After our wonderful and epic vacation to Iceland and Switzerland, the HUBS and I decided to do a 24 hour layover in Paris. I had never been, always wanted to go and anything less than 24 hours would be too little. I must say, as the layover neared, I kept wondering if one day would really be enough time to get a flavor of the city. Turns out when you have so little time you really REALLY make it count.

PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE

GOAL 1: EIFFEL TOWER

The first thing we did after landing was go to the Eiffel tower. We wanted to get there before it got too packed. Turns out we were too late for that, but we still did really enjoy ourselves. Plus it was even better since we got to see some family there too!

Eiffel Tower Paris Travel Guide Charisma Shah

The HUBS and I were pretty hungry since we had skipped breakfast for the Eiffel Tower, so we actively searched for food. And since we hadn't eaten Indian since Iceland, we were pretty stoked to eat something familiar and veggie-friendly. We tried out this place called Sangeetha in Paris "Little India" district. We were pretty disappointed. Let's just say stick to the South Indian food at this restaurant - that was decent.

GOAL 2: GET REAL FRENCH MACARONS

After lunch we decided to walk around for a while and work off our meal. We walked until we got to our Macarons destination - Pierre Herme. This was actually a recommendation from our Parisian Airbnb host so we figured we'd get it in lieu of Laduree.

Macarons are not cheap! We purchase 6 macarons for $20+ dollars, but they were DELICIOUS. The flavors were so unique and the shop wasn't full of tourists which was nice because we had more time to select which of the flavors we wanted to try. Definitely a locals spot. And yes, all macarons are made fresh daily - we asked.

PS. the jasmine tea macaron was incredible!!

SIDE TRACK - GET ICE CREAM

Right outside of the Pierre Herme macaron store we spotted this really quaint ice cream boutique - Une Glace à Paris. On a whim we decided to try it. OMG. Phenomenal. The Lemon Olive Ice cream was the best ice cream I have ever tasted - super refreshing and not tart, and more importantly tastes like those lemon creme filled biscuits that you eat with chai. Ah-mazing.

GOAL 3: GO TO A REAL CREPERIE

So, after ice cream we continued on our food, LBH sweets, tour of Paris and decided to walk 2 miles to get crepes at Creperie Framboise. Since we were walking we got extra :)

The HUBS and I were pretty apprehensive that crepes in Paris could be so much better than our favorite spot. Truthfully, I was expecting more novel unique flavors than your typical nutella, strawberry, etc. Most of the crepes we tried were solid but not amazing. Although the flavors weren't that unique, the HUBS got easily the most delicious sweet crepe we have ever had. It was caramel apple praline with ice cream - basically lots of yummy goodness.

Caramel Apple Praline Crepe with Ice Cream

Oh also, apparently Parisians don't eat crepes for breakfast because none of the creperies are even open before noon...

GOAL 4: FLAGSHIP LOUBOUTIN

I mean do I really need to explain this one? Basically, go and gawk, its like a boutique/shoe shrine/museum. Oh and drop off your brother/husband/bf/dad at the dude side right next to it.

GOAL 5: SEE THE EIFFEL TOWER AT NIGHT

I actually must say this was one our favorite thing we did in Paris. Apparently ever hour on the hour for five minutes the tower lights up in glittery spectacular glory. I had seen it on Instagram and wanted to see it first hand so, we took a bottle of wine (a real french Bordeaux) and uber'd it to the tower. We sat and reflected in the moments leading up to midnight. Sure enough at midnight it started. It was midnight in paris, and it was this perfect romantic moment.

And that was basically our day layover in Paris. Whats your favorite thing to do in Paris? I am sure we will be going again so we'd love recommendations for our next trip! Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Travels!

24 HOURS IN PARIS