It’s no secret—I love Paris. I’m the kind of person who’s either talking about it or daydreaming of being there. Since 2022, I've been longing to return, and this year, not only did I get the chance to revisit with my family, but we also explored two other French cities along the way. In true A Royal Mess style, I’m here to share all the details...
STRASBOURG
Our family vacation began in the Netherlands, and after brief stops in Luxembourg and Metz, we decided to spend an entire day in Strasbourg. Located in the Alsace region, this city showcases a blend of German and French influences evident in its neighborhoods and traditions. Though it’s best known for its Christmas markets, Strasbourg’s charm captivated us even outside the holiday season.
Our first stop was a tour of the Old Town, with its pastel-colored houses and cobblestone streets creating a picturesque scene. We admired the Gothic Cathedral and wandered along the charming canals, surrounded by lively visitors strolling or enjoying drinks. Later, we explored the markets for souvenirs and sweet treats, before finishing the day with a taste of Tarte Alsacienne—the region’s take on pizza, topped with cheese and caramelized onions. Simple, yet delicious.
The next day brought us to my favorite part of Strasbourg: the Palais du Rhin. This stunning building and its enchanting gardens made the perfect backdrop for photos. It was also our turn to tour the canals, an experience that felt like a good omen—blue skies, bright sunshine, and the moon still lingering with us.
REIMS
Before arriving in Paris, we spent a day in Reims, a historic city in northern France. Fun fact: Reims was once known as the City of Kings, as it hosted numerous royal coronations. Being in the Champagne region, we planned our visit around a tour of the G.H. Mumm champagne house, established in 1827.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned due to issues with our electric rental car (I’d strongly recommend avoiding one if you’re crossing state lines!). We made it just in time for the best part of the tour—the tasting, which, if I’m honest, was what I was most excited about.
We also got lucky with our lodging; my brother found a stunning Airbnb right in front of Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Another highlight of Reims for me was Café du Palais, where I enjoyed an exquisite croissant paired with a café au lait. The place was as entrancing as it was eclectic—it felt downright regal.
PARIS
In Paris, there is never enough time, especially with such wonderful company. It even felt as if the sun was on our side. I was thrilled to put two things to good use: my (still rustic) French and my favorite French word, flâner, which means “to wander aimlessly.”
We stayed in the Madeleine district at the Hôtel de l’Arcade, near the Élysée Palace, amazing restaurants (Maison de la Truffe was a must), Rue Saint-Honoré, and Place Vendôme—an area close to my heart for its elegance and energy.
I revisited the Ritz Le Comptoir, which recently won the 2024 World's Best Pastry Shop Award. I ordered the Marble Cake Shake—a blend of caramel, chocolate, and vanilla that somehow works wonderfully. Every family member, despite our different tastes, couldn’t get enough.
We strolled leisurely, mostly through the 1st Arrondissement, starting at Rue Saint-Honoré and walking through the Tuileries, the Louvre, the Palais Royal, and the Pont des Arts with its gorgeous Seine views, ending in Saint-Germain. Dessert first at Ladurée, where I tried the Marie Antoinette macaron, was followed by dinner at Le Pré aux Clercs (steak frites, of course)—an experience as delightful for the ambiance as it was for the food.
The next day, we had breakfast at Les Caprices de Charlotte, a neighborhood bakery where I tasted the best almond croissant of my life. We took a boat along the Seine, then headed to Rue de l'Université for the iconic Eiffel Tower views. After lunch, we visited Place des Vosges, where we explored Victor Hugo’s house (author of my favorite book, Les Miserables) , and ended up in Luxembourg Garden. Shopping at the Marin Montagut store—a dream come true—was a highlight, and I picked up some Parisian-inspired treasures. Our day ended at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, with its charming décor, as always.
In our final hours, we visited Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, famous for its art nouveau dome and, I learned, now featuring a glass bridge perfect for selfies. Sadly, the line was too long, but we did enjoy the rooftop with its panoramic views of Paris—a perfect place for capturing our last memories in the city that, unanimously, was the highlight of our trip!
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