Bonjour from Paris, France!
Oh man. Where to start. PARIS. I’M IN PARIS, FRANCE. That is all my brain has screamed over and over for the entire trip. This has been my number one on my bucket list since I was a kid. I’ve had Eiffel Tower paraphernalia scattered all over my bedroom since I was 10. I took French class all through high school. This is literally a dream come true. But I am a realist erring on the side of caution. We were a little nervous given all we’ve heard about the French. They’re rude, hate Americans, the streets are dirty, there’s crime all over the city and better hold tight to your belongings because there is a pick pocket lurking around every corner.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
I was so worried about our passports being stolen. We bought those crossbody wallets to keep all of our stuff in. Which, for what it was supposed to do, worked, but was pretty awkward when you went to pay for something and you’re like “oh excuse me while I lift up my entire shirt to grab wet money from my sweat soaked body wallet.” If you are pretty bad about misplacing things or are known to drop things, then this product might actually be a good investment for you. If you visit a place during cooler weather it would work out a lot better layering it over a shirt and hiding it under a jacket. So just be smart. Keep an eye on your surroundings. Don’t walk around with your purse or backpack wide open, or wave your phone around all willy nilly. Common sense goes a long way.
How we got to Paris
We took a train from Barcelona to Paris, France. The ride was breathtaking. Lush green mountains with scattered fields of wildflowers, a random herd of cows (that were beautiful and lean with no spots!), then all of a sudden BAM a huge castle. I had planned to do all sorts of journaling and reading while on these trains, but instead I stared out the window and napped. This is the best way to get around Europe. Especially if you can afford to splurge on first class trains. All of the sightseeing plus wine and snacks?! Sign me up.
Exploring the streets of Paris
Where to stay
We got off our train and took a cab to our AirBnb. Our host was wonderful explaining to us how to get there. There are a ton of translator apps. Almost everyone, everywhere, uses them, so communicating in a foreign country has gotten a lot easier. You should still try to learn a few key phrases in case of an emergency. It goes a long way with the locals when they hear you actually trying to speak their language.
I highly recommend staying in an AirBnB or other short term homestay. The hotels can get pretty pricey, and staying in someones oh so perfectly French apartment just makes the experience that much more, well perfectly French.
The place we stayed in was perfect. A cozy little apartment with these huge windows with planters hanging outside. We opened them up and got this light breeze and the most amazing smells. Flowers, savory food, something sweet, fresh herbs and dirt. It was wonderful. Exactly how I always imagined it.
Morning Brew
Remember when you wake up in France and go to make your coffee…there is no drip coffee pot! BUT, there is espresso! I was never a huge espresso fan. It was bitter, such a small amount, and made me jittery. Maybe it was the jet lag mixed with the excitement of being there, but that first little cup of espresso was the most delicious morning cup o’ joe I’ve ever had. I didn’t even care that there wasn’t any creamer. That’s a pretty big deal coming from the creamer queen.
Wandering into Paris, France
The most delicious breakfast
We woke up early and ventured out to find breakfast. Our only plan was to walk towards the Eiffel Tower and to stop wherever our noses lead us. We walked past so many bakeries. Steaming croissants being put up in windows, the most perfect pastries I’ve ever seen, macarons displayed in every color and flavor you could imagine, rows of baguettes being taken out of the oven. I gained 10 pounds just by looking at them. We couldn’t wait any longer to eat, so we stopped at a cute little cafe. It had a decent amount of people dining, and a little outdoor seating area with a view. We ordered a quiche and mixed fruit pancakes with a couple coffees and some fresh orange juice. The tables were so small that it looked like we ordered every item on the menu. The pancakes were so delicious. They didn’t even need syrup. The quiche was perfect. The crust was so light yet so buttery. And the eggs were so light and airy. This day was the best start to any day that I’ve ever had.
