A Love Letter to Paris

Last week I shared the trips I’d recommend to take in quarter one - quarterly quests, if you will. And of course, one of those destinations was Paris. Naturally.

Say what you will, but Paris is not overrated in my eyes. Especially in winter. Especially if you’re arriving by Eurostar. There’s something about gliding into Gare du Nord that instantly sets the scene for the weekend ahead.

Walkable. Cultured. Romantic. Cosy. Quaint cafés on every corner, warm pastries always within reach, and streets I recommend you actively get lost in.

And as fate would have it, I was feeling particularly inspired this week because one of my closest friends is currently in Paris for the very first time. Just yesterday, I sent her this exact list to help her enjoy a romantic weekend away with her husband.

I absolutely love when friends are heading somewhere and ask me for recommendations. That is my love language, without question. If I can plan your itinerary, book your dinner spots, and mentally join you for croissants, I am very happy.

So if Paris is on your list for this winter or spring, here’s how I’d spend a long weekend in the city.

P.S. Romance is not exclusively reserved for romantic partners. Romanticise your trips with friends, family, siblings… life deserves romanticising despite your relationship status ✨

P.S.S. I’ve included links to help ease your planning - some to my personal social media reviews, some to websites for bookings, and some to Google maps 🗺️

A romantic long weekend guide

Start with breakfast at Le Café Marly. Sitting under the arches of the Louvre with a coffee feels very “main character in Paris”. Book a table outside for around 8.30am if you’re an early bird like me and want to beat the crowds.

Head straight into the Louvre Museum - 9am ticket and audio guide in hand. I wasn’t kidding about missing the crowds. Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, this one is worth it. Wander, don’t rush. I personally spent hours in there.

Mid-morning, stop at Café Kitsuné for a coffee (or matcha, if that’s more your speed). Then slow things down with a stroll through the Tuileries Garden - or, if you have time, make your way to the Jardin du Luxembourg. Grab one of those iconic green chairs, sit by the fountain, and do nothing but people-watch. Truly one of my favourite Paris rituals.

For dinner, head to Relais de l’Entrecôte - and fair warning, you can’t book. If you’re not afraid of a queue, it’s absolutely worth it. I waited two hours (yes, two), and somehow… I didn’t regret a single minute. Steak, fries, sauce, and then more fries. Simple. Delicious.

If you still have energy, end the evening with a night-time stroll along the Seine and catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle.

Start the day at Mamiche for pastries that are genuinely worth the hype.

Spend the morning wandering Montmartre. Artists, quiet streets, and quirky souvenir shopping at Le Singe qui Lit. Eventually make your way to Sacré-Cœur at the top. Take your time here. This is one of those places that rewards wandering (and more people watching). Don’t miss THE main tourist attraction!

Walk to Trocadéro for those classic Eiffel Tower views, then cross over and wander through Champ de Mars. It’s touristy, yes, but it’s iconic for a reason.

In the afternoon, visit Notre Dame, pop into Sainte-Chapelle nearby. The stained glass is breathtaking.

Dinner at La Fontaine de Mars for duck confit and wine. Very Parisian. Very cosy.

And finally, wait for the Eiffel Tower sparkle. It twinkles on the hour after sunset, and I still get excited every single time.

Skip the over-hyped hot chocolate at Carette and instead wander until you find a local little café for breakfast. Last year we stumbled across this one which we had all to ourselves early in the morning.

Make your way to the Arc de Triomphe and wander down the Champs-Élysées for a little (window) shopping, it’s one of those iconic Paris experiences that never really gets old. Pick up macarons from Pierre Hermé (my forever favourite), then head towards Saint-Germain-des-Prés for cafés, bookshops, and slow wandering.

Stop at Café Pli to write a letter to your future self. Very sentimental, but I love it.

Finish with shopping at Merci and Louise Carmen for souvenirs that feel a little more personal than keyrings and magnets.

Lunch or early dinner at Bouillon Chartier for classic French dishes at very reasonable prices.

And if you have time, one last stroll along the river before you leave. Always.

If you’re planning a longer stay or a return visit:

If you’re looking for a spot to stay, I can recommend Maison 46.

Paris is one of those cities that changes with the seasons, but winter and early spring will always be one of my favourite times to visit.

And if you’re heading anywhere soon and need recommendations, you know where to find me. I will happily plan your trip like it’s my own.

Thanks for being here this week. See you next Sunday! 💌

Tahlia

You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok for everyday living and thoughtful adventures.