Before visiting Paris I found a few TikTok creators who had posted about Le Train Bleu. The videos they presented were absolutely dreamy, and I KNEW that I needed to add that restaurant to my must try list.

When most people think about dining in Paris, they picture charming sidewalk cafés or cozy bistros tucked along cobblestone streets. But one of the most breathtaking restaurants in the city is hiding in plain sight—inside Gare de Lyon train station.

The moment I stepped through the doors of Le Train Bleu, I completely forgot I was in a train station. Towering painted ceilings, glittering chandeliers, intricate gold leaf, and ornate woodwork surrounded me in every direction. It felt more like walking into a royal palace than a restaurant.

I found myself looking up far more than I looked at the menu.

Originally built for the 1900 World’s Fair, Le Train Bleu opened in 1901 as the grand restaurant of Gare de Lyon. It was later named after the famous luxury train that carried travelers from Paris to the French Riviera. Today, the restaurant remains one of Paris’s most spectacular Belle Époque landmarks, with much of its original architecture and artwork beautifully preserved.

The dining room is truly the star of the experience. Forty-one magnificent paintings decorate the walls and ceilings, each celebrating destinations once served by the Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée railway. Massive crystal chandeliers, gilded moldings, soaring ceilings, and elegant leather seating make every corner feel like a work of art.

This is one of those rare places where you can’t help but pause every few minutes just to admire another incredible detail.

My Experience

From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by a warm and welcoming staff who spoke English with me throughout my entire visit, making the experience feel effortless and comfortable.

Every detail reflected the restaurant’s commitment to excellence. The tables were dressed in crisp white linen tablecloths, the silverware gleamed, and everything was impeccably clean. At one point during my meal, I noticed a staff member quietly making their way through the dining room, inspecting each table’s wine glasses and polishing away even the slightest fingerprint. It was a small detail, but one that perfectly captured the level of care and pride they take in every guest’s experience.

For my entrée, I ordered the Suprême de volaille fermière rôti, sauce poulette, priced at €42. The meal was served with complimentary French bread and rich, creamy butter, and I also enjoyed a hot matcha and a bottle of water.

The very first bite stopped me in my tracks.

I’ve eaten plenty of chicken in my life, but nothing like this. It was unbelievably juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. The poulette sauce was silky and comforting—rich without feeling heavy, with just the right touch of salt to complement the chicken instead of overpowering it. Every bite was even better than the last.

The service was impeccable from beginning to end, and I always felt genuinely cared for.

Would I order this dish again?

Without hesitation. Absolutely.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re searching for the cheapest meal in Paris, this probably isn’t it.

But if you’re looking for a dining experience you’ll remember long after your trip is over, Le Train Bleu absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary. You’re not just paying for lunch or dinner—you’re dining inside a piece of Parisian history.

It’s the kind of place that reminds you travel isn’t always about checking attractions off a list. Sometimes it’s about slowing down, looking around, and appreciating the beauty that exists in unexpected places.

Le Train Bleu was one of those moments for me.

Quick Take:

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, don’t overlook this hidden gem inside Gare de Lyon. Whether you stop in for lunch, dinner, or even just dessert, you’ll leave with memories that last far longer than the meal itself

Forward Always, Shannon

If this is your first time here, welcome to Forward & Fernweh. Explore more travel stories, destination guides, and honest reviews, or visit my About Page to learn more about the journey behind the blog.

When you’re booking a long-haul flight, the temptation to upgrade can be hard to resist- especially on an overnight trip to Europe. Before my flight to Paris, I decided to upgrade to AA Premium Economy to see if the added comfort justified the extra cost. After spending nearly 9 hours in the air, here is my honest experience and whether Id choose it again.

Why I Decided to Upgrade

I’m 5’10”, so my height was the biggest reason I decided to upgrade. After I booked my flight, American Airlines sent me an offer through their app to move from economy to Premium Economy for a little over $400. It wasn’t something I had originally planned to do, but for an overnight flight to Paris, I figured I’d give it a try.

