Postcards from Paris
A Weekend in Paris: Art, Croissants & Dreamy Views
In May this year, I finally took a weekend trip to Paris. It was my 50th birthday and a perfect way to celebrate — something I’d dreamed of for years. It was my first time taking the Eurostar, and honestly, I was amazed at how smooth and easy the journey was. One moment I was in London, and before I knew it, I had arrived in France — it barely felt real! We boarded at Kings Cross, London and it was easy and seamless, arriving at Gard Du Nord was so easy too. As passport control is done at the UK end, we just stepped out of the station into Paris where there is a handy taxi rank just outside. We took a taxi to our hotel, which was a short drive away. So I want to share with you what my weekend looked like, what we saw and explored and my tips to help make your next trip to Paris memorable.
Friday: Bonjour, Paris!
After arriving, around lunchtime, we dropped our bags at Hotel George, an Astotel, in the 8th arrondissement. The location was perfect — nestled among Paris’s most prestigious fashion houses, close to a metro station for exploring, yet tucked away from the busiest tourist spots. It felt like the best of both worlds. The hotel is what I would call boutique, not too big, reception very welcoming and friendly and the rooms clean and nicely decorated, ours looked out on the main road which was pretty.
We grabbed lunch at a charming little café just across the street (the kind with pretty chairs and flowers on every table — so Parisian!).
That afternoon, I ticked off one of my biggest bucket-list dreams: visiting The Louvre. I studied French and Fine Art at school and it was my dream to visit and see the works of art I had studied and practice my French (although, many years have passed and I have lost the language, but still understand) Walking through the grand halls felt surreal, each section clearly marked so you can pick and choose where you want to go. The size and beauty of the museum blew me away — and of course, seeing the Mona Lisa in person was unforgettable. We had to que for a while as it was very crowded, as you can imagine - everyone wants to see her! We also walked around to see some other incredible Italian art and jewels, even the museum walls and ceilings are works of art.
Afterward, we strolled back to the hotel through the pretty streets of Paris, soaking in the atmosphere before enjoying dinner nearby at a cosy local restaurant.
My Tips for visiting the Louvre:
- Pre-book tickets online — the queues can be huge.
- Plan your route inside. The museum is enormous, and you could easily spend days exploring.
- Prioritize what you want to see most. For me, it was the Mona Lisa — and she was worth the wait!
Saturday: A full & magical day
Saturday started early (or at least, it was meant to!). We set off for Sacré-Cœur, walking through the charming Montmartre district — full of cafés, artists, and that effortlessly romantic Parisian vibe. It felt like stepping into a film.
Montmartre has such a fascinating history — once the heart of bohemian Paris, it was home to artists like Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh. You can still feel that creative spirit today as you wander through cobbled streets lined with easels, galleries, and tiny bistros spilling onto the pavement. Every corner feels like a painting in itself.
We climbed the long, steep staircase to the top — with a few much-needed breaks along the way! There is a funicular, but the queues were long, so we decided to take it on the way down instead.
The view from Sacré-Cœur was breath taking — you can see the Eiffel Tower from up there, and it’s a fantastic spot for photos (and even proposals!). We didn’t go inside the basilica this time, as the queue was long, but honestly, the view alone made the climb worth it.
My tips for visiting Sacré-Cœur:
- Entry to the basilica is free, but there’s a small fee if you’d like to climb the dome for panoramic views of Paris.
- Go early — ideally before 8 a.m. — to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
- Use the funicular if you’re not keen on climbing the steep stairs; it’s included in a regular metro ticket.
- No booking needed — you can just walk in when it opens, usually around 6 a.m.
In the afternoon, we made our way to visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Restoration is now complete and standing before this iconic landmark was such a special moment. Its intricate Gothic architecture and detailed stone carvings are even more impressive in person. We went inside and sat for a while, even though it was full of people, there was a peaceful calmness and the size and the beauty is breath taking. Afterwards we walked along the Seine, admiring the bookstalls, bridges, and lively riverside cafés — the perfect Parisian afternoon.
My tips for visiting Notre-Dame:
- Entry to the cathedral is free, but access to the towers (when open) requires a timed ticket.
- Book your tickets online before you go
- Arrive early or late in the day to avoid long queues, especially on weekends.
Later in the day, we went to see the Eiffel Tower. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but as soon as we got off the metro and turned the corner, there it was — majestic, tall, and proud. Seeing it in person took my breath away. We didn’t go up to the top this time; instead, we wandered around the base and found a bench nearby to sit and admire its beauty.
After sunset, the tower lights up and sparkles with thousands of twinkling lights. We had planned to return in the evening to see it light up, but that night PSG had just won their football match, and the streets were filled with celebrating fans! The city was alive with energy, but we decided to stay in our hotel instead — a perfect excuse to go back another time and see those lights in person.
My tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower:
- Ticket options: You can buy tickets for elevator or stair access to different levels.
- Book ahead — especially if you plan to go to the summit, as time slots sell out quickly.
- Best views: Some of the most beautiful photos are from Trocadéro Gardens or Champ de Mars, especially at sunset.
- Light show: The tower sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour after dark — don’t miss it!
Sunday: Sweet Goodbyes
On Sunday morning, before catching our train home, we took a leisurely walk around the local streets near our hotel. The area was dotted with pretty fromageries and little sweet shops, where we picked up some gifts (and a few treats for ourselves!) to take home. It was the perfect, gentle way to end the trip — slow-paced, delicious, and full of Parisian charm.
My weekend in Paris was everything I hoped it would be — art, beauty, incredible food, and that unique magic only Paris seems to have. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the city never fails to inspire. I left with a full heart, a camera full of photos, and a promise to myself that I’ll be back again soon.
Au revoir, Maria x