Paris: Croissants, Culture & Chic Vibes
- Fiona Cook
- 12 minutes ago
- 10 min read
I’d always heard Paris was one of those polarising cities — people either love it or hate it. We’re definitely in the former camp. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s a city I’ll happily return to again and again. If you’re in the “hate it” camp, I’d genuinely love to know why — I know it takes all sorts, but honestly, I loved every inch of this spectacular city and I won’t say a bad word about our stay.
Everyone we came across was friendly and happy to chat — from café staff to taxi drivers and the lovely people we met all over this spectacular city. We did take the advice to always start with a cheerful bonjour when we walked in somewhere and a merci when we left. That, plus a smile, seemed to go a long way (and to be fair, that was the full extent of my French!).
And can we talk about the locals? Everyone in Paris is seriously stylish. Unlike some cities where people just happen to look effortlessly put-together, Parisians have put in the effort — and it shows. Every street feels like a fashion show, while the rest of us shuffle past clutching crêpes and pretending we belong.
Whether you’re here for the romance, the food, or the stripy tops - Paris is pure magic.
Things to Do
🎨 The Louvre (Straight to the Mona Lisa — and a few other masterpieces)
Let’s be honest — the Louvre is massive. You could spend a week here and still only make it through a few corridors before your feet give up. That’s why we booked a front-of-the-line, straight-to-Mona-Lisa tour, and it was worth every cent. The guide leads you through a few other incredible works first — enough to make you feel suitably cultured — before winding up in the famous Mona Lisa room.
Now, we’d been warned she was small, but honestly, she’s not that small. Sure, she’s no mural, but she holds her own just fine. Getting to the front for a closer look, however, is a full-contact sport. Strong elbows and strategic shoulder work will serve you well. Just try not to glare at the tourist who’s been hogging the front row for ten minutes, taking selfies with their back to her — we all know one.
Once you’ve had your moment with Lisa, take some time to explore the rest. The Louvre is an endless treasure chest of art, sculpture, and, my personal weakness — ceilings. I spent a huge amount of time just staring up. Europe really knows how to bling out a ceiling, and the Louvre is basically the Olympics of ornate plasterwork. Gold, frescoes, chandeliers — the works. It’s like they decided the art on the walls wasn’t enough and thought, “Let’s make people trip over their own feet while they stare upward.” Mission accomplished.
🎨 Musée d’Orsay
My sister informed me that if I didn’t go here, she would disown me — so, as a dutiful sister (and someone who enjoys remaining in the family), I obliged. We managed to sneak in a visit on our way back to the hotel, and I’m so glad we did.
Housed in a stunning old railway station complete with an enormous clock that looks straight out of a movie, the Musée d’Orsay is one of those places that just wows you. Any masterpiece you can think of — Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir — it’s here. You’ll find yourself wandering through rooms of impressionist magic, half in awe of the art and half trying to figure out how they made a train station this beautiful.
🏰 Climb to the Top of the Arc de Triomphe
We visited the Arc de Triomphe during the day, and what a view! From the top, you get a spectacular sweep of the Champs-Élysées stretching out before you, all framed by that famously chaotic roundabout. Pro tip: don’t be a noob tourist and try to cross the road to get there — there’s an underground passage that takes you safely beneath the madness. Use it. Trust me.
Once you’re up there, it’s hard to know what’s more impressive — the view of Paris or the sheer number of near misses happening below as cyclists merge with cars merge with buses merge with… chaos. Watching Paris traffic is like watching a real-life video game. Drivers treat lanes as light suggestions, and indicators are clearly optional. We’ve been in Ubers and taxis all over the world, but Paris takes the cake for the most finger-biting, white-knuckle rides of them all. You just sit back, clutch the door handle, and hope your driver knows which exit they’re going for across four lanes of moving metal.
But back to the Arc — underneath, it’s beautifully detailed and far grander than photos ever show, and once you climb to the top, you’re rewarded with one of the best views in Paris. Stairs aside, it’s absolutely worth it.
