LETS TAKE A WALK IN PARIS

We arrived in Paris after nightfall. To save our money wherever we can, we opted to catch a seven hour bus. From our comfy seat perched on the upper floor we watched the english countryside flash by until the bus drove onto a train that passed beneath the english channel (talk about ears popping, we were deep underneath the ocean!). For $20(aud) each we couldn’t pass up that incredible price. It’s wonderful that there are options out there for people to explore the world on a budget (and with free wifi too!).

On arrival in Paris we hopped off the bus, donned our jackets and consulted the map. It was only a convenient and short 10 minute walk to our rented airbnb apartment. We found Gerald our host waiting on the street for us, he gave us the tour and we settled into our cosy new home, equipped with foldout bed, mini kitchenette, shower next to the stove (so funny!), french dubbed TV and beautiful view.

 

Day One.

Our first day in Paris we awoke early and I jumped up to look at the view out of our window in the daylight. The sun was shining which was so exciting for us as we’d gotten a little too used to London grey skies. Normally I like to over plan… so today’s plan was not to plan at all. Instead we got dressed, had our usual oats for breakfast and headed out on the streets to explore with no map in hand for a change!

A few streets from where we were staying was the Arc de Triomphe, a must see when visiting Paris to marvel at the sheet size and the craziness of the large round-about where cars seem to be coming from all directions!

From the Arc, we strolled down Champs Elysees, a beautiful and up-market shopping strip. Tables and chairs spill out onto the sidewalk with Parisians sipping coffee, eating pastries and smoking cigarettes. It was exactly how I imagined Paris.

We passed the subway and kept on walking, in the distance I could see the top of the Eiffel Tower so we decided to head in that direction. We passed over the river and into small weaving streets lined with terraces and the most magnificent doors. The architecture is just breath-taking.

We were swept up in Paris, a combination of the beautiful weather and beautiful surroundings making us giddy. All of a sudden we rounded a corner and there she was, this incredible structure beaming down at us. I think I turned to Martin and said “Oh my god” or something along those lines. I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower before. I’ve even been up to the top! but there was something about stumbling upon her unexpectedly that really took my breath away. We weren’t approaching from a distance, it was more like she snuck up on us while we were distracted, hidden from our view by tall buildings.

We walked beneath her and took some pictures but realised we needed to get much further away if we wanted to get the whole tower in a photograph! So we started wandering backwards towards park where people we lazing in the sunshine. We passed a man selling cotton-candy from a small cart playing music. It was so French that I couldn’t even handle it.

After soaking in the sun awhile, we decided to keep on exploring. I thought it might be a nice idea to head to the Notre Dame, as it was Thursday and the crowds would only increase over the weekend. So we made our way to the nearest tube station, used my handy iPhone app to predict our journey and caught the subway to Cité.

All this walking had worked up a serious appetite…. and when in Paris one must eat baguettes! Fresh and delicious this sandwich was only €4.

I just can’t get over how adorable the shops and buildings are. Pastel colours, stained glass windows and potted plants are everywhere!

 Breath-taking Notre Dame. If there’s one place you should visit in Paris, it’s here. I’m not religious but I can still really appreciate the immense history of this cathedral. Completed in 1345 (just let that sink in!), when I walk inside I can feel the weight of all the people who have visited these walls.

Just a quick walk over the bridge from Notre Dame and you’re in the Latin Quarter, one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of Paris. Alongside the river are stalls selling prints and very old books. If I had room in my backpack for souvenirs, I would most definitely choose a dusty french book from one of these stalls!

On recommendations from many friends, I stopped to visit the Shakespeare and Co Bookshop! And I’m so glad I did. This place is a real gem. The groundfloor is filled with new books (in English too!), and if you climb up the old rickety staircase you’ll find a huge selection of preloved books, some of which look ancient! This shop has that wonderful ‘old book’ smell that I just love. It reminds me of hours spent at the library, or reading an old book by torchlight under the covers.

The sun was beginning to set and our feet were telling us that we’d possibly walked half of Paris… we’d seen so much beauty in one day, Paris had taken my breath away which I completely hadn’t expected.

I first visited Paris when I was sixteen with my Mum and I felt a little let down by the city. It was dirtier than I expected, men cat-called me on the street, my heart broke for the homeless and it didn’t feel like the city of love. I now realise I had been naive. I had built Paris up in my mind to be perfect, when every city has it’s great parts, and it’s not so great parts. This time I went in with a fresh slate, no expectations and my eyes open. Paris completely delivered and we had the most magical first day. It’s important to understand which parts of Paris have that chic charm, and which parts of the city are more edgy/dirty. Be prepared for pickpockets, have your wits about you, and most importantly come in with an open mind! Paris will charm you.