Paris: the city of love, lights, and yes, tourists! Admittedly, I was hesitant about visiting. It wasn’t initially on my Europe travel bucket list. Some of you might think I’m crazy, but I had my reasons, which I’ll outline below:

1. Crowds and Tourists: I had heard that Paris is often overcrowded, which could detract from the experience.
2. Local Sentiment: Many Parisians seemed tired of the constant influx of tourists.
3. Cost Concerns: I was warned that Paris is quite expensive for a student traveler.
4. Cultural Representation: My French roommate, Gwen, and her friend Juliette emphasised that Paris doesn’t fully represent France, as it feels more cosmopolitan than authentically French.

Ultimately, I chose to visit Paris to celebrate my sister Charlene’s birthday on April 30th. As a budding artist, she has always dreamed of visiting the Louvre, and her love for the French language added to the significance. I wanted to bring her back small gifts and share photos from my trip.

Encouragement from friends also played a role. My classmate Maheen insisted that even a short visit would be worthwhile. Maria, whose boyfriend lives in Paris, echoed the sentiment, saying I would love it.

The Trip Details

The cost of the trip was €45 (around R645). I booked through Am to PM Student Travels, a German bus operator. The journey from Düsseldorf included a bus tour, a postcard, and a breakfast snack. Plus, it was a cheaper option compared to others I found.

Given that I was only spending one day in Paris, I figured if Parisians turned out to be unfriendly, it wouldn’t matter much. I had met some lovely friends of my roommate, which encouraged me to form my own opinions rather than rely on stereotypes.

Just like Cape Town, which is considered an international city yet retains its South African essence, I wanted to see if Paris could offer a similar vibe.

But the idea of calling my sister from Paris to wish her a happy birthday was the most compelling reason. Though she couldn’t be there, my trip would allow me to share the experience with her in spirit.

Getting There & Arrival

The bus ride from Germany to Paris was long. I boarded in Düsseldorf at 11 PM and arrived in Paris at 6 AM. This trip was a solo adventure, as I didn’t actively seek a travel companion. With the weather forecast predicting cold and heavy rain, I sat next to Cathy, a traveler with her boyfriend and friend. We struck up a conversation, and I asked if I could join their group. This turned out to be a great decision—Cathy no longer felt like a third wheel, and I made new friends.

When we arrived in Paris, the gloomy winter weather greeted us, but my spirits remained high. The stunning architecture captivated me; even the apartment facades looked like museums.

The two-hour bus tour took us past iconic landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. Our guide shared fascinating insights, including how homeowners must apply to the city before renovating their properties to maintain Paris’s historical aesthetic.

Though it rained during the tour (I have the photos to prove it!), the rain stopped when we exited the bus. We were dropped off near the Eiffel Tower, where Cathy and I took turns capturing photos in front of the iconic landmark.

The First Stop: Eiffel Tower Adventure

After arriving at the Eiffel Tower, we decided to go up and take in the views. Despite the chilly weather, I barely noticed the cold. Dressed in a woolen sweater, scarf, warm hat, thick winter socks, and boots, I felt well-prepared. I even lent my gloves to Cathy, who was starting to feel the chill.

As we stepped out of the lift, the view was breathtaking. You might think I’m exaggerating, but I was genuinely surprised by the beauty of the city. Paris was clean and stunning, with the clouds adding an extra layer of charm, even in their greyness.

After capturing countless selfies, group shots, and photos of the city from various angles, we decided to descend via the stairs. On our way down, we discovered a room showcasing videos of the Eiffel Tower, which was fascinating. We also explored the gift shop, passed by the restaurant, and walked across a see-through walkway section. As someone who doesn’t fear heights, I found this feature innovative, allowing visitors to see the ground beneath their feet.

Exploring Paris: A Walk Along the Seine

From the Eiffel Tower, we strolled along the picturesque Seine River, excited for a brisk walk to the Louvre. I love long walks, especially in a city like Paris, where comfortable shoes allow you to experience so much more of the vibrant surroundings.

As we made our way, we encountered several iconic sights, including the stunning Alexander III Bridge, known for its beautiful Russian-style architecture. We also stopped at the Flame of Liberty, a poignant memorial to Princess Diana, and admired the famous Love Lock Bridge. Along the route, we passed lots of statues and lush trees—something I particularly enjoy. I often snap photos of trees and share them with my friends and family to showcase the beauty I find in nature, even if they sometimes think I’m a bit quirky.

In Paris, I noticed trees adorned with hearts and initials carved into their bark, symbols of love and romance. As a South African, I was especially moved to see a photo of Nelson Mandela displayed in front of an art gallery. It reminded me of the global admiration for his legacy, a powerful testament to his impact that endures even after his passing.

Exploring the Louvre: An Art Lover’s Journey

As an art enthusiast, I find immense beauty and inspiration in visual art, paintings, sculptures, and light installations. Although I can sing, dance, act, write poetry, cook, and even craft an academic essay, my artistic talents don’t extend to drawing or painting—those skills went to my sister, Charlene. She has recently taken up art classes and taught herself to sketch and paint, but that’s a story for another blog post.

During my visit to the Louvre, I was thrilled to see iconic pieces like the Venus de Milo, Egyptian sculptures, and exquisite Italian paintings, including the renowned Mona Lisa. However, the museum was incredibly crowded, with tourists pushing to get their photos taken with the famous painting. As someone on the shorter side, I had to duck and weave to capture my shot! Our time at the Louvre felt rushed, and I hope to return someday to fully explore its vast collection. There’s simply too much to see in a short visit, making it essential for any art lover to experience this cultural treasure.

