Hi there! I’m Tomo, writing from beautiful Colorado, USA. I’m excited to share Part 2 of our family trip to Paris over Thanksgiving in late November 2024.
After enjoying an elegant time at The Palais Garnier (the Opera House), we took an Uber to our next destination: the Louis Vuitton Café. Uber from the Opera House to the Louis Vuitton Cafe was about €13. Sitting in the car, we admired glimpses of the Parisian streets as we made our way to this unique spot. The café offered a perfect blend of iconic design and French culinary excellence, creating an unforgettable experience!
If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, you can check it out here!
Paris Travelogue: 2024 Family Thanksgiving Trip from Denver
Thanksgiving in Paris? Oui! Join our Paris Travelogue as we journey from Denver to the City of Light, sharing tips and memorable moments. Dive in!
Louis Vuitton Café: A Sweet Afternoon Break
During our time in Paris, one spot I was determined to visit was the Louis Vuitton Café, officially known as “Maxime Frédéric chez Louis Vuitton.” I had seen gorgeous photos of their pastries on Instagram and couldn’t resist the idea of experiencing such a luxurious café. My sons, who had no clue what Louis Vuitton even was, came along, although not quite as enthusiastically as I’d hoped!
We arrived on Monday around 3 PM. Fortunately, the line was inside the building, so we didn’t have to wait outside in the cold. The line wasn’t too long either, and we got in after about 10 minutes. I imagine it would be much more crowded on a busy weekend.
The café on the second floor of the museum is stunning, with an elegant design that truly reflects the Louis Vuitton brand. If you’re lucky enough to get a window seat, the view of the Seine River right in front of you was nice.
Sharing Cakes as a Family
After much debate over the menu, we finally decided, “Since we’re here, let’s each order a different cake!” The cakes were so beautiful that we almost felt guilty eating them. Our family normally has zero interest in Louis Vuitton, but when it comes to food, that’s a different story!
The atmosphere was lovely, and the cakes were delicious, especially the chocolate cake. The vanilla cake, however, was incredibly sweet. Pairing it with hot chocolate would have been sugar overload! If you visit, I definitely recommend trying a variety of cakes—it’s part of the fun.
That said, even as someone with a major sweet tooth, I felt that one cake per person was a bit much. Sharing is the way to go!
Luxury Prices for a Luxe Experience
Of course, the prices matched the Louis Vuitton brand. Each cake was about €18, tea was €12, and my son’s Coca-Cola was €9. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed that my tea was just a tea bag at that price, but the atmosphere and presentation made it worth it.
After our meal, we browsed the Louis Vuitton-branded chocolates for sale just outside the café. They looked perfect as gifts but were quite pricey, so we left empty-handed.
Maxime Frédéric chez Louis Vuitton: 2 Rue du Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris, France
Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame Cathedral
Sainte-Chapelle: A Stained Glass Masterpiece
After our café visit, we headed to Sainte-Chapelle, one of Paris’s most beautiful landmarks. We had a 4 PM reservation but ran into some trouble finding the entrance and got lost for about 15 minutes wandering around. To make things more complicated, some streets were blocked by police for unknown reasons.
When we finally found our way inside, there was another security checkpoint to get through. It seems like every major site in Paris has strict bag checks, which makes sense but does add some extra time.
Once we made it into the chapel, we climbed a narrow spiral staircase to reach the upper level. The stairs were so tight that I couldn’t help but think, I really need to get in better shape!
But as soon as we reached the top, all of that was forgotten. The stained glass windows were absolutely breathtaking—a rainbow of colors and intricate designs that filled the space with light. It’s hard to believe this masterpiece was created so many centuries ago. Even though we were late for our reservation, spending just 30 minutes there felt like plenty of time to fully enjoy it.
Sainte-Chapelle: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Quick Look
Our next stop was the Notre-Dame Cathedral, still undergoing restoration when we visited in late November 2024. Notre-Dame opened in December of 2024—just a few weeks after our visit! While it was a bit disappointing not to go inside, we admired it from a bridge over the Seine. The view was gorgeous, and we weren’t the only ones taking photos; the area was bustling with other tourists.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Discovering Shakespeare and Company
As we left Notre-Dame, my son suddenly said, “I need to go to the bathroom!” If you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know how these moments can throw off your plans. Public restrooms in Paris are scarce, and train station bathrooms weren’t an option for us. So, we decided to head for a nearby café, buy something, and borrow their restroom.
On our way, we stumbled upon the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore. I had heard of this English-language bookshop but didn’t realize it was so close to Notre-Dame. There was a long line of people outside, which made me curious.
I later learned that the original shop was founded by an American woman and was frequented by literary legends like Hemingway and Fitzgerald. The current location also serves as a library and even offers lodging for aspiring writers. While we didn’t have time to explore inside, it was exciting to discover such a historic place by chance. Next time, it’s definitely on my list!
Shakespeare and Company bookstore: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Paris Evening Walks and Ramen Dinner
Walking through Paris in the evening is an experience in itself. The streets are lined with glowing cafés and restaurants, and the lively atmosphere makes the city feel magical. We passed the beautiful Saint-Séverin Church, which had such a unique character. It reminded me of Tokyo—vibrant and safe, even after dark.
