‘What an immense impression Paris made upon me. It is the most extraordinary place in the world!’-Charles Dickens

While I figured out how to get to Northern England, I did not have a clear idea on how to get back. Since I used points on the flight to London, I had to get a one way flight back home. Flying in the U.K. is expensive as there are extra taxes and fees, so I expanded my search. Turns out, I could take a cheap Easy Jet flight to Paris, found a great room for a great price, and one way flight on Air Tahiti Nui for less than flying out of London. And I will NEVER say no to Paris. Ever. A note though, Ryanair actual had cheaper flights ($20 versus $45 on EasyJet) but the Paris airport they take you to is not close to Paris-like hours away. So make note of the airport you’re going to and if it is convenient to your travel plans. I also love flying into Charles De Gaulle because you can take the train directly into the city. So with all of this, I spent one night in Paris and it was fabulous!

I lucked out because they were getting ready to shut everything down as the Olympics were only a couple weeks away. I was pretty specific on what I wanted to do, so that is what I did. First up, I went to the Sacré Cœur in Montmartre. They were doing prep for the Olympics and actually kicked everyone out quite early (maybe by 7). I got some gelato as I walked up and just enjoyed the cool summer evening until authorities said to exit. If you do go, it is on a very steep hill and the church, which you can climb to the top, involves a lot of stairs.

Then I went to the Champs-Élysées. Shops were closing but I went to see the Arc de Triomphe. Again, you can climb to the top but I did not. But it was a lovely evening and there was no scaffolding! So I just wandered for a bit, my favorite activity. Then hopped on the metro to head to the Trocadéro. This is the best place to get amazing views of the Eiffel Tower. It is its own metro stop, so you exit and then it just across the street-I use Apple maps exclusively and works great with public transit, which line to take, direction, number of stops. The area had a significant portion blocked off due to the Olympic games but still a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower and its nightly light show. I also had pizza and a cocktail across the street, so a pretty perfect night!

Then got up very early to catch the train to Charles de Gaulle (during rush hour, so hot and cramped) to catch my flight home. I was really impressed with Air Tahiti, I had never flown them before and it was excellent! I will always say yes to Paris and will actually be back in July to see the reopened Notre Dame!