How to Make the Most of Four Days in Paris

Booking through me will secure you an early check-in to your hotel, so no matter when you arrive, you will be able to head to the hotel, drop your bags off and begin your adventure. I recommend the Hotel La Fantaisie. It is an elegant hotel decorated with a garden-esque vibe. It is absolutely stunning, and affordable while still being luxurious. Relax for as long or as little as you like, then walk to one of the local churches for a traditional musical performance (Eglise Saint‐Ephrem — Main Hall typically has concerts on weekend nights).

As you may be adjusting to jet lag, take this morning to explore the beauty, restaurants and grounds of the hotel. Once you are done with that, walk to one of the 4.5-star bakeries located near La Fantaisie.

• UNION BOULANGERIE- Bakery, 4.8 stars and a five-minute walk

• Patisserie Angelique & David - Pastries, 4.5 stars and a seven-minute walk

• Gem la Pâtisserie Paris- Pastries, 4.9 stars and a twelve-minute walk

After you've spent the morning exploring the hotel and the area around it, take the Napoleon tour. Not only will you learn all about the life of the famous Napoleon, but you will also engage with historic sites in Paris led by a local guide.

After the tour is done, you'll have plenty of time to walk or catch a taxi to the river, wander around the Eiffel Tower, and of course, get some more pastries. You can even pair this tour with The Louvre, or other monumental Parisian sites you've been wanting to see.

Now that you are fully adjusted to Paris and have done a good amount of exploring and one tour, you're ready to take the full or half-day tour of Versailles. One of the most popular tours in Paris, so you definitely won't want to miss this. Versailles was the model of residence for over a century, and the Palace, Hall of Mirrors and grounds are a must-see. Having a tour guide allows you to get the most out of your experience and truly understand and absorb the importance and elegance of this monumental palace.

This tour can be done on foot, or you can opt for a bicycling tour.

After the tour, if finished, freshen up at your hotel before going out to grab a bite to eat or settle down for a meal at the hotel restaurant.

On your last day in Paris, I recommend taking a traditional Parisian baking or cooking class. This is my favorite thing to do wherever I go, as it really immerses you in the culture, and gives you something to take home and recreate to feel like you're in Paris again. This may be a macaroons class, or maybe even a soufflé class.

A hidden gem in Paris that many people miss out on is the markets, so if you can, check any of these out while exploring Paris!

• Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves- Saturdays 7 AM -2 PM

• Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen- Mondays 11 AM -5 PM

• Les Puces de Montreuil- Saturday and Sunday- 7 AM - 7:30 PM

Enjoy your morning at La Cafe at the hotel, or at one of the many pastry shops nearby before heading off to a to a Parisian market. After strolling around the markets, head to The Luxembourg Gardens/The Jardin du Luxembourg to relax in the sunshine while playing a game a chess. If you prefer, bring a book, grab a croissant and relax on the grass (gardens/park is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris) One reason Paris is famous for chess is because King Henry III hosted one of the earliest tournaments in 1575.

Afterwards, you can take the 15-min walk from the park to Notre Dame Cathedral. Since a fire in 2019, the cathedral has been closed but the exterior architecture is still a sight to behold.

Saturday markets:

1. Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves. 7am-2pm Saturdays

2. Les Puces de Montreuil. 7am-7pm Saturdays.

(For convenience, it should be done Market 1 — Jardin Dux Luxembourg and Notre Dame — Market 2).