The upgrade also included priority boarding and priority baggage, which was a nice bonus before I even stepped onto the plane.

First Impressions

My seat was in a two-seat row by the window with another passenger in the aisle seat. The first thing I noticed was the extra width. While I don’t spill over into the next seat in economy, I’ve always felt a little cramped when I’m shoulder-to-shoulder with another passenger.

That feeling completely disappeared in Premium Economy.

The seat was noticeably more comfortable and reclined much farther than a standard economy seat. It almost had me convinced I might actually fall asleep…almost. 😂 Unless I’m heavily medicated, I simply do not sleep on airplanes, no matter how comfortable the seat is.

Another pleasant surprise was that when the passenger in front of me reclined, it didn’t affect my comfort at all. I never felt like they were in my personal space.

The Little Extras

The footrest ended up being one of those features I didn’t know I’d appreciate until I used it. It was nice to be able to elevate my feet during such a long flight.

Waiting at my seat was a welcome kit that included upgraded headphones, a blanket, skincare items, a sleep mask, and a pair of socks. There was also a pillow that was about the size of a family-size box of Cheerios. 😅 It wasn’t luxury-hotel quality, but it definitely beat the tiny pillows I’m used to.

Service

Honestly, I didn’t notice much difference in the flight attendants themselves. I think American’s crews do a good job regardless of which cabin you’re sitting in. The biggest difference is simply that they’re taking care of fewer passengers, so service naturally feels a little more attentive.

I did enjoy a couple of screwdrivers during the flight, even though they still weren’t enough to convince me to sleep.

The Moment That Sold Me

There was one unexpected moment that really showed me how much additional space Premium Economy gives you.

At one point during the flight, I got up to use the restroom and somehow managed to drop my phone without realizing it. When I returned to my seat, I couldn’t find it anywhere. I was actually able to bend over, crouch down in the footwell, and reach underneath my seat until I found it.

There’s absolutely no way I could have done that in a standard economy seat.

That little incident really put the extra space into perspective.

Was American Airlines Premium Economy Worth the Extra Cost?

For me, yes.

Nothing about the experience disappointed me. Between the wider seat, additional legroom, generous recline, footrest, priority boarding, priority baggage, and simply not feeling packed into the cabin, the upgrade made the journey to Paris much more enjoyable.

It’s hard not to love the feeling of being toward the front of the plane. It sets the tone for the trip before you even land. Instead of feeling like a sardine packed into a can, I arrived feeling much more relaxed and ready for the adventure ahead.

If you’re taller, have a larger frame, or simply want to make a long international flight more comfortable without paying business-class prices, I think American Airlines Premium Economy is definitely worth considering.

As for me? I’d absolutely pay for the upgrade again.

Quick Take: IMO the upgrade is always worth it, especially with a flight longer than 4 hours.

Forward Always, Shannon

If this is your first time here, welcome to Forward & Fernweh. Explore more travel stories, destination guides, and honest reviews, or visit my About Page to learn more about the journey behind the blog.

With Paris experiencing a heatwave, I knew I wanted a hotel with reliable air conditioning. Hotel Lautrec checked that box, but was it worth it staying there? Here’s my honest review.

First Impressions

Pulling up to Hotel Lautrec by taxi, the first thing I noticed was how quiet the street was. Unlike some of the busier parts of Paris, this area felt calm and residential. There were two restaurants on the corner, but otherwise the neighborhood was peaceful and surprisingly clean. It immediately felt like a place where I’d be able to relax after long days exploring the city.

I arrived around 12:30 p.m., fully expecting to leave my luggage and come back later since check-in is usually in the afternoon. Instead, the receptionist greeted me with a warm bonjour and immediately checked me into my room without me even asking. After a nine-hour overnight flight with very little sleep, that small gesture made a huge first impression.

The lobby itself is compact but bright, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. It felt welcoming and well cared for from the moment I walked in.

