Paris Travel Guide Part 2: Classic Sights, Seine Cruise & Hidden Gems

Welcome back for the rest of my Paris adventure. If you missed Part 1, that’s where I shared how we got there, where we stayed, and my very serious gluten-free croissant mission. You can catch up on that first before diving into this one. You can also read my gluten-free Restaurant and Bar Guide for Paris here

This post is all about the classic Paris moments. The Eiffel Tower in full daylight. Wandering along the Seine. Seeing Notre-Dame in real life after years of only seeing it in photos. I won’t be giving you a full history lesson on every landmark because you can find that anywhere. Instead, I’m sharing what it actually felt like to experience them. The walks, the views, the little surprises, and the moments that made me stop mid-step just to stare.

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Paris Trip Snapshot

• When we went: November
• Where we stayed: Near Avenue de Wagram, close to the Arc de Triomphe
• How long: 4 days
• Best for: Food lovers, romantics, gluten free travelers
• Would I go back: Immediately

Part 2 Highlights

• Eiffel Tower photos & walk-around
• Kozy Bosquet breakfast
• Seine hop-on/hop-off boat
• Ladurée macarons
• Église de Saint Germain des Prés
• Notre-Dame exterior
• Siene River cruise at night
• Dinner in Montmartre + PNY Burger
• Bar hopping (Dirty Dick + Lulu White + karaoke + Irish pub)
• Last pastries + sushi before departure

Day 3

Eiffel Tower in Daylight

Day 3 was the day. The day I would finally see the Eiffel Tower up close in full daylight, not just sparkling in the distance the night before.

I had looked into making a reservation to eat at the tower, but everything was booked by the time I checked. We woke up early and headed straight there, thinking we were being strategic. Paris had other plans. The line was already wrapped around like everyone else had the same idea.

So we skipped going up and just walked around it instead. And honestly? That was enough. Standing underneath it, looking up at the iron details and realizing this was something I had dreamed about for decades, felt surreal. It’s even more stunning in person than in photos. Massive but delicate. Iconic but somehow still intimate.

I was a little disappointed we didn’t make it to the top, but living in Europe changes everything. This doesn’t have to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I can go back. And I fully plan to.

Breakfast Near the Eiffel Tower

After taking approximately one thousand photos from every possible angle, we went in search of coffee and carbs. I had found a spot called Kozy Bosquet that had great reviews and, more importantly, gluten-free options.

There was a short line when we arrived, which felt manageable. By the time we were seated, the line had doubled. Always a good sign. Parisians and tourists alike clearly knew what was up.

I wish I could tell you exactly what I ordered, but this was the pre-blog era, and I was not documenting every bite of food like a responsible future travel blogger. I do remember two things very clearly, though. The latte was beautiful. And if gluten-free bread is available anywhere on this planet, I am ordering it without hesitation. I am almost certain my breakfast involved gluten-free toast because that is simply who I am as a person.

It was the perfect, low-stress start to a day that would involve a lot of walking and a lot of staring dramatically at landmarks.

Hop On Hop Off Seine River Cruise

After breakfast, we made our way toward the River Seine and bought a two-day, hop-on-hop-off boat pass. Paris from the water feels different. Slower. Wider. Like the city is showing off but pretending it is not.

We decided to explore one side of the river that day and save the other side for the next. There is so much packed into this city that trying to plan it perfectly felt impossible. So we didn’t. The only real mission was to continue the hunt for the perfect gluten-free croissant. Everything else was a bonus.

Floating down the Seine gave us front row views of bridges, grand buildings, and people stretched out along the riverbanks like they had nowhere else to be. It is such an easy way to see a lot without completely exhausting yourself.

NoGlu Bakery

Our first stop of the day was NoGlu, a fully gluten-free bakery. Obviously, I ordered both a plain and a chocolate croissant because research is important.

They were good. Truly. But still not quite the airy, shatter into a million buttery layers kind of croissant that gluten delivers so effortlessly. They were also noticeably more expensive than a regular croissant, which is unfortunately the gluten-free tax we all pay. Two to three times the price and occasionally half the drama.

Still, sitting in Paris eating a gluten-free croissant that didn’t make me sick felt like a small victory. Not perfect. But progress.

Ladurée Macarons

The ICONIC Ladurée. The macaron legend.

Macarons are one of my all-time favorite desserts. I know I say that about a lot of things, but this one is non-negotiable. They are delicate, precise, and wildly temperamental to make well, which makes a perfect one feel like a small miracle. I have had Ladurée macarons in Miami, and I have eaten macarons in almost every city I have traveled to, but these were on another level.

The texture. The flavor. The balance. Worth the hype.

We got lucky with timing again. When we walked in, there were only a couple of people ahead of us. By the time we left, a line had formed outside the door. Paris rewards early walkers and decisive pastry decisions.

Standing there, box in hand, in Saint Germain, eating one of the most famous macarons in the world felt like all was right in the world.

