The first time I found myself in Paris was back in 2017—pre-Covid and before I really understood the ins and outs of travel planning. I rushed through the major tourist spots over three whirlwind days, but to say I truly experienced the city would be a stretch. It was more about ticking off a checklist than soaking in the Parisian charm.
Fast forward to my latest trip, where Paris served as our convenient stopover on the way to Nice. As a travel agent who makes the Euro journey about 7 to 9 times a year, I'm always looking for the perfect stopover destination to extend my explorations. So, with just one night in Paris this time around, I was determined to make the most of it. I had a few key spots in mind, aiming to savor the city as much as possible.
With just a little time and a fresh desire to truly experience Paris, I was determined to get it right this time. First up on my list? Finding a charming hotel in the picturesque neighborhood of Montmartre (Hotel Des Art Montmartre). This area was my favorite from my first trip, and I was thrilled to discover it hadn’t lost its magic. Known for attracting artists and creatives from all over the world, Montmartre has a unique vibe that’s bursting with heart and soul.
We didn’t arrive at our hotel until after 5 PM, making our dinner reservation at 8 PM feel a bit ambitious. But with some rushing and a little luck, we managed to make it to Le Christine just 10 minutes late. This gem is famous for its “Instant Michelin” pre-fix dinner menu, and it certainly met these accolades. The dining experience was nothing short of outstanding, made even better by the impeccable service. Each vegetable dish was a highlight, bursting with surprising umami flavors that awakened the palate. We also enjoyed excellent wine, expertly chosen by the head waiter based on our preferences.
We could have easily lingered at Le Christine over another glass of wine, but it was time for our next adventure: the iconic Moulin Rouge!
This was one of the classic tourist destinations I missed on my first trip to Paris, so I was determined to catch the show this time. I bought our tickets in advance through GetYourGuide, which included a glass of champagne or a choice between a half or full bottle.
Arriving at the theater was an adventure in itself! The entry process took nearly an hour as we queued through winding passageways before finally reaching the entrance. The Moulin Rouge is set up like a cabaret dinner, with communal tables, meaning if you're part of a smaller group, you’ll be seated with others. It creates a lively atmosphere, but it can be a bit cramped.
I won’t go into too much detail about the performance—after all, many people love to experience it firsthand—but I’ll say that it wasn’t my favorite. The show felt a bit underwhelming at times, though the costumes and the theater's ambiance were absolutely stunning. Just a heads up: if you’re planning to catch the late-night show, be prepared for a long evening—it doesn’t wrap up until well after 1 AM!
We had hoped to catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights afterward, but we simply ran out of time. Fortunately, our hotel in Montmartre was only a short five-minute walk from the theater, making it easy to head back and unwind.
Stay tuned for more Parisian escapades in Part 2!
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