With Sam Bhandari | Trips With Sam
Paris Day 4:
Morning – Breakfast & Boulevard St. Germain Charm
I began the day with a quiet breakfast at Coutume Café, one of modern specialty coffee spots near Boulevard St. Germain. The scent of freshly brewed espresso mixed with the buttery aroma of croissants set the perfect tone for the morning.
From there, I strolled through Boulevard Saint-Germain, passing elegant boutiques, bookshops, and flower stands that make this part of the 6th Arrondissement feel timeless. A stop at Église Saint-Sulpice — majestic yet peaceful — offered a quiet break before the day unfolded.
Optional Morning Stops:
• Pierre Hermé – For the most artistic macarons in Paris.
• Galerie Kugel – A hidden gem for antique lovers.
• Jardin du Luxembourg – Ideal for a relaxed morning walk among fountains and statues.
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Afternoon – Parisian Elegance & Designer Streets
The afternoon unfolded along Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré — two of most iconic fashion boulevards. The windows of Dior, Chanel, and Hermès sparkled under the soft light, each boutique a story of timeless French style.
I then walked toward the Champs-Élysées, one of the most beautiful and well-known avenues . Stretching for 1.9 km, it connects Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe — a grand showcase of Parisian life, where history meets high fashion and cafés line the sidewalks.
Lunch was at Café de l’Esplanade, a refined spot near Les Invalides where locals gather for quiet luxury. Between sips of rosé and bites of truffle risotto, I watched Parisians glide by in perfect elegance — effortless and inspiring.
Later, I explored Galerie Vivienne, one of oldest covered passages. Its mosaic floors, antique bookshops, and vintage boutiques offered a nostalgic charm that felt frozen in time.
Optional Detour:
• Printemps Rooftop Terrace – Free access to one of the best skyline views.
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Evening – Dinner & Twilight by the Seine
As the golden light began to fade, I returned toward the 1st Arrondissement. The streets around Rue de Rivoli and Place Vendôme shimmered in the evening — elegant, calm, and distinctly Parisian.
Dinner was at Chez Bernard, an elegant brasserie with a modern Parisian soul — vibrant yet intimate, serving beautifully plated dishes and warm, lively energy.
After dinner, I took a slow walk across Pont Alexandre III, where the reflections of street lamps danced on the Seine — a perfect final farewell to the City of Light.
Alternative Dinner Options:
• Le Fumoir – Classic Parisian elegance near the Louvre.
• Café Laperouse – Romantic riverside dining.
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Where I Ate & Drank:
• Breakfast: Coutume Café (6th)
• Lunch: Café de l’Esplanade (7th)
• Dinner: Chez Bernard (1st)
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Hidden Gems:
• Rue de Verneuil – For chic street art and boutique shops.
• Maison Francis Kurkdjian Boutique – For signature Parisian perfumes.
• Galerie Vivienne – Timeless covered passage full of Parisian nostalgia.
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Transport Tips:
• Metro Line 1: Best for shopping and sightseeing between 1st and 8th Arrondissements.
• Metro Line 10: Connects St. Germain and the Latin Quarter.
• Taxis/Ubers: Easily available from Avenue Montaigne to central Paris.
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Safety & Etiquette:
• Dress modestly in high-end areas — Parisians value understated elegance.
• Keep shopping bags close, especially in metro stations.
• Always say “Merci, bonne journée!” when leaving a boutique.
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Lifestyle Tip:
Take a slow afternoon coffee break — not because you have time, but because that’s how Paris teaches you to live.
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“Day 4 was full of surprises, but Day 5 brings even more excitement. Stay tuned to see what’s next!”
