It began with the scent of freshly baked croissants wafting through the air. Breakfast at Disney’s Sequoia Lodge was the perfect start to the day—flaky, buttery croissants and rich pain au chocolat paired with a steaming cup of tea and a glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice. As we savored each bite, excitement bubbled up. Today was our day to explore Paris!
From Disney’s Sequoia Lodge, we walked to the metro station, conveniently located in Disney Village, our gateway to the City of Light. The metro, with its well-marked signs and frequent trains, was surprisingly easy to navigate, even for non-French speaking visitors (or ones that barely have a grasp of the language). Soon, we were in the heart of Paris, ready to meet our friends who had flown in to explore the city’s famed Christmas markets.
Our first stop was Notre Dame. Though we couldn’t go inside due to the reopening festivities following the devastating 2019 fire, hearing the bells ring and standing by the Seine for pictures of this iconic cathedral was awe-inspiring. The intricate details of the restored facade took my breath away, and we couldn’t resist snapping photo after photo.
Next, we walked to nearby Sainte-Chapelle for our timed entry. If there’s one word to describe this Gothic masterpiece, it’s “stunning.” The stained glass windows, illuminated by the barely-there midday sun, were a kaleidoscope of colors and stories, each pane more mesmerizing than the last. I could have stayed there for hours, marveling at the craftsmanship.
Afterward, it was time for another bucket list moment: the Eiffel Tower. A quick metro ride brought us to this iconic landmark, where we strolled through a nearby Christmas market. The festive atmosphere was irresistible. I indulged in freshly made fish and chips from one of the stalls, and the friendly vendors complimented my French accent—a kind gesture that made my heart swell. We then made our way to Trocadéro, where the views of the Eiffel Tower were nothing short of spectacular.
The day continued with a metro ride to the Arc de Triomphe. We soaked in the lively atmosphere on the Champs-Élysées, where holiday lights twinkled and shoppers bustled. People-watching here was a delight, as was the feeling of being immersed in the city’s vibrant energy.
Another metro ride brought us to Sacré-Cœur, another dream destination of mine. Taking the incline saved us from climbing the many steps, and the view from the top was breathtaking. The sweeping panorama of Paris, with its rooftops and landmarks, was unforgettable. Inside, the cathedral’s serenity and beauty left me in awe. After our visit, we wandered the surrounding streets, stopping at a local boulangerie for pastries and chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) that warmed us from the inside out. A quick stop next door for a bottle of wine completed our Montmartre experience.
As night fell, we made our way to the Moulin Rouge to see it lit up in all its festive glory. The iconic windmill, glowing against the dark sky, was a sight to behold. From there, it was back on the metro to our friends’ apartment for a glass of wine before heading to dinner.
Dinner was at a cozy pizzeria in their arrondissement, where the pizza was delicious and the waiter’s warmth and humor shattered any stereotypes of aloof French service. We capped off our meal with a stop at another Christmas market for macarons, the perfect sweet ending to a perfect day.
By the time we returned to Disneyland Paris, I’d walked over eight miles, but every step was worth it. Paris proved itself to be not only a city of beauty and history but also one of kindness and warmth. Navigating the metro was simple, and every interaction I had—from shopkeepers to strangers—made me feel welcome. Learning French and trying it out in real conversations brought me so much joy, and the encouragement I received only fueled my love for this incredible city.
Paris, you stole my heart. Until next time.
Cleared For Take-Off! 