It was time to say, “Auf Wiedersehen” to Basel and “Bonjour” to Paris! I awoke both sad and excited. I was so bummed to say goodbye to my wonderful hosts but I was ready hop on a train to join my tour group in Paris! This was my first time really traveling by myself internationally. Prior to this, I was always with a tour group so transportation was included and taken care of. Suffice to say, I was nervous. But let me tell you, it was simple, easy peasy. Especially when the train has wifi so I was able to study my next steps so I could be a pro when the time came. For anyone feeling iffy about public transportation abroad, I get it. It can seem terribly complicated, especially if you don’t speak the language. But I’m here to tell you that its ok. It’s not as scary as it seems. Once you try it a few times, you’ll be an old pro at it and riding the metro (tube, subway) like a champ!

I successfully navigated my way to my hotel, “Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacré-Cœur Hotel” and tried my hardest to introduce myself in French to my Tour Director. “Je suis Pam, enchante!” After introductions and check in, I was ready to explore. I was in Paris!!! Since my hotel was in the 18th arrondissement, my first stop was Montmartre.

Let me pause a bit though and go back. Are you scratching your head like, “What the heck is an arrondissement?” I get it. I did the same thing. Here’s my quick explanation: Paris is set up kind of like a snail. There are 20 arrondissements (districts) dividing Paris, arranged in a clock-like spiral, starting in the city center (where the Louvre museum is) and ending in the 20th (where the Père Lachaise cemetery is). Check out the map below for a helpful illustration of Paris’ Arrondissements ( I found this on another blog: http://www.wanderlustcrew.com).

Back to Day 1 in Paris. Right around the corner from my hotel was the iconic Moulin Rouge. Yup, that one. Unfortunately, when I visited, it was still closed due to COVID so I didn’t get to go inside but it was still hella cool to see that red windmill in all its glory. I meandered through Montmartre, making my way up the massive hill. These steps are no joke. I would round a corner and be faced with more steps. I didn’t realize just how out of shape I was until I was face to face with the stairs of Montmartre. (There IS a funicular that will take you up to the top of the hill where the Sacre Cœur sits, so if you don’t want to or can’t take the stairs, this is a great option.) I visited the famous Wall of Love mural and tried to see how many languages I could recognize (not many). There were a ton of people there and I had worked up quite the appetite climbing all those stairs so I set off to find some lunch. My first Parisian dining experience was at Au Petit Montmartre. Located steps from the Abbesses Metro stop in a beautiful square overlooking a gorgeous church, I opted for a croque monsieur and my very first aperol spritz. I was not a fan. Totally disappointed.

Next up, I was off to find two places. The first was Sacre Cœur. A giant church located at the top of butte of Montmartre, Sacre Cœur was, when it was originally built, disliked by the people of Paris. I think they like it now though. As I slowly made my way closer to the basilica, I was treated to a busker singing Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” I was a perfect way to see this massive monument.

My second stop was to find the leaning building .I had seen pictures of this optical illusion on instagram and new I had to see it for myself. Not really leaning, this apartment building appears to be sinking when viewed from a specific location. Want to try it out for yourself? After visiting the cathedral, make your way down the steps. Once you get to the bottom, look left. You’ll see a building. Now, take out your camera and align the horizontal lines of the grid with the lines of the grass. Et voila! Sinking building!

Before heading back into the hotel, I had a nice little surprise. I noticed that I could see the Eiffel Tower from outside my hotel! This was my first glimpse of the Iron Lady!

Only one more sleep until I was up close and personal with the Eiffel Tower.

Tips, Links, and Locations

My Hotel Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre-Coeur Hotel 3 Rue Caulaincourt, 75018 Paris, France

Le Mur des Je t’aime Wall of Love Square Jehan Rictus, Pl. des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France

Lunch spot Au Petite Montmartre 16 Pl. des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France

Church Église Saint-Jean de Montmartre 19 and 21 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France

Iconic, red windmill Moulin Rouge 82 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France

Clever illusion The sinking house of Montmartre Steps of Sacré Cœur (look to the left)

Sacré Cœur The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France