Our Parisian Date Night
📍 Palais-Royal, Paris

Dress || Heels ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Clutch || Earrings

My first trip to Paris was back in 2019 with one of my dearest friends. While that sometimes seems like a lifetime, I always knew that a return visit was soon on the horizon so I could experience the city with my husband, David. There is no denying how purely romantic Paris can be, especially when you’re with the one you love most. Each moment together here took on significance. From shopping along in the 1er arrondissement to simply waiting for the Metro, I was so thankful for this time with David. On our final night in Paris, I planned a special night for the two of us. Let’s just say that it exceeded all of my expectations. Here’s a look at our Parisian date night!

Drinks at Hôtel Grands Boulevards

After a full day of exploring Paris and leisurely getting ready at Hôtel Bienvenue, we began to make our way to date night. The first order of business of a pre-dinner drink to celebrate a great first leg of the trip. Hôtel Grands Boulevards offered two great cocktail bars and was on the way to our dinner reservations. I had stayed here once before and was so happy to be able to make a return visit. Their rooftop bar, called The Shed, feels like a bit of paradise in a bustling city in the weather calls for it. 

Wandering Through the Palais-Royal

The black and white columns found in the Palais-Royal have become so iconic. There was no way I would leave Paris without seeing them for myself. Built in 1639, it was initially a palace for Cardinal Richelieu. With the Ministry of Culture now found in the former palace, the Jardin du Palais-Royal is a public park and is simply serene. After a day of work, you’ll see parents playing with their children or locals reading alongside the fountain. It also conveniently hosts several boutiques and restaurants, playing as the backdrop for our dinner.

Dinner at Le Grand Véfour

You may recognize Le Grand Véfour from Emily in Paris when Emily desperately tried to get dinner reservations for her clients. Please know that the prestige of this dining institution goes well beyond the latest Netflix show. It’s considered one of the oldest restaurants in Paris, established in 1784, and has served some of France’s most influential figures. It’s such an incredible feeling, knowing you’re sitting in the same place where Napoleon, Victor Hugo, and Voltaire have dined. It’s similar to how I feel while eating at the White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island. In modern times, Le Grand Véfour is critically acclaimed under the leadership of Chef Guy Martin. With a two Michelin star ranking, the future looks as successful as the restaurant’s past. 

Night Cap at Bar Hemingway

The Bar Hemingway, located at the Ritz Paris, is a cocktail icon. A few nights prior, we tried to grab a spot in the cozy bar right when they opened, but the long, slow-moving line had other ideas. Then, I read that the best time to visit was around 9 pm, when most people were just getting to their dinner reservations. I’m so happy to say that it worked! We could walk right in and offered a table next to the bar. What was intended to be a single nightcap quickly turned into multiple rounds and chats with the Parisians who are regulars at the bar. We talked about food, music, and politics, which is a very standard kind of conversation when in Paris. The last call came around way too quickly at 2:30 am, but we knew it was time to head home after a very fulfilling evening. On a side note, sipping a Hemingway Daiquiri at the Bar Hemingway felt like my pilgrimage moment, and I’m so thankful for the experience.

Late Night Walk Through Paris

Have you seen the movie, Midnight in Paris? David and I watched it recently, anticipating our visit to the city. After several rounds of cocktails at Bar Hemingway, we started on our walk to the Hotel Bienvenue through the Vendome and the 2nd arrondissement. Paris is positively dreamy at this hour. It’s so quiet and peaceful. Walking hand-in-hand with my husband, it just felt like such a romantic finish to our Parisian stay. If you’ve ever wondered if the city lives up to the hype, in my humble opinion, the answer is positively yes!

And just like that, our special Parisian date night passed in the blink of an eye! While I’m always thankful for the opportunity to travel and explore, the greatest blessing is having a partner willing to join me in on my wanderlust. Cheers to this and every date night, no matter the destination!

