Where We Stayed

Le Dokhan’s, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

On my first trip to Paris, my husband and I stayed at Le Dokhan’s Paris Arc de Triomphe, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott. This charming boutique property, nestled in the heart of Paris’ 16th arrondissement, is located near iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Le Dokhan’s was perfectly positioned for our itinerary and first time in the city. 

The hotel is home to Paris’ first champagne bar, offering an impressive selection and expert recommendations. The best part? Its vintage Louis Vuitton elevator cab, outfitted in a genuine vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. Our room was on the second floor and I never took the stairs.

Le Cinq Codet 

On my second, solo-trip to Paris, I stayed at Le Cinq Codet. This property is a 5-star boutique hotel located in Paris's 7th arrondissement, nestled between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides. The on-site restaurant, Chiquette, has a gorgeous patio setting, making it the perfect spot for a glass of wine before heading out to dinner. Guests can also enjoy a wellness area equipped with a spa, steam room, and jacuzzi – you do not need a spa appointment to enjoy these amenities! 

I wanted to be close to the Eiffel Tower for this stay and the hotel was perfectly situated for a quick walk over to enjoy a picnic during the day, or have a glass of champagne while she sparkles at night. Although situated near an iconic landmark, the neighborhood was quiet and filled with lots of cafes and shopping, truly giving you the best of both worlds as a tourist. 

Trip Highlights

Every moment of my time in Paris is a highlight. If only I could live there! But, for the sake of of being helpful, here are some favorites: 

Le Crazy Horse Paris

A must-see burlesque show! The precise choreography, intricate costumes, and incredible talent make for a mesmerizing evening. The performers are stunning, and to break the ice, I leaned over to my husband and whispered, “THEY ARE SO HOT!” just to let him know he could relax and enjoy. In conclusion, make this a fun girls’ night, or only go with your significant other if you feel secure in your relationship!

Eiffel Tower

She’s just—wow. Sometimes you wonder if a landmark, destination, or experience will live up to the hype. Let me tell you, the Eiffel Tower is even more magical in person. The first time I visited was in the evening, timed perfectly so that moments later she began to sparkle. 

I recommend seeing the Eiffel Tower both during the day and at night. Champ de Mars Park is a great place to view the Eiffel Tower – consider a picnic during the day, or bring a bottle of champagne with you at night and stay awhile! 

Helpful Tip:

• The Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes on the hour, every hour, from nightfall until 11:00 p.m.

The Louvre

The world’s largest art museum is a crown jewel of Paris. While I must admit, the only thing I know about art is the Mona Lisa, I still enjoyed the Louvre more than I could have imagined. The museum is set in a former royal palace, so as someone who loves architecture and history, just walking the halls was mesmerizing.

We knew we wanted to see the Mona Lisa, but set a 45-minute limit for waiting in line. I consistently read online of people waiting up to 3 hours just to get a glimpse of her. Luck was on our side. As we approached, masses of people were walking in the opposite direction (assuming for lunch, as it was around 1:00 pm). We were fortunate enough to have no line! Maybe it was my new love for Paris that allowed me to view her with such gilded eyes, but I was giddy seeing this piece of art in person! And yes, she really does not stop staring at you! 

Helpful Tip:

• Another way you can avoid the line is by signing up for a Louvre guided tour.

Dior Gallery

Where my girlies at!? I actually dragged my husband to the Dior Gallery, and he found it engaging, too! The museum offers an immersive journey through the brand’s history, showcasing iconic designs from the “New Look” silhouettes of the 1940s to contemporary creations. You can easily get through the museum in about an hour.

Day Trip - Versailles

Versailles is a must-visit just outside Paris. We spent 8 hours on the grounds, and I wish I could just move in. We started our day with a 90-minute guided tour, which gave us access to exclusive areas like the Opera House. There are several on-site restaurants for lunch or coffee. Later, we rented a golf cart to explore, which was a fun way to cover more ground!

Helpful Tips:

• The grounds are massive. Consider renting a golf cart or a bike to explore beyond the main palace.

• You can take the train to Versailles, which takes about an hour from central Paris. We opted for an Uber round-trip as it was quicker from our hotel.

Food & Beverage

Take a peek at my Google Maps list for specific food and beverage recommendations! Below, I’ve highlighted my favorite food and beverage experiences in Paris. 

