visiting paris has always been a dream of mine since i was a little girl. i heard so many people through the years talk about visiting and i was always a little jealous…ok a lot jealous!

i was beyond excited when my husband and i started talking about our summer vacation ideas and he said hey what about paris? i said seriously, paris?! ummmm yes!!!! this was probably one of the most exciting vacations for me to plan. i have dreamed of this place my whole life and was about to make it a reality.

when planning our vacation we decided to add in london since it was only about a 2-3 hour train ride between paris and london. when looking at flights it made more sense for us to fly into heathrow Airport and take the eurostar to paris for the first part of our vacation and end in london to explore and fly home from there.

When we finally reached Paris after our train journey—which we intentionally made longer at the beginning of our vacation—I was truly left speechless as we stepped off the train and into the streets of the city! I’ve heard some people claim that Paris doesn’t match their dreams; however, for me, it felt magical the moment I laid eyes on it.

it was early evening when we arrived so we dropped our bags at the hotel and headed out for dinner. we found a great place right by our hotel and the food was absolutely fabulous! I was so tired that I didn’t even get the name of the restaurant and i am still sad i didn’t, but i did happen to get pictures of the incredible food lol.

My top 3 paris bites you don’t want to miss:

Le’Standard- Stunning restaurant offering Delicious food & fantastic staff
Laduree- A gourmet french Patisserie that offers unbelievable french Pastries-especially their macarons! Don’t worry I taste tested them and my favorite was the Pistachio
carre’ pain de mie- great place for lunch! delicious hand crafted sandwiches and you choose from two types of breads (japanese which has a soft, melt in your mouth texture or airy toasted bread)

Our First Day in Paris: A Visit to the Palace of Versailles

On our first day in Paris, we set off to explore the Palace of Versailles. I had imagined what it would look like, but I was utterly amazed by its magnificence and grandeur. We decided to book a tour of the palace, and I’m so glad we did, as we gained valuable insights into its history and the reasons behind King Louis XIV's decision to build it. After exploring the palace, we headed outside to the palace grounds, which span over 2,000 acres filled with some of the most stunning gardens I have ever seen. Be sure to get in line to rent a golf cart to help you navigate all the grounds!

They also offer dining options on the property that are surprisingly good! I enjoyed a delicious baguette with tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. If you’re planning a trip to the Palace of Versailles, be sure to make a reservation. I highly recommend a guided tour since the palace is so vast, and the guides are invaluable for helping you find your way. Additionally, be prepared for large crowds, especially during the summer months, and don’t forget to bring your patience. Lastly, remember to carry your passport, as you may be asked to show it.

Our second Day in Paris: A gothic church and incredible park

The following day, we began with an incredible breakfast at our hotel (we didn't need to venture out – they truly had everything)! After enjoying our meal, we made our way to Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral for a scheduled tour. This stunning 13th-century Gothic chapel captivated me, especially the exquisite stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes.**

Following our visit to Sainte-Chapelle, we strolled over to see Notre-Dame. Although it has been closed for reconstruction for five years due to a fire, it remained a magnificent sight – absolutely breathtaking!

Next, we made our way to Place des Vosges but couldn’t resist stopping at an amazing gelato shop we passed. They create stunning gelato topped with a flower made from the gelato and a macaron!

Place des Vosges is the oldest square in Paris, dating back to 1612. It’s a lovely park where you can enjoy a meal, spread out a blanket, and relax on the grass while taking in the beautiful architecture surrounding you, including charming red-brick mansions. The area is also home to upscale boutiques, art galleries, and delightful restaurants.

Our third Day in Paris: the louvre and champs elysees

The following day, we arranged a tour of the Louvre (I highly recommend booking a tour to bypass the long lines; guides can take you directly into the museum). Since our time at the Louvre was limited, we opted for a timed entry to skip the queue and head straight to the Mona Lisa. I was surprised by how much smaller the Mona Lisa was in person than I had imagined, but it was an incredible experience to see it up close! I felt grateful to witness such a stunning and historic piece, along with the Winged Victory of Samothrace. There are also some other masterpieces I hope to revisit someday, such as the Great Sphinx of Tanis and Liberty Leading the People.

After exploring the Louvre, we set off for some shopping on the Champs-Élysées and to see the Arc de Triomphe. We strolled through the Tuileries Garden, which is absolutely stunning with its exquisite landscaping. This is also a perfect spot to enjoy some food and wine while relaxing and soaking in the beauty!

Tip: We needed a restroom on our way, and while there are nice facilities available, be sure to have some euros to use them!

The Champs-Élysées exceeded all my expectations, featuring beautiful designer shops and boutiques at every turn. Of course, there’s Louis Vuitton, where people wait hours to purchase a bag. While I understand the appeal, I was more captivated by the charm of Paris and if I am lucky I’ll return one day to buy that bag!

