If you have that wandering soul, you should know that travel is never cheap, no matter how less maintenance you are as a person, it would cost you somehow. You also probably already know how to get the most of every penny you saved up for that dream holiday. So after careful planning, I luckily had the chance to visit one of my dream European cities, Paris which is also one of the world’s most expensive cities.

The night I arrived, I immediately walked through a few blocks to Parc du Champ de Mars, where the Eiffel Tower stands, just a few blocks from the hotel where I am staying. The tower is actually not the size I’ve expected it to be from this angle, and not what I’ve prepared for, lens wise. I bought a 35-70mm manual lens so I get a pretty much closer view of the tower even I zoom out on foot, so I just played with perspective and got some decent shots. Another thing that I have observed, this particular area is quiet, a total opposite from what I was expecting especially at night where the tower is beautifully lit.

The next day, I walked through Paris morning ‘til late. I started the day in a café near Jardin du Luxembourg and had some croissant and latte. You shouldn’t miss breakfast in this city. I bet you can’t. As soon as you step out on the streets, the waft of freshly baked bread will tickle your senses, leading you to the nearest café. An immediate observation that somehow surprised me on my visit is the people’s pride for their language. You will be lucky to find an English-speaking person in this city, even on the airport. So when you plan, make sure to learn the basic French words and accents for when you order a meal or buy something. I always told my friends how I brought my first Macarón, when the lady on the till cannot understand how I said the word because of my strange straight English accent made it sound like Macaroon, a different type of pastry. However, the first French word that I learned is Sortie that means exit, and which you can find in a signpost almost everywhere in the metro.

I was supposed to visit the Parthenon but I’m too late for my time plan enjoying breakfast too much and visited the Musée de Cluny instead. In here you will see the artefacts from back in time, mostly remnants of jars, jewellery and ivory sculptures inside a century old mansion in the middle of the city. I was amazed by how this place was maintained, you will notice the pillars from way back in time still standing there.

Afterwards, I walked towards the magnificent Cathedral de Notre Dame. It feels surreal to witness just the detailed facade. I only have known this place from the story of the hunchback from when I was a kid and now, it is there before my eyes, what can I say. Seeing the inside is much more awe inspiring although with a flock of tourists, which you can expect almost anywhere by the way. The beauty is indescribable most especially the stained glass rose windows. I really took time to catch every detail inside and say a little prayer for a safe journey. Such a depressing news that just 2 months ago, the roof and spires collapsed due to a massive fire. One of my friends just recently took the trip there after the incident, and she said that the façade remained intact, but the internal structure is still closed off from tourists. I really hope they make a way to give it the old charm. I feel thankful that I got a chance to see that, but also felt sorry for those who wouldn’t.

After a meal of medium rare steak and pommes frites, I took the bus from where I was to the Musée du Louvre, the world’s largest collection of art. I regret that I didn’t get a chance to have a peek inside. Although I am planning that on a separate occasion, an itinerary exclusive to the museums of Paris, besides it’s just a ride away. For now, I just took the shots of the external structure and in Pavillon Richelieu to serve as my reminder from time to time.

Walking through the Grand Palais, I took a train and bus up to Montmarte to see the Basilica Sacre Cœur. The design of the dome is impeccable, I cannot imagine how did they even built the whole thing up the hill to face the view of the whole city underneath, it is just perfect. The place has that happy vibe that any traveller would notice. You would instantly appreciate the people that seems to be much happier and hospitable as soon as you took the steps up to Montmarte.

I descended the steps, took a bus, passed by the Moulin Rouge towards Arc du Triomphe and walked the Champs Elyseés in time for the night as if I still haven’t walked enough this day. This avenue is the destination for the rich and famous, who would like to spend their fortune for their luxury brands. But for a simple trotter like me, it is a place you should avoid, especially when you are hungry. The rates of your meal will surely soar, for eating at a restaurant in this area. A good alternative to find a more reasonable authentic French meal is taking the metro to the Châtelet-Les Halles, where restaurants open ‘til late fill the streets. Taking it all in a day is just so overwhelming, but to top it all up, I went up to Trocadero for such amazing, postcard perfect view and wait for the tower to sparkle every hour and just go shoot until I cannot anymore.

The next morning, before heading up to Chessy, I went back to Trocadero to have my Pain au Chocolat in front of the Tower, because I fell in love with the view and would like to see how it looks like in daylight. This sight never failed me although it seems an overcast day.