Church of Saint-Séverin: 1 Rue des Prêtres Saint-Séverin, 75005 Paris, France
First Dinner in Paris: A Retro Ramen Adventure at KODAWARI YOKOCHO
Just a 10-minute walk from the café where we had borrowed a restroom earlier, we arrived at our first dinner spot in Paris: KODAWARI YOKOCHO. Originally, we planned to visit the TSUKIJI location near the Louvre Museum. However, as we continued walking, we realized the YOKOCHO branch was closer, so we decided to change plans and head there instead.
Stepping inside, we were immediately transported back in time. The restaurant’s décor was over-the-top retro, packed with vintage posters and knickknacks that perfectly captured the essence of Japan’s Showa era. The level of detail was incredible—it truly felt like we had stepped into another time and place.
Adding to the experience, the staff greeted us with a lively “Irasshaimase!” that momentarily made us wonder if they were Japanese. Surprisingly, the owner is actually French! Even more astonishing, he transitioned from a career as a pilot to becoming a ramen shop owner.
Although I forgot to take a photo, I have to mention the restroom upstairs. The walls are covered with nostalgic Showa-era posters and flyers, creating an unexpected mini-exhibit of retro Japanese culture. The collection is so impressive that I couldn’t help but wonder how they managed to gather so many authentic pieces.
The ramen? Delicious! The flavors were spot on, and it reminded me of being back in Japan. If you’re craving something warm and comforting in Paris, this place is worth a visit. By the way, the price of ramen is about the same as in the U.S., around €15 per bowl.
Kodawari Yokocho: 29 Rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris, France
Visiting Iconic Locations from Emily in Paris
Emily’s Apartment
After dinner, we took a short walk to visit some of the filming locations from the Netflix series Emily in Paris. As someone who binge-watched the show, I was thrilled! Fans won’t want to miss Emily’s charming apartment, the nearby bakery, and Gabriel’s restaurant—must-see spots for any Emily in Paris enthusiast.
Emily’s apartment: Pl. de l’Estrapade, 75005 Paris, France
Gabriel’s restaurant : Terra Nera
Gabriel’s restaurant is actually just a short walk from Emily’s apartment! When you see the spot in person, it’s so easy to think, “Wow, this is the place!” and feel a little thrill of recognition. In real life, it’s an Italian restaurant called “Terra Nera,” and its cozy vibe fits perfectly with the charming cobblestone street around it. Even if you just stop by to check it out, it’s such a fun little detour. Next time I’m in Paris, I’d love to sit down for a meal here and soak up the Emily in Paris vibes. It’s such a fun idea to imagine turning a scene from the show into a real-life experience!
Tera Nera : 18 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France
The Bakery : SAS boulangerie moderne Rabineau
Here is the bakery Emily had a pain au chocolat! I was hoping to try the same chocolate croissant at the bakery near Emily’s apartment, but unfortunately, it was closed by the time we arrived. I’ve added it to my list for next time—something to look forward to!
SAS boulangerie moderne Rabineau : 16 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France
The Panthéon
Our final stop was the Panthéon—or more accurately, we just walked past it. It’s only a two-minute stroll from Emily’s apartment. The Panthéon is a historic building in Paris and the resting place of many renowned figures.
Panthéon: Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France
Christmas Lights on Avenue Montaigne
To wrap up our first day in Paris, we decided to visit the Avenue Montaigne, one of the city’s most iconic shopping streets, to admire the Christmas lights.
From Emily’s apartment, it would have taken about an hour to walk to Avenue Montaigne. However, after a long first day, our feet were already exhausted, and we had an early morning planned for the next day. So, we opted for an Uber, which cost us €13
When we arrived, the dazzling lights spread out before us, and the extravagant decorations at Christian Dior were particularly breathtaking! Whether or not you’re interested in luxury brands, this street is absolutely worth a visit. Our boys, who have no idea what Dior is (just like with Louis Vuitton earlier), were thrilled by the beautiful decorations nonetheless. It’s such a special experience that captures the magic of Paris during the Christmas season!
On the way back, we took a taxi since there were many lined up along Avenue Montaigne. However, the taxi driver made it very obvious that he was slowing down intentionally to increase the fare. Next time, I’ll stick to using Uber, where the fare is fixed, and there are no surprises.
Christian Dior: 3 Rue de Marignan, 75008 Paris, France
Ending the Night with Dessert
Back at the hotel, we decided to treat ourselves to dessert using a €100 credit from our Amex booking. I ordered a mille-feuille, not expecting much, but it turned out to be incredible—crisp, buttery layers with just the right amount of sweetness. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Paris, even if eating it at 10 PM felt a little indulgent!
Hilton Paris Opera: 108 Rue Saint-Lazare, 75008 Paris, France
From iconic landmarks to unexpected discoveries, Day 1 in Paris was full of unforgettable moments. We hope you enjoyed reliving it with us! On Day 2 in Paris, we’ll explore the Palace of Versailles, diving into its rich history and stunning beauty. What was your favorite part of Day 1? Let us know, and stay tuned for more adventures!
*The Uber prices I mention in my blog are all shown before tips are added. I hope this helps as a reference for getting around in Paris!
Paris Travelogue
Paris Travelogue 3: Versailles in Winter: What to Expect and How to Enjoy the Palace
Day 2 in Paris was all about exploring the stunning Versailles Palace! From the Hall of Mirrors to the beautiful gardens and the Trianons, it was a day full of wonder!
Paris Travelogue: 2024 Family Thanksgiving Trip from Denver
Thanksgiving in Paris? Oui! Join our Paris Travelogue as we journey from Denver to the City of Light, sharing tips and memorable moments. Dive in!
