Touchdown in Paris—Jet Lagged but Thrilled
We left Atlanta at 8pm and landed in Paris at 10 a.m. This was going to be perfect so we could start the day fully rested. We did not sleep, at all. So with zero sleep but a lot of adrenaline, Paris was ours to explore. Our first milestone? The girls got their first stamps in their passports—a moment that felt as big to us as it did to them.
From the airport, we hopped in an Uber straight to our Airbnb to drop off bags and freshen up. Then it was off to master the Paris Metro, which immediately made us feel like locals.
A First Glimpse of the Seine and Parisian Streets
As we wandered down to the Seine, still riding the excitement of being in Paris, a street artist approached us and offered to sketch the girls’ portraits. The drawings turned out so sweet and really captured their smiles.
But here’s the twist — while he was sketching, the police showed up. Yup, right in the middle of it! The artist didn’t miss a beat and kept drawing, and we all just kind of stared at each other, silently wondering if maybe we should tell him to stop or if we should make a move. But honestly, it felt more like a hilarious “what just happened?” moment than anything serious.
Later, I learned this artist was what the locals call “illegal”—meaning he didn’t have a permit to sell his art there. In Paris, street vendors and performers need licenses, and sometimes the police have to step in. So, we unintentionally became part of a little underground Parisian street scene.
The girls loved their sketches, and honestly, it made the whole thing even more memorable. A perfect little mix of charm, adventure, and a quick lesson in how Paris keeps its magic—and its rules—in check.
Dinner Inside the Eiffel Tower — A Dream Come True
The real highlight of our first day was heading inside the Eiffel Tower for dinner at
Madame Brasserie—a booking made entirely with rewards points, which made the splurge feel guilt-free.
The moment was magical: photographers snapped photos of us, we chatted with fellow diners waiting in line, and the girls eagerly tried new dishes with zero hesitation.
Our server was fantastic, the views were breathtaking, and we even got a photo with the Olympic rings—a neat reminder of the city’s recent global spotlight.
Running on Fumes, Missing the Twinkling Lights
We had hoped to stay long enough to see the iconic twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night, but by 8:20 p.m., we were completely wiped out.
After nearly 48 hours without proper sleep, the exhaustion caught up with us, and we knew we had to head back to the apartment. Even though we missed the sparkling light show, the day felt utterly magical.
Travel Tip: Use Google Maps to Save Your Must-See Spots
While exploring Paris, we leaned heavily on Google Maps to save places we wanted to visit — from our apartment to landmarks and cafes.
This visual layout helped us plan days more efficiently, avoid backtracking, and feel confident navigating the city, especially in those early, jet-lagged hours.
Day One Takeaway: So Much Magic, So Little Pressure
Our first day in Paris wasn’t about cramming in every famous sight. It was about being there—feeling the city pulse beneath our feet, letting the girls soak it in, and savoring a once-in-a-lifetime dinner.
Sometimes, the best way to start a trip is to slow down just enough to catch your breath—and to remember that magic doesn’t always come in the form of perfect plans.
