Home Ā» Postcards from A Romantic Weekend in Paris, France

Postcards from A Romantic Weekend in Paris, France

by Debra C Argen & Edward F Nesta
Eiffel Tower Sunset - photo by Luxury Experience

We have been to Paris, France many times, however each time we visit we discover more things to love about the ā€œCity of Light.ā€ While every month and season in Paris is beautiful, and April has a song written about it, Autumn in Paris is especially wonderful. We spent a romantic weekend in Paris in late October when the weather was perfect before venturing on to explore the Burgundy region. Cā€™est magnifique!

Where to Stay – Hotel Villa Marquis, member of MeliĆ” Collection

Hotel Villa Marquis MeliĆ” Collection Paris France - photo by Luxury Experience

Hotel Villa Marquis MeliĆ” Collection Paris France

Location, location, location! We stayed at the intimate, 64-room Hotel Villa Marquis, member of MeliĆ” Collection, a gorgeous five-star luxury hotel located in the Central District of Paris, in the ƉlysĆ©e-8th Arrondissement (District) at 35 rue Jean Goujon, on the right bank (Rive Droit) of the Seine River. The hotel is located a mere 1.3 km (0.8 mile) from the Eiffel Tower. How much more romantic can you get when your hotel has this iconic landmark as its neighbor?

Our King-bed room was sumptuously and romantically dressed in ivory linens with a plethora of pillows against a crimson velvet curved headboard, with matching crimson velvet drapes on the large windows, and a crimson love seat placed at the foot of the bed. A round table with a chair was perfect for enjoying morning coffee or planning how to spend our day in Paris.

Guest Room - Hotel Villa Marquis MeliĆ” Paris - photo by Luxury Experience

Guest Room

Other amenities included robes and slippers, a deep soaking tub large enough for two, a large walk-in shower with rain showerhead, and a heated towel rack. There was a separate bathroom with a vanity sink and toilet, and assorted toiletry amenities, as well as a Nespresso coffeemaker with a selection of Nespresso capsules, a hot water tea kettle and a selection of teas, a bottle of Evian water, a mini-bar refrigerator, and a safe.

A few of the many hotel amenities include their Signature Restaurant – Dos Almas Restaurant, Fitness Center, Yoga Classes, Business Center, Accessible Rooms, Adapted Rooms, Special Experiences and more. As another advantage for those who like to travel with their dogs, the hotel is Dog Friendly and has special pet-friendly rooms and special amenities for pets.

To read more about our stay at the Villa Marquis Melia Collection, please visit the Hotels and Resorts section.

Read about our dining experience at Dos Almas Restaurant in the Restaurants section.

For more information on Hotel Villa Marquis, member of MeliĆ” Collection, please visit the website: https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/france/paris/villa-marquis-melia-collection

MeliĆ” Hotels Resorts logo

Hotel Villa Marquis, member of MeliĆ” Collection
35 rue Jean Goujon
Paris 75008
France
Email:Ā  villamarquis@melia.com
Telephone: +33-1-53-93-63-00
Website: https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/france/paris/villa-marquis-melia-collection
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Melia.Hotels?fref=ts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meliahtlresorts/
X: https://x.com/MeliaHtlResorts

Attractions ā€“ Things To Do ā€“ The Landmarks, Museums, and More

Paris is a city with many diverse arrondisements (districts) that must be explored, and our hotel Villa Marquis Melia Collection provided us with a wonderful proximity to revisit a few of our favorite landmarks, along with discovering new places as well.

Eiffel Tower - photo by Luxury Experience

Eiffel Tower

Le Tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower) is the most celebrated Paris landmark. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, it stands 1,083 feet tall, is in the 7th arrondissement, and is a short walk from the Hotel Villa Marquis. We loved walking by it in the daytime and especially enjoyed it in the evening when it was gloriously illuminated.

Le Tour Eiffel
Champs de Mara
5 avenue Anatole

Champs-ƉlysĆ©es is located a short 4-minute walk from the hotel.

Arc de Triomphe (1.5 km/0.93 mile) Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte after his victory at Austerlitz and is adorned with sculptures and reliefs representing military victories.

Exploring Museums and Other Sights

Paris is an art loverā€™s dream of a city with a wide range of spectacular museums to appeal to diverse preferences. Here are a few of the interesting museums we visited.

MusƩe YSL Paris - Les Fleurs d,Yves Saint Laurent - photo by Luxury Experience

MusĆ©e YSL Paris – Les Fleurs d,Yves Saint Laurent

If fashion is your passion, then a visit to the MusƩe Yves Saint Laurent in the 16th arrondisement

is a must. While we have been to Paris many times, this was our first time visiting this exquisite museum. During our visit, we had the opportunity to see the stunning exhibition, The Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent: An unprecedented collaboration between the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Paris., that celebrated his work and runs until May 4, 2025.

