Passport to Paris

I can’t believe I am saying this, but I went on my fifth trip to Paris this summer! This time, it was to work on a project for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, what a whirlwind.

I came to the realization that it was time for a true Paris roundup with all my favorite recommendations — from food to activities. And you know that shopping is on the list! This was the first time I took an empty suite case just to fill, and I think I might make this a habit. Here’s my favorite things to do, by category:

Neighborhoods and Parks

For me, vacation in a city is walking for miles on end exploring. Paris is just the place for that.
Here’s some of my favorite areas to walk in:

Saint-Germain de Pres

Luxemburg Gardens*

Ile Saint Louis

Montmarte
Opera
Champs Mars*

*These parks are great for picnics!

Activities

• Bautau Mouche River Cruise
• We like climbing stairs of monuments, the ones we’ve done:
  • Sacre Cour
  • Arc De Trimophe
  • Saint Chappel
  • Notre-Dame (before the fire)
  • I’ve only done the Eiffel Tower on my first trip as a teen but it’s a cherished moment!
• Walking down the seine (or a run!)

Shopping

Gran magazines are where it’s at! Especially if you plan on spending anything over $100 USD, which is very easy to do in Paris. The reason I say that is because then you will qualify for the VAT Tax refund. Here’s where I always stop to make a visit:

Galeries Lafayatte

• Bon Marche
• Printemps
• Samaratine

• Mango
• United Colors of Bennton
• Hartford

Souvenirs to bring home

My favorite souvenir to bring home is actually food. Are you surprised? Here’s some of my favs:

• Tucs – Europe’s answer to Ritz, but baked and extra buttery! The perfect component to a charcuterie board for friends and family.
• Chocolate – everyone loves chocolate. My favorite to bring back are Lindt’s Creation line which I can’t find here in the USA. My favorites are pistachio, almond, and roche noir.
• Jam – a fun and easy gift to bring home to loved ones. I often find cute sample packs too
• Foie gras – controversial, I know, but a delicacy in my Cuban-American-French household. It’s another small luxury to bring back for those that are okay with indulging on occasion.
• Maille Mayonnaise – like jam, this is a somewhat easy gournment treat to bring back if you pack it right. You might be saying “Mercedes, you can buy mayo here.” To which I would respond it’s not the same, this variety has a dijon mix and it’s excellent for certain recipes. Our favorite is shrimp cocktails in an avocado with a bit of this drizzled over.

Household goods

• Kitchen towels or placemats
  • Le Jacquard Francais is quintessentially french, this year I found a special Olympics one at Printemps
• Plates
  • Gien is another classic French brand that Henri’s grandparents have gifted me throughout the years.

Fashion, Beauty, and more

• Perfume – you can go with a luxury classic like Guerlain, trendy like Diptyque, or even find simple scents. This year I found some at Mango that I love and they were on sale. Roger and Gallet is also great if you’re looking for a lighter and cheaper brand, they also sell on Amazon.
• French pharmacy beauty products – go down a TikTok binge and thank me later
• Clothes- duh? I tend to bring home new dresses and nice lingerie like high quality PJs and bras.

OH and one last note, you might be wondering, how are you paying for all this? I love my Capitol One Venture One card*. It’s the same as a Venture BUT it has no annual fee and you still enjoy the perk of no foreign transaction fees. A MUST for anyone traveling!

*This is a referral link, I only refer products I love.