I know what you’re thinking… “Really..? You HAAAAD to?” but YES!! Of course, I had to celebrate my 30th birthday in the most epic way. February birthdays are tough, they aren’t easy like those summer birthday babies. It is always so cold and snows on my birthday every single year. So I thought, what is still a beautiful place in the middle of winter? PARIS!! And yes, it was so epic. All 10 days of it.
As I’m sure you’re quickly figuring out, when I travel I like to move around and make the most out of a trip. I’d rather bounce around from city to city than stay in one location for a long period of time. So what are the 3 stops I had to make around Paris? I’m so glad you asked.
First stop – Stay in Paris, DUH!
I had to spend a few nights in the city of Paris, the 5th arrondissement to be exact. It is true what they say about Paris being so magical. Maybe it’s shopping on Champs-Élysées, dancing around the sparkling Eiffel Tower in the middle of the night, or visiting the Emily in Paris quarter 😉 But here are my top 3 highlights that I insist you also make time for on your next trip there –
Lunch at Le Jules Verne
We had to visit the Eiffel Tower on the most romantic day of the year – Valentine’s Day. This one MICHELIN star restaurant is by far one of the best meals I’ve had in my life, if not THE best. Only enhanced with the above and beyond service, private elevator into the Eiffel Tower, plus the mesmerizing view of all of Paris as they say.
View from the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck
I know, I know… very touristy but I would argue that it truly has the best views in all of Paris. They say it has the highest “ice skate rink” in all of Paris, but we know it’s just a roller skate rink (; Still… you’re skating 210 meters above the city.
Pro tip* Visit at sunset to see an even better view!
Stalk Emily in Paris
I’m a big fan of Emily in Paris so of course, I had to visit the locations where filming took place with the most popular site being the Place de l’Estrapade where she lives in the series. Even Grabriel’s restaurant is real (just actually named Terra Nera) and Emily’s favorite, Boulangerie Moderne. Total fan girl moment.
Second stop – Disneyland Paris
I’m a huge Disney fanatic so I had to visit Disneyland Paris. Some of the rides were very similar to Disneyland in Anaheim, California but with a French twist. It was fun to hear the ride introductions in French and see rides that were more French fairytale-inspired. What I instantly realized was that it is very small when comparing it to California but also very doable for a single day. It’s possible it was empty because of the pandemic, or empty because it was cold but no complaints here. We had the best time. We only planned for a day here but I do recommend making time to visit the other park – Walt Disney Studios – and visit Ratatouille.
Last Stop – Drinking CHAMPAGNE IN CHAMPAGE
Holy moly was this the most incredible city?! Because we decided to only spend a few days, we stayed close in the city of Reims. Our hotel was directly in front of the cathedral which made the best view to wake up to every morning. Everyone was so kind and so friendly. Perks of being a Bonvoy member, I was able to use an upgrade for an incredible suite. Here are my top 3 highlights –
YOU HAVE TO VISIT RUINART
It is the oldest Maison with the most delicious champagne. Nearly 40 meters into the earth, you get a full tour of how the family makes this Champagne from beginning to end in these chalk cellars. They’ve turned it into a museum and you’ll end your tour with tastings of course. We had a phenomenal experience and the #1 highlight of this entire trip.
Le Parc at Les Crayères
This two MICHELIN star restaurant will make you feel like royalty with their 4-course menu. They’ll start you off in the Bar La Rotonde for appetizers and cocktails for however long you’d like. When you’re ready they’ll move you to a small intimate dining room and begin your courses. The space itself is so beautiful and the food is a masterpiece, you won’t even want to eat it.
La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa
I used to believe in booking a cheap hotel since you won’t spend much time in it but boy has time changed. I couldn’t believe how beautiful this hotel was and the view really speaks for itself. The room you wake up in can really make or break your trip, it can set the tone and just make you feel good the moment you open your eyes. Even the breakfast buffet at this hotel was jaw-dropping. The location is central to everything, the perfect spot to walk anywhere, even to and from the train station. Also tons of bars and restaurants just next door. I already made the decision that when I visit Champagne again, this is where I’ll stay.
What a memorable birthday trip! I hope you’ve been inspired to visit these 3 stops I had to make around Paris because I’m still dreaming about them.
Au revoir!
