Finally Made It “Across the Pond” — Bonjour, Paris!

It finally happened — I took the leap and crossed the pond! Destination: Paris. But before I could sip café au lait under the Eiffel Tower, I had to survive the journey there…

Let’s start with the flight.

I will never fly standby again. My roommate’s aunt works for Delta, so she graciously hooked me up with a buddy pass. Sounds great in theory, right? Cheap flight, little adventure? Wrong. I got to the airport around 11 a.m., full of hope, visions of airport lounges and early arrivals dancing in my head. The first flight was at 1 p.m. — didn’t make it. The next one? Nope. Finally, around 9:50 p.m. (and after spending what felt like a lifetime in Gate Area Limbo), I scored a seat on the last flight out.

Silver lining? Exhaustion = instant in-flight sleep.

When I finally landed in Paris, it was all worth it. What an incredible city. I won't go day by day — who needs another itinerary rundown? Instead, I’ll share some highlights (and occasional awe-struck rambling).

The Sights

Yes, I fully embraced my inner tourist. And guess what? Totally worth it.

Eiffel Tower

At first, I wasn’t planning to go up — I figured I could admire it from the ground with a croissant in hand. But my roommate convinced me otherwise, and I’m glad he did. The view was spectacular — Paris stretching in every direction, rooftops glowing in the sun. There were even displays telling the story of how it was built, plus two restaurants up there. So naturally, I celebrated with a glass of champagne. Santé

The Paris Opera House

As a huge Phantom of the Opera fan (both Andrew Lloyd Webber and the original novel — yes, I’m that person), visiting the Opéra Garnier was a dream. The place is jaw-droppingly beautiful — gold trim everywhere, intricate carvings, and so much marble it makes your head spin. I could just imagine sitting there in full evening wear, champagne in hand, waiting for the chandelier to rise.

Versailles

Versailles is next-level opulence. Gorgeous, massive, and crowded — but I made the smart move of booking a guided tour through Viator. Our guide was fantastic, full of stories, and somehow kept us from getting trampled by the crowd. The palace itself is unreal — I can’t imagine anyone actually living there. The gardens were peaceful, perfectly manicured, and a welcome change from the gold overload inside.

Notre Dame

By the time we went, the interior restoration was complete, though there was still a bit of scaffolding on the back. Even so — wow. The sheer scale of it all is mind-blowing. To think this was built without modern construction equipment is honestly awe-inspiring.

The Louvre

Massive doesn’t even begin to describe it. We went on a Friday evening, when they’re open late (pro tip: go after 6 p.m. — still busy, but manageable). We definitely got lost a few times, but that’s half the fun. You never know when you’ll stumble upon a hidden masterpiece or an ancient sculpture that didn’t make the Instagram highlight reel.

The Catacombs

Now this was something special. Beneath the streets of Paris lies the resting place of hundreds of thousands of souls. The old limestone tunnels were transformed centuries ago into an ossuary to make space in crowded cemeteries. Despite the macabre setting, it wasn’t eerie — it was quiet, respectful, and deeply moving. Everyone spoke in hushed tones, almost reverent. You can’t help but feel the weight of history (and the sheer human effort involved in moving all those bones!).

Wandering Around the City

While we checked off plenty of the big-ticket sights, some of my favorite moments came from simply wandering. Paris is full of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe — from artistic Montmartre, perched on a hill with painters capturing the perfect view of Sacré-Cœur, to lively Le Marais, where the energy (and the wine) never seem to run out.

Nothing beats sitting at a little sidewalk café, sipping an espresso or spritz, and just people-watching. At some point, I realized everyone around me wasn’t a tourist — they were locals, just taking a quiet break from their day. That’s when it hit me: this isn’t a special occasion for Parisians; it’s just how they live. A relaxed, slow, savor-the-moment rhythm that we could definitely use more of back home.

And when it came to finding food? Forget the guidebooks — the best meals were always hidden down side streets or tucked away in narrow alleys. Some places didn’t even have English menus, and a few of the staff spoke no English at all. Luckily, my scattered high-school French kicked in long enough to order something delicious (and impress my roommate just a little). There’s no better way to get a true feel for a city than to toss the map aside and just let yourself wander.

