First time in Paris: The beginning of a love affair

Landing in the City of Lights

Our first time in Paris was the beginning of our love affair with the city of love and lights and arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport we were so excited, we had landed in Paris.

Stepping off the plane we were buzzing with excitement, our first time in Europe, and the Paris was our gateway to the journey of a lifetime. Seeing all the legendary Paris tourist attractions and iconic landmarks in Paris in person had occupied our dreams for so long. The cool morning air was a refreshing contrast to the long, 17 hours cooped up on the plane, and as we departed the airport it hit me, our adventure was about to unfold like a storybook. I had that unmistakable “pinch me” feeling. This dreamlike city we’d only seen in movies and read about in a Paris travel guide lay before us. The moment I’d imagined a thousand times over, was now reality. After planning for so long, the wait was over, we had finally made it to Paris, and it felt so surreal.

A Taxi Ride into the Heart of Paris

The taxi ride into the heart of Paris was an experience in itself. We wove through the city streets, passing grand old buildings and bustling cafés, and I could still hardly believe we were here. Every turn revealed something quintessentially Parisian, stylish woman, people with a baguette tucked under their arm, flower shops bursting with fresh blooms, and the elegant lines of the Haussmannian buildings that seemed to glow under the early morning light. After so much anticipation, the wait was over,  we were finally ready to immerse ourselves in all the magic this beautiful city had to offer.

Exploring Montmartre: The Bohemian Heart of Paris

We had chosen to stay in Montmartre, the bohemian heart of the city, a neighbourhood that had always taken my interest. Known for its artistic history, charming cafés, and winding cobblestone streets, Montmartre promised the perfect starting point for our French adventure. We didn’t venture far from the hotel on our first day, but even a simple stroll around the neighbourhood filled us with unexpected delights discovering hidden gems at every corner.

Montmartre Cemetery: A Hidden Gem

Just across from our hotel is the Montmartre Cemetery, a haven of greenery and remembrance, and final resting place of some of the greatest artists and personalities who lived in Montmartre. This may well be the best kept secret in Paris. Home to many stray cats, we are followed, watched and seemingly judged by dozens of cats who are guarding the spirits of those laid to rest. One of these cats seems to be on patrol, keeping a keen eye on us, leading us here and there. He stops along the way and waits, looking back, as if to make sure we are following. The cemetery is a charming, leafy and idyllic resting place and many cats enjoy sunning themselves on the marble tombstones.

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Parisian Delights: Breakfast and Beyond

Our First Parisian Breakfast

Just a stone’s throw from the Montmartre Cemetery we came across Moulin Rouge, its iconic red windmill beckoning us as we explored the surrounding neighborhood. But this was no time for a Moulin Rouge experience as we were ready for a late breakfast and lucky for us a cozy little café right next door, where we sat down for our first Parisian breakfast experience. The menu, like everything else, seemed so effortlessly French. Our choice was obvious, Petit Déjeuner consisting of freshly squeezed orange juice, strong coffee, a delicate crepe, a flaky croissant, and a tartine (a half-baguette with butter and jam). As we sip our coffee a man at a nearby table played soft, romantic tunes on his harmonica, filling the air with an unmistakable atmosphere direct from a soundtrack of a French romantic movie. The experience alone made this the one of the best cafés in Montmartre. It was simple, yet perfect, our first taste of this city, and already it was everything I’d imagined and more.

Sacré-Cœur and La Vie en Rose

In the afternoon, we took a Paris walking tour that led us through the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, past quaint cafés and hidden art studios. The tour ended at the stunning Sacré-Coeur Basilica Paris, which sits at the top of the hill with its pearly white façade a breathtaking contrast to the panoramic views of the city. As we approached, a busker started playing “La Vie En Rose” on his accordion. The romantic melody, combined with the view of Paris spread out beneath us, was almost too much, it felt like a scene straight from a movie, perfectly orchestrated to make us fall in love with the city all over again. This had to be one of the most romantic things to do in Paris.

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Croque Monsieur, French Fries and a French Poodle

Our body clock was out of whack and for us it was time for lunch. Place du Tertre, a small paved square known for its artists, portrait painters and caricaturists is also surrounded by bistro terraces so was a perfect opportunity to indulge in a classic Croque Monsieur in Paris. A simple yet decadent French sandwich with melted cheese and ham, served with crispy French fries on the side. It was deliciously rich, and the whole experience felt so quintessentially French, especially when I spotted a tiny French poodle trotting by with its owner, as if the universe was giving me the ultimate Parisian experience.