Riding in their RER train towards Disneyland, I felt all giddy and excited because it is my first time in the most magical place on earth, I lost 15 years and back to being a kid sporting the mickey-ears headband as I went through every ride, danced with the mascots, and smile in the photos with my favourite characters. Though I went with a friend, I missed my younger sister and wished I could bring her here and just make it seem like we were kids again. At night they had spectacular show of lights, water and fireworks called the Disney Illumination which is just the most magical experience being in Disneyland.

On my last day, I went south to Versailles to see the magnificent Chateau. It was incomparable to all the palaces I’ve set eyes on in England, and probably the world. It is such grand, surrounded by well-maintained gardens spanning almost up to where your eyes can see. The structure itself is set on gold intricate details. The rooms are adorned with luxury chandeliers, floor to ceiling portraits and paintings, detailed tapestries and sculptures. I’m just at awe the whole time I was inside. The most magnificent room I’ve seen, the hall of the mirrors is in one of the main attractions of King Louis’ grand residence. It is always crammed with tourists, but I must say it spoiled all the other palaces for me, nothing would come close to how grand this place is.

Seeing Paris for the first time has brought me such wonder. I’ve only seen it in movies, books and puzzle pieces, so seeing it with my eyes is just unbelievable. It probably is not the most welcoming atmosphere, not the cleanest or the safest, but it has that vibe that would make you feel love-struck, even you aren’t really romantic.

Tips:

If you fancy a cheap comfy flight, I suggest you take those with long layovers from a good airline. I took one with KLM which has an 8-hour layover in Amsterdam, which of course I get to see and appreciate even for just a short time, I even had the river cruise around the free city. And if you ever have more than 5 hours for layover, I recommend you do the same, because the train from Schipol Airport to the Centraal just took about 15 minutes each way worth €8 return.

Hotels in Paris are quite pricey, especially at the centre and those that are close to attractions. Cheaper hotels at the centre arrondisement would surely have rooms smaller than you would expect and you are lucky enough if you have a hotel close by a train station, as it would give you less of a hassle with your luggage, so consider these things when booking for a hotel. Being on the trip, I have realized that I shouldn’t have bothered to book a hotel near the centre because Paris is a commuter-friendly city and their trains will efficiently take you to the must see places in minutes, I could have had a more spacious and cheaper room, if only I’ve known this. If you wouldn’t bother waking up to a terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower, it’s a lot better to stay in Montmarte area, where the vibe of a simple French town is.

The Paris Pass is such a deal, too bad I had too short a stay to get the most of it, and got Disneyland Park booked for the 2nd day out of the three I only have in this city. The Pass includes admission to most of the attractions and museums in Paris, a Siene River Cruise and a travel card. Instead, due to this inevitable situation, I got the Navigo STIF card, which let me get into 5 zones via the bus, metro and RER lines for a week worth 22 euros. Take note that you would need a 1×1 ID photo for this travel card, and also it is valid for a week starting Monday, so if you will arrive on a Sunday, you have to buy a separate day ticket for your Sunday pass.

There is so much to see in Paris, that a few days is not enough. It would be a so much better experience when you do not have to mind the time and just pass hours sitting in a café sipping your go to brew. Being one of my earliest travel experiences, this itinerary is the most badly crammed trips I’ve had. I haven’t realised this fact until I got home so tired, where I’m supposed to be refreshed from a holiday. But this trip taught me that lesson, to pace your schedule properly that you can admire the place longer and make the most of it.

The best seasons to see Paris would probably be the Spring and the Summer where the flowers are all in bloom in Versailles. I took this trip in November at Fall so I never get to see the greens and flowers that much. Some people would prefer Paris in the rain, but I opt to see a clear sky and save luggage space meant for thick coats.

The French cuisine is world class, and there is no other place to be but Paris in this particular subject. Patisseries and Boulangeries are found in almost every corner of the city where you can try out their fresh and delicious Croissants, Pain au Chocolat, Crepes and Baguette. Don’t miss out on your fill of Aligot, Escargot, Foie gras, Bourguignon even the expensive Caviar which is an experience just by itself. Complete the gastronomic wonder with a glass or two of the Moët and a dessert of Souffle. You can also extend that and take home some Macaròn and Eclairs. The French take pride in their cuisine, which is just for a UNESCO’s intangible wonder.