We arranged this journey to bring my parents to Paris. Since we had previously visited Paris with Rishi’s parents the previous year, we had some familiarity with what to do and which locations could be skipped. Additionally, I made an effort to include a few new places to ensure there would be something fresh for all of us.

Day 0 – 17 May 2023

In the evening, we embarked on our journey from home and faced heavy traffic throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. As a result, it took us an additional 2-3 hours to reach our lodging for the night in France. We had made a reservation for a stay in Saint-Quentin, which is situated close to Paris, in order to maximize our time in the city the following day.

Day 1 – 18 May 2023

By midday, we had arrived in Paris and made the decision to drive to our first destination for the day.

For our first destination, we chose to visit Sacré-Cœur, a renowned basilica situated in the Montmartre district. With its striking white exterior and sweeping panoramic views, we couldn’t resist including it in our itinerary once again. Upon arrival, we discovered a significant line extending from inside the basilica, where visitors were waiting to access the panoramic view of Paris. Opting not to wait in the queue, we chose to admire the view solely from the front of the basilica. Taking advantage of our available time, we settled on the grass and admired the scenery.

Including the Eiffel Tower in our itinerary was a must, as no visit to Paris would be complete without it. Recalling our previous experience, we returned to the Champ de Mars, the expansive public greenspace facing the Eiffel Tower. Once again, we enjoyed our Bihari delicacy of Litti while gazing at the iconic tower.

After exploring the city, we arrived at our accommodation, AppartCity Paris Saint Maurice, which provides fully furnished apartments for short and long-term stays. However, the apartment was too cramped for the four of us, leaving very little space to move around comfortably. The kitchen was also small and congested. Unfortunately, we encountered an incident where the bathroom door got stuck while I was inside, but it eventually opened after several attempts. Initially, we assumed it was due to insufficient force applied to open it. However, a few minutes later, Mummy experienced the same issue and couldn’t get out of the bathroom. We had to call the receptionist for assistance. Because it was late, the receptionist informed us that the repair would be completed the next day.

Day 2 – 19 May 2023

Due to the required repair of the bathroom door, our day got off to a delayed start. The repair technician arrived later than anticipated, causing us to wait until the job was completed before we could proceed with our plans for the day.

To avoid parking complications, we opted for public transportation throughout the day. Despite being our second visit to Paris, the metro stations remained as perplexing as they were during our initial experience.

As we strolled through the city, we came across the Conciergerie, a prominent historical landmark situated in the heart of Paris. Once a royal palace, it later served as a prison during the French Revolution. The Conciergerie is famously known for housing prisoners during the Reign of Terror, including Marie Antoinette. Being a history teacher who teaches the French Revolution, Mummy was particularly thrilled upon discovering the significance and stories associated with the site.

During our journey to the next destination, we came across a mesmerizing sculpture crafted by the acclaimed artist Yayoi Kusama in front of the Louis Vuitton headquarters in Paris. This captivating sculpture embodies Kusama’s unique artistic style, featuring vivid colours, striking patterns, and repetitive elements. It stands as a remarkable symbol of the collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama, highlighting the fusion of fashion and contemporary art. Although we stumbled upon it by chance, we couldn’t resist taking photographs of this remarkable artwork.

After some time, we finally arrived at our first planned destination of the day—the Tunnel des Tuileries. This underground passage stretches beneath the famous Tuileries Garden, serving as a convenient link between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. However, it offers more than just a practical route for pedestrians; it also transforms into an engaging display of street art. The Tunnel des Tuileries houses a vibrant collection of artwork that showcases a diverse array of styles, ranging from striking graffiti to intricate stencil designs. This hidden gem came to my attention during my research for unique and offbeat places to visit during our second trip to Paris. Walking through the tunnel transformed into an artistic journey, allowing us to appreciate the creativity and talent of these anonymous artists.

Next, we made our way to the Louvre, world-renowned for its vast art collection and historical treasures. Its exterior is truly remarkable, showcasing a grand and imposing presence. The historic Louvre Palace, adorned with intricate architectural details, serves as the museum’s home. The iconic Louvre Pyramid, a modern addition, acts as the main entrance, blending contemporary design with the palace’s timeless charm. Surrounding the museum, we discovered expansive courtyards adorned with magnificent sculptures. Although we didn’t plan to explore the museum’s interior, we couldn’t resist the chance to visit the courtyard and capture some memorable photographs.