MusƩe YSL Floral Fashions exhibit - photos by Luxury Experience

Hours: The Museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm. Last entry is at 5:15 pm. The Museum has extended hours on Thursdays until 9:00 pm, with last enby at 8:15 pm. The Museum is closed Monday, January 1, May 1, and December 25.

Admission: Full Price: 10 EUR, Reduced Admission for Students, Teachers, Visitors from 10-18 Years: 7 EUR. Please visit the website for additional Admission information.

Read more about our visit to the MusƩe Yves Saint Laurent in the Arts section.

To learn more about the MusƩe Yves Saint Laurent, please visit their website: https://museeyslparis.com/

MusƩe YSLP Logo

MusƩe Yves Saint Laurent
5 avenue Marceau
75116 Paris, France
Telephone: +33-01-44-31-64-00
Email: publics@museeyslparis.com
Website: https://museeyslparis.com/
Instagram: @museeyslparis

MusƩe du Louvre

MusƩe du Louvre

MusƩe Du Louvre (The Louvre) is another iconic landmark and museum in Paris. If you only have time to visit one museum, The Louvre should be on your schedule. World-renowned, this iconic national art museum opened in 1793 and is a stunning mixture of historic architecture that beautifully contrasts with the glass Pyramid designed by I.M. Pei and completed in 1989.

MusƩe du Louvre Sculpture - photo by Luxury Experience

We have visited The Louvre many times throughout the years, and we always find something new to experience from their vast collections of paintings, sculptures, and objects. On this visit, we had the opportunity to experience Collectif Mille au carrƩ, and their exciting exhibition, The Phonotons, a whimsical and phenomenal combination of artistic and technical sculptures that interact to create sounds presented by Alexandre Berthaud and Bruno Kervern.

Collectif Mille au carrƩ - Alexandre Berthaud & Bruno Kervern - photo by Luxury Experience

Collectif Mille au carrĆ© – Alexandre Berthaud & Bruno Kervern

We also spent a few hours appreciating the stunning sculptures that are so life-life that you expect the marble horses to start galloping across the courtyard, and the intricate details of the people are astonishing.

Hours: The Museum is open Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm, with extended hours on Wednesday and Friday until 9:00 pm. The Museum is closed on Tuesday, January 1, May 1, and December 25. Please visit their website for more information.

Admission: General Admission: 22 EUR, Free Admission on the first Friday of the month after 6:00 pm except in July and August. Please visit the website for additional Admission information.

Pro-Tip: Buy your tickets online to save time and go early in the day to avoid long lines.

For more information on visiting the MusƩe Du Louvre, please visit their website: https://www.louvre.fr/en

MusƩe du Louvre logo

MusƩe Du Louvre (1st arrondisement)
99, rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 (0)1-40-20-53-17
Website: https://www.louvre.fr/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/museedulouvre
Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/museedulouvre

Jardin des Tuileries - photo by Luxury Experience

Jardin des Tuileries

After spending several hours in The Louvre, we took a leisurely stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden) located between the Museum and Place de la Concorde. It is interesting to note that Catherine deā€™ Medici created the park as the garden of the Tuileries Palace in 1564. The park was opened to the public in 1667.

Place de la Concorde - photo by Luxury Experience

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde: Located at the eastern end of the Champs-ƉlysĆ©es, it is one of the largest public squares in Paris. It is known for its historic significance, including being the site of public executions during the French Revolution. The square features an Egyptian obelisk and two fountains.

MusĆ©e du quai Branly ā€“ Jacques Chirac (7th arrondissement) was another great museum we discovered on this trip to Paris that is located near the Eiffel Tower. In addition to their permanent collection, we explored their temporary exhibitions which included ā€œthe collections have their own soundtrackā€ with a sound trail (runs until September 17, 2025), the interesting exhibition, ā€œZombisā€ (runs until February 16, 2025), and enjoyed seeing their Mardi Gras/Carnival collections of gorgeous costumes.

MusƩe du quai Branly - Zombis- photo by Luxury Experience

MusĆ©e du quai Branly – Zombis

Hours: The Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30 am until 7:00 pm, and on Thursday from 10:30 am until 10:00 pm. The Museum is closed on Monday. Please visit their website for more information.

Admission to the Permanent Collections and Temporary Exhibitions: Full Price: 14 EUR, Reduced Rate: 11 EUR. Please visit their website for more information on rates.

