France

Spending New Year’s Eve in Paris sounded like the perfect idea when the planning started, and at first, it absolutely felt that way. Paris was stunning, the weather was crisp but comfortable, the architecture and history were on another level, and of course, the food was unforgettable. This was yet another city we ate our way through, and I could have lived off the pastries alone. From the Eiffel Tower to the Champs-Élysées to the Louvre, everything felt surreal. These were places I had only ever seen in movies, and now I was standing right there experiencing them in real life.

We took the metro straight from the airport, which dropped us directly in front of our hotel, making our arrival seamless. While purchasing our tickets, we were also reminded to stay aware of pickpockets, a good heads-up for the crowded streets and metro lines.

Things took a turn on New Year’s Eve. We joined the massive crowd gathered in front of the Arc de Triomphe to ring in the new year. The energy was electric, but the crowd was intense, packed shoulder to shoulder, with little sense of personal space. I stayed on high alert, keeping my bag hidden under my coat, but I still felt hands brushing against me, whether someone was trying to unzip my bag or, worse, groping me. It quickly shifted from exciting to uncomfortable, and I just wanted the countdown to end so we could head back to the hotel.

When midnight struck, the fireworks lit up the sky and music filled the air, but once we decided to leave, we discovered that all the trains had stopped running for the night. We walked as far as we could before finally catching a taxi back. Luckily, the hotel was hosting its own New Year’s party, and we decided to join in, shake off the uncomfortable experience, and make the most of the night. It wasn’t the NYE I had imagined, but it’s definitely one I’ll never forget.

France, of course, has so much more to offer beyond Paris. The southern cities especially are calling my name, and I’m hoping to go back one day to experience that completely different side of the country.

📍 Places I Visited

Eiffel Tower: Standing beneath this iconic landmark felt absolutely surreal.
Champs-Élysées: A gorgeous avenue lined with shops and cafés, perfect for strolling.
Arc de Triomphe: Even more impressive up close, especially lit up at night.
The Louvre: Home to the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces, it’s a must-visit.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Perched high in Montmartre, it offered stunning views of the city.
Place de la Madeleine: A beautiful square anchored by the grand Madeleine Church.
Place de la Concorde: One of the city’s most historic squares, full of energy and history.
Montmartre: Peacefully wandering through its charming streets.
Jardin des Tuileries: A beautiful garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, perfect for a stroll and people-watching.

Things I Didn’t Get to Do (But Still on My List)

Notre Dame Cathedral: Unfortunately still under construction after the fire, but I can’t wait to see it when it reopens.
Palace of Versailles: The grandeur and gardens are high on my list for next time.
Musée d’Orsay: Another incredible art museum I didn’t have time for.
The Catacombs: A unique underground experience I wish I had fit in.
Luxembourg Gardens: A peaceful spot I’d love to walk through and relax.

🏨 Where I Stayed

25hours Hotel Paris Terminus Nord: 4.5 / 5 ⭐️
- The location couldn’t be more convenient, directly in front of the train station and also a pickup spot for the hop-on hop-off bus, which made getting around super easy. There are a few restaurants right outside as well, perfect for grabbing a quick meal. The room was colorful and cheerful, but definitely on the smaller side, which made it a bit tight to move around in. That said, the hotel served the best chocolate croissant I’ve ever had in my life, honestly, it might have been the highlight of the entire stay!

📝 Travel Tips

Walk as Much as Possible: Many of the main attractions are close together, so walking lets you soak in the city and discover charming streets along the way.
Metro & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Paris is easy to navigate via metro, but the hop-on hop-off buses are great for seeing highlights quickly, especially if you’re short on time.
Pickpockets: Stay alert, especially in crowded areas like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and on public transportation. Keep bags zipped and close to your body.
Dress Comfortably: Paris streets are often cobblestoned, so wear comfy shoes for lots of walking.
Plan for Crowds: Major sites like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Sacré-Cœur can get very busy; booking tickets in advance saves time.
Try Local Pastries: Don’t miss out on croissants, pain au chocolat, and macarons. Visiting a local patisserie is a must.
Timing: Arrive early at popular attractions for the best experience and smaller crowds.
Cash & Cards: Most places accept cards, but having a small amount of euros is useful for street vendors and cafés.