My trip began with a few quiet days in Paris — intentionally slow ones.
After landing at CDG (still my least favorite airport), my private transfer was already waiting and whisked me off to the 15th arrondissement. I’d never stayed in this area before, and these first few days were meant to be a gentle landing before heading out to the countryside. I only stayed here because I just wanted to rest, and it was close to my departure train station for heading to the next destination of my trip.
I stayed at Hôtel Eiffel Blomet, which was lovely — though a bit louder than expected due to it being fall break in France. My visions of a serene spa experience were quickly replaced with the sounds of kids splashing in the pool, but honestly… first‑world problems. C’est la vie.
A peak inside my hotel….
I spent my days walking — to Bon Marché, La Grande Épicerie, small bookshops, and Noglu, my favorite gluten‑free café in Paris. I wandered along the Seine with no agenda and let the city reveal itself at its own pace. On the first day, my water spilled all in my bag while I was walking, getting my cards and passport wet… but the ladies at Noglu were super sweet and gave me some paper towels and all was well.
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One day, I took the RER out to Versailles and spent hours simply wandering the gardens. I visited the Petit and Grand Trianon and finally saw the Queen’s Hamlet — my favorite part of the entire estate. The last time I visited Versailles in 2008, the Trianon Estate was closed for renovations, so this felt especially meaningful.
Travel tip: If you’re visiting Versailles, a full‑day Navigo pass is the easiest option. It covers all of Paris as well and can be easily purchased through the SNCF app.
If you would prefer to have a fun, guided tour of Versailles – here’s the one I recommend:
When I travel solo, I keep meals simple. I often struggle with restaurants, so lunches are usually light, and dinners might be gelato, a buckwheat galette, or something easy from a grocery store. Amorino is always a favorite (incredibly allergy‑friendly) and Copains or Noglu are worth going out of your way for if you are gluten free and haven’t had a decent pastry in a long time! At Versailles, I got a salad in one of the gardens cafe’s and found a little peaceful meadow to enjoy it in. Heaven!
These early Paris days weren’t about seeing everything. They were about easing into a rhythm and enjoying slow days, which Paris is pretty perfect for…
If hearing about this trip sparked something for you: a destination, a feeling, or a sense that you’re overdue for travel that actually feels good – I help plan thoughtful, unrushed trips like this for my clients. You can learn more about my planning services at Styled Getaways, or reach out when you’re ready to start looking forward to your next trip.
I hope you enjoyed Part 2 of my 6-part France travel diaries series. Stay tuned for Part 3!
If you enjoyed this, you may also enjoy these other posts about Paris:
- Two Weeks in a French Chateau: Inside an Artist in Residence Program
- Travel Diaries: Almost Didn’t Go… And Why This Month in France Changed Everything
- Where to Stay in Paris: Area by Area
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