Bistros, Bubbles & Boulevards: A Romantic getaway to Paris
April 2025
Well hello there...
There’s something about Paris that wraps around your heart like a silk scarf—effortless, elegant, and impossible to forget. It had been years, 2017 to be exact, since I last strolled the Parisian boulevards, on a whirlwind girls’ day trip, that left me dreaming of more. And even longer, a whole 12 years ago, since my husband and I joined his family for a multi-generational getaway.
This time, however, it was just the two of us, and for the most perfect reason: our first wedding anniversary. We couldn’t think of a more romantic way to celebrate than with two full days in the “City of Light”. Love may live in many places … but let’s be honest, romance owns real estate in Paris.
Practical Wisdom
Getting to Paris from Brussels is almost suspiciously easy. We boarded the Eurostar at 07:32 in Mechelen and, just a couple of dreamy, croissant-filled hours later (2h30), we were in Pigalle, checking into our boutique hotel. Honestly, with frequent promotions, the Eurostar is a no-brainer. We should definitely do this more frequently!
For prep, I dove into the Time to Momo guide as usual, and used the best insider tips from Barts Boekje’s special Paris edition. Their love for the 4th, 9th, 14th, and 18th arrondissement: Le Marais, Pigalle, Montparnasse, and Montmartr shaped our itinerary. These neighbourhoods each have their own rhythm:
Le Marais mixes old Paris with cool boutiques, art galleries, and lively cafés in every corner.
Pigalle is full of energy at night, with bright lights, music, and a mix of bars, clubs, and art spaces.
Montparnasse has a relaxed, creative feel, with tall buildings and old cafés where famous artists and writers used to spend time.
Montmartre charms with its hilltop views, street artists, and romantic streets that feel straight out of a movie.
Tips & Tricks:
Metro is the way to go, quick and reliable, but watch out for pickpockets. Thanks to my husband's watchful eye, my wallet was not snatched from my fanny pack.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Round up the bill or leave 5–10% for exceptional service.
Arrondissements get to know one or two intimately instead of racing across the map. Trust me, that's where the magic is. I’ve made it my mission to come more often and explore Paris one quartier at a time.
The Tourist Hotspots
Yes, it’s iconic. Yes, it’s crowded. And yes, you still have to see them. The classics are classics for a reason.
Montmartre: A painter’s dream. We wandered past La Maison Rose, sipped espresso at Place du Tertre, and caught our breath (and the view!) from the Sacré-Cœur.
Moulin Rouge: The red windmill of cabaret fame! Even if you skip the show, seeing it lit up at night is a pure Parisian spectacle.
Opéra Garnier: This 19th-century opera house is a masterpiece of grand architecture—think marble staircases, gilded balconies, and a ceiling painted by Chagall.
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop: A free panoramic view of Paris.
Louvre & Tuileries: Even if you skip the Mona Lisa crowds, the gardens and glass pyramid are pure magic.
Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro: Paris’ most famous landmark, built for the 1889 World’s Fair and still steals the show today. For the best view, head to Trocadéro at sunrise or sunset: the wide plaza and cascading fountains perfectly frame the iron icon.
Place Vendôme: For luxury window-shopping or actual indulgence.
Champs-Élysées: A grand walk from the Arc de Triomphe down to the Place de la Concorde. Make a stylish stop at the new Louis Vuitton hotel—part museum, part boutique, part fashion temple.
Centre Pompidou: a striking modern art museum and cultural center known for its inside-out architecture with colorful exposed pipes and structural elements.
Would you like a table?
We kicked things off with a sunset dinner at Perruche, the perfect way to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary. This chic rooftop spot offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, stylish vibes, and that golden-hour glow that makes everything feel a bit magical.
The next evening, we opted for a pre-train dinner at Terminus Nord—a classic Paris brasserie right across from Gare du Nord. Think fresh seafood, fast service, and zero fuss. Don’t worry about your suitcase: just park it in the aisle like everyone else. They’ve seen it all before.
For our next time visits:
Chez Julien – Romantic and fairy-lit; a true Parisian dream.
Septime – Michelin-starred and minimalist, with a focus on seasonal flavors. Very hard to get a table!
Pink Mamma – Bold decor, bold flavors—pure Instagram heaven.
Bouillon Julien – Belle Époque beauty on a budget.
Le Bon Georges – Classic French done right, with a neighborhood feel.
Chez Janou – Lively Provençal vibes and the biggest bowl of chocolate mousse you’ll ever see.
La Fontaine de Mars – Timeless bistro charm near the Eiffel Tower.