⸻

The Room

Like many older hotels in Europe, the elevator is tiny. It comfortably fit me, my checked suitcase, my carry-on, and not much else—but I was just grateful not to be hauling luggage up five flights of stairs.

My room was on the fifth floor, which turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the stay. Opening the window revealed the classic Paris rooftops and balconies of the surrounding buildings. Because so many streets in Paris are narrow and lined with tall buildings, being higher up made the room feel brighter and more open.

The room itself isn’t large, but that’s fairly typical for Paris. I was traveling alone and had plenty of space after organizing my luggage. Two people could certainly make it work, but I wouldn’t recommend this room for more than that.

The instant I opened my door I was hit with that sweet cool atmosphere.

Ice-cold air conditioning. Just like I keep it in my own home.

Honestly, it was glorious.

This was one of the main reasons I booked Hotel Lautrec, and it absolutely delivered. After spending the day exploring in the summer heat, returning to a cool room every evening made a bigger difference than I ever expected.

The bed was on the firmer side, which I actually prefer, and I found both the pillows and linens exceptionally comfortable. There was also a small desk, chair, wall-mounted television, and wardrobe with enough storage for my belongings.

The bathroom was compact but very clean. While the shower wasn’t large, the water pressure was excellent and there was always plenty of hot water.

⸻

Location

One of the biggest reasons I chose Hotel Lautrec was its location.

It’s within walking distance of Galeries Lafayette, which was perfect because shopping was high on my priority list. I didn’t want to spend the day carrying shopping bags across Paris or taking crowded public transportation afterward. Being able to walk back to the hotel quickly gave me extra peace of mind.

Palais Garnier is also nearby, and while I didn’t make it there on this trip, it’s certainly within easy reach.

The Louvre is roughly a 20-minute walk away, although I often chose to use Bolt taxis when visiting attractions farther away. If you’re someone who enjoys walking everywhere or relying exclusively on public transportation, you may prefer staying in a more tourist-heavy neighborhood. Personally, I enjoyed coming back each evening to a quieter part of the city.

Ironically, I actually felt safer on the hotel’s quiet residential street than I did in some of the busier tourist areas where I had dinner.

⸻

Final Thoughts

At around €190 per night for a single room when booked separately, I felt Hotel Lautrec offered good value for the money.

The staff were warm and welcoming, their English was excellent, the neighborhood felt safe, and the air conditioning worked flawlessly.

Would I stay here again?

Absolutely.

In fact, if you asked me whether I’d rather have an Eiffel Tower view or an ice-cold room after walking miles through Paris during a summer heat wave… I’d choose the air conditioning every single time. 😂

One final note: the hotel also offers breakfast for an additional charge. I chose to skip it because I preferred heading out early each morning to find a neighborhood café where I could enjoy a fresh croissant and coffee instead.

⸻

Simple, comfortable, and well located-this hotel checked the boxes that mattered most for my trip.

Forward Always,

Shannon

As creator of Forward & Fernweh I dreamed of seeing more of the world. I kept finding reasons to wait. This blog is where I share my honest travel experiences, practical tips, and the moments that gave me the confidence to keep exploring.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) has a reputation for long lines, confusing terminals, and stressful connections. Before my flight, I decided to see if a private airport concierge service-priced at £250 (about $340 USD)- could make the experience easier.

As the departure date for my first solo international trip got closer, I started to feel a little uneasy.

I had been through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) once before during a layover on the way to my husband’s home country. That experience was confusing, stressful, and rushed. We found ourselves lost while trying to transfer terminals and nearly missed our connecting flight.

This time, I was arriving in Paris completely on my own, and I wanted to avoid that same feeling. I wanted the start of my trip to be smooth, efficient, and as stress-free as possible.

While scrolling TikTok one evening, I came across a creator talking about her experience using (view link ->) Airport Assist. My curiosity was immediately piqued. I browsed the company’s website, read through the available services, and finally decided to reach out through WhatsApp.

