PARIS, FRANCE: TRAVEL GUIDE

Before we welcome our baby boy into the world, we wanted to sneak away for one last international adventure — a “final hoorah” as a family of two. Paris has always been on our must-see list, especially after countless layovers in Charles de Gaulle and glimpsing the Eiffel Tower from 30,000 feet above.

We spent seven full days in Paris with no real set agenda, letting each day unfold naturally. It was the most freeing, immersive way to experience the city with slow café mornings, spontaneous strolls, and late-night dessert stops, simply soaking up the Parisian way of life. I knew I didn’t want a jam-packed schedule while traveling pregnant, so having the flexibility to slow down made the entire trip more enjoyable.

WHERE WE STAYED

We made Hôtel San Régis our home for the week, a beautiful boutique hotel tucked just off the Champs-Élysées, with classic Parisian charm and warm welcoming rooms. While we enjoyed the experience overall, I think we’ll try somewhere new next time we visit Paris, as the service didn’t quite meet our expectations. But still beautiful, nonetheless.

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

Chez Janou: A lively quintessential Parisian bistro with the most amazing dishes. If you visit, you absolutely must order their famous chocolate mousse to share. Get a reservation, or expect a lengthy wait!

Jaïs: A hidden gem in the 7th arrondissement with an intimate, neighborhood feel. Modern French dishes with seasonal seafood creations that made every bite memorable. It was perfect for a romantic evening after strolling past the Eiffel Tower.

The Ritz Paris, Bar Vendôme: We had lunch reservations, and it felt like something out of a movie. Whether you’re in the mood for afternoon tea, a glass of champagne, or just a really incredible meal, the garden terrace and polished service made it one of the most memorable and luxurious moments of the trip.

Gavroche: We stumbled upon a classic Montemarte spot that felt like a local secret. It was the best way to take a break from all of the walking and shopping. We are still raving about the Spaghetti three months later!

Big Love: A restaurant known for its wood-fired pizzas, creamy truffle pasta, and cozy interiors. The warm laid-back atmosphere made it a fun break from traditional French dining, especially when you’re craving comfort food with a twist. We opted for a classic Margherita Pizza and white truffle pasta—both delicious!

Restaurant Chez Bartolo: A cozy Italian spot in the heart of Saint-Germain (which was one of our favorite neighborhoods!). The food was wonderful, and the laid-back atmosphere, especially sitting outside, was exactly what we needed after a full day on our feet.

Ambassade de Bourgogne: A cozy, under-the-radar wine bar and shop specializing in bottles from the Burgundy region. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable without being intimidating, and it’s a great spot to pick up a special bottle or enjoy a quiet glass in a more local-feeling setting.

And of course, we made countless stops at random cafés for café lattes, quick bites, and people-watching. These casual breaks ended up being some of our favorite parts of the trip.. Oh, and lots of stops for Gelato!

SHOPPING

We obviously carved out time for a little treasure hunting, and came home with some truly special finds. A few of my favorite shops:

Buly 1803: Their custom gifts (think personalized lotions and perfumes) make the most memorable souvenirs. We had to wait in a queue for over an hour to finally get in, but it was well worth it!

Flabelus: A charming boutique (that you’ve likely seen on Instagram) known for its velvet slippers and timeless, easy-to-wear styles. I love their mix of classic silhouettes and unexpected color combos, it’s the kind of shop where you can find something both fun and functional.

Rue de Bretagne: A curated pop-up tent in the Marais offering an array of handmade leather goods. My girlfriend introduced me to the brand last year, so I was thrilled when we unintentionally stumbled upon their products while strolling through the streets. I picked up a new wallet and passport holder, plus a few purses and gifts for family and friends. The perfect stop to stock up on one-of-a-kind, artisanal bags!

L/UNIFORM: A high-quality bag and accessories brand with a focus on timeless design and function. The boutique is beautifully curated, and if you’re in the market for a durable travel tote, organizer, or toiletry case, it’s worth a stop. They also offer custom monogramming, which makes their pieces great for gifting.

City Pharma: I stocked up on French pharmacy skincare must-haves, and highly recommend you do too if visiting Paris! My must-grab brands are Caudile, Embryolisse NUXE, La Roche-Posay, Marvis, and Bianfine.

Marin Montagut: A dreamy shop full of whimsical home goods and unique Parisian keepsakes.

The Parisian Vintage: An iconic two-story vintage shop in the Marais, stocked with curated pieces from high-end designer brands.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCES

The entire trip was magical, but these are the spots I tend to highlight when friends and family ask what they should do while visiting.

Eiffel Tower: An obvious and iconic classic, but one that truly never loses its magic, no matter how many times you catch a glimpse of it.

Louvre Museum: Although massive, we strolled through at our own pace and let our favorite pieces find us. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth deciding ahead of time which exhibits or works you want to prioritize, it’s very easy to get turned around without a game plan.

Jardin du Luxembourg: A top tier day; we picnicked under the trees after visiting the local grocer, then spent the afternoon sitting around the fountain, watching boats drift by and reminiscing on our favorite Parisian memories.

Montmartre shopping: A memorable day wandering in and out of local shops on the hill felt like stepping into a storybook. We found so many one-of-a-kind pieces, ranging from handmade clay espresso cups to wall art.

La Grande Épicerie: Before heading home, we stocked up on salted French butter (they’ll vacuum seal it for you!), the perfect culinary souvenir you’ll enjoy for months to come.

This trip was a chance to slow down, take in each day, and enjoy the calm before life changes in a big way. Paris gave us exactly that.

We’re excited to return one day as a family of three, but until then, we’ll hold onto the memories from this special trip!