As luck would have it, I recently traveled for work back to France. I spent most of my time a few hours outside of Paris.
Typically I spend most of my time abroad for work in Asia, so it’s always a nice breath of fresh air (literally) to travel elsewhere.
I did have a little free time on my way back to the airport, so I decided to make a stop in Paris.
Ruth and I absolutely love Paris. It’s one of our favorite cities. Ruth is probably talking about it as we speak.
In our last trip to Europe, we spent four days soaking it all up. (Go read about our top picks here and here!)
Because I was driving in from a few hours away, I didn’t want to spend an extra hour driving all the way into the middle of Paris. I wanted to plan something easy that would still allow me to see a part of the city we hadn’t hit yet.
I wanted to share this experience with you all because it was the perfect, quick night in Paris.
And that’s what this series is all about- one cool thing to see, one great meal, and a workout that you can do in your hotel.
With just a couple of hours in Paris, you really can’t go wrong with a historic church, a breathtaking view of the city, and an incredible meal.
Do: Check out the Sacré-Cœur and enjoy one of the best views of Paris
The Sacré-Cœur is a Roman Catholic basilica located in Montmartre, more towards the outside of the city. Because of its location, it was an easy pit stop on my way out of France (and because we missed it on our trip last fall).
The sun was nearly setting, and you know I can’t miss a good sunset opportunity.
I shoved around 30 middle schoolers out of the way while I sprinted up the stairs. I’m sure Ruth would’ve been proud.
The Sacré-Cœur sits on a hill overlooking Paris. If you have time, you can climb to the top of the church dome for an even better view. In fact, the top of Sacré-Cœur is the 2nd highest point in Paris behind the Eiffel Tower.
Eat: Expense your steak dinner at Sacrée Fleur
After seeing the Sacré-Cœur, I went around the corner to Sacrée Fleur (note: the church is “Cœur” and the restaurant is “fleur”- confusing but convenient).
This was the ideal way to end a long work week. Sacrée Fleur has several steak options that all come with fries and three dipping sauces. And if you know me at all, you know that I live for dipping sauces- perhaps Ruth’s favorite quality of mine.
I paired the steak with a glass of red wine that my server recommended.
Ruth was furious with envy as I was texting her pics. I mean, what else do you do at a meal alone? Of course, I had to order crème brûlée to top off the perfect Parisian meal. My whole meal was under $50– right under my per diem. Score!
This is a must-hit that we will link to in our Paris for Gluttons post. I was alone on a Wednesday night, so I was able to grab a table right away. But I would definitely make a reservation otherwise.
Hotel Workout:
Earn that steak dinner. Do the following progression, as fast as you can:
50 sit-ups
5 man-makers
40 sit-ups
4 man-makers
30 sit-ups
3 man-makers
20 sit-ups
2 man-makers
10 sit-ups
1 man-maker
*Video for man-makers
**Dumbbell weight should be a moderate weight that you can keep moving through the workout
P.S. If you want to earn major points with your significant other, swing by Ladurée (multiple locations, including the airport!) and grab a box of macarons. You’re welcome in advance.
