American Girls Guide to Paris, France, after 90 days of living abroad.
How can I sum up all the wonderful things to do in Paris in just one posting?! Well I can’t, so I already have one posting full of specifically the best coffee shops in Paris and another post of the area where I lived in Paris, Montmartre. My Girls Guide to Montmartre is jam packed of what to do in the beloved 18th arrondissement. My Girls Guide to Coffee Shops posting holds all the wonderful coffee shop spots where you can enjoy an oat milk lattè. This fall I lived in Paris, France for a total of 90 days, although I traveled Europe a bit as well, it was home to me for the fall/winter. I cannot believe my time here is through and I genuinely wish I could stay forever. I’m writing this blog posting from a cafè in Paris called Le Saint- Amour, drinking a glass of Sancerre, and I am so full of joy that I made the move Paris and proud of myself for the woman I am today. This journey has taught me so much about myself. My eat, pray, love era and I feel full in so many ways, and not just of wine and cheese.
Paris is separated by Arrondissements, which are essentially neighborhoods. There are 20 different arrondissements in Paris. Each arrondissement has its unique flair and many hold different tourist attractions to see. This blog I will separate my recommendations by the arrondissements because when you are traveling here you will want to spend your days wisely! The arrondissements will not be in order of 1-20 but rather in order of what’s closest to one another :) Also I want to note that all my recommendations start on La Seine river (see the blue on the map) in the center of Paris and upwards to Montmartre. The Seine River is probably my favorite part of Paris and is home to some of the most popular landmarks.
1st Arrondissement
The 1st arrondissement is probably the most popular to tourists and represents the heart of historical Paris. Most of Paris’s most popular museums live here from the Louvre Museum to Musée des Arts Décoratifs. The picturesque Tuileries Garden and the beautiful La Seine River are also here. Personally I would recommend spending 1 entire day of your Paris trip in the 1st arrondissement, there is so much to do and see!
Louvre- Start your day at the famous Louvre museum. This is the best way to see the Louvre before the crowds come in and a great start to a fabulous day in Paris. Pro tip- first head to Cafe Kitsune by the Louvre for an amazing latte and sweet treat. The Louvre Museum is home to the wildly popular Mona Lisa and is the world's most visited museum. The Louvre was once the royal palace and officially started by King Francis in 1546. Francis was a great art collector, and the Louvre was his royal residence and many of his collections can still be seen here today.
Le Cafe Marly- This elegant brasserie with views of the Louvre museum, essentially in the museum is a must hit for your lunch or late breakfast after the museum.
Palais-Royal quarter- After the Louvre and lunch head to Palais Royal across the street. Palais Royal is often missed by tourists but it is a former royal palace which is now home to an iconic garden and beautiful boutiques and restaurants align the courtyard. Take pictures on the famous Pinterest worthy courtyard with black and white striped columns and be sure to gaze at the beautiful fountains in the garden.
Musée des Arts décoratifs- This museum occupies the most north-western wing of the Louvre Palace. It is a well laid-out collection of furniture and clothing designs from the Middle Ages all the way through the 21st century. When I was in Paris there was an exhibition for Elsa Schiaparelli. Elsa Schiaparelli is an Italian couturière and the exhibition celebrates the bold and exciting creations of the designer. I studied Elsa Schiaparelli in college and I really enjoyed this exhibition, it is there until the end of January!
Place Vendôme + Rue Saint Honoré- Designer boutiques and luxury jewelers perfect for all the fashionistas. Come here for the trendy Ritz Paris and the first ever Laduree location.
Angelina Paris- Famously known for being Coco Chanels favorite cafe in Paris and I can see why! There are many amazing spots in Paris for hot chocolate but I agree with Coco, this one is the best.
Seine River- I feel like I say everywhere in Paris is my favorite but standing in front of the Seine River with the Eiffel Tower behind it at dusk is my favorite thing in the entire world. There’s so many things to do by the Seine River, one of the best options is to dine on the Seine. One restaurant I love is on a docked boat with an iconic view of the Eiffel Tower, you’re literally sitting right underneath it. Francette, although set in the 7th arrondissement, is the perfect spot to enjoy Seine River views. Another amazing thing to do on the Seine is the Bateaux Mouches river cruise. Boating along the Seine is the best way to see it Paris. On the river you see so many landmarks and they even give you a map to guide along the way as you eat an incredible 5 course meal.