To my surprise, I received a response almost immediately.

The representative asked a few questions about my incoming flight and which level of concierge service I was interested in. Once we settled on the package, they emailed me an invoice and explained that I had 48 hours to complete payment.

I’ll be honest—I almost let those 48 hours expire.

I kept asking myself, “Am I really about to spend £250 (about $340 USD) just to get through an airport?”

Then, while doom-scrolling TikTok again, I started seeing videos of travelers standing in incredibly long Entry/Exit System (EES) lines across Europe. That was enough to convince me. I paid the invoice and received my confirmation.

Still… I wasn’t completely convinced it was legitimate.

As my plane pulled up to the gate at CDG and passengers began standing to gather their belongings, my stomach started doing little flips. What if I’d just been scammed out of $340?

I grabbed my carry-on, stepped off the aircraft, and immediately spotted a smiling woman holding a whiteboard with my name written across it.

Whew. 😅

She greeted me warmly in English and immediately took my carry-on and personal item. I’ll admit, I felt a little guilty. She was tiny, and I’m pretty sure I’m at least twice her size! I told her she didn’t have to carry everything, but she smiled and insisted.

“This is what you paid for,” she said.

From that point on, I simply followed her.

She confidently guided me through the airport, bypassing every queue we encountered. We made our way to baggage claim, where I described my checked suitcase. She stood at the carousel, spotted it before I did, lifted the heavy bag herself, and continued carrying my other luggage as well.

I honestly didn’t lift a single bag after stepping off the plane.

From baggage claim, she escorted me directly to the taxi stand. There was a long queue waiting for taxis, but once again we bypassed the line completely.

The best part?

I never had to speak to anyone.

She handled everything.

She spoke with the taxi coordinator, had a cab pulled forward, gave the driver my hotel’s address, handed over my luggage, and made sure everything was taken care of before opening the taxi door for me.

She wished me a wonderful stay in Paris, thanked me, gently closed the door, and waved goodbye as I pulled away.

It may sound like a small thing, but that experience completely changed the way my trip began.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or worried about getting lost, I felt calm.

I never had to think about where I was going, which line I belonged in, how to find baggage claim, where the taxi stand was, or whether I was heading in the right direction. I simply followed someone who knew exactly where to go.

That’s the real value of an airport concierge service.

It’s not just about skipping lines.

It’s about removing the mental load that comes with arriving in a busy international airport.

Would I recommend it for everyone?

Probably not.

But if you’re traveling solo, don’t travel internationally very often, are arriving after a long-haul flight, or simply want your vacation to begin the moment you step off the plane, I genuinely think it’s worth considering.

For me, it transformed what could have been one of the most stressful parts of my trip into one of the easiest.

Would I spend £250 ($340 USD) again?

Without hesitation.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Booking Airport Assist took much of the uncertainty out of navigating one of Europe’s busiest airports and made arriving in Paris feel far less stressful. Whether it’s worth the cost depends on your budget and travel style- but if you’re anxious about CDG or have flight connections, it maybe money well spent.

Forward Always,

Shannon

Hi, im Shannon, creator of Forward & Fernweh. I share honest travel experiences, destination guides, and practical tips to help you travel with more confidence and fewer surprises. Learn more on my About page.

If you’ve ever wondered whether hiring a guide for the world’s largest flea market is worth the cost, here’s my honest experience.

The Saint-Ouen Flea Market is one of Paris’s most iconic destination and must-visit for anyone who loves antiques, vintage finds, and unique treasures. Before my visit, I booked a guided tour to help me navigate the massive space. Here’s my honest review- and whether I think it’s worth the cost.

As a solo traveler visiting France without speaking French, I was excited- but also a little intimidated. I had an itinerary I wanted to stick to, and I also knew Id regret skipping the Saint-Ouen Market. Since it’s outside the city center, I worried that communicating would be even more challenging. So I turned to TikTok. Believe it or not, that’s where I found exactly what I was looking for. A creator shared his experience on a guided Airbnb tour of the market, and after hearing his recommendation, I decided to book (view here ->) Mariana’s Airbnb experience.