We then went into the Musée d’Orsay, a prestigious art museum housed in a former railway station, renowned for its vast collection of 19th and early 20th-century artworks. Notably, it showcases a rich assortment of impressionist, post-impressionist, and art nouveau masterpieces. During our visit, we were drawn to an exhibition that explored the artistic relationship between two influential French artists, Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas, during the 19th century. The exhibition presented a collection of their works, highlighting their shared interests, creative influences, and impact on the development of modern art. We immersed ourselves in the artistic connections and differences between these two masters. Following the exhibition, we devised a strategic plan to start our exploration from the top floor and work our way down, ensuring that we experienced the best of the museum first. Knowing that it would be impossible to see everything in a single visit, this approach allowed us to fully appreciate the museum without regret. Inside, we marvelled at the masterpieces of iconic artists like Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas, among others. The collection included famous pieces such as “Starry Night Over the Rhône” by Van Gogh, “Bal du moulin de la Galette” by Renoir, and “The Dance Class” by Degas. The museum’s exhibits encompassed a wide range of artistic mediums, from paintings and sculptures to photography, decorative arts, and furniture. Beyond the remarkable collection, the Musée d’Orsay’s architecture itself captivated us. The stunning Beaux-Arts-style building, with its soaring glass roof, allowed natural light to flood the exhibition spaces, enhancing the museum’s grandeur and elegance.

We proceeded to Pont Alexandre III, a truly iconic bridge that spans the Seine River. This renowned structure is celebrated for its grand and elaborate design, symbolising the city’s architectural magnificence and artistic legacy. It was named after Tsar Alexander III of Russia and was inaugurated in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair). The bridge’s elegance is evident in its exquisite sculptures, intricate lampposts, and gilded embellishments, reflecting a blend of Beaux-Arts and Art Nouveau architectural styles. At its centre stands a majestic gilded bronze statue called “La France de la Renaissance” (France of the Renaissance), while four magnificent Pegasus statues grace each corner. Ornate elements, including cherubs, nymphs, and mythical creatures, enhance the bridge’s romantic and enchanting ambience. As we strolled along the bridge, we were captivated by its ornamental beauty and enjoyed the magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

We decided to take a leisurely stroll to Trocadéro, a well-known square known for its breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. It was one of our favourite spots to admire the iconic beauty of Paris’s most famous landmark. Along the way, we bought some wine and fries, creating a perfect setting to savour the view with snacks and drinks.

After returning home, we had dinner and rested before heading out again with the intention of witnessing the sparkling Eiffel Tower. Recalling our previous visit, we knew the tower would sparkle until 1 am, so we aimed to arrive around 10 p.m. As we approached the tower, we were delighted to see it already sparkling. We parked our car and settled in at Champ de Mars, despite the chilly weather, knowing we had about 40 minutes to enjoy the spectacle again. However, to our surprise, when it was 11 p.m., the tower’s lights went out instead of sparkling. Perplexed, we inquired with the beer and wine vendors, who informed us that the sparkling lighting schedule starts in June and lasts until August. Sadly, since it was still May, we missed the sparkling display. Fortunately, we hadn’t saved this experience for the last day, and we decided to return the following day to catch the sparkling show as planned. With this in mind, we headed back home to prepare for the next day’s excursion.

Day 3 – 20 May 2023

Our day’s itinerary consisted of just two planned activities, and we prepared ourselves accordingly to ensure we would arrive at the palace at the designated entry time.

Our day began with a visit to Versailles Palace, a historically significant royal residence renowned for its grandeur. Originally built as a hunting lodge by Louis XIII in the 17th century, it was later transformed into an opulent palace by his son, Louis XIV, the Sun King. Since we had missed obtaining tickets on our previous visit, Versailles Palace was a top priority this time. To make the most of our time, we decided to skip the gardens since we had explored them extensively during our last visit. The palace itself is a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture, boasting ornate designs and a vast scale. The interior was equally impressive, featuring lavish decorations, intricate artwork, and opulent furnishings. The Hall of Mirrors, a particularly iconic room, mesmerised us with its seventeen mirrored arches reflecting the gardens outside, creating a breathtaking optical illusion. Although the Hall of Mirrors lived up to our expectations, we found the rest of the palace slightly less opulent. I recalled The Palais Garnier, the Paris opera house, which struck me as even more extravagant. Versailles Palace played a pivotal role in French history, serving as the official residence of the French monarchy until the French Revolution. As Mummy is a history teacher, we opted for audio guides to delve into the palace’s rich historical significance. Upon exiting the palace, I realised I had forgotten to take a picture in the beautiful courtyard as I was waiting in line for the audio guide. Feeling disappointed, Rishi came up with the idea of requesting the ticket checkers to let us revisit the courtyard, which was at the beginning of the tour route. With a little convincing, they allowed us entry, and I happily captured the pictures I had missed earlier.

