For our next European trip, we decided on Paris. Paris in December seemed like it would be a dream, and it definitely was! I’m sure Paris at any time of year would be amazing, but during the holidays it was extra special. There is so much to do, especially during this time.

Where to stay

We found an airbnb in a great area. We could see Notre-Dame Cathedral from the window. We were centrally located near everything which was ideal since when we arrived, we found out the Metro was on strike so we basically walked everywhere. I suggest doing your research about which area of town you want to be in. Of course, your budget will come into play as the closer you are to any tourist spots, the more you will pay.

Since it’s 5 of us, staying at a hotel is not the best because the rooms tend to be small and we really do get more value if we stay at an apartment. We don’t even use the kitchen to cook any meals, but you do get more room and 5 of us crammed in a hotel room just doesn’t work.

Being so close to the Latin Quarter, we walked through this area a few times. There are many great reasonably priced restaurants and cafes. It got its name in the Middle Ages when students who studied at University La Sorbonne, used Latin as the language of study. You will also see a huge statue of St. Michael the Archangel fighting a dragon. Cool area to check out for sure.

Sights not to be missed

We created a list of things to see for each day we were in town. I am the tour guide of the family when we travel as I’m the one to research and create loose itineraries for our trips. This is extremely helpful because we have a plan which keeps us in line with what we want to see while visiting a new place.

Here are some must sees from our trip to Paris:

Day 1:

 

Louvre Museum: Mona Lisa is in the Denon Wing, but make sure to have in mind what you want to see here because it is so big and there is no way you will see everything

Tuilleries Garden: near the Louvre, on your way to the Champs Elysse. There was a Christmas village here with rides, and amazing food and drinks

Champs Elysse: shopping lover’s delight

Arc de Triomph: represents the many victories made by the French army under Napoleon, who had this landmark created

Eiffel Tower: head across the Siene River to Trocadero for the best pic, get your tickets to go up to see the best views of Paris

Liberty Flame: 10 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower

Dinner: we ate at Cafe Trocadero, it was not the best, so make reservations at somewhere you choose

Day 2: 

Odette Paris: https://www.odette-paris.com/en/content/6-la-maison-odette start your day here, by having pastries such as their specialty, cream puffs. There are many flavors and just the perfect size, so you can try a few. They are sooo good!

Saint Chapelle: Gothic style chapel with stained glass windows on the top floor that will leave you speechless. They retell the story of mankind from Genesis to resurrection of Christ.

Notre Dame: closed for repairs after the famous fire of April 15, 2019, which you can read all about when you’re here. There are long posters with pictures and detailed descriptions of what burned and how it is being restored

Catacombs: get your tickets before and get there early as the lines are long, you will go underground and walk through various tunnels piled high with human bones from 6 million people dating back to 1786. Their remains were moved to these tunnels from cemeteries in order to fight the epidemics from that time.

Sacre Coeur Basilica: on top of the Montmartre neighborhood, known as the Painter’s neighbhood. Plan to spend a few hours here. As one of the most important religious buildings in Paris, the basilica itself is impressive. It sits on a hill overlooking the city, lending itself to great views. Our girls had their portrait done by a caricaturist, of course one of the highlights of the trip for them!

Day 3:

We started our last day with a good attitude as we were satisfied with everything we had done. For brunch, we made reservations at Canard and Champagne. Two of my favorites so why not combine them, right?

This place is a light and fun type of restaurant. Perfect for us! The menu included a set price including your choice of pancakes or eggs benedict, free range roasted chicken or duck breast, or duck confit with all you can eat sides like frenhc fries, seasonal vegetables, seasonal puree, then seasonal tarts or chocolate mousse or fruit salad, coffee or hot chocolate or tea, fruit juices, and we chose the open champagne option for all you can drink. So worth it and we left with our bellies full for the rest of the day! Check it out if you’re ever in Paris. https://www.frenchparadox.paris/ 

Eat like a local

Don’t miss out on these delectable dishes while you’re there.

baguette: so simple, but so good

macarons: they’re everywhere but don’t skip out. So many flavors, but my favorite was the rose and my girls loved: salted caramel, chocolate, passion fruit

escargot: yes, snails! They are so good, so don’t be intimidated. 

steak frites: just steak and french fries, simple but so good

duck: a must when in France

croque madam: ham and gruyere cheese with bechamel sauce and a fried egg on top

onion soup: comfort food especially during winter

beef tartare: classic but satisfying

champagne: have it with every meal

Weekend in Paris

Our weekend in Paris was short and oh so very SWEET! We ate and saw everything on our list. A perfect getaway during the Holiday season. Paris in December? What more could you ask for?

If you get to Paris and follow our advice for any of our suggestions, leave us a comment!

Don’t miss our youtube Paris video https://youtu.be/L5h5l1DiT9I