Living My Own "Emily in Paris"

They say Paris is the City of Love, and it truly lived up to the name. I spent three days living out my own version of Emily in Paris—though, to be fair, my version involved significantly more practical footwear! Between the breathtaking architecture and the layers of history at every turn, our short stay barely scratched the surface. Saying au revoir to this beautiful place was easily the hardest part of the trip.

How We Got There

We traded the rolling hills of Southern France for the bustling streets of Paris. After a final drive through the southern landscape to the Aurillac airport, we hopped on a short flight that felt like a bridge between two different worlds. One minute we were in a sleepy provincial town, and the next, we were landing in the most romantic city in the world.

Where We Stayed

We always prioritize staying right in the heart of the action, and our Paris apartment was no exception. Located just steps from the Louvre Museum, it was the perfect home base. Having the extra space of an apartment allowed us to truly decompress after a long day of exploring—plus, it featured a full kitchen for anyone looking to channel their inner Julia Child!

The only 'catch' was the elevator. It was so tiny that getting Jeff, me, and our bags inside required some creative maneuvering—specifically, me sitting on my suitcase like a puzzle piece. It felt like a little nod to our New York City days, and it definitely added some humor to our daily routine!

What We Did

After settling into our apartment, we headed out for our first Parisian dinner and a late-night stroll through the city. Seeing Paris illuminated after dark is a completely different experience—the architecture glows, and the 'City of Light' truly lives up to its name. If you’re visiting, I highly recommend saving some energy for a post-dinner walk; it was the perfect welcome.

Day One

Our first full day in Paris was a whirlwind of everything I’d dreamed of—steeped in history, filled with good food, and capped off with a bit of local excitement.

The Morning: Gardens and "Passport to Paris" Dreams

We started the morning the only way one should in Paris: with crepes at Cafe Blanc. It was the perfect fuel for a walk through the Jardin du Palais Royal. There’s something so peaceful about those manicured rows of trees before the city fully wakes up.

From there, we wandered over to the Jardin des Tuileries, stopping by the Grand Bassin Rond to watch the fountains. If you’re a 90s kid like me, the next stop was a major highlight: Pont Alexandre III. Yes, it’s the "Passport to Paris" bridge, and yes, it is even more ornate and beautiful in person than it was on my TV screen growing up!

The Midday: Lunch on the Seine

To see the city from a different perspective, we hopped on a lunch cruise with Bateaux Parisiens. Drifting down the Seine while enjoying a meal was such a "pinch-me" moment. It’s a great way to rest your feet while still soaking in the landmarks—including a front-row view of the Eiffel Tower.

After docking, we spent some time near the Tower and paid our respects at the Princess Diana Memorial (Flame of Liberty). It’s a poignant piece of history nestled right in the heart of the city's beauty.

The Evening: Monuments and French Spirit

As the sun began to dip, we made our way to the Arc de Triomphe. The scale of it is truly hard to capture in photos; it stands as such a powerful anchor to the city.

For dinner, we headed to Comptoir Saint-Honoré. It was exactly the kind of Parisian dining experience I wanted—delicious, intimate, and perfectly French. We weren’t quite ready for the night to end, so we found a local bar to catch the end of the French Rugby game. The energy in the room was contagious! Trading my "Emily in Paris" vibes for a bit of local sports culture was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable first day.

Day Two

The Morning: A Foodie’s Dream in Montmartre

We kicked off our morning at the iconic Moulin Rouge to meet our guide for a walking food tour. There’s something so vibrant about that corner of the city, even before the show lights go on. We started with a coffee tasting, which was a welcome "wake-up call" as we began our trek uphill.

Wandering through the 18th arrondissement, we sampled local delicacies and learned the history of the artists who once called these cobblestones home. The tour culminated in the most "Paris" moment imaginable: eating macarons on the steps of the Sacré-Cœur. The view of the city unfolding below us while we indulged in those colorful, airy treats was worth every single step.

The Afternoon: Local Bites and Phantom Vibes

For lunch, we stopped at Le Sancerre, a classic Montmartre bistro with all the red-awning charm you’d expect. Jeff went full local and ordered the beef tartare—it’s a bold choice, but when in France, you have to lean into the tradition!

Post-lunch, we made our way to the Palais Garnier. Even if you aren't an opera buff, this building is a must-see. The grand staircase, the gold leaf, and the sheer scale of the auditorium make you feel like you’ve stepped into The Phantom of the Opera. It is easily one of the most breathtaking interiors in the entire city.

The Evening: A Historic Dinner

We wrapped up our second day with dinner at Au Chien Qui Fume (The Smoking Dog). This spot has such a rich, historic atmosphere that makes you want to linger over your wine for hours. The highlight, however, was definitely the profiteroles for dessert. They were the perfect, decadent end to a day focused on the "finer things" in Paris.

Day Three

The Morning: Caffeine & Culture

We began our final full day in Paris at Terres de Café. For anyone who takes their coffee seriously, this is a must-stop—it was the perfect, high-quality start we needed before tackling the sheer scale of the Louvre Museum.

Walking through the Louvre is a bit like time-traveling. Even if you only have a few hours, seeing the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo in person is a bucket-list experience that actually lives up to the hype. The architecture of the palace itself is just as stunning as the art it holds.

The Afternoon: The "Pre-Glam" Ritual

For lunch, we stopped at Café de la Régence, a historic spot known for its classic Parisian atmosphere. It was the perfect place to sit back and process everything we’d seen at the museum.

Afterward, we headed back to get ready for our final big night out. There is something so "Emily in Paris" about snacking on a fresh éclair while doing your hair and makeup for a night on the town. It was the little moment of indulgence I needed to power through our final evening!

The Evening: A Toast Above the Clouds

The highlight of the night (and perhaps the whole trip) was our champagne toast at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Looking out over the glittering lights of Paris with a glass of bubbles in hand was a core memory moment. It felt like the city was putting on a show just for us.

We ended the night with a truly spectacular dinner at Le Violon d'Ingres. The food was artful, the service was impeccable, and it felt like the perfect "period" at the end of a beautiful sentence. Paris, you really know how to say goodbye.

Final Thoughts

Our time in Paris was short, but we managed to squeeze every ounce of magic out of the city's architecture and atmosphere. It’s a place where history and romance meet at every turn. If you’ve been dreaming of your own Parisian escape, consider this your sign: stop waiting for 'someday' and just book the flight. The memories you'll make are worth every mile.