Paris is the Perfect Girl’s Getaway
Laughs, Lights, and Croissants is precisely how I spent the last trip to Paris with my daughter and 14-year-old niece. Paris is the kind of city that steals your breath and then gives it right back to you in the form of buttery pastries, glittering skylines, and afternoons spent lingering over wine, cappuccino, or coffee and conversation.
I’ve taken several trips to Paris and have never been disappointed. Paris can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family.
Imagine arriving with your best friends, suitcases full of anticipation, ready to collect memories and a few souvenirs. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, marking a long-overdue reunion, or simply getting together with some of your favorite people, the City of Light delivers moments that bond you closer than ever.
Here are 11 friendly, insider tips to help you have the best girls’ getaway that feels effortless, authentic, and utterly unforgettable.
1. Eiffel Tower Evening Spectacle
You can’t go to Paris, especially for the first time, which was for my niece and daughter, and not visit or view the Eiffel Tower. There’s something almost magical about sharing your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower sparkling against a velvet night sky.
Some people like to arrive about 20 minutes before sunset at Champ de Mars, armed with a lightweight throw and your favorite wine.
As daylight fades, the tower’s golden floodlights come on, followed by its famous glittering display at the top of each hour.
You’ll find yourself watching in awe as the lights dance, the city hums around you, and for a few brief minutes, time seems to stand still. This simple ritual of sharing a picnic and wine or a pint of bubbly under the tower has become one of the best ways to bond with girlfriends.
2. Curated Chic Shopping Spree
Shopping in Paris isn’t just retail therapy; it’s a way to immerse yourself in style, history, and the streetside inspiration that surrounds you. Begin in Le Marais, where cobblestone lanes conceal vintage boutiques stocked with mid-century jackets and retro leather handbags.
Check out tiny ateliers in the area. You’re bound to find something unique to bring home. Take a trip to Boulevard Haussmann, under the soaring glass dome of Galeries Lafayette Hausman, a vast department store that seems endless. You can browse designer labels, savor a macaron at the in-house patisserie, and admire the architecture.
Throughout the day, press pause at café terraces to people-watch, compare haul finds, and let the spirit of Parisian elegance inspire your flair.
3. Savory and Sweet Culinary Adventures
My theory is that the best way to understand Paris is through your taste buds. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out Du Pain et des Idées, a boulangerie near Canal Saint-Martin, which is legendary for its escargot pastries, swirls of pâte feuilletée filled with pistachio or chocolate.
Lunchtime calls for a classic bistro experience: Order coq au vin or salade nicoise, generally the chef’s special. Save space for afternoon treats, perhaps a velvety gateau from Pierre Hermé or a scoop of Berthillon ice cream along the Seine.
Shakespeare and Company Cafe is a charming little cafe situated next to the famous bookstore, sharing the same name, and it is just a short distance from the Seine, offering views of Notre Dame. It is a great place to grab a coffee and have a light lunch, but it can become quite crowded. It was one of our favorite stops to relax and have a coffee drink.
For dinner, splurge on a reservation at the well-known Bistro Septime, a hip and trendy establishment where each dish feels like an edible work of art. Every bite will spark conversation and laughter, and you’ll leave with stories about that unforgettable chocolate soufflé.
4. Laid-back Picnic in the Park
Nothing says Paris like drifting through a market with your girlfriends. Head to Marché des Enfants Rouges or Rue Cler to gather local cheeses, saucisson, crusty baguettes, seasonal fruit, and a chilled bottle of rosé or sparkling wine.
Then claim a sunny spot in Jardin du Luxembourg or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Spread out your picnic blanket, pass around platters, and let yourselves unwind.
Include a deck of cards or a travel-size board game for extra fun. Not the outdoor picnic type? Head to one of the local bistros and have an indoor picnic instead. Be sure to get a window seat to people-watch.
Amid laughter and easy conversation, you’ll rediscover the joy of simple pleasures, and maybe even spot local artists sketching under plane trees. This impromptu feast is a gentle reminder that the best parts of travel are often the unplanned ones.
5. Immersive Art and Museum Moments
Paris’s art scene can feel overwhelming, so I recommend choosing two must-see spots and savoring every minute. Start at the Louvre, arriving early to admire the Mona Lisa before the crowds gather, then wander through lesser-known wings, such as the Egyptian antiquities galleries.
Pause for a coffee in the Tuileries Garden café before crossing to the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a converted railway station, its soaring ceilings frame Monet’s water lilies and Degas’s ballet dancers.
If your group prefers a more contemporary vibe, consider visiting Fondation Louis Vuitton or Palais de Tokyo for edgy exhibitions and stunning rooftop views. Art opens the door to meaningful conversation, and sharing reactions to a painting or sculpture will deepen your connection in unexpected ways.
6. Parisian Nightlife with a Twist
When the street lamps come on, Paris reveals a delightfully eclectic nightlife. Begin with aperitifs at any of the bars off the Seine.
