The City of Lights is always thought of for love birds to start a new journey together or rekindle a fading flame of love. What about the girls? Doing an all-girls weekend in Paris is a great way to rejuvenate old friendships and remember why the City of Lights holds so much magic – even if you aren’t attached!
Photo: livepine / Flickr
Start by planning the season of your all-girls weekend in Paris vacation. For an all-girls weekend, you’ll want to be out and about, whether it’s walking or on bicycles. This means summer is best. The weather in Paris is amazing in the summer and offers clear skies and plenty of sun in the day and a light breeze at night. What to pack? Definitely a swimsuit or two if you’ll be swimming. While few Parisian hotels have swimming pools, public pools are abundant in Paris. Best of all they’re free or require a nominal fee, making them a great spot to park it for a morning or afternoon of sunning when you’re on a budget. Even if you aren’t on a budget, a girls weekend with a few hours in the sun is always appreciated. Our favorite is the Josephine Baker pool, named after the famous American singer and actress. This pool is a winning spot because on warm summer days, the roof is opened, giving you and your girlfriends plenty of sun. There is also a massive sundeck at the Josephine Baker pool. If you have no interest in getting your hair wet, you can simply lay out and work on your tan.
Go plush without the price tag by staying at the Hotel du Petit-Moulin. The hotel is in two 17th century buildings and the interiors were designed by fashion designer Christian Lacroix. Rooms run a little under € 200 a night, but for this luxurious boutique hotel, it’s well worth the price. This is also a reasonable price for a Parisian hotel. The striking colors and fabrics are made for a girls weekend. The hotel inside and out will make for great photo ops for remembering your fabulous weekend away. Hotel du Petit-Moulin is in the space of an old bakery where it’s said Victor Hugo dined, giving it a dreamy air. Hotel du Petit-Moulin is near the Picasso Museum and has many subway lines within walking distance.
Photo: Colette
Paris is packed with high end shopping, but let’s face it – you can snag that Louis Vuitton Speedy back home. Every girls weekend needs shopping, but since you’re in Paris, let’s make it a bit more special than hitting the standard designer shops. Colette is an innovative department store in Paris. While it stocks many designers you know and love, they also stock trinkets and beauty items you won’t find anywhere else. Buyers for Colette scour the globe looking for special items that fit the store’s cult shoppers style. Colette has a little something for everyone, especially fashionistas who’ve been around the style block and have seen everything from Rodarte to Junya Watanabe. Colette also has CDs, toys from Japan and a plentiful supply of rare and hard-to-find beauty items, so no matter what your budget is for snagging a memory from this trip to Paris, you’ll find something you enjoy. Don’t forget to hit the womens wear floor to oogle some of the most avant garde fashion available for the season.
Photo: Tsukiko’s World
If you’re wanting to spend a pretty penny in the name of fashion, we suggest Didier Ludot. This vintage shop is a Parisian fashion institution with Didier being in business for decades. At this hidden jewel of a shop, you’ll find original pieces by Cristobal Balenciaga himself, as well as suits and gowns created by Christian Dior. This shop is for serious fashion lovers and vintage collectors who know that shopping vintage designer fashion is fun because of the hunt. This isn’t your perfectly merchandised store. This is a true vintage shop where digging is part of the fun. The clothes are very old, so they may be wrapped in plastic bags. A sales person may be required to help you get into the garment bag and view the item up close. Didier’s shop also offers vintage accessories like hats and gloves for those interested in bringing a little piece of history home with them, but not interested in a vintage Givenchy investment.
Photo: flyoverstate / Flickr
If you’re looking for good food from a modern bistro, consider Mon Vieil Ami. This restaurant serves food at a long black table, making it a great spot for girlfriends to kick back in a casual atmosphere and share plenty of drinks and laughs. It is also a place for making conversation with new friends who may be able to share additional spots to try while in Paris. Parisians are very friendly, especially if you offer a haphazard attempt at speaking French. Contrary to popular belief, most speak English and are happy to help out. Looking for a trendier spot to dine? Try Tokyo Eat. Located in an art venue, this restaurant is fairly casual but with an upscale flare. It offers affordable food in an ambiance that feels chic and modern.
