In Louvre with Paris.

There’s something special about hopping on the Eurostar in London knowing that just a couple of hours later, you’ll be stepping out into the heart of Paris. That’s exactly how my weekend began— rolling into Gare du Nord on Friday afternoon, ready for a quick escape filled with food, art, and a little bit of cabaret.

Friday: Arrival, Snails, and the Moulin Rouge

After navigating the bustle of the station, I headed straight to my Airbnb in Le Marais, one of my favorite Parisian neighborhoods—narrow cobblestone streets, tucked-away cafés, and that effortlessly cool vibe Paris does so well. I dropped my bags, freshened up, and set off in search of dinner.

Somehow, on the first night, I found myself bravely trying escargot (snails!). I had prepared myself mentally for the experience, but still—there’s something about being served a plate of snails that makes you question your life decisions. But honestly? They were surprisingly tasty, rich with garlic and butter. A strange-but-successful culinary adventure.

To cap off the night, I headed to the Moulin Rouge for the late 11.30pm performance. The iconic red windmill glowing against the night sky felt like stepping onto a movie set. Inside, the show was everything I hoped for—high-energy dancing, glittering costumes, acrobatics, and that classic Paris cabaret atmosphere with a fair bit of topless nudity. It was energetic, over-the-top, and the perfect introduction to the city.

Saturday: Sightseeing, River Views, and Art

Saturday was my full sightseeing day, so I set out early to beat the crowds at the Eiffel Tower. I wandered around the Champ de Mars, snapped far too many photos, and soaked up the vibe under the glomy skies.

Next, I boarded a boat along the Seine—one of the most relaxing ways to see the city. Floating past the newly partly reconstrcuted Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and under those gorgeous Parisian bridges gave me a whole new appreciation for how visually stunning the city is.

After the cruise, I made my way to the Musée d’Orsay, which quickly became one of my favourite museums. The building alone is worth the visit, but the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections were the real highlight. Monet, Degas, Van Gogh—it was a dreamy afternoon of art.

That evening, it was time to unwind. A few drinks in a Paris bar on a Saturday night is always a good idea. The atmosphere was warm, lively, and distinctly Parisian—exactly what you want on a weekend escape.

Sunday: Au Revoir, Paris

Sunday morning arrived far too quickly. After a lazy breakfast and one last wander through the streets of Le Marais, I headed back to Gare du Nord to catch the Eurostar home. Just like that, my little Paris getaway came to an end.

It was a weekend packed with classics—food, art, landmarks, river views, and a touch of glitz. Paris never disappoints, and this trip was no exception. Until next time—à bientôt, Paris!