As Friday rolls around once more, it’s the perfect time to unveil another captivating travel photo journal. This edition transports us to the timeless streets and romantic vistas of Paris, a city that has held a special place in my heart for as long as I can remember. This journey wasn’t just a trip; it was the realization of a long-held dream, a promise kept by my wonderful husband.
For many years, the City of Lights, Paris, stood as my ultimate dream destination. My husband, knowing this deep desire, made a solemn promise to take me there, a promise he beautifully fulfilled. Last February, we embarked on an unforgettable two-week European adventure. Following an exhilarating five days exploring the vibrant capital of London, our journey continued as we boarded a train bound for Paris. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect: we arrived on my birthday! This serendipitous scheduling, driven by finding the lowest ticket prices that day, made the experience even more special. Truly, one couldn’t ask for a more fantastic birthday gift than simply arriving in Paris, let alone celebrating it amidst its splendor.
Day 1: A Whirlwind Arrival and Enchanting Evening
Our Parisian adventure began in the early evening, around 5 PM, as we stepped off the train. Feeling particularly adventurous, we opted to navigate the city’s extensive metro system to reach our hotel in the city center. We anticipated my phone would effortlessly guide us, but alas, technology had other plans. The map refused to load, leaving us wandering in every direction, trying to decipher which way to turn. After about five minutes of delightful confusion, I decided it was time to seek local assistance. We approached a group of friendly teenagers who were incredibly helpful, quickly pointing us in the correct direction. Our hotel, it turned out, was merely three minutes away – a testament to Paris’s charm and the kindness of its residents.
For our inaugural dinner in Paris, we found ourselves at an Italian restaurant called FontanaRosa. While seemingly ironic to dine Italian in France, it came highly recommended by our hotel staff and was conveniently located practically next door. The dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. The service was impeccable, with our waiter going above and beyond to explain the French-only menu in English, ensuring we understood every delicious offering. We were among the first customers around 7 PM, but the restaurant quickly filled, a clear sign of its popularity. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance. Though the names of the dishes escape me due to the language barrier, my appetizer was exquisitely delicious, and the tiramisu I had for dessert served as the perfect, most memorable birthday cake. It was a delightful start to our Parisian culinary journey.
After our satisfying dinner, my husband, Garrat, and I embarked on a leisurely stroll towards the iconic Eiffel Tower. Words truly fall short in describing its majestic beauty. As we first laid eyes on the tower, it was fully illuminated, a golden beacon against the twilight sky. The sight was simply breathtaking, an awe-inspiring moment that etched itself into our memories, setting a magical tone for our time in Paris.
Day 2: From Love Locks to Panoramic Views
Day two commenced with a delightful brunch at Crêperie Suzette. Oh my goodness, their crepes are utterly divine – a true culinary masterpiece! We practically polished our plates clean, savoring every last bite. Despite our waiter not speaking English, his warmth and jovial spirit made for a wonderfully pleasant experience. Thankfully, they did provide an English menu. I indulged in a savory crepe featuring smoked salmon and a side of fresh crème fraiche, followed by a sweet salted caramel white butter crepe for dessert. Garrat opted for a classic savory crepe with egg, ham, and cheese, complemented by a unique pear hot chocolate crepe with vanilla ice cream, as captured in the photo below. If you’re visiting Paris, this charming creperie is an absolute must-visit for an authentic and delicious meal.
Energized, we then embarked on a magnificent long walk across some of Paris’s most famous landmarks: starting at Pont des Arts, passing by the grandeur of the Louvre, meandering through the serene Garden of Tuileries, strolling down the illustrious Champs-Élysées, and culminating at the majestic Arc de Triomphe. This route offered a fantastic way to immerse ourselves in the city’s beauty and vibrant atmosphere.
