This was a trip I had planned for a very long time: bringing my mom to Europe. After five years without visiting me, we finally made it happen.
The trip to Paris began with the Eurostar from King’s Cross St. Pancras station in London to Gare du Nord station in the heart of Paris.
My expectations for Paris were mixed—about 50/50—because the last time I visited the city, I didn’t have the best experience. At that time, I found the city somewhat run-down and quite dirty.
Upon arriving in Paris, we took an Uber directly to the hotel. It was a pleasant surprise, as the facilities were in excellent condition, and the room was spacious and comfortable.
I’m not sure if it was due to the recent Paris 2024 Olympics, but I was delighted to find the city exceptionally clean and well-organized—at least in most of the places we visited.
On the first day, we strolled along the Champs-Élysées, visited the Arc de Triomphe—which was also in great shape—and explored the nearby shops. Later, we entered the Petit Palais to enjoy the exhibition on display at the time.
I highly recommend visiting the Petit Palais, as it’s an excellent art gallery that’s open to the public for free, with no need for prior booking.
We continued walking to the Tuileries Garden and then stopped by the Louvre Museum. Although we didn’t go inside that day, we enjoyed a coffee while soaking in the atmosphere, as our tickets were reserved for another day.
The next morning, we had a reservation to visit the Palace of Versailles, located on the outskirts of Paris. We took the regional train from the nearest station to our hotel, Péreire, and the round-trip ticket to Versailles cost just eight euros.
The excitement of arriving at the Palace of Versailles was indescribable. After more than four years without visiting, I was reminded why it’s one of the most impressive and highly recommended attractions in Paris. Its art collection and the impeccable preservation of its elements make it an architectural masterpiece of stunning beauty.
Returning to Paris around midday, we visited the newly reopened Notre Dame Cathedral. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that no reservation was required, and the visit was free. The French government invested one billion dollars in its restoration, which took only three years to complete. It’s a place of unparalleled beauty that I strongly recommend visiting.
The following day, we dedicated our time to the Louvre Museum, where we spent over two hours. I recommend going with patience, as it tends to be crowded year-round. The Mona Lisa gallery, in particular, can get congested, but the museum staff manage the area very well and limit the time visitors can spend in front of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.
We also visited the central atrium of the Palais Royal, where the installation of black-and-white columns is fascinating. Afterwards, we went to the Opéra Garnier and enjoyed coffee at Café de la Paix, which I highly recommend.
Later, we briefly visited Galeries Lafayette. Although it was very crowded, we admired the stunning Christmas decorations in the central atrium, crowned by its spectacular stained-glass dome.
On our final day, we walked around the city and ended our tour at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in the northern part of Paris. I recommend going prepared, as there are countless stairs to climb if you go on foot. However, the effort is absolutely worth it, as the place is majestic and offers spectacular views of the city.
Finally, we visited the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower, a quintessential symbol of France and Paris. We then headed to the Trocadéro Square, which offers incredible views of the Eiffel Tower and the city. Although I feel this area could use some maintenance, it’s undoubtedly a must-see when visiting Paris.
To wrap up my narrative, I have to say that spending a few days in the French capital just before Christmas was a truly wonderful experience. The city, with its unparalleled beauty and unique ambiance, is a spectacle of elegance and architectural design. I highly recommend walking its streets, enjoying its atmosphere, and letting yourself be captivated by its people and charm.
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