Au Revoir, Paris: Reflecting on a Week in the City of Light

As our time in Paris comes to an end, I’m sitting in the hotel after another 20,000-step day, trying to process a trip that went by far too quickly—but was pretty much perfect. From the quiet cobblestones of Montmartre to the iconic skyline, this city has a way of making every moment feel like a scene from a story. We were incredibly lucky with perfect the weather for our whole trip.

Honestly, every single day was full of adventure and fun - simply walking around the city, around every corner, there's something that takes your breah away. The other thing to note was how easy it was to get around - things are extremelly well laid out and the Metro was truly "incroyable."

If you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, here are the five moments that defined our stay:

Tour Eiffel at night

1. Sunset at Trocadéro

There is a specific kind of magic that happens at the Trocadéro platform just as the sun goes down. Watching the Eiffel Tower begin to sparkle against the deepening blue of the sky is one of those rare "bucket list" moments that actually lives up to the hype. It was a spectacular way to say hello to the city. We even squeezed in a late-night trip to the top, which was incredible; however, I personally found the Arc de Triomphe even more inspiring. Perhaps it was because of the immense sense of personal accomplishment you feel after working your way up all those stairs!

View from Arc de Triomphe

2. The Halls of Musée d’Orsay

We took a chance without advanced tickets and stood in line first thing in the morning. It was well worth the wait—the Musée d’Orsay absolutely stole my heart. Seeing the iconic station clock (reminiscent of Hugo), along with Rodin’s sculptures like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell, was breathtaking. Despite the crowds, there is something peaceful about wandering through an old train station filled with Impressionist masterpieces. Seeing the brushstrokes of Monet and Van Gogh up close is a powerful reminder of how much detail goes into creating a lasting work of art.

3. Wandering (and Shopping) Through Le Marais

We spent a lot of time eating, shopping, and getting lost in Le Marais. It’s a labyrinth of medieval streets, hidden courtyards, and shops for every taste. It’s the kind of neighborhood that rewards you for putting your map away and just seeing where the next turn takes you. We had a blast in a photo booth shop and spent way too much money on bags—we each found the perfect one, including a new weekend bag for me!

Statue of Apollo at Versailles

4. The Grandeur of Versailles: Gold and Gods

Versailles was a bit of a sensory overload. Stepping into the Hall of Mirrors was like walking inside a diamond; the way the sunlight hits the 357 mirrors and reflects off the gilded bronze is stunning. It’s the ultimate "high stakes" setting—you can almost hear the whispered secrets of the courtiers echoing off the painted ceilings. Still, I could only take so many paintings/portrates of royalty... But the castle is really magnificent...

For me, the real adventure was in the gardens. The scale of the sculptures is incredible, especially the Bassin d’Apollon (Apollo Fountain). Seeing the sun god Apollo rising from the water in his chariot, surrounded by golden tritons, is a masterclass in dramatic storytelling.

5. A Literary Sanctuary

As a writer, I couldn’t leave without visiting the legendary bookshops and the Bouquinistes along the Seine. From the cozy, packed shelves of The Abbey Bookshop to the history-soaked rooms of Shakespeare and Company, Paris treats books with a reverence that is truly inspiring. It was a joy to see so many people with paperbacks in hand—even on the Metro, there were readers everywhere.

I couldn't help picking up a special edition of Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Earlier in the week, we visited Place des Vosges, a beautiful park across from where Hugo lived for many years. His old apartment has since been turned into a wonderful museum.

The Flavors of Paris

Above all, there was the food. Whether it was a fresh baguette from the boulangerie, incredible pastries, or a long, slow dinner at a sidewalk bistro, the meals were the highlight of every day. In Paris, eating isn't just about fuel; it's about taking the time to enjoy the moment. A few favorites were Du Pain et des Idées (pastries), Chez Janou (the chocolate mousse!), and Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. The steak frites at Le Relais was easily my absolute favorite meal of the trip.

Heading Home

As I prepare to pack my bags (including my new one!), I’m headed back to Vancouver with a suitcase full of books and plenty of inspiration for my next project. Paris, it’s been a dream.