The Pont des Arts, famously known as the “love lock bridge,” was an astonishing sight, quite literally bursting with declarations of love. The sheer variety of unique locks was incredible – vibrant red heart-shaped locks, delicate pinks, brilliant blues, sunny yellows, and every color imaginable adorned the railings. Each lock told a silent story of affection and commitment, creating a truly romantic and visually captivating spectacle.
Unable to resist the charm, I couldn’t help but contribute our own small lock, inscribed with our names, to this beautiful tradition. We carefully placed it on a side rail, hopeful that our tiny token wouldn’t add to the structural weight concerns that have sometimes affected the bridge. It felt like a truly special moment, leaving a piece of our love story in the heart of Paris.
As it was a gloriously sunny day, we decided against venturing inside the Louvre. Instead, we chose to fully embrace the pleasant weather by walking straight through the exquisite Garden of Tuileries. This expansive public garden, perfectly situated between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, offered a peaceful oasis. With its meticulously manicured lawns, grand statues, and charming fountains, it was an ideal spot for relaxation and soaking up the Parisian ambiance. We observed locals and tourists alike enjoying the tranquility, perhaps reading a book or simply unwinding on one of the iconic green chairs.
This magnificent garden, a historical masterpiece, truly provides a serene escape from the bustling city. It’s a wonderful place to simply sit, people-watch, and enjoy the beauty of Parisian landscape architecture.
On our picturesque journey towards the Champs-Élysées, a mandatory stop was Cafe Angelina. I had heard countless praises about their famous hot chocolate, and I can confirm, it was absolutely incredible – a rich, velvety dream! The cafe itself is wonderfully grand, exuding an old-world elegance, yet we were promptly seated despite its popularity. While the hot chocolate was heavenly, I found the pastry to be merely adequate, good but not spectacular. Still, the overall experience and that exquisite hot chocolate made it a worthwhile visit.
Our stroll down the iconic Champs-Élysées was a classic Parisian experience, where we humorously walked off calories from one indulgence only to acquire more at another. Amidst some leisurely shopping, we made an essential stop at Ladurée. This jaw-droppingly gorgeous store, a veritable palace of sweets, was brimming with an astounding array of delectable treats. The sheer variety of macarons was overwhelming in the best possible way; I truly felt like I had stepped into heaven! Choosing just a few was a delightful challenge.
Our final destination for the day was the magnificent Arc de Triomphe. We timed our arrival perfectly, reaching it just as the sun began its descent. Man, did we earn our view! The climb to the top involved an seemingly endless spiral of stairs, challenging our leg muscles. However, every single step was undeniably worth it. The panoramic views awaiting us were simply spectacular, offering an unforgettable perspective of Paris as dusk settled.
From the summit of the Arc de Triomphe, the view of the grand Champs-Élysées stretching out below was breathtaking, illuminated by the city lights beginning to twinkle.
And, of course, a clear, stunning view of the Eiffel Tower dominated the horizon, shimmering majestically.
Day 3: The Grandeur of Versailles and a Seafood Feast
The entirety of our third day was dedicated to exploring the opulent Château de Versailles, a short trip outside the city. This historic palace is an absolute feast for the eyes, filled with an extravagant display of decorations, magnificent paintings, an abundance of glittering gold accents, and countless dazzling chandeliers. As I walked through its hallowed halls, I found myself continuously exhaling gasps of “oh” and “ah,” completely awestruck by the sheer grandeur and historical richness of the place. Each room told a story, from the Hall of Mirrors to the King’s Grand Apartments, immersing us in the lavish lives of French royalty.
Beyond the palace’s stunning interiors lies the colossal garden of Versailles – truly immense in scale! Even in February, the garden presented a beautiful, albeit nascent, charm with its crisp air and structured elegance. I could only imagine the vibrant splendor it must possess in the height of summer. Garrat and I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the vast landscapes, soaking up the pleasant weather and marveling at the intricate designs of the fountains and pathways, even when they weren’t in full bloom. The sheer scale and meticulous planning of this royal domain are astounding.
