Paris Travel Guide: Things to Do and Eat in Paris, France

Paris—where do I even begin? My husband, Asher, and I spent two weeks exploring France, making stops in Paris, the Bordeaux region, the South of France, and the French Riviera. We bookended our trip with stays in Paris, one of the most magical cities I’ve ever set foot in. 

So many of you have asked about our Paris adventure, and honestly, I’m struggling to find the words to do it justice. How do you capture the breathtaking majesty of the Eiffel Tower, its golden glow sparkling against the night sky? How do I describe the electric romance that hums through the City of Love? Or the cozy scent of boulangeries filling the air first thing in the morning? Or the timeless beauty of Paris’s architecture juxtaposed against the modern city sounds? Or how fashion isn’t so much what the Parisians wore but how they wore it?

It’s a city that leaves you speechless. 

I’ve created my Paris travel guide, packed with all the spots that made our trip unforgettable, so that you, too, can experience firsthand the wonder that is Paris, France.

Eiffel Tower Gardens & the Avenue de Camoëns

We began our Paris adventure in the Eiffel Tower Gardens, a green area under the iconic tower. After snapping a photo among other tourists, we made our way to a quieter Eiffel Tower view at Avenue de Camoëns. It’s off the beaten path but just as stunning and perfect for a quick photo. 

Make sure to carve out time to stand beneath the Eiffel Tower during your Paris adventure—it’s mind-blowing to truly grasp its massive scale up close and see the intricate details of the ironwork. 

Pro tip: You have to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night! Every hour after sunset, it comes alive with a five-minute light show. We stood underneath, and we—I mean I—cheered with everyone when the lights began to sparkle. Asher looked at me like I’d lost my mind. I couldn’t help myself.

Trocadéro: My Favorite View

Asher and I visited the Trocadéro for two different reasons. He couldn’t resist visiting this spot, since it’s where that iconic duel scene in John Wick unfolds—we watched it for “research” before the trip. For me, it was all about the view of the Eiffel Tower, which is second to none. Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Picnic at Port Debilly

One of my nonnegotiables for the trip was to picnic by the Seine at Port Debilly. We grabbed prosecco (they were out of champagne) and snacks from a nearby market and took in the beautiful view of the river and the Eiffel Tower. Simply wonderful.

Colonnes de Buren

The Colonnes de Buren in the Palais Royal courtyard are so fun. The black-and-white striped columns are a cool contrast to Paris’s classic architecture, and it’s a great spot for photos. That is—until you spill your green pistachio latte down the front of your white dress. Our next stop was the Louvre, so with no time to change, soaking wet from the rain and green from the latte, I scurried through the crowd to lay eyes on none other than Mona Lisa herself. 

The Louvre

And Mona Lisa was… bigger than I thought she would be. Everyone talks about how small she is, so I had prepared myself for the worst. Her unamused eyes gazed at the inexhaustible crowd of tourists smiling for selfies. We were among them.

The Louvre is overwhelming in the best way. We gawked at the Mona Lisa, got lost in the lavish Napoleon Apartments and stood staring at Coldplay’s Viva La Vida album cover, the 1830 painting “Liberty Leading the People” by French Romantic painter Eugène Delacroix. It’s worth a visit, but Musée d’Orsay proved to be my favorite.

Musée d’Orsay: My Favorite

The Musée d’Orsay is a must-visit in Paris. Seeing Degas, Monet, Van Gogh and so many other famous artists up close in this gorgeous old train station was unreal. It’s easy to spend hours at this museum, so be sure to carve out enough time during your trip.

Palace of Versailles

I’m not big on history (don’t hate me), but one person from history class always stood out to me—Marie Antoinette. And hear me out, she lived a fabulous life before her tragic end. Visiting the Palace of Versailles is like stepping into her world. I was inspired by the bold mix of colors and patterns. More is definitely more when it comes to the decadent lifestyle of the French monarchy. The Hall of Mirrors and sprawling gardens were breathtaking. Make sure you plan a full day to take it all in.

Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle’s stained-glass windows are jaw-dropping. I felt like I’d stepped into a Gothic architectural kaleidoscope. You must have a reservation to enter, so be sure to make one in advance.

Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame is as breathtaking as you’d expect, even with restoration work. The Gothic architecture is beautiful. Cover your shoulders to follow the dress code. But if you forget, there’s a shop around the corner that sells scarves for six euros. I speak from experience.

