We’re going to Paris! I can’t believe I just typed those four words – we’re going to Paris. I can’t believe it because it has been upwards of six years since Husband and I have gotten away alone together. Our last trip was to Mexico. After one miscarriage and a few frustrating months of negative pregnancy tests, we were stressed and trying to conceive our first baby. Turns out I was pregnant in Mexico but we wouldn’t find out until we were back. So even that trip wasn’t exactly a solo affair.
It’s been a while.
If you asked me to try to remember a legit a-deux vacation, I’d probably think back to our honeymoon. We went to this tiny resort, new at the time, called Carlisle Bay in Antigua. It was a beautiful spot and we spoiled ourselves rotten with food and drink and the best breed of laziness. One night during our stay, we went for dinner outside the resort. Another couple from our hotel went to the same restaurant and we shared a little shuttle van back to the hotel after. And we chatted.
They were older than we were. In their thirties, I think. Sun-kissed and affectionate. It came up that we were on our honeymoon and they practically let out one big awwwwwww and then proceeded to tell us that they had three kids at home. That this was their tenth anniversary trip and their first time away. I remember being incredulous. Three kids? First time away in a decade?
Well. That’s pretty much us now. The grateful and beleaguered parents of three small children, finally getting away. Perhaps we will be on the lookout for young honeymooners with whom to fraternize as we bistro hop and maybe they will be equally amazed at us? Who knows. Anyway, I am so so excited. I haven’t been to Paris since I was a girl and I love the city. I even chose to have my first novel open in Paris. I can’t wait to go back, to eat good bread and stinky cheese, to sip good wine, to shop, to snuggle, to savor.
Yes, I’m also anxious. I’m anxious about the idea of leaving my kids. I’m actually flying to Paris alone because Husband will already be there on business. As many of you know, I am not a good flier at all. I get sweaty-palmed and scared. But. I. Am. Going.
This is important for me, for us. To step away, to remember who we were before the girls joined us, to hold hands and wander through little streets and big museums, to breathe a bit. I leave in four days!
We’re going to Paris!
Any recommendations for things to do while in Paris? Have you been on any romantic getaways lately, or since kids? If married, where did you honeymoon? Are you an anxious flier?
Oh, hooray! I cannot wait to hear all about it. I lived in Paris for 4 years as a child but have not been back since right after college. Which is awful, and I really want to return. Which also means I have nothing to offer in the way of recommendations. Matt and I have not gone away very much. We went to Bermuda for 3 days in 2011 and in April are going to Utah with 8 other couples to celebrate one of our dearest friends’ 40th, but it’s definitely a few nights every few years kind of thing. Have a WONDERFUL time and report all!! xoxox
I’ve been to Paris twice in the last year and they were two very different experiences. Here’s my do/do not list:
DO visit the Musee de l’Orangerie – rarely crowded but amazing
DO get up relatively early and see the Jardin des Tuileries in the early morning light
DO walk the city as much as possible. Stop for wine as necessary.
DO go to the Eiffel Tower at night. And grab one of the city bikes from there for a late-night ride.
DO leave your windows open (if possible and safe) on Saturday night/Sunday morning so you can hear the church bells ring.
DON’T spend your whole day waiting in line at the Louvre. Get there early to avoid this.
DON’T plan too much. A schedule isn’t very romantic, and it seems like we always stumble upon the best things that we never could have planned.
DO have so much fun!
I’ve visited Paris 4 times–the last time 4 years ago. In addition to Whitney’s list, which I whole heartedly agree with, make sure to check when Museum’s close–some close during the week and there is nothing worse than showing up and having museum closed. I would add that the Rodin museum is a must—-the museum itself is intimate and the gardens are beautiful.
If you have time to get out of the city–Giverny (Monet’s home and gardens) are spectacular; Versailles (the Hall of Mirrors is amazing) and the Cathedral at Chartres (most impressive Cathedral in France).
Otherwise, walk around….stop at boulangeries and eat croissants…drink wine……buy some art from a sidewalk artist to remember the trip–breathe deeply and savor the time.
I love Paris!! I don’t have recommendations, but I do follow a blog that might be helpful for your upcoming trip – http://parisinfourmonths.com/
Husband and I are hoping for Spain. I’ve never been and I’m longing to go before we have kids.
I lived in Paris for 20 years!
I second l’Orangerie and the Tuileries. Do head for Musée Marmottan too if you like Monet, and l’île des Cygnes, where you will find a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty: Bartholdi’s first draft before offering the real Statue to the US.
You can also go to rue des Rosiers for sightseeing, for an ice cream or an Apfel Strudel. Delicious Viennese pastry is also to be found rue de l’école de médecine, a tiny street in the Latin Quarter (and a well-kept local secret where Sorbonne students and professors go). And of course, if you like chocolate and are not afraid of sugar and cream overdose, go to Angelina for their hot chocolate.
Luxe Guide Paris…Ap is Lovely. Have a splendid time…breathing and meditation for the plane–and envision a cafe with you relaxing in a chair!
http://www.luxecityguides.com/?m=guide_inner&guide_id=28
also…be careful! we conceived our bebe in st. germain des pres! oooh la la!
Paris is fantastic..make sure you go to Angelina’s and Laduree..they have amazing sweet stuff. At Montmartre there is an amazing Dali museum. So much to see and definitely set one day aside for the Louvre. The city is just gorgeous and you will love it!