Love from Paris,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

My Summer Paris Packing Guide
📍 2nd Arrondissement, Paris

Button-Down (Save with Code KATIEKENNEDY) || Skirt || Ballet Flats (Save with Code KATIE10)
|| Handbag || Sunglasses || Earrings

In the words of Ashley from History in High Heels, there’s no prize for only bringing a carry-on! On our most recent trip to France, I took the mantra to heart and packed a full checked bag, sure to still have room for fabulous souvenirs. If you’re planning your own trip to Paris during the summer months, here is your packing guide with three full proof outfits. Can you tell the French flag served as a bit of inspiration?

Sunglasses || Striped Tee || Jeans || Sneakers || Tote Bag

Museum Hopping and Sightseeing

Unless you plan on Ubering throughout Paris, you can expect to do a lot of walking. The city is incredibly spread out, and the streets can be particularly winding. While you’re playing tourist, be sure to pack and wear your most comfortable pair of shoes. I wore my Veja sneakers every day while in Paris, and they were such a lifesaver! Other recommendations for your days of hopping from museum to museum would be to wear a versatile outfit. Maybe it’s even something you wore on your long flight so you can hit the ground running. My go-to travel outfit is always my striped tee and white jeans, both from J. Crew. Tuck in a pair of sunglasses in an oversized Longchamp tote bag, and you’re ready for whatever the City of Lights brings your way. 

Beret || Button-Down || Skirt || Ballet Flats (Save with code KATIE10) || Handbag

Tea Time at Ladurée

As much as I try to dress like a local, sometimes I have to cave and have my own Emily in Paris fashion moment. I think the perfect place in Paris to wear the quintessential, if not cliche, red beret is at tea time. While sipping on champagne cocktails and jasmine tea at Ladurée, I wore this exact outfit. The white button-down looks crisp with my navy polka dot skirt from LOFT. The slight ruffle gave the piece such great movement as I ran through the streets of Paris. Speaking of running, my Margaux ballet flats were just as comfortable to wear as my sneakers. They are a great alternative if you’re looking for slightly dressier footwear. After your Ladurée tea time, be sure to peruse the nearby boutiques. Having a crossbody handbag will help you look put together while remaining hands-free. 

Earrings || Cocktail Dress || Handbag || Heels (Save with SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Lip Color

Date Night at Ritz Paris

Isn’t there something so French about the iconic femme fatale look? This red cocktail dress from J. Crew is absolutely stunning. It’s just begging to be worn for drinks and dinner at the Ritz Paris on the Vendome. While the red color will make a statement, it also comes in black for the ultimate LBD. Add a fun pair of gold hoop earrings and an elegant black handbag for the evening ahead. Each night, I wore my nude Sarah Flint Block Sandal 60s, and they are just so incredibly comfortable! Finally, give a quick swipe of matte red Chanel lipstick to look like the ultimate Parisian.

Et voilà! Three easy and versatile outfits to pack during your summer stay in Paris. The beauty of these pieces is that they can be mixed and matched with whatever favorites you already have in your closet. You too can dress the part of the Parisian it-girl without breaking the bank. Happy packing!

Love from Paris,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

More Snapshots from Paris
📍 Le Vendome, Paris

Dress (Similar) (Similar) || Heels ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) ||
Handbag || Earrings || Lip Color

It’s been almost a whole week since I came home from Paris. With a bit of downtime over the weekend, I’ve finally gone through my photography. I’ve even found my favorite images from the trip. In such a beautiful and historic city, there’s a lot of eye candy! While the City of Lights is just so inspiring, and I could probably write about it for the rest of the year, I wanted to share the top highlights from my most recent trip. Here are even more snapshots from Paris.

Staying at Hotel Bienvenue

When planning a trip to Paris, the most daunting task is to find the right hotel for your stay. Last time, I stayed at Hôtel des Grand Boulevards and loved it! Located in the 2nd arrondissement, it’s in a great location and has a wonderful rooftop bar. Since I knew that David and I would hardly be at the hotel except to rest our heads, I wasn’t worried about luxury and wanted to find a great price. Touriste Hotel Group has four Paris locations and is such a great value. Hotel Bienvenue is the newest addition, and we just simply loved our stay there. The beautifully decorated rooms were cozy, but our bathroom was so big that it felt like a second room. My favorite thing about our stay was its proximity to three different metro lines so that we could explore all of Paris in just a few easy steps.

