean, great service and conveniently located to all the shops and restaurants of St. Germain.
No matter what time of year you go to Paris, or what part you are staying in, I highly recommend it you visit at least once in your life. It’s such a magical place.
Have a wonderful time. Au revoir!