Parisian Dreams and Wedding Themes: A Blissful Trip to Remember

It all started with a group chat.

One minute I was casually chatting with my cousins on Messenger about Pam’s wedding, and somehow, mid-conversation, it turned into me getting invited to the wedding... in Paris! I mean, how do you say no to that? Within minutes, I was deep in a rabbit hole of flights and hotels, swept up in a last-minute adventure to the City of Lights. Paris has always felt like this dreamy, untouchable place, and the idea of celebrating love there? It was like stepping straight into a fairytale.

With the essentials squared away, I cracked open a fresh Google Spreadsheet (because my Type A brain was absolutely thriving) and started mapping it all out - budget, activities, must-eats. I even made a custom Google Map to get a feel for the neighborhoods like a total cartography nerd. Then I made the glorious mistake of asking ChatGPT for ideas... and suddenly, I wasn’t just planning a trip, I was manifesting an entire French lifestyle. Viator became my new best friend, serving up a smorgasbord of tours I could book ahead. Everything was shaping up perfectly... and yet I still couldn't believe it. I was going to Paris!

DAY 1. Wheels Up and Touchdown in Paris

My nonstop 10-hour flight from Los Angeles to Paris with Air France actually wasn’t too bad - shoutout to "The Court of Wings and Ruin" audiobook by Sarah J. Maas for getting me through it. (Seriously, if you haven't read the Court of Thorns and Roses series yet, what are you even doing?)

Arriving at Charles de Gaulle, the 40-minute drive to my hotel reminded me of rush hour in Downtown LA - traffic was everywhere. But then, just as suddenly, the skyline cleared, and there it was: the Seine, the rooftops, the Tower. I pressed my face against the window like a kid. I couldn’t believe it. Paris!

I stayed at Hôtel Bleu de Grenelle, a tiny, cozy place with just enough space to spin around and call it home. Best part? It was right across from a Metro stop and surrounded by little shops, cafés, and bakeries. I played it low-key that first night - grabbed McDonald's (because French fries in France seemed hilariously appropriate) and crashed early.

DAY 2. A Wedding Day Full of Magic

Pam and Eric’s wedding day was truly something out of a dream - intimate, emotional, and filled with so much joy.

They exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends who had traveled from all over the world. There was this undeniable sense of magic in the air, the kind that makes you believe even more deeply in love, destiny, and all the beautiful little twists of life that bring people together.

It was one of those moments you just feel lucky to witness - the kind that stays with you long after the champagne’s been popped and the cake’s been cut.

DAY 3.  Paris Tastes Better on Foot (and with Wine)

Day 3 was all about eating my way through Paris, and let me tell you - the French know what they’re doing.  And me? Well, I was happily along for the ride. I booked a walking food tour with Secret Food Tours through Viator, and let me tell you - it was magic. I met up with the group at Pont Marie, under a sky so blue it looked like something out of a painting.

Our guide, Matthew, greeted us with this kind of excitement and passion for food that was contagious. He wasn’t just leading us on a tour; he was sharing the history and love of Parisian food like it was his personal treasure. Eight stops, all just waiting for us to eat our way through. Yes, please!

First stop: Hôtel de Sens. This place? Gorgeous. It’s a 15th-century historical building with a history so rich, it could write a book on its own. It was originally the Archbishop of Sens’s residence, and by the 19th century, it housed the Paris Archives. And, as we soaked in the beauty of the building, we were treated to croissants from La Maison d'Isabelle. Now, these croissants were no joke. We’re talking buttery, flaky perfection, and I might’ve had a moment (okay, more than one) where I just marveled at how amazing they were. Here’s a fun tidbit: that crescent shape we all know and love? It’s inspired by Vienna’s symbol.

Next, we headed to Pierre Hermé Saint-Louis. It’s this tiny, chic pastry shop that’s become a Paris institution, mostly thanks to its insane macarons. Like, these are the kind of macarons that make you question every macaron you’ve ever eaten before. I tried the Ispahan flavor, which is a dreamy mix of rose, lychee, and raspberry, and oh my goodness – it was like a little bite of Parisian heaven. Definitely the kind of treat you’ll remember forever.

After a few more stops, we found ourselves crossing the Seine to stand before the awe-inspiring Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. This place is a true survivor, you guys. From being attacked during the French Revolution to the heartbreaking fire in 2019, Notre-Dame has faced its share of trials. But the restoration is happening, and it’s set to reopen on December 8th, 2024. Just in time for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Talk about a dramatic comeback.

Now, I don’t know about you, but all this sightseeing had me working up an appetite. So, we ventured over to Les Galandines in the Latin Quarter. I dug into a La Complet, a Breton galette made with buckwheat flour and stuffed with ham, cheese, and eggs. It was, quite simply, perfect. And, of course, we had a little cider on the side because, well, we were in Paris, right?

