The direct translation means, "You are missing from me." That is exactly how I felt before ever visiting the city of lights. I have always loved French films with English subtitles. They are romantic, dramatic and REAL! If you love witty romantic comedies, watch “Priceless” with actors Audrey Tautou and Gad Elmaleh or the movie “Midnight in Paris” that plays on the fantasy of traveling back in time to the era where the greatest poets, artists and writers used the city of Paris as their muse for creativity.
Paris is my favorite city in Europe. It has an elegance about it that is modern, yet transports you back in time. The history, art, architecture, culture, cuisine, pastries, gardens and of course, the shopping! What more could you ask for?
“PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA” - Audrey Hepburn
I have been to Paris is both Spring and Winter. There is a completely different vibe depending on which you choose, but Paris is probably the only city I will say is worth seeing in the cold winter. There is something very magical during Christmas and New Years in Paris with all the lights, decor and vibrant energy! During the holidays, all the luxury hotels have extravagant decorations, so if you go during Christmas, make sure to visit each hotel lobby / property to see their display. In spring, it’s beautiful to walk through the gardens, sit on a park bench and have a French pastry as you people watch or stroll along the seine.
**I ALWAYS recommend booking tickets for things you want to tour as much time in advance as possible. Things tend to sell out or you will find yourself waiting in lines for 1-2 or more hours.
** I ALWAYS recommend booking tours first thing in the morning so you do not have an overflow of tourists packed in one space. As the day goes on, tours and sites reach capacity. I usually recommend 1 or 2 tours back to back in the morning and then have lunch and walk areas that are open space to explore.
Paris is a city that is simple to walk most areas or a quick taxi / uber. (**If you don’t have Euros, I recommend taking an Uber since most taxis get upset if you try to pay with credit card)
HOTELS
The Ritz Carlton
The Four Seasons
The Penninsula
Plaza Athenee
Hotel Crillon - A Rosewood Hotel
J.K. Place Hotel
Maison Villeroy
DISTRICTS
Louvre (1 and 2 Arr.)
Le Marais (3rd Arr.)
Notre Dame (4th Arr.)
Latin Quarters (5th Arr.)
Germain de Pres (6th Arr.)
Invalides and Eiffel Tower (7th Arr.)
Champs Elysees (8th Arr.)
Palais Garnier Opera (9th Arr.)
Montmarte (18th Arr.)
RESTAURANTS
Le Cinq
L’Avenue
Le George
Bar Vendome
Girafe
DRINKS
Le Bar at Plaza Athenee
The Red Door (speakeasy)
SHOPPING (**ALWAYS have your passport with you if you are shopping since you will need it to recieve a VAT TAX form that you can submit at the airport to save on taxes and get the refund instantly in cash or you can request it goes onto your credit card)
If you are seeking luxury shops, the best areas are:
Avenue Montaigne
Avenue George V
Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore
Rue de Sevres
Avenue de Champs- Elysees (mix of basic and luxury)
TOURS
Eiffel Tour (It is best to tour at night since it’s mesmerizing to see the vast city lights captivating you from high above.)
The Arc de Triomphe (I recommend touring this during the day, so you can see Paris with its lush green and astonishing symmetry)
Palais Garnier Opera (A must see! If you can attend a show at night, I advise it. If Opera isn’t your thing, visit during the day and you won’t regret it)
The Louvre (If you’re into art, you’ll love it. If you’re not, you’ll be bored - It’s worth seeing the outside at night, as the pyramid is lit up beautiful.)
Notre Dame (It was closed when I was visiting due to the fire. It was still worth seeing from the outside and exploring that area that has shops, cafes and a medieval façade. Across the street is the Sainte - Chapelle which is known for its stain glass windows and sadly it was closed the day I tried to see it)
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre (The church you can enter for free and there is a separate entrance for a higher level that overlooks Paris. This area Montmarte is worth a visit and is a 20-30 mins drive from central Paris. It’s the artistic district so it has boutique shops and creative works of art with cafes you can sit outside.
