Venir avec moi à Paris, mon cheri – come to France with me, Lady! My husband and I recently took a romantic voyage to one of the most beloved cities in the world – Paris. In Paris, we did not follow any strict itinerary and we definitely did not hire a tour guide. Instead, a typical day was spent wandering streets and getting lost in smells, tastes and new places to uncover. This is “freestyle” traveling at its finest. Follow the “photo diary” below for an inside peek at two Americans savoring the best of Paris. For a blissful travel experience, I challenge you to indulge in the ultimate Parisian pleasures illustrated in the recommendations below. Will you try the world’s most famous fallafel? Will you splurge on that purse you have been saving up for? Will you find the mesmerizing views from Pont Neuf?

If you are seeking specific recommendations for your trip to Paris, make sure to refer to my compilation of “Ladyhattan Favorites” listed at the bottom of this post.

Stroll the streets of Le Marais and find the secret courtyards scattered about the area.

Take a moment to smell the roses at the outdoor markets.

Snap a priceless moment while gazing out from Ile de la Cité.

Taste a croque monsieur on the sidewalk of Les Deux Magots where Picasso once sat… or grab a Fallafel on the go from L’As Du like Lenny Kravitz.

Shop the French designers on a petite discount with the right tax papers (and Louis) in hand.

Make a memory by locking your love to a bridge… if you can.

Find your favorite street performer and give him a euro (or two).

Purchase souvenirs from vintage pop-up shops along Le Seine.

Take frequent breaks for sweets and treats, especially la glace, nutella filled crêpes, and rasberry macaroons.

Catch the sunset inside the courtyard of the Louvre and watch the light reflect through the pyramid.

The possibilities in Paris are endless. Whatever your travel style is, there is no sensation quite like the live experience of streets and cafes throughout the city of love. For my friends and travel enthusiasts planning their next sweet escape to Paris, be sure to take a copy of my comprehensive list of favorite hotspots below. As I have said in prior blog posts on Paris, I grew to know the city quite well from my time spent living there. Back when I was in college, I spent two summer studying and working in Paris. It was an incredible opportunity of a lifetime, and gave me the chance to become a bit of an expert on the various neighborhoods and attractions. This list is a compilation of all the places that I enjoyed the most and highly recommend to my friends and travel fanatics headed to the City of Light. Until the next sweet escape.

Neighborhoods to Wander

Restaurants & Bars

Le 404 (Moroccan)
Georges (inside the Pompidou museum)
Le Café Marly (on the terrace of the Louvre)
Bar du Plaza Athenee (cocktails)
Le Relais Gascon (incredible giant warm salads)
L’Office (bistro)
Bertie’s Cupcakery
Hotel Costes (fancy cocktails)
Angelina on Rue Rivoli (hot chocolate and pastries)
Bones (upscale bistro)
Les Deux Magots (Picasso ate there)
Le Souffle (soufflé/desserts)
L’As du Fallafel (best fallafel in the world)
The Hemingway Bar (cocktails in the Ritz lobby)
Paris-New York (burgers)
Kok Ping (fine Chinese)
Le Petite Prince (affordable and romantic)
Batofar (drinks on a boat)
Le Garde-Temps (French)
VIP Room (nightclub)
La Boeuf Volant (French)
Experimental Cocktail Club (drinks/bar)
Bien Bien (Thai)
Le Bonnie and Clyde (after hours pub/bar)
Marlette (tea)
Buddha Bar (dinner party ambiance)
Le Cinq (fancy French)
Bateau le Calife (best boat dinner cruise)
Epicure (fancy French)
Berthillon (ice cream)
Le Grand Colbert (brasserie)
Bagatelle Mansion (nightclub)
Le Comptoir du Relais (bistro)
Le Refuge des Fondues (fondue and baby bottles of wine)
Kong (upscale restaurant and club)
Le Meurice (fine French dining)
Willi’s Wine bar (casual fine dining)
Pizza Chic (pizza)
Michi (sushi)
Harry’s New York Bar (cocktails)
Le Queen (nightclub)
Lounge Bar at Pershing hall (drinks)

Shops

Catherine B (vintage Chanel and Hermes)
Princesse Tam Tam (lingerie)
Galleries Lafayette (gorgeous high-end department store)
Printemps (high-end department store)
Le Bon Marché (high-end smaller department store)
La Cerise sur le chapeau (hats)
Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier (perfume)
Hermes Flagship
Chanel Flagship
Louis Vuitton Flagship
Noir Kennedy (vintage T’s)
Mira Belle (hats)
Caron Boutique (perfume)
Didier Ludot (vintage)
Christian Louboutin Flagship (shoes)
Diptique (candles)
Fragonard (perfume shop)
Cadolle (lingerie)
Pour Vos Beaux Yeux (eye glasses)
La Belle Hortense (books)
Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen (flea market – antiques)
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel
Fleur de Paris (hats)
Ted Baker (clothing)
Manoush (feminine and unique clothing)
Odetta Vintage (designer vintage)
Tara Jarmon (girly and preppy boutique)
Maison Ladurée (Macaroons and gifts)

Two Americans in Paris