*An afternoon wandering the Luxembourg Garden, Paris.*

Sometimes I can’t believe it took me 40 years to get to Paris—and now, in just two years, I’ve been three times. It might officially be my favorite city in the world. This trip felt especially meaningful because we finally experienced it with Chip’s parents. His mom has always loved Paris and the Eiffel Tower, and we always dreamt of sharing that moment together. They met us just an hour after we landed, and just like that, our Paris reunion began—with an unforgettable Uber ride from Charles de Gaulle to Montparnasse, complete with ambient lighting and just enough flair to match the excitement we were all feeling. We were finally all in Paris together.

A Familiar Home With A Perfect Start

If you remember, we visited Paris twice in 2023—and completely fell in love. One of the highlights from August 2023 was a last-minute Airbnb find with Eiffel Tower views that felt too good to be true. I never stopped thinking about that place. I even stayed in touch with the wonderful family who hosted us.

Six months before this trip, I reached out on a whim. Not only was their home available, but they even adjusted their summer plans so we could stay there again. Walking back into that high-rise apartment—with its incredible grocery store downstairs and that iconic Eiffel Tower view felt like returning to a home away from home. Life was very, very good.

Day One: A Dreamy Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower Magic

With only three days and a long list of things we wanted to do, we dove right in. Our first adventure was a three-course lunch cruise along the Seine aboard a glass canopy boat. It was the most magical way to reintroduce ourselves to the city.

We drifted past landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Place de la Concorde, sipping chilled white wine and enjoying delicious food as the city buzzed around us. It was one of those “pinch me” moments.

Later, we made our way back to the Eiffel Tower—this time from the ground. We sat in the grass, took photos, and just soaked it all in. Being there together, in that moment, felt surreal. Then back to our apartment for more Eiffel Tower views with a glass of wine from our deck 18 floors up.

Day Two: Simple Joys at Luxembourg Gardens

*Vintage toy boats, Luxembourg Garden, Paris*

The next day, we set out for Jardin du Luxembourg with one specific goal: vintage toy sailboats. After wandering through the lush gardens, we found the octagonal pond filled with colorful boats dancing in the breeze.

For just twelve euros, we rented two—one blue and yellow representing Ukraine, the other white and blue representing Netherlands—and brought them back to the boys. What followed was pure joy. With long wooden sticks in hand, they chased the boats around the pond, nudging them along with the wind like generations of children had done before them.

It was simple, timeless, and one of the most delightful parts of our trip.

Day Three: A Historic Swim in the Seine

*Swimming in the Seine for the first time since 1923!*

Our final full day started with a peaceful walk through Montparnasse Cemetery—one of my favorite kinds of places in Europe. There’s something about the quiet, the history, and the towering trees that feels like an escape within the city. Plus we always have a bet to find the oldest gravestone (1800’s…isn’t that crazy!)

But the real highlight of the day—and maybe the entire trip—was something Paris hadn’t allowed in nearly a century: swimming in the Seine.

In preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Paris had spent years cleaning the river, investing over a billion euros to make it safe for public swimming again. For the first time since 1923, designated swimming areas are reopening, marking a huge milestone for the city.

And somehow, we were there for it.

After a bit of searching, we found one of the open swim locations—a sectioned-off area along the river where fresh Seine water flowed through an enclosed space. Floaties were required (and gladly accepted), and with a bit of spontaneity (and some missing swimsuits), we jumped in.

It was refreshing, exciting, and honestly a little surreal. Our only rule: try not to swallow the water. Otherwise, we fully embraced the moment. Being part of such a historic and celebratory experience made it unforgettable.

*Fun along the river with handmade wooden games*

An Unexpected Afternoon of Play

After drying off, we crossed the river and stumbled upon something completely unplanned—a neighborhood family event filled with games and activities. There was archery, trampolines, and all kinds of fun for the kids.

We stayed for a while, chatting with locals and soaking in the community vibe, before wandering over to a nearby riverside bar. There, we discovered a collection of beautifully handcrafted wooden games lining the waterfront. We met the creator, played for hours, and enjoyed food and drinks as the afternoon slipped by.

Evenings Under the Sparkling Eiffel Tower

Each night, we returned “home” to our Eiffel Tower view. And every hour on the hour, we watched it sparkle—sometimes stepping out just one last time before bed. It never got old. Not once.

Until Next Time, Paris

Our three days in Paris flew by, filled with new experiences and familiar magic. Exploring new neighborhoods while revisiting places we love made this trip feel both fresh and nostalgic.

Saying goodbye to our apartment wasn’t easy—but we had more adventure ahead. The next morning, we packed up and boarded a high-speed train to Biarritz, a place that had already captured our hearts back in 2023. Some places are worth going back to, even when they take extra effort to reach. For us, both Paris and Biarritz are those kinds of places.

And this journey? It’s far from over— After two weeks in Biarritz, we head to Italy!