Landing in the City of Lights
Our first time in Paris was the beginning of our love affair with the city of love and lights and arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport we were so excited, we had landed in Paris.
Stepping off the plane we were buzzing with excitement, our first time in Europe, and the Paris was our gateway to the journey of a lifetime. Seeing all the legendary Paris tourist attractions and iconic landmarks in Paris in person had occupied our dreams for so long. The cool morning air was a refreshing contrast to the long, 17 hours cooped up on the plane, and as we departed the airport it hit me, our adventure was about to unfold like a storybook. I had that unmistakable “pinch me” feeling. This dreamlike city we’d only seen in movies and read about in a Paris travel guide lay before us. The moment I’d imagined a thousand times over, was now reality. After planning for so long, the wait was over, we had finally made it to Paris, and it felt so surreal.
Ornate facade and giant clock at Credit Lyonnais bank
A Taxi Ride into the Heart of Paris
The taxi ride into the heart of Paris was an experience in itself. We wove through the city streets, passing grand old buildings and bustling cafés, and I could still hardly believe we were here. Every turn revealed something quintessentially Parisian, stylish woman, people with a baguette tucked under their arm, flower shops bursting with fresh blooms, and the elegant lines of the Haussmannian buildings that seemed to glow under the early morning light. After so much anticipation, the wait was over, we were finally ready to immerse ourselves in all the magic this beautiful city had to offer.
Original home of Emile Justin Meunier, the chocolate maker
Exploring Montmartre: The Bohemian Heart of Paris
We had chosen to stay in Montmartre, the bohemian heart of the city, a neighbourhood that had always taken my interest. Known for its artistic history, charming cafés, and winding cobblestone streets, Montmartre promised the perfect starting point for our French adventure. We didn’t venture far from the hotel on our first day, but even a simple stroll around the neighbourhood filled us with unexpected delights discovering hidden gems at every corner.
Montmartre Cemetery: A Hidden Gem
Just across from our hotel is the Montmartre Cemetery, a haven of greenery and remembrance, and final resting place of some of the greatest artists and personalities who lived in Montmartre. This may well be the best kept secret in Paris. Home to many stray cats, we are followed, watched and seemingly judged by dozens of cats who are guarding the spirits of those laid to rest. One of these cats seems to be on patrol, keeping a keen eye on us, leading us here and there. He stops along the way and waits, looking back, as if to make sure we are following. The cemetery is a charming, leafy and idyllic resting place and many cats enjoy sunning themselves on the marble tombstones.
Tombstone in Montmartre Cemetery Tombstone in Montmartre Cemetery
Parisian Delights: Breakfast and Beyond
Our First Parisian Breakfast
Just a stone’s throw from the Montmartre Cemetery we came across Moulin Rouge, its iconic red windmill beckoning us as we explored the surrounding neighborhood. But this was no time for a Moulin Rouge experience as we were ready for a late breakfast and lucky for us a cozy little café right next door, where we sat down for our first Parisian breakfast experience. The menu, like everything else, seemed so effortlessly French. Our choice was obvious, Petit Déjeuner consisting of freshly squeezed orange juice, strong coffee, a delicate crepe, a flaky croissant, and a tartine (a half-baguette with butter and jam). As we sip our coffee a man at a nearby table played soft, romantic tunes on his harmonica, filling the air with an unmistakable atmosphere direct from a soundtrack of a French romantic movie. The experience alone made this the one of the best cafés in Montmartre. It was simple, yet perfect, our first taste of this city, and already it was everything I’d imagined and more.
