Table of Contents
Before I tackle the mountain of questions I’ve set myself to answer in this post about planning a trip to Paris, I just want to take the chance to marvel at the featured image above. Can you believe that this was taken out a car window while we were stuck in traffic on a Saturday afternoon in Paris? What’s even crazier is that I managed to edit out the traffic lights and power cable that were messing up a pretty good photo.
Now back to the actual subject of the blog post. I’ve split this post up into sections because I know it’s going to be very long as well as the fact that it helps me to get my thoughts into order. If I didn’t do this then it would end up being a rambling mess. There is also a table of contents so if there’s a specific answer you’re looking for that should help.
Of course, if you’ve read some of my other travel posts then you’ll know that I love France and it was only a matter of time before I was taking myself back there. I was trying to wait until next year but I really couldn’t wait that long.
1. How To Get There?
This is the one that’s been causing me so many problems. I keep checking the prices and of course because it’s before payday I just can’t jump straight in and book something. I’ve been looking at various options and I have a notebook covered in random scribbles but I think I’ve finally got it figured out.
I started by planning a trip to Paris for the day and staying in a hotel in London but that would have meant a 3 am wake-up and not as much time in Paris as I would have liked. I’ve gone for using the Eurostar each way as it means I don’t need to change train stations when I get to London. By booking this and my hotel as one booking its working out cheaper than the other options that I’ve looked at.
2. Where To Stay?
As I mentioned above the hotel I’m booking is being paid for when I book my travel. Not only does it mean one payment being made but it also gives me ABTA coverage which is always a bonus when travelling and something I wouldn’t get if I was making my bookings separately.
The hotel I’ve been looking at is the IBIS Styles Gare Saint Lazare which is very pretty and in a central location. Knowing where I’m going to be staying means I can start planning a proper itinerary and fit as much in as possible with the limited time that I’ll have in Paris.
3. What To See?
This list seems to get longer the more I try and think about it. My main thought right now is to get the Paris Pass which although looks expensive also includes travel for 2 days. I intend to use the Metro system as much as possible so this will be good for me. I also plan on using the open-top bus tour as I think they’re a great way to see a city and get pictures that you might not be able to otherwise.
4. Where To Eat?
Obviously, when planning a trip to Paris I’d be thinking about food and how much of it I can squeeze in while I’m there. I really want a Nutella crepe while I’m there and I’ve also been told where to get some of the best beignets too. Thanks, AJ!
I’ve also been rewatching Gossip Girl lately and I’ve been making notes of the places mentioned in the episodes and trawling other blog posts to find out the locations that they used. Cafe de Flore looks amazing and what’s even better is they have a pretty good tea selection. They’re also close to Shakespeare and Company which is definitely on my list of places to visit.
5. What To Buy?
There are lots of my Caudalie beauty products that are much cheaper in France (joys of them being a French brand) and I’m going to stock up on a few bits and pieces that I forgot the last time. I also have some ideas for Christmas presents and I’m going to get them while I’m away too. Some of them will be bought when I’m in London rather than in Paris.
I also plan on buying lots of fruit sweets while I’m there. Most of the ones we get here I’m
6. Why Am I Going?
A colleague asked me this the other day and my honest answer was “because I can”. We got some bad news on the last day of our holiday and it’s been a pretty stressful time since if I’m honest. I’ve taken a week off work and although I’m going to Paris alone for a couple of days, I’m looking forward to seeing as much as I can and having a proper break.
Hope all my rambling has made some sort of sense and will help if you’re planning your own trip to Paris. There will also be a follow-up post and I’ll see if I manage to tick everything off my list.
