A Winter Guide to Paris

Is there anything more romantic than Paris during the winter holidays? Unless it’s a private island in the Bahamas, and a Bachelor style proposal, I can’t think of anything. There really isn’t anything I love as much as Paris – I love it as much as I love coffee, Disney Parks, Chipotle bowls, and red wine, which in my world, is basically all the love I have to give. Today, we’re putting together our Winter guide to Paris, so you can bundle up under the Eiffel Tower, and know exactly where to go.

-Stay

We partnered with Hotel Chavanel on our recent trip to Paris, and LOVED it. This is by far our favorite hotel we’ve ever stayed at in Paris. The central location is not only safe and beautiful, but perfect for walking to all the major sites. The hotel has a high fashion look, with modern furnishings that manage to be both elegant and comfortable. The hotel has an organic breakfast that has everything from a meat and cheese board, to yogurt, to soft boiled eggs. It’s an amazing way to start your day.

-Eat

Crêperie Elo:

You know you can’t go to Paris without eating a crepe, but they aren’t all created equal. Some places will try to sell you lukewarm crepes that just aren’t good. These are FANTASTIC. We recommend the four cheese, and the nutella and coconut. They’re literally bits of heaven.

Bubar:

This might be my favorite bar I’ve ever been to – it’s full of wine bottles, CD’s, and dim lighting. All glasses of wine are 5 euros.

La Boulangerie des Invalides:

This is our favorite place for pastries and sandwiches in all of France. The food and desserts are heavenly, and there’s an outdoor seating area that’s a little slice of heaven.

Comptoir de la Gastronomie:

The might be the best meal I’ve ever had. Sit outside with a warm blanket on your lap, an incredible glass of red wine, and order the Foie Gras Ravioli. I promise it will change your life.

Le Temps des Cerises

This is what you imagine when you picture a Parisian restaurant. Everything is in french, and you’ll have to translate on your phone. We love the risotto and escargot, and cozy atmosphere.

-Play

-The Eiffel Tower

Because you’re in Paris, right? Go at day and at night.

-Notre Dame

Sing a few bars of songs from the movie while there.

-The Tuileries

One of Paris’s prettiest gardens. Take a long stroll, and feel like you’re in a different time.

-The Luxembourg Gardens

Our second favorite garden in Paris, especially when the leaves have turned it gold.

-The grounds of the Louvre

We aren’t huge museum fans, but the grounds are quintessential Paris. We especially love the grounds at night.

-The Christmas lights at The Champs de Elysee

There’s nothing more magical than the Champs de Elysee when it’s lit up from Christmas. It’s pure, Paris magic.

-The Christmas lights at Avenue Montaigne

Paris goes all out on decorating, including their city streets. This is one of our favorites as far as decor.

-The Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette

Head to the Galeries Lafayette, to see the incredible Christmas decorations, including the beautiful tree.

-Ride

Paris is a notoriously bad city to try and get a rental car (THE CITY HAS NO LANES GUYS), and the public transportation situation is a bit sketchy. We recommend uber, or our preferred mode of transportation, moped. We rented from Left Bank Scooters, and they had were fantastic – they dropped the moped off at our hotel, and picked it up the next day.

Paris is fantastic, and we think it’s even more beautiful during the Holidays, and when the city is cold. Plus, you’ll score some fantastic deals, since it’s technically considered ‘off season’, and enjoy the city when it’s less crowded.