Paris is more than a destination—it’s a feeling that sweeps you up the moment you arrive. The city is alive with an effortless elegance, blending rich history and modern charm at every corner. It’s a destination I instantly fell in love with.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Le Dokhan’s Paris Arc de Triomphe, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott. This charming boutique property, nestled in the heart of Paris’ 16th arrondissement, embodies Parisian sophistication. Located near iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, Le Dokhan’s was perfectly positioned for our itinerary. The hotel is home to Paris’ first champagne bar, offering an impressive selection and expert recommendations. The best part? Its vintage Louis Vuitton elevator cab, outfitted in a genuine vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. Our room was on the second floor and I never took the stairs.

Trip Highlights

The entire trip was a highlight. Seriously. My only regret is not having more time in Paris. Here are a few standout experiences:

Le Crazy Horse Paris

A must-see burlesque show! The precise choreography, intricate costumes, and incredible talent make for a mesmerizing evening. The performers are stunning, and to break the ice, I leaned over to my husband and whispered, “THEY ARE SO HOT!” just to let him know he could relax and enjoy. In conclusion, make this a fun girls’ night, or only go with your significant other if you feel secure in your relationship!

Eiffel Tower

She’s just—wow. Sometimes you wonder if a landmark, destination, or experience will live up to the hype. Let me tell you, the Eiffel Tower is even more magical in person. The first time we visited was in the evening, timed perfectly so that moments later she began to sparkle. I recommend seeing it both during the day and at night.

Helpful Tip: The Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes on the hour, every hour, from nightfall until 11:00 p.m.

The Louvre

The world’s largest art museum, is a crown jewel of Paris. While I must admit, the only thing I know about art is the Mona Lisa, I still enjoyed the Louvre more than I could have imagined. The museum is set in a former royal palace, so as someone who loves architecture and history, just walking the halls was mesmerizing.

We knew we wanted to see the Mona Lisa but set a 45-minute limit for waiting in line. I consistently read online of people waiting up to 3 hours just to get a glimpse of her. Luck was on our side; as we approached, masses of people were walking in the opposite direction (assuming for lunch, as it was around 1:00 p.m.). We were fortunate enough to have no line! Maybe it was my new love for Paris that allowed me to view her with such gilded eyes, but I was giddy seeing this piece of art in person! And yes, she really does not stop staring at you!

Dior Gallery

Where my girlies at!? I actually dragged my husband to the Dior Gallery, and he found it engaging, too! The museum offers an immersive journey through the brand’s history, showcasing iconic designs from the “New Look” silhouettes of the 1940s to contemporary creations. You can easily get through the museum in about an hour.

Day Trip - Versailles

Versailles is a must-visit just outside Paris. We spent 8 hours on the grounds, and I wish I could just move in. We started our day with a 90-minute guided tour, which gave us access to exclusive areas like the Opera House. There are several on-site restaurants for lunch or coffee. Later, we rented a golf cart to explore, which was a fun way to cover more ground!

Helpful Tips:

• The grounds are massive. Consider renting a golf cart or a bike to explore beyond the main palace.

• You can take the train to Versailles, which takes about an hour from central Paris. We opted for an Uber round-trip as it was quicker from our hotel.

Food & Drink

Paris is a city with amazing food and diverse cuisine. Here are some highlights from our trip:

Restaurant Victor

A charming bistro around the corner from our hotel, this was an unexpected gem. The steak frites and Bordeaux wine made for a fantastic start to our time in Paris. I’d love to go back!

Refuge des Fondues

Located in Montmartre, this restaurant frequently appears in guides—and for good reason. It’s cozy, delicious, and an experience in itself. If you want to drink wine from a baby bottle (yes, really!), make a reservation in advance.

Helpful Tip: You’ll choose between cheese or meat fondue. We went with cheese, which was filling and delicious, but keep in mind—it’s not a full meal!

Ferdi Restaurant

Ferdi is a quirky, intimate spot known for its burgers, and reservations are required (text them to book!). Despite mixed reviews online, we had an excellent experience. My husband, a self-proclaimed burger expert, was thrilled, and the old fashioneds were perfect.

Happy Caffe

After dinner, we visited Happy Caffe for dessert crepes. The owner and his son were incredibly welcoming and recommended a dessert wine that paired perfectly. The crepes were delicious, and the hospitality was unmatched.

Helpful Tips:

• Service is included in the bill, but tipping 5-10% is customary.

• Ask for the bill, it is considered rude for waitstaff to bring you your bill unless requested.

Getting Around

We used a mix of Uber and the Paris Metro, choosing based on which was quicker transit at the time. If it works for you logistically, consider taking the water taxi on the Seine! It’s such a fun and affordable way to experience Paris.

Paris Metro Tips:

• Tickets and passes: Single tickets and multi-day passes are available and valid on metro lines, buses, and some regional trains.

• Navigation: Use Google Maps to help you navigate. Each line has two directions and is numbered, color-coded, and labeled by the end-of-line stations. Stations are marked with the iconic “Métro” sign. 
  

Language

I had heard mixed reviews about language barriers in Paris, but our experience was positive. Almost everywhere we went, someone spoke English, except for a few Uber drivers. I found the French to be very kind and welcoming.

Helpful Tips:

• Don’t use Paris as a place to practice your French. Most people speak English, so it’s often best to start a conversation with, “Parles-tu anglais?” (translation: Do you speak English?).

• The Google Translate app can be helpful if you need to communicate with your Uber driver. Use the app’s photo feature to translate text, like menus and signs, on the spot.

Helpful Phrases:

• Bonjour - hello / good morning

• Au Revoir - goodbye

• Merci - thank you

• S'il vous plaît - please

• L’addition, s’il vous plaît - the check, please

• Parles-tu anglais? - do you speak English?

Final Thoughts

The Eiffel Tower sparkles in the night, casting a warm glow over the city, while the Louvre’s glass pyramid draws you into worlds of art and wonder. Beyond the famous sights, it’s the little things that make Paris unforgettable: bakeries with golden croissants stacked high, strolling along the Seine, or sitting outside a cafe to people-watch over an espresso.

Paris invites you to slow down, to linger, to experience each moment fully. It’s a city for dreamers, romantics, and anyone who craves beauty in the everyday.