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Paris and Normandy: A Journey of Art, History, and Charm
Our journey began in Paris, where we spent four nights in the elegant Madeleine neighborhood. Known for its iconic Église de la Madeleine and grand architecture, the area was the perfect introduction to the city’s blend of modern history and luxury. We wandered the wide boulevards, indulged in local cafés, and soaked up the vibrant energy of Paris.
We stayed at Hôtel Bedford, which offered a large room with a view of the Eiffel Tower. While the decor was a bit dated, the room was spacious, clean, and—most importantly—air-conditioned, a feature that’s not always a given in Parisian hotels.
Day 1: Madeleine to the Louvre
We started by walking from Madeleine down Rue Saint-Honoré to the Louvre. While the museum itself is incredible, I find it a bit too large and overwhelming for a short visit. Instead, we admired its grand exterior before crossing the Seine to visit the Musée d'Orsay. This museum is my favorite in Paris—three hours flew by as we wandered through masterpieces from Degas to Monet, Van Gogh, and Pissarro. The museum, housed in a former railway station, is stunning and adds to the experience. As the sun began to set, we headed into the magical streets of Saint-Germain. This intellectual and historic district is brimming with excellent restaurants, wine bars, galleries, and boutiques. We wrapped up our evening with crêpes at Creperie Des Pecheurs, a delicious end to our first day.
Day 2: Madeleine and Saint-Germain
We started our second day at a charming little café in the Madeleine area. This local gem had fresh, authentic French breakfast and fantastic coffee—we ended up going there three more times! It’s called Village Madeleine, and I can’t recommend it enough. Afterward, we visited the Galeries Lafayette for some shopping, with its rooftop offering breathtaking views of Paris. From there, we strolled through Rue Saint-Honoré, soaking in the luxurious storefronts, before continuing to the Tuileries Gardens. The well-maintained gardens are filled with locals walking their dogs and enjoying picnics. We crossed the river to Saint-Germain, exploring the old bookstalls and iconic cafés like Café de Flore. We enjoyed a classic French meal at Brasserie Des Prés, followed by the best chocolate chip cookie from Puffy Cookies. It was the perfect day, capped off with a sunset walk in the Luxembourg Gardens.
Day 3: Le Marais
On the third day, we explored Le Marais, a vibrant, artistic neighborhood. We started at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. I recommend checking the exhibitions it displays before your visit. .Le Marais is full of galleries, boutiques, and historic squares like Place des Vosges. We enjoyed a sandwich from Janet by Homer, followed by a refreshing lemon tart from a nearby bakery. Afterward, we relaxed at Café Fika, surrounded by students and freelancers working on their laptops. The neighborhood’s mix of culture, history, and fashion made it one of my favorite parts of Paris.
Day 4: Louis Vuitton Foundation and the Eiffel Tower
On our fourth day in Paris, we visited the Fondation Louis Vuitton, designed by architect Frank Gehry. The combination of modern art and exceptional architecture made it an unforgettable experience, and the exhibit featuring Matisse was great, but the highlight was the museum’s restaurant! Afterward, we made a quick stop at the Eiffel Tower before walking back to our hotel, discovering new neighborhoods along the way. It was a day filled with beauty and culture.
Normandy: Artistic Landscapes and Quaint Villages
The following morning, we rented a car from Sixt in Saint-Germain and set off for Normandy. Our first stop was Claude Monet’s house in Giverny, a 75-minute drive from Paris. Visiting the home and gardens of one of the greatest artists of all time was a moving experience. The famed water lilies and Japanese bridge were just as stunning in person.
From Giverny, we drove to Honfleur, a picturesque town known for its charming harbor and narrow streets. We stayed at Hôtel Saint-Delis – La Maison du Peintre, a beautiful hotel in the heart of the town. The service and setting were top-notch, and it felt like staying in a modern-day castle.
Surprisingly, Honfleur is packed with Michelin-starred restaurants. We opted for a more casual dinner at Chez Justine et Quentin and were blown away by the quality of the food.
Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer
This delightful boutique hotel is run by a local couple who transformed the upper floor of their home into five cozy guest rooms. Fred, the owner, graciously welcomed us. We woke up to a generous local breakfast that featured fresh eggs from his farm, honey from the neighbor's beehive, and homemade jam crafted by his wife. Everything was delightfully fresh—from the pastries to the freshly squeezed juice—and there was plenty to enjoy. It truly felt like a dream.
Mont Saint-Michel – A Marvel on the Sea
On our third day in Normandy, we visited Mont-Sint-Michel. The site is considered a national heritage site and is a tiny island that features a medieval village. It is referred to as the "Wonder of the West" and is regarded as the most beautiful settlement in France. It transforms into an island depending on the tides. The stunning village on the island provided us with a magical experience, making it feel as though we had stepped into a time machine or discovered a Disney castle in the real world.
Back to Paris
After three enchanting days in Normandy, we returned to Paris for two more nights. We couldn’t resist one more view of the Eiffel Tower at night and some last-minute shopping at Galeries Lafayette. Our final dinner at Silencio in Saint-Germain was the perfect end to an unforgettable trip.
