Valentines day and a double Birthday Celebration? The City of Love is the perfect destination!
Molly Biter, an esteemed travel designer, embodies the spirit of exploration alongside her husband and children. This past Valentine’s Day was no exception, as they embarked on a journey to celebrate their daughters turning 7 in none other than Paris! Brimming with delightful pastry classes, captivating city tours, indulgent breakfasts in bed, and heartwarming family photoshoots, this week-long escapade became an unforgettable celebration of love and adventure.
Molly and Ethan Biter, with their daughters Maya and Ellie, made a quick stop in Atlanta to celebrate with friends before jetting off overseas! Ethan, a Delta Pilot, treated the twins to a special tour inside the cockpit. With Molly’s travel planning and Ethan’s insider access, the trip was off to a tremendous start!
Accommodations
Nestled in the heart of Paris’ Left Bank, amidst charming boutiques and esteemed gastronomy, Hotel Esprit Saint Germain unfolded its warm embrace to the Biter family. This intimate jewel, entirely renovated in 2021, exudes Parisian ambiance, and was the perfect location for the family’s four night stay in the City of Love.
Their room, a haven overlooking the quaint cobbled streets, held its own magic. Sunlight danced across the walls, each morning, painting the Parisian rooftops with golden hues, and in the distance, the Eiffel Tower stood sentinel, a constant reminder of the adventure unfolding. The girls were gifted their own room, conjoined onto their parent’s elegant accommodations.
Here, amidst the personalized touches and authentic Parisian charm, the Biter family’s Valentine’s Day and the twins’ 7th birthday was to begin. From lingering breakfasts on the hidden terrace to evenings spent lying in bed, reliving the adventures of the day, Hotel Esprit Saint Germain became more than just their Parisian haven; it became a character in their story.
C2V City Tour
To acquaint themselves with the city, the Biter’s embarked on an exhilarating C2V City tour as their first step into Parisian exploration! Opting for the flagship tour, “Paris Paris,” they embarked on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the city. Offering an efficient overview of Paris, the tour guided them through its iconic landmarks, rewarding the family with an enchanting experience that truly encapsulated the city’s beauty. They marveled at the timeless elegance of the Eiffel Tower, immersed themselves in the grandeur of the Louvre Museum, and meandered through the charming streets of Montmartre—all from the vantage point of stylish, vintage cars, adding an extra layer of European sophistication and charm to their adventure. From the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral to the romantic Seine, every moment was an opportunity to be enchanted by Paris’s allure.
After a fondue dinner at Hibou, the family rested leisurely back at the Espirit Saint Germain, reminiscing on the incredible sights and sounds of their first full Parisian day!
The next morning, the Biter family awoke and embarked on a culinary adventure to one of Paris’s most renowned food markets, Marché d’Aligre, along with its associated covered market, Marché Beauvau. Here, they met up with a local chef who would take them on a family-friendly tour promised to indulge in one of France’s greatest pleasures. From freshly baked croissants and homemade madeleines to seasonal fruits and vegetables, mild cheeses, and carefully curated delicacies, they immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of food stalls while mingling with locals.
Every morning, near the iconic Place de la Bastille, locals flock to the Aligre neighborhood to revel in the lively ambiance of this farmers’ market, affectionately known as the Second Belly of Paris. The Biter family, accompanied by their young chefs, took charge of sourcing a selection of ingredients necessary for preparing a light picnic for the entire family. Starting their journey early allowed them to witness vendors setting up their stalls and engage in conversations about the quality and origins of their products, before sampling a few delicacies. Together, they uncovered the rich history of French food markets, dating back to the 5th century when Paris was known as Lutetia, and explored how the French transformed basic ingredients into culinary masterpieces, contributing to the global gastronomic scene.
Valentines Day
The sun rose the next day with a surprise for the twins! A Birthday/Valentine’s Breakfast in bed awaited them, adorned with balloons and confetti!
After a delightful breakfast, the family eagerly prepared for the day ahead, kicking off with a special family photoshoot against the backdrop of the majestic Eiffel Tower! Following the shoot, they rendezvoused with a guide who would lead them on an unforgettable ascent of Paris’ tallest and most iconic monument, pausing at each of the Iron Lady’s 3 floors. Immersed in fascinating stories and enchanting fun facts, they cherished every moment of the tour, from the gentle sway of the observatory on the first floor to the intimate ambiance of Eiffel’s small apartment atop the tower. As they marveled at the breathtaking views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower, they forged unforgettable memories and deepened their appreciation for this beloved symbol of Parisian elegance and grandeur.
The Biters set out on a sightseeing adventure and savored an incredible dinner at Pink Mama to cap off the big day. Pink Mama has become the latest sensation in Paris, with a perpetual line snaking around the building to secure a coveted spot. Ethan had an alarm set on his phone for the moment reservations became available in order to secure the coveted spot. The pizza dough, especially, surpassed any they had ever tasted!
They had explored the city, tasted its flavors, and on their final day, they delved into the art of cooking like true Parisians! They enjoyed a fun-filled cooking class at Ateliers Auraé in the company of their own private chef, immersing themselves in the secrets of crafting delicious traditional French breads and croissants in an exciting hands-on workshop. To top it off, they indulged in a light meal featuring what they had prepared, savoring the fruits of their labor in a delightful culinary experience.
After their memorable adventures in Paris, the Biters flew back home, their hearts filled with cherished memories of exploring the iconic landmarks, savoring delicious cuisine, and immersing themselves in the rich culture of the city of lights.
Upon returning home, the Biters reunited with three-year-old Leo and gathered with the rest of their family and friends to commemorate their incredible vacation. They shared a taste of Paris with those who were unable to join them… until next time!