🛳️ Seine Evening Cruise
Floating down the Seine with a glass of wine in hand? Absolute perfection. You glide past all the big names — Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay, and of course, the Eiffel Tower as it starts to sparkle — and it’s every bit as romantic and cinematic as you’d imagine. Link here.
Now, our included glass of wine didn’t last as long as we’d hoped (funny that), but thankfully the onboard bar is well-stocked for those of us who require “top-ups to fully appreciate the architecture.” Once you’re sorted, head straight up to the top deck and soak in every angle of every bridge — they’re all beautifully lit and ridiculously photogenic.
Make sure to wave enthusiastically at the locals and tourists sitting along the riverbanks, drinking bottles of wine and looking like they’re in an advert for “How to Live Well.” They’ll wave back — usually — and it’s one of those moments where you genuinely feel the joie de vivre. This is where you really experience Paris as the City of Lights: a gentle breeze, a glittering skyline, and the faint, smug feeling that you’ve absolutely nailed the travel game tonight.
💀 The Catacombs
Under the pretty, postcard-perfect streets of Paris lies a very different world — a network of tunnels lined with the bones of around six million people. It’s dark, it’s eerie, and it’s oddly fascinating. A little macabre? Absolutely. But that’s Paris for you — beauty above, mystery below.
You’ll definitely want to book ahead for this one. Tickets are limited, and if you’re booking through the official website, you can only buy them a week in advance — so set yourself a reminder. You’ll thank me later when you’re strolling smugly past the “sold out” sign. Miss out, and you’ll be kicking yourself (possibly with someone else’s old femur).
When your designated time rolls around, you head down into the tunnels, and each ticket comes with an audio guide that’s surprisingly excellent — full of stories, history, and just enough dark humour to keep you moving forward rather than bolting for daylight. It cheerfully mentions how, at one point, the tunnels almost collapsed in on themselves (super reassuring when you’re several metres underground). You’ll also hear about how they managed and organised the bones — with almost artistic precision — and, bizarrely, about the secret parties and concerts once held down here. Because apparently, Parisians can turn anything into a social event.
Creepy, fascinating, and unforgettable — it’s a side of Paris that’s equal parts goosebumps and “wow.”
💃 Moulin Rouge
We’d all agreed early on that this was our Paris “splurge” — no regrets. Book well ahead (seriously, months if you can) because this is one of those experiences you’ll absolutely kick yourself for missing. You can choose from a few options, but we went all in: three courses and half a bottle of champagne each. It felt very Parisian… and mildly dangerous.
Dinner service was top-notch — the kind where you start to think you could get used to this life — before they cram in the rest of the crowd for the show to begin. And honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But from the very first number, it became abundantly clear: there would be boobs. Many, many boobs. Alongside the sequins, feathers, singing, and high kicks, of course — but mostly boobs.
In between all that glitter and glamour, there were some genuinely jaw-dropping acrobatics and other wild surprises that kept us clapping and grinning the entire night. It’s cheeky, dazzling, completely over-the-top, and somehow still classy. Go once. Spend the money. See the boobs — they’re the classy kind.
🛍️ Galeries Lafayette
Paris is famous for shopping, and it’s about way more than just hitting a mall. From elegant boulevards to hidden arcades full of quirky boutiques, wandering the streets here feels like a treasure hunt — with a side of glamour.
And then there’s Galeries Lafayette — the special treat. Even if shopping isn’t really your thing, this place is worth it. The stained-glass dome alone is breathtaking, and the rooftop terrace gives you one of the best views in the city. If shopping is your thing… well, consider your wallet warned. Between the designer stores, the stunning displays, and the jaw-dropping architecture, it’s an experience that could easily swallow a few hours (and a few hundred euros).
It’s the perfect blend of fashion, architecture, and pure Parisian indulgence — the kind of stop that makes you feel like you’re living your best city life, even if all you do is look.
🎢 Disneyland Paris
If you need a break from museums and monuments, hop on a train to Disneyland Paris. It’s just 40 minutes out of the city and delivers all the fairytale fun you could want. Perfect for kids, or adults pretending they don’t have spreadsheets, emails, or any adult responsibilities at all.
