Paris trip report, January 2025

We've just returned from a 17 day trip split between London and then Paris. I'm going to highlight a few of our memorable Paris experiences. We stayed at the Hotel Pont Royal and I've posted a separate post about that. Our tour of Montmartre with Vincent from Les Frenchies (see their web site) was sublime and that is also in a separate post. We had beef bourgignon at the Boullion Chartier and at Josephine Chez Dumonet. They presented vastly different experiences, but surprisingly we preferred the food and bustling environment of Boullion Chartier. The Jean Louis millefeuille at Josephine was divine and fed three of us easily. We also got into Le Jacobine and loved it. The onion soup was superb, as was my first time try of duck confit. My husband had the ravioli starter and lamb shank and enjoyed both. We had onion soup at Les Antiquaires on Rue de Bac and it was good. Not Le Jacobine rich, but it was good and hit the spot. In the mornings we picked up coffee and carbs where ever we happened to be and it was always good. We were out and came across Creperie des Canettes on 10 rue des Canettes, 75006 Paris France in the 6th and really enjoyed our savory and sweet crepes. Fixed price lunch at 17 euros was well worth it, as was the daily special at 14 euros. The staff was also very nice and helpful. I just couldn't eat any more croissants and noone was more surprised at that than me. Purchased chocolate spur of the moment at Maison Georges Larnicol and so far it looks better than it tastes. We had a free hop-on/off bus ticket and it was nice to just sit and make the circle around the city. Loved Galeries Lafayette and while even on sale most of the items were beyond our means, we had a good lunch in their cafe. My daughter and I did some wandering shopping and loved that, but didn't et enough time in Bon Marche or Le Grand Epicurie. Stumbled upon Mac Douglas leather goods store and got a great, one of a kind purse. We went to Aura at Invalides and loved it. Well worth the ticket. We easily got tickets for Notre Dame and it just glows. Walked right in but even the "no ticket" line was moving fast. Been there twice before and the change is extraordinary and was emotional for me. My daughter took the macaron class at Galeries Lafayette and was disappointed. The macaron body was pre-made and they only got to make two fillings of their choice. How to make the batter was demonstration only. We all enjoyed the Dior Museum, but I appreciated it the most. Finally, I took a chance and got my hair cut by Tatiana at Jean Louis David salon, 10 Rue du Bac and I'm thrilled. They speak English and the cut was about 60 euros. They did a manicure at the same time for 29 euros and I was highly satisfied with both services and recommend them for a little self care splurge. Finally, Deyrolle a garden and taxidermy shop was across the street from the hotel. We stopped in and they have basically a free taximdermy museum upstairs. It was really interesting and kids would probably love it. Hope this was helpful.