Paris

We took the Eurostar to Paris on a Monday for the day to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. The service to and from France was simply outstanding, with the journey taking about 2 1/2 hours each way.

Once we were in Paris, we used the Metro to get around the city, visiting both the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The girls left me on my own so I could do my photography while they ventured onwards to explore the city, go up the Eiffel Tower itself, and, of course, enjoy the mandatory glass of champagne to celebrate her birthday.

I’ve vlogged from within the city to share some photographs with you via YouTube and showcase the adventure itself. It was a tremendous day, aside from my backpack being damaged by customs when the bag went through the scanner!

Below are the photographs I took during the trip and a link to the YouTube vlog if you would care to watch it. Thank you for reading; please leave your comments below. I look forward to hearing from you.

The Arc de Triomphe located in Paris, France, is a monumental arch built to honor those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, it stands proudly at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and is adorned with intricate sculptures depicting various battles and military victories. Visitors can climb to the top for a stunning panoramic view of the city, making it a popular tourist destination and a symbol of national pride.

The Eiffel Tower an iconic symbol of Paris, stands at 1,083 feet (330 meters) tall and was completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universal, a world’s fair celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the tower was initially criticized but has since become one of the most visited monuments in the world, drawing millions of tourists each year. Its unique iron lattice structure and breathtaking views of the city make it a must-see landmark, especially when illuminated at night.