A Classy Girl's Guide to Paris
Paris will always be known as the City of Love which I completely agree, it's a place that exudes romance. But, for me (a chronically single person) I see Paris as a city that represents class and elegance.
Like many others, I have always had the dream to visit Paris. Growing up, I loved all things French from the Madeline books to Beauty and the Beast, I consumed French content that ended up shaping who I am today. For my 12th birthday, my aunt gave me several Paris themed paraphernalia which included a travel guide for Paris. Since then I have learned everything I could about French culture and history.
I recently graduated college and the same aunt who fostered my dream as a child offered to take me anywhere, and it was no surprise to her that I wanted to go to Paris. So, just like Aunt March and Amy from Little Women, we planned our trip to Paris.
Our itinerary consisted of the regular must see's and do's. Of course, we had to visit the Louvre, see the Eiffel Tower, and do a day trip to Versailles. We stuck relatively close to our itinerary and learned a lot. So, without further ado, here's my classy girl's guide to Paris!
Do the cheesy tourist things (within reason).
Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower! Be the first people in line to see the Mona Lisa! Eat all of the croissants! Do the things you want to do, and don't listen to the people who say those things are over rated and aren't worth it. It's all a part of the Parisian experience. What I will say is don't fall into the gimmicks. There are little "gift shops" scattered everywhere selling light up Eiffel towers and berets (both of which could be ordered on Amazon). So, I asked myself when buying souvenirs if it was truly something I could only get in Paris, and 90% of my souvenirs were a resounding yes. I'm not saying I hate people who wear berets. What I am saying is there are better gift shop items to purchase that will really remind you of your time Paris! I brought back a bottle of wine from a fromagerie, a little rococo style plate from Versailles, and several other little items that make me think of those spots I got to see and experience while there and not some sketchy alley way gift shop.
Buy tickets for attractions ahead of time!
I think you will see this tip every where on any guide to Paris, but it is probably one of the best pieces of advice for saving time and getting the most out of your time in Paris. For most of the attractions we went to, my aunt purchased our tickets ahead of time. And, for the attractions you opt for buying tickets there, make sure they are open that day! That happened to us twice where we showed up and the attractions closed that day. To think the time it took to travel to those places could have been used else wise hurts my heart, but learn from our mistakes! Here is a list of where we went and what we saw:
Musée D'Orsay
Beautiful. Known for many things, but especially its Van Gogh, Monet, and Pissarro collections. It was breathtaking to see these works of art in real life. The actual museum is set in what used to be a train station which I find fascinating.
Arc de Triomphe
The structure itself is massive and the details are extremely impressive. THE CLIMB. We went to the top and damn, it's ALOT of stairs. The view was beautiful and worth it! Probably the best view of Paris in my opinion. This is one of the cheesy, tourist things that have to be on your list!
Versailles
MUST SEE! This was my absolute most favorite thing we did the entire trip. Versailles is the perfect reflection of French power, culture, and society of the 18th century. The estate is massive, and you could honestly spend two full days exploring all of it. In high school, I had a bit of an obsession with King Louis XV and his construction of French court at Versailles. So, seeing it and experiencing everything that Versailles stands for was just a huge thing for me. Also, I had a fascination (like many others) with Marie Antionette and her life. She enjoyed escaping the "palace life," and she would go to what is now called the Queen's Hamlet which is essentially a pretend village where she farmed. Again, amazing representation of what was going on in France at the time regarding the revolution. I could talk about Versailles all day, but I will leave off here and just say you must visit!
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Unfortunately, the inside was still closed from the fire, so we only got to experience it from the outside! Extremely beautiful and its historic significance still exudes from the exterior. Disappointed that I couldn't see the inside, but that just means I get to see it the next time I go!
Sainte Chapelle
The most beautiful gothic chapel you will ever see. You could spend hours admiring and studying the stained glass windows. This stop is really what you make it. It can either be very quick (30-40 minute visit), or you could stay, like I said, and really take in the stained glass windows and architecture. As a Beauty and the Beast fanatic, the chapel really reminded me of the style and aesthetic of the animated film.
The Conciergerie
Right next door to Sainte Chapelle, the Conciergerie was once the courthouse and prison that held Marie Antionette prior to her execution. This actually wasn't on our itinerary, but I'm so glad we paid it a visit.
The Eiffel Tower
The top was closed the day we went, so we were only able to go to the second level which was honestly for the best because it was super duper windy. This is one of those things you of course have to do if you are in Paris. It's iconic. We revisited that evening to watch the light show which goes off every hour on the hour for 5 minutes.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Wow. First off, you just have to get through the stairs. Not just the stairs to the actual entrance (those are do-able); no, I am talking about the steps that take you to the tippy top (the second best view in Paris). Besides the numerous stairs, the church itself is stunning. They were in the middle of the service when were visiting which just made our visit extra special.
