Paris-France, Not Tennessee
The Arc de Triomphe is Godzilla big- look at those people!
👀 First Impressions
This was my first-ever trip anywhere in Europe after landing in Amsterdam — my rookie voyage, solo and slightly terrified. It was during COVID, half the city was closed, and I had no idea what I was doing. But I had to go.
I bought a train ticket on a Friday night, found a hotel online, and set off for Paris the next morning. Two days, no plan, and a global pandemic in progress. Take this story as it was — a time capsule from a guy figuring things out. I’ll rewrite my Paris story someday, because Paris deserves better than my two-day rookie adventure. But this one’s honest.
Paris is big. Everything is big — the roads, the bridges, the buildings. It feels intentionally oversized, like someone scaled the whole city up 2x. It’s imposing and elegant all at once. I probably should’ve started smaller (Antwerp, maybe Berlin), but I dove right in — and I’m so glad I did.
The train ride down wasn’t the scenic countryside trip I imagined (turns out train tracks don’t run through vineyards), but it was still the perfect way to arrive.
And about the French — I owe them an apology. My friends would tell you I wasn’t a “France guy.” That’s no longer true. The French have been among the nicest, most helpful people I’ve met in Europe. I’m officially Team France now. 🇫🇷
🏨 Where I Stayed
My hotel was very French
Hotel des Marronniers
Small, charming, and perfectly located in Saint-Germain. My room was so tiny I had to turn sideways to pass between the bed and the desk — but honestly, I loved it. A short walk from the metro and close to the Big Four: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame.
Breakfast was served in a cozy little courtyard: fresh croissants, jam, coffee — classic Paris. For location and charm, it was perfect.
⚡ The Buzz Factor
Even half-closed, Paris buzzes. I walked 40,000 steps in under two days and still didn’t scratch the surface. It’s alive — a blend of elegance, chaos, and motion.
It’s also not without stress. The crowds, the vendors, the “guess-the-ball” street scammers — all part of the show. You learn fast: don’t buy the mini Eiffel towers, keep an eye on your bag, and move with purpose. Paris rewards confidence.
The Louvre- Didn’t know the actual museum is underground
🎨 Fun Stuff to Do
Eiffel Tower – It’s iconic and overrated all at once. Still, you have to go. Just beware of the vendors and pickpockets.
Arc de Triomphe – Massive. Pictures don’t do it justice. I skipped going up — seeing it from the ground was enough. The traffic circle around it is a spectacle all its own.
Champs-Élysées – Wall-to-wall shopping and people. Fun to see, but if you’re looking for something authentic, keep walking. Side note: there’s a Five Guys. I didn’t go in (I have limits), but I smiled.
Louvre – This was the highlight of the trip. I love old stuff, and this place is the ultimate playground: Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, Code of Hammurabi — the real deal. It’s magic. The tour is the way to go- too much ground to cover without some structure-super highly rated tour includes the ticket.
Notre-Dame – Closed when I went (2020, post-fire), so I’ll save that for the sequel.
My first experience at a real French restaurant. I’m sure i chose that shirt to “look French”
🍴 Food & Drink
I didn’t eat anywhere fancy — solo trip, mid-pandemic, most spots closed. Breakfast at the hotel was the highlight. The little cafés and riverside bars were shuttered, but that’s okay — it gives me a reason to go back.
Everything I ate was fine but not memorable. That’s on me. Paris deserves planning. Next time, I’ll do it right — reservations, neighborhoods, the whole deal.
💎 Hidden Gems & Tips
Bread and cheese. Enough said. You can’t go wrong anywhere.
Learn the transit before you go. I was a mess at the ticket machines, trying to find the English button while locals queued behind me. Paris moves fast — know your basics ahead of time.
Plan your visits. Big sights mean big lines. Book ahead or prepare to wait. I’ve included as many links as i could find.
Get beyond the tourist zones. Paris opens up once you leave them.
Looking back now, after dozens of trips and twenty-plus countries, France has become my favorite country in Europe. That rookie version of me barely knew what was coming — and I’m so glad I didn’t stay home.
Definitely gets a second and third chance…