My son Xavier and I finally make it to Paris after a crazy travel day and rush hour traffic from the airport (see post: Longing for Paris)
During, the month of May 2019 we were fortunate to experience a 14-day luxury Paris adventure!
When we arrived in the city, the sun was shining, the roads were bustling, in short, Paris DOES NOT disappoint. It was everything I dreamed it would be!
In addition to the insane traffic, the incredible architecture was unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
Xavier and I could not stop shouting, “Look at this, look at that!” But what Xavier loved most were all the motorcycles.
Meanwhile, our cab driver spoke a bit of English and was very nice. More importantly, it only cost $60 US because the taxi service is pre-rated from Charles de Gaulle airport.
We arrived at our hotel & was THRILLED it looked even better than the online photos! Hotel R de Paris is a stunning boutique hotel located in the Opera district near the Sacré-Cœur.
They have a great lounge area with free snacks in addition to lighting that changed to different colors in the bathroom.
Each room is equipped with a towel heater and as a result, I got hooked on having a warm towel after every shower. It was EVERYTHING!
I could go on and on about our remarkable stay but it’s easier to check out my review on Yelp, Trip Advisor or Google Maps.
Hotel R de Paris May 2019 (5) 
Hotel R de Paris May 2019 (9) 
Buffet of snacks in the lounge area 
Hotel R de Paris May 2019 (6) 
Hotel R de Paris May 2019 (7) 
Faux-fireplace-at-at-Hotel-R-de-Paris 
TV at Hotel R de Paris May 2019 
Welcome Letter Hotel R de Paris May 2019 (8) 
Patio-at-at-Hotel-R-de-Paris-1 
My-Patio-at-Hotel-R-de-Paris May 2019 
Patio-at-Hotel-R-de-Paris-3 
Patio-at-Hotel-R-de-Paris-4 
Bathroom at-Hotel-R-de-Paris 
TOWEL WARMER!! 
Bathroom at-Hotel-R-de-Paris 
Shower in Blue Hotel R de Paris May 2019 (1) 
Shower in soft purple Hotel R de Paris May 2019 (1) 
Shower in purple Hotel R de Paris May 2019 (1) 
Shower in red Hotel R de Paris May 2019 
Shower in green Hotel R de Paris May 2019 
Beauty Products in bathroom Hotel R de Paris May 2019 
Beauty Products 2019
It was a tiring day, however I cannot live out of suitcases. Therefore, I took time to unpack which was a challenge being used to American hotels where you have lots of drawer space.
As a fashion stylist and being my first trip to Paris, I packed everything from hats & scarves to jackets & umbrellas (plural).
Afterwards, I took a quick shower and changed for dinner. Then checked Yelp for French restaurants but decided to get ideas from the hotel staff as well.
I lucked out with the gentleman on the desk as he guided us to Bourgogne Sud where we had our first Parisian meal!
Prior to traveling I did my research on Parisian etiquette and knew it was best to make a reservation, which we did not have. So decided to take a chance and walked the few blocks down Rue d’Clichy.
The maître d seemed upset at first when we said we didn’t have a reservation. Quickly he realized we were American and gave us the last table available.
Xavier and I inhaled EVERY bite and likewise enjoyed our conversation with the French couple at the next table.
(review Site, Yelp, Trip Advisor or Google Maps)
Since, there are so many rumors about rude Parisian’s, I want to make sure people understand my experience was just the opposite.
For instance, I found if you attempt to speak French then people are extremely sweet!! Even if you butcher it Parisians appreciate you trying.
Day 2, Xavier and I decided to explore our temporary neighborhood, Montmartre, because in addition to being historic it’s incrediby beautiful.
OOTD: Kate Spade orange jeans, Karen Scott button-down top, See by Chloe blazer, Coach handbag, Michael Kors sunglasses, vintage Halston scarf and converse sneakers.
Above all, I wanted to see Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris aka Sacré-Cœur.
The hotel staff once again came to our rescue and told us about the Funiculaire, a tram that takes you to the top of Montmartre.
During our walk to the Funiculaire, we found the world famous Moulin Rouge, where we took pics outside and stopped for a bite to eat.
Even stopped so Xavier could ride this little ride.
VIEW ON TIKTOK
When you get to the top of Montmartre, you witness the most stunning views of Paris in one direction and Sacré-Cœur in the other.
We took a million pictures both inside & out and were mind-blown every step of the way.
Sacre Bleu le Sacré-Cœur!!
(review Yelp, Trip Advisor or Google Maps)
Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Inside entrance Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Inside Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Ceiling inside Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Detail of ceiling Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Photo of me in front of model of Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Photo of me inside Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Xavier and I outside Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Stairs to Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Funny wall sign near Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
One of the alters Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Inside Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Main alter inside Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Inside Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019 
Close up of the incredible mosaics inside Sacre Coeur Paris May 2019
Meanwhile, we decide to explore more of the area around Sacré-Cœur and walked to a nearby park.
Xavier wanted to play with some local children but unfortunately, they couldn’t communicate with each other. However, fun is universal!
VIEW ON TIKTOK
Once we started getting hungry, I checked Yelp. The boy really wanted pizza so we took a chance on a place a few blocks away from the Sacré-Cœur, called Babalou.
Not exaggerating when I say it was the best pizza I have ever had in my life!!!
I don’t know if there is French butter in the crust or if it was the drizzle of honey on top, but it was so great we went back a second time during our trip.
(review Site, Yelp, Trip Advisor or Google Maps)
Lastly, we took the long walk down what seemed like a billion steps from the Sacré-Cœur, back toward our hotel.
So again, Sacre Bleu le Sacré-Cœur!
Knowing we had HUGE plans the following day we called it a night.
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