Paris, the City of Lights, is a place where dreams come true, and my recent trip was no exception. We based ourselves in the chic 16th arrondissement, our hotel, Le Dokhan’s, a stylish haven, beckoned us to explore the captivating city. Our first stop? The iconic Eiffel Tower, naturally. We ventured to the Place Du Trocadéro, a grand esplanade across the Seine from the tower, a bustling hub of activity. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie, children twirling paper helicopters, the tantalizing aroma of crepes wafting through the air, and the constant click of cameras capturing the moment. The view was simply breathtaking, the Eiffel Tower a majestic silhouette against the twilight sky. This grand vista, framed by the Jardins du Trocadéro, reminded me of an open-air theatre, with the Eiffel Tower taking center stage. The Iron Lady glistened, a star in the Parisian firmament.
Then, the magic began. As dusk settled, the Eiffel Tower came alive in a stunning light show, Illuminations, a captivating symphony of 20,000 twinkling lights. This five-minute spectacle, occurring every hour, illuminated the Parisian night sky. We walked to the edge of the terrace, where the cascading steps lead down to the Trocadéro Gardens and the Seine. The perspective was even more magnificent from this vantage point, but the throngs of tourists made capturing the moment a challenge.
Instead, I turned my lens to the Palais de Chaillot, an architectural masterpiece built for the 1937 World’s Fair. Its symmetrical wings, flanking the Trocadéro Gardens, are a testament to Parisian grandeur. With its museums and restaurant, the Palais invites further exploration. We yearned to stroll through the Trocadéro Gardens, admiring the cascading fountains, but fatigue from our journey, a common traveler’s tale, led us back to the hotel. Despite our weariness, it was a magical first evening in Paris.
Scootering Through the City of Lights
Our friend, a spirited young Parisian, suggested a night out on scooters, a thrilling way to experience the city. Although initially hesitant, I embraced the adventure. The Louvre, bathed in moonlight, was an ethereal sight, devoid of the usual daytime crowds. The opulent Palais Garnier, the Paris Opera House, was another highlight, its grandeur showcased under the night sky. We cruised along the Seine, the Eiffel Tower a beacon in the distance. Stopping for a break, we savored the moment, the Eiffel Tower a breathtaking backdrop. While I find scooters thrilling, I must admit they are not for the faint of heart. The Parisian streets can be chaotic. However, the photos captured during our scooter escapade are priceless souvenirs of our adventure.
The Seine, a silver ribbon winding through the city, offered a unique perspective. As we passed under the Pont de l’Alma, the Eiffel Tower, reflected in the waters below, looked ethereal. It was a world away from the bustling Trocadéro, a quiet haven where we felt like we had the city to ourselves. The twinkling lights of the river and the gentle sway of passing boats added to the enchantment. We were captivated by the scene and captured it in a few photos, a Parisian trio – me, Sean, and the Eiffel Tower. I highly recommend this walk along the Right Bank of the Seine. If you are looking for a shorter stroll, start at the Pont Alexandre, and if you just want to enjoy the view, get off at the Alma Marceau Metro station and stroll down to the Seine. It’s a delightful way to experience the magic of Paris.
Parisian Delights: Dining and Cocktails
Paris is a city of culinary delights, and Le Procope, a historic bistro, was a must-visit. Our Parisian friend, who had the discerning palate of a true Parisian, recommended it to us, ensuring that we were in for a real treat. This iconic bistro, with its rich history, is a favorite among both locals and visitors. If you are looking for a taste of authentic Parisian cuisine, the duck confit or coq au vin are absolute must-tries. Our dinner at Le Procope involved a Metro ride on line 6, which crossed over the Seine on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. The view of the Eiffel Tower and the twinkling lights of the river was simply magical, a delightful surprise that elevated our dining experience. Even a simple Metro ride can feel magical in Paris.
No trip to Paris is complete without a special cocktail experience. Our concierge at Le Dokhan’s, a man of discerning taste, recommended the Peninsula Paris. This opulent hotel, with its rich history, was a field hospital during WWI, German headquarters during WWII, and later housed the French Ministry of Defense. Its Rooftop Bar, perched on the 6th floor, offers panoramic views of the city. You can gaze at the Eiffel Tower in one direction, Montmartre in another, and the Arc de Triomphe just around the corner. While the bar is expensive, with a minimum spend of 26€ per person, it is a truly luxurious experience, worthy of the splurge.
The Seine: A Romantic River Cruise
I have a fondness for Seine river cruises, having enjoyed one on a previous trip. This time, I decided to experience a dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiens. As our boat pulled away from the dock, we were captivated by the shimmering lights of the city. The Eiffel Tower, a distant beacon, gradually grew closer, until it filled the entire vista. The tower, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, was breathtaking. Even the gentle drizzle that fell that September evening couldn’t dampen the magic of the moment. The Eiffel Tower, reflected in the water, was a breathtaking sight. As we disembarked, we continued to enjoy the magical views, a perfect ending to our Parisian adventure.
