20230324_123645Inside Galerie Vivienne (March 2023)

When it came to celebrating my 30th birthday, I knew I wanted to do so internationally. During my trip to England and France last spring, I rang in my three decades in Paris, which was a joyous, yet nostalgic moment– given I hadn’t been back to France since leaving in 2019, it was a much-anticipated reunion that made me fall in love with the country all over again.

It was an ungodly early rise in London, to check out of my hotel and to head over to St. Pancras Station to board the Eurostar to Paris. I was taking the 7h00 train, which meant arriving at least an hour beforehand to go through security and immigration. Thankfully, it only took 15 minutes to get through, and it was a matter of grabbing a pastry and coffee as I waited to board.

Of the times I’ve traveled between England and France, I’d never taken the Eurostar until this trip; I’d either flown or taken the ferry between the countries. I will say, however, the Eurostar has been the best option so far: not only does the journey take a mere 90 minutes, but it also departs and arrives in the city center, which makes it easier to get around without having to come from the airport or harbor (which are far away). Plus, the experience of going underwater through the “Chunnel” for 20 minutes is kind of cool!

20230324_064121Taking the Eurostar

The Eurostar pulled into Gare du Nord at 10h00 local time– first thing I wanted to do was grab pastries at one of my favorite pâtisseries in Paris. I headed over and ordered a pistachio-chocolate escargot (not made from snails, but rather snail-shaped!) and a pain au chocolat banane, which I’d never gotten to try on my previous visits, but I finally got it this time! Both were warm, fresh, and incredibly flaky– absolutely divine. Such a good pâtisserie I’d recommend to anyone who visits Paris!

20230324_110423Escargot pistache-chocolat and pain au chocolat banane

I was visiting during the transport strikes, and I saw trash piled meters high on the streets and sidewalks. However, it was limited to the smaller roads and less so on the bigger, touristy streets, so it didn’t greatly affect the quality of my time there. I decided to have lunch at a small, Taiwanese restaurant that a friend recommended to me, where I enjoyed a plum chicken bento box, which was wonderfully savory and enough to get me through until dinner– it was also close to the Galerie Vivienne, and I took a stroll through the elegant passageway afterwards.

20230324_113526Trash everywhere!

20230324_115748Taiwanese bento lunch

My Airbnb wasn’t too far from the Galeries Lafayette, so just before checking in, I stopped by the massive department store to marvel at the interior and get (free) views of the city from the terrace. It’s a place I always go to whenever I’m in Paris, and it never gets old!

20230324_132212Inside Galeries Lafayette

I checked into my Airbnb in the early afternoon– it was a studio, but a fairly-spacious one that was perfect for a few night’s stay. However, there was a slight miscommunication with my Airbnb host: I’d been informed that there was a washer in the Airbnb, but it turned out there wasn’t (i.e. in another Airbnb across the hall, and I didn’t have the keys). That said, I had to go to a nearby laundromat to wash my clothes. Thankfully, it wasn’t too bad, as a load cost 5€ and it only took two hours to wash and dry.

Laundry didn’t take too long, and I was able to head out in the evening for an early-birthday dinner. I headed to one of my favorite restaurants, where I’d attempted to make a reservation a few weeks ago, but unfortunately was already booked up. However, I was informed I could walk in between the lunch-dinner window, so I still got to have my meal there! I’d been going to this restaurant since my college study abroad days, and I always order the truffled foie gras ravioli and escargots. Quality was excellent, as always, and paired with a glass of white wine, it made for the perfect pre-birthday dinner!

20230324_182609Truffled foie gras ravioli

The night was still young, so I decided to explore a few speakeasies. My love for speakeasies began sometime in 2018/2019, when I visited a few speakeasies in Paris and found them so intricate and fun to discover. There’s nothing like searching for the bar entrance and being rewarded with a nice cocktail afterwards! I visited three speakeasies that night, with the first just a 15-minute walk from the restaurant, another near the Galerie Vivienne, and the last in the Marais neighborhood. I tried some innovative cocktails, including a sesame-CBD drink and a curry-infused concoction.

20230324_192714Sesame-CBD cocktail

20230324_204409Curry-infused cocktail

20230324_214317Inside a speakeasy bar

It was nearing 23h00, and whether it was the cocktails or being up since 5h00 to get to Paris (or both), I was absolutely knackered by the third speakeasy. I caught the metro back to my Airbnb, arriving back by 23h30 and crashing into bed. I definitely needed a rest, so that I could rinse and repeat the next day, for my actual birthday. More of my adventures in Paris to come soon!

— Rebecca

Unknown's avatar

Published by Rebecca

Blogger, world traveler, poet, foodie, part-time penguin. Welcome!

57 thoughts on “Destination: Paris, France (Taking the Eurostar, Early Birthday Dinner, and Speakeasy Bar Crawl– DAY 1)”

    1. Yes, I went last year! The Eurostar was a pleasant experience; very convenient to get from England to France! I don’t know when I’ll return to Paris, but hopefully sooner than later! Thanks for reading 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. What an eventful first day back in France! Taking the Eurostar is on my list to do – it sounds fun, efficient, and convenient. Looking forward to reading more about your milestone birthday in Paris!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. It’s a beautiful birthday. The Eurostar is like a dream come true. I remember the weekend I spent in Paris, then the first train on Monday morning to get to my office in the City at the same time as my colleagues from the London suburbs. The one-hour time difference helps though.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks! Well, going from England to France requires losing an hour from the time difference, but to be fair, it’s not a huge loss! I’m sure going the opposite way is better!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. The trash was pretty bad in certain parts of the city, but thankfully, it wasn’t like this everywhere! Turning 30 in Paris was a fun time, and a great way to usher in a new decade!