Baking with an Artisan Boulanger

The next day brought more unforgettable experiences, starting with behind-the-scenes at a boulangerie, tour of a traditional artisan bread making. We got to see how the famous French bread is made, from mixing the dough to shaping the baguettes and sliding them into the massive ovens. The smell of baking bread filled the air, warm and comforting, and I couldn’t resist a fresh, warm baguette to nibble on as we left. It was one of those small moments that made me feel like a local, just enjoying life with a freshly baked baguette in one hand, buttery croissant in the other as we wandered the streets of Paris.

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Iconic Landmarks: Captivated by the Eiffel Tower

A Magical Visit to the Eiffel Tower

Later that afternoon, we made our way to one of Paris’s most famous landmarks, visiting the Eiffel Tower. I had seen it countless times in photos, but nothing prepared me for the sheer scale of it in person. As we walked toward it, craning our necks to take in its full height, I felt a rush of excitement. The tower stood tall and graceful, casting long shadows over the Champ de Mars, and despite being a structure of cold iron, it had an undeniable charm that instantly captivated us. But the real magic came as the sun began to set.

We had timed our visit perfectly, and as dusk fell, the Eiffel Tower’s lights flickered on. First, it was a soft golden glow, and then suddenly, it exploded into a dazzling display of 20,000 sparkling lights like a glittering tapestry. I gasped, as did the crowd around us, and for a few minutes, we all stood there in collective awe, watching this iconic symbol of Paris transform into something even more extraordinary. Words can’t describe the magical experience of that moment she began to sparkle. This had to be one of the most famous sights in Paris, seeing the Eiffel Tower at night. I felt giddy, like a child seeing something for the first time, and we stood there, hand in hand, watching the tower at night in a golden glow against the night sky. It was a moment that took my breath away and is forever etched in my memory.

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Romantic Nights of Montmartre

That evening, we wandered through Montmartre’s dimly lit streets, capturing the neighbourhood’s more mysterious, artistic vibe. We stopped at a little Creperie and ordered a crepe to take back and enjoy at our hotel. The streets were alive with people, artists sketching portraits, tourists laughing and snapping photos, and locals enjoying a glass of wine at outdoor cafés. Paris, I realized, was not just a city you visit, it’s a city you feel, the romance of the city that pulls you in and makes you want to savour every single moment. The air is abuzz with a quintessential tableau of life, where its not the artists, but the laughter and whispers of the people that paint a serene scene.

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Paris had truly revealed its many layers, and we savoured every moment.

Our first two days in Paris had already delivered more than we could ever have imagined or read in any Paris itinerary for first-timers, and I knew that this was just the beginning of an unforgettable journey. The city had already woven its spell around us, and as we drifted off to sleep that night, the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower still fresh in our minds, we couldn’t wait to see what tomorrow would bring.

Conclusion: Why Paris Will Always Be My Favourite City

We spent five days in Paris during our first visit, and each time we’ve returned, we’ve stayed for the same amount of time. Despite multiple trips, we’ve never ascended the Eiffel Tower, visited the Louvre or Notre Dame, dined at upscale bistros and brasseries, or indulged in shopping at the upscale Galeries Lafayette or Printemps. Yet, Paris remains unmatched, its beauty is indescribably, its architecture breathtaking, and the memories I’ve made are unforgettable.

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Paris’s unique charm, its elegant architecture, and its walkable streets continually inspire me without needing a guidebook. The city has a way of revealing its magic, whether you’re visiting famous landmarks or simply wandering its streets.

Perhaps Paris was always destined to be my favourite city. Coming from Perth, named “City of Lights” in 1962 when residents left their lights on to be visible from space, I’ve always felt a connection to Paris, the original City of Light. Both cities hold a special place in my heart, but Paris is where my love for travel was truly ignited.

Favourite Paris Quotes

They say you never forget your first love, and for me, that will always be Paris.

Some dream in colour, I dream in Paris.

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This was just the beginning of our European journey, read next about our incredible daytrip to Versailles , the Covered Passages in Paris and our visit to Cote d’Azur in the South of France.

“Have you been to Paris? What was your favourite memory? Share your experiences in the comments below!”