After our shopping, we grabbed a bite to eat before heading to the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’s most iconic monuments. Standing at 164 feet tall, this monument was constructed to pay tribute to those who fought and lost their lives in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. You can access the monument through the Passage du Souvenir, and there’s also the option to ascend to the top for breathtaking panoramic views and to explore the fascinating museum.

Our fourth Day in Paris: montmartre area

The following day, we decided to get up early to witness the sunrise in the Montmartre area, which happens to be my absolute favorite spot in Paris! I discovered while researching this area that the Sacré-Coeur tends to be extremely crowded and warm during the summer months, especially if you visit during the day which is why we got there super early. it was worth it to see This stunning basilica perched 200 meters above the Seine, offering a breathtaking view of Paris. Although you’ll need to climb about 300 steps to reach the church, trust me, it’s entirely worth the effort!

We spent the majority of the day enjoying this beautiful part of Paris, located on a large hill in the 18th arrondissement. Known for its rich artistic history, Montmartre is home to the iconic Moulin Rouge. The area is incredibly charming, featuring quaint cobblestone streets lined with magnificent historic homes that showcase 19th-century architecture. A particularly fascinating spot is Place du Tertre, where around 150 local artists display their work. We even discovered a remarkable artist who sketched our daughter's profile, a piece I will treasure for a lifetime. Be sure to add Montmartre to your Paris itinerary; it’s an extraordinary place to eat and explore!

Our fifth Day in Paris: Rue cler, eiffel tower & seine cruise

On our final day, we took our time to savor a leisurely breakfast before embarking on our last adventures. Our first stop was the Rue Cler market, which exudes a lively and relaxed atmosphere. This pedestrian-only market street is lined with numerous shops offering a variety of delicious foods, making it a food lover's paradise as you stroll along and sample different treats. My absolute favorite shop was Le Chocolat-Alain Ducasse. I fell in love with it the moment I stepped inside, captivated by its stunning chocolate displays and the warm invitation to taste samples right at the entrance! This charming area is perfect for grabbing a snack before heading to the nearby Eiffel Tower just a few blocks away.

my top 3 must try on rue cler:

Le chocolat by Alain ducasse- beautiful shop and delicious chocolate that looks like a piece of art!
la fromagerie- cheese shop with a unique variety of different parisian cheeses
la petit cler- cute little restaurant with great food right on rue cler street

We had a fantastic time at Rue Cler Market and then strolled a few blocks to finally catch sight of the Eiffel Tower. Although we caught a glimpse of it during our photo session, we were excited to see it up close. Unfortunately, the line to go up the tower was long, so we decided to relax in front of it while enjoying our chocolate. The Eiffel Tower was absolutely breathtaking, and I’m so grateful we could experience it up close; I was determined to see its glittering lights at night!

A friendly reminder: Be cautious when you’re in the area near the tower, as it can get very crowded, making it easy for pickpockets to strike!

After spending time near the Eiffel Tower, we returned to our hotel to prepare for our Seine River cruise. I wanted to create a memorable and special end to our Paris adventure, so I had booked a sunset cruise. I’m thrilled I did, as it provided a stunning and unique perspective of the city! Onboard, we enjoyed soothing Parisian music and had access to a bar where we could purchase drinks while taking in the scenery.

The Seine River cruise lasts for one hour, gently gliding along the river as we admired views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and many other iconic landmarks. Just as our cruise ended, the lights on the Eiffel Tower began to sparkle, prompting us to get off the boat quickly in search of a place to eat and enjoy the view. The lights twinkle every five minutes at the start of each hour from sunset until 11:45 p.m. However, we made the mistake of dining near the Eiffel Tower, and the food was quite disappointing (very touristy). To find better dining options, be sure to move a few blocks away from any major monument.

paris was even more magical than i imagined. i find myself looking at pictures daily and reminiscing about our time there. paris was a destination that i had dreamed of my whole life and i am so thankful that our family had a chance to experience it and i hope and pray to go back one day.

for those curious about our paris trip, including accommodation Recommendations, food & store recommendations, excursions, must see spots, and photo session information check out our custom curated travel Itinerary templates in pdf format in our store section of our website that includes our full itinerary including links, custom map, tips, etc. (sign up for our email list, and receive a free pdf yosemite itinerary template download). additionally you can collaborate with me to create a personalized itinerary exclusively tailored to your vacation.

*Be on the lookout for our upcoming London blog

Happy Travels!

Mandy

check out our link below for custom travel itinerary to paris:

Paris Itinerary

Wandering paris: paris wasn’t just a trip-it was a feeling