Day 1
Departed London Gatwick on an 8 AM flight to Paris Orly Airport.
The plane was nearly empty, so I had a window seat and a whole row to myself—thank you, Vueling! I traveled with underseat baggage only, but be careful—Vueling’s size limit is 40 x 30 x 20 cm. My bag was slightly oversized, but luckily, they didn’t check. I even managed to store it in the overhead compartment, which was a nice bonus.
The flight was delayed by about 20 minutes due to some technical issues, but after 50 minutes, we began our descent into Paris. You can just about spot the Eiffel Tower in the photo!
Paris Orly is closer to the city center than CDG, making it a great option—plus, it’s much quieter.
After landing, I took a bus to the terminal, then went through a short security queue and got a passport stamp (as London is no longer in the EU). But hey, it’s always nice to collect those stamps! There were a few duty-free shops, but I didn’t stop to look.
Next, I had to get to my hotel, Le General. Google Maps estimated an hour’s journey. Uber was quoting €40—probably a good option for a family of four, but a bit pricey for me. So, I decided to take the metro. It’s just a 2-3 minute walk from the airport, making it a convenient choice.
I bought the 5-day travel pass for €76, which gives access to all public transport—unfortunately, there’s no 4-day option. Maybe it would have been cheaper online, but at the time, I had no idea, ha! The ticket machines have an English translation option, making it easy to use, though there was a 15-minute queue.
Once I got the pass—just a simple paper ticket, not as fancy as I expected—I took the metro to my hotel.
The journey took around 50 minutes with one change, but the Paris Metro is superbly signposted, and with Google Maps, it was easy to navigate.
I arrived at Le General about two hours before check-in.
I thought I could at least drop my bags and then explore or relax in the lobby, but luckily, the room was ready. I was greeted with a welcome drink and some snacks, which was a nice touch.
By now, I was really hungry. I’ll admit, I’m pretty lazy when it comes to traveling—I’m not one of those people who likes to go off the beaten track. The hotel was in a lovely area, near Republic Square, and there was a McDonald’s nearby. I checked the menu and found they had a veggie option—a soy patty. Perfect! It was a little dry, but I didn’t mind. I also picked up a McFlurry. It had so much more chocolate sauce than in London, ha!
I still had more than half a day left, and with clear blue skies, I thought—let’s see how much I can fit in!
I took the metro to the Arc de Triomphe. Tickets to go to the top were €16, and I had to queue for around 30 minutes. Since this was off-peak season, I’d definitely recommend booking in advance if you’re visiting in summer.
There are 284 narrow steps to reach the top, so only take this route if you’re fit—I saw plenty of people struggling! There are lifts available as well. At the top, there’s a small gift shop, but it doesn’t sell water, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids beforehand.
The view was incredible—perfect for admiring the city and watching the chaos of the roundabout below!
I then visited Galaries Lafayette, its only 10mins on the metro from the Arc. Near the Galaries Lafayette is the Palais Garnier so took a quick photo. Galaries Lafayette has all the designer shops
Day 2
As we step onto the cobblestone streets, we’re greeted by the city’s unique blend of old and new. Historical buildings stand side by side with modern architecture, a testament to the city’s evolution over the centuries. The local markets bustle with activity, stalls overflowing with fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and local delicacies. It’s an explosion of colors, sounds, and aromas, a sensory experience that captivates the soul.
Day 3
One of the highlights of our journey is a visit to the city’s historic district. Here, we delve deep into the city’s past, exploring ancient ruins, centuries-old monuments, and fascinating museums. We’re not just observers, but active participants in the story of this place, each step bringing a new discovery, a new connection to the people who once walked these streets.
Day 4
Our journey wouldn’t be complete without immersing ourselves in the local cuisine. From traditional street food to gourmet dining experiences, the city’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Each meal is a celebration of the city’s culture, a blend of flavors that tells a story of its history and people.