Paris in December: Siddharth’s Love Letter to the City of Lights
Some places in the world do not only exist in maps but also in dreams, and Paris is one of them for us. It is a city whispered about in love letters, immortalised in paintings, and set to the rhythm of an old ballad.
December in Paris holds a magic of its own. The streets glow with golden lights, the air hums with the scent of roasted chestnuts, and every corner feels like a scene from a storybook. It is a season where romance lingers in the frosty air, and the city itself becomes a celebration of history, art, and beauty.
With hearts full of anticipation and winter coats wrapped tightly around us, we stepped into this world of old-world charm and timeless grandeur. From the bohemian alleys of Montmartre to the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower, from the quiet nostalgia of the Seine to the childlike wonder of Disneyland, our journey was a love story written in the heart of Paris.
Our Parisian Dream Began in Montmartre
Paris welcomed us with a fresh December chill and a sky painted in hues of silver and blue. The moment we stepped out of the airport, there was a feeling of stepping into a place that had lived in our imaginations for so long. After settling into our cosy hotel, there was only one place I wanted to visit first - Montmartre, the artistic soul of Paris.
As we climbed the winding streets, the charm of this historic district unfolded before us. Artists painted on street corners, cafés buzzed with life, and the scent of warm crepes filled the air. The cobblestone paths were lined with quaint boutiques and bookstores, their windows glowing softly in the evening light. It felt like stepping into an impressionist painting, with every stroke of colour narrating a different story.
At the top, the grand Sacré-Cœur Basilica stood like a silent guardian of the city. From its steps, we had our first breathtaking view of Paris - a sea of rooftops stretching into the horizon, and the Eiffel Tower rising proudly in the distance. It was a sight I had seen in pictures, but standing there in that moment, feeling the fresh wind on my face, was something else entirely.
"We are finally here," my wife whispered beside me.
Standing there, with the city sprawled beneath us and a musician striking a soft melody in the background, I knew this was the perfect way to begin our Parisian adventure.
The Icons of Paris
The next morning, Paris unfolded like a storybook of grandeur and history. Our guided Hop-On Hop-Off tour took us through the beating heart of the city. This trip let us witness its most iconic landmarks in all their winter glory-
We marvelled at the majestic Place Vendôme, where the grandeur of Parisian architecture met the elegance of luxury boutiques. The ornate bridges over the Seine, with their golden sculptures gleaming in the soft morning light, seemed to appear straight out of a romantic film. We also drove past the Musée d'Orsay, a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station turned into a world-class museum, and I made a mental note to visit it on our next trip.
But the main highlight was the Eiffel Tower.
Standing beneath it, I finally understood why it was the ultimate symbol of love and dreams. The iron lattice shimmered under the winter sun as we ascended to the 2nd level, where Paris stretched out endlessly in every direction. The Seine shimmered, the golden dome of Les Invalides gleamed, and the vast area of the Champs-Élysées led towards the distant Arc de Triomphe.
"I could stay here forever," my wife said while gripping the railing and her eyes reflected the magic of the moment.
From there, our journey continued with a Seine River Cruise along its UNESCO-recognised banks. The water was calm and mirrored the twinkling city lights as the boat drifted past Notre Dame, the Louvre, and historic bridges, and I realised that people visit Paris to enjoy moments like these.
Rediscovering Childhood at Disneyland Paris
The next morning, we left the elegance of Paris behind for a day filled with wonder at Disneyland Paris!
From the second we stepped in, it felt like entering a world from our childhood. The festive air was thick with holiday magic - sparkling fairy lights, cheerful Christmas music, and children running around with wide-eyed excitement. The iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle stood tall, draped in twinkling lights, as festive decorations lined every street.
We screamed on Space Mountain, got soaked on Pirates of the Caribbean, and indulged in cotton candy as we walked through the charming streets of Main Street, U.S.A. The day felt like a blur of happiness - meeting our favourite Disney characters, watching parades, and reliving the dreams of our childhood.
As night fell, we stood hand-in-hand, watching the spectacular Disney Illuminations fireworks show. The castle shimmered in every hue imaginable, and the sky exploded in golden sparks to paint the night with pure magic.
"I never thought a place like this could be so magical even as an adult," my wife laughed as we watched the castle light up the night sky.
Neither did I. But magic exists in Disneyland, no matter how old you are.
Paris, Until We Meet Again
Our last morning in Paris arrived far too soon. The thought of leaving felt unreal as if the city had become a part of us in just a few days.
As I stood by the hotel window and watched the city slowly wake up, I felt a deep sense of attachment. The bakeries were opening, Parisians were hurrying to work, and the soft glow of street lamps still lingered on the cobbled streets. It was a simple everyday moment, yet it felt extraordinary.
We made our way to Gare de l'Est, where our train to Munich awaited. The station was bustling with travellers, but in my mind, everything moved in slow motion. As the train pulled away and the city blurred past the window, I found myself making a silent promise:
"This is not a goodbye. It is just the beginning of a lifelong love affair with Paris."
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