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Wanderlost in Paris, France
Paris wasn’t a place I had always dreamed of visiting. In fact, I resisted the idea for a while—even when my Wander Love suggested going for my 40th birthday. And if I’m being honest, some of that came from my own bias.
Growing up, my exposure to French culture was limited—but a few early experiences left an impression. My dad spent time working in Paris, and through that, I had a handful of interactions that, at the time, felt intimidating and unwelcoming. There was even a moment as a kid that stayed with me longer than I realized—one of those small things that quietly shape how you see a place.
Looking back, I can see how those moments turned into a perception I carried with me for years. I went into this trip hoping I’d see something different… and what I found was more layered than I expected.
Paris is alive in a way that’s hard to explain. It’s busy, a little chaotic at times, and constantly moving—but somehow still incredibly romantic.
You can turn a corner and suddenly feel like you’ve stepped into another era—it's cinematic, almost like an old noir film. The cafés spill out onto the sidewalks, the smell of coffee and fresh pastries lingers in the air, and everywhere you look, there’s something beautiful.
We were also fighting getting sick for a good part of the trip, which made things more challenging than we expected. But in a strange way, it also made the experience more meaningful. It became one of those trips that makes you a better traveler—the kind that teaches you patience, resilience, and how to find the good even when things don’t go perfectly.
What I didn’t expect was how much this trip would deepen my connection with my love. In a city that felt big and overwhelming at times, he became my constant—my sense of home in the middle of it all. And in the end, Paris didn’t just change how I saw the city—it changed something in me, as every good trip should.
And if after reading this, you still haven’t decided to go, I have one word for you… croissant.
They are one of the best things you will ever taste—and yes, they are very different from anything I’ve had in America.
I’m not even a bread person… but, oh la la!
FUN FACTS ABOUT PARIS
1. Paris Has Only One Stop Sign
There’s only one official stop sign in all of Paris. Traffic mostly runs on priority rules instead—which might explain why driving there feels… a little (a lot) intense.
2. The Eiffel Tower Wasn't Supposed to Stay
The Eiffel Tower was originally built as a temporary structure for the 1889 World’s Fair—and many Parisians actually hated it at the time. Now? It’s the most iconic symbol of the city.
3. Not All Bakeries Are Created Equal
Look for “Boulangerie Artisanale”—it means the bread and pastries are made fresh on-site... This is where the good croissants live.
4. Paris Has Public Drinking Fountains (for Sparkling Water)
The City of London is actually its own city—with its own mayor, police force, and government—because it’s the original London that never fully merged with the rest.
5. Dogs Are Welcome Almost Everywhere
You’ll see dogs in cafés, shops, and even restaurants. Paris is very dog-friendly—which makes the whole city feel a little more relaxed.