Shopping in Le Marais

Available on the Right Bank, Le Marais is such a vibrant neighborhood that must be explored! Also known as the 4th arrondissement, it is known for its trendy boutiques and ever-growing list of must-visit dining. On this particular visit, my number one destination was Buly 1803. This vintage-inspired apothecary offers an entire collection of fragrances and other beauty items. With their classical music playing, you’ll be tempted to spend hours admiring each beautifully packaged item. Perfumes are always one of my favorite souvenirs, and I came home with a bottle of Venus de Milo. Made in collaboration with the Louvre Museum, it features notes of mandarin, jasmine, and amber. As you check out, their incredible staff will kindly add a customized calligraphy label to make the purchase feel special. If you aren’t able to get to Le Marais, no need to worry! They have two additional locations on the Left Bank and purchases can be shipped worldwide.

Experiencing Paris Café Dining

When asked by a local what my draw to Paris was, my knee-jerk answer was all about food. The simple ingredients used in most signature dishes are perfectly prepared. The results are meals and flavors that stay with you. I honestly don’t think we had one average meal during our entire visit to France. While the restaurants probably deserve a dedicated blog post, a quick list may be what you need to plan your own trip: Le Moulin de la Galette, Le Precope, Le Grand Vefour, and Bistrot Richelieu are just to name a few. If you’re eating lunch, I highly recommend taking advantage of their three-course lunch specials. 

Visiting the Maison de Victor Hugo

Are there any other fans of Les Miserables there? It’s my favorite play and is something that my Dad and I have really bonded over. In fact, he’s the one who first introduced me to Les Miserables. After all, it’s one of the most incredible father-daughter stories I can think of. It leaves me in tears after each and every listen. The original writer, Victor Hugo, is considered one of France’s most beloved authors. If you look closely, you’ll find monuments to him almost everywhere. In Le Marais, right on Les Place des Vosges, you can visit the apartment he called home for sixteen years. Now, Maison de Victor Hugo has been turned into a museum so you can learn more about the life of this national hero. Although our visit was relatively quick, as they were about to close, it was one of my favorite stops on our Paris tour. 

Tea Time at Ladurée

After a morning of walking miles and miles throughout the city, we arrived at Ladurée thirsty and ready for tea time. While our visit was at the location on Rue Royale, near the Vendome, there are locations throughout the city. We sipped on tea and champagne cocktails in the dining room and ordered a few plates of macaroons and pastries. While it’s not the most well-balanced lunch, it was an excellent opportunity to sit and relax. Before going back to our hotel, we were sure to stop by the boutique next store and pick up some macaroons. Just so you know, they make for the perfect midnight snack, as we very soon found out!

Seeing the Louvre, Of Course!

No first-time visit to Paris should ever be complete without visiting the Louvre. It is the world’s most visited museum and contains more than 380,000 works of art from prehistory to the 21st century. The most famous works are the three ladies: the Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, and Nike of Samothrace. I would like to add Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix (see above) to that list. I cannot recommend opting for the audio tour enough! It walks you through nearly every painting and can turn your visit into a really meaningful experience. The Louvre is vast and winding, so don’t worry too much if you don’t cover every square inch of the museum.

Aimlessly Wandering

The French have the word Flâner. While there is no direct translation to English, it roughly means wandering without a destination. Away from the shopping, dining, and museums, some of the best time spent is just walking through the city without a goal. Paris is such a stunning city and needs to be explored at any time of day, rain or shine. Each day during our visit, we dedicated a lot of time to aimlessly wandering. Along the way, we found beautiful hotels, quirky boutiques, and stunning spaces that are on our radar for a return visit. When you travel to Paris, who knows what you’ll discover?

Nearly 1,200 words, and there’s so much more to be said. While so many have written about each element of the city, it’s genuinely something you have to experience for yourself. Cheers to your travels and you finding your own snapshots in Paris!

Love from Paris,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.