Seine (Walk along it since it’s nice to see, especially if the weather is warms. You’ll find many people having picnics or riding bikes)
Jardin du Luxembourg (A peaceful park and garden to sit and relax)
Pastry / cooking class (It’s a nice activity even if you’re not a good chef)
LIDO (burlesque show at night if you are seeking Parisian entertainment *nudity)
DAY TRIP
Versailles - 40 mins drive from central Paris (**Something special most people don’t know. YOU CAN STAY AT VERSAILLES and be treated like Royalty! Yes, it’s true! I did it. You stay in a wing at the end of the palace that was once the Controllers Estate, that is now transformed into a boutique hotel called Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle and you feel like you transported back in time. They called me “My Lady”, they are dressed in attire from a different time period. I had teatime, a royal feast for dinner, a Royal wake up call in the morning and the list of Royal treatment goes on….)
The best part about staying at Versailles is you get private tours of the King and Queens Chambers after hours and access to the garden. I stayed in winter so the garden wasn’t green and vibrant, but I took a day trip from Paris in spring and it was spectacular. You need 2-5 hours depending how much you want to see since the Palace is very large and the grounds are even larger! There are smaller Estates on the property that are worth visiting.)
(If you cannot afford to stay there or just prefer to visit during the day, Versailles Palace is a must see and a guided tour is recommended since the history is fascinating! Versailles has a charming village to walk after you tour the Palace.)
Monet Garden in Giverny - 1 hour drive from central Paris (Monet lived here and most of the inspiration for his paintings came directly from his garden.)
Champagne Region - 1 1/2 hours drive from central Paris (There are a few different wineries depending on your taste in wine.)
RANDOM PHOTOS ON MY ADVENTURE!
Itinerary Example for Winter if you choose to stay part of the trip at Versailles
December 20th - Depart Miami International Airport at 5:40pm
December 21st -Arrive in Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport) at 9:30am
The chauffeur will transport you to your hotel, it’s approximately a 30-40 mins drive from airport.
J.K. Place Paris (Prestige Room)
12:00pm lunch at L’Avenue on Avenue Montaigne
(10 mins drive or 20 mins walk from hotel)
After lunch, explore that area since it has some of the best designer shops and 2 blocks away from the famous Champs- Elysees
(*Provided on a separate page is all the districts in Paris worth exploring)
December 22nd - Airelles Chateau de Versailles
2:00pm the chauffeur will transport you to Versailles, it’s approximately a 30-40 mins drive from Paris.
*All experiences and tours are optional, but included
3:00pm Check in
3:30pm Royal Tea Time with traditional small plates and pastries
5:45pm Exclusive private guided tour at Versailles Palace of King’s Chambers (90 minutes duration)
8:00pm Royal Feast dinner
December 23rd
7:30-9:30am Royal Breakfast is available for in room dining or restaurant
9:40am Private guided tour of the Petit Trianon (90 mins duration)
*Explore the Queens Hamlet and Gardens at your leisure (golf carts upon request)
*book a facial or massage
3:30pm Royal Tea Time with traditional small plates and pastries
5:45pm Exclusive private guided tour at Versailles Palace of Queen’s Chambers (90 minutes duration)
7:30pm Special Christmas event - Parcours du Roi
8:30pm Royal Feast dinner or in room dining experience
December 24th
7:30-9:30am Royal Breakfast is available for in room dining or restaurant
9:40am Private guided tour of the Grand Trianon (90 mins duration)
*Explore the charming city of Versailles. 5-20 mins walking distance to shops from hotel
12pm Check out of Versailles and transportation will take you back to Paris and check into The Peninsula Hotel
*relax or explore a district you find appealing on the separate guide
December 25th
11:00am The Ritz Carlton Brunch (A spectacular Christmas brunch with jazz music)
*Walk the Latin Quarters where you will find Notre Dame and Saints Chapel
*Treatment at hotel such as; facial or massage
7:00pm Eiffel Tower tour to the top (it’s best to experience at night and see the lights)
December 26th
10:00am Tour the Arc de Triomphe rooftop for a spectacular view of Paris
11:00am Take a taxi (20-30 mins drive) to Montmartre and visit The Basilica of Sacred Heart Cathedral and explore the shops and cafes
4pm Take a taxi to the Louvre and if you’re interested in art, tour inside or just admire the beautiful structure from outside and walk that area which has gardens surrounding it and walk along the Seine
December 27th
10:30am Tour the Palais Garnier Opera (*if you like theatre, we can book a performance one of the nights. I recommend “Carmen”)
*walk 10-15 mins and explore the amazing shops by using google maps to locate The Ritz Carlton Hotel and walk that area
*If you like classes, take a private cooking or pastry course
December 28th
Departure to airport
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