Radiant Wanderings

Our first trip to Europe was not without it’s set of troubles and disappointments.  Find out what we did, what we loved, the mistakes we made and what we would do again. Let the photos transport you for a moment and inspire you to dream of your next amazing adventure!

When We Went

March

Pros - less crowded, umbrellas look great in photos

Cons - bare trees, a little on the cool side, rain, Monet's gardens weren’t open yet

A Grand Entrance

Eiffel Tower, Paris France

OK, so I hate to even admit this but we were naive American travelers.  Part of Europe’s charm lies in the cobbled and brick streets and sidewalks.  Beautiful to view but not so easy on suitcase wheels.  Ours broke and we ended up looking like stupid tourists carrying our heavy case through the streets.  Save yourself this embarrassment.  On your first trip to Paris pack light and keep it small or invest in nice backpacks.

Pack light and keep it small or invest in nice backpacks.

Waiting for our check-in time on a bench by the Eiffel Tower. This was the picture until a bird flew by and pooped on my head. Yup, that was unexpected. Remember travel tip #2.

Where We Stayed

Paris France, accommodations near the Eiffel Tower = first time success

7th arrondissement with a view of the Eiffel Tower - check out VRBO.com or Airbnb for some great digs. The photo on the left was the view from our tiny balcony.

I know there are many great locations to stay in Paris, however I highly recommend staying near and/or within view of the Eiffel Tower during your first visit if possible.  Every night when we returned from our day of exploring the sparkling tower brought me joy.  If you choose to stay elsewhere be sure to view the tower at night on the hour when it twinkles.  My all time Paris favorite!

I highly recommend staying near and/or within view of the Eiffel Tower on your first visit if possible.

A cup of coffee while we wait for our room to be cleaned - Paris, France

What We Did

Moulin Rouge and Arc de Triomphe - Paris, France

Hop on Hop off bus tour.  This was a nice way to see the sights for our first trip abroad as adults.  If you are a seasoned traveler you may prefer to skip this but for a first timer the sights and information given were great.

Catacombs - Paris, France - Super cool to do once.  Not recommended with young children.

The Louvre - Paris, France - This museum is huge so we just viewed some our favorites.  The Mona Lisa was great to see in person.  Small but beautiful. That's me exhausted on the stairs. We were starving when finished and found this adorable Italian restaurant nearby. Against all instruction we had Italian food in France and both agreed it was the best meal of our stay with the friendliest people, haha.

This museum is huge so we just viewed some our favorites.

Notre Dame Cathedral - Paris, France - we also enjoyed the little park across the street from this beautiful church

Love Locks on Pont des Arts Bridge - Paris, France - We wrote a message on our padlock and dropped the key into the Seine River. Forever locked in love. They have since removed these from Paris but it was very romantic and fun to do while visiting. We didn't know about this until taking the hop on hop off bus tour. The guide told us the tradition and we just had to do it.

Walked along the Seine River at night stopping various places along our walk for dessert and drinks - Highly recommend
Day trip to Omaha Beach Museum - Normandy, France.  So impactful. Wish we had stayed overnight.  Super cute towns along the way.  We felt rushed.Eiffel Tower - Paris, France we walked the steps up and Chad complained about how exhausting it was, haha. If you don’t like steps or crowds or just want to save money I will tell you my favorite part of the Eiffel Tower was not the climb but watching it sparkle on the hour every hour at night.  Magical and not to be missed!!!

My favorite part of the Eiffel Tower was not the climb but watching it sparkle on the hour every hour at night.

Sacre Coeur Basilica- I wish we had time to wander longer in the little town behind this basilica.  

What We Would Do Next Time

Pack light

Day trip to Giverny Monet’s Garden

Couple our trip to Normandy with Mont Saint Michel

Pack a blanket and have a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower at sunset

Rent bikes and ride around the city

Many people enjoy a day trip to the Palace of Versailles as well but we didn't go because thats not our travel personality

Additional Recommendations for Your First Time in Paris

To get out of the Metro/RER stations you need your ticket and preferably small luggage.  I think there was a larger turning gate we could have gone through to the side but we all missed it and went through the typical turnstyle with our giant suitcases getting stuck along the way with local onlookers enjoying the show.

To get out of the Metro/RER stations you need your ticket and preferably small luggage

Read the entire metro stop name before jumping on not just the first word.  We went the wrong direction at night and ended up in the wrong part of town with very few English speaking people to help us.  Seems like common sense but with a foreign language it’s easy to get confused.

Read the entire metro stop name before jumping on not just the first word.

Research at least a few places to eat before going.  We spent a lot of money on some very mediocre meals.  Not everything in Paris is delicious.  If they stand at the entrance calling you in it’s probably not very good. This was our first failed dining experience but it wasn't all a loss because they had a giant pepper grinder, haha.

If they stand at the entrance calling you in it’s probably not very good.

Free public restrooms don’t exist.  Use them when you stop for something to eat or pay for the fun auto wash port a johns.  Seriously, this was new.

Be aware of common scams before going so you can confidently maneuver them.  Basically if anyone anywhere tries to hand you something or put a bracelet on your wrist just say no thank you and keep walking.

Be aware of common scams before going so you can confidently maneuver them.

What I Loved About Our First Time in Paris

They have super talented street musicians.  Stop and enjoy the music.  It will be one of your favorite memories. One guy played his guitar on the train while it was flung on his back. Crazy talent.

It’s the city of lights for a reason.  Revisit places at night for an equally beautiful but different view

Eiffel Tower at night on the hour - Twinkle heaven

Chocolate Mousse at Cafe Le Malakoff in Trocodero near the Eiffel Tower.  The Creme Brulee was pretty great also.
Coffee and chocolate croissants anytime anywhere

Baguette sandwiches

Crepes

What I Disliked About Our First Time in Paris

It’s true, people don’t seem very friendly. This was the most disappointing to me. We were challenged immediately upon exiting the train by a man who was either mentally ill or pretending to be. He kept circling us and acting like he was trying to steal something from our bags. No one helped, I finally yelled at him and he left. 

Most people wear gray, black, or tan. If you dress in bright colors or patterns you will definitely stand out.  Maybe save those for another trip and grab a scarf instead. They are worn by men and women alike.

The subways smell like pee. We even saw a guy peeing down there once. Watch where you sit.

Beef - all cuts we tried were usually tough and flavorless but I’ve since learned that we should have tried the steak frites a dish they are known for.

Macaroons - I know this is horrible and I really wanted to like them, but to me they were just ok. Maybe you will love them.

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