Morgan Donaho | Travel Expert & Founder of Prose Travel
I’m usually the type to skip the crowd in favor of the side street—to find the hidden courtyard, the under-the-radar museum, the tiny café with no English menu. But in Paris? Sometimes, the classics call. And when they do, I say: answer—but make it unforgettable.
For this Perfect Day in Paris, I traded my usual quiet corners for icons: the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Sainte-Chapelle. But I didn’t just check them off a list—I experienced them with care, curiosity, and a bit of luxury. Because if you’re going to do the big things, do them in a way that feels thoughtful, elevated, and maybe even a little indulgent. This day wasn’t about skipping the expected. It was about embracing it—beautifully.
Morning Magic at Angelina’s
There’s something quietly thrilling about being one of the first people to slip into Angelina on Rue de Rivoli. They don’t take reservations, so we arrived at 7:30 am before the 8:00 am opening, watching the soft light of morning play on the nearly empty street. Once inside, we were rewarded with one of the most decadent ways to begin a day in Paris—Angelina’s legendary hot chocolate, so thick it’s almost a dessert in itself, and an array of flaky pastries and brunch offerings served in elegant, Belle Époque surroundings.
It’s iconic, yes. But also intimate—especially when you arrive early and the room is still hushed with anticipation.
Masterpieces, Streamlined
From there, it’s just a short walk to the Louvre, where a pre-booked ticket at 10:00 a.m. can make all the difference. I recommend downloading the Louvre Masterpieces Trail from their website—it’s a clever way to see the highlights in under two hours. Don’t forget to look up the building is as much a work of art, as the masterpieces hanging on the walls!But for a more seamless and enriching experience, consider hiring a guide. They’ll lead you straight to the good stuff, tell you what to look for, and help you navigate the vast halls without losing time or your mind.
Even with kids in tow, this strategy made the Louvre not just doable—but delightful.
A Five-Star Ascent to the Eiffel Tower
Now here’s where the day transforms. After the museum, we took a short taxi ride to the Eiffel Tower, not for the usual crowd-heavy elevator shuffle—but for lunch at Le Jules Verne, the Michelin-starred restaurant tucked into the second level.
Book this experience months in advance—seriously. While both lunch and dinner are priced the same (290€ for the 5 course tasting menu), lunch is not only easier to reserve but also more family-friendly. We had our six-year-old and nine-month-old with us, and the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating. They even crafted a beautiful birthday cake for my daughter—complete with candle and presentation.
Beyond the food (which was exquisite), it’s the access that elevates this meal to something unforgettable: a private elevator bypassing the crowds, and later, an exclusive escort to the observation deck. It felt like upgrading from economy to first class—without the stress, without the squeeze.
Reset and Recharge: The Parisian Pause
After a long, luxurious lunch and some time admiring the views, we headed back to our accommodation for a classic French power move: the midday rest. A quick nap, a change of clothes, and we were ready to slip into the golden hours of the evening.
Don’t skip this pause—it sets you up to savor the night instead of surviving it.
Wine and Wandering on the Île Saint-Louis
As the sky turned that dusty blue Paris does so well, we strolled to Café St. Regis on the Île Saint-Louis. With a glass of wine in hand and a snack on the table, the vibe was low-key magic. From here, you can wander along the Seine or tuck into an early dinner if you’re feeling more peckish than poetic.
Music, Light, and Majesty at Sainte-Chapelle
By 8:00 pm, we made our way to Sainte-Chapelle for a classical music concert that still gives me goosebumps. The soaring stained glass, lit from within by sunset and stage lights, created a near-spiritual atmosphere. Hearing Bach or Vivaldi in this once-private chapel of the king? It’s one of those rare moments where time seems to pause.
If you can, splurge on the front row tickets. It’s intimate, breathtaking, and an unforgettable way to end the day.
A Final Toast, or Just One More Bite
Depending on your energy after the concert, you have two great options: grab a late-night crêpe from a street vendor and stroll back to your hotel under the stars—or head to Terra bar a vins, a stylish wine bar in the Marais, for a laid-back but elevated dinner. (Pro tip: reserve ahead if you want a table.)
Either way, end the night your way—with something warm, something indulgent, something unmistakably Parisian
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Why Sometimes the Main Things Are the Right Things
This wasn’t a day of hidden corners or secret spots. It was a day of leaning in—to beauty, to elegance, to the timeless Paris that generations have loved before us. And in doing so, it reminded me that the must-see places become clichés for a reason: they’re still worth it.
Especially when you do them your way.
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