Bringing your Furry Friend to Paris

It can be quite intimidating to attempt to travel with your pets, especially if you have never been to the location either. As an animal loving team here at StrollsParis, we wish to offer some insight on how to make travel with your pet as easy as possible.

Paris is a surprisingly pet friendly city. Practically every restaurant and store accepts dogs with enthusiasm and the Parisian pet scene has blossomed post-pandemic. For accommodation, Paris has almost 1,000 pet friendly hotels for you and your fluffy travel companion to rest after exploring the city. If you plan on flying solo for a few hours, you can always check your cat into this luxury cat hotel or have your dog get a spa session at a fancy groomer.

Depending what country you are coming from, your pet will need to receive different vaccinations and hold a passport. The easiest way to assure everything goes well with this is to speak to your veterinarian at least one month before you travel. Some vaccinations can take 21 days to reach full effect, prohibiting your pet from traveling in that period. Make sure to print out all of the vaccines and documentation you have regarding taking your pet on the flight, in order to save time at the check-in desk and at boarding.

You should also consider your mode of transport. Air travel does not have to be traumatizing and can even be fun if they are able to come in the cabin with you. We strongly recommend, if possible, bringing your furry friend into the cabin with you. Many airlines offer the possibility of adding a pet to your ticket, and placing your cat or dog in a plane appropriate carrier under the seat. Make sure to check dimensions for your specific airline ahead of time! Check out this article to see 10 potential options.

If your dog is far too large, there is the possibility of purchasing them their own seat.

There is actually a couple in my Parisian neighbourhood who fly with their Golden retriever back and forth to Los Angeles once a year, and the dog sits with them in his own seat!

Now that you're at the airport with your dog, check to see if there are any special pet relief areas present. If not, pop outside to make sure your pet can relieve themselves one last time before the flight.

If you are bringing your cat make sure to get a travel litter box.

If it is their first time traveling, take it slow, most pets will be a little curious at the beginning and then settle to sleep once you're in the air. You can even get pet anti-anxiety medicine to give them once they're on the plane!

When you land, you will have to present your passport (and your pets) to go through security and take your pet outside as soon as possible to relieve themselves.

Congratulate yourself! You did it!

Now onto the fun part: StrollsParis is a dog-friendly tour company! So if you are interested in taking a tour without leaving your four legged friend behind, explore our Themed strolls which are pet friendly or we would be happy to customise a stroll for you and your furry friend.

And if you want to just walk your furry friend on your own check out this list of parks where dogs are allowed on a leash in Paris.

Happy strolling! 🐶🧍🏽‍♀️

Written by Julia Orr

Dating yourself in Paris

Ah, Paris. The city of love. Many people think you need a lover to enjoy the romance that Paris has to offer, but that is not true! Experience the charm of Paris by taking yourself out on the ultimate date. In this article, we'll show you how to explore the city on your own and create unforgettable memories that will make you swoon. I mean, if iI really think about it, Paris is my longest relationship.

Here we present a list of activities that are even more fun on your own - because, let's be honest, who really wants to share their croissants?

BIKE AROUND

A fun way to stretch your legs and see a large part of the city, group bike tours give you a chance to do a bit of sport (so you can eat more cheese after)! There are many routes to choose from, but the most popular are tours of the monuments as they give you the chance to see them all in person and then decide what you especially want to revisit.

Biking around Paris can feel daunting at times, but the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, hopes to change that by building bike lanes that stretch across the city.

You can also rent a bike and head down by the Seine so you can cruise along the river, uninterrupted by cars. (Maybe you'll get lucky and spot a celebrity, like some of us that met Owen Wilson while biking down Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul!)

HOW? For the experienced traveler, we suggest something a bit more off the beaten path, renting a Velib! This is a service that offers both electric and traditional bikes to rent from anywhere in the city, with many stations to start and end your trip. It is an easy (and inexpensive) way to borrow a bike and enjoy some of Paris’ many bike lanes. WHERE? Here are some itineraries you might want to follow when riding Paris on your own.

A COOKING CLASS

France is known for its culinary tradition and the cooking classes here can help you tap into that culture to learn and recreate the magic at home!

At Chefsquare you have the opportunity to make recipes in a very friendly atmosphere and in a tastefully decorated workshop!

and if you have a sweet tooth, the make-your-own-chocolate class held within the Musée du Chocolat may be your thing! This class is a wonderful opportunity to quite literally taste the sweeter side of the city and offers a chance to meet other travellers.

