I’m typing this while sitting at Charles de Gaulle airport and if I wasn’t so excited to squeeze my family I would probably shed a little tear because it was just that perfect of a week. I’m already dreaming of how to get back here with Tanner again soon! And dying to stay at Chateau Voltaire again with him because I just didn’t want to leave. So my vibe and the coziest, charming gem of a boutique hotel!
Paris is just so special in December! I’ve actually been to Paris / Europe multiple times during the winter months and prefer this time of year for the holiday charm and the fact that the city is far less touristy. Also, the airport lines and going through customs is so much more of a breeze in winter. I walked right through when I landed in Paris.
This trip came together after my close college girlfriend, Meghan, threw out the idea on a whim to me to tag along on her next Paris Perfected scouting trip (she creates curated travel guides / helps plan trips to Paris and is now coming to Paris from New York four times a year… the dream!). I couldn’t pass up the chance of going with her as I’ve been dying to get back to Paris. (The last time I was here was my babymoon when I was pregnant with Willow ~ 3 years ago… so I was due!). It was just so nice to be with someone who knows the city so well, is fluent and who took care of all of the booking details etc. I basically just showed up and told her what I wanted to see and do! Such a treat.
Since I’ve been to Paris a handful of times now this trip was really more about just enjoying the city and eating / shopping my way through the week. And being in Paris with a girlfriend — which was just the BEST. I loved seeing Paris through Meghan’s lens and trying all of her more local gems which gave me such a fun new perspective on the city.
I wanted to share some of my personal highlights from this week with you… but also don’t want to give away all of Meghan’s secrets so of course you can follow Meghan for more!
My Paris Highlights this Trip |
Stay: Château Voltaire — I absolutely loved this boutique hotel gem and didn’t want to leave. It’s so my vibe… cool, cozy / charming. The art and decor are on point, and the staff is so friendly and helpful. My room was super spacious for a hotel room in Paris. The food is delicious (I’ll be dreaming of that lentil soup for years to come)… and I think I ordered at least 3 daily cappuccinos (they make them with a little powdered chocolate on top which was such a treat!). Also, there is a private sauna / pool that I tried to sneak down to use daily which was just such a nice treat when traveling.
Shop: Le Bon Marché — I mean, we all know how amazing Le Bon Marché is but I have to include if you’ve never been to Paris. We also went to Galleries Layfayette and Samaritaine which was beautiful but Le Bon Marché’s edit is just so good. By far, my favorite shopping.
Of course, also a must for me is shopping and walking around the Marais… we stumbled upon Open Dressing (a second hand / vintage shop) while walking in the Marais. And I honestly couldn’t believe my luck. I found a vintage YSL blazer there for what I think is a pretty reasonable price. Isabel Marant is always a must for me when in Paris and I love that Marais location (also where I happened to see and shop next to Isabel Marant herself. I had a serious fan girl moment because as you know, she’s been a favorite designer of mine for years). Another store I just stumbled upon while walking and loved the edit of designers was By Marie. Also, Bienaimé for perfume and gifts. Such gorgeous packaging and a special place to pick up gifts to bring home.
Bonpoint, Bonton and Smallable are also highlights for me, for shopping for Rex and Willow. Also! the kids section at Le Bon Marché!
And if you plan to do some very splurgy shopping, the new Celine store is adorable and the Celine on Av. Montaigne is my favorite. Also! Jil Sander was another stunning store favorite of mine.
Exhibit: Monet Mitchel — a true ultimate highlight for me this trip was the Monet Mitchell exhibit which was just so special. This will go down for me as a favorite exhibit of my life. I could have cried! It was at the gorgeous Fondation Louis Vuitton which is a little ways outside of the city but was so worth the cab ride (also a beautiful ride through the park). The exhibit is only here until Feb 2023 though… so I hope you can make it if you’re coming in the next few weeks. Next on my list to see on my next Paris trip: Museé Marmottan Monet as I sadly ran out of time but Meghan raved about this collection of Monet.
We also went to the Dior exhibit, La Galerie Dior, which was stunning. I loved it so much along with learning about the history of the building and we popped next door for coffee in the Dior store which was super expensive but when in Paris with a girlfriend right?!
* side note: Meghan told me to watch Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (the story of a maid who falls in love with a Dior dress) on my flight home and it was adorable and such a fun way to end the trip. Super cute if you’re in need of a Paris fix. (OMG I also finally watched Where the Crawdads sing on my flight and definitely was ugly crying which is so embarrassing when sitting around other people. So good!! Not sure if it’s the jet lag or missing Rex and Willow but everything has been making me so emotional, ha).
Eat: Boulangerie Joseph — most delicious croissant and walking quiche if on-the-go. My favorite special dinner was Le Voltaire. I loved the moody wood paneling and our meal was incredible. Hoping to get back here on a date with Tanner one day. We also did afternoon tea one day which was so fun to do and a tasting menu at Comice which was another really special night out. On my list for next time: Cafe Compangnon.
Facial: Biologique Recherche — if you’re looking for a real treat yourself experience and use BR products then you need to get a facial! I found the full skin assessment to be so interesting and my aesthetician completely switched up my products from what was recommended to me in the US. I hands down would want to book another facial on my next trip to see how my skin is doing. Also the prices are a little better in France so it’s a good chance to stock up on product.
Gallery: Les Coin des Arts — I had a list of art galleries I wanted to pop into on this trip and didn’t end up making it to all of them but I did find a print that I bought at Les Coin des Arts in the Marais. Which feels like such a special momento to bring home. I can’t wait to get it framed and hung in our house! There are so many amazing galleries in the Marais which makes for a fun afternoon of exploring and popping into shops and viewing art. Also, always a must for me when in the Marias is the Picasso museum. My all-time favorite!