St. Germain Food Tour 

This Food Tour through Saint-Germain neighborhood was a delightful way to dive into and learn more about French food. The tour was led by our fabulous and knowledgeable local guide, Duniya. Duniya took us to all the best shops for tastings of classic French delicacies such as cheeses, cured meats, foie gras, freshly baked bread, macarons, pastries, and fine wines. I even made food purchases along the way to take home! 

The experience culminates with a sit-down meal featuring a "secret dish" at a local restaurant, providing an intimate setting to savor the flavors and stories of French gastronomy while making new friends. This tour is perfect for food enthusiasts seeking to explore Parisian culture through its cuisine. If you’re interested in this food tour, you can book through Viator. 

If you are interested in a private food tour or cooking class with Duniya, visit her website and let her know I sent you! While our tour was fabulous, Duniya was the star, and I will be reaching out to her personally for my clients and on my next visit to Paris! 

Champagne and Wine Masterclass 

This two-hour masterclass was held at O’Chateau, a beautifully renovated wine cellar near the Louvre. The class was led by a professional sommelier, yet offered a perfect experience for both novices and enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of French wines. 

The class allowed us to sample six French wines and champagne from various regions while learning about tasting techniques, wine labels, and the concept of terroir. I opted for a cheese and charcuterie pairing, which I did not regret given the generous amount of alcohol sampled! 

I learned a lot, made new friends, and even purchased French wine to bring home with me after class! I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and cannot recommend it enough! You can book the same class through Viator – enjoy and please report back if you go! 

Refuge des Fondues

Located in Montmartre, this restaurant frequently appears in guides—and for good reason. It’s cozy, delicious, and an experience in itself. You’ll choose between cheese or meat fondue. We went with cheese, which was filling and delicious, but keep in mind—it’s not a full meal! If you want to drink wine from a baby bottle (yes, really!), make a reservation in advance.

Helpful Tips:

• Tipping is not required, as service is included in the bill. For exceptional service, you can consider tipping 5-10% – you will need cash!

• Ask for the bill, it is considered rude for waitstaff to bring you your bill unless requested.

Transportation

Uber

Uber is widely available in Paris and often more convenient and affordable than taxis. Request a ride through the app just like you would at home. Prices may surge during rush hour or bad weather. Uber is especially useful late at night or when heading to/from airports or train stations.

Paris Metro

The Paris Métro is the fastest and most affordable way to get around the city. Add the Navigo Card to your apple wallet or purchase tickets at any station. If you’re traveling with kids— the same card cannot be used twice at once, each traveler needs their own. You can get a physical Navigo card at most Metro stations. 

Use Google or Apple Maps to help you navigate the Paris Metro. Each line has two directions and is numbered, color-coded, and labeled by the end-of-line stations. Stations are marked with the iconic “Métro” sign. 

Batobus 

The Batobus is a hop-on hop-off boat taxi that travels along the Seine, offering a relaxed and scenic way to get around Paris. With stops at major sights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame, it’s a fun alternative to the metro—especially on a nice day. Boats run every 15–30 minutes, and you can purchase a 1- or 2-day pass for unlimited rides. Tickets can be purchased online or at any station.

Language

I had heard mixed reviews about language barriers in Paris, but our experience was positive. Almost everywhere we went, someone spoke English, except for a few Uber drivers. I found the French to be very kind and welcoming.

Helpful Tips:

• Use the Google Translate app if you need assistance communicating. You can also use the app’s photo feature to translate text, like menus and signs, on the spot.

Helpful Phrases:

• Bonjour - hello / good morning

• Au Revoir - goodbye

• Merci - thank you

• S'il vous plaît - please

• L’addition, s’il vous plaît - the check, please

• Parles-tu anglais? - do you speak English?

Final Thoughts

The Eiffel Tower sparkles in the night, casting a warm glow over the city, while the Louvre’s glass pyramid draws you into worlds of art and wonder. Beyond the famous sights, it’s the little things that make Paris unforgettable: bakeries with golden croissants stacked high, strolling along the Seine, or sitting outside a cafe to people-watch over an espresso.

Paris invites you to slow down, to linger, to experience each moment fully. It’s a city for dreamers, romantics, and anyone who craves beauty in the everyday.