Paris Planning: The Joy of Discovery
Paris has been calling my name for years, and this September, I’ll finally be answering! As I dive into planning this magical trip, I’ve found myself completely immersed in researching the best places to stay, the must-visit boutiques, and, of course, the most charming cafés for people-watching with a café crème in hand. If you’ve ever dreamed of a Parisian getaway, I hope my journey—both in preparation and in the City of Light itself—helps inspire and guide your own travels.
The Magic of Researching Paris
Planning a trip to Paris is both exhilarating and overwhelming. With 20 arrondissements, each with its own distinct charm, choosing where to stay has been quite the challenge. I’ve spent countless hours watching YouTube bloggers, and one of my favorite sources has been Les Frenchies—a treasure trove of insight into the Parisian lifestyle, neighborhoods, and cultural etiquette.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve picked up? Always greet people with a warm “Bonjour” when entering a shop, restaurant, or café. It’s a small gesture but an essential one in France, where politeness is highly valued. Another helpful tip? Ordering une carafe d’eau in restaurants when I want tap water—an important phrase I’ve added to my ever-growing (though still very beginner) French vocabulary, thanks to over a year of daily lessons on Duolingo.
Where to Stay: The Arrondissement Dilemma
When choosing where to stay in Paris, the options can be overwhelming. Each arrondissement has its own personality—from the historic charm of Le Marais to the artistic soul of Montmartre or the elegance of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. After a lot of research (and second-guessing), my friend and I found a recommendation we trust: Rebecca Plotnick of Everyday Parisian who highly recommends Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais in Le Marais, a neighborhood known for its stylish boutiques, historic streets, and vibrant café culture. This charming hotel feels like stepping into an 18th-century Parisian dream, and I can’t wait to experience it firsthand.
The Power of Organization: My Favorite Travel App
With so many restaurants, shops, and museums on my Paris wish list, staying organized has been key. Enter my new favorite planning tool: Wanderlog. This app has been a game-changer for keeping my trip itinerary in check. Not only can I save places I want to visit and organize them into categories (restaurants, shopping, museums, etc.), but it also integrates with Google Maps—making it easy to see what’s nearby as I explore. Plus, I can store all my travel details, from plane tickets to hotel reservations, in one spot.
The Joy of the Journey
As I continue preparing for this dream trip, I’m reminded that the excitement isn’t just in arriving in Paris—it’s in the anticipation, the research, and the thrill of discovery. Learning about the culture, uncovering hidden gems, and planning my days (while leaving room for spontaneous adventure) has been a joy in itself.
If you’ve been to Paris, I’d love to hear your favorite spots and recommendations! And if you’re curious on more of the planning process and would like more details on my upcoming trip, let me know!
À bientôt, Paris!
Regina…xo