MusƩe du quai Branly - logo

MusĆ©e du quai Branly ā€“ Jacques Chirac
37 Quai Branly
75007 Paris, France
Telephone: +33-01-56-61-70-00
Website: https://www.quaibranly.fr/en/
Instagram: @quaibranly

Luxury Fragrance Creation ā€“ Henry Jacques ā€“ Haute Parfumerie Vivante

Henry Jacques Haute Parfumerie - Paris, France

Henry Jacques Haute Parfumerie – Paris, France

When it comes to romance, scent is intimate, personal, and unique to the wearer. To learn more about the fascinating art and science of fragrance, we visited the haute perfumery, Henry Jacques, where they work with you to find which of their fragrances is best for you, and they can also create a special, very exclusive perfume for you, one that is yours alone. Imagine having your own signature scent created for you that is as unique as you are. Once created, they keep the formula for you, so they can create more as you request it. Bring on the romance! Their gorgeous bottles are hand blown, and special bespoke bottles, as well as bespoke travel perfume cases are just some of the benefits of what they can provide.

Henry Jacques Parfumerie - photo by Luxury Experience

Henry Jacques Haute Parfumerie

To learn more about Henry Jacques, or to make an appointment to visit them, please visit their website: https://parfumshenryjacques.com/

Henry Jacques Haute Parfumerie Vivante Logo

Henry Jacques
2 Avenue Montaigne
75008, Paris, France
Telephone: +33-01-53-81-30-30
Email: montaigne@parfumshenryjacques.com
Website: https://parfumshenryjacques.com/
Instagram: @henryjacquesparfums @henryjacques

Shopping

Luxury Shopping can be found along Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-HonorĆ©, where the renowned designers line the ā€œstreets of fashion dreams.ā€

Department Store Shopping and Rooftop Sightseeing

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann and Printemps Haussmann located near one another on Boulevard Haussmann, offer wonderful shopping opportunities housed in architectural splendor.

Galeries Lafayette rooftop view - photo by Luxury Experience

Galeries Lafayette rooftop view

Galeries Lafayetteā€™s The Terrace is also one of the best places for ā€œrooftop sightseeingā€ with its spectacular vistas of the Eiffel Tower, SacrĆ© Coeur, Notre Dame, OpĆ©ra Garnier and more. We experienced a breathtaking sunset from The Terrace!

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
40, Boulevard Haussmann
75009 Paris, France
Website: https://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/

Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet
35, Boulevard Haussmann
75009 Paris, France

Hours: Coupole, Lā€™Homme and Maison stores: open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8.30pm and Sundays and public holidays from 11am to 8pm. Gourmet store: open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 9.30pm, Sundays and public holidays from 11am to 8pm. The stores are closed on 25 December, 1 January, and 1 May.

Printemps
64 Boulevard Haussmann
75009 Paris, France
Website: https://www.printemps.com/uk/en/printemps-paris-haussmannĀ 

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm, Sunday from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm.

Restaurants ā€“ Where To Dine

Dos Almas Restaurant Hotel Villa Marquis MeliĆ” Collection

Dos Almas Restaurant

We dined at the Dos Almas Restaurant at the Hotel Villa Marquis, member of MeliĆ” Collection on our first night in Paris, and again on our last night in Paris, where the ambience was warm and inviting with a Jazz duo (on Friday evenings) playing the iconic song Garota de Ipanema (The Girl from Ipanema) by Antonio Carlos Jobim, I Hear A Rhapsody by John Coltrane, and Haitian Fight Song by Charles Mingus, among others, that complemented the delectable fusion of Spanish and French cuisine.

Plancha Smoked Salmon Steak - Dos Almas - MeliĆ” Collection - photo by Luxury Experience

Plancha Smoked Salmon Steak

Two of the highlights of our dinner included the Octopus served over saffron rice with seafood, cuttlefish ink tuille, and the Salmon, presented as plancha smoked salmon steak with Flemish-style green and white asparagus, and potato waffle.

Octopus on Saffron Rice with Seafood - Dos Almas - MeliĆ” Collection - photo by Luxury Experience

Octopus on Saffron Rice with Seafood

Read more about our dining experience at Dos Almas Restaurant at the Hotel Villa Marquis, member of MeliĆ” Collection in the Restaurants section.

MeliĆ” Hotels Resorts logo

Dos Almas Restaurant at the Hotel Villa Marquis, member of MeliĆ” Collection
35 Rue Jean Goujon
Paris, France
Email:Ā  villamarquis@melia.com
Telephone: +33 1 53 93 63 00
Website: https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/france/paris/villa-marquis-melia-collection
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Melia.Hotels?fref=ts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meliahtlresorts/
X: https://x.com/MeliaHtlResorts

Paris is a city that must be visited and revisited many times to fully appreciate its beauty and charm. We cannot wait to return and discover more! Until next time, keep enjoying travel with Luxury Experience!

