For the last 2 years, like the rest of the world we limited our travel. As the world opened up we started planning for a trip an international trip that we had started to plan before COVID which was going to Europe. I wanted to see my mom and my sister so we started to plan for a trip to Paris and meet there. The last time I had seen them was in 2019 in Bali, Indonesia
I had contacted a couple of travel agencies here in STL because I did not have the time to individual craft our experience. Additionally, I have never been to Europe I thought it would be better to ask for help. We went with Brentwood Travel Agency and Allie Edelman had helped coordinate our trip for us which was arranged by Europe Express. Brentwood travel was great... Europe Express thoooouuggghhhh... more on that as we go along
However if you only had one day in Paris this is my Ultimate One Day Travel Travel Guide to Paris.
Arriving in Paris
Air travel is a pain right now, our flights kept getting changed so when this "old-timey" United Airlines planed rolled into the tarmac I was like "are they so strapped for planes that they are calling back retired air crafts? This relic better not be my plane!!"
Thankfully it was not my plane and my new-ish plane arrived in Paris with DELAY!
We were a little worried about the delay in our flight because we were told by Europe Express that our transfer would only wait an hour for us. Also we were also a bit worried about our luggage, they told us the car would only fit 2 people and if your luggage is extra big you would get charged. We have 2 check in and 1 carry on luggage and 2 backpacks. What is considered an extra large?!
Land Transfers
Our airport transfers were from PariShuttle and they were fabulous! We had arranged 2 transfers, one for me and Kevin, another for my sister and my mom. They monitored our flights and waited for us. My sister and my mom's flight was also delayed but they waited for them too.
Hotel Stay
As we shook off the pain of air travel we checked in tour hotel at Hôtel Le 123 Elysées - Astotel. The hotel was great! Our room is a little bit bigger because it is for "double occupancy". My mom and my sister's room were the same size. The rooms were not as small as I imagined it would be.
Our hotel offers breakfast starting 7:00am which is a good thing and a bad thing. Good thing because we do not have to hunt for breakfast and bad thing because this would definitely slow down my mom who already has "promptness" problems as we try to make it to our different destinations during the trip
Did I tell you there are free snacks at our hotel from 2pm to 2am?! Yes 2am.... so what do we do after dinner?! Head to the hotel for snacks!
I mean we had tea too but we had snacks!
My Ultimate One Day Must Travel Guide to Paris:
As I eagerly awaited the check-in time for Hôtel Le 123 Elysées - Astotel room to be ready, Kevin and I decided to kick off our adventure with a visit to the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned by Napoleon, this colossal monument, standing proudly at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, is an absolute must-see in the City of Light.
The sheer grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe left me in awe. Its intricate carvings and statues pay tribute to the brave souls who fought and sacrificed for France.
You have to get tickets to climb up to the top of Arc de Triomphe. As I climbed the spiral staircase to the top, I was treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city's most famous landmarks sprawled out before me, creating a picture-perfect moment.
The steps was worth it though because the views are beautiful.
With the bustling traffic circling the roundabout below, the Arc de Triomphe stands as a symbol of French history, resilience, and unity. My visit left me with a profound sense of appreciation for the beauty and significance of this remarkable monument, making it the perfect start to my Parisian adventure.
We did not know this yet but this would not be the only time we would be taking the steps...
A short walk from the Arc de Triomphe, nestled in the heart of Paris, the Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg) is a verdant oasis steeped in history. Created in the early 17th century at the behest of Queen Marie de' Medici. It was originally designed as a royal retreat.
Today, it's a serene escape for locals and tourists alike. Stroll along tree-lined paths, admire the graceful fountains, and find a moment of tranquility by the reflective pond. The garden also houses the stunning Luxembourg Palace, which now serves as the French Senate. This picturesque blend of history and natural beauty makes the Luxembourg Garden a quintessential Parisian gem.