7th arrondisement-
Eiffel Tower- You have to go up the Eiffel Tower. PLEASE. I am telling you, go ALL the way up! Once you’ve gone up the Eiffel Tower I promise you you'll never think of Paris the same. It’s an amazing feeling and from the top you can head to champagne bar for a class of Moet, walk around and look down and gaze at at 360 degree view of the city of love + lights.
I would plan your time at the Eiffel Tower at sunset to enjoy it sparkle at night. If you’re doing the Eiffel Tower in the day I would recommend a picnic on the lawn underneath the Eiffel Tower. Grab bottle of wine and cheese and join the locals on a nice day. I love the Eiffel Tower always but I do think it’s best at night specifically on the hour every hour after dusk for 5 minutes when it’s sparkling! I want to stress that just about the only thing to do by the Eiffel Tower is the Eiffel Tower, lol. One restaurant I do love is Francette, on the Seine that I mentioned above. As for additional cafes in this area there aren’t great options and they all seem to be filled with tourists who have no idea what they are doing, like me at first. Instead, make a reservation ahead of time at any of the amazing spots across the way from the Eiffel Tower in Trocadero in the 16th.
16th arrondissement: Home to Trocadero and the best views of the Eiffel Tower. Come here for the most perfect photos with an iconic shot of the Eiffel Tower behind you. Also come here for iconic restaurants facing the Eiffel Tower like Girafe and Kong. Fare warning hese restaurants are expensive but worth the price if you can get a good seat! Another great spot in the area is Cafè du Trocadero where you can get a small glimpse of the Eiffel Tower from your seat near the window. Another highly sought out tourist destination in Trocadero is the TikTok famous Carrette. The perfect fix for a cold day in Paris, hot chocolate and yummy pastries.
Palais Galliera- The museum of Fashion in the most fashionable city in the world. Palais Galliera holds exhibitions monthly and you must make reservations ahead of the time because they often sell out. When I was there it was a Frida Kahlo exhibition.
Palais de Tokyo & Museum Of Modern Art- There is no possible way to hit all of the museums in Paris, there are 130! But here are 2 additional recommendations in the 16th arrondissement that are very popular.
8th Arrondissement-
Arc De Triomphe- Where the 16th arrondissement and 8th Arrondissement meet. Come to the Arc De Triomphe to climb up and see the view from the top or just gaze at the beauty of it from below before walking the Champs-Élysées.
Champs-Élysées- The very popular shopping street with all the mainstream shops like the Louis Vuitton headquarters, Dior, Zara and more. The long street is famous for their lights decked on the trees that align the street during Christmas. The iconic two-kilometre street runs between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle, where the Arc de Triomphe is located.
Avenue Montaigne- The hot spot for shopping designer stores in Paris, runs parallel to the Champs-Elysées. Here you’ll find all in a line Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Fendi, Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Chloe, Giorgio Armani, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana.
Hotel Plaza Athene- The most amazing, and prestigious hotel in all of Paris located on Avenue Montaigne. Another place where you can expect to see your favorite influencers and celebrities. If you can't afford to stay here, same lol, it’s still worth it to go. Come to the hotel lobby to see the art, listen to live music in the tea room, head to the garden or enjoy drinks in the blue iconic bar. Truly a destination in itself, even the red awnings and perfectly gardened balconies from the outside is a site to see. You can also see the Eiffel Tower from here!
Place de la Concorde- At the end of walking Champs-Élysées you’ll hit the Place Concorde. A site to see for sunset in my opinion.
Mimosa – Jean-François Piège- An iconic Mediterranean restaurant 3 minute walk from Place De La Concorde. Come dine here after sunset, and make sure to snap a pic of the sparkly entrance when you arrive. It gives a very French restaurant in Los Angeles feel if you ask me.
La Matignon- A dinner party turns club! This is the go to chic, going out spot in Paris. I went when my best friend was visiting and it was amazing. You have dinner with music at the top of the restaurant then if you're really feeling like having a night, go downstairs to the club!
L’Avenue- where you go to be seen. This influencer trendy spot is all the rage right now. If you come during the day expect to wait a little but you can manage to get a seat, or make a reservation!
