A girls trip to Paris is always a yesss! This last minute getaway was planned just two weeks prior when my girlfriend Chris texted: “do you want to meet me in Paris next week?” Ha! We had been trying to find a date to meet each other in New York all year (we live on opposite coasts now but met when living in New York)… so why not go big and meet up in Paris!? The stars aligned and somehow I had that weekend free and the babysitting worked out (the most difficult part these days)… so it truly felt meant to be!
We had an absolute blast!! But of course, it’s Paris. 😉
Since my trek from California was longer I decided to arrive a day earlier, on Wednesday… (Chris could only swing a longer weekend, Thursday through Sunday. Which honestly I think is the perfect amount of time if you’re traveling alone. Anything longer and I start to feel homesick for T, Rex and Willow.) But a solo day upon arrival in Paris was magic.
I knew exactly what I wanted to do: just soak up the Marais, sit in a cafe, eat a croissant, pop into all of the art galleries and vintage shops I could fit in and end the day with a glass of wine and people watching at Cafe Charlot. I was in heaven! Honestly I could have jumped on a flight back home the next morning and would have been so very happy to have gotten my Paris fix.
When Chris arrived we went for a long walk, popping into some shops in the Marais and ended up grabbing lunch at Derrière which has such a charming courtyard to sit outside in. Chris was my New York museum and shopping partner in crime so we hit up all of our favorites from the boutiques in the Marais, to Rue-Saint Honore, Le Bon Marche and of course Av. Montaigne. The new Bottega store on Av. Montaigne opened while we were there and it’s stunning! I packed carry-on this trip so I was careful with my purchases (only picking up small items as gifts to bring home)… but I did find a classic black vintage Saint Laurent slip dress at Odetta! I can’t wait to wear it.
Honestly packing so light was key this trip / especially when traveling alone. I think it also adds to the joy of spontaneity… making the trip feel easier all around. I can’t recommend going carry-on enough if you’re just going for a longer weekend. And even with my minimal packing I still didn’t wear a few of the pieces I brought. That’s always the case, for me at least, I tend to rewear the same pieces during a trip… or the days take you into night and you don’t get the chance to go back to the hotel to change. So a few of my evening outfits didn’t even make it out of my suitcase.
The key pieces to pack when going to Paris this time of year: a blazer to take you from day to night and comfortable walking shoes! As it’s a city I love to get lost in and walk all day long. The days were warm but with slightly cooler mornings and evenings. We couldn’t have lucked out more with the weather as the week prior Paris had that heatwave.
My Paris Highlights this Trip |
Stay: This trip I stayed in the Marais at Hôtel National Des Arts Et Meters. Chris recommended it and had stayed there previously and it’s a great more budget friendly hotel option, reminds me of a Hoxton. A cool vibe (very lively in the evenings) and great location if you’re wanting to be in the Marais which is where we spent most of our time just soaking up the neighborhood. I would totally stay here again… especially if you’re looking to save and honestly, you’re rarely at your hotel anyway.
Eat: We did not have any misses in the food department this week! All of the reservations we booked were perfect… delicious and good vibes. And all of the other spots that we just stumbled upon while walking around (for a quick bite / dessert or croissant) were all delicious as well.
Le Derrière – My girlfriend Chris flew in the day after me and this was the first spot we went for a late lunch. Delicious and such a charming courtyard to sit outside in. Very quirky cool decor inside. A gem if you’re walking around the Marais and want a sit down meal.
Le Voltaire – I have been wanting to go back here since my last trip in December and the meal did not disappoint. Just as delicious as I had remembered. And a fun one if you want to get dressed up! I’m still dreaming of a date here with Tanner one day.
Le Petit Lutetia – This was my favorite dinner this trip. A total gem… filled with all locals (we sat next to a mother and daughter who told us they come weekly) so you know it’s going to be good and such a fun vibe / great style and people watching. We sat outside and it was one of those warm nights just soaking up the magic of the city. I will definitely be going back on my next trip. Oh and this is where I officially had my first escargot! And, I guess I’m a fan? Just tried not to think about snails when eating them!!
Benoit – We ate here on our last night which felt like the perfect classic French ending… another yummy meal with that romantic charm. We went to a show and out dancing at the Soho House afterwards so we ended with a bang! SO fun. I could have danced all night.
Gigi Restaurant – this was the most “sceney” of spots that we went this trip… but we went for lunch so it was, in my opinion, the time to go. Delicious meal and gorgeous decor / setting… perfect for a lunch break when shopping on Av. Montaigne.
Cafe Charlot – I always try to go to Cafe Charlot when I’m back in the Marais… it’s a dose of nostalgia for me… and just one of those spots to grab a glass of wine outside and people watch. I went on my first night by myself… and I was in heaven, so happy to be back!
Cheval Blanc – head to the rooftop bar at the end of the night for a fancy drink with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Something to note, I forgot to mention this in my post on my Paris highlights from last December but now the Eiffel Tower only sparkles from dusk until 11:45pm (every hour for 5 minutes on the hour). So plan accordingly if you’re trying to see it!
Coffee:
Partisan – we grabbed cortados here every morning since it was just a block from where we stayed. Great coffee!
Noir – if you’re out and about this is a cute coffee shop with yummy matcha too. There are a number of locations.
Newer Exhibit:
Foundation Alaïa – Loved! Inside the atelier of Alaïa and there’s a great bookstore.
Vintage Shops:
Odetta – I went to a number of vintage shops this trip but Odetta was my favorite and where I’ve had the best luck not just this trip but over the years as well. There are so many vintage and consignment shops that you can stumble upon just walking around the Marais but a few others I popped into were: The Parisian Vintage (and the pop-up location), Open Dressing, Thank God I’m a VIP, Valois, Second Season
Of course they’re hit or miss but still fun to browse if you’re looking to branch out of the usual boutique shopping.
