Guide to Paris

Bonjour! Dave and I spent a week in Paris in June 2018. We were excited to immerse ourselves in French culture, see some of the world’s most stunning architecture, and of course, stuff our faces with croissants! While one week is not nearly enough time to even make a dent in the city, we felt like we at least made a pretty sizable wrinkle. Our itinerary was loosely structured; we would see the major sights by day, and wander the streets aimlessly by night. We put together this guide to share some of our favorite sights and restaurants, along with where we stayed in the city of lights.




CLAUS | Our favorite breakfast spot. Delicious scones, perfectly cooked eggs, friendly service, no crowds. We felt like locals, immersed in french conversations and business meetings.

TEN BELLES | We bounced from one coffee shop to another while walking along the canals, and just loved the overall feeling this one had. It was hip & cool without trying. Plus the coffee and pastries were just delicious.

ELLSWORTH | Best fried chicken ever. Leave it to us to come to the country of cheese & baguettes, and find classic southern food! It was paired perfectly with house made pickles and a herb-buttermilk dipping sauce. Pro tip: Make reservations. We were lucky enough to snag a couple stools at the bar right when it opened.

LA FONTAINE DE MARS | Everything about this restaurant is phenomenal. Incredible food – flavorful french classics and the best dessert we’ve ever had. To this day I still dream about their dark chocolate mousse – it was like eating a chocolate cloud. Amazing service – without even asking, they moved us inside as soon as an older gentleman started smoking an extremely stinky cigar. Fun atmosphere – pretty tile floor, red and white checkered tablecloth, just overall a great space to relax and enjoy the evening.

PIERRE HERMÉ | Couldn’t leave macarons off the list. While we tried quite a few places, we were drawn to their energetic boutiques and unique flavors. And no matter what time of day we stopped by, their macarons always tasted fresh.

BERTHILLON | Amazing ice cream. It’s hard to put into words how good it was. Creamy, rich, just perfect. I actually got ice cream on my shirt trying to scrape out every last bit from my bowl. Our one regret from the trip is only eating here once. Pro tip: If you don’t want to feel like a dumb tourist, don’t ask for samples. Apparently they don’t do that.






LOUVRE | It was so surreal seeing the art pieces we learned about in school. I probably stood in front of the Mona Lisa for 15 minutes in disbelief that the actual painting was just feet away from me. And while the main attractions are impressive (Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, French crown jewels), but be sure to get off the beaten path and see the less frequented sights. One of our favorites was the ruins in the basement; embedded in the wall are remnants of the original 12th century fortress. Pro tip: Have a game plan of what you want to see before visiting. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the museum’s massive size. 

MONTMARTRE | This charming hilltop district is a fascinating place to wander. Dave and I instantly fell in love with its intriguing staircases and cobblestone streets. There are plazas full of artists keeping cool underneath a sea of umbrellas. The plants and thick vines are as much of a resident of the neighborhood as the people. And the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur towers over the hill, with each step offering an expansive view of the city.  

CANAL SAINT-MARTIN | This was one of our favorite neighborhoods. It gave us a break from the tourists, and having a coffee shop on every corner didn’t hurt either. The canals are quiet and picturesque, yet a little rough around the edges. Cafés line the waterway with graffiti-covered footbridges connecting each side. We loved strolling through the intermittent parks, and watching the locks adjust the water levels for drifting boats navigating to the Seine River. 

NOTRE DAME | Blew us away the second we saw it. Everything from the architecture to its grandiose interior. And because it’s still an active church, visitors are asked to observe in silence – which makes the experience even more special. 

MUSÉE D’ORSAY | We couldn’t decide on what to look at, the art or the building. The former railroad station built around 1900 is now a stunning art nouveau showpiece, displaying France’s most famous collection of impressionist art.






LE WALT HOTEL
For our first trip to Paris, I really wanted a view of the Eiffel Tower from our room. I stumbled upon Le Walt, and after reading one positive review after another, we booked it. Our bedroom was cozy, the bathroom was spacious and modern. Both rooms had floor to ceiling windows that opened up to the street and an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower. Each day we looked forward to sitting on our bed, and watching the tower sparkle during its hourly light shows.