As we are all jet lagged we did not get to do a lot on our first day so we had dinner and went to bed shortly after plus our call time is BRIGHT & EARLY!
The Louvre
We had a tour arranged with Paris City Vision which was our first day tour in Paris. If you only have one day in Paris I highly suggest booking a tour with them because they arrange for all the tickets.
The meeting place was at the Arc de Carrousel which was in front of the Louvre, meeting time was 9:15am and the walk was 20 minutes. When my mom and my sister was not ready we told them that we would go ahead and we would just meet at the meeting place. Fortunately they made with time for pictures!
The Louvre, an iconic masterpiece in the heart of Paris, is a treasure trove of art, culture, and history. Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century, it evolved into a royal palace and later transformed into the world-famous museum we know today. Housing over 35,000 works of art, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a testament to human creativity and achievement. Its stunning glass pyramid entrance is as iconic as the art within. Whether you're an art connoisseur or a casual visitor, the Louvre is a must-visit, offering an immersive journey through centuries of artistic expression.
Saying that the Louvre is packed is an understatement. The pieces that was on display was no doubt amazing but the sheer volume inside kind of takes away from the enjoyment a bit.
Can you guess what this line is for?
If you guessed the Mona Lisa you are correct. At least we did not have to wake up at the crack of dawn drive 2 hours and take a picture like the time we went to Bali, Indonesia so this is bearable. Aaaannnnnddd my mom isn't even looking....
Apart from the art work, the building itself was something to see since it used to be the home of French kings
It also has the crown jewels on display
But of course, the visit would not be complete without checking out the Louvre Pyramid from the inside.
We only spent about 2 hours at the Louvre and the tour guide told us that we are taking the Seine River boat tour to the Eiffel Tower and lunch
Seine River Tour
A Seine River tour is part of our first day tour that was arranged by Paris City Vision. This scenic waterway flows through the heart of Paris, it is also a good way to see the iconic landmarks in Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre.
The history of the Seine River is intertwined with the history of Paris itself. The city's development and growth are closely linked to the river, which has served as a vital transportation route and a source of inspiration for countless artists, poets, and writers over the centuries.
A Seine River cruise provides a unique perspective on the City of Light, allowing you to appreciate its beauty and history from a different angle while enjoying a leisurely and memorable experience.
There were several stops to the Eiffel Tower so Kevin and my mom felt that it is a good time to have a deep conversation about a bowl and the role that it had served in French Empire....
I made this up I do not know what they are talking about... they looked hilarious though so I took a picture
Eiffel Tower
No Paris adventure is complete without a tour of the Eiffel Tower. Still part of our Day 1 tour with Paris City Vision, the Eiffel Tower, Paris's most iconic landmark, is a symbol of elegance and engineering brilliance. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889 as the centerpiece of the Exposition Universelle (World's Fair), it was initially met with mixed reviews but quickly became a beloved emblem of the city.
When we finally made it to the Eiffel Tower, the tour guide told us that we can have a quick lunch before heading inside so we walked to one of the closest cafe and ordered our lunch. My mom also thought it would be the perfect time to adjust her foot wear because she got new shoes that she is trying ton break in.
With all wardrobe issues attended and bellies full we proceed to the entrance of the Eiffel Tower for our tour.
There are lines everywhere so naturally this one would have a long one as well
I am not sure about the Eiffel Tower.... I mean it is definitely the landmark but... it was ok. What do you think?
Rising 324 meters (1,063 feet) above the Champ de Mars, the tower offers unparalleled panoramic views of Paris. We get to go up the 2nd (technically it is 3rd but in Paris they count ground as zero then 1st floor then 2nd) . Of course, no landmark tour is complete without group selfie at the Eiffel Tower viewing deck
Pont Neuf
This was the last stop of our tour but we checked checked out the Pont Neuf which is the oldest bridge in Paris before heading to dinner
I hope you get to check out the sites I have highlighted above.
There is more to our France family trip so stay tuned!
Stay in touch! TTYL!