paris in the fall

12/6/2016

While my trip to France ended about as cluster-y as is humanly possible, it didn't actually start off that illustrious, either. After the lengthy, overnight flight, I went into the restroom just past border patrol to change and put in my contacts. When I flushed my toilet, the water went...the wrong direction. My socks, shoes, leggings, and underwear were soaked. Thank God I'd only peed.

Luckily, I had brought jeans to change into, so I quickly changed into those, waddled out awkwardly in wet shoes to Brian, got some clean, dry footwear and underwear, and changed again. In a different stall. And laughed, and laughed, and laughed. Because what else can you do?

So the beginning and ending of my trip were a little (a lot) rough, but the middle? Well, the middle was amazing. We started off for a day in Paris, for no other reason than that I love Paris in the fall. There wasn't really anything we had on our agenda to do, except a few places I wanted to take B to eat. Mostly, I wanted to wander and explore and drink coffee and soak up the amazing atmosphere that is Paris. So we did. Read on for our adventures and tips.

xoxo,
E & B

where to stay

Holiday Inn Notre Dame // We couldn't have asked for a better hotel. Right near several metro exits, within spitting distance of Notre Dame, this hotel was wildly convenient. And our room? Well, we had a balcony. With a view of the Eiffel Tower. Granted, the tower was waaaaay off in the distance and we could only see the tippy-top, but still. It was far fancier than anyplace else we've stayed. This hotel also has a great rooftop restaurant/bar that would be amazing if it weren't 40 degrees and rainy. I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Hubby's uber-super-duper platinum-diamond IHG points dont' hurt, either...

where to eat

Cafe de L'Empire // When B's cousin and her friend came to visit last year and I spent time in Paris with them, we went to this restaurant (said friend has an unnatural talent for finding amazing restaurants). This is the place where I learned about the delight that is a cafe gourmand, and thus spawned my obsession. I knew I had to take B back. And let me just tell you, crispy, hot duck confit with sautéed garlic-parmesan potatoes and a glass of Côtes du Rhone at a tiny window seat in a Parisian café on a rainy day? Wellllll, that just might be my idea of heaven. B loved it. I loved it a second time. And it's right by the Musee d'Orsay and reasonably priced. Duck, duck win.

La Terrasse // Some of B's extended relatives, who frequently travel to France, were staying in Paris for a while, and invited us to have coffee with them at this cafe. Not too far from the Eiffel Tower, it was warm and wonderful in here. There's plentiful sidewalk seating, a more casual indoor area downstairs, and a quieter, more homey upstairs. La Terrasse has free wi-fi, and the café creme was wonderful. And I stand by this statement: there is nothing more comforting than someone you know with an American accent when you're abroad. So glad to get to catch up and have a little rest, and, of course, enjoy a little Parisian café.

Cafe Marly // This is not the best place to actually eat unless you've recently robbed a bank or sold a kidney, but a drink or two never hurt anyone. The cafe is literally on the porch of one wing of the Louvre. We sat out on the porch (there were heaters and blankets!) and enjoyed a drink each, just people-watching and looking at the famous glass pyramid. If you eat inside the restaurant, several of the dining rooms overlook certain rooms of the Louvre. Despite being cold, wet, and oh-so-tired, we felt immensely fancy and French. I can only imagine this is heaven when the weather is a little warmer. Still - don't let the cold deter you. Everyone should do this at least once.

Le Porte Pot // The first time I came here, a bunch of drunken girls on a bachelorette-type party were singing loudly to Celine Dion. This time, there was some kind of party going on, but we still got a table - and oh, so glad we did. Warm, homey, down-to-earth, with an amazing vegetarian plate for me and duck for B. And let's not forget the carafe of wine. Great value, great atmosphere, and an easy walk from our hotel. What's not to love?

what to do

La Museé Gourmand du Chocolat // Chocolate museum. Chocolate museum. There is no excuse or reason to miss this. Yeah, okay, the museum itself is a little dull, but the chocolate tasting is worth it, especially if it's a cold, off-again on-again rainy day. We got to sample all the chocolate we wanted (sorry, Sarah!), and basically had the place to ourselves. Viva la chocolat!