Next, slip into a cozy wine bar in the Latin Quarter, where you can look for places where locals linger over natural wines and chat. For a touch of theatrical flair, book tickets to a cabaret show or a jazz show.
If your crew is feeling adventurous, explore one of the city’s speakeasy-style lounges hidden behind unmarked doors. No matter where you land, the late-night energy here is relaxed and inclusive.
7. Scenic Seine River Cruise
Seeing Paris from the water is like entering a secret world, where every monument feels closer and more intimate. Instead of the large tourist barges, opt for a smaller, boutique cruise that offers personalized commentary and complimentary snacks.
As you glide past Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, and the Louvre, consider how magical it is to share this adventure with your friends. Sunset departures are particularly magical; it’s like a warm light over Paris, and when darkness falls, the city’s landmarks are twinkling all around you.
This gentle cruise invites quiet reflection, shared smiles, and a sense that for a few hours, you and your friends are floating through your very own Parisian adventure.
8. Create Your Signature Fragrance
French perfume is an art form, and nothing captures Paris like a scent you’ve blended yourself. Book a workshop at a historic parfumerie, where a master perfumer will guide you through raw essences, bergamot, jasmine, vetiver, and help you balance top, heart, and base notes.
You and your friends will laugh over scent strips, share stories about childhood memories triggered by certain aromas, and experiment until each bottle smells uniquely like you.
At the end of the session, you’ll leave with a personalized perfume that will transport you back to Paris every time you wear it. It’s both a creative outlet and a heartfelt keepsake that turns a girl’s trip into a lifelong sensory memory.
9. Indulgent Spa and Wellness Retreat
After days of exploring, treat yourselves to a spa day that feels like a mini-vacation within your vacation. Paris offers hidden hammams, rooftop saunas, and elegant townhouse spas where you can choose synchronized massages, hydrating facials, and aromatic body wraps.
One standout is the hammam at the Paris Mosque, where steam rooms and rose-infused pools create an otherworldly calm. If you prefer a contemporary setting, book a group ritual at a luxury spa in Le Marais. Alternatively, depending on your accommodation, there may be one on-site, complete with private relaxation lounges and an herbal tea service.
The shared experience of unwinding side by side, whether in silence or gentle conversation, nourishes both body and soul. You’ll emerge renewed, glowing, and ready for your next Parisian adventure.
10. Delving into Historical Landmarks
Paris’s storied past feels alive when you walk its ancient streets together. Begin on Île de la Cité with a stroll past Notre Dame’s façade and nearby flower stalls. Then head to Montmartre and climb to Sacré Cœur’s dome for a sweeping city panorama.
Dedicate a half-day to the Palace of Versailles, book a private guide or audio tour to bring the Hall of Mirrors and sprawling gardens to life. For a more offbeat historical moment, explore the Conciergerie or the medieval ramparts beneath the Louvre.
Each landmark invites you to share discoveries, marvel at grand architecture, and imagine the lives of Parisians across centuries. These shared glimpses into history will add depth and perspective to your trip, reminding you how far the Parisian spirit has traveled over time.
11. Exploring Bustling Street Markets
To truly tap into local life, lose yourselves in Paris’s vibrant street markets. Pick a morning for Marché Bastille’s colorful stalls of farm-fresh produce and artisan cheeses. Another day, head to Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen to hunt for vintage posters, retro jewelry, and quirky treasures.
If organic fare is your passion, Marché Raspail offers biodynamic wines, homemade jams, and seasonal pastries. As you wander, sample specialties such as olive oils infused with herbs, fresh oysters from the coast, and even warm crepes from a friendly vendor. Bargaining back and forth will have you giggling like schoolgirls, and by the end of your market stroll, you’ll have collected edible treats and unique keepsakes that tell your Paris story.
Laughs, lights, and croissants, these simple ingredients are your recipe for the perfect Paris girls’ trip. From sharing a sparkling moment under the Eiffel Tower to blending your very own perfume, each experience brings you closer together and closer to the heart of the city.
Pack comfortable shoes, an open mind, and a healthy appetite for adventure, and let Paris weave its magic around you. Before you know it, you’ll be home with suitcases full of memories, strengthened friendships, and stories that will make everyone back home wish they’d joined you. Bon voyage, and here’s to a trip you’ll treasure forever. Want to know more about pursuing a special interest or celebrating a milestone through travel?
Marina is passionate about travel, where you experience the richness of different cultures, food, and wine. She loves helping travelers celebrate milestones and share special interests through travel. Oh, and did Marina mention the kind of travel where you are well taken care of? She calls it Pampitude®, a strong position or feeling about being well cared for when traveling.
Marina believes travel allows you to be open and vulnerable to new experiences.
At Pampered Journeys, our specialty is bringing your milestone celebration or special interest to life through travel.
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