My First Christmas in Paris, France - Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and More

Hi, Worldmappin! For this #winterchallenge, let's move on to France. In November 2015, I was in Japan to see the Tokyo Tower up close and I wished to see the Eiffel Tower with someone I love. In December 2020, my dreams came true and I saw the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Our first Christmas in Paris happened in December 2020. Alexandre was 10 months old. We were done celebrating Christmas on the 25th. The next day, my husband needed to show me Paris.

We woke up early at 9 AM. Alexandre was sleeping and he was with the grandparents. Mamie was taking care of him changing diapers, giving him milk, and food. As much as I wanted to bring Alexandre, it was difficult to go around to see Paris because I was in my second pregnancy. We had to see Paris as much as possible without delay.

For the first time in Paris, these are the typical places we visited.

Arc de Triomphe

My husband drives the car. All I did was do the free sightseeing. We never paid anything. I think I would visit the top of the Arc de Triomphe when the weather is nice.

Of course, Arc de Triomphe is one of the iconic landmarks in Paris. That moment when most of the time I saw this in the movies.

We had a quick stop. My husband waited for me in the car. I saw many tourists taking photos in this area so I wasn't alone.

Selfies or it never happened. Excuse me with my pregnant face. Haha!

Champs-Elysees

Since we were driving by car, we had the luxury of passing by the Avenue of Champs-Elysees. I would love to walk here and take many photos what I see around, the buildings, the shopping malls, and different architectures.

The Luxor Obelisk at Place de la Concorde

At the end of the Champs-Elysees, we saw the Luxor Obelisk at Place de la Concorde. The obelisk is originally from Egypt given as a gift.

As you can see, the Parisian sky was grey but it never stopped me from enjoying myself as a tourist. No worries, I will have many chances to visit Paris when the sky is blue.

Pont Alexandre III

So far, the most luxurious bridge I've ever seen.

Upon my reading, it was said to be extravagant. No wonder. I want to walk here and take as many photos as I can. I want to visit many corners of Paris like a local.

Next time, I would enjoy walking around not being in a hurry. Just chill.

Eiffel Tower

Other people would say that visiting the Eiffel Tower is so much overrated. I must agree but I made a wish in Japan under the Tokyo Tower that I would visit the Eiffel Tower someday. And voila! I made it after 5 years, pregnant with a second child, with my husband as a tour guide.

When 5 years ago, I had a selfie with the Tokyo Tower. Now, it's not a selfie at the Eiffel Tower.

You can romanticize everything when you see the Eiffel Tower.

And of course, I felt like I was in a movie.

Pont de Bir-Hakeim

Pont de Bir-Hakeim formerly named the Pont de Passy. Another movie/music video location I've seen many times. From this point, you will see the view of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River.

Here I was feeling like I was the main character in a movie. Hahaha!

Reminds me, I want to do my travel sketching here.

Fun fact: I made a travel sketch of the bridge from the Eiffel Tower. See the article here:

Sketching the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower in 2024:
https://peakd.com/hive-193212/@itravelrox/my-fourth-travel-sketch-sketching-the-seine-river-from-the-eiffel-tower-in-paris-france

Youtube video

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

We spent so much time here at the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur as I want to visit a Catholic church/cathedral.

We went inside the church, I lit a candle, I prayed, and I cried. I still couldn't believe that my wish came true. I became so emotional.

I have many photos inside. This is just a sneak peek.

Suddenly, the skies became blue.

Moulin Rouge

We passed by Moulin Rouge, someday I will have the chance to see it but for adults only. Hahaha!

Notre Dame de Paris

Of course, Notre Dame de Paris. It was in its restoration phase after the fire. So glad to know that this month and year, it is now fully restored.

I want to go inside the Notre Dame someday.

Eiffel Tower at Night

You don't want to miss to see the Eiffel Tower at night. There are so many things going on in Paris at night and that's when the magic happens.

Since we had a baby at home we had to go back for dinner time with the grandparents.

Let me just end this blog post with a photo of Champs-Elysees at night.

I hope you enjoyed my Paris experience.