Welcome to Paris: A Curated Guide for an Unforgettable First Trip

After arriving in Paris, we settled into our home base at Hôtel Adèle & Jules, where we were fortunate to have an early check-in—giving us time to refresh and begin exploring the city without missing a moment. Located in the charming 9th arrondissement, the hotel was the perfect home for our Paris adventure.

With our first afternoon ahead of us, we took a leisurely walk along the Seine, soaking in our first views of Paris’s iconic bridges, riverside bookstalls, and timeless architecture. We made our way toward the Latin Quarter and Place Saint-Michel, a lively and historic meeting point on the Left Bank.

From there, we began our Paris introduction in a truly unforgettable way with a private sidecar tour through Retro Tour Paris. Cruising through the streets with the wind in our hair, we discovered many of the city’s highlights while getting a unique perspective on Paris’s neighborhoods, landmarks, and hidden corners—a perfect way to get oriented after a long journey.

We ended our first evening with dinner at Le Saint-Mich, enjoying a relaxed introduction to French cuisine and the lively atmosphere of the Left Bank. It was the perfect first night in Paris—equal parts charming, exciting, and filled with the anticipation of everything still to come.

Our second day in Paris began with one of the city’s most unforgettable experiences—a visit to the Louvre Museum. Home to thousands of years of art and history, the Louvre can feel overwhelming, so we focused our visit on the highlights while taking time to appreciate the incredible architecture of the former royal palace itself. From the glass pyramid courtyard to the grand galleries inside, it was the perfect introduction to Paris’s extraordinary cultural heritage.

After exploring the museum, we stepped outside for a well-deserved pause in the beautiful Tuileries Garden. One of our favorite Parisian moments was slowing down like locals do—picking up a fresh baguette and cheese and enjoying a simple picnic-style break surrounded by manicured gardens, fountains, and views stretching toward the Place de la Concorde.

Refreshed, we continued our walk along the famous Champs-Élysées, taking time to browse the shops and experience one of the world’s most iconic avenues. A highlight was stopping into the legendary Louis Vuitton flagship store, along with visits to other renowned luxury stores that make this area a destination for fashion lovers from around the world. Even if you aren’t shopping, the beautifully designed stores and window displays are an experience in themselves. The walk led us to the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, where we paused to take in the sweeping views and the grandeur of Paris’s famous boulevards radiating from this historic landmark.

We ended the day close to our hotel with a quintessential Parisian dining experience at Bouillon Chartier. This beloved historic brasserie offered a lively atmosphere, traditional French dishes, and a taste of old-world Paris without the formality. It was the perfect way to wrap up the day.

Day three took us beneath the streets of Paris and into some of the city’s most fascinating history with a visit to the Catacombs of Paris. This unique underground experience offered a glimpse into a lesser-known side of the city, where centuries of history are preserved beneath the bustling streets above. It was a memorable way to begin the day and a reminder that Paris’s stories extend far beyond its famous landmarks.

After emerging from the Catacombs, we made our way to the beautiful Luxembourg Garden for a leisurely stroll. One of our favorite green spaces in Paris, the gardens offered the perfect contrast to the underground tunnels—filled with tree-lined paths, fountains, sculptures, and classic Parisian charm. It was the ideal place to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy a gelato from the garden vendor.

From there, we continued exploring the historic Latin Quarter, wandering through its charming streets filled with bookshops, cafés, and centuries of history. We stopped to admire Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, and continued to the beloved Shakespeare and Company bookstore. Stepping inside felt like entering a piece of literary history, with its cozy rooms, handwritten notes, and inspiring atmosphere overlooking Notre-Dame.

We ended the evening with a fun and memorable dining experience at Les Fondus de la Raclette. The restaurant was amazing and provided a more casual side of French dining—where the focus is on comfort, conversation, and a deliciously interactive meal.

With a later start today, we strolled Rue Cler, a beloved market street filled with specialty food shops, bakeries, cheese shops, and local delicacies. With a few picnic items in hand, we found a spot in Champ de Mars, where we could enjoy the expansive park and one of the most classic Eiffel Tower views.

From there, we wandered through one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods, making our way along Rue Saint-Dominique, a lively street known for its cafés, boutiques, and quintessential Parisian atmosphere. A stop at a local crêpe stand was the perfect mid-morning treat—a simple but memorable way to enjoy Paris like a local. We continued our walk to the picture-perfect Rue de l'Université, one of the city’s most photographed streets with its postcard-worthy views of the Eiffel Tower framed between classic Parisian buildings.

