By Candice M. Roberts
I go to Paris every year. I've gone alone. I've gone with my husband. I've gone with my children. I've gone with friends. I've gone for photo shoots.
Even though I need no one to entertainment me, my favorite way to see Paris is with friends. Why? Your girlfriends want to eat, shop and see all of the museums with you. They are all in on the Parisian fantasy and they don't mind stopping to get that perfect IG photo. Needs some ideas for your next girls trip? Here are a few to get you started.
Palais Galliera
Paris is the fashion capital of the world and what better way to celebrate that than to visit the Palais Galliera. Formally known as the Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris (City of Paris Fashion Museum), the collection showcases all of the Who's Who in haute couture.
The museum is located near the trocadero, across the river from the Eiffel Tower. The building was gifted to the City of Paris by the Duchess of Galliera as a museum to display the family's massive art collection. For many years, the museum displayed local art exhibitions unveiling the modern art of its time. In 1977, the City of Paris established the Musee de la Mode del al Ville de Paris as a permanent collection of fashion design and costume. Today, you can see vintage pieces from all of the top fashion houses as well as clothing belonging to Marie Antoinette and Audrey Hepburn.
This is a wonderful way to start off a girlfriends voyage through the city of lights. Who else is going to be as enthusiastic as you over vintage Chanel?
Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is a perfect reason to bring a little black dress to Paris. The Moulin Rouge is located in Pigalle. It opened in 1889 and was known for being risqué. The Moulin Rouge was originally a place where patrons could gaze at seductive cabaret dancers while having a few drinks. It is known the world over for the can-can and it can still be seen today. Today's entertainment is less seductive and more of a feathery costumed production. Don't get me wrong, there are still topless women, but the shows at the Moulin Rouge are equivalent to a Las Vegas show versus a gentleman's club.
The Moulin Rouge has two options, dinner or just champagne. The dinner option costs around 200€ per person while the champagne option is half that. With both options, you get an amazing show that you will never forget.
There are other options for the same type of entertainment. Le Crazy Horse which is a bit more sexual than the Moulin Rouge (but still worth it) or Le Lido which is known for its exquisite costumers. Either options is a reason to dress up and hit the town.
Shopping in the Marais
The Marais is known for many things, shopping is one of them. This upscale neighborhood was once a swamp. It is the home of the Jewish quarter and the city's aristocratic history. This area houses not only large retailers, but trendy boutiques. If you are looking for vintage goods, there are quite a few consignment shops to explore.
If you get hungry, the Marais is filled with trendy bakeries and restaurants. Remember Paris is an international city, which means you can find food from just about every culture. For example, Chez Marianne has some of the best baklava and strudels I've ever tasted.
The Pompidou Center is in the heart of the Marais. Its unique architecture makes it one of the cities most famous tourist attractions. It is the home of a massive public library and a large modern art collection. It's worth the walk through because to me, it has the best view in the city.
Bateaux Parisiens
The Bateaux Parisiens has to be the most tourist trap thing you could ever do but it is still worth every penny. Imagine this. Get dressed up. Take a taxi to the Eiffel Tower. Walk down the ramp to the Seine. Get on a boat and see the city all lit up for 2 hours. It's beautiful and you see everything. On top of all of that, you will be served a 3 course meal with champagne and live music. It is the perfect way to fall in love with the city.
There are three menus available to include a vegetarian option. Your meal selection must be chosen prior to your reservation date. You can visit their website or contact them directly via email. They will accommodate large groups but be sure to make your reservations well in advance. You must pay in full at the time of reservation.
Louvre
The Louvre is the largest art museum that houses the largest art collection in the world. Screw a girlfriends trip, this is something that every human being must see. There are so many pop culture references to this iconic building. The Da Vinci Code declares it as Mary Magdalene's fictitious final resting place, Lupin slips away during an unbelievable jewelry heist, and Beyonce took over the place when she decided to go Ape Shit with her husband.
The Louvre was built between the 12th and 13th century as a home for the French monarchy until the late 1600s when Louis XIV decided that Versailles would be better. Remember that when walking through the palace. It use to be someone's house. This includes the surrounding Tuileries garden which is an expansion of the palace grounds.
There are of course the prize pieces of this collection; Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Cupid's Kiss and the Winged Victory. But to see the living quarter of Napoleon III and the furnishings of Marie Antoinette is a reality check in the lavishness of it all. I'll say it again, this was someone's house.
Take half a day, because you will never see it all in one visit. Leave the museum mid-afternoon and walk through the Tuileries towards the Place de la Concorde. You are then a hop, skip and a jump away from the Champs Ellysee. Take a stroll and enjoy the extravagance.
Bonus: Cocktails.
Since I've already given you two reasons to dress up, you might as well go for cocktails. Don't let the party end. I'm going to share three places that are swanky and worth the effort.
You will thank me later.
Candice is an introverted extrovert who loves Paris, a good Netflix series and is addicted to potato chips. She is a photographer and loves to share travel experiences. She is married to the best husband ever hands down and they have 3 wonderful creations.