Paris is known as the city of love, and what an accurate description! I love Paris and enjoyed our trip so much as a family. This was the second time my family and I visited, and we made a point to try new things as well as visit some of our favorites. As you know, we are foodies here, and most of our trips are based around culinary pursuits. 😋 I hope this blog post will making planning a bit easier and hopefully help you find some fun and delicious adventures! This is your guide to Paris in the spring.
For more travel guides, you’ll love these posts HERE.
Shop Travel Essentials
Your Guide to Paris in the Spring
Covid Info (current from April 1-10 2022)
Before we dive into everything, I wanted to provide some insight regarding Covid protocols. You’ll want to be sure to check the France Embassy website for the most up-to-date info.
We were not required to do a covid test before entering France, if we could show that we were fully vaccinated. Vaccination cards were required at the customs passport check in at the airport.
Masks are required on public transportation, but were optional in other places. We weren’t required to show proof of vaccine to enter stores, restaurants or museums.
A negative covid test is required within 24 hours of your return flight to the US. This was not a difficult process. Just head to a pharmacy (we asked the hotel for the closet location that offered testing) and scan a QR code located inside the pharmacy to fill out a registration form. Once the form is completed you can purchase a test voucher. The testing location was directly outside of the pharmacy and we had results emailed to us within 30 minutes. Keep the email handy for check in at the airport!
Getting Around Paris
For airport transfers in France, we have always used a company called Blacklane. In our experience, they’ve always been clean, reliable and the booking process is easy.
We walked quite a bit and felt safe walking to and from dinner in the touristy areas. For farther distances, we used an app called G7 (thank you to the follower who suggested it!). It works well and was more reliable than Uber.
Activities
Saint Ouen Flea Market
Address: 87 Rue des Rosiers
This market is about 30 minutes outside of the city by car. We spent the afternoon wandering through the stalls of this antique market. So many fun finds to be had! I didn’t really find any bargains, but I did pick up some unframed original paintings and antique keys. My daughter bought some newspapers dating back to the 1800s, and my son bought a really cool pocket watch. They also had tons of vinyl records and vintage clothing.
The Louvre
Such an absolute must! Tickets can be purchased HERE. Don’t skip out on a tour guide because they are a wealth of knowledge and offer such a great history lesson. On our first trip when our kids were younger, we opted for a private kid-friendly tour that was tailored for their ages. It was amazing! Our guide was a former school teacher and made a scavenger hunt through the museum. That tour is linked HERE.
This time, we did a regular tour and it was also wonderful experience. Each guide offers different perspectives, and we picked up on a lot of new details this time. There is a line to view The Mona Lisa up close, and definitely worth the time!
Insider Tip: There are free storage lockers for coats and bags on the bottom level under the Group Sign.
The Catacombs
This was so cool and creepy at the same time! It was an amazing history lesson as well. I had no idea why the passages were dug or why they were filled with bones. 😳 It all makes sense now!
We purchased online tickets the day before, and the tours were sold out. We did have the audio tour but it definitely was not as good as it could have been. Next time we visit, we will definitely plan in advance to buy the tour. You can do that HERE.
Note: To get down to the catacombs, you have to walk down, what seems like, a never ending circular staircase. I’ve never done well on teacup-type rides and walking down in circles actually made me a bit dizzy. The walk back up didn’t seem as bad but my legs definitely felt the burn!
Macaron Class
This was such a fun one! The class is completely hands on from start to finish, and we came away with way more macarons than we could eat. The class was limited to 8 people and is great for adults and kids too. I highly recommend booking this one in advance. You can do that HERE.
Chocolate and Sweets Walking Tour
This is another family-friendly tour for anyone with a sweet tooth! We made 8 stops around the Saint Germaine neighborhood and had delicious treats mixed with a bit of history as well. This tour is a fun one to get you out into the neighborhoods. You can book that tour HERE.
Bakery Behind the Scenes Tour
This tour started off with a pastry and coffee breakfast. Then a tour of the workings of a French bakery. It’s not an actual class, but we did get some hands on demonstrations on how to make madeleines, shaping and scoring baguettes and rolling croissants. We also took home a large bag full of baguettes and all the madeleines we made. Such a treat! You can book this tour HERE.
Eiffel Tower Tour
Need I say more than the Eiffel Tower? This is a must. We actually didn’t do the tour during this visit, but it was such a cool experience last time we were in Paris! It’s worth the extra money to go all the way to the summit! The views are absolutely incredible. You can book this tour HERE.
Seine River Tour
We loved the views from this scenic tour! Definitely a fun and low key activity if you have some spare time to kill. You can book this tour HERE.
Places We’ve Stayed
This trip we stayed at the Hotel Pas de Calais. It was a beautiful boutique hotel, and the building dates back to the 1700s! It has incredible architecture. We got the family suite, which consisted of two adjoining rooms. It worked well for the four of us. Our room had a queen size bed with a full bathroom, and the kids room had 2 twins with a bathroom. This hotel was located in the Saint Germain neighborhood with lots of shops and restaurants.
The last time we were in Paris, we stayed in this Airbnb, and really liked it as well. It was spacious and located in a fun neighborhood. Additionally, it was on the ground floor, which was nicer considering not many places have an elevator to the upper floors. It also had a full European kitchen, if enjoy making some of your meals.