The Louvre
Word to the wise: plan to spend an entire day here. That being said, we spend our entire morning here and only saw 1/4 of the museum. THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE. What we did get to see was amazing. Of course we b-lined to the Mona Lisa right when we got there. And the Mona Lisa was cool, don't get me wrong, just kind of a weird way to see her. You stand more than 6 feet away from her and there is a whole thing of glass in front of the painting. I understand that painting is subject to a lot of protests and such, but the presentation is just very desensitizing. A must see is Napoleon's apartments, a great representation of Napoleon's ideology and leadership.
Palais Garnier
The inspiration for the opera house in The Phantom of the Opera, the Palais Garnier is a can't miss if you are a fan of the arts. Unfortunately, the auditorium itself was closed for our visit, but we were able to explore the reception area which was stunning. Princess vibes for sure.
La Galerie Dior
Truly, a classy girl stop. Learned so much about Christian Dior and his legacy that is Dior. I love fashion from the 50's and 60's (especially his work), so seeing it in the flesh was awesome.
Research restaurants and have idea of where you want to eat!
French food is some of the best food you will have in your life. And the restaurants are all absolutely beautiful inside. For example, Le Train Bleu is an absolute dream with frescoes and chandeliers. Café de Flore is exactly what comes to mind when you think classic French cafe. There are so many different French food experiences, and I recommend experiencing all that you can. Definitely do your research, look at the menus, see where they are in accordance to your iteneraries, and make those reservations.
Here is a list of some of the places we ate at:
Café de Flore
Perfect French cafe vibes. Very quick service!
Favorite menu item: the espresso with Baileys
Café Belloy
If you are visiting with your partner, this definitely seemed like the local date night spot. Yummy food and very good service!
Favorite menu item: Margherita Pizza
Ore at Versailles
BREAKFAST AT VERSAILLES. Need I say more?
Favorite menu item: Pretty basic French breakfast, we got the pastry assortment which was very yummy!
Angelina at Versailles
LUNCH AT VERSAILLES. You can definitely see where my priorities were.
Favorite menu item: Chocolat Chaud (I am very basic, and I know it)
Le Train Bleu
Stunning. Atmosphere cannot be beat. Very fancy. Just overall a good time, and we made friends with the couple eating beside us! 10/10
Favorite menu item: Crêpes Suzette flambées au Grand Marnier
Paroles de Fromager
This is where we did a wine and cheese tasting class. Learned so much! Cannot recommend this experience enough and our teacher was phenomenal!
Favorite cheese and wine: The Roquefort cheese was beautiful and the 2020 bottle of La Rosine Syrah by Stephane Ogier was divine
Ritz Paris
Of course we had to pay the famous hotel a visit and pay our respects to Princess Di. We only did drinks at the bar, BUT WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! Staff: Phenomenal Vibes: Phenomenal Drinks: Phenomenal
I recommend trying to get reservations for tea in the tea room if you can!
Favorite Drink: Rosé (can't remember which one - it was a good night haha)
Brasserie Flottes
Probably the best food we had in Paris! Classic French comfort food! This definitely felt more like a local spot which was nice for a change.
Favorite menu item: the roast chicken
Understand the Fashion.
Parisian fashion is very different than the American trends we see everyday. Rather than sticking to trends, Parisians stick more to the classics (you can see why I'm drawn to their fashion). It is really important to research their "trends" and adhere as close as you can, so that you don't stick out like a tourist.
A trench coat seems to be a staple of the French closet, and it was supposed to rain while we were there, so that is one thing I decided to purchase for my trip. Also, just a long wool coat with a wrap belt is something most French people have in their closet. I was in need of a new coat, so I thought this would be the perfect time to get one!
While I was there, I noticed a lot of girls wore hose, especially under skirts and dresses, so that is something I copied with outfits (really helped with warmth, too), and I just felt so stylish! Also, thick chunky scarves. Not only are they super cute and can be styled in so many different ways, but they also just keep you super warm
I bought a lot of basics that could be easily paired with a classic straight leg jean. My color scheme was very neutral leaning towards blacks, whites, and browns. Regarding shoes, make sure bring a sleek pair of white sneakers. I brought like half of my shoe closet and wore maybe like four of the pairs I brought. I sometimes wore my ballet flats on days I knew I would be inside.
Before heading to Paris, I stalked a lot of Parisian content creators on TikTok! My favorite creator was @frenchgirlvibes! She is absolutely adorable and her style is impeccable. Her style really reminded me of Blair Waldorf's, so I knew I had to take her advice. She really helped in guiding on what to buy to survive the cold weather!
Research French Etiquette.
There is a misconception that the French are rude. They are only rude if you are rude to them. Honestly, how I kind of lead my life, so I sympathize (I become more passive aggressive). Anyhow, here is how to be a nice (not annoying) American in Paris!