After booking the tour through Airbnb for around $125 USD, my guide, Mariana, reached out almost immediately. Her message was warm, detailed, and reassuring. She included the exact meeting location near the closest metro station, our meeting time, and a few recommendations to make the day more enjoyable: wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and carry cash in euros. Looking back, all of her suggestions proved helpful.

Although the meeting point was easily accessible by metro, I decided to take a taxi from the city center. The ride took about 20 minutes and was simple enough for anyone unfamiliar with Paris.

There were only four people in our group, something Mariana intentionally does to create a more personal experience. Before we even entered the market, she asked each of us what types of items we hoped to find. Whether you were searching for vintage fashion, antiques, artwork, or unique collectibles, she wanted to tailor the experience to our individual interests.

Before entering the market, Mariana shared a brief history of Saint-Ouen. I had no idea just how massive it really was. With more than 2,000 vendors spread across multiple sections, it’s less of a flea market and more like a small city dedicated to antiques and vintage treasures.

Once inside, we wandered through narrow alleyways lined with shop after shop. Mariana never rushed us. If something caught our attention, she happily stopped so we could browse. One of the biggest advantages of having a guide was her relationship with many of the vendors. She translated conversations, asked questions about the history of different pieces, discussed pricing, and even negotiated when appropriate. It made the experience feel much more immersive than simply walking through on our own.

The tour lasted about three hours, but that’s only enough time to experience the highlights. Honestly, you could spend an entire day exploring Saint-Ouen and still not see everything. Mariana did an excellent job introducing us to the market’s different sections and helping us understand how everything was laid out, making the enormous space feel much less overwhelming.

Overall, Mariana was an excellent guide. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly well known by many of the vendors, who greeted her warmly throughout the morning. It was obvious that she had built genuine relationships within the market, and those connections enhanced the experience for everyone in our group.

The only small downside had nothing to do with Mariana herself. The other three guests were traveling together, while I was exploring solo. Naturally, we spent a little more time browsing the types of shops that interested the larger group. Mariana did a great job balancing everyone’s interests and keeping us moving, but it’s something solo travelers should keep in mind.

Another thing worth mentioning is the neighborhood surrounding the meeting point. Since Saint-Ouen sits outside the main tourist areas of Paris, the atmosphere feels different. You’ll notice more graffiti, older buildings, and fewer tourists. While I was waiting for the group to arrive, I was definitely more aware of my surroundings than I had been in central Paris. That said, I never felt unsafe or threatened at any point during the tour.

My Honest Opinion

Would I recommend this tour? Absolutely.

Would I personally book it again? Probably not—but only because the tour gave me exactly what I needed: confidence.

By the halfway point, I realized that many of the vendors spoke enough English for basic conversations, and I no longer felt intimidated by the size of the market. Mariana taught me how the different sections were organized and helped me understand how to navigate them. If I return to Saint-Ouen in the future, I’d feel completely comfortable exploring on my own.

If you’re visiting the market for the first time, especially as a solo traveler or if you’re feeling intimidated by its size, I think this tour is money well spent. If you’re already a confident traveler who enjoys wandering and discovering places independently, you may find that you don’t need a guide. Either way, don’t skip Saint-Ouen. It was one of the highlights of my trip to Paris.

Quick take: If it’s your first visit to Saint-Ouen and you’re feeling unsure, id recommend booking Marianas tour. If you’re confident traveler who enjoys exploring independently, you’ll likely be comfortable visiting on your own after a little research.

Forward always, Shannon

If this is your first time here, welcome to Forward & Fernweh. Explore more travel stories, destination guides, and honest reviews, or visit my ABOUT PAGE to learn more about the journey behind the blog.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored review and I receive no compensation for sharing my experience. All opinions are my own.