After disembarking from the MS Monarch Queen, driving from Amsterdam to Brussels, exploring Brussels, and then driving to Paris, we finally arrived about 7:30 PM.
Chuck had previously visited Paris, back during “EuroDisney’s’ first year. Truthfully, a return to Paris was not on his bucket list. However, Mark, the classically trained chef, had somehow never managed to visit Paris.
So, when the option for adding a few days in Paris was offered on our Tulip Time River Cruise, we decided that time in Paris wasn’t such a bad thing.
Our Hotel In Paris
The Pullman Hotel Montparnasse
19 Rue du Commandant René Mouchotte
75014 Paris, France
The Pullman Hotel Montparnasse is located in the 14th Arrondissement on the Left Bank, a good bit from the city center. However, it is located steps away from the metro station.
The 14th Arrondissement is known for its art community. Back in the 1920s, Josephine Baker frequented the area as did Picasso, Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce, and Henry Miller.
We do have to say that at the time of our visit, the sidewalks and road just outside the main entrances were under construction. Access was not easy.
Our check-in was easy, and we headed to our room.
The hotel is modern with spacious rooms and wonderful amenities.
Random Weird Stuff
There are 20 arrondissements or city districts in Paris. They begin at the city center, near the Louver, and spiral outwards, moving clockwise. From above, the city map of districts would look like a snail.
Breakfast At Our Hotel
Breakfast was included in our hotel package, and the hotel’s buffet was SPECTACULAR.
They had a designated check-in so people could be dispersed across the enormous dining room. There were easily a dozen stations offering salads, fruit, pastries, smoked fish, cheeses, and meats, not to mention dumplings, noodles, and eggs made to order.
The food was delicious and well-stocked, with something interesting to choose from no matter what you were craving.
Truthfully, they could have used one or two more coffee machines. While dispensing hot water for tea, coffee, and cappuccino-type drinks, there was always a line.
And, how cool is this robot busboy?
Sky Bar
Everyone coming to this area talks about the incredible views of Paris from the Sky Bar. The rooftop bar is located in our hotel.
However, what people neglect to say is that it is a private, members-only bar with strict dress codes and a hefty price.
Sorry, guys, we skipped it!
Our First Night In Paris
One of the great things about the hotel’s location is that it is in a more residential part of the city. So finding shopping, cafes, and pastry shops within. Walking distance was easy.
At about 8:15 PM, the sun was setting as we walked around the block to find somewhere for dinner. Rounding the corner, we had our first glimpse of the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Just a block or two away, we found a cafe just starting to fill for dinner with locals and a few tourists.
Dinner At Le Paris Montparnasse
43 Av. du Maine,
75014 Paris, France
The restaurant was quintessential Paris. There were cafe tables along the sidewalk, followed by a covered awning with a dining table, and then indoor seating.
They have a 4.2 Google rating with over 2000 reviews. So, not a bad choice!
Travel Tip
When dining in Paris, truthfully, anywhere we travel, if there is outdoor dining, TAKE IT!
Yes, we’ve moved inside either because of a sudden downpour or because it got buggy. But the people watching is amazing!
We settled in on the patio and each ordered a glass of wine to take it all in.
Mark went for red wine with a Cotes du Rhone (€6.00), and Chuck, who only drinks white wine, had a Sauvignon Blanc (€5.00). Mark actually had a second glass with dinner.
For dinner, Chuck started with his favorite Soupe à l’Oignon (€10.00), and Mark started with his favorite, Escargot (€14.00).
Both were spectacularly delicious. Exactly what we anticipated having these two iconic dishes in Paris.
Random Weird Stuff
As we said, Mark ordered the Escargot, an order of six; they also offer a full dozen. Mark, an experienced escargot cook and eater, picked up the snail tongs (yes, that’s the technical name) and the tiny fork and went to town. Only the first two shells he grabbed were empty, except for the butter. He called the waiter over, who waved and brought him a tray of toothpicks to dig deeper. Mission accomplished.
For entrees, Mark ordered the Bavette a’loyau (€17.50), and Chuck went with the Brochette de Poulet (€17.00).
Mark’s Rib Steak came with the choice of Peppercorn or Béarnaise sauce, and he went classic with Béarnaise.
Chuck’s Signature Kabob was flavorful and well-grilled. We chose a Caesar Salad (yes, we know it’s Mexican!) and Dauphinoise Potatoes. The potatoes alone were worth the trip. They were rich, creamy, flavorful, and delicate. We would have each eaten several orders of these.
This was absolutely the perfect way to start our time in Paris.
Foodie Fact
Dauphinoise Potatoes, or Gratin Dauphinoise, is a classic French dish featuring very thinly sliced potatoes baked in heavy cream, milk, and garlic.
The starch from the potatoes forms a starchy crust that browns on top. More contemporary versions add Gruyère cheese on top. Either way, it is rich and delicious.
Our Walk Home
The walk back to our hotel after dinner, just after 10 o’clock and almost bedtime, was worth the late dinner.
We got some pretty amazing views of the Eiffel Tower at Night.
Next up is our driving tour of Paris, followed by some free time! So, we got up close to the Eiffel Tower.
Sounds like a spectacular trip. There’s a reason it’s the #1 visited city in the world for 20+ years now. And the potatoes you’re talking about…yes, they are to die for.
It was wonderful. We saw a bit but you can never have enough time in Paris. We will probably have to make another trip…but there are so many places still on our bucket list!
I’m so enjoying your trip…we are doing a Tulip Time River cruise next year!!! How fun to get a perk ahead! But today’s post is the kicker…we leave for Paris in 94 days!!! Another river cruise in the Seine after two days in Paris and followed by 3 days in Disneyland Paris. We seem to follow your travel plans so closely! ♥️
Glad you’re enjoying it! We’re glad we added Paris on to the Tulip Time Cruise. We could have spent a lot more time there but we did four days at Disneyland Paris. So you’ll get to see that next!
Looks amazing, the food looks fabulous. I can’t wait for Josie and I to go. We plan to spend 2 nights at Disneyland Paris for my Birthday in Sept 2027. Then head to Paris for 3 nights to end our trip. The airbnb I want to book is an apartment in the 15th Arrondissement with a view of the Eifel tower. Love your blogs and following along on FB and instagram.
Thank you! We really enjoyed ourselves and spent a few days at Disneyland Paris too. So you’ll see more great stuff from Paris!