This post is sponsored by Lufthansa.
Last month I brought my husband along on a 5 day trip to Paris, as a little romantic post-valentines getaway for us without the little ones in tow. Lufthansa was kind enough to send us along and partner with me for this trip, and today I’m happy to share how we spent 5 days in Paris. We had a ton of great suggestions for Paris from friends, family, and readers via e-mail, blog comments, and various social media. There were so many that I knew we’d never get to all of them, but we did what we could. So without any further delay, here’s how we spent 5 days in Paris…
Day 1, Saturday & Sunday
We packed up and left the house today, flying from San Jose, California to Frankfurt, Germany. This is a new route for Lufthansa and I’m super excited about having another non-stop option from my home airport to Europe. We flew in the Premium Economy class, which I had never flown in before. It was like economy class meets business class, without the priority boarding. There was more legroom, better seats, more storage, pillows and blankets, larger entertainment screens, and food served on real dishes. For a girl used to flying economy, this was amazing for a long-haul flight. The flight path went over Greenland and Iceland, so needless to say I was glued to the window the whole flight. Our layover was in Frankfurt and was kind of long, so we found a quiet corner to relax in before catching an afternoon flight to Paris.
The taxi ride from the airport to our hotel was a little longer than usual due to holiday traffic, but once we were checked in and settled we felt much better. We headed out for a late dinner and got some much needed rest.
Hotel Emile
Located in Le Marais district, Hotel Emile was a minimalistic boutique hotel that provided the right stuff in all the right places. I booked a suite, which is really just code for the largest room on the top floor.
2 Rue Malher, 75004 Paris, France (www)
Les Chimères
Near the metro station, and our hotel, this place was an easy bite for dinner on our first night. I enjoyed my first of many hamburgers in Paris.
133 Rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris, France (www)
Day 2, Monday
I woke up in the middle of the night completely jet-lagged. Falling back asleep wasn’t easy, but I finally got some rest around 6AM. We woke up again later and headed out for brunch. Today was our tourist-filled day and we had big plans to see everything from the Arc De Triomph to the Eiffel tower.
Le Pick Clops
A couple of blocks off the busy street, this place was the perfect stop for us for brunch. Cafe style food at reasonable prices.
16 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 Paris, France (www)
Arc de Triomphe
First stop on our tourist-filled day. Buy a ticket to go to the top, the views are worth it and were some of my favorite in Paris. I hope you like stairs.
Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France (www)
Eiffel Tower
We didn’t spend a ton of time here, and didn’t bother going to the top since I just was at the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Plus, who wants photos of the Paris skyline without the Eiffel Tower in them?
5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France (www)
Pont Alexandre III
Known as the most ornate, extravagant bridge in the city, this bridge is worth a quick crossing and a few photos.
Quai d’Orsay, 75008 Paris, France
L’As Du Fallafel
Wonderful Falafel place in the Jewish Quarter. Was nice to not have to worry much about my dairy allergy, and it reminded me of a favorite place at home.
34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France (www)
Day 3, Tuesday
Determined to have a proper breakfast this morning, I set an alarm and got up on time for a day of busy exploring.
Breakfast in America
Located right next to our hotel, this place hit the spot perfectly for a large breakfast just like home.
4 Rue Malher, 75004 Paris, France (www)
Musee d’Orsay
Full of art by Monet, Van Gough, and other famous names, this museum was easily one of my favorites. I might have liked it better than the Louvre. Be sure to buy your tickets and print in advance!
1, Rue de la Legion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France (www)
Observatoire Panoramique de la Tour Montparnasse
This place has, hands down, the best views of the Paris skyline. If it’s a clear day, try to catch it at sunset. Enjoy a glass of wine and dine elsewhere.
33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris, France (www)
Bruegger’s Bagels
NYC-inspired bagel place that we stopped in for a quick bite to satisfy our appetite before heading back to our hotel.
Montparnasse Rive Gauche, Centre Commercial Montparnasse, 11 Rue de l’Arrivée, 75015 Paris, France (www)
Les Petites Bouchées
Very cozy place with delicious food, small bites, and a warm and welcoming staff. One of my favorites from our trip.
4 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004 Paris, France (www)
Day 4, Wednesday
Another day of museum-ing and touristy type places.
Breakfast in America
Don’t worry, we’ll visit here a third time as well. It really did make for an easy breakfast before heading out.
4 Rue Malher, 75004 Paris, France (www)
Musee du Louvre
Pro-tip: buy your tickets online before your trip, and be sure to print and bring them with you. You’ll be able to skip the long line to get in. We grabbed a quick lunch snack at the food court on our way out.
99 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France (www)
The Catacombs
A must-do if you’re in Paris. Book your tickets online ahead of time to skip the line, you do not need to print them out. I’m glad we booked the audio tour because it made the experience a lot better. This is another place for stair-lovers.
1 avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France (www)
Vegan Folie’s
Stopped in for a bite of vegan cheesecake and it did not disappoint. Asked about vegan croissants and got a place to visit later.
53 Rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris, France (www)
Brewberry Cave à Bières
After I got my cheesecake appetite satisfied, my husband had his pick of the local beer selection here.
18 Rue du Pot de Fer, 75005 Paris, France (www)
Marais Chic
Great ambiance and delicious burgers in a chic and laid back setting. Staff was super friendly with a sense of humor.
24 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris, France (www)
Day 5, Thursday
We were going to spend the day at the Palace of Versailles, but at the last minute I decided I’d rather take it slower and enjoy Paris for what it is, not what people think it should be.
Breakfast in America
Day 3 of breakfast (more like brunch at the time we arrived) here, but don’t worry it’s our last.
4 Rue Malher, 75004 Paris, France (www)
COS Stores
I know this place is a chain, but the last time I shopped at one in person was during our trip to Copenhagen, so it was a much needed visit from me! I picked up a couple of tops and some souvenirs for my boys.
4 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France (www)
Espace Dali
Wonderful and small exhibit of some of Salvador Dali’s work, along with work inspired by him. It was a favorite for sure. Bought tickets online.
11 Rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris, France (www)
Basilica du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre
Beautiful and humbling place to walk through, though it was quite windy up on the hill.
35 Rue du Chevalier-De-La-Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Cloud Cakes
A vegan bakery filled with lots of goodness. I found the best vegan croissants here, and finally got my hands on an almond-milk latte.
6 Rue Mandar, 75002 Paris, France (www)
Le petit Souk
The most whimsical of stores for little ones. If I had an extra suitcase, I would have taken half of it home with me!
49 Rue Montmartre, 75002 Paris, France (www)
Notre Dame Cathedral
Another beautiful and humbling experience, it was great to learn about the history behind this beautiful place. Don’t forget to look at the backside, I liked it better than the front!
6 Parvis Notre-Dame | Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
La Chaumière
Some places in Paris you simply pay for the view and not the food. Sit here in their covered patio and enjoy the sunset or people watching.
4 Pont Saint-Louis, 75004 Paris, France
L’Elephant Du Nil
A late dinner here was full of ambiance even after learning that our water main broke at home, ha.
125 Rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris, France (www)
Day 6, Friday
Woke up at 3AM to catch a car at 4AM to check into the airport at 5AM for our 7AM flight was the highlight of my morning. After that it was smooth sailing on our flight back with Lufthansa. A special thanks to them for sponsoring our flights and this post!
This post is a part of my City Guide series, click here to see them all.
Have you been to Paris? Any places you would add to this list? I’d love to hear!
Leave a Reply