Romantic Autumn Weekend in Paris

Shopping

Saint Honoré - One of my personal favorite places to shop in Paris, it's quieter than Champs Élysées with a bit of luxury designer brands and vintage boutiques.

Galeries Lafayette - Europe's largest upscale department store, located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement. Be sure to visit the beauty department and as you try a new shade of Dior lip oil, look above to see the gilded ironwork and stained glass created by master glassworker Jacques GRUBER.

Chanel 19 rue Cambon - This newly renovated Chanel flagship feels a bit more like a museum that a store. Spanning multiple levels, you'll find unique luxury pieces from jewelry to handbags to clothing. Feel inspired by the artwork and furniture intentionally placed throughout the building.

Museums

Louvre - The most iconic and well-known museum in Paris, and definitely one to spend the day at to see such a wide variety of art and Europe's history. It is a former historic palace housing a huge art collection, from Roman sculptures to da Vinci's "Mona Lisa."

Palace of Versailles - Immense, 18th-century palace with gilded apartments, chandeliered Hall of Mirrors and fountain show. Spend the day wandering the gardens and be sure to grab a freshly squeezed orange juice in the afternoon!

Gardens

Jardin du Luxembourg - Located in the middle of the Sixth Arrondissement, this famous garden is the perfect escape from the busy city; stroll through the green gardens, watch children launch their model sailboats in the pond or visit the statues of past French queens and other famous women of history.

Sightseeing

Eiffel Tower - It's not a trip to Paris without seeing the world-famous Parisian landmark. Originally built for the 1889 World Fair, it polarized the city at the town but has since become the most recognized view in Paris! You can choose to take a visit to the top via the lift for 28 euros or add a glass of champagne at the top for 47 euros! My personal favorite is to walk along the paths of Jardin de la Tour Eiffel or even grab a bottle of wine at the market to enjoy on a blanket on the garden's grass. Be sure to walk by the tower after dark to witness the sparkling lights every evening after dusk for five minutes at the beginning of each hour, until 11pm.

Arc de Triomphe - Worth walking by purely to witness the organized chaos of the Charles de Gaulle roundabout. An instagram hotspot at the end of Champs Élysées, you can opt for a guided tour by heading to their website and meeting your guide at the underground corridor at 20 euros per person cost.

Shows

Crazy Horse - The perfect show for a sexy date night. Grab a bottle of champagne and enjoy the modern, very Parisian cabaret show.

Breakfast

Café Carrousel - Located across from Jardin des Tuileries, this traditionally Parisian cafe is the perfect spot to start your day with a pain au chocolate or fresh baguette with French butter and jam, alongside a cappuccino. There is plenty of seating both inside and outside the cafe! Be sure to look at their Parisian breakfast offering (usually a glass of fresh OJ, cappuccino, pastry and baguette) if you are feeling hungry! My husband and I would often order one Parisian breakfast and an omelet to split between us, with one extra cappuccino!

Angelina - The perfect spot for breakfast, a heavier brunch or afternoon tea, you have to make a stop at Angelina for their famous hot chocolate! If you don't have a heavy sweet tooth, consider sharing a cup with your sweetheart as it can be more of a dessert in a mug. The interior design of the cafe is gorgeous with a belle-epoque-style setting. Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds and try to visit on a weekday for a quieter experience. Tea time begins at 3pm and for 25 euro you'll experience a selection of cocktail canapés, mini macarons, mini pastries and madeleines along with a tea, coffee or famous Angelina hot chocolate!

Lunch

Café Fleur - mere steps from the Eiffel Tower gardens, this café is adorned with florals and is the perfect afternoon spot to enjoy some rosé and fromage after exploring the city. Sharing with a few of your loved ones? The Fleur board (charcuterie, cheeses and burrata) is sure to satisfy your hungry after walking throughout the city!

Les Deux Magots - The best cheeseburger I've ever had. Sit on their terrace and people-watch all afternoon with a bottle of champagne!

Dinner

Le Relais de l'Entrecôte - My husband and I have visited both locations, but have found the location in Montparnasse to have a few more tables making getting in on that first sitting easier! They open at 6:45pm for dinner service and highly recommend arriving at 6pm to wait in line! Don't be nervous when you arrive and a long line is already there. Once they open the doors, they can fill the restaurant, so the goal is to get in on that first sitting! The menu is simple; a salad to start with steak and fries as your main, followed by a variety of French desserts. They will ask what cook you prefer on your steak, and remember temperature is slightly more rare in France than in North America. Medium is your best bet! Service is quick and they have options for both half and full bottles of wine!

Beefbar: If beef is your thing (and the beef in France is exceptional) and you enjoy luxurious service, you have to visit Beefbar for a date night in Paris. The aesthetic interior of the restaurant is art-deco inspired with emerald green marble, gold gilded accents and candlelit tables. Be sure to order the beef ravioli and enjoy the pommes aligot (cheesy mashed potatoes) served with their steaks!

6 New York - This chef-owned restaurant is located with perfect views of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy a coursed dinner with treats from the chef throughout, such as amuse bouches to start and dessert bites. One of the best meals and best service we've had in Paris!

Drinks

Chez Francis - We've never had more than a beef tartare to share here. But it is one of my favorite spots for a late-afternoon glass (or bottle) of wine with views of the Eiffel Tower. Sit on the patio rain or shine and for chilly weather, ask for a blanket!

Monsieur Bleu - Great for dinner or for drinks on their large terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower and Seine River. While not our favorite restaurant in the city, we enjoyed their martinis and chargrilled octopus!