Bonjour and bienvenue to my Paris blog! This is my first time visiting Paris for longer than 24 hours, so for this trip I thought I would be the total tourist and do all things Emily in Paris. But don't worry, if you're not a fan of the show there will still be plenty of tips that will help you navigate your way through Paris.
Travel Passes:
Paris Visite
This is an unlimited travel pass, which can be used for the bus, metro, RER and tram. This pass can be purchased as a 24, 48 or 72 day pass and price will be determined by how many days or zones (1-5) you plan to utilize. This pass can be purchased at the information desk at the airport or through one of the ticket machines as you leave the airport.
Navigo Pass
Cost: Weekly unlimited travel for all zones 22.80 + 5 euro deposit
This is more of a locals pass, however, you can purchase as a visitor. This can be purchased as a monthly or weekly pass and is good for all zones. If you purchase as a weekly pass, the pass is good through Sunday regardless of which day you purchase the pass on. This pass can be purchased at the airport and you will need to provide a wallet sized photo. There is a photo both at the airport near the ticket machines where you can take your photo or if you have an extra passport photo you can use that as well.
I've utilized both passes and if you're not in a complete hurry, I highly suggest going with the Navigo Pass. You'll get more bang for your buck, or in this case, euro. I waited about 40 min in line as there were limited people working due to the pandemic. You can reuse this pass upon your return back to Paris and can re-up the card at any of the ticket machines.
Transportation: Charles de Gaulle Airport to City Center
Paris has some of the best transportation in the world. You can take the RER B (blue line) to Gare du Nord (main train station) and make your connection to other metro/train lines there.
Where I've Stayed:
I typically like to book lodging that's within a 5-10 minute walking distance from the metro. As previously mentioned, Paris's transportation is top notch, so it's easy to get to where you want to go.
Grand Hôtel Levêque:
I personally LOVE this hotel. It sits directly on Rue Cler, which is a pedestrian walking street near the Eiffel Tower and is full of cafes and shops. Great place to sit and people watch.
Hôtel Mademoiselle:
For the location, this hotel is tres chic. It's close proximity to Gare du Nord makes it easy to get up and go if you have an early departure.
St Christopher's Inns:
If on a budget and hostels don't scare you, I suggest staying at St Christopher's Inns. They have two locations, Gare du Nord and Paris Canal. I've stayed at the Paris Canal location on two different occasions and both times were a good experience. If traveling solo, this is also a great way to meet new people.
New Orient Hôtel:
I stayed here on my most recent stay and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's within walking distance from 2 metros and Gare Saint-Lazare train station.
Cafés:
Paris is known for their extravagant cafés. With that in mind, meals can get pricey. A typical grab-n-go breakfast, which consists of a croissant, cappuccino and/or orange juice will cost roughly 8-10 euros but if you are to sit down at a cafe, it can run north of 20 euros. If you're on a budget, I suggest just doing this for one of your meals, grab a seat outside and let the people watching begin.
Café De Flore
Café des Deux Moulin
Café Du Marché
Laduree (Champs-Elysees)
La Maison Rose
Le Deux Magots
Odette
What to Eat in Paris
Paris is known for their world renowned culinary cuisine. Here are some "must have" items you need to try while you're in Paris.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Le Poulbot
Can Alegria Paris
Unique Things to do in Paris:
Thrifting or vintage clothes shopping is pretty popular in Paris. Le Marais is lined with them and if you look hard enough you can find some pretty cool items.
BIS Boutique Solidaire
Episode
FREE'P'STAR
Hippy Market
Kilo Shop Kawaii
Thanx God I'm a V.I.P.
Vintage System
Emily in Paris Filming Locations:
This was my go-to show during the pandemic. Being able to get lost in the city of lights through my TV was a great escape and I couldn't wait to get back to Paris to relive those highlights. So, without further ado, here are some of the iconic sites Emily brought to my TV.
La Maison Rose: Where Emily and Mindy had lunch
Palais-Royal & Jardin du Palais-Royal: Where Emily and Mindy first met
Savoir & Bistro Valois: Savoir, which is an art gallery while not filming, is where Emily works and the bistro is where Emily and her colleagues would have lunch or hangout after work. These locations are right next to each other and can be easily accessed through Palais-Royal.
Emily's Apartment: This is located just a block away from the Panthéon
Gabriel's Restaurant, Les Deux Compères: Located just a few buildings down from Emily's apartment. While not filming, this is an Italian Restaurant called Terra Nera and they even have an Emily in Paris themed menu.
Boulangerie Moderne: Where Emily orders her first pain au chocolat. I, however, ordered my favorite French pastry, the Paris Brest and let me tell you, everything in their display looked delicious. This is located just a few steps away from Gabriel's restaurant.
Fin