Jealous. Never been to Paris, someday. We honeymooned at Jalousie Bay, on St. Lucia. It was probably the last time we were truly lazy together. But, we do make it a priority to get away together, with four kids, we have too! Our last getaway was Sonoma and San Francisco and it was heaven.
Have FUN!
We went to Paris for the first time over Christmas a couple of years ago and it was magical. Here’s our write-up: http://foodielawyer.com/2012/01/joyeux-noel-in-paris/.
Highly recommend the (kind of cheesy but fun) boat tour and any walking tour by the company “Paris Walks” (we did the Latin Quarter tour).
Have an amazing trip!
So excited for you – I agree that it’s super important to do this if and when it’s at all possible. Ethan and I definitely want to plan a longer trip away (we’ve done one weekend so far sans wee one). It can be tricky to set up, but we’ll do our best. Can’t wait to see your pics and musings about such a stunning city. xox
Montmartre is my favorite Parisian destination. The view of the city from this vantage point is spectacular. I still remember it.
Have fun, Aidan. I look forward to your musings from France.
Agree with all of the recommendations. My best advice for Paris is to just get lost. Wander, duck into cafes and bars, let the day take you. Don’t worry about making sure you “see” everything.
And I think it’s so important to do the husband/wife time. We do a date night once a week and try to get away for long weekends occasionally. It’s hard and I always feel a pang, but it’s so good for us. And my kids love having a weekend alone with the grandparents, so win win. Have fun!!!
Tres jalouse. I started dating my husband in Paris and we got engaged on a rainy night on the Ile St. Louis in March 2006. I studied abroad there in college-and we were back for New year’s a few years ago…here are a few favorite spots/recs:
-Go to sainte chappelle (a must!)
-Musee l’orangerie in the tuileries (its open again and has huge monets)
-Visit the medici fountain (tucked away on a side of Luxembourg gardens) super romantic- my favorite
-Order hot chocolate at the hotel de crillon
-Drinks at ritz bar (and buy their cocktail book)
-Musee d’orsay. Lunch in the cafe up top where the big clock is casual but nice.
-When I lived there, I used to paint in the Louvre a few times a week. If you go there- have a mission, see a few rooms or works that you want to- and then leave before you get overwhelmed.
-Visit a big dept store and check out the childrens clothing- it’s divine!
-Go to mass at notre dame
-Get berthillon ice cream on ile st louis. Yes, even in March!
-walking around Pere LaChaise cemetery is romantic
-GOOP just featured a bunch of new restaurants, etc that are great right now in Paris, check it out.
There are so many more, but those should help! Have a wonderful time.
Also wanted to say that your post about your daughter turning two resonated so much with me. Mine turns two on the 23rd…and the vocabulary, the independence (“I do it”), the daredevil qualities that are emerging…it’s all just happening so quickly!
-S
I love Paris more ever time I visit. My top 3 recommendations:
Al-Ajami Lebanese restaurant
Laduree
Fauchon for macarons/coffee
Have a fantastic time!
Ooooooh how exciting! I love the story of the couple in their 30s and how you thought it was so strange and now that’s what you’re living.
I just went last weekend, so my suggestions are:
- stay at Hotel Jeu de Paume on the Ile St Louis if you can afford it and you haven’t already made your bookings, it’s totally charming and so central.
- Louvre (early, and plan your visit. We were in and out in 45 minutes having seen everything we wanted to)
- Sainte Chapelle – it’s breathtaking.
- Notre Dame if only from the outside, or go to Mass
- Orangerie – again, get there early to have the waterlilies to yourself.
- if you do stay at Jeu de Paume on Ile St Louis, there is a wonderful cafe with an amazing view of Notre Dame at the western end of the island, called Flore d’Ile or something like that. Tell the Sri Lankan boss that the Australian girl with the Oxford cricket jumper recommended it to you.
- Walk. Walk walk. Or get a velib (the free city bikes) if you can stay off Paris’ crazy roads. It’s tempting to hop on the Metro for every journey but you will get much more out of Paris by walking.
- Go have a coffee in the Marais district.
I’m lucky enough to have in-laws who live in Paris, and happily they’ve agreed to babysit our 19 month old while we have an anniversary night later this month (our first overnight away), so I understand your excitement.
My favorite neighborhoods are the Marais and St. Germain, but of course Montmarte and Ile St Louis are also very romantic.
One of my favorite restaurants is located at the House of Denmark — wonderful views of the Champs Elysees (but not touristy) and first class dining: http://www.restaurants-maisondudanemark.com/
The French also have the most artistic chocolate Easter eggs in assorted shapes and themes, so make sure to save room in your suitcase to take some back for your little ones.
Enjoy!
Oh, Paris. Definitely on my list of “must see” places myself. I hope you have a marvelous time!
We’re getting married in November but don’t want to travel so close to Thanksgiving (and so close to draining our bank accounts on the wedding!), so we’re going to take our big honeymoon trip next summer. We’re in the midst of planning now and are leaning toward Iceland . . . though I desperately want to go to New Zealand, too. Not sure how I would fare on the long flight, though! So perhaps Iceland it is! Or back to London. So many choices . . .
Paris? So exciting! I totally feel ya on the no vacations for two. Gavin is somewhere between 2 and 3 and I’m still not ready to leave him behind. Thankfully, neither is my husband (or so he says). So, we’re going to take a vacation for three to Italy and probably somewhere else sometime in the next year. You can thank me later that we won’t be on the same flight as you, because I’m pretty sure your vision of a vacation away from your own children doesn’t entail having to deal with other people’s children on the plane! =)