4 Days in Paris
DAY 1: MONTMARTRE
Coffee + Lunch by the Sacré-Cœur
Wander up along Rue Lepic until you reach a square of restaurants and souvenir shops. Find a cafe that looks good (they are all similar), and sit down for coffee + lunch. The area is touristy, but always charming and worth spending an afternoon.
Sacré-Cœur
The Romano-Byzantine style church on a hilltop in Montmartre was commissioned as an act of contrition after the French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, and was completed in 1914. Explore the mosaics inside, and be sure to climb to the top for views of the city.
Walk to Dinner by the Moulin Rouge
Walk down by the Moulin Rouge on the way to dinner. Seeing the famous building is enough - the show is pretty touristy and overpriced (I have other cabaret suggestions for you!)
Dinner: Le Miroir
Have dinner at this classic bistro tucked away on a side street in Montmartre. The restaurant serves quality French haute cuisine at reasonable prices, and has a great wine list.
DAY 2: 1st + 7th Arr.
Morning: Louvre
Set an alarm and get to the Louvre before 9AM to avoid tourists (+ be sure to bring your picnic blanket with you - you'll need it later!). Buy tickets in advance here for a shorter entrance line. Apart from the Mona Lisa + Italian Renaissance works (Denong Wing), be sure to see French Revolutionary art and ancient Egyptian relics.
Lunch: Cafe du Marly
After finishing up at the Louvre, go to cafe Marly (right by the Pyramid) for a great lunch. They serve my favorite croque madame in town :)
Afternoon: Tuileries + the 7th
Walk down towards the Seine, through the Tuileries, and across the pedestrian bridge (Passerelle Léopold Sédar Senghor). Find your way to Rue de Bellechasse, walk all the way up (pop into fun stores along the way) until you reach Rue de Sèvres + make a left.
Le Bon Marché + La Grande Épicerie
Visit Le Bon Marché - one of the most beautiful historic department department stores in Europe. The lingerie section is the best, and if the semi-annual sales are happening, wander through the women's sections. On your way out, go to Le Grande Épicerie (next door) - the most amazing grocery store. Buy a bottle of wine (twist off or buy an opener), a baguette, and some cheeses, and catch an uber to the Eiffel Tower.
Picnic at the Eiffel Tower
Pick a spot in the park in front of the Eiffel Tower, and spend the late afternoon enjoying your wine, bread, + cheese. If you feel like making the trek up, now is the time, but I suggest relaxing below + taking in the sights.
Dinner: Hôtel Costes - 9PM
After a nap + shower at home, get dressed up + head to dinner at Hotel Costes (reservation at 9 under Claire). This is the bougie spot I was talking about - it'll be pricey but not different from NYC. If you're up for a drink after, go to the "Le Bar" at the Plaza Athénée since you're all dressed up! Note- it's a 5-7 min uber away
DAY 3: 6th + Le MARAIs
Brunch: Les Deux Magots
Take the metro from Montmartre to Cafe Les Deux Magots - a bit less touristy than Cafe de Flore, better views, + better food :)
Afternoon: Rue de Buci + the Latin Quarter
Find your way to Rue de Buci + make Shakespeare & Co a good destination point - a wonderful bookstore with a lot of history, and great views of the Notre Dame. After visiting, keep moving into the Latin Quarter (rue de la Bûcherie) - an ultra touristy area, but charming and worth checking out.
Evening: Explore Le Marais
Explore Le Marais, a charming neighborhood in Paris that is now a mix of Jewish, gay, and young professionals (think West Village). Alongside beautiful buildings and cool boutiques, you'll see many falafel stands and fun bars. At the East end of the neighborhood, you'll find Place de Vosges - the oldest planned park in Paris.
Dinner: La Perle or Chez Julien
Walk to La Perle or Chez Julien for dinner - La Perle draws a lot more locals, and is a hot spot for young people on weekends for drinks and dinner. Chez Julien is a Parisian classic - beautifully designed, great steak frites, and wonderful city views from the terrace.
Post Brunch: Luxembourg Gardens
After brunch, visit the Luxembourg gardens, created beginning in 1612 by Marie de' Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France. The gardens were created for the new residence she constructed, the Luxembourg Palace
Afternoon: Notre-Dame + Sainte-Chapelle
From the Latin Quarter (along the Seine) you'll see the Notre Dame in plain view. Don't worry about the line, it moves fast. After walking through, head over to Sainte Chapelle, the royal chapel in the Palais de la Cité, where kings used to live until the 14th century. The stained glass is truly breathtaking - this is my favorite sight in Paris.
Apertif: Au Petit Fer à Cheval
Have drinks before dinner at Au Petit Fer à Cheval - an eatery that has been around for over 100 years. Enjoy a glass or two of wine at the horseshoe-shaped marble bar + people watch.
After Dinner: Rosa Bonheur
After dinner, have a cocktail at a local spot in the Marais, or uber to Rosa Bonheur for a more lively evening. The bar is on the Seine, with amazing views of the city, and attracts a fun, younger crowd. Note - it is a bit out of the way (15 mins) from Montmartre/Le Marais so keep that in mind!
DAY 4: Champs-Élysées + brussels
Morning: Arc du Triomphe + Champs-Élysées
Spend the morning visiting the Arc du Triomphe (be sure to climb up!) and walking down the Champs-Élysées. The Champs-Élysées is famous for its theaters, cafés, and luxury shops. It also holds the annual Bastille Day military parade, as well as as the finish of the Tour de France.
Brunch: Ladurée
After exploring the Champs-Élysées and the charming side streets, have breakfast at Ladurée, the most famous bakery in Paris. Be sure to buy some macarons for the road (try the pistachio + raspberry).