Back in July 2003 Mr C and I celebrated my birthday for the first time as a couple and we headed off to Paris on a Eurostar train for what was then our first holiday together. Since then, before children, we travelled extensively together (at least 20 different countries and going right around the world for our honeymoon) and we loved those trips to foreign cities where we’d explore on foot, stopping for a beer or glass of wine in a bar and people watching when ever we got tired.
We both really miss travelling now that we’ve got kids and often we’ll talk about the trips that we’ve taken in the past and where we’d still like to explore. A city break with kids as young as ours sounds like a recipe for disaster (if you have managed it please please tell me how) and organising to go anywhere without them is a bit of a tall order.
So, you can probably imagine how I felt when this message popped up on my phone one Tuesday morning whilst I was at playgroup.
Paris. For my birthday. A rare child free day. Pretty much eleven years to the day since we last went. It goes without saying that I jumped at the chance.
So, a week on Saturday we’re booked on the first Eurostar out of St Pancras and back on the last one that night. We arrive at Gare de Nord before 10am and then leave again at 8pm. So 10 hours to explore and enjoy Paris.
But what do you try and squeeze in when you only have 10 hours? And what about when you also want time to relax in a local bar and cafe and just enjoy time as a couple for the first time in over four years?
It’s the first time in years that I’ve been allowed to buy a guide book and plan a trip and I’m really going for it on this one. With much of my planning also done online I’ve actually pulled together a Pinterest board of ideas of places I want to visit.
Having learnt a bit about it at the Pinterest session at BritMums Live! I’ve also made use of their map function meaning that I can plot each of my pins on a map (along with an extra pin for Gare de Nord where we’re travelling to and from) and it is an excellent way of planning a trip. At a glance I can see where everything is located and whether it’s possible to do everything in the day or not. I will definitely be using this to plan future trips as it’s just so handy and easy to do.
Follow Being Mrs C’s board Paris in a day on Pinterest.
So please take a look at my board and tell me where else I should be visiting. Any hidden gems that you know about? I’ve had a few different recommendations for lunch, but we’d love to find some little bars or cafes where we can stop and linger for a while.
In the meantime I’m off to dig out a French phrase book and see if I can still remember to order a glass of wine.
Ooh what a fabulous treat! We have a rare child free night away on Saturday for my birthday, but nothing quite so grand, we are off to Exeter!! Have an awesome time, I have never been so have no helpful tips, but look forward to hearing about it afterwards! 🙂
Enjoy Exeter! To be honest I’d be happy to go anywhere for just a bit of time as a couple. It’s been missed over these last few years.
You have such a wonderful husband! Well done to him for surprising you like that! Have a fabulous time and can’t wait to hear about it when you come back!
Thank you Otilia!
Ooh la la!! How utterly romantic.
You must have champagne and oysters at the bar at St Pancras before you set off too.
Have a wonderful time. x
Normally Liz I’d totally agree with you, but seeing as our trains at 6.30 in the morning I’m thinking coffee and a croissant might be more appropriate!
I can’t add much as I haven’t really ever done Paris, but I just had to stop and say – what a star! I might accidentally tweet this post to my husband! Have a wonderful day x
His very exciting Penny, I’m so happy for you. Have a wonderful time, it is 10 years since dh & I went abroad together too! Mich x
Thank you x
Ooooh you lucky lady, I haven’t been to Paris for a very long time, but I always think it looks AMAZING!!
Thanks Emma! x
Oh you lucky thing. I’d definitely do the whole Montmartre thing, macaroons in a nice little cafe, a walk along the Seine and a picnic by the Eiffeltower or Le Jardin de Tuileries.
My mum suggested Le Jardin de Tuileries on the phone earlier, so just about to add it to my list. Thanks!
Top tips there Carolin – thanks!
Rodin’s garden is utterly romantic as is the Jardine De Luxembourg, we did this with wine, boursin and a baguette because we are soooo cultured NOT.
I like the thrifty idea. Someone in my knitting group suggested Jardine de Luxembourg, but I’d totally forgotten about it. Hadn’t heard of Rodin’s garden until now, but it’s on my list!
Paris really is the most gorgeous city, what a lovely hubs you have to plan such a nice treat! Have a brilliant time! 🙂
Thank you Emma x
Aww what a thoughtful idea. I have only ever done Paris with the kids so only been to Disneyland and the Eiffel tower – I have heard that it is really pretty in the evening. Enjoy yourselves.
How fabulous. Just fabulous. Nice job Mr C!
Do you know what, Paris is so lovely that I wouldnt plan anythnig. I would just wander the streets, see where you end up. You can over plan these days out and whilst you might be able to tick a few things off you wont feel that you have “done” Paris. Just sit in a bar on a pavement and watch the world go by. Walk hand in hand and be in love in Paris in July.
And eat macarons from L’Aduree 🙂
I can’t wait to see your post now. We’re off to a campsite just outside Paris this summer and husband has agreed to let me go to Paris solo one day so am looking for your best tips
Promise to blog about it soon. Definitely recumbent Shakespeare and Company though – amazing bookshop. I could have spent hours in there.