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Being Parisians for a Week – Tim’s Paris Travel Journal

We spent a full week living like Parisians in Paris and we had such a great time. We had been to Paris many times before, since it is only a 6 hour drive from our home. But this time we wanted to spend our time differently, diving deeper into the city’s vibes whilst also seeing some of the highlights. We thought it would be fun to share Tim’s Travel Journal with you… so here we go.

Check out our other Paris articles as well

Day one in the City of Lights

Time to drive to Paris! We woke up early (as always before a trip), I walked Nala and at 9.00 we were ready to go. Quick stop at Opa & Oma to say goodbye. They even had snacks for all of us: meatballs for Dennis, cheese for me and treats for Nala!

The trip took us only 5,5 hours, even with a pee/refuel/driver’s switch break in Belgium (we both paid 50 cents for a very unclean bathroom). We had no traffic issues, so it was very relaxed. The last 10 minutes were for a few hundred meters in crazy Parisian traffic. We then arrived at our pre-booked parking garage. A lot of Dutch cars there (everybody read the same ANWB recommendation probably). A little shabby and it took the guy at the register some time to open the gate after he finished talking to his friend, but he then walked us to our spot and helped Dennis navigate. After unpacking the car and paying for the week (70€), we walked to the metro station, which was about 10 minutes. Then we could take the metro almost directly to our place without switching trains.

It was Nala’s first metro ride ever, she was nervous but did great. People loved her (of course). Nobody cared about the muzzle, so we did not use it.

Paris with a Dog
Paris with a Dog

We than made it to our place. Very nice, calm street and great building. We had to find the right staircase first, but managed to find the stairs of doom. Climbing to the roof on the 7th floor is okay, but it’s a very narrow, wooden staircase which is getting even smaller at the top. So, with the suitcase it was a challenge to make the turns. Out of breath, we made it though. The place is just as described, maybe better. It’s small but feels roomy and cozy! The view is absolutely stunning! What a treat. We can even see the Eiffel Tower.

Living in Paris for a week
Living in Paris for a week
Living in Paris for a week

I then went on a stroll with Nala, but all parks I went to were not allowing dogs, horrible. So no pee pee for Nala. Dennis did groceries in the meantime. We then met up with an ex colleague of mine. We texted earlier that week randomly and realized we were both in Paris. So, we met close to Montmartre where they were already walking around. We met at an ice cream shop we had saved on our map (we have more then 100 eating places saved), which was only a 15 minute walk. We had fantastic ice cream (cilantro, avocado & eucalyptus, halva and matcha). We then tried to find a spot for drinks and food later on, but everything nice had a full terrace or was fully booked. So, after some walking (and allergies for the trees around there), we decided to part ways since they wanted a French place for their last night and we didn’t want a three course meal since we wanted to be home in time for Eurovision.

So, we went to Baobei, a nice, little burger place with fantastic burgers in boa buns. Yum! We then walked in the direction of our apartment, but on the way trying to let Nala pee. A huge challenge which took us a long time and many walks in circles around a park or something similar. Close to our place, we finally found a spot where she was happy to do something. She is not used to concrete and normally needs some patch of grass, but they nowhere to be found. Hope it will go better the coming days though.

Back at the apartment, it was time to watch Eurovision. We also enjoyed our view on the lit up Eiffel Tower in the meantime. Loreen won for a second time for Sweden (well deserved). And at 1.15 we could finally go to bed (I already fell half asleep hours before that, on and off).

Living in Paris for a week
Living in Paris for a week
Nala in our Parisian Apartment
Living in Paris for a week
Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide

Day two in Paris: Highlights and more

We started the cloudy and cold day with breakfast on the balcony. Dennis bought amazing pastries yesterday, my favorite: brioche with rose water and filling. It was then time to put on our jackets and walked to the Louvre, also to find some grass for Nala. Check, we found it! We also needed to pee. That lead to us ending up in a huge underground mall. But the toilet was 1,50€ per person. Horrible! Actually everywhere in Paris you pay a little fortune (I now understand all the Americans complaining about Europe and having to pay for the bathroom).

