THE PARIS BLUEPRINT
Chapter 1 of the Blueprint Series starts off with the chicest city of all—Paris! Paris is somewhere I could visit ten more times and still never be satisfied. There’s something intriguing about every corner café, narrow street, and luxurious brand. I’ve visited Paris twice now in two very different capacities. First—for about 12 hours with my parents as part of our London trip. Second—with ten girls and a professor while studying abroad. Both trips gave me great insight into the dos and don’ts. From the right restaurants to the overhyped trends, they gave me a baseline to make the next visit even better.
My four years of high school French and lots of Emily in Paris bingeing helped me interact with locals. Overall, the French are wonderful people who get an unfair reputation. Be ready to walk a lot, experience new things, and throw yourself into discomfort.
Parisian weather isn’t too unpredictable. It can be extremely hot in the summer or freezing in the winter. In my experience, it was a nice, cool 65°F in May and 70°F in June—ideal temperatures for hustling around a big city.
I highly recommend sneakers. Forget the fashionable flats—choose comfort. ALWAYS pack a wrap and a pair of jeans. I love to save space and pack light, but these are non-negotiables. Backup pants are a must, and a good pashmina is always useful. In my book, travel doesn’t stop for rain. Pack a reliable rain jacket—there are cute ones out there! I suggest borrowing an umbrella from the hotel; it saves space in your suitcase, and they're often larger. I tend to pack like a pro, but with just a carry-on and a backpack, I’ve had no choice but to pack smart.
Look out for a separate Blueprint for packing and flight tips—flying is a game, and my family has mastered it.
I’ve included two Blueprints here because every trip looks different for everyone. My next Parisian adventure may be longer and more curated with expert input from myself, family, and friends.
12 Hours in Paris
If you're spending just 12 hours in Paris, you're probably arriving via the Eurostar. From London, it’s about a two-hour ride. We took the first train out to get as much time in the city as possible. The idea of traveling under the Channel freaked me out, but I ended up sleeping the whole way.
Upon arriving at Gare du Nord, my expectations were already exceeded—and we weren’t even in a great part of town. The station itself is nice, but the surrounding area can be a bit sketchy and dirty. Be careful of pickpockets here.
Our first stop had to be the Eiffel Tower. I stopped dead in my tracks the moment I laid eyes on it. It’s everything and more. We didn’t climb to the top of the Eiffel or the Arc de Triomphe to save time. Unless you have a late train, it’s hard to make reservations and enjoy a long, leisurely meal while trying to squeeze everything in. Since it was my first time, I wanted to do as much as possible. That said, it’s impossible to do Paris in one day.
Things to do in your 12 hours:
The Eiffel Tower
Walk along the Seine, past the Grand and Petit Palais, and the Flame of Liberty
The Champs-Élysées
Arc de Triomphe
Stop at a boulangerie—grab a sandwich and a Perrier, and keep moving
Galeries Lafayette
Le Marais (my favorite neighborhood)
It’s a fun, short list because you simply can’t do it all. I recommend snacking all day—cut time on big meals and enjoy the fabulous macarons, cheeses, and croissants.
Sincerely,
Millie
5 Days in Paris
My second visit was at the end of a month-long study abroad. Each group was assigned a city and tasked with planning everything—from museums to transportation. With a group of ten, food was the most challenging aspect (most restaurants don’t have tables for more than six). I learned so much about planning and pivoting. The best planner is a flexible Type A.
Getting the 10-day metro pass was worth it. With more time, we researched what we wanted to do, bought tickets, and made reservations.
To Do:
Top of the Eiffel Tower, top of the Arc de Triomphe, picnic at the Eiffel Tower, walk the Champs-Élysées, Latin Quarter, Le Marais, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Galeries Lafayette, Book a shopping appointment in a luxury store (even if you don’t buy anything—treat yourself!), Visit the Ritz, Roland Garros (if you’re lucky!), River cruise, Le Relais (all-you-can-eat steak and frites—no reservations. We waited in line an hour before it opened, and there was already a crowd.), Café de Flore – iconic and glad I did it, but one and done, Bar Hemingway – be prepared to wait in line, Caveau de la Huchette – an unforgettable night at a jazz club (featured in La La Land). We watched the regular dancers for hours or joined in. I danced with a 30-year-old Frenchman with a receding hairline—it was the best night ever.Jardin du Luxembourg, Watch the Eiffel sparkle at night! Montmartre – a charming, more touristy area with the BEST crepes. Cloche – a super fun atmosphere and great food. I'd go again with friends (not my parents—if you get the vibe). Café Charlot – a great spot in the Marais for a Croque Monsieur, loved by locals
Some Thoughts
Have reservations for the places you really want to try, but don’t feel pressured to stick to plan A. Sainte-Chapelle is beautiful but probably a one-time visit. You could spend 24 hours in the Louvre, but if you go in with a plan, you can do it in three. The trendy crookie was overhyped—but I’d still indulge again. Find a bench in the Jardin du Luxembourg or outside the Louvre and people-watch. All macarons are chef’s kiss—grab some for the flight home. It helps with the post-Paris blues.
I could go on and on about my love for this city. I know I’ll be back soon!
