How to Do Paris Like a Honeymooner
Paris is always a good idea...especially for honeymooners. It is the land of romance after all. But even if your next French getaway is not of the romantic variety (girls trip!), this guide is a must. Thanks to these travel tips from photographer Molly Carr, you will be staying, eating, seeing and shopping the City of Light like a pro wanderluster. Pick up tasty macarons at famous Lauderee, explore the bohemian beauty of Montmartre and instagram it up at the black and white steps of Palais Royal... or simply eat your way through the city thanks to this ultimate guide. I vote the latter.
From Molly Carr...Is there anywhere in the world more beautiful, more romantic, or more captivating than Paris? Whether it is your first time in the City of Light or your tenth, Paris is the absolute ideal destination for honeymooners. From the world-famous cuisine to the plethora of immaculate hotels to the charming streets and alleyways just begging to get lost hand-in-hand, Paris is truly the perfect place to be in love. Considering a Parisian honeymoon? Be sure to check out these tips before planning your getaway.
STAY
Ritz Paris:The legendary Ritz Paris finally reopened in June of this year, and clearly it was worth the wait. The hotel invested over €200+ million in the renovations which were led by interior designer Thierry Despont and his team of over 800 stonemasons, guilders, upholsterers, and painters who brought the hotel back to its former glory.Grand Hotel du Palais Royal: A nearly perfect boutique hotel in the 1st Arrondissement, this lovely property offers five-star service in a dreamy location. I highly recommend booking a room with a terrace on the top floor with views of the famed Parisian rooftops and Sacre Coeur in the distance.Saint James Paris: Designed like a family's private home, this exquisite Relais & Chateaux hotel in the 16th Arrondissement is a favorite of the design blogging community. One look at the hotel's imaginative decor and grand staircase, and you will understand why.
Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais: Located on one of my favorite streets in all of Paris, this pint-sized boutique hotel is utterly charming. Be sure to request a top-floor room with a view of the Parisian rooftops.AirBnb: There are a plethora of amazing flats for rent on AirBnb in virtually all price points. My favorite neighborhoods to stay in are Saint Paul, Île Saint-Louis, Le Marais, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés - but as long as you are in Paris, you really can't go wrong.
DINE
Laduree: The most famous patisserie in Paris. They have shops throughout the city but my favorite is their location on the Champs-Élysées. It is swarming with tourists and nearly always has a line outside—but it is so worth the wait. Not only are their pastries and teas amazing (they are known to have some of the best macaroons in the world) but the elegant interior is absolutely gorgeous and feels like you have stepped into Marie Antoinette's jewel box. My favorite dessert is the Saint-Honoré Rose Framboise which is a luscious combination of fresh raspberries, rose-petal creme, custard, pâte feuilletée, raspberry compote, and rose fondant.Le Comptoir du Relais:Originally recommended to me by a Parisian friend, this bistro has become the go-to for my husband and I on every trip to Paris.
Frenchie: Unlike many buzzed-about restaurants, Frenchie completely lives up to the hype. Make reservations as far in advance as possible – the restaurant is tiny and the tables are hard to come by! Ralphs: A respite in the busy St. Germain neighborhood. On warm summer afternoons, a long champagne lunch in the beautiful Ralph’s courtyard is an absolute must. Mini Palais: The perfect place for a chic lunch al fresco, this stunning French Colonial-inspired restaurant is located inside of the Petit Palais. Le Grand Colbert: A gorgeous French brasserie that was featured in the film ‘Something’s Gotta Give.’ The food is traditional French cuisine but the mirrored interior is really what shines - it truly feels like you have stepped back into Paris of the 1920's.
Mariages Freres: A beautiful tea salon in Le Marais reminiscent of Colonial India, it is a wonderful place to go for a chic lunch and to buy the most amazing loose leaf tea in the world (Casablanca and Marco Polo are my favorites).Du Pain des Idees: Located in the trendy Canal St. Martin neighborhood, this boulangerie is thought by many (including myself) to be the best in all of Paris. Ritz Paris:The newly-reopened Ritz Paris is a must-see. Whether you enjoy drinks at the famous Bar Hemingway or tea in the stunning courtyard, this historic hotel truly lives up to its five-star reputation. Fromageries:The cheese in France is truly second to none, and three of my absolute favorite places to shop are Barthelemy, Fromagerie Jouannault, and 38 Saint Louis on Île Saint-Louis.Picnic:In my opinion, this is by far the most romantic dining experience in Paris. Go to a fromagerie, stop at a market to buy a baguette, some fruit, and wine, then take your supplies to the Seine (I love sitting on the very tip of the Île de la Cite under the weeping willow) and do as the Parisians do and spend a few hours soaking in the magnificence of the city.