Arc de Triomphe

We visited the Arc de Triomphe and took in the intricate carvings of the historical masterpiece. It’s located at the end of the famous street, Champs-Élysées Avenue, known for it’s high-end luxury stores, like Cartier, Chanel and Dior.

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Montmartre is Paris’s artsy corner. We wandered the cobblestone streets, checking out Maison Rose, Le Consulat (known to be frequented by famous artists like Van Gogh and Picasso), and local artwork. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is stunning, and we took a breather in the peaceful Paroisse Saint-Pierre de Montmartre church.

We have two art prints in my kitchen—one of the Sacré-Cœur and one of the Moulin Rouge. They were given to my great-grandparents by a well-traveled woman who visited their beauty shop. And now, they allow me to dream of Paris when I make my morning coffee. With the Sacré-Cœur crossed off the list, I had to stop at the Moulin Rouge. 

Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is iconic. We didn’t catch a show, but seeing the red windmill like the one in my kitchen was surreal. The area around the Moulin Rouge is not like the painting (read: not serene and G-rated). In fact, I wrote in my journal that night, “All I’m saying is, the painting in our kitchen is better and it lies.” But do visit the Moulin Rouge—just be ready to experience Paris in a different way.

The Brocantes and Marchés

If you love antique shopping, you have to visit Paris’s brocantes and marchés. We browsed vintage books, antiques and quirky finds. We weren’t able to visit a lively brocante, but the area around Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen had some shops open.

Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company is more than just a bookstore—it’s a legendary sanctuary for book enthusiasts and a historic hub where literary giants like James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald once gathered. Inside, the shelves are filled with every genre imaginable. I couldn’t resist picking up a book about the art of French living for my best friend, complete with the iconic Shakespeare and Company stamp. This is a must-visit.

Tuileries Garden

We escaped the city noise with a stroll through the Tuileries Garden, where we happened upon the Olympic Cauldron. The cauldron is a striking ring of fire that doubles as a nod to France’s historic balloon flight legacy. Who knew? 

Chez Julien: My Favorite Night Out

Dining at Chez Julien was a special moment for us. Last year, we lost someone dear to us, and learning that this was one of her favorite spots in Paris made it a must-visit. I got dolled up in one of my favorite outfits, added a touch of red lipstick, and we headed out for a romantic evening at this quintessentially French gem. Asher and I tried escargot for the first time (and probably the last for me). The restaurant was a vision of Parisian romance, with stained glass, vibrant teal and red hues, floral and zebra patterns, gilded mirrors, flickering tea light candles and velvet upholstery. It felt like stepping into the heart of Paris’s charm. 

Boulangeries: Baking from Scratch

We landed in Paris at 6 a.m. and hit the ground running. Our first stop? A boulangerie, of course. In France, the term “boulangerie” is legally protected, ensuring it’s used only for authentic bakeries meeting strict standards, such as on-site baking from scratch with the purest ingredients. We began our first boulangerie experience with a flaky, buttery croissant and warm cappuccinos. Each bakery has its own charm—some have been around for generations, others are tiny holes-in-the-wall with lines out the door. 

Pro tip: When ordering a baguette, make sure you order the baguette de tradition, not the baguette ordinaire. The ordinaire is a commercial baguette, while the tradition is made on-site using minimal ingredients and has a more robust flavor. 

Copains: Gluten-Free Heaven

For my gluten-free friends (hello, you’re in good company), Copains is a must. I researched the best gluten-free bakeries in Paris before we went, and this was at the top of the list. I wish we had gluten-free items this good in America. Think all sorts of breads, croissants, tarts, tarts and so much more. We stopped here for croissants, a buckwheat baguette and pistachio lattes (that I spilled all over the front of my dress before our time slot at The Louvre—more on that later). It’s a game-changer for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Note: Paris has other gluten-free bakeries, including Maison Plume, Little Nonna, Gram, NoGlu and Café Mareva. We didn’t make it to these, but they’re worth a try.

Ladurée for Macarons

I’ve had Ladurée’s macarons in New York City, so we had to stop in Paris. We tried the pistachio, raspberry and caramel flavors. The shop feels like stepping into a pastel dream, and we were in macaron heaven. 

