Monica's Paris Travel Guide

Bonjour, Paris! I will never stop loving this city, the way they live their life and the divine architecture.

Paris feels like my European home sometimes. I've been there more times than I can count and at this point, I feel like I'm a local when I'm back there. And no, my French isn't very good but I'm working on it. The list of where to go in Paris? Everywhere. We are going back in September so be sure to follow along then. In the next issue of the Magazine, I'll do a full breakdown of everything you need to see and do.

All the places that I mention (and more) are linked on my shared google map! You can simply save this map for your own trip to easily access all my favourite spots. https://goo.gl/maps/1PNsT7DW3Txww2en6 

The area around Place Des Vosges is divine and has more of a 'local' vibe. We stayed at the Cour des Vosges and loved it. Imagine staying in a perfect Parisian apartment where luxury meet history. That's this place. Around this area you have picture perfect cafes, bakeries, florists and a fabulous French Ice Cream shop, Bältis.

Do know though, that this is not in the center of Paris and is a good 20 minute ride on an electric scooter into the main areas around The Louvre. 

Whilst you're walking around the "Latin Quarter", be sure to stop for Ice Cream at "Grom Gelato" and the Insta-worthy "Maison Sauvage Saint-Germain-des-Prés."
Another great cafe and very "Pinterest worthy" is Cafe de Flore.

If you're gluten free, you must go to "Noglu" and eat a years worth of baked goods just because. Whilst you're over there, stop and buy yourself (or ask your Man to do so) some flowers from La Boutique des Saints-Peres (14, rue des Saints-Pères 75006 Paris). 

On day have lunch at La Chaumière and soak up the Parisian architecture in your view and then get the 'best gelato in Paris' at Berthillon. 

Tip: If the line at Berthillon is long, walk around the island and find one of the other places selling Berthillon!

You must spend an afternoon walking down Avenue Montaigne and then have dinner at my FAVORITE restaurant in Paris - Beef Bar. Then finish the night up by walking around this area. You have the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Paris is just SUCH a beautiful city to walk around because you get to soak up all the beauty and romanticism around you.

In my opinion, you need at least 4 days in Paris to see most of it and not feel rushed. If you want to be able to relax and be a local for 2 days, then make your trip a week at least. I love going to cafes and just sitting and reading for a few hours, or walking around with nowhere, in particular, to go and buy flowers. Soak up Paris and enjoy it!

If you feel like going a little out of the way for dinner, head to: 

• Brach → For the vibey-est dinner and atmosphere ever. You feel like you've been transported to LA but the food is straight from the mediterranean God's. It's likely some of the best food i've ever eaten. The cater for Gluten free easily and everyone that works there is aesthetically pleasing ;) Be sure to get the Sea bass tartar. It was to die for. 
• Little Nonna → a 100% gluten free Italian restaurant. I actually haven't been, but it's been on my list forever! 
• Hotel Particulier Montmartre → this is an intimate, sexy spot perfect for a date night with your lover or best friend. The food is divine french food and the space is filled with red and pink velvet, beautiful decor and the most picture perfect bars.  

The obvious must do's with a Monica influence: 

• See the Eiffel tower (but do it at night, it's 10x better). You can go up close, but be aware of the tourists and theft that is very real around there. The tower sparkles on the hour, so make sure you see that! It's breathtaking 
• Walk across the Pont Alexandre III bridge at night 
• Walk through Jadins des Tuileries during the day and sit and read your book for a while
• See the Lourve (at night is spectacular) 
• Have a cup of tea at Jardin du Petis Palais 
• Stroll around Palace Vendome and down Rue Saint-Honore 

TIPS: 

• Download the "lime" or "dot" app to rent electric scooters around the city. It's a fast and easy way to get from A to B faster. I love walking around Paris, and if you're short on time it's great to quickly get to where you want to be, and then walk from there. 
• Gyspy's and theft is real in Paris. It's not uncommon for people to get their phones snatched right out of their hands so please ensure that you have TWO wallets (one at home) and don't walk around with your passport. Be aware of your surroundings and don't get too lost in the romanticism of the city ;) 
• Walk, walk and walk. Paris is such a divine city I couldn't even add everything to do if I tried. I've been well over 7 times I think and I never get sick of it.