Paris Lives Up to Its Magic, Even in the Rain
Even puffy, jet-lagged, hungry, and tired after just a four-hour nap, we couldn’t resist exploring the beautiful City of Lights. Paris is absolutely amazing, and not even the rain could dampen our excitement for this incredible city.
We stayed at the Hotel de Berry, a Luxury Collection hotel by Marriott located in a prime Paris location. While rooms normally start around 700 euros and go up from there, we used our Marriott Bonvoy points to stay for free. The benefits of being loyal Titanium and Platinum members really pay off when exploring expensive cities like Paris.
The hotel sits right next door to the Hotel California, which reminded us of the Happiness Hotel from The Great Muppet Caper. We’re hoping it’s just closed for renovations rather than being out of business, because it looks like it could be a really cool building once restored.
Lebanese Flavors in the Heart of Paris
Our first dinner took us to Cedars, a Lebanese restaurant that showcases how important Lebanese culture has become to Paris. There’s a huge Lebanese population that has settled in France, making this cuisine an integral part of Parisian dining.
We enjoyed chicken, what appeared to be beef or lamb (the server didn’t specify, but we like both), Lebanese rice, tabbouleh, hummus, and fresh pita bread. The meal was absolutely amazing and we highly recommend it. However, skip the baklava – it was unfortunately dry and not sweet enough. That just meant we’d have to find dessert somewhere else!
Legendary Hot Chocolate
No Paris trip is complete without visiting Angelina’s tea house, established in 1903 to serve high-class clientele. The beautifully decorated space features gorgeous paintings and tapestries on the walls, but the real star is their famous hot chocolate.
The ritual of pouring the thick, rich hot chocolate into your glass and adding cream on top is almost as enjoyable as drinking it. The result is decadently delicious and worth every euro. This is the kind of Parisian experience that lives up to all the hype.
Tackling the Louvre’s Crowds
Next up was the extraordinary Louvre museum, originally a royal residence dating back to the 1200s, now houses one of the world’s most famous art collections with thousands upon thousands of paintings and sculptures. It’s also one of the busiest places in Paris and one of the most visited tourist sites in the world, so expect serious crowds.
Despite the masses of people, we managed to see the major highlights. The Mona Lisa, while impressive in her historical significance, is quite small and surrounded by so many people that it’s hard to appreciate fully. What’s almost sadder is that this focus on one painting distracts from the other incredible artwork in the same room, including the massive and stunning Marriage at Cana directly behind you when you’re looking at the Mona Lisa.
The Romans and Greeks’ approach to depicting the human body in their sculptures was refreshingly unashamed and artistic. We discovered unexpected treasures throughout the museum, including what appeared to be ancient bathtubs (though the signage suggested they were likely fountains).
Four hours in the Louvre flew by, and we didn’t see even close to everything. You can definitely experience museum fatigue here because there’s just so much to take in. It absolutely should be on your Paris list, but pace yourself.
Cathedral of Saint-Sulpice
Paris is famous for its churches and cathedrals, and the Cathedral of Saint-Sulpice is no exception, being the third largest in the city. Construction began in 1646 on this site, making it the second church built here. It took over 200 years to complete, finally finishing in 1870.
The cathedral is renowned for its organ, and after Sunday morning masses, visitors can actually go up into the organ loft to view the pipes and console (or so we’ve been told). Two famous organists who played here were Charles-Marie Widor, who composed the famous Toccata for organ, and Louis-Claude Daquin.
This cathedral offers a quieter, more contemplative experience compared to some of Paris’s more tourist-heavy religious sites.
On our second night, after dinner, we discovered an amazing Lebanese ice cream place in the St. Martin area that was absolutely worth the long line and walk. Even though we arrived close to closing time, we decided to wait it out.
The traditional flavor is orange blossom and mastic (from the pistachio tree), then it is completely covered in pistachios. At about 7 euros, it’s a bit expensive, but the unique flavors and quality make it worthwhile. They also offer other flavors for those who prefer traditional options.
The texture and taste were unlike typical ice cream – creamy, fragrant, and with that distinctive Lebanese twist that made it a memorable dessert experience.
What strikes you most about Paris is how multicultural it has become. The Lebanese restaurants, the diverse neighborhoods, and the blend of cultures create a city that feels both deeply French and wonderfully international. This multiculturalism adds layers of flavor, literally and figuratively, to the Parisian experience.
The Enduring Appeal of Paris
Even dealing with jet lag, crowds, and rain, Paris maintains its magical appeal. From world-class museums to unique culinary experiences, from historic cathedrals to charming neighborhoods, the City of Lights offers something special around every corner.
The blend of high culture and everyday pleasures, the mix of French tradition with international influences, and the sheer beauty of the architecture and public spaces make Paris a destination that lives up to its reputation.
Whether you’re sipping legendary hot chocolate, fighting crowds to see the Mona Lisa, or discovering unique ice cream flavors, Paris delivers those moments that remind you why travel is so rewarding.
Want to see us navigate the Louvre crowds and taste that famous Angelina hot chocolate? Watch our complete Paris adventure on our YouTube channel:
