When I think of a quick break from the hustle and bustle of London, I think Paris. Paris has always been my number one go to when I don’t want to travel anywhere too far, but just need 48 hours of ‘me time’. Not to mention, the city is filled with the best pastries, the finest designers and the most opulent alfresco dining restaurants, what’s there not to love?
I’m sharing my top tips of where to go and what to do on a quick weekend trip to Paris.
1. Breakfast at Angelina
There is no doubt that everyone has heard of the famous hot chocolate in Paris. Angelina is known for its glorious, silky goodness. Avoid the crowds, go there early and enjoy a relaxed breakfast over hot chocolates, fresh juice and fresh buttery pastries.
2. Lunch at a classic French bistro
Have lunch at one of Paris’ true French bistros. Most of them will have some alfresco dining too, which is perfect for the warmer weather. Order some french wine, soak up the rays and enjoy some steak and frites. I went back to Les Marches, a bistro my sister and I found almost three years ago. All those years I wanted to try it again every time I went back, but never found the time. I made a point of going on this trip and it was everything was back then, with the same amazing food.
3. Visit the Eiffel Tower
You cannot make a trip to Paris and not visit the Eiffel Tower, no matter how many times you have visited. The beautiful, iconic building, made with metal should be something that isn’t so pleasant to look at. However, I think it’s the most beautiful sight in Paris.
4. Commemorate at Arc de Triomphe
When I think of the Arc de Triomphe, I think of it being a special monument. It was built to honour the fact that Paris was invincible, also it is the burial ground of a solider from the World War I. I always pay my respects when visiting Paris. Champs-Élysées also sits just behind the arc, filled with all the designer shops you could ever want. From Cartier to Chanel, from Louis Vuitton to Prada – it’s a little peace of heaven.
5. Macaron tasting at Pierre Hermé, Paris
It’s a tried and known fact that Pierre Hermé make the best macarons in Paris. I know many would spend hours queuing up outside Ladurée for their macaron fix, but try Pierre Hermé’s and you’ll never go back. Binny and I even did a taste test with the ones that were left as amenities in our hotel room, but once again Pierre’s won.
6. Lux-it-out dinner
I’m all for dining at Parisian bistros, but when there is so many delicious fine-dining restaurants in Paris, it would be too rude not to. On our latest trip, Le Meurice was the choice of location for our ‘lux-it-out’ dinner. However, there are hundreds more to choose from.
7. Sit by the the Parisian fountains
When the sun is shining and the fountains are in full swing, take advantage of the chairs available to perch on around the Jardin des Tuileries fountains. Take some time out of all the sight seeing and just take in the fresh Parisian air and the gorgeous surroundings. Take a book, grab your headphones and enjoy the warmth.
8. See the Museé du Louvre
The Museé du Louvre is one of my favourite buildings architecturally. The pyramid shape gives off a sense of opulence in the heart of the city, but you couldn’t initially tell it is a multi-section museum too. It is also home to the famous Mona Lisa painting that attracts many visitors to the museum each year.
9. Spot the famous Parisian artwork
There is a first for everything. I had never seen Daniel Buren’s striped column artwork or the famous jewel covered entrance to the local metro station, but that’s why I love going back to my favourite cities to discover things I hadn’t before.
10. Visit the rose garden at Jardin des Tuileries
If Paris isn’t already a romantic city in itself, it just got that whole lot more passionate. The rose garden at Jardin des Tuileries is just wonderful. There is nothing quite like a stroll around whilst smelling the strong scent of blooming roses from every direction.
11. Watch the Parisian talent busk
Whilst we were exploring at around the Notre-Dame area, we came across Pont Saint-Louis, where many buskers were taking in turns to put on a musical or theatrical performances. We sat on the side walk for almost 45 minutes just listening to this talented musician play some iconic and unique pieces on his piano.
12. Drink all the champagne and French wine
When you’re in France, you’re in country of where champagne was born. Therefore, you must owe it to the French and consume copious amounts of the golden poison they produce, for our pleasure and taste. Cheers!
13. Relive your childhood at the Notre-Dame
Visiting the Notre-Dame is another of my favourite things to do in Paris. Every time I see it, I relive my childhood of watching the hunchback of Notre-Dame. It looks even more spectacular when the flowers are in bloom too.
What are your favourite things to do in Paris?
Until next time…
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