24 hours in Paris
The biggest mistake I made before my trip to Paris? Too much TikTok. I hoped to find the latest and greatest, the smoothest hot chocolate, those flaky buttery croissants, the trendy shopping meccas where the vintage goods would rush to meet me. A result of influencers influencing . . .
For sure, all of this could be found in the City of Light, but the speedy videos were smothered in diluted expectations, those that only a 16-year old in running shoes with raging hormones and endless energy could every hope to uncover.
I didn’t dine at the hot chocolate cafe or sit street side at the corner bistro, but I did have the time of my life and came away with a passion for Paris that I had not expected. The love arrived in spite of the overcrowding at Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Seine boat tour, . .
My BEST list is easy and short.
📍 Eating Europe
📍 Hop On Hop Off Bus (always for an overview of any metropolitan city)
📍Walk (and shop) the Champs Elysée
📍 Eat the hot donut at the top level (on the right facing the Eiffel Tower) of the Trocadéro from the food truck - awesome!
More importantly, my do-not-bother LIST is just as easy.
📍Tour the Seine on a 500-passenger boat
📍Visit iconic sites in the afternoon
📍Be in a hurry
📍Never get in a Pedi-cab
“Paris is always a good idea” and even in the heat of summer, it was a very good idea.
And for now, “We will always have Paris” . . . until the next time.
Call me a girl who loves the finer things. The the long stretch of the Champs Elysée is as much about people watching as window shopping. those finer things. Even if you can’t afford the Chanel or Louis Vuitton, walk inside and see what the fuss is all about. More than likely, there will be a security line, so be prepared for a wait but can still be giddy as you wait.
Affordable luxury at Hotel de Sers
They had me at “We are stories.”
Full disclosure, Hotel de Sers hosted us. As travel writers, we often see the best and sometimes the worst of hotels. THIS was one of our best experiences with a hotel brand, B Signature Group. With hosted experiences, we feel no obligation to praise or elevate a property, tour or guide; that is who we are. However, we came away speechless at the hospitality and comfort. From the heated bathroom floor to the exceptional staff, it was a true Parisian experience that spoke soft luxury. Located a couple of blocks from the Champs Elysée, this affordable luxury hotel provided everything that I craved from my three days in Paris. With multiple properties throughout Paris, they offer different price points to meet your budget.
Their stationary revealed their brand mantra, embossed with the words, “We are stories” and who am I to let this pass? Our travel world is consumed by stories and storytelling. When we encounter a brand that understands their role in the traveler’s narrative of enhancing personal stories, coloring their experiences and providing a safe haven, well, we become cheerleaders. The staff and concierge answered all our questions, pointed us to the best sites (including the nearby French pharmacy) and called us by name each time we arrived. And each night when we went to the restaurant, sitting underneath the skylights, for our evening cocktail, and on our first night, we ordered our favorite prosecco and bourbon. From that evening forward, our favorites arrived within moments of sitting down. That’s a wow.
We arrived at the end of a long travel day, not wanting to leave the hotel. Another way we judge accommodations - room service; we always order at least once. Whether it be for a quick bite to eat or a full meal, the quality of a meal in my room, I have come to learn, is a true standard by which all hotels are judged. We ordered and the meal arrived earlier than promised, hotter than expected and delicious beyond belief. For a weary traveler, that speaks volumes.
Each morning, we enjoyed a true Parisian breakfast, complete with cappuccino or lattes, made especially for us. Fresh fruit, yogurts and breads - or made-to-order omelets and dishes - readied us for our day of exploration. I know to-go coffees aren’t the thing in Paris, but my server never scoffed at me once for ordering a cup each morning as I went out the door.
The Story: Following a complete renovation, the hotel now builds upon its past, once the private residence of the Marquis de Sers. Located in the prestigious 8th arrondissement, it greets you with history and hospitality. The renovation was carried out with respect and continuity. Wood paneling, custom drapes, elegant furnishings,. The entrance leads to the inside where every element is a tribute to its history. The communal areas, the library, the restaurant and beautiful dining area - beneath a glass roof - sets the tone for your entire stay. The brand “proudly preserves the soul of a private residence. More than a renovated hotel, it is an invitation to experience Paris differently, where memory meets modernity.”
Experience Paris’s best address. Booking discounts are often available on their website.
41 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie 75008 Paris | reservation@hoteldesers.com
Welcome home.
Morning eats | Eating Europe
If Paris is not your destination, never fear. There’s an Eating Europe tour in most major cities in Europe. You will not go hungry. Edinburgh. Rome. London. Just the beginning.
It was an easy choice as to which tour we would take. Although there were nothing lacking in the other tours, but enjoying a morning walk filled with coffee, croissants and pastries had me at “book here.”
Our guide, Carol, food writer for a travel book in France, led us on a three-hour food tour in Paris. She shares with the group the historical and cultural significance of food in France and the importance of linking history with culinary experiences. We start with coffee and whipped cream, followed by a visit to a chocolate store for a tasting and a tea, then cheeses, baguettes, fruits, and warm chocolate.
We begin in the Cardinal Palace, built in the early 17th century, then Palais Royal which now houses over 400 shops and cafes and is a social activity center. First, there’s coffee which tastes more like dessert than caffeine. I might have something to do with the large dallop of whipped cream on top – perfect for dipping the waffle. She tells us that traditional Parisian pastry is made with rice flour, making it lighter and less sweet. She points out La Grande Fauci (Carpe de Shark) who is now adapting to modern tastes.
We turn to chocolate and France’s strict regulations regarding labeling. True chocolate must contain only cocoa, milk and sugar. Quality is at its core. Even the gelato and sorbets, featuring fresh herbs and fruit flavors. Popular flavors are vanilla and chocolate, but the best, pistachio and raspberry.
Did you know that wide, elegant galleries were designed for women to shop without soiling their skirts? Napoleon neglected them and with Paris’s modernization, even grander ones were built.
Did you know that, after WWII, wine was sold in liters? Many drank up to five liters a day.
Post French Revolution, the French preferred white bread – a sign of wealth. After WWII, white became popular, thus diminishing its signature. A resurgence for traditional and unprocessed breads – including rye and sourdough – brought back artisanal practices and healthier eating.
French baguettes are made with 7% gluten and are fresh for only 24 hours. Fresh is as important as quality. Sourcing fresh and local foods like free-range meat, fish from small boats, cheese from farms, seasonal fruits and vegetables.
🥐Classic croissant
🥐 Croissant-éclair hybrid
🥐 Homemade waffle
🥐 Chocolate & gelato
🥐Quiche
🥐 Traditional baguette
🥐 French cheese & butter
🥐 Viennese coffee
🥐 French tea
🥐 Hot chocolate
Book your tour here and enjoy A Morning in Paris Food Tour: Croissants, Baguettes & Chocolate.