The Food

What can I say… amazing! I didn’t have a single bad meal. The French truly know how to dine — fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and absolutely zero rush. Dining in France isn’t just about eating; it’s an experience — savoring the food, the company, and the atmosphere.

Servers are friendly but give you space — no hourly check-ins asking if “everything’s still okay over here.” I swear I gained ten pounds, and I regret none of it. 😅

Of course, I had the classics: Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, Foie Gras (which somehow made its way into almost every meal), and yes, Escargot. But I also ventured out of my comfort zone and tried a few new things — because really, isn’t that what traveling is all about?

Oh, and surprisingly, dining out wasn’t as expensive as I expected. Prices were pretty similar to what I’d pay in Atlanta, but with way better bread and butter.

If you’re a food lover — honestly, even if you’re not — Paris is a must-visit. Between the cozy bistros, elegant brasseries, and the aroma of fresh pastries wafting through every street, you can’t go wrong.

Disneyland Paris

How could I not go to Disneyland Paris when it was just a quick train ride away? As someone who’s been to Walt Disney World in Florida close to twenty times (yes, I’m that person), I just had to see how the French version compared.

We bought a two-park pass and the skip-the-line option, and get this — it was actually cheaper than a one-day, one-park ticket at the Magic Kingdom. Disney math never makes sense, but I wasn’t complaining. Since we only had one day to explore, that skip-the-line pass was worth every euro.

Walt Disney Studios Park was… fine. It’s currently under transformation, so I’ll cut them some slack. But Disneyland Park? Absolutely beautiful. It’s like someone took the Orlando park and gave it a fairy-tale makeover. The landscaping, architecture, and tiny little details felt extra magical. All the classic rides were there — just with a French twist or an upgraded flair. And yes, the food lived up to the hype.

Favorite moment? Tough call, but honestly, sipping a glass of champagne on Main Street while looking at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle might take the crown. Only in Paris does Disney sparkle a little extra. 🍾✨

The People

Let’s clear something up right now: Parisians are not rude. Seriously. They’re just a bit more reserved than the overly enthusiastic friendliness we’re used to in the U.S. Once you understand that, everything makes sense — and interactions become wonderful.

A little effort goes a long way. Just saying "bonjour" when you enter a shop, restaurant, or café makes a world of difference. It shows respect and instantly softens the vibe. A few times, that simple greeting turned into full-on conversations about travel, food, and life in general.

I even got the famous “la bise” — the cheek kiss greeting — from someone I’d just met! I’d read that’s only reserved for people they actually know, so naturally I felt like I’d earned a local badge of honor. 😄

All in all, the people I met were kind, curious, and patient with my imperfect French. It reminded me that travel isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about connecting, learning, and sometimes getting a little kiss on each cheek.

Reflections & Tips

Looking back, this trip to Paris was everything I hoped it would be — equal parts adventure, beauty, and a few “lesson learned” moments (looking at you, standby flight). There’s just something magical about strolling through centuries-old streets, turning a random corner, and suddenly standing in front of history. Paris has this effortless way of blending the past and present — elegant but never stuffy, full of life yet wonderfully relaxed.

If you’re thinking about visiting, here are a few tips I picked up along the way:

Skip the rush. Give yourself time to just wander. The best memories weren’t necessarily at the big attractions, but in hidden cafés, quiet gardens, and conversations with locals.
Book ahead for major sites. Especially the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Versailles — save yourself hours in line.
Learn basic French phrases. Even a few words like bonjour, merci, and au revoir go a long way. People appreciate the effort.
Embrace Parisian pace. Meals last longer here, and that’s a good thing. Slow down, enjoy it, and don’t be afraid to linger over dessert.
Bring comfy shoes. You’ll be walking a lot. The city is meant to be explored on foot.
And maybe — just maybe — skip the buddy pass.

Paris reminded me why travel is so special — it pushes you a little out of your comfort zone, rewards curiosity, and leaves you with stories you’ll tell for years. I went in hoping to see the City of Light, and I left feeling like I’d actually lived it.

Until the Next Adventure

Paris May 2025

Finally Made It “Across the Pond” — Bonjour, Paris!