After our whirlwind tour, we walked through the connected shopping mall, passing by high-end stores that we had to skip due to our student budgets. Instead, we opted for a quick meal at McDonald’s. I typically prefer local cuisine when traveling, but my companions were craving fast food, so I ordered the “La Cheese Royale”—a cheeseburger that was surprisingly delightful. I was amused to find macarons on the McDonald’s menu!

After our meal, we ventured back outside and passed street stalls selling postcards, magnets, and various art pieces. I picked up a few postcards for my sister, my boyfriend, and myself. We also walked by the iconic Institut de France, now a language school, where I snapped a photo of a street sign that read “Quai de Marche Neuf.” My cousin’s name is Marche, so I had to share that on Facebook, and she was thrilled!

Exploring Notre Dame Cathedral: A Visitor’s Experience

Our visit to Notre Dame Cathedral began with a short 15-minute wait in line before entering this iconic landmark. As soon as we stepped inside, the stunning stained glass windows caught my eye, beautifully illuminated by the flickering candles. The atmosphere was peaceful, with congregants preparing for mass.

However, I was disappointed by the lack of respect shown by some visitors. While I’m not Catholic, the behaviour was unsettling. Inside the cathedral, flash photography is prohibited, and multiple signs request that guests maintain a low noise level. Sadly, many people ignored these guidelines, with flashes going off and loud conversations disrupting the tranquility. At one point, the priest had to remind attendees to quiet down as mass was about to begin.

Despite this, my travel companions and I decided to stay and enjoy the experience. We found a spot at the back to listen to the hymns being sung. Although they were in French and I couldn’t understand the lyrics, the melodies were beautiful and added to the cathedral’s enchanting atmosphere.

Overall, visiting Notre Dame Cathedral was a memorable experience, showcasing the beauty of its architecture and the significance of its traditions, despite the distractions.

Climbing the Steps to the Arc de Triomphe: A Parisian Adventure

Our next destination was the Arc de Triomphe, a magnificent arch that commemorates the fallen French soldiers who bravely defended their country. To reach the arch, we navigated Paris’s metro system, which I found a bit confusing. Here’s a helpful tip: if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask questions! Speak to the attendants at the station, ask them to write down directions, and always read the signs. Locals are often willing to help if you ask politely

After waiting in line to purchase tickets, we faced another line to actually ascend the Arc de Triomphe. Be prepared for a workout—there’s no elevator, and it’s a steep climb up 284 steps! By the time we reached the top, we were a bit worn out from a day of walking in the rain. The Arc de Triomphe was our final stop, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. From up there, you can see the Eiffel Tower and the beautiful Parisian skyline.

Unfortunately, my camera decided to die right at that moment, and I hadn’t yet brought my power bank. Thankfully, Cathy was kind enough to take a photo of me at the top with her phone and later sent it to me via Facebook. You can definitely see the exhaustion on my face in the pictures!

After taking in the views, we headed down the stairs for a quick bathroom break and took a moment to admire the armor displayed inside the building. Once we exited, my group was feeling hungry, so we made our way to McDonald’s for a quick bite. I decided to skip dinner since I wasn’t really hungry—just tired, wet, and dealing with swollen feet. My jeans were soaked through, and I started to feel the chill set in.

Trying French pastries

After the stunning views on top of the Arc de Triomphe, we explored a nearby shopping complex, including a visit to H&M. As we left, we passed by the Louis Vuitton headquarters, and I couldn’t resist asking Cathy to take a few photos of me in front of the iconic Arc de Triomphe.

We then popped into a bakery where Cathy opted for macaroons while I savoured a rich chocolate torte. She kindly shared a macaroon with me, and I offered her a piece of my cake. It was heavenly! The torte had a luscious caramel-like chocolate filling that I simply adored. Interestingly, the baker thought I was Parisian and spoke to me in French—definitely a sign that I should learn the language!

Getting Back: A Memorable Evening in Paris

As the evening wore on, we needed to catch the metro back to our bus. It was a bit of a rush, and I remember calling our tour guide from my tablet to let them know we were running late. I always purchase a roaming package when I travel, as having the ability to make phone calls is essential for me. I prefer this to relying on often unreliable free WiFi.

We finally made it to the bus, which was parked near the Eiffel Tower. I was thrilled to see the tower all lit up and sparkling! I felt truly blessed on this trip, especially since I had forgotten to look out for the Eiffel Tower’s dazzling light show, which occurs every hour after sunset. While my photos of the tower at night were taken quickly and with my tablet, I did manage to get one good shot with my camera.

We arrived at the bus right at 11 PM, just as scheduled. However, we ended up waiting a few minutes for some group members who had gotten lost. Once we were all on board, I settled in for the ride back and slept soundly, reflecting on a truly lucky and unforgettable day in Paris.

My Memorable Time in Paris: A Journey Through Beauty and Wonder

I truly enjoyed my short time in Paris, captivated by its stunning buildings, intricate sculptures, and beautifully manicured gardens. The Seine River adds a natural touch to the city’s charm, and I have no regrets about taking this trip. While I always dreamed of visiting Disneyland Paris, I never expected to be so enchanted by the Eiffel Tower. I’m grateful I chose to set aside my stereotypes and experience it for myself.

Standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, I felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude as I marveled at the incredible human innovation and engineering that created this iconic symbol of Paris. It was a profound moment, reflecting on how lucky I was to see sights that so many people dream of experiencing.

In 2016, I visited Paris four times. I finally made my childhood dream come true by going to Disneyland Paris, and I stopped over in the city on my way to visit my friend Juliette, whose parents live in the west of France. On my return from Juliette, I found myself in Paris once again. I never tire of this beautiful city, which speaks volumes about its allure. There’s still so much I’d love to explore, and I hope my lucky city welcomes me back for another adventure.

Thank you so much for reading and please feel free to comment.

Wishing you happy travels!