There are cities you visit… and then there are cities you return to, again and again, because they hold a piece of your soul. For me, that city has always been Paris.
While my recent travels were planned around Porto and London, I couldn’t help but remember just how close Paris is to London, only a train ride away. And truly, how could I be that close to my favorite city and not pay her a visit?
A Sunrise Departure for a City of Romance
My friend and I woke before the sun on Saturday morning, catching the 7:30 a.m. train to Paris. As the countryside blurred past the window, that familiar flutter of excitement returned, the kind only Paris can stir up.
Once we arrived, we headed straight to the Pullman Hotel, my forever go-to with what I swear is the best hotel room view of the Eiffel Tower in the entire city. I’d arranged for early check-in so we could drop our bags and dive right into exploring. And that is exactly what we did.
The Palais Garnier: A Dream in Gold
First stop: The Palais Garnier.
Seeing a ballet here has long lived on my bucket list, but even without a performance, the building alone is worth the visit. The opulence is unreal—every curve, every chandelier, every gilded detail a reminder that Parisians truly know how to do things right. In my opinion, the French do everything right.
Stepping inside felt like slipping into a fairytale. I wandered the grand staircase, the velvet-lined corridors, the mirrored hall… completely enchanted.
Café Views & Classic Parisian Pleasures
Afterward, I grabbed lunch at a little café overlooking the opera house. It was one of those perfect Parisian moments: a warm croque monsieur, a café au lait, and the joy of watching the world go by. I could’ve sat there all afternoon.
But there was skincare calling my name.
No trip to Paris is complete without a stop at a French pharmacy, and yes, I stocked up. They really are the holy grail of beauty shopping.
An Unexpected Encounter… with Chanel
From there, I somehow (read: very easily) found myself inside Galeries Lafayette. My friend had ventured off to meet a local Parisian friend for lunch, and I did warn her that leaving me alone in this city is dangerous. I have absolutely zero self-control in Paris.
Fast forward to me on the 4th floor at Chanel, admiring the shoes. And yes… I walked out with my very first pair of Chanel ballet flats. My bank account may be questioning my decisions, but my feet? They’re living their best life.
As I stepped outside, the sky opened up with rain—very Paris—and I hopped in a taxi back to the hotel for a quick rest before the night ahead.
A Tale of Two Dinner Reservations
After a power nap and a quick refresh, it was time to experience Paris by night.
We started with dinner at Coco Paris, a spot highly recommended on TikTok. And while our cocktails were lovely, I have to be honest—the food was a miss. Luckily, we had a second reservation later in the evening at Gigi Rigolatto Paris, and this is where the night truly came alive.
What we thought would be a chill night of cocktails turned into the highlight of the entire trip. The restaurant transformed into a full-on dance party, DJ, sparklers, everyone waving their napkins in the air, singing, dancing at their tables. The energy was electric and completely unexpected.
We danced and laughed well into the early morning hours. It was one of those nights you don’t plan… but never forget.
Back to London, Heart Full (and Feet Sore)
The next morning came quickly. We squeezed in a final breakfast at the hotel before heading to the train station. Exhausted from the night before, I slept the entire ride back to London, feeling a cold coming on but with zero regrets. Because for Paris, it’s always worth it.
Whether you have a week or a single day, Paris is always a good idea. I’ll always make time for her.
So thank you, my one true travel love—Paris—for another magical 24 hours. Until next time. 💙 🤍 ❤️
xoxo
Travel. Beach. Love.
Leave a Reply