A winter day in Paris is an enchanting experience! We went for a day trip from London St. Pancras to Gare du Nord by Eurostar.
Here is what we had to say about it.
Have you been to Paris before?
Yes, I have, twice. Both times for extended weekends by Eurostar from London.
But it's been a while, the last time in September 2015.
I believe you have been to Paris before :)?
Haha, yes, I sure have and I think everyone who knows me, knows how crazy I am about Paris. I consider Paris as my home, headquater, home base, love of my life…Although I have left it several times for a few years, I always come back and it always feels like home.
What was your first impression when you first came to Paris compared to your recents visit?
I've only ever been in summer, this time we chose a cold January day. So the panorama was a little different. Apart from that it felt comfortingly unchanged. Paris looked and felt just as Paris in my mind was supposed to be like. Timeless and full of joie de vivre. Of course, Notre Dame looked a little different. It is still charred and under construction after the 2019 fire but not less impressive.
How was it for you, coming back as a tourist for a day trip?
It did feel like coming home and I like the fact, although I don’t make use of it that much, that Paris is only a little over two hour train ride away from London.
What did you like in Paris? And what did you like less?
Even on a fairly cold and grey day, Paris is simply beautiful. It was uplifting to swap the heavy leaden Lonon sky for one that just seemed a little lighter and brighter. Of course, there is the beautiful architecture, the chic of the Parisians, which still is a thing, or that monsieur on his bicycle whistling the Marseillaise. Loads of things to like!
On the downside, it seemed like Paris chose the winter months to undergo a bit of a facelift; many buildings and some of the sights were obstructed by scaffolding and coverings.
Is there a single thing you do not like about Paris? Maybe a small one?
Hmmm, difficult question, Paris is perfect for me ;-) with all its beauty and imperfections, now let me think about the tiny little imperfections ….I think the pampering is quiet noticable and may have something to do, that the Olympic Games will be held in Paris in 2024. So it is a huge event and of course the City needs to shine in all its beauty. But to finally answer your question, i think over the years i became more sensitive to noise. The noise level is quiet high, comparable almost with London, but i think it comes with the territory of a big city. I just recently visited Amsterdam and i noticed immediately the calm in central Amsterdam despite the crowds. I think that most of the people riding bikes may take out some noise, like honking etc.
What did you think about the food in Paris?
Naturally, I had high expecations. Initially in search of a traditional French Bistro I really liked the place we ended up at, the "Wild and the moon". A relaxed health food bistro which was so inviting, modern and full of greenery, like a cosy canteen. My granola bowl with fresh fruits was yummy and the Café au lait was just right on that cold day.
And then I had my first ever slice of galette des rois!
What's your experience with this tradition?
Les galettes des rois, or in English three kings cake, is a tradition associated in many countries with Epiphany. Usually, the galettes are already available around Christmas all the way to mid January. Its form and ingredients are variable, but in most cases a fève such as a figurine, often said to represent the Christ Child, is hidden inside. After the cake is cut, whoever gets the fève wins a prize, the celebration of having the fève are celebrated different as well. Fun fact it was the favorite cake for my son for many years and our tradition was, that I made it all the way to March until his birthday. Click here for a recipe by Raymond Blanc.
Did you find it easy to get around in Paris? What would you recommend?
Take Elke with you! :) No, seriously, it was a treat to have a former local by my side, I could simply relax and go with the flow. In any case, I find getting around Paris very manageable. If you have enough time, you can cover most sights on food. The metro system is straightforward and a smartphone should be all you need to get you on your way. Even without a phone or a map you can keep it simple and walk up and down the Seine. You'll spot most of the tourist attractions on your way. Voila.
Do you have any insider tips? I believe there is a metro line you were referring to as the tourist line?
I do agree, Paris is very walkable and you do find a majority of the sights along the river Seine. For those less motivated to walk there is a metro line, which I call, and I am sure I am not the only one to call the Metro line Nr. 1 the tourist line. Actually it takes you from La Defence to Bois de Vincennes, stopping by Place de l’Etoile, Champs-Élysée, Place de la Concorde, le Louvre, le Marais…just to name a few.
In your opinion, ist there a 'must see' in Paris?
It's got to be the Tour Eiffel. It's cliche, but it simply is one the world's most recognisable landmarks. The way it rises above the roofs of Paris from everywhere you look and its graceful beauty makes it a special sight. Magnifique!
On this occasion, it was also Notre Dame. No less a landmark than the Eiffel Tower it felt like a moral duty to spend the battered Dame a visit and check up on her recovery.
How was it for you to see Notre Dame in this state and do you have other must-sees ?
Notre Dame has a very special place in my heart, as it was on top of Notre Dame I announced my parents that Paris is my home and I will be living in this City as soon as I am old enough (back then I was 7 years old). So seeing it in flames was heartbreaking, but I am sure it will continue to shine once it is completely restored. Another place I always love to go just for a stroll is Montmartre with the artistic flair, it has a great art history around the 19 century with lots of my favorite painters and writers like Toulouse Lautrec, Matisse, Van Gogh just to name a few.
What do you think about the trip in terms of transportation?
The journey was very pleasant. Hassle-free, comfortable and short. To me, stepping on the London to Paris Eurostar is a bit like taking the Hogwarts Express. Just a short journey and you end up in an enchanted city. We had been lucky enough to take advantage of the Eurostar winter sale and secure return tickets for only 29.00 pounds/ each.
If there's anything to be said it's that the London Eurostar terminal could be a bit bigger and have more or bigger coffee shops. Things can get a bit crowded.
I agree. This trip should definately be repeated. It's worth signing up for Eurostar news and offers, that's how we learned about the winter offer.