I only chose a hotel this time because the cancellation policy was more relaxed, and I felt more comfortable knowing I had that flexibility. Normally when we travel, we do like to use VRBO or Airbnb because it’s fun to live like a local while traveling and not be directly in the touristy centers. Because of 2020, I have shifted to booking hotels, but I’m looking forward to going back to rentals soon.
Food and Restaurants
You know this is my favorite topic! We’ve found so many gems during our two trips, and I’m excited to share them with you!
Boutary
The best dinner experience we had this time goes to Boutary. The food and service were impeccable! They only offer a tasting menu, which we absolutely love. However, they were kind enough to make accommodations for our daughter, who does not like seafood. The atmosphere of the restaurant is hip and modern. My husband and I also got the wine pairing with dinner, and the selections were incredible! I would definitely recommend a reservation.
Le Jules Verne
We also experienced Le Jules Verne on the second level of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a definite splurge, but so fun for a special occasion or if you’re only going once. The nighttime view was beautiful, and the food was delicious. You are definitely paying for the full experience though, and I would say the food was not as good as other places we’ve been.
Pho 14 Opera
A hidden gem we discovered was Pho 14 Opera. Because it was a cold and rainy day at The Louvre, we were looking for something hot and comforting. This location is close by the museum and turned out to be delicious! Actually, it was so good that we went back the next day.
It was packed both times we were there, and I have to admit that I was a bit uncomfortable with the close seating. I do think this is a cultural thing as the locals don’t seem to mind being sat shoulder to shoulder with a stranger. Both times we were there, the four of us were sat at a 6 top table with 2 strangers sitting with us. May not be a big deal, but I thought I’d mention it. It was not just this restaurant though, it was most all of the less formal restaurants.
Le Petit Saint Benoît
The first night we were in Paris, the hotel recommended Le Petit Saint Benoît. It’s a small restaurant that was so good and reasonably priced. The waitress had amazing recommendations and everything was delicious. I highly recommend.
The Au Bon Marche
The Au Bon Marche is a food and housewares mall next door to the famous Bon Marche shopping mall. If you ask me, the Au Bon is the star. The lower levels house specialty groceries. If I were a local, it’s definitely where I would be! There is a truffle shop, La Truffle Par Petrossian, that serves a limited menu. The truffle pasta and cheese and charcuterie were to die for! We also hit this place up twice during our trip. Do not miss out on this, if you are a truffle fan.
Zia Cafe
Zia Cafe is an amazing place for breakfast or brunch! It’s near the Eiffel Tower and serves the most delicious Dutch babies. It’s owned by a very nice American couple that has lived in Paris for the last few years.
Berthillon
The best ice cream and sorbet can be found near the Cathedral of Notre Dame at a place called Berthillon. Our favorite flavors that we tried were salted caramel, pear, strawberry, chocolate and cafe. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.
Packing Essentials
Shop Travel Essentials
These are the things I travel with and love. Some items are definitely a splurge, but I love them and consider them an investment as I plan on using them for years to come.
Bose Headphones
These Bose headphones are convenient for watching movies on the plane, but also to block out noise when I’m reading or napping.
Luggage
We invested in Away luggage ahead of this trip and so far I am impressed. They roll well and seemed to have handled the trip with ease. They have a 100 percent money back warranty, so I’m hoping to take them on another trip and will update my review afterwards. I did invest in the inexpensive covers, and I think they really helped out with keeping the bags looking nice.
After owning my Brics Train Case for ten years, I asked for the coordinating carry on bag for Christmas. It rolls and handles better than any luggage I have ever owned and I couldn’t love it more! The quality of both pieces is amazing and although, I can’t justify buying the whole set, I love my carry on pieces.
Packing Cubes
I love using packing cubes to keep everything organized, especially in my kids’ suitcases. This makes it easy for them to access items without making a huge mess! I highly recommend these.
My Travel Wrap
I have owned this cashmere travel wrap for 15 years and it comes on every trip with me. I use it as a blanket on airplanes, as a scarf when it’s cold outside and as a wrap for nice dinners. It’s soft, lightweight and so practical. This wrap is an investment piece that I can’t travel without.
Belt Bags AKA Fanny Packs 😂
Whatever you want to call them, they rock! I love having my hands free, and they provide extra security when I’m traveling. Some areas around Paris are known to have pickpockets, so keeping valuables close to your body and in a safe place is a definite necessity. I’m linking my amazing Gucci bag that I wore daily around Paris, and also this Lululemon option that I love.
Phone Case
I am absolutely obsessed with these Bandolier phone cases. I have owned and traveled with them for years. Having your phone handy for taking pictures and not having to dig through your bag for it is a gamechanger. It also has pockets for a couple credit cards which is so convenient! Sometimes I’ll completely forego carrying a purse and will just take this instead. I love that the straps are interchangeable and you can accessorize accordingly. These are the two that I currently have for my IPhone 13 Pro Max found HERE and HERE.
Comfortable Shoes
My biggest travel tip is to wear comfortable shoes while out walking during the day. These streets are very uneven, with a lot of them being cobblestone. Therefore, sneakers are a must. We tracked an average of six to seven miles per day and boy was I thankful for my mine. I wore this pair every day, and they felt great! They fit true to size. I also have to mention this pair that are my tried and true! I’m on my second pair and will probably buy another pair when I wear through those.
Paris is such a magical city full of rich history, amazing food and beautiful sights. I hope all of this was helpful and you found some gems for your upcoming trip!
Have you traveled to Paris? If so, what’s one of your favorite places to visit, eat or stay? Let me know in the comments!
Pin this Photo and Save this Post for Later!