      Like

      Reply

    1. The Eurostar was fantastic! Definitely a lot more convenient than taking the plane or boat over the Channel. I’m impressed with how much I did that day I arrived (laundry included)! Very busy and tiring, but fun nonetheless. Thanks for reading, Tanja!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  8. Thirty years young! And Paris a good place to celebrate. Certainly got some food and drink sorted out on this first day. Not tried the Eurostar. It is by far the most efficient way…… but…..I love the one and a half hour ferry crossing, looking (and hearing) the seagulls as the follow the boat! Look forward to your next post.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes, Paris was a great way to ring in my 30th year! I’ve taken the ferry before, but I didn’t have the best experience (e.g. rocky waves, seasickness, etc). I think the Eurostar has been the best option to get across the Channel, so I know what I’ll use on my next trip over! More coming soon!

      Like

      Reply

  9. We must have crossed paths during your visit in Paris; we were there several times during the strikes and saw lots of garbage everywhere too. I’m glad to hear you had a terrific time in Paris, and enjoyed the Eurostar (our favorite option between the UK and France). Lovely post Rebecca!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. We must’ve missed each other! Despite the transport strikes, they didn’t affect my time in Paris too terribly; I was still able to take my day trips outside of the city, even! The Eurostar was such a fantastic mode of transport, and I’d happily take it again! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. French pastries are so buttery, flaky, and overall divine! I’ve had some good ones here in Los Angeles, but they’re not quite the same as the ones you get in France. The Eurostar was wonderful, and I’d happily take it again! More of Paris to come soon!

      Like

      Reply

  11. I’m so glad the Eurostar worked out well for you, it’s such a great transport link between the UK and Europe. You’re getting me all excited for my trip to Paris later this year for the Olympics 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you did for your birthday!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I hope you have a wonderful time in Paris during the Olympics (in spite of the huge crowds)! I enjoyed the Eurostar experience, and now I won’t go back to taking the ferry or plane again, haha! My birthday in Paris post is coming up next week, so stay tuned 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  13. Looks like you had a fantastic trip, Rebecca, what better way to celebrate your birthday than with an international trip. It’s amazing how you can board the Eurostar in London and be in a different country in just 90 minutes which would be a dream come true for those living in Ireland and always dreaming of visiting Europe. Anyway, despite the piling trash on the sidewalks, I am glad you had a chance to dine in your favourite restaurant. I also love the sight of Galeries Lafayette – its stained glass dome ceiling and rooftop terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower are something else. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Aiva! The Eurostar was a speedy and convenient way to get across the Channel; gone are the days of taking the ferry or flight over! I really loved revisiting my old haunts, from my favorite restaurant to the Galeries Lafayette; they are musts whenever I’m back in town! More of my Paris posts to come very soon!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Elle! Even I’m surprised I visited that many that night, especially after a long day of travel! I’ll have more of my speakeasy adventures to share in a later Paris post. Appreciate the support!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  18. I’m glad you got to experience Eurostar. I’ve travelled on it several times and like that you arrive in the city centres rather than out an airport. That said though, because I live in northern England I do tend to opt for air travel as it works out less expensive as otherwise I have to take a train to London and stay in a hotel overnight to ensure I don’t miss the Eurostar connection. Up to several years ago it was possible to buy a through ticket from
    Manchester or other northern stations ensuring that if the service was delayed passengers would be able to board a later Eurostar train but sadly this no longer applies. Your truffle pasta dish looks delicious.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. I had a great time taking the Eurostar; being in London already makes it very convenient to go directly to Paris! I can imagine living elsewhere in the country would make air travel a more-viable option. I absolutely love that truffle ravioli dish at that restaurant; I’ve been going there since my study abroad days (almost a decade ago!), and I always get the exact, same dish. Never disappoints!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  19. We must take the Eurostar next time we are in London and experience some Parisian vibes. The food looks really good. Sounds like a truly fun pre-birthday day celebration. I’m sure it was wonderful to be back in Paris again and speak the language.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  21. What a fun first day in Paris! I imagine taking the Chunnel would be bizarre. I think I might get claustrophobic and a little panicky knowing that I’m beneath the ocean. Twenty minutes is a long time to be down there (and yet not all that far, I actually I thought it was longer).

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Taking the Eurostar under the Chunnel was a unique experience; goes to show just how extraordinary engineering technology has evolved to make underwater travel a reality! It was only 20 minutes underneath and just darkness through the tunnel, so it wasn’t as if we could see the water. Definitely a journey to be had!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      2. Before I took the Eurostar, I had the impression that the Chunnel was made of glass, so that we could see fish and whatnot underwater! Not the case, but the architects and engineers really missed out on a pretty cool opportunity! 😂

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Wow, a pistachio-chocolate escargot sounds like a step up from the usual plain raisin ones! I need to check out the terrace at Galeries Lafayette and speakeasy bars next time. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a speakeasy bar.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. I don’t usually go for pain aux raisins, but I do go for pistachio-chocolate escargots! The Galeries Lafayette terrace is a place I always visit whenever I’m in Paris for the free views! Speakeasy bars are an American thing, but they’ve since expanded all over the world. It’s a fun and unique experience worth trying!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  24. Sounded like a wonderful time back in France and you planned your trip very well! What a great way to celebrate your birthday last year. Looked like a variety of food of choice there, from the local pastries to Taiwanese. It’s quite fun to venture out in the evening and discover the nightlife, wander around and see where it takes you. Definitely seemed like a long day but you made the most of the day especially if you wanted to pack the most into your travels 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Mabel! It was great returning to Paris after the worst of the pandemic. It was an intense first day back, but lots of food and good sights to enjoy nevertheless. No regrets!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a reply to MrsWayfarer Cancel reply