The Arc de Triomphe
As we walked, we turned a corner and there was the Arc de Triomphe. There it was in all its glory. The streets were filled with people taking pictures, and a busy traffic circle surrounds it. You can walk to the base of it or pay a fee to walk the stairs to the top. This trip we were under time constraints, so pictures from the sidewalk will have to do! Until next time you beautiful arc you.
Standing in front of the arc
La Piece de Resistance 
And there it is. The Eiffel Tower. The structure is magnificent. It’s so tall. Like could you imagine having to build this thing and be all the way at the top?! No thanks.
There was a lot of construction around the base of it. Which got in the way of a lot of our photo ops. I think we were at the back side of it. Later that day we were walking along the Seine and came across a big grass area where everyone was sprawled out on blankets having picnics, playing music, napping, children running around playing, all with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. This is what I have been waiting for. Everything about this view was perfect. I highly recommend getting a baguette, some cheese, and maybe/most definitely a bottle of wine, and posting up here.
Notre Dame
I would walk 500 miles
We saw all the things that day. The Notre Dame, the Pantheon, the Place de la Bastille, and town halls that have the most beautiful architecture. It felt like we walked a million miles. Highly recommend a comfy pair of shoes. Good support. All the old lady things. I was totally picturing myself looking chic and wearing cute wedges all around. HA. Cobblestone streets are still a thing there. I almost broke my ankle walking around in my sneakers. I would have looked like a one legged baby giraffe if I wore my cute shoes. How do people do it?! Teach me your ways!
To the Louvre!
The next day we woke up early and headed to the Louvre! We purchased the skip the line tickets and audio guide, which I highly recommend.
To learn more about this, click here
We got there before they opened. We wanted to walk around the Palais Royale gardens and sip our espresso before expanding our minds with art history. There was a kinda cute, kinda creepy circus thing happening next to it. Man, I love it here. When the Louvre opened, we walked up and right in with our tickets. There was hardly anyone there. I cannot stress this enough: GET OUT EARLY WHEN VISITING A NEW PLACE. Especially during high tourist times. We got about an hour of silence before the place was packed. It is quite a surreal experience seeing these things in real life, when I’ve only admired them in pictures for so much of my life. I got a little teary eyed when I saw the Nike of Samothrace and the Mona Lisa. These will be core memories for sure.
The Champs Elysees Paris, France
No trip to Paris is complete without a leisurely walk down the Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous avenues. Amid the luxury boutiques and charming cafés, we stumbled upon one of the most elegant McDonald’s locations in the world. Featuring gourmet desserts like colorful macarons, cakes, and pastries, this was no ordinary fast-food experience. Fun fact: only two McDonald’s worldwide feature white arches—the other is in Bruges, Belgium!
After a delightful lunch, we indulged in some shopping. My husband eagerly queued for the Supreme store, and after an extensive wait, he left with a $175 tank top. Meanwhile, I was drawn to the iconic Louis Vuitton store, where I admired the exclusivity of sipping champagne while shopping—an experience reserved for those making extravagant purchases. I contemplated buying a small souvenir, but a $650 keychain proved to be a bit too extravagant!
Celebrating Bastille Day in Paris
Our final day in Paris coincided with Bastille Day, France’s national celebration. The city came alive with parades, air shows, and a contagious patriotic spirit. As night fell, the grand finale unfolded—a spectacular fireworks display over the Eiffel Tower, illuminating the sky in a breathtaking celebration. The atmosphere was electric, with people dancing in the streets, waving flags, and enjoying the festivities until the early hours of the morning.
A Farewell to Paris
Paris exceeded all of my expectations. From its historic landmarks to its unparalleled charm, the city left an indelible mark on my heart. Experiencing this adventure with my best friend and the love of my life made it even more special. Paris, you have my heart, and I will be back!
Next Stop: Marseille!
Join us as we continue our journey through France, exploring the stunning coastal city of Marseille. Stay tuned for more travel stories and tips!
