Back in May, I discovered some amazing flights to Paris for less than $500. I knew I could not pass a long weekend in Paris. I somehow convinced the squad that this deal wouldn’t last and we needed to book asap. So it was official The Earth Below Girls were going to take over Paris. Since the day I moved to Paris to study abroad over four years ago, it was and has been my favorite city.
Soon enough September came and we were at the airport taking selfies. The flights I found searching Skyscanner, were with XL Airways. Although I was skeptical I will be flying with them again. Unlike most budget airlines, XL Airways still offers the basic amenities; such as wine, meals, and blankets. The only thing they lacked was the in-flight entertainment, which to be honest I don’t need. Be prepared, no matter what airline I fly I always bring; a book, a few movies, my MacBook and plenty of snacks.
Girls Getaway Paris
Day One
Day one we landed and made our way to our hotel the Mercure Paris Centre Eiffel Tower Hotel. I found a great deal online and this hotel was clean, pretty and a 5-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. To kick off Amanda and Priscilla’s Birthday celebrations we popped a bottle of champagne and then the weekend had officially started. After getting dolled up we headed to Sacre Coeur where we took a wrong turn and ended up having to climb the steep steps of the Basilica.
As soon as we reached the top, we were greeted with a sunset overlooking Paris.
We had dinner at Babalou the cutest little restaurant. Then made our way to the Moulin Rouge stopping along the way at cute shops or bars that caught our eye. We surprised Priscilla with tickets to a show at the Moulin Rouge. It was provocative, funny and totally worth it. We got the basic tickets but had great seats up front. For a couple of dollars more, you get champagne for the duration of the night. If you’re going to go I would suggest getting the basic package and adding on the champagne.
Tip: I’d skip the dinner option. You’re further away from the stage, and the food isn’t that great.
Day Two
We woke up bright and early. We stopped at a café to have croissants and espresso, then headed to the Notre Dame and the Pantheon. Although we didn’t do it this time, I highly suggest climbing to the top of Notre Dame Cathedral. The views are incredible, plus you feel a little bit like Esmeralda. Later we found a café and had lunch overlooking the Pantheon.
We meet up with girlfriends who came from London at the Luxemburg Gardens. This is one of my favorite places in all of Paris. It’s the perfect place for romantic strolls with your significant other or your girlfriends. Wandering over to the Eiffel tower, we had a picnic with of course a bottle of champagne for sunset. This is a tradition I’ve done every time I go to Paris. Afterward, we headed to the latin quarter which is the idle spot to go out. We emerged from the metro, in Saint Michelle to a music performance by streets artist and people dancing. Moments like this are what screams Paris to me.
Tip: Having a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower is a great money-saving trick but also super quaint
We ate at a restaurant that was overlooking the square. I was less than impressed with the food, but the atmosphere and drinks were great. We walked down the street and stopped along a bunch of the bars and spent most of the night bar hopping in the Latin quarter. We made it back in time for breakfast.
If you don’t pull an all-nighter in Paris, did you ever really go?
Day Three
The next day, those of us who weren’t feeling like death, went to the top of the Eiffel tower. We all meet up after and went for a river cruise along the Seine. We got our tickets online and were able to avoid the Eiffel Tower lines and it came with the river cruise. Afterwards we went shopping along the Champs Elysee. Getting macarons at Laduree are a must and if you have time lunch or tea time is a really nice splurge. We wandered around here taking in the sights and stopping for photos at the Arc De Triomf.
We had dinner at Le Plage Parisienne. This place had the perfect atmosphere that made you feel like you were in one of the Sex and the City episodes in Paris. The views were amazing, the décor classy but not stuffy and the food and drinks were delicious. It was the perfect dinner. After dinner a few of us headed out to a bar Café Oz, a place Ashley and I discovered when we studied abroad in Paris.
Day Four
Our last day we woke early and headed to the Louvre. When I’m pressed for time, I often skip the museums because while I love them, they are time leeches. Seeing as it was Amanda’s first time in Paris we dedicated a few hours to exploring the Louvre.
Tip: Get your tickets ahead of time, so you can skip the often hour long line to get in. We purchased ahead of time and breezed right in.
Afterward, we got macarons at Maxims because you can never have too many treats. We had lunch at a cafe near the Eiffel tower and soaked it in. Feeling like we hadn’t done enough shopping we headed to the Champs Elysee to satisfy our fashion fix and have one last macaron. Although it was a short trip we accomplished a lot during our four days in Paris. Yet, I always leave Paris wanting more.
Paris, is always a good idea, until next time.
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1 Comment
Leah
June 23, 2017 at 11:25 ama little while ago I got into this total obsessive headspace about how I NEEDED to go to Paris…. like pack my bags and leave tomorrow. I didn’t do it but this is for sure making me wish I had!