SEE
Musee D'Orsay:Although the Louvre is the most famous museum in Paris, my favorite is the Musée D’Orsay. I adore Impressionist art and it has by far the best collection I have ever seen. Plus, it is housed in a beautiful old train station, which itself is worth the price of admission just to admire.Musee de la Orangerie:If you love Monet, this Museum absolutely cannot be missed. It has two circular rooms that are filled with 360-degree paintings of Monet's beloved waterlilies. It truly must be seen to be believed.
Musee Rodin:This stunning former residence is filled with exquisite statues and art and is surrounded by one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris.Place des Vosges:The most beautiful square in Paris surrounded by bistros, shops, and amazing architecture. On a sunny afternoon, grab a book and while away the day laying in the grass and gazing up at the Parisian sky.Saint Paul Neighborhood:This adorable little village in Le Marais feels like you have stepped into the Paris of yesterday. The quiet, winding streets are also home to some of the best antique shops in the city.Ile Saint Louis:A little island in the center of the Seine. It is beautiful, quaint, the ideal place for a leisurely afternoon stroll (with a scoop of the famous Berthillon ice cream in hand, of course).Pont Alexandre III at sunset:Go to the most beautiful bridge in Paris at sunset and watch the sky change colors behind the Eiffel Tower. Then, stay as the sky turns to an inky blue and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle over the Seine.
Montmartre:The bohemian neighborhood on the hill, artists such as Picasso used to call it home. It is quaint, romantic, and completely different from the rest of the city. Be sure to visit Sacré-Cœur, the beautiful white cathedral on top of the hill, and brave the climb to the top for an amazing view of the city!Saint Chapelle:This stunning cathedral on Île de la Cite is a must-see. I have been to several evening orchestra performances here and they are always spectacular.
Covered Galleries:Paris is filled with beautiful covered galleries which initially designed as places for the aristocracy shop before the streets of Paris were cleaned up. They are absolutely stunning and filled with the most unique little shops, bistros, and bookstores - a perfect respite from the loud city streets. My favorites are Passage du Grand Cerf and Galerie Vivienne.Place Dauphine:This beautiful little square on the western tip of Île de la Cite is one of my absolute favorite spots in Paris. Although it’s near some of the city’s biggest tourist attractions, it is somehow always quiet.
Palais Royal:Paris with a dash of Tim Burton’s whimsy is how I would describe the beautiful Palais-Royal. Come for the classic black and white striped pillars but stay for the (often forgotten) rose garden. Be sure to bring your camera, as Palais-Royal is one of my absolute favorite photography locations in the entire city.Rue Montorguiel:A famous market street lined with restaurants, bakeries, fromageries, fish shops, wine shops, etc. Stop in E.Dehillerin for the best in French cookware – it’s the Barefoot Contessa’s favorite.Explore:Simply pick a beautiful neighborhood (Marais, Saint Germain, Montmartre, Latin Quarter, there are so many to choose from) and get lost on the tiny little streets! Every street is gorgeous and magical, and some of my favorite memories are of the little shops, secret gardens, tiny bistros that I just stumbled upon. When you’re tired stop in a café, grab a cup of coffee, sit outside, and just watch the people go by.
SHOP
Claudie Pierlot:My go-to for fashion when I want to embrace my inner French girl (which is every day, merci beaucoup).Repetto:For classic French ballet flats, Repetto is an absolute must.Le Bon Marche:If you want to go to a Parisian department store, Le Bon Marché is my absolute favorite. Be sure to visit the famed food hall, and after, stop at Polaine Bakery and Cuisine de Bar for a tartine.Merci:An incredible home goods and apparel store that many design enthusiasts refer to as the “French Anthropologie,” Merci is where I stock-up on porcelain kitchenware, gorgeous linens, and unique decorative objects. Be sure to visit the utterly charming (and seriously Instagrammable) Used Book Café on your way out.
The Kooples:An upscale French brand that is targeted towards hip, urban couples – The Kooples has a great selection of pieces that reflect the typical Parisian style. Marais Neighborhood:The best boutiques in the city are in the 4th Arrondissement. The Marais is uber chic and the perfect place to get lost for the afternoon of window shopping and people watching.Diptyque:Diptyque is home to my absolute favorite scents in the world. I buy their candles and perfume in bulk when I visit Paris, and their flagship shop in the Saint-Germain neighborhood is beautiful. Do Son is my perfume of choice, and Noisetier and Fleur d'Oranger are my go-to home fragrances.Marche aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves:This flea market is the perfect place to find buried French treasures. From ornate Louis XVI mirrors to Hermes scarves, you never will know exactly what to expect, but can always expect to find something magical.
Photography: Molly Carr Photography