After a truly fascinating day trip to Versailles, we had worked up quite an appetite, specifically craving seafood. Our evening led us to Le Suffren, where we ordered a magnificent platter overflowing with a mixed assortment of fresh seafood. For dessert, I chose a crème brûlée, which was perfectly good, though not particularly extraordinary. Garrat’s chocolate cake, however, was simply divine – rich, moist, and utterly delicious! All in all, the food was “Très bien!” For any seafood aficionado visiting Paris, Le Suffren is an absolute must-try destination, promising a fresh and authentic culinary experience.
Day 4: Art, History, and the Best Falafel
Our fourth day in Paris greeted us with a cold and rainy start, perfect weather for indoor exploration. We began by admiring the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral, its gothic majesty still awe-inspiring even post-fire, before continuing our walk towards the world-renowned Louvre Museum.
Since we hadn’t foresightedly purchased our tickets online, we found ourselves joining a rather long queue to enter the Louvre. After waiting patiently for about 1.5 hours, we finally made our way into the magnificent museum. A crucial tip for future visitors: if you plan to experience the Louvre, I highly, highly recommend purchasing your advance tickets online to bypass the significant wait times.
The Louvre is truly enormous; it stands as one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive museums, an astounding repository of human history and artistic genius. With such an immense collection, it’s impossible to see everything in a single visit. After several hours of browsing and ensuring we saw the absolute essentials, like the iconic Mona Lisa and the majestic Winged Victory of Samothrace, we decided to call it a day. By then, serendipitously, the rain had ceased, and the sun had returned, bathing the city in a beautiful, warm glow.
Seeking an authentic culinary treat, my friend had enthusiastically recommended venturing to the 4th arrondissement for falafel, boldly claiming they offered “the best falafel in the world!” Inspired by this glowing recommendation and David Leibovitz’s endorsement here, we made our way to L’As du Falafel. To our dismay, upon arrival, we discovered it was closed. I confess, I almost shed a tear, having walked quite a distance with such high hopes!
However, luck was on our side, as just across the street, another falafel shop, Mi-Va-Mi, beckoned. Oh my goodness, the falafel sandwiches here were absolutely sensational – truly the BEST falafel I’ve ever tasted! Not that I’m a seasoned falafel connoisseur, but this experience was transformative. The falafels themselves were perfectly crafted: light and fluffy on the inside, with an irresistible crispiness on the outside, all generously stuffed into warm pita bread with a medley of fresh veggies and delicious sauces. The experience is authentically Parisian street food: you order and receive your sandwich at the window, then find a less crowded spot to stand and happily devour your meal. I adored the entire experience so much that it inspired me to recreate falafels at home, and I’ll even be sharing the recipe soon!
Following our incredibly delicious and quick lunch, we sought out something sweet and headed to Amorino for dessert. This charming gelato shop delivered an exquisite treat! We indulged in a delightful selection of ice cream flavors, including rich hazelnut, decadent chocolate, savory pistachio, and a delightful crème brûlée, all expertly shaped into their signature flower cones. To complement this, we also enjoyed a warm crepe drizzled generously with caramel sauce. It was a perfectly sweet conclusion to a day of Parisian exploration.
Day 5: Eiffel Tower Ascents, Montmartre’s Charm, and a Parisian Farewell
Our final full day in Paris began with a vibrant visit to a nearby open market. These markets are a sensory delight, offering an incredible selection of fresh seafood, colorful fruits, crisp vegetables, an array of cheeses, various meats, beautiful flowers, and enticing baked goods. You can truly find anything and everything here, a true reflection of French culinary abundance. And this particular one was actually a smaller market; I can only imagine the grandeur and scale of the larger ones!
Next, we made our way to the magnificent Eiffel Tower. Finally, after admiring it from afar, it was time for an up-close experience! As expected, lines had already begun forming at all four corners of its base. We strategically joined what appeared to be the shortest queue. It wasn’t until we were well into the line that we discovered why it was the quickest: our entrance was specifically for stairs-only access to the second floor. From there, one could purchase an additional ticket to ascend to the very top. Oh well, an adventure nonetheless!