Saint Germain des Prés

We spent some time exploring the Église de Saint Germain des Prés, and it was stunning inside. The stained glass filtered in soft light, the ceilings were painted in rich color, and a massive organ stood at the front like it had stories to tell. It felt peaceful but powerful at the same time, the kind of place that makes you automatically lower your voice.

Wandering through that area felt very classic Paris. Historic buildings, narrow streets, and that slightly intellectual Left Bank energy that makes you want to sit at a café and pretend you’re writing a novel.

Notre Dame & A Pub Detour

From there, we made our way toward Notre Dame. Seeing it in person was a must for me. We knew it would still be closed because of the restoration from the 2019 fire, but even from the outside, it was incredible to stand there and take it in. It’s one of those landmarks you’ve seen your entire life in photos and movies, and then suddenly you’re actually standing in front of it.

Naturally, on the way, we stumbled into a small Scottish pub called The Highlander. It was tucked into a quiet side street and felt too cozy to ignore. So we didn’t. We stopped for a quick drink before continuing on our very serious sightseeing mission.

Evening Cruise Back Toward the Eiffel Tower

After Notre Dame, we hopped back on our Seine boat pass and headed toward the Outdoor Sculpture Museum. It had already closed by the time we arrived, so we admired what we could through the gates and climbed back on the boat.

This time, we stayed on for the full ride back toward the Eiffel Tower side of the city. Seeing Paris light up from the river was magical. The bridges glowing, the buildings reflecting in the water, the sky slowly darkening while the city got brighter. It was one of those moments where everything feels cinematic, and you just sit there quietly taking it in.

We met up with my cousin, who lives in Paris, near the tower, and spent a couple of hours catching up before finally heading back to our hotel. It had been such a full day. The kind that leaves you exhausted but happy in that deep, satisfied way.

Day 4

Le Marais & Breakfast at Breizh Café

Day 4 was dedicated to exploring the other side of the River Seine. We took a taxi over to the Le Marais neighborhood for breakfast at Breizh Café, and it was such a good decision.

They had a classic French breakfast menu with plenty of gluten-free options, which already had my attention. I ordered a galette with eggs, ham from Brittany, and French cheese and butter. Simple, savory, and exactly what I wanted before another long day of walking. It was one of those meals that feels very local and very satisfying at the same time.

Wandering Toward the Louvre

After breakfast, we wandered through the streets of Le Marais and made our way toward the Louvre. This part of Paris is full of little surprises. At one point, we even stumbled across a New Mexican shop right in the middle of the city. It was closed, but still such a random and cool thing to find thousands of miles from home.

We explored the underground shops near the Louvre and did the required tourist photo session. And once again, Paris did what Paris does best. Every direction felt like a postcard. The architecture, the details, the way the light hits the buildings. It is almost overwhelming in the best way. I genuinely struggled to capture how beautiful it all felt.

Sunset at Trocadéro Gardens

We hopped back on the boat and cruised a little farther down the Seine before making our way to Trocadéro Gardens. I had one very specific goal. I wanted to watch the sunset with a full view of the Eiffel Tower.

Apparently, so did the rest of Paris.

The area was packed, but it made sense. From Trocadéro, the view of the tower is completely open and dramatic. The fountains, the wide steps, the skyline behind it. It feels like the official place to stand and just stare.

We hung out for a while, took more photos, and watched street performers entertain the crowd. There was this shared energy in the air. Everyone was waiting for the same moment.

Waiting for the Twinkle

I was determined to see the first sparkle of the night up close. We had a little time before it started, so we ducked into a nearby spot called Pub Kléber for a quick drink while we waited.

Then we headed straight back to Trocadéro Square to claim a proper, unobstructed view. When the lights started to twinkle, I took a few photos and then put my phone away. I just stood there, watched, cried again, and let it sink in.

And yes, I hugged my husband. Because he really does help make my dreams happen. Living in Europe. Traveling. Standing in front of the Eiffel Tower at night. None of it feels small.

It was one of those quiet, full-circle moments.

Montmartre, Burgers & Bar Hopping

Eventually, it was time for dinner, and we finally took the subway like proper city people. We headed to Montmartre, near the Moulin Rouge, for something I rarely get to enjoy when traveling. A burger.

I found a spot called PNY Burger Pigalle that offered gluten-free buns, which immediately moved it to the top of my list. I love burgers, and eating one out at a restaurant is still a novelty for me. This one did not disappoint. Juicy, messy, and fully satisfying. A solid win.

With full bellies, it was officially time to do what we apparently specialize in while traveling. Bar hop.

If I am being honest, about 75 percent of our vacations revolve around eating and drinking. That is how I explore the world. Through flavor, through menus, and through whatever the local version of comfort food looks like.

My husband likes to joke that when I talk about places we have visited, I start with what I ate before I mention what I saw. He is not wrong. But I also refuse to apologize for it.

Food is connection. It is celebration. It is the center of so many important moments in my life. Holidays, milestones, family dinners, laughing too hard at a restaurant table, and even sharing a frozen pizza with my best friend, whom I miss dearly. Those are the memories that stick.

