Paris – The city that taught me love 

After five years, it was my first time at the Chennai International Airport as a passenger. I walked in and realized that I didn’t have my AEP (airport entry permit) on me and started looking for it in my bag only to realize 15 seconds later that I was no longer in the uniform. I walked in and saw different check-in counters, and one of the staff from my previous organization fondly recognized me. After a quick chat, I headed to the Air France counter to drop my bags and cleared the immigration and security. 

My departure was at 0100 hours on 14th October 2022. I was getting restless, and my travel anxiety started kicking in. That’s when they announced the boarding commencement announcement, and we all got ready to board in sequence. I boarded and took my special seat(special seats are window seats for me as it magically puts me to sleep and I get the best office views from 36,000 ft above sea level) 

Contradictory to what I said and thought, I couldn’t sleep the entire night despite being drained. I was excited. I kept looking at the map and eagerly awaited us to land. The crew served me breakfast and gave me a can of coke, and I gulped it at once. It was 10 am (EST), and the captains finally announced that they were preparing for arrival and we were excepted to land soon. The windows started clearing up, and I saw the countryside of France. While descending, the passenger seated next to me was kind enough to point at things and suggest some major attractions for me to visit. 

Bonjour! Welcome to the land of love. Paris- is breathtaking. I fell in love with its history, culture, and stunning landmarks. Paris is known as the City of Love, but it offers many experiences for backpackers and budget travellers like me.

I’m happy to share my travel experience as a solo backpacker who spent four days in Paris. I visited all the major spots and found budget-friendly ways to enjoy the city of love. So, join me on a virtual journey to Paris, and let’s explore the City of Light and Love together!

Upon clearing the immigration, I found a friendly Indian who explained the routes and accompanied me to my hostel. 

I was exhausted and decided to rest and freshen up before starting my day. My hostel was a few meters from Gare du Nord metro station, and my locality had multiple boulangerie and cafes. I got myself a Pain au chocolat and a cup of hot espresso to fuel myself. Next to one of the cafes, I saw an Indian departmental store and quickly hopped in to get a sim card. 

The store owner was a Tamil-speaking Anna from Jaffna, and he was such a delight. He suggested a few places to eat and shop and asked me to call him anytime if I needed anything in Paris. (Tamilian Da)

I returned to my hostel (St Christopher’s Inn) and napped for 30 minutes. I met a kind stranger from Spain who travelled to Paris, and this was his first solo backpacking experience. We talked about our travel experiences, and I signed off as I had a long day ahead. 

At 1500 hrs, I began to walk to Montmartre. My agenda for the day was to soak in and explore the random streets in Paris. (Also, the metro is expensive, so why not walk all your way?) Paris is famous for its churches, and a trip to Montmartre is incomplete without visiting The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris or Sacré Coeur. 

It was dazzling. Entry is free, and the view from the top is stunning. I spent an hour inside the church and walked towards Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. It was a 60-minute walk. Although the cathedral is being renovated, it’s still worth visiting to admire its stunning architecture. Entry to this is free.

Next, I visited the Sainte-Chapelle, a beautiful Gothic chapel famous for its stained glass windows. I purchased a combined ticket for the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie for €15. (Note: Sainte- Chapelle closes at 5 pm every day, and I was lucky as I just got in time)

A trip to Paris is only complete with hot chocolate. It was drizzling, and I decided to treat myself to a cup of hot chocolate for all my walking that day. 

As I was sipping my drink, I went through maps and picked my next spot for the day. I went to Terra Nera (Chex Lavaux/ L’esprit de Gigi), hoping I’ll run into Gabriel, but I was disappointed as he had gone to Normandy to visit his Gigi with Emily. The tables were fully booked for that evening, so I selected another cafe to dine at. 

I had macaroons and Quiche and headed back to my hostel. 

Day 2 – I visited the Louvre Museum. I purchased a ticket online for €17 and spent several hours exploring the museum’s vast collection of art and artefacts. It was hot that day, so I spent a few hours inside the museum to escape the heat.