Living in Paris for a week
Living in Paris for a week
Paris with a Dog

Walking to Champs Elysees, we bought nice Petit Prince socks and a Paris Christmas ornament. We also bought a nice shopping bag at Carrefour that we saw on somebody in the street. New collection obsession for the future: buying nice grocery bags from all over the world. We also found a nice park to chill, have a baguette and enjoy the moment.

Continuing on the Champs, we tried to find the Stranger Things store, but is had closed permanently by now. Bummer! We walked on to the Arc de Triomphe for the touristy picture. By then, the sun was out, burning on our heads (and fur). Jackets off! Now, the Eiffel Tower. We wanted to sit on a terrace on the way there, but quickly left again when we saw the prices for the drinks (7€ for a coke). We decided to buy some bottled drinks and find some grass to chill on. We then took pictures, pushed through the hordes of people and had a nice half hour chilling on the grass under a tree.

Paris with a Dog
Paris with a Dog
Paris with a Dog

Time to leave for dinner. We took the metro for quite a long trip to Le Marais. Close to the exit, we had boba tea with creme brulee topping, mind blowing! I want this at home. We then walked in the direction of some restaurants we wanted to try but completely randomly found a Tibetan restaurant. Best find so far! They had amazing momos, which were the first one we have ever had. Mind blown, no kidding. And the people were so incredibly friendly there. We left with only paying about 30€ in total. After this, we could walk back home happy and with full bellies to our place (after Nala walked in circles again to finally have a pee). Tomorrow, first half day of remote work in Paris. We will then decide what we do for lunch etc.

Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide

Day 3 in Paris: a Rainy afternoon

So, my first morning of work in Paris started. It was quite stressful to be honest (started on Friday already) while Dennis walked with Nala. When it was finally time to stop, we walked to the Montmartre area for lunch at restaurant the specializes in Croque Monsieur. Really tasty! I had goat cheese, honey and bechamel sauce.

Paris Food Guide
Paris Things to Do
Paris Things to Do


We then continued to Sacre Coeur where we met hordes of tourists again, same at Place du Tetre. By the time we left again to a more nicer and quieter area, it started raining. Luckily, we brought umbrellas with us. But I realized that my shoes are not waterproof, so I got soaking wet socks. When we reached the apartment, I went upstairs with Nala to dry my socks and shoes, while Dennis went to the bakery to get some pastries. Of course, in that short period, the door downstairs was closed by someone, so I had walk up and down all 7 floors again. My mood in that moment is probably obvious. The pastries were very good though, especially the lemon meringue. It tasted even better while it was raining like crazy outside at that point.

When we walked down for dinner, we realized that we forgot Nala’s leash upstairs. This time, Dennis went up and down. No good luck today for us. But it was dry again, and we had amazing French food close by at a cozy restaurant. The onion soup with fresh bread was divine. As were the (happy hour) cocktails. Time for bed and rest for another day in Paris.

Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide
Are People in Paris really Rude? Check out our article

Day 4 in Paris: Playtime for Nala

The rain is gone and beautiful morning sounds open the day. Back to work for me (little less stressful, but much to do), while Dennis walks Nala, comes back again, and takes off to explore the area from yesterday on his own with better weather and less tourists. Lucky him! But of course, he does not return empty handed. He brings a nice croissant, my favorite lavender macaron from the shop down Sacre Coeur and an amazing pastry with meringue, lemon cream and mint. The French now their patisserie.

Paris Things to Do
Paris Things to Do
Paris Things to Do
Paris Food Guide


For the afternoon, we walked to a new area near Place de la Republique, where we had amazing drinks and cookies at the Match Cafe, so it is obvious what the main ingredient was of all we had there. Loved all of it!

Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide


We then continued to a huge park at the Eastern end of the city center, where Nala was finally allowed for once. On the way, we enjoyed a street known to be full of street art. We enjoyed the beautiful flora, the calmth and Nala rolling in the grass.

Paris with a Dog
Paris with a Dog
Paris with a Dog

By the time we took the metro back, we needed to head to our dinner reservation for the evening. but first a little walk from the metro station via a dog park where Nala could play with other dogs, before continuing to a vegan sushi restaurant only 15 minutes walking from our place. Again, mind is blown. Such amazing flavors! At the end, we even got a digestive shot on the house with 3 layers: vodka, passion fruit and violette (we still are not sure what it is, after seeing it many times already). With full bellies, we then walked back to relax a little before going to bed. When having dinner in France, and having to walk in endless circles to let Nala pee, coming back home late is a given fact.

Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide

Day 5 in Paris: The Croissant by Cedric Grolet

Last morning of works. Dennis used the time to get those fancy croissants from the Instagram sensation Cedric Grolet. He sent me updates from the queue and it took him an hour to finally have those fancy things in his possession. No Cedric though, but instagramable croissant for 4€ a piece. He went to another bakery to buy a regular one for 1,50€ for comparison and to Lafayette for some very fancy salted caramel and passion fruit eclairs (6,50€ per piece). Quite the splurge, but that is what this Paris trip is all about this time. Big surprise, Dennis also found a Japanese bakery and bought me a melon bread. I loved that in Japan and tasted just as amazing as back then.

Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide


By the time Dennis came back, I had finished my last morning working (finally less stressful and got everything important done). Then it was time for another lunch on the balcony with all the good stuff Dennis bought. And it didn’t disappoint. The normal croissant was already fabulous, but the fancy one was so beautiful and had a very nice texture. Taste was good for both. The eclairs, especially the caramel one, were absolutely perfect.

Paris Food Guide
Paris with a Dog


Then it was time to discover new parts of Le Marais and a lot more nice food. Shortly after leaving, we found a very nice looking vegan African place. We will go here for dinner for sure! We first came across another shop of the same boba tea vendor. This time I had creme brulee brown sugar boba tea. Even better than the previous one, heaven (and lots of calories)! We then bought some macarons at different places to compare later and special cookies (we both got black sesame). We then went to very nice confiture shop where we could also taste what we wanted to buy. The winners were strawberry-tonka bean and apricot-lavender. Can’t wait to have them at home on a fresh bread.

Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide


While thinking about where to go next, somewhere for Nala, we randomly stumbled upon a backyard open for dogs with a community garden. We stayed there for a while to relax, let Nala play and do her things, have a sip of water etc. We also talked to some nice locals and tried the sesame cookie, wow! We walked back home via Centre Pompidou while enjoying the good weather of today. When we got there, we relaxed for about an hour before going to Jah Jah, the African restaurant 5 minutes away. They have not much on the menu, but what they have was amazing. We both had the same Bol Chaud and I especially loved the lentil curry. The atmosphere was really nice and hip, almost like a living room and very informal. We only paid 13€ per person.

Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide


Back home, we tried the macarons. My favorite, the blue one from Laduree with rose, honey and citrus. I’ll need this again, I’m afraid. I also had the rest of my beloved melon bread. For tomorrow, we have decided to have a slow and relaxed morning because no work anymore this week. Looking forward to that!

Day 6 in Paris: Emily in Paris

No work anymore! Today is Ascension Day, so we are taking it slower and this morning. This time, we are aiming for a new part of the city. We were walking in the direction of Quartier Latin via Pont Neuf. As expected, there are a lot of tourists around this area, especially now that the long weekend for many people has started. In Quartier Latin itself, the streets were a lot less busy and we enjoyed walking through them. However, we realized that we like Le Marais and Montmartre even more.

