It was the 23rd of June, and we were in the midst of a month-long adventure through France. Our plans included a hotel switch in Paris, but fate had other ideas. We found ourselves caught in the heart of Olympic Day, a two-day extravaganza designed to woo hearts and votes for Paris’ bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Our taxi was scheduled to take us from the right bank of the Seine to the left, right through the center of the celebrations. But the city had transformed into a giant sports park, with temporary facilities popping up everywhere. A high diving board on Pont Alexandre III, a climbing wall on the Pavillon de l’Arsenal, cycling at the Place de la Concorde, sports fields on the lawns of Les Invalides, and even a running track floating on the Seine between Pont Alexandre III and Pont des Invalides! This vibrant spectacle meant that many roads and bridges were closed to traffic, including the very route our taxi needed to take.
A Traffic Jam with a View
While this caused us some frustration, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of privilege witnessing Paris transformed into such a lively, bustling sports arena. Later that day, I joined the crowds at Pont Alexandre III, feeling the energy and excitement of the event. Sport, like music, has this incredible ability to bring people together.
Of course, with such a large-scale event, security was a top priority. Police vans and cars, their sirens a constant soundtrack, patrolled the Champs-Élysées. The traffic was heavy, but I didn’t mind too much. I was seated in a taxi with a see-through roof, capturing Parisian street scenes from an unusual perspective. The “Parisien Taxi” sign, iconic and oh-so-Parisian, perfectly framed my shots. Honestly, I could have spent hours in that taxi, soaking in the sights and sounds of the city.
As the taxi crawled through the congested streets, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my four-hour taxi ride from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris back in 2012. That traffic jam, caused by a car accident on the highway, had been a nightmare. It haunted me even now, reminding me of the preciousness of time in this magical city.
Les Jardins d’Eiffel: A Home Away From Home
After finally crossing a bridge that remained open to traffic, our taxi driver, like every other driver in Paris, struggled to navigate the dense traffic. He managed to get us very close to our hotel, but our journey was far from over. With traffic at a standstill, he suggested we get out and walk the rest of the way. “It might take a long time to go around the block to get to the one-way street,” he explained. “Or you can get off here, go straight, then turn right at the first corner. Your hotel is just there!”
We decided to follow his advice, our 70 kilograms of luggage (travel light? never heard of it!) in tow. Kent kept watch over our bags while I darted down a side street, Rue Amélie, in search of Les Jardins d’Eiffel. Our driver’s directions were spot on; we were incredibly close.
I returned in no time, ready to assist with the luggage. Our porter, friendly and efficient, effortlessly lifted Kent’s 20-kilogram-plus canvas seaman’s bag. This was my first impression of Les Jardins d’Eiffel, and it was a positive one, a welcome relief after our cross-town odyssey. After a smooth check-in, we headed up to our room on the fifth floor. Our long taxi ride was finally over, and we were ready to settle into our home away from home for the next five nights.
An Eiffel Tower View to Remember
Even the receptionist’s words, “We have been able to fulfill your request for a room with a full Eiffel Tower view,” couldn’t prepare me for the breathtaking scene that awaited us. Stepping into our room, I was greeted by a magnificent view of la tour Eiffel, a true icon of France. The view was everything we hoped for, living up to the promise of our Privilege Double Room.
Admittedly, the room itself was on the smaller side, about 15 square meters, and the interior was simple, with a slightly dated bathroom. But the stunning view from our window, a “real French window” as Kent called it, transformed the space. This gorgeous panorama of the Eiffel Tower made up for any minor imperfections.
For a three-star hotel room, it was clean and comfortable, offering amenities like a safety box, slippers, a kettle, a hairdryer, a mini bar, a TV, clean towels, and daily housekeeping. It even had a bathtub, a big plus for me! It was more than enough for our last few days in France. And did I mention the view?
Bistrot Chez France: A Taste of Parisian Charm
Bistrot Chez France, meaning “France’s home” or “France’s house,” is a popular French bistro located almost directly across from Les Jardins d’Eiffel. The waiting queue told us all we needed to know about its popularity. Thanks to the hospitable and energetic France, the owner herself, we were able to snag a table for two.
It was already past 9 PM, so we both skipped the entrée, agreeing to “save it for next time.” I opted for Breast of South Western Duck with Orange Sauce, while Kent chose Lamb of Sisteron with Rosemary Sauce.
I chose duck breast over my usual preference of duck leg because I couldn’t resist the orange sauce. The duck was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was rich and flavorful, with a delightful balance of sweetness and zest. Delicious! For Kent, this was his second time trying lamb in France, and he was once again surprised by its lack of the strong lamby smell and taste he was accustomed to in Australia. He finally came to the conclusion that “French lamb IS different!” Did he enjoy it? “Absolutely!”
For dessert, we shared a Pistachio Crème Brûlée. It was pure perfection! The toffee was crisp, the brûlée creamy and delicious, and it wasn’t overly sweet. The recommended Rosé was a wonderful accompaniment to our meal.
Bistrot Chez France was packed when we arrived and remained full when we left. The food was fantastic, the atmosphere cozy and inviting, and Madame France, with her charming and charismatic personality, made the experience truly special.
The Eiffel Tower Sparkles: A Magical Moment
The Eiffel Tower sparkles after dark each hour for five minutes, a dazzling spectacle that is much better experienced in person than watching any video. We were lucky enough to stumble upon the show twice during our trip, each time feeling the excitement and wonder anew.
We were strolling after dinner at Bistrot Chez France, enjoying the warm Paris summer night, when we turned a corner and “boom,” there it was – the Eiffel Tower shimmering in all its glory. Perfect timing! No matter how many times we witness this magical display, its wow factor never diminishes.
I truly believe that our Paris experience wouldn’t have been complete without those nights gazing at the Eiffel Tower from our French window.
More reviews of Bistrot Chez France and Les Jardins d’Eiffel are coming soon. Stay tuned!
