9 Unique Insights From a Recent Paris Trip Report
A detailed Paris trip report has surfaced with practical advice, fresh details, and observations that feel authentic, not recycled. It’s full of little moments and useful lessons for anyone planning their next visit. It stands out for its honesty, precision, and timing tips.
Trip report shared by J. Mullman on Reddit. Edited and condensed for clarity.
1. Smooth Arrival and Departure
At Charles de Gaulle Airport, the new automated passport control gates made arrival unexpectedly smooth. The process was quick and intuitive, cutting out the long queues that used to greet travelers at customs.
On the way home, the tax refund kiosks in Hall 6 at CDG were easy to find, and the whole process from taxi drop-off to reaching the gate took around 50 minutes. That’s a realistic timing estimate for anyone catching a morning flight.
It’s also worth noting that taxis were easy to hail, though traffic into the city was predictably heavy on arrival.
2. A Great Base in the 2nd Arrondissement
The Hoxton Paris, set in an 18th-century townhouse on Rue du Sentier, turned out to be an excellent base. Its location allows for easy walks to Rue Montorgueil, Les Halles, and the Marais, while still being quiet enough for downtime.
The rooms are modern with historic touches, and the lobby stays lively from morning to night.
One surprise: the hotel’s wine bar, La Planche, doubles as an intimate evening hangout with a strong list of French wines by the glass and simple, well-paired small plates. It’s open to non-guests – a good insider choice for an evening drink in the 2e.
3. Dining Highlights
Dinner at Les Philosophes in the Marais stood out. The space felt casual, “almost like a diner”, yet the duck confit was exceptional, the kind that justifies the restaurant’s popularity.
The service was warm and friendly without being rushed, a nice contrast to the usual stereotype of Parisian bistros.
Le Moulin de la Galette in Montmartre was another pleasant surprise. Despite its fame and postcard setting beneath the last working windmill on the Butte, the experience was far from touristy. The coq au vin was hearty and flavorful, and the service attentive.
Fontaine de Mars, near Champ de Mars, was the highlight meal of the entire trip. The steak-frites were cooked perfectly, the sauces rich and classic, and the wines by the glass better than expected for the price. If you’re wondering if the restaurant’s fame is deserved, it is.
For something unexpected, Shifu, a tiny dumpling spot tucked into a side street of the Marais, was great. Unpretentious, soulful, and full of flavor.
For Mediterranean food, Liza on Rue de la Banque (2è) is a refined take on Lebanese cuisine. The falafel and kefta were among the best dishes of the trip, light, aromatic, and perfectly spiced.
4. Paris Streets That Stood Out
Rue Montorgueil was described as a “foodie paradise”. The street runs from Les Halles up to Rue Réaumur and is lined with greengrocers, fromageries, and cafés spilling out onto the pavement.
Unsurprisingly, the highlight was Stohrer, founded in 1730. The croissants there were “unforgettable,” which is high praise considering the competition.
Another excellent discovery was Rue du Nil, a short gourmet lane behind Rue Montmartre near Sentier. It’s home to Frenchie, Terroirs d’Avenir, and a few tiny artisan shops. Perfect last-morning stop for takeaway pastries and edible souvenirs before heading to the airport.
5. Big Attractions
A 4:30 p.m. time slot for the Eiffel Tower turned out to be ideal. The lift to the second level coincided with golden hour, which meant great light and fewer crowds compared to sunset.
The traveler had some hesitation about doing something “so touristy,” but ultimately found the view magical.
At Notre-Dame, early arrival at 8:15 a.m. allowed entry to the reopened cathedral with virtually no wait. The tower visit, booked for 9:00 a.m., started right on time and lasted about 50 minutes.
The restoration work was impressive to see up close, and the views from the top were worth the climb. Important clarification: the tower tickets don’t include cathedral access, so plan both separately.
Nearby at Sainte-Chapelle, arriving an hour ahead of the reserved time wasn’t a problem, the guards allowed early entry. This small detail can save waiting around.
6. Lessons From the Louvre
Booking 1:00 p.m. tickets and entering through the Carrousel du Louvre didn’t provide the shortcut it once did. Even the supposedly “less crowded” underground entrance involved nearly an hour of queuing – the word goes around now.
Once inside, the main galleries were packed. A smart decision was to move into the Richelieu Wing, where the Cour Marly offered calm and space. The sculptures originally decorated the royal gardens at Marly. This section now feels like a hidden oasis in a museum that can easily overwhelm.
7. Museums + Shopping
The Musée Rodin was a favorite. The gardens were peaceful and filled with sculpture, and the museum itself displayed not only Rodin’s work but also pieces by Van Gogh and Munch – a surprise to many visitors.
The smaller crowds and slower pace made it an ideal follow-up after the intensity of the Louvre.
From there, a walk to Le Bon Marché was a shift from art to high-end shopping. The adjoining La Grande Épicerie made for an easy lunch stop with gourmet salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
An excellent pairing for combining culture and food in the same afternoon.
8. Normandy in a Day
A full-day tour with Blue Fox Travel provided an in-depth visit of Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery. The small group of seven made the trip feel personal and the guide provided valuable historical context.
One traveler had a relative buried at the cemetery, and the guide arranged special access for a family tribute.
The tour departed from a café near the Arc de Triomphe at 7 a.m. and returned around 9 p.m. It was a long day but clearly worth it for someone with an interest in World War II history.
9. A Strong Finish
The final evening started at Shakespeare & Company, still one of Paris’s most atmospheric bookstores.
After browsing, the walk across the Seine to Rotisserie d’Argent, the relaxed sister restaurant to La Tour d’Argent, made for a memorable closing dinner. The roast chicken was excellent, and the desserts lived up to the restaurant’s reputation.
The night ended with a stroll to Pont Neuf, arriving just in time to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour, a great close to a week of thoughtful, well-paced travel through the city.