A few of our favorite things about our family trip to Paris
Happy New Year! Here’s to good health, more good news, and big love in 2023!
We ended 2022 with a bang. Our family went on a very special trip to Paris for Christmas break. It was magical to be there over Christmas. The Christmas markets in Paris are not to be missed. This was our kids’ first time being in Europe, and I know they will always remember this trip. First up, our flight tips for the flight over to Paris: eye masks and melatonin are your BFFs on the flight as well as CARRY ON LUGGAGE. Trust me, you can do carry-on!
Speaking of packing, comfortable shoes are a must. Paris is all about walking. We did an average of 20k steps per day!
Be ready for the weather. Snow, rain, etc., depending on the time of year. Layers are the way to go when you are packing!
On the trip, be flexible because plans change quickly.
Also do not overschedule. You will want time to explore. Every single neighborhood (called “arrondissements”) is full of charm and great things to see. The French also like to slow down. They do not rush through a drink or a meal, ever.
Drinking coffee standing up at the bar in the neighborhood cafes is what the locals do. We tried this and loved it!
Parisians drink champagne all day and all night. Great drink of choice when you go! Cheers.
Most people in Paris speak English, but they always appreciate it when you try to speak French with them so give it a try. It makes them happy.
We stayed at The Westin in the Place Vendôme. This hotel is perfect if you’re traveling with children, and if you want adjoining rooms. Most hotels in Paris do not have adjoining rooms, and this is the setup we wanted. The second room is half-price as well, so it’s worth it. Great location too!
Now here is a random list we put together of our favorite things to do and see in Paris in no particular order.
Charlie’s favorite part of the trip:
- Versailles
We all loved visiting this famous palace. We booked a tour guide through Tours by Locals, which was a big success.
Blaine’s favorite part of the trip:
- Baking macaroons at Le Foodist
Highly recommend this place for a fun cooking class, they offer other classes if you are not a macaroon fan. We all enjoyed this so much, and our macaroons were actually impressive!
Favorite restaurants:
- Café Marly (next to Louvre)
- Le Dôme
- Allard
- Les Deux Magots
- St. Regis Ile St Louis
- Les Fous de l’ile
- Chez Fernand
- Chez Janou
Favorite hot chocolate place:
- Cafe de Flores (the side of whipped cream did it for us)
Favorite crepes:
- Creperie île St. Louis (hidden gem that we all loved)
Cutest desserts:
- Long and Tee (who can resist eating the teddy bear or the adorable dog?!)
Favorite macaroons
- Laduree
Favorite croissants:
- Cedric Grolet
Pro tip: they open at 9:30am, so you must get in line no later than 9am for this to be worth it!
Favorite place for a drink:
- Harry’s Bar
- Bar Hemingway, The Ritz
Favorite museums:
- The Louvre: we highly recommend going at night if you can. It is open late until 9:45pm on Wednesday and Friday nights, and there are no lines! Must see the Mona Lisa.
- Musée de l’Orangerie (home to the Monet’s water lilies)
- Musée d’Orsay (home to amazing Van Gogh paintings)
Best views of the city:
- Montmartre
- Eiffel Tower
- Roue de Paris (famous Ferris Wheel)
Favorite shopping:
- Galeries Lafayette
- Printemps
- BASH
Favorite bookstore:
- Shakespeare and Company
Favorite churches to see:
- Abbey of Saint Germain des Prés
- Saint Sulpice
- Sacré Coeur
- Notre Dame (currently under renovation and expected to reopen in 2024 but still worth a visit)
I am sure I am missing stuff, but there is just too much to share in one post. We can’t wait to go back to visit new places.
This was a special trip that our family will always remember with such great memories. Being in Paris during Christmas is truly magical! But I would say anytime that you can visit Paris is a great idea. BON VOYAGE!
Cheers to 2023 and thank you for reading this.
xoxo Nina
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