PARIS & CHAMPAGNE

Day 1: Begin with a breathtaking view from the Eiffel Tower and picnic by the Seine

Enjoy a classic French breakfast consisting of an espresso and a croissant. Don't waste your time searching for the best croissants in the city because they are truly all amazing in France! Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower (this is an absolute MUST in Paris!). Its best to buy tickets ahead of time (about 1 month in advance) to avoid waiting in long lines and so that the summit tickets do not sell out. Taking the stairs up the tower to the second floor can help avoid wasting time in long elevator rides. There are 674 steps up to the 2nd floor (wear proper shoes), but it gives the opportunity to admire more of the landscape. Be aware not all pillars of the tower have stairwell access, but the South Pillar is accessible to the public. For a fun surprise, at the top of the tower is a champagne bar where you can sip on some bubbly and bask in the incredible Parisian views. Once you're finished, you can choose to either climb back down the stairs or take the elevator.

After climbing all the stairs, enjoy lunch near the tower. Try Francette, Le Cafe de Mars, or Linette. If you want something light and more budget friendly, have a picnic beneath the tower. There are plenty of boulangeries for fresh bread and shops to grab local cheese to make your own charcuterie for a picnic. Then walk the loop to the Arc de Triomphe. There is an option to go up the stature, but I think the Eiffel Tower is better for that experience. On the way back, take a stroll along the Seine River or maybe even a river cruise if your feet have had enough. There are so many cruises that run daily.

For Dinner, check out Giraffe and its lovely outdoor terrace or Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower (3 Michelin Stars). A few other great options, Le Comptoir de Fables for tapas and cocktails or the classic French bistro across the street, La Fontaine de Mars.

Day 2: Tour the Louvre and its buzzing neighborhood

Visit the Louvre. It's best to book tickets ahead and go early to avoid long lines. I recommend also booking a tour guide for this as the Louvre is incredibly large and impossible to go through everything in one day so the guide can quickly take you to the most well known artifacts to be found in the museum and also provide witty and helpful commentary without having to stop and read every sign. Once the tour is over, you are always welcome to stay at the Louvre and continue to explore on your own or move on with your day. 

Grab some lunch at Loulou at the Louvre. This place is stunning whether you dine inside our out. Around the Louvre, there is quite a bit to see. You can go next door to the Tuileries Garden and breathe in the architecture and beautiful green space. Continue your journey further down the Siene River and head towards the Notre Dame. Since the fire, the cathedral has remained closed to the public with plans to open in the Spring of 2024. However, that doesn't mean you should skip out on going by for a photo and to embrace its presence.  

To wrap up your day, be sure to grab dinner in this area, after all the gastronomy is one of the best things about Paris. There are so many good restaurants in the area. Some of my favorites are Les Deux Magots, Le Relais de L'entrecote, Frenchie, or Mary Celeste. Le Paname Art Cafe is also a great dinner spot that is a dinner comedy club. If you want to keep the night going, there are so many great cocktail bars in this area as well. Check out Little Red Door, Bisou, Liquorium or Experimental Cocktail Club. Each has an incredible vibe with a menu full of unique and well crafted cocktails. And for a final nighttime event, check out Le Paname Art Cafe comedy club. On various nights, they have artists that perform in English so check the calendar on their website before hand if you don't speak French.

Day 3: Enjoy your last day strolling the romantic neighborhood of Montmarte

Explore Montmarte neighborhood and its culture. I recommend going on a weekday and earlier in the morning to avoid crowds. Walk up the stairs to the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. Spend time exploring all of the local street artists and galleries. Have lunch or dinner depending on the time of day you arrive at one of the classic spots such as La Maison Rose (The Pink House) or Le Consulat, the amazing Pink Mama for a trendy "Instagrammable" spot that also has good food, or enjoy happy hour at Terass Rooftop Bar (opens at 3:30PM).

In the evening, there's no better way to end your trip to Paris than one of the amazing cabaret shows. My personal favorite is Crazy Horse. The show displays full nudity, but it is done so in a tasteful classy way and I would be comfortable taking any of my relatives to the show. You'll want to buy your tickets ahead of time for this. If you plan on drinking, get the Crazy Champagne tickets which includes a bottle of champagne and secures a great seat for the show. If you have time before or after the show, a great spot for drinks nearby is Gigi Paris. The restaurant has a lovely terrace and rooftop with a great view of the city. You can also grab dinner here too.

After the show, it's time to take one last glimpse at the Eiffel Tower fully illuminated under the night sky. The tower lights will sparkle every hour on the hour for 5 minutes, while its beacon shines over Paris. It creates such an emotional goodbye to the beautiful city.

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Day 4: See the Champagne cellars, vineyards and take back your very own personalised bottles of bubbles.

Is there a better way to create an everlasting memory of this trip than picking up your very own personalised bottle of Champagne by an artist renowned for her work with the likes of Hermes, Cartier and Dior?