EREDA HIDRI

In 2023, in early spring—somewhere between March and April, just before my birthday—I had the chance to visit Paris with my mom. It wasn’t a long trip, but it was absolutely unforgettable. We live about four hours away from Paris, so it was quite an easy getaway. My mom has always dreamed of visiting the City of Light, and it made the trip even more special to share it with her 💖.

🗼 Paris: More Than Just a City

Paris isn’t just the capital of France—it’s the capital of elegance, culture, romance, and beauty. Honestly, no video, photo, or documentary can do it justice. You have to be there. From the moment we arrived, I felt something strange—like a déjà vu, almost as if I was walking into an old movie. Maybe it’s because my mom always watches those classic black-and-white films, or maybe it’s because I’m obsessed with movies from the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. Paris just has this cinematic energy that wraps around you and makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time 🎞️✨.

🏨 Our Hotel & Getting Around

Our hotel was a bit far from the city center—around 40 minutes by car. So, if you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend staying closer to the heart of Paris. Yes, accommodation in Paris can be very expensive, but if you can stretch your budget, being closer will save you time and energy. Paris is the biggest city in Europe—not necessarily in size, but definitely in culture and fame. In my opinion, it goes: Paris first, then London, and then Rome.

🍽️ Food, Cafés & Supermarkets (My Favorite Combo)

Paris is a dream for food lovers! Although we didn’t have time to explore the full culinary scene, we had French salads near the Eiffel Tower, and of course, croissants and coffee ☕🥐. My mom was obsessed. She kept saying how different and delicious everything was!

One quirky thing I always do in a new place is visit the supermarkets. I just love checking out the local products—especially cheese, yogurt, salami, and bread. And yes, we bought a lot of cheese 🧀 (no regrets!). My mom fell in love with this one particular yogurt—we don’t even know the name, but we wish we had bought more.

French supermarkets are a hidden gem if you want to taste local flavors without breaking the bank.

🧭 Exploring the Neighborhoods (The Good and the Real)

Before heading to the iconic sights, we did a lot of walking and ended up in the outskirts of Paris—still technically in the city, but far from the glamorous postcard image. We saw a large Black community, and honestly, it was clear that this part of the city struggles with poverty. You could smell weed in the air, and it didn’t feel super safe. So, just a tip: Paris is magical, but it’s also real, and like any big city, it’s important to be aware of which neighborhoods you’re visiting.

☕ One afternoon in Paris, my mom and I were enjoying a quiet moment at a café right across from the Eiffel Tower 🗼—the view was absolutely stunning! We were sipping our coffee, just taking it all in 🌞🥐. But something felt off… The waiters kept watching us closely 👀, and the moment we finished our drinks, they rushed over, cleared everything, and handed us the bill right away 💳. It felt like we were being pushed to leave, and honestly, I didn’t love that. In other parts of Europe—like Germany 🇩🇪—people are usually more relaxed and welcoming. I’ve heard from others too that French hospitality can be a bit cold… just my honest opinion 🤷‍♀️🇫🇷.

🏞️ Eiffel Tower & The Park That Stole Our Hearts

The highlight of the trip, of course, was the Eiffel Tower 🗼. There’s something magical about seeing it with your own eyes—especially in the soft sunlight of early spring. We spent a long time just sitting and staring at it, my mom and I, soaking it all in.

Nearby, we wandered into the Champ de Mars park—🌳a beautiful, wide green space where children played, families picnicked, and tourists rested their feet. We didn’t do much there except enjoy the sunshine, the breeze, and the moment.

🎂 A Birthday Surprise Gone Wrong: Missing the Paris Seine Dinner Cruise 🛥️💔

One of the most special moments I had planned for our Paris trip in spring 2023 was a surprise 🎁 for my mom’s birthday 🎂 — I booked a magical 3-hour Seine River dinner cruise in Paris 🛥️✨. The experience included a full French gourmet dinner, fine wine 🍷, and stunning views of Paris landmarks at night, like the Eiffel Tower sparkling after sunset 🌃. I reserved it a month in advance, and it was meant to be the highlight of our trip. Unfortunately, we missed it because our hotel was too far from central Paris, and the taxi service ended at 11 PM 🚕❌. The cruise started at 9 PM and finished after 11, so we couldn’t get there in time. I was honestly heartbroken 💔. That’s why I always tell people: book a hotel near the city center 🏨📍—yes, it can be more expensive, but it’s so worth it to avoid missing once-in-a-lifetime experiences like this. I’m already planning to rebook the same Seine dinner cruise next time I visit Paris with my mom — and this time, nothing will stop us from enjoying this unforgettable night 💖🌟.

✨ Final Thoughts: Why Paris Will Always Be Special

Even though our trip was short, Paris left a deep mark on both of us. It’s not just about landmarks like the Louvre, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, or the Arc de Triomphe. It’s about the atmosphere—the language, the fashion, the food, and the people.

Next time my mom visits me, we’ve promised to go back and stay longer. Maybe a week or more. Because Paris is not a city you rush through—it’s a city you savor.

So, if you’re planning your first visit:

Dress well 👗, Parisians appreciate style. Take time to walk, even if you get lost. Visit both restaurants and supermarkets for a full taste of France. Stay close to the city center if you can. And never forget to just pause and admire the Eiffel Tower—it’s as magical as everyone says.

🌟 Paris, je t’aime. 🌟