For me, flavor is not just food. It is how I remember places.

Paris Nightlife: Tiki Drinks & Absinthe

First stop: a tiki bar called Dirty Dick. The inside had this dark, tropical, slightly chaotic vibe with colorful rum drinks that felt like they belonged on a beach somewhere far from Paris. It was freezing outside, which made holding a tropical cocktail even more ridiculous. But honestly, that just made it better.

From there, we headed to an absinthe bar called Lulu White. Absinthe is one of those drinks that feels dramatic by default. A little dangerous. A little theatrical. And considering it was our last night in Paris, it felt appropriate.

We sat at the bar and ended up talking with the bartender, a guy from Chicago who had moved to Paris with his girlfriend while she studied fashion design. I love moments like that. Random conversations with strangers who somehow feel familiar. Different backgrounds, different paths, but the same pull toward something bigger.

That is one of my favorite parts of traveling. Not just seeing places, but hearing the stories of the people who decided to build a life there.

Karaoke, Irish Pubs & A Midnight Cheese Plate

After a couple of rounds of absinthe cocktails, the night naturally progressed into finding a karaoke bar and an Irish pub. I cannot confidently tell you which came first, but I can confirm we went to both.

No matter where you are in the world, there will always be an Irish pub and a karaoke bar waiting for you. It feels like a universal travel rule. You show up, sing something questionable, and make friends with strangers. You pretend tomorrow does not exist.

At some point, we realized we were hungry again. Finding gluten-free options late at night in Paris was slightly more challenging than during the day, but we eventually found something I could eat.

A cheese plate.

Honestly, not mad about it. It was delicious. And since Karl does not like cheese, which I consider a deeply suspicious character trait, I got to eat the entire thing myself.

By the end of the night, we were exhausted, slightly tipsy, and fully satisfied. It had been a long day of sightseeing, sunset views, cocktails, and wandering. A perfect last night in Paris.

One Last Croissant & Heading Home

The next morning, we woke up and headed out for one final breakfast and one final stop on my gluten-free bakery list. I ordered another croissant and a few pastries because, apparently, I believe in commitment to research until the very last minute.

On the way back to the hotel, we also grabbed sushi. I warned you. We eat constantly when we travel. It is part of the experience.

My last gluten-free croissant was good, but still not quite the airy, buttery masterpiece I had built up in my mind. So we did something slightly reckless. We bought a regular croissant too.

I had already decided I would wait until we were back at our apartment in Tavira to eat it. Gluten and I are not friends. It causes real pain and real consequences, and I was not about to deal with that on a plane. But I had waited 30 years to eat a croissant in Paris. I was going to have my moment!

After that, we went back to the hotel, called a Bolt, and headed to the airport. Tired, happy, slightly emotional, and very well fed.

What I’ll Do Differently Next Time

Even though our trip was everything I hoped for, here are a few small things I’d tweak:

• I’ll make more dinner reservations in advance
• I’ll visit museums, the insides, not just the outside lol
• I will go up the Eiffel Tower

Final Thoughts on Paris

I was genuinely sad to leave, but also so incredibly happy that I finally made it to Paris. The trip was everything I had hoped it would be!

For years, people told me I might feel disappointed once I got there. Maybe I had built it up too much in my head. You know the whole “never meet your idols” idea. I worried about that a little.

But it was the opposite.

Paris exceeded every expectation I had. It is the most beautiful city I have ever seen. Everywhere you look, there is detail. Architecture. Light. Texture. It feels layered and alive in a way that is hard to explain until you experience it.

I had also heard the usual complaints. That the locals are rude, especially to Americans. That the city is dirty. That it smells. I personally did not experience any of that. Everyone we interacted with was kind. The city felt vibrant, not grimy.

Were there minor downsides? Sure. It was cold, but I went in November, and that is on me. Some things were pricey, but it is a major European capital, and our flights and hotel were very reasonable, so it balanced out. Restaurants can feel tight because tables are packed in, but that is part of the charm of a busy city.

If you’re curious what we spent on flights and hotels, I broke down all the costs in Part 1.

None of those things were dealbreakers. Not even close.

I absolutely fell in love with Paris. It was everything I had dreamed about for 30 years and somehow even more. And the best part? Now that we live in Europe, I know this does not have to be my only Paris story.

I cannot wait to go back.

Have you been to Paris? Tell me your favorite spot below. If Paris is on your bucket list, what’s the one thing you’re dying to see?

The Croissant I Waited 30 Years For

And yes, when we got home, I ate the croissant.

I was actually nervous about it. I knew exactly what would probably happen. But I had waited 30 years for that moment, and I wanted the real thing at least once.

It was flaky. Buttery. Everything I had imagined.

And yes, I paid for it. I felt pretty awful for a couple of days afterward. My whole body ached, and I was kind of miserable. That is the reality of celiac. Would I recommend doing that? Absolutely not.

But for me, in that moment, it felt symbolic. A full-circle, bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime kind of bite.

Keep Reading

To read more about my gluten-free travel recommendations, check out these posts here.

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