🌸 A Parisian Adventure

This July, my daughter, friends, and I set off on the ultimate girls’ trip to Paris, a weekend of laughter, sightseeing, and French elegance. From sipping coffee in cobblestoned cafés to watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, it truly was a journey to remember.

🚄 Getting There: The Eurostar from London St Pancras

Our adventure began at London St Pancras International, where we boarded the Eurostar to Paris. It’s such a smooth and convenient way to travel, just over two hours from city centre to city centre. The comfortable seats, friendly service, and the ease of skipping airport hassle made it the perfect start to our trip.

As the train glided through the countryside, excitement filled the air. We chatted, laughed, and before we knew it, we were pulling into Gare du Nord, ready to embrace all things Parisian.

💡 Top Tip: Arrive at St Pancras at least 90 minutes early to allow time for security and passport checks, and grab a coffee before boarding, it’s the perfect way to start your Paris adventure feeling relaxed.

🏨 Where We Stayed: Mercure Paris Opéra Louvre Hotel

Our home for the weekend was the Mercure Paris Opéra Louvre Hotel, ideally located in the elegant 2nd arrondissement. It’s a beautiful blend of modern comfort and Parisian style, with chic rooms, friendly staff, and a relaxed atmosphere.

The hotel’s location was unbeatable — just a short walk from the Louvre Museum, Palais Garnier, and Galeries Lafayette. Surrounded by charming cafés, bakeries, and boutique shops, it gave us the perfect base to explore Paris like locals.

🚌 Sightseeing Made Easy: The Toot Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

To make the most of our time, we used the Toot Bus Hop-On Hop-Off service throughout our stay. It’s one of the best ways to see the city, panoramic views from the open-top deck, engaging commentary, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

We cruised past iconic landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and Musée d’Orsay, hopping off whenever something caught our eye. It was effortless, fun, and full of photo-worthy moments.

🌙 The Toot Bus Night Tour: Paris After Dark

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was the Toot Bus Night Tour. As the sun set, Paris transformed into a glittering wonderland. We glided past the Eiffel Tower as it shimmered with lights, the Champs-Élysées glowing with evening energy, and the Seine River reflecting the sparkle of the city.

The tour also took us through the bustling Moulin Rouge district in Pigalle, where the red windmill glowed brightly against the night sky. The area buzzed with live street performers, music, and the unmistakable energy of Parisian nightlife. It was the perfect way to experience a different, more vibrant side of the city.

🎨 A Morning at the Louvre Museum

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Louvre Museum, the world’s largest art gallery and a masterpiece in itself. Standing before the famous glass pyramid felt surreal, and once inside, we were surrounded by centuries of art and history.

From the mysterious Mona Lisa to the graceful Venus de Milo, every corridor held something breathtaking.

💡 Top Tip: Book your Louvre tickets online in advance and visit early in the morning to beat the crowds, you’ll enjoy a much more peaceful experience.

🗼 Climbing to the Summit: The Eiffel Tower Experience

Climbing the Eiffel Tower was one of the most unforgettable moments of our trip. As we ascended, the views unfolded layer by layer — the River Seine winding below, the rooftops of Paris stretching endlessly, and the golden dome of Les Invalides glinting in the sun.

Reaching the summit was breathtaking. Standing at the top, looking out over the city with the wind in our hair, we truly felt on top of the world. It was the kind of moment you want to bottle and keep forever.

💡 Top Tip: Book summit tickets online in advance, especially in summer, as lines can be long. Try visiting in the early evening, you’ll get to see the city both in daylight and as the lights begin to twinkle.

🛍️ Shopping & Rooftop Views: Galeries Lafayette

No girls’ trip would be complete without a little shopping, and Galeries Lafayette is an absolute dream. This iconic department store is not only a fashion haven but also an architectural gem, with its magnificent Art Nouveau glass dome.

After exploring the designer boutiques and picking up a few souvenirs, we headed up to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the Paris skyline. From here, you can see the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and miles of charming rooftops.

We treated ourselves to coffee and pastries at the rooftop café  a peaceful moment to take in the beauty of Paris from above.

🥐 Food, Friendship & French Flavours

Paris is a paradise for food lovers, and we made it our mission to try as much as we could! Mornings began with buttery croissants and fresh coffee, lunches were spent enjoying crêpes and quiches in cozy bistros, and evenings were for wine, cheese boards, and laughter.

Every meal felt like a celebration — not just of French cuisine, but of friendship, connection, and the joy of travel.

💕 Final Thoughts

Our girls’ trip to Paris was everything we dreamed it would be  full of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable moments. From the art and architecture to the fashion and food, Paris enchanted us at every turn.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Paris never loses its magic. There’s always something new to discover, and it always leaves you wanting just one more day.

Until next time, au revoir, Paris!