✨ Lazy Girl Goes to Paris
A cozy, delicious, culture‑soaked guide from someone who’s been… a LOT.
Paris is one of those cities that lives up to the hype — every single time. I’ve been multiple times over the years, including taking my kids for my 40th birthday, and again last summer when we squeezed in a one‑day Paris wander after visiting the Normandy D‑Day Beaches.
Every trip has had its own personality:
🎂 My 40th birthday trip with the kids
🇫🇷 A summer day trip after Normandy
🎨 A Monet‑themed museum wander
🥐 A slow, cozy Paris weekend
👟 Countless walkable days over the years
Paris is culture, food, art, and experience. It’s a city that needs to be walked, tasted, and felt. And if you love Monet? Oh, do I have museums for you.
This post may contain affiliate links for products or services I personally use and love. If you choose to purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things that fit the Lazy Girl travel style — simple, helpful, and genuinely part of my real‑life routines.
Find all my Paris favorites here in one easy list → Lazy Girl goes to Paris
❤️ A Paris Moment That Stuck With Me
40th birthday trip to the Eifel Tower
On my 40th birthday trip, I took my kids to Paris for the first time. We walked, we ate, we laughed, we got lost, we found ourselves again, and we ended the night with crêpes and a view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling.
Last summer, after our Normandy D‑Day Beaches tour, we had one day in Paris — and even with just a day, the city wrapped itself around us. We took them to Versailles, wandered the gardens, and ended the night with pastries and a slow walk along the Seine.
Paris isn’t just a destination for us anymore… it’s a feeling.
☕ Lazy Girl Philosophy: Paris Edition
Paris is a city you savor, not schedule.
You don’t need a packed itinerary. You don’t need to see everything. You don’t need to rush.
You need:
a flexible plan
a few pre‑booked highlights
and the freedom to wander
Lazy Girl Paris is about slow mornings, long walks, cozy cafés, and letting the city charm you.
🏨 Where I’ve Stayed in Paris (And My Honest Thoughts)
Paris is one of those cities where you can stay almost anywhere and still have a magical trip. I’ve stayed in everything from a Best Western to a historic Hilton to a Renaissance with a family suite — and every single stay has its own story.
Here are my real experiences, Lazy Girl style.
Renaissance Arc de Triomphe — My Kids’ Favorite Hotel Ever
This hotel will always have a special place in my heart. We booked a family suite using points + euros, and it was worth every single penny. My kids still talk about this stay — the space, the comfort, the location, the feeling of being in Paris but also having room to breathe.
It’s one of those rare hotels that becomes part of your family lore.
Lazy Girl Tip: If you’re traveling with kids and your budget allows, this is a splurge that pays off in memories.
Hilton Paris Opera — Historic, Grand, and So Much Fun
We stayed here last summer and oh my goodness… the history. The architecture, the lobby, the old‑world glamour — it feels like stepping into a Parisian storybook. It’s elegant without being stuffy, and the location is perfect for exploring the city.
If you love hotels with character, this one delivers.
Lazy Girl Tip: This is a great choice for a first‑timer who wants a “wow” moment without overthinking it.
Best Western (Our First Paris Trip)
We were young, excited, and just happy to be in Paris — and honestly? It was perfect. Clean, safe, walkable, and exactly what we needed at the time. Paris is one of those cities where you can stay somewhere simple and still have the time of your life.
Lazy Girl Tip: If your budget is tight, don’t stress. Paris is magical no matter where you sleep.
⭐ Lazy Girl Hotel Philosophy: Paris Edition
Paris is a city where:
the luxury hotels feel luxurious
the mid‑range hotels feel comfortable
the budget hotels feel nostalgic
If your budget allows, the nicer hotels are absolutely worth it — but you can still have an incredible trip at a simple, cozy spot. Paris is about the experience, not the room.
🎨 Lazy Girl Paris: Art Edition (Monet Lovers, This Is Your Moment)
Paris is a dream if you love Impressionism — especially Monet.
My must‑do favorites:
Musée de l’Orangerie
Home of the Water Lilies. Quiet, emotional, unforgettable.
Musée d’Orsay
Impressionist heaven. Degas, Renoir, Monet, Manet — all under one roof.
Musée Marmottan Monet
A hidden gem with the largest Monet collection in the world.
Lazy Girl Tip: If you only do one museum, make it L’Orangerie. It’s small, magical, and perfect for a Lazy Girl day.
🖼️ The Louvre (My Honest Thoughts)
Mona Lisa was a must on their list
Headed to Paris? This Lazy Girl packing list has everything you need for cute, comfortable, walk‑all‑day outfits — including good walking shoes (I hit 35k steps in one day!), cozy layers, daily sunscreen, and simple skincare. Paris is a city you walk, taste, and feel — from Seine strolls to gardens to unforgettable food. This list keeps you comfy, chic, and ready for every magical moment.
🧋 Lazy Girl’s Perfect Paris Day
Coffee + croissant
One big attraction
Lunch at a café
A long walk through the city
Macaron break
Wine at golden hour
Dinner in Saint‑Germain
Night walk along the Seine
Easy. Delicious. Memorable.
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✍️ About the Author
Hi, I’m Julie — a travel advisor, cruise‑loving mom, and creator of NoPointLeftBehind.net, where I teach real people how to travel smarter using simple systems, cozy planning, and points‑and‑miles strategies that actually fit real life.
I believe travel should feel easy, fun, and attainable, and the Lazy Girl Series is my love letter to stress‑free adventures, iced coffee, and walking cities at golden hour.
