My First Full Day in Paris: A Bookstore, a Bucket List, and Dinner with Friends

Posted on by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

There’s something incredibly special about waking up in Paris—especially when it’s your first full day in the city. I started the morning with a delicious petit déjeuner at my hotel. Simple, classic, and just what I needed to ease into the rhythm of Parisian life.

From there, I navigated the metro (no small feat for a visitor, but surprisingly manageable once you get the hang of it). My first stop: a walk along the Seine and a glimpse at the reconstruction of Notre Dame. The cathedral still stands as a symbol of grace and resilience, even under a bit of scaffolding and a crane in the background. Just across the way, I found a quiet moment in the gardens—where pale yellow marigolds caught my eye and stole my heart. Who knew marigolds could feel so magical?

Next on my list was a visit to Shakespeare and Company. This cozy little English-language bookstore has been on my bucket list for ages. It’s one of those rare places where time seems to pause. I wandered the narrow aisles, taking in the shelves packed with stories, before heading back out in search of something more specific: the French version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It took three tries—turns out two of the shops I stopped into were English-language bookstores and one specialized in Japanese books! But success eventually came, and now I have a treasured new addition to my collection. (I try to pick up a copy of a Harry Potter book in the local language every time I visit a new country.)

After that, it was another metro ride to the iconic Galeries Lafayette on the Champs-Élysées. This was more of a browse than a shopping spree, but it’s always fun to take in the glamour (and maybe imagine I’m in a French rom-com for just a minute).

By late afternoon, it was time to actually “begin” my vacation. I took the metro back to my hotel, where I got a bit of rest. At 5:00pm, I attended our first event for the Globus tour I’m taking (Paris, Normandy & the Chateaux Country)…it was a nice welcome reception that introduced us to what’s to come on this magical vacation, and gave us timing for tomorrow’s adventure (beginning with an excursion to Versailles!)

And then—something that made this already beautiful day even more special. I met up with a dear friend (who also happens to be a coworker), and we enjoyed the most delightful dinner with her family at La Maison, a gem of a restaurant with a charming outdoor terrace. We dined al fresco, sharing stories and laughter as the sun began to set over Paris. The food was fantastic, but the company made it unforgettable. Isn’t it amazing how the world can feel so big and yet so small at the same time?

By the end of the day, I was happily tired, full of carbs and conversation, and completely in love with Paris all over again.

It’s days like these that remind me why I love travel so much—not just for the famous landmarks or beautiful meals, but for the quiet little moments: a perfect flower, a long-searched-for book, a metro ride to nowhere in particular, and an unexpected evening with people who feel like home.

More adventures to come… stay tuned.

TTFN

Kenneth

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Published by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

Hi, I’m Kenneth Reece — and I help make unforgettable vacations feel effortless. With 50 cruises under my belt (and more in the works!), I specialize in bucket-list travel experiences for grown-up travelers who want something a little more meaningful, a little more personal, and a lot more fun. Whether you're cruising the blue waters of the Caribbean, exploring the stunning coastlines of Alaska, or soaking in the magic of Europe one cobblestone street at a time — I’m here to help you plan a trip you’ll always remember. Lately, river cruising has completely captured my heart. There’s just something special about waking up each morning in a new European town, with your floating boutique hotel waiting to take you to the next charming stop. I love pairing these river cruises with guided land tours for a perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Princess Cruises has long been one of my favorites at sea, but I’ve sailed with many cruise lines and know how to match each client with the right one for them. I’ve also experienced the Disney magic around the world — from Disneyland and Walt Disney World to Tokyo and Paris — and I bring that same sense of wonder and thoughtful planning into everything I do. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, traveling solo, or just need help making sense of all the choices out there, I’m here to be your guide. I love helping clients as much — or as little — as they prefer. From the first conversation to the moment you return home, you’ll know someone has your back. Let’s make your next trip easy, exciting, and completely tailored to you.