But wait, there’s more! Our tour took us to Fromagerie Laurent Dubois (cue the cheese dreams), Charcuterie St Germain (hello, savory quiche), and Eric Kayser (where I had a lemon tart that changed my life). Honestly, I was starting to wonder if I could eat my way through Paris for the rest of my life. Is that an option?

To wrap up the day, we ended at La Demoiselle Bar à Vin, a cozy private wine bar that was just the cherry on top of an already perfect day. We paired our culinary treasures with glasses of Bordeaux wine - I’m not going to lie, this was the most satisfying 3.5-hour food adventure I could have ever imagined.

By the end of the tour, I felt like I had fallen in love with Paris all over again, but this time, it was through my stomach. Honestly, I could’ve kept eating for days. Is that just me? Because I’m not sure I’m ever going to get enough of this city.

EVENING OF DAY 3. Allure of Le Calife

That evening, I met up with my family again for a very special dinner at Le Calife, a boat restaurant that usually cruises the Seine while you dine.

Unfortunately, rain and high water levels meant the boat stayed docked... but honestly? It didn’t matter. Sometimes the best nights are the ones where everything goes a little off-course.

DAY 4 - Paris, You’re Everything They Say and More

So, Day 4 was all about seeing the big must-sees, but also diving into some of the hidden corners of Paris that are just so Paris. I booked a Paris Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide and I got lucky - my guide for the day, Antoine, was on his first gig! But honestly, he was so into it, it felt like I was exploring the city with a local friend. He had all the inside knowledge, and it really felt like he was showing me his Paris, not just a touristy version of the city.

We started with the classic: the Eiffel Tower. I don’t care how many times you see it - it never gets old. Whether it’s the soft daylight glow or the tower sparkling at night, it’s pure magic. After taking in the Eiffel Tower's majesty, Antoine took me over to Hôtel des Invalides, this stunning place built by King Louis XIV in 1670 for war veterans. And get this - the golden dome (Dôme des Invalides)? It’s where Napoleon Bonaparte is buried. Crazy, right? The whole site now houses the Musée de l'Armée, a military history museum with artifacts that make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

Next, we took a stroll along the Seine, which was perfect because the views are ridiculous. I don’t care if it’s raining or sunny, the city looks amazing from the river. From there, we wandered over to the Musée d'Orsay. The museum, housed in a former railway station (so cool), is an art lover’s dream, with an incredible collection of French art from 1848 to 1914, especially from the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods. It was a total visual feast.

Then, we hit the Louvre, which is basically a palace with history oozing from every corner. The place is huge - over 650,000 square feet - and it houses some of the most iconic art in the world, like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. This was a quick stop, but trust me, I’ll be back for a deeper dive on my next trip.

Next, we walked to Place Vendôme. This square is the epitome of Parisian luxury, with its fancy shops, hotels (hello, Hôtel Ritz Paris), and that giant column (Colonne Vendôme) in the middle that Napoleon had built to celebrate the Battle of Austerlitz. It was fun to “window shop” and take in the opulence before jumping on the Metro to Montmartre, the artsy district that’s got all the bohemian vibes.

We were all ready for lunch by the time we arrived at Pain Pain, a charming spot where I devoured a Quiche Lorraine and topped it off with some seriously delicious desserts - think Éclair au chocolat and Paris-Brest (an absolute must-try!).

And let me tell you, the view from Sacré-Cœur Basilica? Wow. Even with the drizzle and the chill in the air, the sight of the city spread out below me was breathtaking. I couldn’t stop smiling. There was something about being there that made me feel like the luckiest person alive.

Afterward, we wandered through Place du Tertre, a square in Montmartre where artists paint and display their work. It was buzzing with energy from street performers and cozy cafés. I couldn’t resist trying some Vin chaud (hot wine) to warm up - it was the perfect drink to keep me warm as I soaked up all the energy around me.

We wrapped up the day with a walk through Montmartre’s narrow, quirky streets filled with charming shops and creative energy. And then, a surprise stop: Le Passe-Muraille (The Passer-Through-Walls), a sculpture by Jean Marais depicting a man walking right through a stone wall. It was inspired by a short story by Marcel Aymé, and it felt like the perfect weirdly wonderful end to an unforgettable day.

And even though it was still a bit drizzly, my heart was so full I thought it might burst. Paris really is everything people say it is and more - there’s this storybook quality to the city that just gets under your skin.

And the best part? I got to do this. I got to say yes to an adventure, pack my bags, and just go. On my own, on a whim. What a privilege. What a gift.

Paris, I’ll be back. Save me a croissant. À la prochaine.