We made our way back to the Eiffel Tower, taking the elevator all the way to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views over the City of Light. Seeing Paris from above offered a whole new perspective, from the winding Seine River to the grand boulevards and historic landmarks stretching across the horizon.

We enjoyed a late lunch at L'Alma, taking time to relax and savor the day before our evening adventure. L'Alma quickly became one of our favorite restaurants in Paris, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere, delicious French-inspired cuisine (the farm chicken breast was a favorite!), and the perfect setting to relax and savor a leisurely meal after an afternoon of exploring.

As the sun began to set, we boarded a Seine River Champagne cruise—one of the most magical ways to experience Paris. Gliding past illuminated landmarks with a glass of Champagne in hand was the perfect ending to a day filled with iconic views, charming streets, and unforgettable Parisian moments.

Day five took us beyond the heart of Paris for a visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, one of France’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for any first visit. Stepping into Versailles felt like entering another world, with its opulent halls, grand architecture, and beautifully manicured gardens that showcase the extravagance of French royal history. We spent the day exploring the palace, wandering through the expansive gardens, and taking in the details that make Versailles one of the most impressive cultural treasures in Europe. It was truly breathtaking.

After returning to Paris, we ended the day with a relaxed and delicious meal at Maison Pinsa. This cozy spot was a family favorite, serving up Roman-style pinsa with a light, airy crust and creative toppings—the perfect casual meal after a full day of sightseeing. Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying dessert, making it the ideal way to finish a memorable day.

We started today at one of the sweetest experiences in Paris—a stop at Cédric Grolet Opéra to sample the creations of one of the city’s most celebrated pastry chefs, known for his artistic desserts and beautifully crafted pastries.

After our pastry stop, we explored the surrounding area, including Nizou and the charming boutiques along the nearby streets. This part of Paris is filled with stylish shops, cafés, and local finds, making it a wonderful area to wander, browse, and experience a more everyday side of the city beyond the major landmarks.

No first trip to Paris is complete without a visit to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, one of the city’s most iconic shopping destinations. More than just a department store, this Paris landmark is an experience in itself, with its breathtaking Art Nouveau glass dome, elegant displays, and impressive selection of French fashion, beauty, and luxury brands. Even if you aren’t shopping, Galeries Lafayette is worth visiting for the atmosphere, history, and a glimpse into the elegance that makes Paris synonymous with style. Make your way to the rooftop terrace for one of the best free panoramic views of Paris, including a beautiful perspective of the Eiffel Tower and the Opéra district.

In the afternoon, we made our way to Montmartre, one of the most enchanting neighborhoods in Paris. We spent time exploring its charming shopping streets, discovering unique boutiques, and taking in the artistic spirit that has made this hilltop neighborhood famous. Our walk continued past the iconic Moulin Rouge before making our way uphill to the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The views from the steps of Sacré-Cœur provided a beautiful finale to our afternoon, overlooking the rooftops of Paris as the city stretched out below.

We ended the day with dinner at Le Tire-Bouchon, a cozy neighborhood restaurant that offered a warm atmosphere and a relaxed setting to reflect on a day filled with some of Paris’s best flavors, shopping, and unforgettable views.

Our final full day in Paris began with a relaxed breakfast at Marlette, a charming café known for its cozy atmosphere, delicious baked goods, and the perfect Parisian start to the day. It was the ideal spot to slow down, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and prepare for a day of exploring one of our favorite neighborhoods.

We spent the day wandering through Le Marais, one of the most vibrant and charming areas of Paris. This historic neighborhood is filled with beautiful architecture, hidden courtyards, independent boutiques, and some of the best shopping in the city. We explored the stylish shops and unique finds that make the Marais such a special place to spend an afternoon, mixing well-known favorites with smaller local boutiques.

For our final dinner in Paris, we enjoyed a memorable meal at Le Colimaçon, a cozy and welcoming restaurant tucked away in the heart of the Marais. Known for its traditional French dishes, warm atmosphere, and authentic Parisian charm, it was the perfect farewell dinner after a week filled with incredible food, unforgettable sights, and family memories.

The evening ended with a truly spectacular Parisian celebration—watching the Bastille Day fireworks illuminate the sky above the Eiffel Tower. Experiencing this iconic French holiday in the City of Light was the perfect finale to our trip, combining history, celebration, and one of the most breathtaking views Paris has to offer.