I just got back from Paris, and if you follow along on Instagram, you might have caught little glimpses of the adventure. This trip was especially meaningful because I wasn’t alone—I got to experience the city with my entire family. Traveling with loved ones always adds a special layer to any destination, but in Paris? It felt magical. Between wandering cobblestone streets together, sharing too many croissants, and even catching a dusting of snow (yes, snow in Paris!), it’s a trip I’ll treasure for a long time.
I’m often asked to put together travel guides after I visit a city, and while I’d never claim to be an expert on Paris, I thought it might be helpful to share some of our favorite discoveries from this trip. Consider this less of a “comprehensive guide” and more of a peek into a few memorable stops—those cozy in-between places that round out a day of sightseeing. Along the way, I’ll also share some outfit details and snapshots from our days, because half the fun of Paris is getting dressed up to match its timeless backdrop.
Paris in the Snow
First things first: Paris in the winter is a dream. The city already has an undeniable romance to it, but seeing it under a soft blanket of snow was something else entirely. The rooftops looked like they were dusted in powdered sugar, and the Seine shimmered in the cold light. Bundling up in coats and scarves made our long walks even cozier, and I loved pulling out pieces that balanced comfort with a touch of chic. Think wool coats, cozy knits, tailored trousers, and the kind of boots that let you walk for hours without regret.
Favorite Stops Between Sightseeing
While we didn’t try to conquer every museum or monument (that’s a lifelong project, in my opinion), we did discover a few gems that made our days feel complete.
- Cafés on Every Corner
Sometimes the best moments in Paris aren’t planned. We found ourselves ducking into little cafés whenever we needed to thaw out or simply sit back and watch the city go by. Order a café crème, maybe a croissant or pain au chocolat, and linger. Paris is a city that rewards slowing down. - Le Marais
One of my favorite neighborhoods to explore, Le Marais is equal parts historic and trendy. We wandered through winding streets lined with boutiques, bakeries, and vintage shops. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon getting lost. - Shakespeare and Company
Even if you’re not a book lover, this iconic English-language bookstore is worth a stop. The atmosphere inside feels like stepping into another world—dusty shelves, creaky floors, and that irresistible smell of books. It’s the kind of place where time disappears. - Luxembourg Gardens
Even in winter, the Luxembourg Gardens are beautiful. Families were out strolling, bundled children chasing each other, and the bare trees gave the whole park a quiet elegance. It was a lovely spot to take a breather between busier activities. - Pastry Shops
I could write an entire post just on Parisian pastries, but highlights include Ladurée for their classic macarons and Pierre Hermé for something a little more inventive. Trying different patisseries became a family game—we’d pick up a few treats, share them all, and then debate which one won the day.
Traveling With Family
One of the best parts of this trip was simply being with my family. Traveling with a group always has its challenges (differing opinions on where to eat, how much walking is “too much walking”), but there’s nothing like experiencing Paris together. Whether it was sharing laughter over a too-complicated Metro route or huddling under umbrellas during a snowy stroll along the Seine, these little moments stitched together a bigger memory I’ll never forget.
Outfit Snapshots
Of course, no trip recap is complete without a little outfit inspiration. Paris is a city that makes you want to dress up, even for casual days. Here are a few looks that carried me through our trip:
- Classic Neutrals: A long camel coat layered over a cream turtleneck, paired with black trousers and ankle boots. Simple, but polished.
- Cozy Layers: A chunky knit sweater tucked into high-waisted jeans, topped with an oversized scarf. Perfect for long walks in chilly weather.
- Evening Chic: A black midi dress with tights, a wool blazer, and heeled boots for dinners out. Timeless and easy to dress up with accessories.
The key, I found, was choosing versatile pieces that worked across different activities—something chic enough for a café, but comfortable enough for walking from morning till night.
Final Thoughts
Paris is one of those cities that feels both familiar and endlessly surprising. Even after multiple visits, I still stumble upon new corners, hidden bakeries, or a view that takes my breath away. This trip, though, will always stand out because it wasn’t just about the city—it was about sharing it with people I love.
If you’re planning a visit, my best advice is this: don’t try to see it all. Leave space in your itinerary for aimless wandering, for ducking into cafés when your feet get tired, and for those little discoveries that don’t make it onto any “must-see” list. Because often, those in-between moments are the ones you’ll remember most.
Until next time, Paris—merci for the memories.