Angelina’s Drinking Chocolate

Did you go to Paris if you didn’t get drinking chocolate? Spoiler alert: you did not. And before you tell me you’ve already had the best hot chocolate from your Swiss Miss packet, I beg your pardon. We visited Angelina’s for the richest, velvety drinking chocolate, topped it with a dollop of their creamy whipped cream, and paired it with their hazelnut chocolate crepe. It was a charming experience that left me feeling like the most elegant Augustus Gloop from Willy Wonka. Highly recommend!

Note: After researching, I found that Carette also offers a great drinking chocolate experience. We didn’t have time to visit on our trip, so let me know in the comments if you’ve been!

BO&MIE

BO&MIE is the spot when you’re looking for a quick breakfast or pastry snack. We stopped for one of their cheesy quiches. It’s fast, casual, and they have all sorts of French delicacies for you to try.

Brasserie Des Prés

Dinner at Brasserie Des Prés was a fun experience. The restaurant’s vibrant decor, with bright reds, greens and golds, set the stage for a meal that was just as lively. We started with deviled eggs served atop a fresh fennel slaw, followed by a perfectly cooked entrecôte with crispy French fries and a beef stew. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was upbeat. Be sure to reserve a table in advance.

HolyBelly Café

If Asher and I lived in Paris, we would frequent HolyBelly Café. The café is locally owned and serves the best (and healthy) breakfast, brunch and lunch. They’re known for they’re pancakes, eggs and sides, but I would go back to get their coconut chia pudding—heavenly.

La Grande Épicerie de Paris

I stumbled upon La Grande Épicerie de Paris through an Instagram reel raving about buying butter as the ultimate souvenir. And because I wholeheartedly agreed with that, I grabbed some decadent crystal salt butter, and the store vacuum-sealed it for the journey home. Bon appetite! 

Dinner at Pink Mamma

Everyone raves about securing a dinner reservation at Pink Mamma, and trust me, you should!  The greenhouse-like setting and delicious Italian dishes made it a highlight of our trip. It’s super popular, so book ahead.

Gelato at Venchi and Pedone

We couldn’t resist the gelato at Venchi and Pedone. We stopped at Venchi’s for gelato on our honeymoon years ago, and so we got the same kind in Paris—mascarpone and fig and, as always, pistachio.

Bistrot Victoires: French Onion Soup

The French onion soup at Bistrot Victoires? Hands-down the best thing I ate in France. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. This cozy bistro serves French comfort food with affordable prices and is a favorite among both tourists and locals.

Peloton Coffee

Peloton Coffee is a cozy coffee spot where almost everyone speaks English. We stopped in for a pick-me-up—a dirty golden milk latte, a cappuccino and you guessed it, a croissant. When they’re not serving coffee, they’re giving bike tours around Paris. 

Pizza at Marzo

There are two things Asher has to eat when we set foot on European soil—a gyro and pizza. And Marzo’s thin-crust pizzas hit the spot. Fresh ingredients, perfect crust and a laid-back atmosphere made it the perfect lunch spot. 

Where We Stayed

For our first round in Paris, we settled into the charming Hotel Wallace in the 15th Arrondissement. Our room was perfect, with a spacious balcony and a view of the Eiffel Tower. I loved seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night through raindrops on the window. Our second go-round found us in the 1st Arrondissement at the Park Hyatt. They greeted us with wine and the best macarons we had on our trip! The location felt like we were close to all the major attractions, which was a perk since we walked almost everywhere we went.

What Not to Miss in Paris, France

Paris is a treasure trove of experiences, and a few days are hardly enough. I’d relive every second of our trip in a heartbeat, but there are a handful of moments that stand out as absolute musts. The Trocadéro’s breathtaking Eiffel Tower view was a highlight for me. Our picnic at Port Debilly along the Seine felt like a movie scene. The Musée d’Orsay (sorry, Mona!) was surreal with its stunning Degas, Monet and Van Gogh masterpieces. I won’t soon forget wandering Montmartre’s streets, from the iconic Sacré-Cœur to the sweet Maison Rose. For dining, Chez Julien was the epitome of Parisian romance. Our experience at Pink Mamma’s was unforgettable. And don’t even think about leaving Paris without savoring a bowl of French onion soup.

I hope you get to experience the magic of Paris one day for yourself.

I’ll have my travel guides to Bordeaux, the South of France and the French Riviera on the blog soon. Thank you for traveling with me.

Au revoir!

Like my Paris travel guide and looking for more? Check out my travel guide to the South of France.