In the meantime, while you prepare your trip to Paris you can watch our special class, given by Eliot, to make Poulet Marengo! (Chicken Marengo)

By learning a new skill and getting busy with your hands, you will take more than just a sense of wonder from your Paris vacation, but a new skill - one that you can show off for friends, dates, or just enjoy for yourself! BROWSE A BOOKSTORE

Shakespeare and Co. is one of the most famous bookstores in the world as it used to be a gathering spot for figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce, Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, and many more famous expat writers, thinkers, and artists. (By the way: If you are a literature lover, we offer an exclusive Hemingway in Paris tour.) Located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie in the 5th Arr., it provides a meeting point between the intellectual Latin quarter and the bustle of the Île de la Cité and they boast a varied selection in English. There are treasures for all here including a piano in the second floor.

Try to go between 9-5 on a weekday, because on weekends the store becomes filled with bookworms of all ages! If you cannot get a shop assistant's eye, (they're notoriously busy) look at the little signs posted around with staff book recommendations with details like "pairs well with a bottle of red wine", or "this book ruined me in the best way."

If you are looking for a more intimate reading experience, try the Abbey Bookshop. Located at 29 Rue de la Parcheminerie 75005, this charming bookstore boasts an impressive selection of hard-to-find titles that will satisfy even the most discerning reader. As a solo traveler, you'll feel right at home in this welcoming environment, where the friendly staff are always happy to chat about their favorite books. Don't rush your visit – take your time to peruse the shelves and perhaps even discover a hidden gem.

SAMPLE FRENCH PASTRIES

Nearby Shakespeare & Co, there is a delicious dessert spot called Odette, located at 77 Rue Galande, 75005. This pastry shop is open from noon to 7:45 pm every day and serves 'chou à la crème', which are miniature cream puffs! They offer many different flavors ranging from the tame (vanilla) to the exotic (passion fruit). #StrollsTip If you go upstairs, you can get a table in front of the window with an amazing view of Notre Dame Cathedral . Please do yourself a favor and get an additional box to go, you can eat it by the Seine, under the Eiffel Tower, or - for a true indulgence - in bed after a long day of walking the cobblestoned streets.

But maybe you wish to choose from a wider variety of pastries, in the case you can go to the next pastry shop of "Yann Couvreur" at rue des Rosiers in Le Marais area. Start with the viennoiserie section on the left, which offers the famous Kouign-Amann and other rolled brioches from the chef. On the far left, a display case presents fresh salads, fresh juices, gazpachos, fruit salads and spoon desserts. You also have a fine selection of teas and coffees to eat in or take away.

Or if you're looking for a more intimate place you may want to try "La Mouette Rieuse": this is not a bookstore or a café but a real place to live: the bookstore, that with its pop-up stores form a mischievous and subtle intermingling.

INDULGE IN LUXURIES

Paris is often called the city of love, but people also see it as a city of sex. From the shameless flirting that is seen as quality customer service to the idea that men stopping you on the street and complimenting you (Americans could never!), Paris oozes sexuality. Even without a partner, that doesn't mean you have to spend the day without seduction. Seduce yourself! Roses, lingerie, and chocolates are all readily available in beautiful stores that are open on Valentine's Day or any day.

Even if you don't end up buying, stopping to smell the roses, trying on silk, and sampling chocolates could put anyone in the mood for self-love. For roses, the Story of a Flower (154 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002) For lingerie, YSÉ (117 Rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75003) is a charming small boutique full of beautiful and comfortable options for women of all ages. And for chocolates, we could honestly do a whole blog post on where to buy chocolate in Paris...for now, we will recommend Mococha at 89 Rue Mouffetard, 75005.

GRAB A DRINK WITH THE LOCALS

One great bar for single people in Paris is hands down Harry’s New York Bar. Excellent ambiance, friendly staff, and a mix of all ages this bar feels both welcoming and chic. The cocktails are crafted to perfection, but if you are looking for something that feels more ‘Parisian’ I urge you to try the Little Red Door in the trendy district of the Marais. The line can be long on weekends, but it will move quickly and the seating inside is comfortable.

If you're interested in checking out the trendy area of Pigalle, Lulu White is a tiny bar that plays live jazz most nights of the week and you will be able to make friends in line and at the bar while sipping custom cocktail creations.

In conclusion, Paris, the city of love, can be a wonderful city to celebrate the love you have for yourself. Embrace the beauty of the city, indulge in the delicious treats, and take the time to appreciate all the wonderful things that make you uniquely you.

So go out and treat yourself and remember that being single doesn't mean you can't have an amazing, love-filled time!

And that concludes our list of suggestions for dating yourself in Paris!

