Our Italian Journey Goes to Paris
We may be all about Italy, but sometimes curiosity wins. After working hard and finishing our latest book, Umbria Treasures, we decided to hop across the border and see what all the Paris fuss was about. Everyone jokes about Emily in Paris, but this was definitely more Ilene and Gary in Paris—less fashion show, more of a food hunt.
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The Great Breakfast Debate: Cornetto vs. Croissant
Let’s start with something serious—breakfast. Italians have their cornetto, the French have their croissant, and yes, they’re cousins, but not twins.
A cornetto, our usual morning companion in Italy, tends to be softer and slightly sweeter, often brushed with glaze or filled with cream, jam, or chocolate. The croissant is all about the buttery flake factor. Layers on layers… and more layers. One bite and the crumbs tell the whole story—they’re everywhere. In my lap, hair, and I even found a few later in the day in my pocketbook. The French version is richer, more delicate, and made for dunking.
The Louvre: Art, Crowds, and a Bit of Drama
You can’t go to Paris without stopping at the Louvre. It’s the world’s largest art museum and a former royal palace. The building itself is stunning, but the real spectacle might be the people inside.
When we visited, the museum was still buzzing from a recent heist—yes, really! Friends back home texted asking if Gary had anything to do with it, since the stolen jewels might help his wine budget. (For the record, no priceless jewelry was found in our luggage.)
With specific sections closed, everyone was funneled toward the open galleries, making it feel extra crowded. We managed to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa from a distance, but skipped the middle queue—sometimes “seeing” is enough. We made do.
Outside, we strolled through the Tuileries Garden. Even in autumn, with a chill in the air, it was beautiful—gold leaves, empty fountains, and peaceful.
Good to Know: The Louvre’s glass pyramid was designed by architect I.M. Pei and opened in 1989. The inverted pyramid inside is a clever architectural nod to balance and symmetry.
The Eiffel Tower: Magical and Sparkly in Paris
Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower was once considered an eyesore. Hard to believe now. We made it all the way up and learned there’s actually an apartment there that Gustave Eiffel built for himself and entertained guests like Thomas Edison.
As daylight faded, we waited for the show. Every hour on the hour beginning at 7 p.m., 20,000 LED lights sparkle across the tower for five minutes. It’s simple and pure magic. Our apartment was about 50 feet away, and I looked forward to the show each and every night.
Travel Tip: If you’re not lucky like us to have such a fantastic place to stay, head to the Trocadéro Gardens for the best view of the light show. Located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 16th arrondissement, these gardens are situated across from the Eiffel Tower and are home to the Palais de Chaillot, a large fountain, and several museums.
Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées
Next up was the Arc de Triomphe, built to honor those who fought for France. It stands proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées. The traffic circle below it is pure chaos, but from above, I’m sure it makes sense somehow—like organized madness. We did not go up to the top.
We walked the Champs-Élysées, lined with cafés, shops, and high-end stores. I didn’t buy anything fancy but enjoyed window shopping and people-watching—two of Paris’s best free activities.
Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
Nearly 900 years old, The Notre Dame Cathedral, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and of course, was at the top of our list. The fire in 2019 was devastating, but the restoration work has been remarkable and is ongoing. We learned that the roof timbers destroyed by fire have been completely replaced with materials that make it completely fireproof.
The real showstopper, though, was Sainte-Chapelle. Built in the 13th century to house holy relics, its 15 massive stained-glass window panels depict over 1,000 biblical scenes. When the sun hits them, it’s like standing inside a kaleidoscope. Photos don’t do it justice. Visit mid-morning for the best light.
We also visited the Conciergerie (we purchased a combination ticket), once a royal palace turned prison. Marie Antoinette was held there before her execution. Maybe we missed the more profound meaning, but honestly, it didn’t wow us. It wasn’t worth the extra money.
Cruising the Seine
No trip to Paris is complete without a boat ride on the Seine. We hopped aboard one day with a break in the weather. We bundled up against the chill and watched the city glide by—monuments reflecting on the water. Gary even splurged on champagne for each of us, proving once again that romance still beats reason. As we passed by points of interest, our guide provided us with some details. Upon a bit of drizzle, Gary and I took our champagne below deck for some cover.
Travel Tip: Go at sunset—the lights come alive and you’ll see why Paris is called La Ville Lumière (The City of Light).
A Royal Day at Versailles
A short train ride from Paris, Versailles was once the home of Louis XIV, known as the Sun King. The palace is pure grandeur—gilded halls, endless mirrors, and gardens that stretch forever. Walking through the Hall of Mirrors, it’s easy to picture the opulence and history that unfolded there.
Versailles has over 2,000 windows and 350 chimneys. The Hall of Mirrors alone has 357 mirrors!
The Paris Opera House: Le Palais Garnier
If Versailles is grand, the Palais Garnier is pure elegance. This is the opera house that inspired The Phantom of the Opera. Every inch is ornate—marble staircases, gold leaf, chandeliers. Even if opera isn’t your thing, it’s worth visiting.
Paris: A Feast Worth Traveling For
Food might be the best way to know a city, and Paris didn’t disappoint. We arrived with a list and checked every box.
And the pastries… well, they deserve their own museum. Flaky, buttery, beautiful—each one a tiny work of art. They truly were incredible and worth every calorie.
So, Are the French Really Snobby?
Before our trip, people warned us that the French could be a bit… standoffish. We didn’t find that true at all. Everyone we met was kind, helpful, and patient with our less-than-perfect French. A smile—and a sincere “bonjour”—goes a long way. Of course, I kept saying “buongourno” in error!
After ten days and countless steps, we left Paris with warm hearts. We saw the highlights and slowed down enough to enjoy some quiet time. Would we go back? Absolutely.
Have you been to Paris?
We’d love to hear what you loved most—or what surprised you. Leave us a comment below, and please don’t forget to share Our Italian Journey for more travel tips, stories, and inspiration for your next adventure or an upcoming trip for a friend.
