A week in Paris
This post is SO overdue.
I was so organized during my Paris trip—taking pictures, writing down my favorite things at every spot we visited. I received countless DMs asking for my recco list, and I kept teasing a blog post that didn’t even exist yet. Well, the wait is over—it’s finally here, and you're reading it now! :)
I have never done a city roundup so I am going to do it rapid-style. I have some visuals but I want the pics and the few words I am saying to really pop so enjoy!
As a preface, Paris is one of my favourite cities in the world and I did a lot of research before going. There were a few spots I didn’t get to (museums, more touristy things, etc.), but when I travel, I like to experience a city like I live there—wander around, eat amazing food, shop, and soak it all in. So that’s what you’re getting in this guide!
What to eat:
Crêpes: Go to 21 Martorell, super cozy creperie.
Croissants: I think I had a croissant a day and the best one by far was from Union!
Seafood: Citrons et Huitres, an amazing seafood bar that specializes in oysters and the most delicious crevettes I have ever tried - they serve them with homade mayo for dipping. Great wine selection too. It was so good we had to go back for a second visit.
Chocolaterie: Meert - it is stunning and the perfect spot to pickup some delicious gifts.
Pâtisserie: Stohrer - the most delicious tarts and french pastries. They were founded in 1730 and they invented the Baba au Rhum (which I will be trying on my next trip).
Steak Frites: The only correct answer is L’entrecôte. Be prepared to wait in line!!!! But it moves fast and is 100% worth it. They only have 1 thing on the menu. Steak Frites! (+ a simple salad appetizer and bread).
Classic French Food: If you want delicious classic french food, go to Chez Georges. Their sea bream tartare was to die for and their classic Chicken supreme with onions and tomatoes was amazing.
Italian Food: I know you're in Paris, but Loulou is incredible! If you're in the mood for a cocktail, their Bellini is fantastic. The burrata salad and veal ragu are also out of this world. Plus, the setting is breathtaking—you’re right in the heart of the Louvre gardens.
Boulangerie: The only right answer here is Sain Boulengerie. we went three times and each time we ordered their Chausson au Figues. Turns out we were in Paris during fig season which was amazing for me because I am a fig lover. Their croissants were good but the chaussons was the star of the show.
Palmier: A very underrated cookie. Best one you will ever eat is from The Smiths!
Hot Chocolate: Les Deux Magots!!! It is right across the street from Cafe de Flore but less busy and less touristy and their hot chocolate is delicious. The food looked AMAZING but we had just eaten so we just stuck with the hot chocolate.
More pâtisseries: Tappisserie Pâtisserie: everything is amazing. I honestly can’t just pick one thing. We went twice.
Steak Tartare and Souflee: Le Récamier is simply outstanding. We went to this restaurant twice and I will probably go 3-4 times next time I am in Paris.
Chocolate Mousse: Chez Janou - a must. Their food is just okay, so I recommend going for an appetizer or two and then ordering the chocolate mousse (you’re apparently not allowed to just order the mousse, they make you order food as well).
Fun Restaurant: If you’re looking for a fun and hip spot - go to Ferdi, their burger is amazing and the ambiance is even better. They have something for everyone.
What to do:
Parks!!!!!! : Paris has so many beautiful parks in the heart of the city. Our two favourites were Jardin du Palais Royal and Square Léopold Achille (very small but super cute and right beside Meert). You also can’t miss Jardin du Lxuembourg - it is so beautiful.
Sacre Coeur: It is stunning and has an amazing view of Paris. Plus you have to take a lot of stairs to get there so you can work off all the calories you’ve eaten to get there.
Le Bon Marche: An amazing department store!!!!!
La Grande Épicerie: Coming from Toronto, this place wasn’t as “wow” to me because we have an amazing selection of international foods here - however I would return to stock up on butter - they vacuum seal it for you too so you can travel back home with it!
Officine Universelle Buly: Good spot for gifts + it is super cute. Tip: if you’re just interested in purchasing stuff and you don’t need the ambiance, they have a kiosk at Le Bon Marche! I picked up a cute tooth brush and I got a comb engraved with my initials. If you get a custom engraving, it will take a few hours, but you can always come back to pick it up the next day. I also recommend going to the one in Le Marais because it is less busy.
Pharmacy: A visit to a French pharmacy is a must when you're in France – they offer so many great products over the counter at fantastic prices. While CityPharma is popular, it can get really crowded, so I recommend popping into any pharmacy you pass, as they're literally on every corner. Here's everything I picked up!
Sabre: One of my favourite stores I have ever walked into. All the utensils were so beautiful. Life goal: to strictly have Sabre utentils in my home.
Vintage Shopping: You don’t really need a list for vintage shopping in Paris—there’s a shop on practically every corner! But here are a few that really stood out: Au Gré du Vent – if you love hunting for hidden treasures, you’ll love this place. It’s a bit chaotic, but there were so many gems to look through; I spotted pieces from Hermes, Manolo Blahnik, Dior, and more. ClaraVintages – the owner is super sweet, and we ended up buying a gorgeous vintage Hermes scarf here. The Parisian Vintage had the coolest collection, and the prices were very reasonable.
My perfect “day in the life in Paris” itinerary:
8:00 - 9:00: Wake-up and get ready.
9:00: Head to a nearby café and grab a coffee and enjoy it on the patio.
10:00: Head to Union or Sain Boulangerie and grab a croissant and a chausson and eat it on the go.
10:00- 12:00: Walk around, shop and explore the city.
12:00 - 2:00: Have a long lunch at Le Récamier - people watch, have a drink and don’t forget to order a soufflé!
2:00-3:00: Stop in at the Hermes across the street from Le Récamier and then head to Le Bon Marché which is 100 metres away.
3:00 - 5:00: Go to le Jardin du Palais Royal (if you’re lucky you’ll get a seat by the fountain, and if you’re even luckier, it’ll be a nice sunny day).
5:00 -7:00: Walk around the city, stop in at vintage stores and anything else you may see on the way.
7:30: Start getting ready for dinner
8:00: Go over to Huitres et Citrons and have some oysters, crevettes and a glass of wine
9:30: Dinner reservation
11:00: Head home or hit cocktail bar
What I would do next time:
Eat at Les Deux Magots - the food looked so good.
Try and find the best escargots - we had escargots twice and they were good but not good enough to include in this post.
Bar Hemingway - get super dressed up and go get a drink at Bar Hemingway!
Go to a show at Crazy Horse
Musée d'orsay
Rodin Museum
If there’s more you think I should do - DM me on IG! Can’t wait for my next trip to Paris in the Spring!