Debra C. Argen & Edward F. Nesta Paris-2024 - photo by Luxury Experience

Come and enjoy the beauty of Paris!

English- French Dictionary

While many people speak English, it is always a great idea to learn or familiarize yourself with the language of the country that you are visiting. We put together a comprehensive list of words and phrases to help you prepare for, and enjoy, your upcoming trip. Bon voyage!

Getting Around

Do you speak English?
Parlez-vous Anglais ?
I do not speak French
Je ne parle pas franƧais
I speak a little French
Je parle un peu franƧais
I speak French
Je parle franƧais
I am sorry, I do not understand
Je suis dƩsolƩ, je ne comprends pas
Good morning/Hello
Bonjour
Good evening
Bonsoir
Please
S’il vous plaĆ®t
Thank you
Merci
Youā€™re welcome
De rien
It is nice to meet you
EnchantƩ
Pardon me
Pardonne-moi
Yes
Oui
No
Non
With
Avec
Without
Sans
Can you help me?
Pouvez-vous mā€™aiderĀ ?
I am lost
Je suis perdu
Directions
Instructions
Straight ahead
Tout droit
Turn left
Tourner Ć  gauche
Turn right
Tournez Ć  droite
Where is/Where areā€¦
OĆ¹ estā€¦
The bathrooms, please
Les toilettes, sā€™il vous plait
Train Station
Le Gare
Airport
AĆ©roport
How much does it cost?
Combien Ƨa coĆ»teĀ ?
Open
Ouvrir
Closed
FermƩ
Hours
Heures

Ā At the Hotel

My name isā€¦
Mon nom estā€¦
My name isā€¦
Je mā€™appelleā€¦
I have a reservation
J’ai une rĆ©servation
Check-in
Enregistrement
Check-out
VĆ©rifier
Room
Chambre
Room Key
ClƩ De La Chambre
Room Service
Service De Chambre
Bed
Lit
Full Bed
Lit Double
Queen Bed
Lit Queen
King Bed
TrĆØs grand lit
Swimming Pool
Piscine

Ā At the Restaurant – Food and Drink ā€“ Reading the Menu

I would like a table for (1, 2, 3) persons.
Je voudrais une table pour (une, deux, trois) personnes.
Menu
Menu
Breakfast
Petit-DĆ©jeuner
Lunch
DĆ©jeuner
Dinner
DƮner
Appetizers
ApƩritifs
First Course
EntrƩe
Main Course
Plat Principal
Pasta
PĆ¢tes
Dessert
Dessert
Cake
GĆ¢teau
Ice Cream
Glace
Pie
Tarte
Pudding
Pudding
May I have the check please?
J’ai le chĆØque, s’il te plaĆ®tĀ ?
Coffee
CafƩ
Coffee with Milk
CafƩ Au Lait
Honey
Miel
Ice
Glace
Juice
Jus
Lemon
Citron
Milk
Lait
Tea
ThƩ
Beer
BiĆØre
Cider
Cidre
Mineral Water
Eau MinƩrale
Sparkling Water
Eau Gazeuse
Sugar
Sucre
Wine
Vin
Red Wine
Vin Rouge
White Wine
Vin Blanc
Cheers, To your Health
ƀ votre santĆ© !
Bread
Pain
Butter
Beurre
Cereal
CƩrƩale
Cheese
Fromage
Eggs
Œufs
Beef
Bœuf
Chicken
Poulet/Poulette
Duck
Canard/Cane
Ham
Jambon
Lamb
Agneau
Pork
Porc
Seafood/Shellfish
Fruit de Mer
Clams
Palourdes
Crab
Crabe
Fish
Poisson
Lobster
Homard
Mussels
Moules
Octopus
Pieuvre
Prawns
Crevettes
Salmon
Saumon
Scallops
Coquilles Saint-Jacques
Snails
Escargots
Vegetables
LĆ©gumes
Asparagus
Asperge
Artichoke
Artichaut
Avocado
Avocate
Beets
Betteraves
Broccoli
Brocoli
Cauliflower
Chou-fleur
Corn
Mais
Lettuce
Laitue
Mushrooms
champignons
Onions
Oignons
Peas
Petits Pois
Potatoes
Pommes De Terre
Rice
Riz
Salad
Salade
Soup
Soupe
Spinach
Ɖpinard
Tomato
Tomate
Pescatarian
Pescatarien
Vegetarian
VƩgƩtarienne/VƩgƩtarien
Vegan
VƩgƩtalienne/VƩgƩtalien
Apple
Pomme
Banana
Banane
Blueberries
Bluets
Cantaloupe
Cantaloup
Cherries
Cerise
Fig
Figue
Grapes
Raisins
Kiwi
Kiwi
Melon
Melon
Orange
Orange
Pear
Poire
Pineapple
Ananas
Raisins
Raisins secs
Raspberries
Framboise
Strawberries
Fraises
Nuts
Noix
Almonds
Amandes
Hazelnuts
Noisettes
Peanuts
CacahuĆØtes
Walnuts
Noix

