Paris

Parisian Food

You can’t go to Paris and not talk food, on our first night we stumbled on a lovely Michelin Star restaurant. We failed to plan ahead and make reservations, which is highly recommended in Europe. Flying in only hours before did not allow time to plan ahead. We were lucky to be granted the last two seats at the bar.

If you want to experience true hospitality, go to Paris, despite not having reservations we were graciously greeted. Our server at the bar was a young lady with a lyrical french accent, immediately providing warm, rustic bread and butter. The atmosphere was enchanting, a mix of families, couples, friends, and tourists provided us with our first Parisian dining experience.

As we were settling in, the couple next to us were diving into the most devine smelling dish, my mouth was watering. Inquiring about their meals we were told they had only one more serving, again, fortune smiled on us. The bartender selected a lovely burgundy that paired so beautifully with my beef cheek stew, a culinary delight.

Explore Paris on Foot

We walked our delicious meals off strolling hand in hand, simply enjoying the lights and sounds of this magical city. At night the Eiffel Tower is aglow like a torch, and like a beacon called to us. We walked through the crowds, the peddlers, and musicians finding a bench on the perimeter. There we sat feeling the magic of the holiday season in Paris.

Early Christmas morning we set out on our first day of exploration. As we walked, we enjoyed delicious coffee and pastries from a small bakery. Our destination was the Arc de Triomphe situated at one end of the famous Champs-Elysees, a shoppers paradise.

You can’t walk directly across the street to the Arc de Triomphe, rather you journey below street level through a tunnel. Above you is the famous roundabout, 10 lanes of unmarked insanity. The image below does not capture the enormity of the road or structure, impressive to be sure.

Delights

In Paris you will find no end to the delightful places to explore, from shopping, museums, to the River Seine. Be sure to stop by Pierre Herme’, for delicious macaron perfection. Stop and sip chocolate at the base of the Notre Dame cathedral. From there you might find yourself at the most delightful markets, where locals sell cheeses, smoked meats, jewelry, and crafts.

On our last night in Paris my husband surprised me with a romantic dinner cruise on the River Seine. We enjoyed course after course of Parisian cuisine, elegantly paired with champagne and wine. As we floated down the river, I could think of no better way to end our trip.

Travel Tips

When traveling to a city like Paris or Rome I recommend you splurge and book a boutique hotel. Sounds pricey, but I promise, you can find wonderful budget options, you won’t regret it. Our hotel was quiet, the room well appointed, conveniently located, and of course the finest hospitality.

We booked our European trip through an online service, Tripmasters. Having never been to Europe we used their service simply because we were novices. They provided many options, including boutique hotels, airline seat upgrades, and private car transfers. I only used the service this one time, but everything was delivered as promised without issue. Now when I book a trip, I use them to compare pricing, and for trip itinerary inspiration.

I hope to return to Paris again, eat fresh pastries while sipping on coffee. To see the Louvre where the famous Mona Lisa resides (plan ahead as the lines are atrocious). Of all the places we’ve had the fortune to visit, Paris remains one of my most favorite. Where is a place that you felt deeply connected to? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.