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Ah, Paris! It is the most romanticized city in the world. Paris is held at the uppermost list of cities you need to see before you die. The city is bursting with history, a romantic ambiance, and world-renowned attractions. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets lined with cafes and boutiques, Paris offers a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure. Luckily for us, it is just a 4-hour train and a 6-hour drive away. We can always go anytime, for a weekend or even weeklong.
Now that I have a kid, Paris also means Disneyland. Who wouldn’t want to go to Disneyland, it is every child’s dream vacation. We visited Paris briefly before the pandemic, let me share our first Paris travel video back in 2019.
Before the pandemic, Paris was one of those cities brimming with tourists, it was chaos. It didn’t help that when we went there in 2019, our rented car broke down before even reaching our accommodation. Despite all the stress that time, a trip to Disneyland certainly washed away all our stress and worries. We had a wonderful time in Disneyland and even made a quick stop to see the Eiffel Tower.
In this post, I’ll share with you our journey to discover some of Paris’s most beloved destinations the second time we visited. It included our visit to the magnificent Louvre Museum, the magical Disneyland, and the serene beauty of Jardin des Tuileries and Pantheon. One of our close friends from Manila visited us and we gladly toured her around Paris one weekend. Our weekend trip started with our Disneyland trip, of course. Actually, my husband and kid had a wonderful 2-day trip to Disneyland. Me and my friend opted to explore Paris on our first day and joined them on the second day.
On our first day, We leisurely strolled down the iconic Champs-Élysées, which displayed the epitome of Parisian elegance and glamour. This bustling avenue is lined with fashionable boutiques, charming cafes, and iconic landmarks. We even indulge in some retail therapy due to it being a Thanksgiving weekend. We embossed ourselves in the vibrant energy that fills the air. We did capture that picture-perfect moment with the Arc de Triomphe standing tall in the distance. As we walked along the Champs-Élysées, we found ourselves immersed in the unique atmosphere that makes Paris so special.
As we walked along the bustling city streets, we found tranquility in the enchanting Jardin des Tuileries. Situated between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, this historic garden offers respite from the urban hustle and bustle. We strolled along the perfectly manicured pathways, surrounded by vibrant flowerbeds, elegant statues, and picturesque fountains, and completely forgot the time. The Jardin des Tuileries is a true gem and a haven of peace in the heart of Paris. We saw and envied the people calmly relaxing along the benches while we walked as fast as we could to make it to our Louve visit appointment.
We went inside the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum and a true testament to human creativity. Housing an extensive collection of over 35,000 works of art, including the iconic Mona Lisa, the Louvre is an awe-inspiring experience for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. We walked through the opulent galleries, immersing ourselves in the captivating stories behind the masterpieces, and admired the architectural grandeur of the Louvre. We spent hours indulging in the beauty and cultural significance of this magnificent museum it was already nighttime when we exited the museum. We dragged our cold tired feet back to our accommodations, hoping to get a full night’s rest in preparation for Disneyland.
We chose an accommodation that is near Disneyland Paris because it was pretty convenient. We devoted one whole day as a group to exploring Disneyland. The freezing and foggy weather may have been a bummer, yet we strolled and relished our childhood dreams. We have stepped into a world of enchantment and immersed ourselves in the captivating atmosphere of this beloved theme park. With its iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and beloved Disney characters, Disneyland Paris promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. We stayed in the park till closing to witness the 30th-anniversary celebration Light show. It was spectacular and definitely one for the books.
Our final day of travel took us to the impressive Panthéon, a magnificent neoclassical monument dedicated to the memory of France’s most notable citizens. We marveled at the grandeur of its architecture, including its iconic dome and intricate interior designs. We walked further in the direction of Place de I’Estrapede, where the Netflix series Emily in Paris was mostly shot. We relieved some of the scenes and took candid photos, pretending we felt what Emily felt that time. We also walked around to see Notre Dame before we headed to the Eiffel Tower. No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the famous Eiffel Tower. We wandered around and took a good look at the tower, from the Place du Trocadero viewpoint, down the esplanade passing by the Jardin du Trocadero. We passed by the Pont d’lena, admiring the Seine River and ending up at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. We spent the whole afternoon walking and waiting for the Eiffel Tower to sparkle at night.
Paris, with its timeless beauty and cultural wonders, is a city that captures the hearts of all who visit. From the artistic treasures of the Louvre to the magical world of Disneyland Paris, from the serene oasis of Jardin des Tuileries to the grandeur of the Panthéon, and finally, from the vibrant energy of Champs-Élysées to the hidden charms tucked away in every corner, It was an unforgettable experience. We embraced the joie de vivre and immersed ourselves in the beauty of Paris. Paris is indeed sweeter the second time around.
À bientôt Paris! I can’t wait to see you again.
