30th Birthday in Paris

Paris has always been a special place for me. There is something so romantic about the history, the food, the hustle and bustle. Every detail of the city is alluring and leaves you wanting more. I first visited Paris after I graduated from High School, and it was such a quick trip, but I knew I wanted to return. Last fall we spent two days in Paris, before heading to Italy for a the bulk of our trip. Those two days were such a tease, so I knew we had to go back. We celebrated my 30th Birthday with a week of French life, in Paris and Burgundy! It was such a fabulous way to ring in a new decade. Sharing some photos below, as well as a few itinerary items from our trip. Enjoy! - Burgundy and Dijon coming soon!

We stayed in the most charming little Airbnb apartment in the heart of St. Germain. We were there so many days, we felt like it made the most sense. We were within walking or metro distance of everything.

On our first day, we got into town around lunch, so we stayed close to the apartment, and did some shopping.

Lunch at Café de Flore, very touristy, but it is worth it!

Pierre Herme for macarons, but Ladurée is still my favorite.

Our first day in Paris was actually my Birthday, so we had headed over to The Eiffel Tower to catch the lights, and then a late Dinner at La Fontaine de Mars. The aesthetic of this place is quintessential vintage Parisian, and escargot were great! I found this on a list of suggestions, because the Obamas ate here while traveling in Paris. Tip, make a 7:00 o’clock reservation here and request the patio area!

One morning, we had the opportunity to go on a tour of the Poilâne Bakery. It was quite a treat. I loved seeing the history, and of course eating some of their famously delicious bread.

Then, we spent the rest of the day exploring the Musee D’Orsay. The Berthe Morisot exhibit was being featured while we were visiting. What a magical experience! Tip, We bought joint tickets for this one and Musée de l'Orangerie to see Monet’s Water Lilies (we used those tickets a few days later).

Lunch at Cafe Louise- delicious everything, and not too expensive. I got the quiche and a salad, and Will got the Croque-Madame with fries.

That evening we met some friends who happened to be in town. We grabbed some wine in the 11th arr. with Two Food Trippers before heading to the Opera.

Our tickets were to the new modern Bastille Opera house, to see Les Puritains, by Belini. It was an amazing experience and so interesting to see how the arts are such a large part of the French culture.

Following the show, we had a late dinner at Le Saint Germain (it is very close to the airbnb). Tip, I highly recommend the Crème Brûlée and the Onion Soup.

We had a few days in Paris where we did a lot of exploring, and simply soaked in the city. One of those days, we stumbled upon Saint Chapelle and The Conciergerie. I am so glad we did because it was incredibly interesting and very old. Will and I both love history and these two places were filled to the brim with things of the past. Tip, we bought tickets at The Conciergerie for both places, because the line was long at Saint Chapelle.

Frenchie To-Go was SO GOOD! The house made hot dogs and buns are to die for. Worth the walk if you’re staying on the other side of Paris. Everything on the menu is delicious and we enjoyed every bite.

We bought tickets to Louvre for a 6:00 PM time slot. It was suggested to me that we go later in the day, but it still did not save us from the lines- they never end. The Mona Lisa was just as lovely as I remember her from High School, and it was great to experience Will viewing the art for the first time.

Our most favorite meal of the entire trip was at Bistrot Paul Bert. I wanted to try this place last year when we were in Paris, but the days did not align with them being open. I walked in to make a reservation, and requested the patio. The best dinner ever! I cannot recommend this enough. I got the Signature Steak Frites, and Will got the Lamb Stew. Our appetizer with a seasonal tomato salad, and for desert a macaron and caramelized figs with ice cream. Every bite was to die for. I wish I had some now! Call ahead or go by to make your reservation. I follow them on instagram, so look them up there for more divine food photos.

Adventuring out of the city for a day was such fun! Will and I both love wine, so we knew Burgundy had to be on our to-do list. We left Paris early, and took the train to Dijon. We met up with our Authentica Tour that took us out to Burgundy and Beaune for a full day. This was amazing! I had a glass of wine from 1998. The oldest I’ve ever tried. It was delicious!

We walked passed Marzo, this fabulous Italian place 100 times that week, and I am so glad we stopped in one night. The atmosphere and the pizza at Marzo were delicious. We had an amazing appetizer that has inspired me for a blog recipe (coming soon).

We had breakfast at Le Ne Mours (best drinking chocolate I’ve ever had). We had lunch here last year, and remember it being delicious, so it was a must again. We did some people watching, and then took a walk through the Tuileries Gardens to get to Musée de l'Orangerie. The morning was spent there looking at Monet’s Water Lilies.

Our late lunch in Luxembourg Gardens, was one of the highlights of our trip! We bought some cheese selections from the fromagerie in Dijon before we took the train back to Paris, so I saved those along with some champagne and items from a local grocery. We sat there for a few hours enjoying the gardens, lunch and the peacefulness of it all. What a treat!

On our last day in Paris, we got up early and went out to the Vanves Flea Market. This was our second time at this flea market. Last year I went home with so many amazing items, I had it on my list as a must-do. Of course I found some treasures, so it was definitely worth it.

Breakfast is an all together different scenario in France. Most mornings consist of a croissant and espresso, so by our last day we were ready for a real breakfast. We found this tiny, but delicious place near our apartment that made for a great transition back to the states. Eggs and Co., had some amazing Eggs Benedict, Mixed Greens, and Potatoes to send us off to the U.S. with full bellies.

I wish I could write down every detail, but there is too much to share. I hope you enjoy some of the tips, and it is helpful if ever you find yourself in my favorite city!

Details of our time in Dijon and Burgundy coming soon.