What’s not to love about springtime in Paris, right? We recently took our girls to visit over their spring break in late March. Even though it snowed (or rather it dusted snow) during our visit, and we missed most of the spring blooms by a week or two, we still had a blast!
Here are some of the highlights of our trip.
Where We Stayed in Paris
We stayed at this charming boutique hotel, Relais Christine, on the Left Bank just steps from the Seine.
It’s hard not to fall in love with the look of this hotel with it’s wrought-iron gates and cobblestone entry. The hotel, which is built on the foundations of a 13th century abbey, is loaded with historical charm like wooden beams and antiques. But it’s also comfortable. The rooms are outfitted with modern luxuries including Wi-Fi, which we used without any problem.
The location is also a big plus. This hotel is on a small, quiet street just off the Seine. It’s a short walk to all the major attractions, and it is also nearby the Metro (St. Michel). On one side, the Pont Neuf is about three blocks away. On the other side, Saint-Germain, with all the restaurants and shops, is moments from the hotel door. Even with the cold wind blowing and snow falling, we had no problems walking to major attractions like Notre Dame and the Louvre.
As far as our girls were concerned, the highlights of our stay was the daily breakfast served in the basement restaurant. They woke up with a smile on their face every morning in anticipation of the basket full of French pastries.
One note of caution: the hotel does not have a real bar and the only meal served at the hotel is breakfast. There is an “honor” bar, or a make-it-yourself bar, in the lobby.
Our Spring Break in Paris
Here’s a recap of some of the the best things we did while in Paris!
CONTEXT TRAVEL:
They use PhD-level scholars and provide small group tours, some geared specifically to kids and teens. On this trip, we used them help us navigate a very busy Louvre!
DILETTANTES:
While Relais Christine might not have a bar, a stone’s throw from the hotel is this champagne store and tasting room. Champagne tastings are held in the store’s basement, a 17th-century vaulted cellar. The store specializes in boutique growers rarely found in the United States. We also had a cheese sampling with our tasting.
LADUREE:
Because you can’t go to Paris without having a macaron from here. My favorite location is the one on the Left Bank. We — along with everyone else — are a bit obsessed.
LE COMPTOIR DU RELAIS:
The secret to getting a table at this yummy Paris restaurant? Go for lunch. It’s first come, first served. When we were there, we went early and got a coveted outdoor table without a wait. OK, there might have been some snow flurries while we were eating outside. We didn’t care. They brought us blankets and turned the heaters on. And when we left, there were people lined up for our seats.
MUSEE DU CLUNY:
If you are sick of the crowds at the Louvre, check out this museum. It’s the home of the Unicorn Tapestries, which will be especially appealing for any Harry Potter fans you may have in your group. And there are less people. Free for everybody on the first Sunday of each month.
PARIS BY MOUTH FOOD TOURS:
Paris is a city for foodies and these professional food writers know where to find the best breads, cheeses, wines, chocolates, and pastries Paris has to offer. Tours 95€ per person, including all tastings.
Hotel photo credits: Relais Christine