We felt so lucky to take a second trip back to Paris...the City of Lights. We took our first trip here almost exactly 3 years ago - on our engagement trip (we got engaged in French vineyards right after we visited Paris). On that trip, we did many of the typical tourist activities - Musee D'Orsay, the Louvre, Montmartre, and the Eiffel Tower. This time, we were able to see other city highlights we missed on our first round. We also managed to fit in some delicious meals and pastries.
Hotels
Hotel Ekta: Huge recommendation on this hotel. It is just two blocks from the Arc de Triomphe and just off the Champs Elysess. It's a small, modern hotel with a black and white theme. The rooms are well thought out - with every type of plug and charging station and very well maintained. HIGHLY recommend - it was was inexpensive for Paris ($120/night)
Restaurants
Le Relais de Entrecote: If you look up "best steak frites" in the city, this is what you'll find. Hundreds of recommendations for this amazing restaurant. They have only one thing on the menu - Steak Frites - but they do it just beautifully. The wine is inexpensive and the meal is so incredibly memorable. There are a few in the city - we went to the one in St. Germain. Note that they don't take reservations, but if you go a few minutes before their opening at 7 pm and stand in line, you'll be in the first seating.
Il Grano: This was an adorable Italian restaurant just behind the Arc de Triomphe. Quaint with freshly handmade pasta. If you're staying in the area, recommend. If you're not staying in the area, it's not worth the travel.
Itinerary
Friday - Late Afternoon
- Stroll Down the Champs Elysees: Check out the shops, maybe taste a macaroon at Laudree. We were lucky enough to be there during the Paris Christmas Market, so we enjoyed hot mulled wine, bought Christmas ornaments, and generally did some shopping
- Dinner - Le Relais de Entrecote: See above, amazing experience. Delicious steak and incredible dessert.
- Paris at Night Stroll: We strolled back along the Seine to see the Eiffel Tower lit up and also stopped at the amazing Louvre to see their famous pyramid lit at night. It was a beautiful walk through the city
Saturday - Full Day
- Centre Pompidou: Modern Art Bonanza! All of the most famous artists of the past century - Picasso, Matisse, Warhol. Stunning. We spent like 6 hours here seeing the art, checking out the modern architecture, and eating at their fine restaurant (beautiful views, but $$$$) - George. Mark out a full day for this!
Sunday
- Picasso Museum: This was our third Picasso Museum (others were in Barcelona and Malaga). It has been a treat to see the range of his artwork. The Paris museum in a beautiful old mansion and also includes his private collection - including Renoir and Kandinsky. Beautiful - spend 1-2 hours.
- Sainte-Chapelle: We strolled toward Notre Dame, checked out the outside, and then visited Saint Chapelle. This is the most stunning stainglass I have ever seen. Truly beautiful.
- Latin Quarter: We rounded out our day with a stroll through the shops around the Latin Quarter. Always beautiful and fun to browse.