It was quite warm in the sun, so we found a nice terrace to get a citronade (the better version of lemonade we discovered here) and check the map for the bakeries in the area to try more croissants for our hunt on the best croissant in Paris. One is around the corner, so we first went there. Nice, hip bakery, and the croissants were quite cheap and very tasty. Not the best though.

Paris Things to Do
Paris Things to Do
Paris Things to Do



We then continued to the Pantheon, where we have never been before. On the way there, we stopped at the next (and final) bakery for our croissant test. They won a prize for best croissant in Paris 2018 and only cost 1,20€ per piece. And… they do not look the best but taste-wise, they are the champion. So good, wow! And they were even the cheapest of all. A few minutes later, we reached the Pantheon (did not enter because of a long queue and Nala not being allowed in). The area was quite big with many impressive buildings and a nice little church. The street and building from Emily in Paris (Netflix) was just behind the Pantheon, so we needed to have look. Quite a nice area and cool to see this live.

Thumb Paris
Paris Food Guide
Paris Things to Do
Paris Things to Do
Paris Things to Do


We then walked all the way back via Les Halles, where we visited another beautiful and big church, went to a dog park for Nala and picked up some momos at a street food vendor on the way back. Now that we had momos, we needed to try them again. We took them to go and had dinner on our balcony. The sun was out and the momos yummy, but not as good as at Little Yak. We will need to try more in the future.

Booking.com

Day 7 in Paris: Meeting up with Friends

Last full day in Paris. Again, we were taking it slow in the morning and stayed in bed a little longer. We needed the chill after all the walking of the previous days (an average of 20 km per day.) We decided to have breakfast again on our terrace, so Dennis got some pastries at our local go-to bakery. We tried some new things, but my new favorite pastry Paris-Brest was the best by far. I will miss this when we go back home.

For lunch, we also stayed very local and went to a galette and crepes shop, which was very good, local, cozy and had friendly staff. Especially the crepes citron et sucre was perfect. Today, we were walking through Le Marais (again), but mostly areas we haven’t seen before. We went into different shops like a second hand clothes store, a Madonna record store that Dennis knew from many years ago, Flying Tiger, where we had a discussion on the new LGBTQIA etc. flag with someone from Belgium, and enjoyed Japanese ice cream (matcha and black sesame).

Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide



We also went back to the Louvre, because we all (especially Nala) could enjoy the green park there and we got macarons at Laduree in the mall underneath (where we paid 1,50€ for the toilet a few days ago). We needed to try the black licorice macaron. But it disappointed. Nice and creamy, but very little licorice flavor.

Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide
Paris Food Guide
Paris Things to Do



We then went back to the Les Halles dog park, enjoyed the weather, had a drink from a supermarket there and waited until it was time for a special dinner. Our friends arrived in Paris with their moms today, so of course we needed to meet up. We had dinner at a typical French (meat) restaurant. Luckily, they had enough veggie options (time for another great onion soup) and many traditional desserts. Dennis had profiteroles and I had iles flottante. We had a very nice time together and talked about so many things. We spent almost 3 hours there, before it was time to say goodbye and walk back home. It was already bedtime by the time we got home. So, time to rest and sleep before driving home tomorrow. Au-revoir Paris, we had an amazing time!

Day 8 in Paris: Time to go Home.

We woke up in time this morning, so were fully packed by 9.00 and had amazing pastries (Paris-Brest for me and Dennis’ third time having tarte framboise) again on the balcony as breakfast before we took the metro to our car. Very fast and easy, so we picked up the car in no time and were on our way back home. The sun was shining the whole time and not much traffic. In Belgium, it was time for a short stop for all of us and a driver swap. We also had fresh baguettes from our favorite local bakery in Paris.

Made it home. Not much traffic even on the second part of the trip, even around Brussels and Antwerp. Good to be back. The garden has changed so much in a week and so much more is growing and blossoming. Both Nala and Dennis needed a little nap before heading over to our family for a BBQ.

Living in Paris for a week

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