Sure, this isn’t my first post about Paris or my second time visiting. I fall in love with this magical city every time I step foot on its uniform streets. Can you blame me?
This trip was something special. It kicked off a nearly-three-week trip for Alex and I, and taking him to some of my favourite places combined with experiencing new spots together was dreamy and adventurous. I turned off my email notifications, only dealt with real issues via text, and we actually went off the grid. (With the exception of Instagram stories, of course.)
After a total kerfuffle at YVR and the customs line from hell at CDG, we arrived at our destination six hours behind schedule. We booked the cutest boutique hotel Hôtel Eiffel Turenne which was stylish, perfectly located, and although the rooms were tres petit it was perfect.
Breezing through Paris in just two days was going to be a feat, but we were up for the challenge. Thank goodness Lime scooters were available everywhere. We were able to bomb to the Eiffel Tower and down the Champs-Élysées with plenty of time to clean ourselves up for dinner. However, the cobblestones make for a bumpy ride.
Where to eat:
Night one we joined friends at the restaurant in Hôtel Costes, a Paris staple. Last time I was there I saw the youngest Hadid brother dining in his hotel robe, so I was a touch disappointed that everyone was dressed appropriately this time. Alas, dinner and cocktails were great and the room is always fabulously ornate.
Lunch in the garden outside of the Louvre is one of my favourite things on the whole entire planet. Don’t get stuck in a tourist trap, be sure to book a table at Loulou. You can eat as light or hearty as you’d like, and the setting is so serene. A little day drunk makes the day that much more romantic, but be careful on your Lime scooter after. I found that out the hard way while trying to film an Instagram story. Whoops.
A Parisien friend recommended Balagan to me, and it shot to the top of my list for meals eaten all vacation. The food was Israeli and so simple, with many fresh herbs to brighten up each dish. We doubled down on the pretzel-salted bread that was brushed with garlic oil — highly recommended.
Bummed we didn’t have a chance to check out L’entrecôte for steak frites, since it came recommended by so many people. Guess we’ll just have to go back!
Where to cocktail:
Avoid the Eiffel Tower mayhem by grabbing drinks at Girafe. You’ll get unobstructed pics sans tourists photobombing you, all the while sipping an espresso martini to help the creative process.
There are so many gorgeous hotels with cocktail bars worth checking out. We popped into George V for a nightcap, and it was the perfect end to our evening.
The checklist:
Not one for fine art, Alex was happy to skip the Louvre to meet up with friends who’d arrived in town. I had the tour of a lifetime on a previous trip, and would highly encourage you to spend a day getting lost in the works. One of the nearby bridges crossing the Seine, the Pont des Arts, is the infamous “lock bridge”. And, although they’ve banned the locking we joined in. I felt guilty later for weighing down the bridge and essentially graffitiing the city. Oops. At least the moment was cute. #lockeddown
A stroll down the Champs Elysees is a must, even though it’s not quite as romantic as the song, and extremely bustling with the Apple and Disney stores expected by a main shopping route.
Be sure to take in the coffee culture. To be honest, I’m not sure how you’d miss it. There isn’t much I love more in this world than posting up on a sidewalk seat and sharing a tiny table with someone I love.
