Paris, France: Our Dreamy 8-Hour Adventure
At the Eiffel Tower in Paris
You know those moments when a long-held dream quietly taps you on the shoulder and says, “Let’s go”?
That’s what happened during our layover in Paris this spring. On our way home from Spain, we had an eight-hour layover at Charles de Gaulle Airport, landing just before 8 a.m. And even though it wasn’t much time, there was no way I was missing the chance to finally see Paris.
Sacre Coeur in Paris
Inside Sacre Coeur
I first fell in love with the city from the desk of my high school French class. Mrs. Dekmar would tell stories about walking the cobblestone streets, hearing the bells of Notre Dame, and starting each day with a fresh croissant. I was supposed to go as part of a class trip—but it was cancelled. I’d already been gifted a suitcase and passport cover, hoping to chase that little dream across the Atlantic. It would have to wait.
Years later, that dream quietly found its way back to me.
Thanks to a Facebook group full of Paris travel tips, my husband and I found Stéphane from My Driver in Paris and booked a private tour with Stéphane, who came highly recommended—and truly, he was the best decision we made.
We checked our luggage straight through so we could travel light, and Stéphane met us at the airport in a beautiful luxury sedan with fresh croissants and Perrier waiting for us. A thoughtful welcome that already felt so Parisian.
The perfect Paris greeting
Because it was a Saturday morning, traffic was light. Stéphane knew exactly where to go and how to navigate the city with ease. At each stop, he parked nearby and waited so we could hop out and explore, even if just for a few minutes.
In just a few short hours, we saw more than I ever expected: the Louvre, Notre Dame (we were there for the lunchtime ringing of the bells!), the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, Moulin Rouge, the Arc de Triomphe, the Panthéon, Shakespeare & Company, and Café de Flore—plus so many charming little corners and quiet streets in between.
Place Sainte Genevieve
Cute Parisian Cafes
Stephane not only drove us but gave us a mini history tour as we went. He pointed out the city’s changing architecture, shared stories about the neighborhoods, and talked about life in Paris today. It wasn’t a deep dive, and we didn’t linger long in any one spot, but that’s what made it so perfect. Just a taste of everything. A beautiful first impression that left us wanting more.
Arc de Triomphe
This first glimpse of Paris gave us the perfect overview to start dreaming about our next trip—this time, a longer stay. We’re already planning for 2026, when we’ll be back in France and staying at Marriott Vacation Club’s Village d’Ile-de-France, just outside the city in Bailly-Romainvilliers. It’ll be our chance to slow down, explore more deeply, and experience the magic in each arrondissement.
Shakespeare and Company
But this short visit? It was everything I had imagined. The cherry blossoms in bloom. The soft morning light on the Seine. The simple joy of walking hand in hand past the Eiffel Tower, finally there after all these years.
River Seine
Paris, you were worth the wait.
Have you ever been to Paris? I’d love to know what places stole your heart—and where we should linger next time.
Learn more about My Driver in Paris on their website. (This isn’t a sponsored post, we just loved our tour!)
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