Next up, I made a reservation for a free walking tour and reached Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville – Esplanade de la Libération in time. We explored a few local sights, like Pont Alexandre III and Arc de Triomphe. It was 1800 hours, and I was starving as I skipped breakfast and lunch and chose to have a croissant instead in-between my museum visit and walking tour. I returned to Terra Nara, and as I had reserved tables the previous night, the lady asked me to pick a spot of my choice. She handed over the menu to me, and I was surprised to find very minimal Vegan/Vegetarian options. It was costly, and the portion size needed to be more significant. By looking at the faces of others, the food wasn’t Michelin-level, but I did feel like I’d stepped onto a Netflix set.

At Terra Nera, I had Kir royale, a cocktail Emily tries in the show for the first time in season three.

When the drink arrived, I noticed it was less pink than it looked on the show. I wiggled it, took my first sip, and found it light and sweet. 

Moreover, the liqueur’s sweetness, which comes from blackcurrants, wasn’t overpowering. I could still taste the flavour of the Champagne, and I could market it better than Emily did in the show. (Just Kidding)

 I wanted to eat something at some place more budget-friendly and affordable. So, I went to a budget-friendly restaurant called Le Bouillon Chartier, located in the 9th arrondissement. They serve classic French dishes at affordable prices, and the atmosphere is lively and charming.

This is the end of my day 2 in Paris. 

Day 3 began with a cup of espresso as I was running late. I skipped breakfast. I started my day at Luxembourg Gardens. I spent two hours inside the garden. Entry is free, the gardens are a lovely relaxing place, and it started drizzling. I hopped on the metro and reached Avenue des Champs-Élysées- One of the most famous avenues in Paris. They were beautiful, and I knew I couldn’t afford Louis Vuitton, Cartier or Guerlain. 

Someone told me that Pink Mama is Instagram-worthy, and I must visit it. However, it was too crowded and required seat reservations, so I skipped it and went to a budget-friendly restaurant called L’As du Fallafel, located in the Marais district. They serve delicious falafel sandwiches at affordable prices.

At 1700 hrs, I started walking towards The Eiffel Tower, and it took me two hours as I stopped in between to relax. I had purchased my ticket online in advance to avoid the long queues. The ticket cost me around €16. I took the stairs instead of the lift to save money and get a good workout. The view from the top was breathtaking, and I spent some time taking photos and admiring the city. 

For dinner, I was craving something sweet, and I went to a budget-friendly cafe called Au P’tit Grec, located in the Latin Quarter. They serve delicious crepes with various ingredients, and the prices are very reasonable.

It was my last day in Paris, and I suddenly felt like I had so many places to cover my list. I took a metro to Notre Dame and walked along the Seine River. I had to revisit Montmartre as I had a walking tour reservation, and we covered various topics from food, love, life and Dalida. I skipped lunch and wandered, knowing this was my last day in this beautiful city. I stopped at a boulangerie and picked a few olive-based baguettes to munch before I quickly got to the next sight. 

I reached the Wall Of Love and was astonished to see the phrase ‘I love you featured 311 times in 250 languages. After spending an hour, I walked back to my hostel and finished my check-out formalities as it was my time to say Au revoir to Paris. 

My bus to Amsterdam: Schipol Airport was at 2325 hrs, from the Bercy-Seine. 

As I bid farewell to this incredible city, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. On the one hand, I was reluctant to leave, as if a piece of my heart had been left behind in the cobblestone streets. Yet, on the other hand, I felt a bubbling excitement for what lies ahead in my future travels, knowing that there are still countless more experiences to be had, more breathtaking sights to be seen, and more memories to create.

So, until next time, Paris. I leave with a promise to return and explore even further. Your beauty is eternal, and my love for you will grow stronger. But for now, I embrace the excitement of the unknown, eagerly anticipating the next adventure that awaits me. Au revoir, Paris, until we meet again!

I have shared a curated list of visited places in the link below. I couldn’t cover everything. But, when you go to Paris, go there on my behalf.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DwHeZ5oLdXMxmv9B8?g_st=i