Paris in December is like a dream with twinkling holiday lights draped across boulevards, warm cafés on every corner, and monuments glowing in the winter chill. For Nicole’s half-century birthday, we celebrated with an 11-day adventure through France, starting with three unforgettable days in Paris.
And here’s the best part – friends joined us along the way, making it a true Life in Motion experience.
✈️ Red-Eye to Paris
The trip began with a red-eye flight from Norfolk to New York, then on to Paris. Tired but buzzing with excitement, we landed ready to make the most of every minute. Charles de Gaulle Airport is one of the busiest in Europe, but for us, it was the gateway to a celebration decades in the making.
🥂 Champagne in the Lobby
First stop: Champagne in the lobby of the Renaissance Paris Republique Hotel. Because when in Paris, you don’t wait for an occasion – you let the occasion be Paris itself. Fun fact: the French consume about 150 million bottles of Champagne every year. We happily contributed to that statistic.
☕ Café Life at Café le Poète
Lunch at Café le Poète reminded me why Parisian café culture is legendary. Bread, wine, people-watching – café tables here aren’t just for meals, they’re for conversations, laughter, and unhurried moments. Hemingway, Picasso, and Sartre all found inspiration in places just like this. We found ours too.
🏛️ Arc de Triomphe & Chaos
Of course, the Arc de Triomphe was on the list. Built by Napoleon in the early 1800s, it’s both majestic and slightly terrifying – 12 avenues meet in a chaotic roundabout beneath it. Watching cars dart and dodge in every direction is free entertainment.
🌄 Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
We climbed to Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, the highest point in Paris. Its white domes gleam above the city like a watchful guardian. Built after France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, it’s a symbol of resilience – and for us, it was a chance to laugh, breathe in the view, and savor the company of friends.
🍷 From Gastropubs to Vin Chaud
Paris is about the little moments, too: Nicole and friends at Le Bimbo Gastropub, Mike goofing off in front of a butcher shop, and my personal discovery – vin chaud. Hot wine on a chilly Paris night? Game changer.
💃 Moulin Rouge Nights
No stroll through Montmartre is complete without the Moulin Rouge. Since 1889, it’s been the home of cabaret and the birthplace of the can-can dance. We didn’t catch a show this time, but standing beneath that red windmill was like standing inside a postcard.
⛪ Notre-Dame, Still Standing
Notre-Dame was still undergoing restoration after the devastating 2019 fire. Even with scaffolding, the Gothic details demand awe. Did you know construction began in 1163 and took nearly 200 years? Standing there, I felt history pressing in on all sides.
👑 Versailles Extravagance
Just outside Paris, we gathered with friends at the Palace of Versailles. More than 2,300 rooms of over-the-top opulence built by Louis XIV, the self-proclaimed Sun King. It’s not just a palace – it’s a statement: I’m in charge, and I like gold.
🎂 Buddha-Bar Birthday Bash
Our friend Jon’s birthday was celebrated in style at Buddha-Bar Paris. A two-story dining hall wrapped around a giant glowing Buddha, cocktails flowing, friends laughing – this place does half the celebrating for you.
🚆 Onward to Bourgogne
We wrapped up Paris with a panoramic shot in the train station, boarding for the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Paris may have been in the rearview mirror, but it left its mark. She always does.
💡 Life in Motion Reflection
Paris gave us everything we wanted: cafés, Champagne, history, laughter, and shared moments that will last a lifetime. Travel isn’t about checking off monuments – it’s about weaving memories with the people who matter most.
This is just the beginning of our France journey. Follow Life in Motion for more stories, food, and travel moments from Nicole’s birthday adventure. Santé! 🍷✨🚆