Ā Friends and Family

Me
Moi
You
Vous
We
Nous
They
Ils/Elles
He/Him
Lui
She/Her
Elle
Husband
Mari
Wife
Ɖpouse
Father
PĆØre
Mother
MĆØre
Son
Fils
Daughter
Fille
Friend
Ami/Amie
Friends
Amis/Amies
Male
Homme
Female
Femme

Days of the Week, Months, Time, and Weather

Monday
Lundi
Tuesday
Mardi
Wednesday
Mercredi
Thursday
Jeudi
Friday
Vendredi
Saturday
Samedi
Sunday
Dimanche
January
Janvier
February
FĆ©vrier
March
Mars
April
Avril
May
Mai
June
Juin
July
Juillet
August
Aoƻt
September
Septembre
October
Octobre
November
Novembre
December
DĆ©cembre
Today
Aujourd’hui
Tomorrow
Demain
After
AprĆØs
Before
Avant
Since
Depuis
Now
Maintenant
Later
Plus Tard
Cold
Froid
Hot
Chaud
Rain
Pluie
Sun
Soleil
Umbrella
Parapluie

Numbers

1
Une
2
Deux
3
Trois
4
Quatre
5
Cinq
6
Six
7
Sept
8
Huit
9
Neuf
10
Dix
11
Onze
12
Douze
13
Treize
14
Quatorze
15
Quinze
16
Seize
17
Dix-Sept
18
Dix-Huit
19
Dix-Neuf
20
Vingt
21
Vingt et Un
22
Vingt Deux
30
Trente
31
Trente et Un
40
Quarante
41
Quarante et Un
50
Cinquante
51
Cinquante et Un
60
Soixante
61
Soixante e Un
70
Soixante-Dix
71
Soixante et Onze
72
Soixante-Douze
80
Quatre-Vingts
81
Quatre-Vingt-Un
90
Quatre-Vingt-Dix
91
Quatre-Vingt-Onze
100
Cent

Health Problems

I have a problem withā€¦
J’ai un problĆØme avecā€¦
Ankle
Cheville
Appendix Pain
Douleur a L’appendice
Arm
Bras
Back Pain
Mal de Dos
Cardiac
Cardiaque
Chest Pain
Douleur Thoracique
Cold
Rhume
Cough
Toux
Diabetes
DiabĆØte
Earache
Mal Dā€™oreille
Elbow
Coude
Eyes
Yeux
Fever
FiĆØvre
Fingers
Doigts
Foot
Pied
Hand
Main
Head
TĆŖte
Headache
Mal De TĆŖte
Knee
Genou
Leg
Jambe
Neck
Cou
Pain
Douleur
Shoulder
Ɖpaule
Sore Throat
Ma De Gorge
Toes
Orteils
Toothache
Mal Aux Dents
Wrist
Poignet

Ā Medical Assistance

I need a dentist
J’ai besoin d’un dentiste
I need a doctor
J’ai besoin d’un mĆ©decin
I need help
J’ai besoin d’aide
I need to go to a hospital
Je dois aller Ć  l’hĆ“pital
I need medical help
J’ai besoin d’une aide mĆ©dicale
I need medicine
J’ai besoin de mĆ©dicaments
I need a pharmacy
J’ai besoin d’une pharmacie

Read more about Paris in the Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, and Arts sections.

I Love Paris - photo by Luxury Experience

I Love Paris

For more information on visiting France, please visit the websites: Atout-France:Ā  https://www.atout-france.fr/fr and Paris je taime: https://parisjetaime.com/eng

Paris jeā€™ taime Tourist Office
Website: https://parisjetaime.com/eng
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p.infos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parisjetaime/

Follow Luxury Experience on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LuxuryExperience to see photos and videos.

Follow Luxury Experience on YouTube: @edwardnesta9910 @luxurypair

Follow Luxury Experience on Instagram: www.Instagram.com/luxurypair @luxurypair

Ā© November 2024. Luxury Experience www.LuxuryExperience.com. All rights reserved.

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