Wow, it’s been a minute since I’ve posted! Time really has flown by, and I can’t believe 2024 is almost over. My time in Paris this year was unforgettable. It was full of firsts, personal memories, and creative inspiration. This was actually my second time visiting Paris in 2024, and what made it even more special was that my sister Sophie and I traveled abroad on our own for the very first time.
Paris holds a unique place in my heart because it’s the first city I ever visited in Europe. There’s something about it I’ll never get tired of. I love the lights, the water, the people, and the way the city makes you feel. We explored new places, visited stunning museums, and found time to simply slow down. I can’t wait to share the highlights and the photos with you.
Any good European adventure starts with a long flight. Nine hours, to be exact. The flight itself wasn’t so bad—there’s something about the anticipation that makes it go by quickly. We landed at Charles de Gaulle exhausted, shuffled through baggage claim, and made our way to the Latin Quarter, where we stayed in a dorm-style hostel. It was simple, budget-friendly, and such a great location.
Our first stop was La Comptoir, a cozy café with views of the Panthéon and even a peek at the Eiffel Tower. We grabbed window seats, ordered croissants and coffee (the first of many), and sat back to people-watch. It felt like the perfect Parisian welcome.
From there, we headed to the Panthéon. It’s not your typical museum filled with artifacts, but it’s so impressive. There’s the massive Foucault’s Pendulum, beautiful artwork, and so much grandeur in the space itself. It was calm and quiet—perfect for taking pictures and just enjoying the moment.
That evening, we treated ourselves to a Le Calife: Seine River Dinner Cruise. I highly recommend doing this on your first night in Paris. It’s low-effort, relaxing, and gives you a perfect introduction to the city. We didn’t have to think about anything except enjoying the views.
Seeing Paris illuminated at night from the water is something I’ll never forget. The Eiffel Tower sparkled, the bridges were gorgeous, and the city felt like magic. It was definitely a splurge, but worth every penny.
A Day at Versailles: Snacks are Your Best Friend
On this trip, we finally visited Versailles, and they are not kidding when they say it’s massive. We got an early start but, of course, got on the wrong train first. No one panicked though, and we made it there just fine.
Here’s my tip: Bring snacks and water. Versailles has restaurants and quick-service spots near the palace, but when you get to the Estate of Trianon or Marie Antoinette’s village, there’s nothing. We were so glad we had granola bars with us. There’s a lot of walking, and you’ll need the energy.
Once inside, we headed straight to the Hall of Mirrors, which was stunning. Since we visited in November, it wasn’t too crowded, and we got some amazing photos. The highlight for me, though, was exploring the estate and seeing Marie Antoinette’s village. It felt like stepping into a storybook.
One night, we decided to check out a jazz club I found on TikTok, Caveau de la Huchette. We arrived to find the line wrapped down the block. At first, I wasn’t sure about waiting over an hour and a half, but I told myself, “What else are you going to do? Go back to the hostel and sleep? That’s lame.” So we stayed, and I’m so glad we did. All of my videos from this night will be on my Instagram.
The club was packed and standing room only, but the music was incredible. The saxophonist even jumped off the stage and played right in the middle of the crowd. It was chaotic, loud, and perfect.
Pro tip: Many clubs have three shows per night, and you can stay for all of them once you’re inside. Each set is slightly different, so it’s worth the wait.
This time, I felt like I had space to slow down and focus on my photography. I played around with nighttime photography, experimenting with light painting near the Eiffel Tower and long shutter releases on the Seine. I also spent more time capturing street scenes and the incredible architecture Paris is known for.
One of my favorite photos came from Musée d’Orsay. Most people take their picture in front of the massive clock, but I was alone when I visited. I got creative and framed the city outside the clock’s window instead. It’s such an iconic spot, but I hadn’t seen that perspective before, and I love how it turned out.
Another favorite shot was an extended shutter release of the Eiffel Tower at night, taken from the rooftop of our hostel.
We also visited the Rodin Museum, which was peaceful and beautiful, and the Dior Museum, Sophie’s dream stop. Seeing the story of Christian Dior, surrounded by stunning gowns and displays, was a unique experience.
Some of my favorite times weren’t spent racing to landmarks. They were the quiet moments. Sitting outside at Jardin du Luxembourg, sipping coffee, and watching people live their lives made me feel like I was part of something special.
It reminded me that travel isn’t just about the photos. It’s about stopping, looking around, and being present.
This trip taught me to slow down and be intentional with my photography. I experimented more, played with nighttime light, and focused on framing unique perspectives. Two of my favorite shots were the extended shutter release of the Eiffel Tower at night and my creative take on the Musée d’Orsay clock.
Paris is a place that pushes me to see the world differently through my lens. I believe that every photo I take is better than the last, and this trip was proof of that.
Paris feels like magic every time I visit, and this trip gave me a mix of new experiences, personal growth, and creative inspiration. Whether it was snapping photos at the Eiffel Tower, exploring quiet museums, or just sitting by a fountain, Paris reminded me why I fell in love with travel and photography in the first place.
I’ll be back, but for now, I’ll cherish the stories and photos I’ve brought home.
Let’s Capture Your Next Adventure.
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