4th Arrondissement-
Notre Dame- A very popular landmark in Paris. It sadly is still closed from the fire a few years ago but you can gaze at it before heading the Latin Quarters, although in the 5th arrondissement the Latin Quarters in just across the way from the Notre Dame to the left of the river. My advice is to hit the 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements in the same day as they are all very close to one another.
5th Arrondissement-
The 5th arrondissement is also known as the Latin Quarter and is actually home to where Emily in Paris lives! Latin Quarter is home to student-filled cafes, jazz bars, and amazing creperies on every corner. It's also famed for its bookshops, including the landmark Shakespeare & Company.
Shakespeare and Company- Bookstore and Cafe right across from the Notre Dame and the Seine River. This famous bookstore almost always has a line but it is worth it.
Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques- For the Emily in Paris fans, here is where you can find Emily's apartment where she lives and Gabriel’s restaurant on the other side of the square.
Fontaine Saint-Michel is the most famous fountain in Paris. It is a picturesque site to see and maybe even toss a coin in and make a wish! It’s a very short walk from the Notre Dame and in the front of Latin Quarters but technically in the 6th arrondissement which confuses me.
6th Arrondissement-
Jardin De Luxembourg- Here I go again using the word favorite.. but this here is my favorite garden in all of Paris! This is the best spot in Paris to relax, read, and just truly enjoy that you’ve made it to Paris. Palm trees are planted outside, gorgeous flowers are blooming even into October, and there’s a large duck pond where you can rent sailboats and push them into the water with a long stick. This past time has been done by park visitors for 90 years.
Musée d'Orsay- Across from The Louvre museum of the left bank of the Seine is this iconic museum. The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography.
Cafe De Flore- iconic and charming celebrity favorite spot serving with amazing French food. Even if you don’t want to eat here, come for a picture outside of it.
Les Deux Magots- very similar vibe to Cafe De Flore and also a famous French restaurant in Saint Germain.
Mason Sauvage Saint Germain- iconic bohemian brunch spot in Saint Germain. You’ll know I sent you here when you see the flowers all over the outside of the restaurant. Make sure to go inside and into the beautiful bathroom. Warning it is very crowded here almost always so be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors! So French…
Le Bon Marche- Saint Germain is also home to amazing shopping. Many people have referred Le Bon Marche to me as “heaven on Earth” in reality it’s a French department store lol but still a great place to go! Outside the shop is also many choices of iconic French cafe style seating restaurants, where people-watching is part of the whole experience.
9th Arrondissement
Opera: The Opera as well as the shops, is what makes the 9th arrondissement so well known. The Opera to me is like a museum and even if you can’t make it to a show I recommend visiting. Formally known as Palais Garnier, you can visit for $14 and see the beautiful costumes displayed from past shows, take in the views from the balcony, and gaze at all the iconic chandeliers. After going inside I listened to live music from a man dressed in a full red suit with a turtle neck underneath it outside of the Opera, he was singing in American and in French which was great.
Cafe La Paix- One of my favorite restaurants in Paris. Get a seat outside of this gorgeous spot, it is right across from the Opera giving you a perfect view as you enjoy a hot chocolate, coffee, glass of wine, or dinner! The terrace is amazing but the inside is also iconic as well if it’s a colder day. Located in the Grand Hotel, the dining room is even listed as historic monument and the soul of Paris.
Shopping: Galeries Lafayette, Printemps must shopping department stores in Paris. Think Saks + Bergdorf Goodman but Parisian! A destination in itself. I also will be doing a full Girls Guide to Shopping in Paris too!
Pink Mama- This TikTok famous restaurant in the 9th is popular for the aesthetic but the food is also worth the hype!
Note: Moulin Rouge is on the cusp of the 9th and 18th, which is Montmartre. Plan your travel day to hit the 9th on the same day as the 18th. I also cannot say enough good things about Moulin Rouge. Definitely spend the money and buy a ticket! If they are sold out online you can go to the ticket box everyday at 2pm to check for cancellations. I suggest to do VIP with champagne!
18th Arrondissement- My Girls Guide to Montmartre is jam packed of what to do in the beloved 18th arrondissement.
I hope you enjoy and please reach out for any additional recommendations. I appreciate each and everyone reading this posting!
xoxo
Jules