We embraced the challenge and climbed the stairs, taking our time to admire the intricate ironwork structure of the tower from within, and enjoying the ever-expanding, beautiful views of the city as we ascended.
The panoramic view of Paris from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower was absolutely remarkable, offering a comprehensive perspective of the cityscape below. We decided against joining yet another lengthy queue to reach the very summit, preferring to savor the stunning views we had. We assured ourselves that there would be a next time – we are certain we will return to Paris!
Looking back down, it was evident how immensely the queue for the Eiffel Tower had grown. We were certainly glad we didn’t have to wait that long, making our stair climb a surprisingly efficient and rewarding choice.
Our next destination was the charming and artistic district of Montmartre. We disembarked the metro at Blanche station, immediately greeted by the iconic red windmill of the Moulin Rouge. From there, we walked northwest, making our way towards Moulin de la Galette, a famous windmill originally built in 1622 and immortalized in a painting by Vincent Van Gogh, adding a touch of historical artistry to our stroll.
The streets in Montmartre are notably steep, but I found that taking this particular route was an excellent decision. It led us directly to the breathtaking Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a magnificent Roman Catholic church perched atop the Butte Montmartre. This architectural marvel is stunning both inside and out, offering incredible views over Paris. Its gleaming white domes and intricate details are truly a sight to behold, making the uphill walk entirely worthwhile.
After a quick tour inside the serene and stunning church, we descended the grand stairs and made our way back toward the station from which we came, effectively completing a full and satisfying circle of the Montmartre district.
A crucial piece of advice for anyone traveling to Montmartre or similar tourist-heavy areas: exercise caution and maintain awareness, especially regarding individuals who attempt to solicit tourists. We had an unsettling encounter at the base of the Sacré-Cœur, where a group of about 10-15 men surrounded us. One quickly wrapped a colored thread around my husband’s finger, then demanded a small bill (not just loose change) to release us. Because we were on high alert, we didn’t lose anything, but it felt like a coordinated attempt to distract us while others might have attempted pickpocketing. It was a less pleasant experience amidst an otherwise wonderful day. This incident reinforced the need to be assertive and cautious in such situations to avoid similar occurrences. Moving on from that, the rest of Montmartre’s charm quickly restored our spirits.
For our last dinner in Paris, we chose a quintessential Parisian bistro, Le Cafe du Commerce. This three-story restaurant exuded a wonderfully cozy atmosphere, complemented by friendly staff and absolutely delicious food. We opted for their specialty: a huge 35-oz Limousine beef steak, perfectly prepared for two. It arrived accompanied by four different delectable sauces and savory bone marrow, making for a truly memorable culinary experience. The food was so satisfying that, regrettably, we had no room left for dessert. If you’re looking for an authentic and hearty Parisian dining experience, this place is highly recommended.
Finally, I must give a special mention to our accommodation, the First Hotel Paris, where we enjoyed a thoroughly pleasant stay. This hotel, characterized by its compact yet clean and elegant design, boasts an incredibly convenient location in the city center. It’s remarkably close to the Eiffel Tower, and a metro station is situated directly across the street, making city navigation effortless. Below, you can see the charming peek into our room, the comfortable hallway, and the fantastic view from our window.
Our hotel thoughtfully offered a comprehensive breakfast buffet every morning. The unlimited fresh coffee, freshly squeezed juices, a wide selection of delicious croissants and bagels, along with various cheeses and cold meats, made it an irresistible start to each day. We took full advantage of this convenient service on more than one occasion, appreciating the ease and quality it added to our trip.
That concludes our detailed photo journal of Paris! I sincerely hope you enjoyed reliving our journey through these memories and photographs. Be sure to join us next Friday for our final European travel post, where we will be exploring the ancient wonders and vibrant spirit of Rome!
Have a fantastic weekend, and thank you for stopping by and sharing in our adventures!