Gigi Restaurant – Where the Dolce Vita meets Parisian chic (and rooftop views!).
Girafe – Seafood with Eiffel Tower views = unforgettable.
L’Ami Jean – Rustic, bold, and beloved for its inventive Basque dishes.
Le Train Bleu – A feast in a palace; dining like royalty at Gare de Lyon.
Early June – Natural wine and globally inspired small plates in a cozy canal-side setting.
Café des Ministères – Traditional dishes, reimagined and elevated.
Bistrot des Tournelles – Elegant bistro fare tucked away near Place des Vosges.
La Grille Montorgueil – No-fuss, all-flavor bistro tucked into a bustling foodie street.
La Condesa – French-Mexican fusion with a modern, refined twist.
Benjamin Schmitt – Creative fine dining with bold, seasonal flavors.
Pantruche – Bistronomie at its best, loved by locals.
Perception – Intimate and inventive tasting menus from a Korean-French chef.
François Felix – Stylish spot with a mix of French classics and global touches.
Costes – Sleek, moody, and made for people-watching.
Hôtel Particulier Montmartre – Hidden garden bar and restaurant in a dreamy private mansion.
Book ahead, especially for the popular spots. Paris doesn’t play around when it comes to dining reservations. 3 Weeks in advance, all our preferred options were already fully booked!
Good night, sleep tight!
We stayed at Hotel Le Ballu in Pigalle - 5-star comfort tucked away on a quiet street, just a short walk from the Moulin Rouge. The hotel offers a charming outdoor terrace, a cozy indoor pool and sauna, and stylish, comfortable rooms — though I found them a bit on the dark side. I had originally set my sights on the Pulitzer, but Paris isn’t exactly budget-friendly, and when Le Ballu popped up with a great promo, it was an easy choice.
Other stunning sleep spots worth bookmarking:
Le Lapin Blanc – Whimsical, white, and full of charm in the Latin Quarter.
Doisy Étoile – Boutique comfort near the Arc de Triomphe.
The Hoxton – Trendy, buzzing, and effortlessly cool in the 2nd arrondissement.
9Confidentiel – Art Deco luxury meets secret hideaway in the Marais.
Hotel de Nell – Understated elegance and Michelin-starred dining near the Grands Boulevards.
Hotel des Arts Montmartre – Romantic, artsy, and steps from Sacré-Cœur.
Hotel Pulitzer – Contemporary design and comfort near the Opéra district.
Hotel Rochechouart – 1920s glam and a rooftop bar with Montmartre views.
Chouchou Hotel – Playful, modern, and perfect for foodies (hello, indoor food market!).
Le Pigalle – Edgy and eclectic with a creative, local soul.
Artemisia Montmartre – Intimate and stylish with a view over the rooftops.
Hôtel Léopold Orso – Chic and peaceful, tucked away in the Montparnasse area.
Hôtel Les Deux Gares – Retro charm meets Wes Anderson flair between Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est.
Sookie – A cozy, design-forward gem in the heart of the Marais.
I Could Give Up Shopping, but I’m Not a Quitter!
Paris is a shopper’s fantasy. From legendary maisons to under-the-radar boutiques, every arrondissement has its treasures. Whether you're browsing for fashion, food, or just inspiration, this city knows how to tempt.
Don’t miss:
Sézane & Octobre Éditions – French wardrobe staples with cult status and beautifully designed stores to match.
Merci – A concept store that nails effortless Parisian cool. Come for the fashion, stay for the home goods and café.
The Broken Arm – A boutique-gallery hybrid in the Marais with a sharp, curated selection of clothing, books, and lifestyle finds.
Donatien Maître Éclair – Elevating éclairs to art. A hidden gem for sweet-toothed aesthetes.
Pierre Hermé – Known as the "Picasso of pastry"—these macarons are as refined as they are addictive.
Louis Vuitton Maison, Champs-Élysées – More than a store, this flagship is a fashion temple. With exclusive pieces, an in-house gallery, and jaw-dropping interiors, it offers an immersive luxury experience you won’t find at other LV locations.
Maison Kitsuné – Where fashion meets music and coffee culture.
L’Artisan Parfumeur & Fragonard – Niche perfumeries with that "only in Paris" fragrance experience.
Diptyque – Iconic Parisian scents, both for your skin and your home.
Pâtissier Stohrer – Paris’ oldest pâtisserie, where history and indulgence meet in exquisite pastries.
Officine Universelle Buly – An old-world apothecary reinvented: beautifully packaged fragrances, balms, and grooming essentials in a setting that feels timeless.