Somehow I’d managed to reach the ripe old age of 42 having never visited Paris.
It’s been at the top of my travel bucket list for the longest time and, finally, this summer, I managed to tick it off.
I’d always imagined being whisked away there on a romantic break with my husband but as, rather unromatically, he was tied up a work, I instead grasped a few spare days’ holiday and found a super cheap deal online for my 11-year-old daughter and I to visit.
I’d heard lots of people throwing shade on the French capital over the years: too busy, too dirty, too expensive – with a dash of rudeness from the natives. But we found it to be none of those things.
Our first mission was to get to the centre of Paris itself from its Charles de Gaulle Airport – which I hadn’t reaslied is around a 40 minute trip away.
My first tip is to buy a train ticket for all zones as it then covers you once you get into the centre and need to find where you’re staying using the Metro (which, by the way, is clean, modern and super easy to use).
We checked into our fabulously over the top hotel called Hotel 34B, owned by chain Astotel. By chance it happened to be perfect for children as it was bright, welcoming and completely bedecked in all things the colour of the French flag. The staff were friendly and amazingly each of the rooms had a free (non alcoholic) mini bar. What a lovely touch.
Meanwhile down in the reception area there was free coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks on offer – astonishing really with rooms from £92 a night.
Next up was a trip to Paris’ most famous department store Galeries Lafayette, which was just a stroll away from the hotel. I’d have liked to pretend I was there to stock up on luxury designer goods but in actuality it was to surprise Harriet with its pop-up Jellycat patisserie (for those fortunate enough to not know what this means, it’s a brand that sells ridiculously overpriced soft toys).
And – just as we were heading up to the store’s famous rooftop – that’s when I first caught a glimpse: the Eiffel Tower, in all her magnificent glory. I’m not ashamed to say I shed a tear. Boasting a stunning view across the rooftops, I’d highly recommend a trip to this iconic store.
The following two days were a bit of a blur of all well-trodden Paris landmarks including, of course, a trip up the Eiffel Tower, a stroll along Champs-Élysées, taking in the Arc de Triomphe and a visit to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre.
Which is where my next tip comes in…It was a sweltering day and desperate for water we sat down at a stunning cafe with views of the glass pyramids glistening in the sun.
Sadly, my head also started to glisten with a panicked sweat after being handed the bill for more than £14 for two bottles of water. This is the one mistake I made on the entire trip – and one everyone else should be sure to avoid replicating.
To be fair, the service was great and we did get a posh bowl of ice that impressed my daughter – but after I stumped up the cash we soon walked past a street stall selling bottles for £1.50 a pop. Gah!
After a beautiful Italian meal on our final night in a little Parisian backstreet, I was conscious that we’d still not seen one of the city of light’s most famous offerings: a sparkling La Tour Eiffel after dark.
But it was already late – so I asked my little girl if she thought she’d manage it. “Let’s do it!” enthused Harriet.
And by God we’re so glad we did. We arrived to a packed bridge over looking the monument just moments before the twinkling switch on: magnifique!
Paris – we’ll be back. But perhaps next time, packing our own water.