Upon exiting the palace, we noticed signs indicating that the Galerie des Carrosses was offering free admission for the day. Intrigued, we decided to take advantage of the opportunity and visit the museum. The Galerie des Carrosses, also known as the Carriage Gallery, is a captivating destination situated within the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. It showcases an extraordinary collection of historic carriages, coaches, and sleighs that were once used by the French monarchy. Exploring the exhibits provided us with a glimpse into the opulent and extravagant lifestyle of royalty during the 17th to 19th centuries. Each carriage on display was a true work of art, featuring exquisite designs and serving as symbols of power and prestige. The intricate carvings, gilded details, and luxurious upholstery showcased the unparalleled craftsmanship and artistry of the era. Throughout our visit, we learned about the historical significance of each carriage and how they were utilized by the kings, queens, and other members of the French court for various ceremonies, processions, and royal events.

After returning to our hotel, we prepared dinner before venturing out to witness the Sparkling Eiffel Tower at Champ de Mars. Not wanting to miss the spectacle again, we decided to be cautious and drove there just before sunset. As we arrived, the sky transitioned from pink to darker hues, and the Eiffel Tower began to illuminate. To make the moment even more special, we brought some Lichi that Mummy had picked from our garden in Ranchi, along with our dinner. We sat there, savouring the delicious Lichi and enjoying the captivating view of the illuminated Eiffel Tower. It was a magical experience that we cherished, combining the taste of homegrown fruit with the enchanting beauty of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

Day 4 – 21 May 2023

As our time in Paris came to an end, we bid farewell to the city and began our journey back home. During our return trip, we made a stop in Bruges to explore the charming town for a short tour.

Our tour began with a leisurely walk to the magnificent Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur de Bruges, also known as St. Salvator’s Cathedral. This stunning Gothic-style cathedral stands as one of the city’s most important religious landmarks, characterised by its intricate architecture and captivating stained glass windows.

En route to our next destination, we came across a waffle shop and couldn’t resist indulging in some delectable Belgian Waffles. The treat was absolutely delicious and made for a delightful pause during our journey.

We made our way to the Belfort Tower, an imposing mediaeval bell tower located in the heart of the city. Renowned for its impressive height and rich historical background, it stands as a significant landmark in the city centre.

We then strolled to Grote Markt, also known as the Market Square of Bruges, a captivating and historic square. Encircled by breathtaking medieval buildings and cobblestone streets, the square boasts charming cafes and shops. During our visit, we couldn’t resist purchasing a Turkish Box from one of the shops and enjoyed it as our lunch in this beautiful setting.

Next, we proceeded to Stadhuis, also referred to as the Bruges City Hall, a magnificent mediaeval building that showcases a remarkable display of Gothic architecture. Serving as the city’s administrative centre, the Stadhuis Brugge boasts a stunning façade adorned with intricate sculptures.

Upon entering the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a significant religious site, we were struck by its captivating blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The basilica comprises a lower chapel, dating back to the 12th century, and an upper chapel, constructed in the 16th century. The main attraction of the basilica is a revered relic—a vial believed to hold a drop of Jesus Christ’s blood. Inside, the basilica’s interior is adorned with stunning stained glass windows and intricate decorations. During our previous visit, we were unaware of the two separate chapels, and we had only visited the Romanesque chapel, which was not as impressive as the upper chapel. This time, armed with knowledge of what we had missed, we made sure to head directly to the upper chapel. We were amazed by the stunning neo-Gothic architecture and intricate woodwork and paintings.

Next, we headed towards Rozenhoedkaai, also called the Quay of the Rosary, a picturesque and renowned location in Bruges. Its stunning views of the canals, mediaeval buildings, and delightful bridges have made it a favourite spot for photographers, making it one of the most captured scenes in the city. Naturally, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to take some pictures there ourselves.

During our stroll, we came across the Gruuthusemuseum, a remarkable historical palace. Once belonging to the influential Gruuthuse family during the Middle Ages, the palace now houses an intriguing museum. The surroundings of the area were equally enchanting and added to the overall beauty of the place.

Next, we entered the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, commonly referred to as the Church of Our Lady. This historic church is celebrated for its magnificent Gothic architecture and is home to a wealth of artistic treasures, notably Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child.”

We then strolled to Begijnhof, a serene and picturesque courtyard nestled in Bruges. Originally established in the 13th century as a dwelling for the Beguines, a group of lay religious women leading a semi-monastic life. Its cobblestone pathways, well-preserved mediaeval houses, and tranquil garden with lush trees and flowers create a captivating ambience. Although the Beguines no longer reside here, the place still holds immense historical significance. For me, it was a new discovery, as I hadn’t visited this place during my previous trip. The serene and beautiful atmosphere made it a delightful addition to our itinerary.

On our way back, we spotted a Harry Potter-themed shop called House of Wizards. As a devoted Potterhead, I couldn’t resist the temptation to step inside and capture some photos of the enchanting merchandise on display.

While returning to our car, we passed Gruuthusehof, one of the oldest restaurants in Bruges.

Being the guide for Paris and Bruges for Mummy and Papa during our second visit was a delightful experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and the time spent exploring these beautiful cities together.