Paris + Bordeaux

I recently spent 8 days in France with none other than my first true love, my mama. One week in two new cities is simply just not enough time to cover everything, but here are the things we loved and would recommend.

PARIS

TO DO / SEE:

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Dinner Cruise (departs near Eiffel Tower) – Probably the most cost-worthy thing we did the entire trip. You knock out lots of sights while cruising along the Seine River — and get to enjoy food and live music along the way! The boat is completely encased in glass so no obstructed views. The food is good too (I’d give it 9/10 — it’s a set menu at a fixed cost per person). We did this our first night and it was a great way to kick off our time in Paris!

Eiffel Tower – Duh, this has to go on the list! You can get tickets to climb to the top (need to get them far in advance) but honestly just picnicking around one of the parks near the base of the tower is a lovely (very Parisian-feeling) experience.

Arc de Triomphe / stroll down Champs-Elysees

The Louvre – My one pro tip for this would be to definitely get tickets in advance (you’ll have to choose a time slot, so will require a bit of planning!)

Montmartre – Home of the Sacre Cour, this was my favorite neighborhood in Paris by far! It’s up on a hill overlooking the entire city with an amazing view — plus there are artists and crepe stands lining the cobble stone streets…what more do you need? Pro tips: Take the little train (that’s exactly what it’s called) that departs right outside of Moulin Rouge —  it’s $6.50 EU per person roundtrip, takes you to the top of the hill, and makes the trip every hour or so. Once you get off the train and take in the beauty of La Basilique du Sacré Cœur, make your way to La Maison Rose, walk down Rue Cortot, and pop into the Musee de Montmarte.

Boutique shopping — couldn’t write about Paris and not mention the “s” word. Some of my faves: Polene (leather purses), Sezane (they have it all and their signature perfume is amazing), Medicine Douce (minimalist gold jewelry), Nouvel Amour (personalized jewelry), and Merci (Parisian concept store, great for knick knacks and souvenirs — they also have a library-feeling cafe that’s great for a break from all the walking).

Lido de Paris – Parisian cabaret — a little touristy feeling but worth it if you have the time and are looking for some good entertainment!

Luxembourg Gardens – Great for a nice Parisian stroll!

Rue des Chantres – One of the narrowest streets in the city and gives a true sense of medieval Paris!

TO EAT:

Bar Vendôme (2nd Arr) – A nice treat — this is a beautiful terrace inside the Ritz Carlton and in a very central area close to the Louvre. You can do afternoon tea here at a fixed cost per person with all the bells and whistles (on the pricier side but worth it if you’re looking for a splurge/fancy experience – you get lots of food for what you pay!)

Chez L’Ami Jean (Left Bank) – Very traditional French restaurant in a really cutesy Parisian neighborhood. Great service and the entire menu is in French but the waiters speak great English and will make good recommendations. Pro tip: Get the beef stew (priced for 2) and rice pudding — this was one of my favorite meals the entire trip. I’d recommend making reservations beforehand.

Holybelly (9th Arr) – Amazing breakfast — there will likely be a line but it’s worth it and moves quickly! We showed up at 9:30am and waited about 25 minutes.

Telescope (2nd Arr) – We stopped in here for coffee and banana bread one morning (so simple but so freaking good!)

Radio days (10th Arr) – Good for coffee and light breakfast (pastries and that sorta thing!)

Ellsworth (2nd Arr) – Great for a nice dinner, but you’ll need to make reservations in advance!

Verjus Wine Bar (2nd Arr) – Cute little wine bar in the basement of Verjus, which is another good restaurant (we paired Ellsworth and Verjus Wine Bar in the same night since it’s all on the same street).

Loulou (2nd Arr) – Great for a bougie lunch right in the middle of Tuileries Garden (next to the Louvre Museum). If the weather is nice, sit on the terrace!

Alain Ducasse – Amazing chocolate! They have a few locations around Paris and the packaging is super cute.

Relais de L’Entrecote (Left Bank) – They just serve steak frites and it is tasty (opens at noon — might be a good idea to get there 15 mins before opening to avoid a long line).

TO STAY:

Hotel Saint Marc – This is a boutique hotel where we stayed the first half our trip and it was 5/5 stars, personally! Concierge was super on top of it and while the rooms were small, the hotel had a very homey feel and everything we needed. Sauna/dipping pool are a plus!

---

BORDEAUX

Our trip to Bordeaux was quick (2 nights and a 2 hour train ride from Paris). We stayed about 20 minutes outside of the city so if you’re planning a side trip to Bordeaux while in France, here’s a quick rundown of some things worth checking out.

Les Sources des Caudalie (Châteaux du Thil) – Amazing resort (and spa!) about 20 minutes outside of Bordeaux. We stayed in a Chateaux about a 5 minute bike ride, but still associated with the resort, where you get access to the amenities.

La Table Du Lavoir  – Great restaurant featuring traditional french cuisine on the Les Sources des Caudalie grounds.

St Emilion Wine Tasting Tour  – A great way to knock out a few wineries (and learn some fun facts along the way) during a 5 hour tour. Our guide was great and the wine regions around Bordeaux are beautiful!

Le Miroir d’eau – Flat area right in front of the palace (Place de la Bourse) filled with water to give you the perfect reflection of the building and the sky) – I’d recommend doing this first thing in the morning or late at night, otherwise it’s pretty crowded and hard to get the money shot you go there for in the first place.

Rue Saint Catherine – The longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. It runs from the Grand Théâtre on Place de la Comédie to the Thermier Column on Place de la Victorie.

Frida – If you want to switch up your cuisine, Frida is an awesome little Italian spot with a really cute outdoor terrace.

Until next time!

-D