Paris; too close to be exciting or exciting because it’s so close? Why did I wait 44 years to go to Paris? Maybe I had dreams of being whisked away, maybe I thought it was all a bit too romantic for me or maybe it didn’t seem all that exciting, as it’s just so close.
What a fool! The fact it is so close is now the reason that I to want to leap back into that Business Class Eurostar seat (well worth the upgrade for the delicious food and unlimited booze by the way) and live out all my Emily in Paris fantasies!
I don’t think I had ever paused to realise that you literally step out of the Gard du Nord into Paris and when I say Paris, it was more Paris than I had ever imagined, I don’t think I’ve ever been to a city so committed to their own aesthetic! Balconies, cafes, striped chairs, the architecture. It was quite honestly thrilling.
The 25 Hours Hotel Paris, is situated right opposite the station, meaning that you can step off the train, drop your bags and you are free to explore within minutes. It was intoxicating! I felt the rush of landing somewhere new and exciting that I hadn’t expected.
Not only was this my first time in Paris but it was also my first solo trip since I went travelling at 23. The 25 Hours Hotel Paris was exactly the right vibe for this. It has an artsy, cool, quirky vibe with really welcoming staff and lovely communal work and dining areas.
My room had the iconic Paris balcony overlooking the station! Can you go to Paris and not have a balcony, they are everywhere and I think I would have been a bit miffed not to have that moment. My room had two doors with a dramatic view of the Gard du Nord and I absolutely loved it.
The room also had the best air con/heating system I’ve ever had the pleasure of controlling and an incredibly comfortable bed which made the room so cosy it was hard to leave! After a superb breakfast with unlimited bubbles, I wobbled off to The Galeries Lafayette which is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. I did a little gasp as I walked in. What an epic example of the Art Nouveau architecture that you will find throughout this beautiful city.
Another WOW moment was at The Basilica of Sacre Coeur at sunrise. The views over Paris are absolutely stunning and as luck would have it a flash mob orchestra appeared to entertain! The walk back down though Montmartre was magical. Cobbled streets, dramatic views and so much arty history you can just feel it.
As you can probably tell I am now a massive Paris fan, and I will be hopping back on the Eurostar at the earliest opportunity solo or not!
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
Feature image courtesy of unsplash.com
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