Paris Highlights: Where We Stayed, Ate & Explored

Written By Maggie Varn

I recently got to spend a few magical days in Paris, and it absolutely lived up to every dream — champagne at sunset, wine in Montmartre, and that first sparkling moment the Eiffel Tower lights up. Whether you’re planning a romantic trip or a friend getaway, I wanted to share the details from our stay to help you plan your own Paris adventure.

Where We Stayed: Château Dreams

We stayed at the Château Frontenac, and I loved it. The location was perfect — tucked in a charming neighborhood within walking distance to the Eiffel Tower, but still quiet and peaceful. What made it even better? The balcony.

We messaged the hotel ahead of time and asked for the room with the biggest balcony they had — and it was so worth it. One of the highlights of the trip was popping a bottle of champagne, snacking on macarons, and just sitting outside, watching the city buzz below us.

If you're deciding between an Airbnb or hotel, I’d say:

  • Hotel for the classic experience, charm, and helpful concierge (more on that in a sec!)

  • Airbnb if you're staying longer or want a bit more space for a better price.

Where We Ate (and Drank!)

Here are the places I’d go back to in a heartbeat:

Girafe

An absolute must. This was one of my favorite meals of the whole trip — not just for the food (which was incredible), but for the view. The restaurant overlooks the Eiffel Tower, and the vibe is equal parts chic and cozy.

Getting a reservation here can be tricky — they release very few online, and calling didn’t get us far (hello, French). Our hotel ended up booking it for us, which was such a lifesaver.

Pro tip: Make a later dinner res so you can catch the Eiffel Tower sparkling after dark — it lights up for five minutes every hour starting at 9 PM!

Le Moulin de la Galette (Montmartre)

We stopped here for drinks while exploring Montmartre, and it had such a charming outdoor patio. Perfect little break with a glass of wine.

Le Petit Moulin

Also in Montmartre — a cozy wine and cheese bar that felt tucked away from the crowds. Great for a relaxed happy hour.

Chez Papa Jazz Club

After-dinner drinks with live music? Yes, please. This spot had such a fun, low-key vibe and is perfect if you're not quite ready to call it a night after dinner.

Big Mamma (No Entry Speakeasy)

We visited a Big Mamma location in Lyon and loved it, and while we didn’t eat at the Paris one, it’s high on my list for next time. There’s a speakeasy-style bar called No Entry beneath the restaurant — fun for pre-dinner cocktails or a nightcap.

Our Itinerary: Paris in 48 Hours

We hit the ground running — here’s what we packed into our days:

Day 1: Exploring Saint Germain + Eiffel Tower Magic

  • Landed early and checked into our hotel

  • Took the metro to Saint Germain, starting with coffee and pastries at Café de Flore (famous, but crowded — still fun for the photo!)

  • Walked to Luxembourg Gardens — beautiful and peaceful; next time, I’d bring lunch and have a picnic

  • Continued on to Notre Dame, then walked the river toward the Louvre

  • Didn’t go in, but sat at Le Café Marly for drinks with an amazing Louvre view

  • Window-shopped through cute boutiques nearby

  • Grabbed macarons and champagne from Pierre Hermé and enjoyed them on our hotel balcony

  • Dinner at Girafe — sparkling Eiffel Tower views included

Day 2: Versailles + Montmartre + Sunset Champagne Picnic

  • Took a day trip to Versailles

    • We had skip-the-line guided tour tickets — highly recommend to avoid crowds and get more context for what you’re seeing

    • Bought garden tickets separately and wandered after the tour

    • Grabbed sandwiches from a stand, but you could definitely bring your own picnic

  • Headed back to Paris around 2–3 PM and metroed to Montmartre

    • Explored the area (very crowded but worth it) — cobblestone streets, artists, and amazing views

    • Drinks at Le Moulin de la Galette, then wine and cheese at Le Petit Moulin

  • Picked up a bottle of champagne from a local shop and metroed to the Eiffel Tower lawn for sunset

    • Honestly one of my favorite memories of the trip — watching the sun go down and the tower light up while sipping champagne. Pure magic.

Final Thoughts

Paris was everything I hoped for and more — charming, full of life, and layered with little moments that stay with you. If I had more time, I would have loved to wander around our neighborhood more or slow down in Saint Germain. But for a quick trip, this itinerary packed in so much and still left time to just be in Paris.

If you’re heading there soon — I’m jealous already! And if you have any questions or want recs, feel free to reach out. Happy to help however I can.

Maggie Varn