Full disclosure: this is optional. After our first Disneyland trip a few years ago with our small children, we decided it might be quite fun to try and “check them all off” — so this would be Disney number four for us. And yes, it has its own unique charm. Main Street isn’t just for parades — it’s an excellent place to sip champagne while browsing shelves of Ratatouille merchandise.
The castle is stunning, the rides are whimsical, and the photo ops are endless. Basically, it’s a great way to experience Disney… but only if you share our slightly unusual priorities. For those who don’t, it’s still fine to admire from a distance.
What to Eat
Eating in Paris is an art form — and one we took very seriously.
🥐 Breakfast: Start your day with a flaky croissant and a café crème at a local boulangerie. Bonus points if you sit outside pretending you’re a local, casually reading a newspaper you don’t understand, while silently judging the tourists who are clearly not.
🥖 Lunch: We had a lot of charcuterie platters for lunch — think delicious French cheeses, perfectly cured meats, and a personal favourite of mine: cans of sardines. Don’t knock it until you try it; somehow it’s Parisian magic. Add a crusty baguette and maybe a glass of wine, and you’re basically living in a painting.
☕ Coffee & Wine Breaks: One of our favourite Parisian pastimes was stopping for a coffee — or, more often, a glass of French wine — and sitting in the tiny chairs lined up outside the cafés. The French unashamedly position their chairs to watch the world go by, which means you can chat with friends… but mostly, you’ll end up people-watching anyone and everyone who walks past. It’s surprisingly addictive.
🍷 Dinner: Think steak frites, duck confit, or anything smothered in butter (which is basically everything). Don’t skip dessert — crème brûlée, warm chocolate fondant, or anything from the pâtisserie next door is essential. Dinner under the Eiffel Tower? Iconic, touristy, and totally worth it — it’s one of those “pinch me” moments you’ll talk about for years. Just book ahead… everyone else has the same idea.
🍰 Sweet Treats: Parisian pâtisseries are next-level. Macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé are the classics, but the little neighborhood spots often do it even better (and for less money). Pick one, point at everything that looks good, and pretend you’re in a French movie.
Where to Stay
Our personal pick and highly recommended! When we walked into our room, we gasped. It was everything we imagined — a luxurious bed that practically demanded a nap, beautiful wallpaper that made us wonder if we should take an interior design course, and a little balcony with a table perfect for morning coffee and, of course, the obligatory croissant. Absolute Parisian bliss.
The hotel itself is a charming boutique stay in the 8th arrondissement, with elegant interiors and lovely staff who make you feel welcome without hovering. It’s close to all the major sights, but tucked away just enough to feel like your very own Parisian hideaway.
💸 Budget Option: Hotel de la Porte Dorée
Stylish, affordable, and conveniently near the metro. Think Art Deco charm without the heart-stopping bill. Perfect if you’d rather spend more on food, wine, or… more food.
💎 Splurge: Le Meurice or The Ritz Paris
If you’ve got a Lotto win burning a hole in your pocket, this is the time to use it. These iconic hotels are pure luxury — chandeliers, Michelin-starred dining, and service so polished it might ruin you for all future stays. You’ll leave wondering how anyone ever survives anywhere else.
Final Thoughts
Paris is everything you’ve heard — grand, lively, delicious, and unforgettable. It’s a city that doesn’t try to win you over; it just assumes you’ll fall in love. And honestly, you probably will.
At times, it was so stunning we wondered if we’d somehow wandered onto a film set. A perfectly timed lady strolls by with an armful of baguettes, a man pedals past on a vintage bike wearing a beret like he just stepped out of a 1950s postcard, and everywhere you look, beautiful young people glide along in designer suits, speaking French that I’m pretty sure is about philosophy, existentialism, or haute couture (definitely not the weather).
Whether you’re gliding along the Seine, staring up at the Eiffel Tower, shuffling your way to the Mona Lisa, or just sitting outside a café pretending to write your next great novel while secretly people-watching, Paris leaves an impression. It’s stylish, confident, unapologetically itself, and full of those little moments that make you feel like you’ve truly arrived — even if only for a few days.
I’m already planning my next visit… and this time, I might even try to perfect my beret look. When are you next in Paris? Let us know in the comments below....
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