If you find yourself in our corner of the world, be sure to reach out by sending us a message to our website chat or our social media @strollsparis, we love to meet our readers! Written by Julia Orr & edited by Pamela Breit

7 Romantic Ideas for Valentine's (or any romantic) Day in Paris

Paris, the city of love, is the perfect place for couples who want to celebrate St. Valentine's. Whether it's a vacation or a romantic stay-cation, Paris offers plenty of opportunities to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are some ideas for romantic activities for couples in Paris on Valentine's Day vacation.

1 - Watch the sunset at the Eiffel Tower

There's nothing more romantic than strolling around or going up the Eiffel Tower watching the sunset over the city. Enjoy a glass of Champagne at the summit of the monument while taking in stunning views of the city lit up at night. If you want to make it extra special consider booking a table at the elegant Le Jules Verne, a Michelin star restaurant on the tower. You will skip all the lines and you will be treated like a king and queen while enjoying the pleasures of an original and modern french cuisine.

2 - Do a picnic in the park

Pack a basket of delicious treats and wine and head to a picturesque garden for a romantic picnic. Some of the tranquil oases in the heart of Paris that we love are:

• the Luxembourg Garden

• the Parc Monceau

• the Place des Vosges

These places are perfect to relax and enjoy each other's company under the trees during a warmer day.

3 - A Seine River dinner cruise

Get a different perspective of the city on a Seine river cruise. Enjoy views of Paris' most famous landmarks, including Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, while sipping wine and cuddling up close. We recommend you book dinner instead of lunch to be able to see the city all lit up.

4 - Dine in a romantic restaurant

Paris is full of romantic restaurants with a cozy atmosphere and delicious food.

Here is our selection of our favourite romantic restaurants in Paris to consider for a Valentine's Day dinner or any romantic evening:

• Restaurant J'adore: The setting is lush with a fountain and majestic decor. Delicious gourmet bites and the original cocktail enhance the culinary experience.

• L'Ambroisie: A Michelin-starred restaurant located on the Place des Vosges, offering an exceptional dining experience.

• Lapérouse: This magnificent renovated private mansion keeps the charm and essence of historic Paris from the times when the French high society met there to enjoy exhilarating evenings in a refined and authentic setting.

• Le Chalet des Îles: In a very different setting from those we have just mentioned, located on an island of a lake in the Bois de Boulogne, it is sheltered from the hustle and bustle of Paris. In the middle of nature, it offers traditional cuisine in a totally exotic place.

• Le Grand Véfour: With an elegant XVIII century decor, this historical restaurant serves traditional French cuisine for those that love history.
  

5- Take a stroll along the Seine river

Take a leisurely stroll along the Seine and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. In Paris the Seine is about 8 miles or 13 kms long, so unless you really love walking, you better know where those romantic places are to choose the best one for your romantic setting. Here are our 5 favourite spots and why:

• Sunset on the Île de Saint Louis behind of Notre Dame Cathedral while seeing the boats pass (street view)

• Hide under the willow tree at the Place du Galant Vert, the tip of the Île de la Cité (street view)

• On top of the Alexandre III bridge for a hyper photogenic place (street view)

• At the Passerelle des arts, better known as the "Love Bridge" (street view)

• Hidden from the crowds behind the Square Barye (street view)

6 - Enjoy a Jazz show

Paris is a vibrant home to music, and jazz offers certainly an ambiance that is perfect for two. We recommend you to book your tickets in advance to make sure that special evening happens just the way you want.

Here's a few recommendations for a romantic jazz club in Paris:

• Jazz Club Etoile: This popular jazz club is located in the 17th arrondissement and features live jazz performances by both local and international musicians.

• Le Duc des Lombards: This historic jazz club is located in the heart of Paris and features live jazz performances every night, as well as a stylish bar and lounge area for couples to enjoy a romantic drink together.
  

7 - Share your love for animals

Paris cat cafes are increasingly popular in the city, and offer a unique fun and unusual experience, perfect for animal lovers. These cafes provide a safe and welcoming environment for cats and are a great way to relax and de-stress, customers can hang out with the furry residents while enjoying a meal or drink.

Here you can find 2 places where you can share your love with these cute new friends.

• Chat Mallows (30 Rue des Volontaires, 75015)

• Café des Chats (9 Rue Sedaine, 75011)

Whichever of these activities you choose, Paris is the perfect destination for couples who want to celebrate Valentine's Day or any romantic event. Whether it's just admiring the city's stunning architecture, savouring delicious cuisine, or taking a romantic stroll, Paris is sure to win your. ♥️

Written by Julia Orr & edited by Pamela Breit #romanticdayinparis #valentinesday #parisforcouples #cityoflove #romanticgetaway #parisislove #privateparistour #fallinlovewithparis