This morning began with sunlight streaming through the windows of our Parisian hotel, accompanied by a gentle breeze that carried the promise of a memorable day. At 10:00 a.m., a soft knock at the door revealed a woman bearing a tray of warm pastries, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, yogurt, and English tea, a breakfast that felt both indulgent and quintessentially European. After savoring the meal with as much haste as delight, I stepped into the rhythm of the city, weaving through the crowd toward the metro station. My destination: the Château de Versailles, the architectural embodiment of Louis XIV’s absolutist vision.
Journey to Versailles
The train ride to Versailles offered a moment of calm reflection, a fitting interlude after a week spent exploring Paris’s iconic landmarks: Sacré-Cœur, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Upon arrival, we passed a boulangerie reputed to serve the best baguette in the region. Inside, the display of pastries was mesmerizing: delicate macarons, glossy éclairs, and towering, pastel-colored meringues. The boys in our group opted for the minimalist French approach of warm baguettes, unadorned and wrapped in paper.
Inside the Palace
The grandeur of Versailles is difficult to overstate. Though the line to enter was long, we were fortunate to be near the front, watching the crowd stretch far beyond the palace gates. Inside, we wandered through opulent rooms adorned with gilded moldings, intricate tapestries, and masterful paintings. One chamber, once belonging to Marie Antoinette, stood out for its understated elegance: a tall bed flanked by ornate stools, surrounded by echoes of a bygone era. The Hall of Mirrors, with its marble statues, chandeliers, and ceiling frescoes, was a visual crescendo, an architectural symphony of power and spectacle.
The Gardens and the Fountain Show
The palace gardens were equally enchanting. Sculptures lined the paths, and towering hedges created a labyrinthine effect that nearly led me astray. But following the sound of baroque music, I arrived at the fountain to see a choreographed display of water and melody. Sitting on the grass, eyes closed, I let the breeze and music wash over me. The moment was meditative, almost surreal. The fountains danced, the lake shimmered, and for a brief time, the world felt suspended in harmony.
Dinner with Teddy Bears
Back in Paris, I dined at Le Choupinet, a whimsical restaurant known for seating solo diners with oversized teddy bears. Though I wasn’t alone, I still enjoyed the playful ambiance and a delicious Caesar salad with roasted chicken and slices of crusty baguette
Reflections on a Transformative Week
As I mark the halfway point of this journey, I’m struck by how much I’ve learned, not just about French history and culture, but about myself. Walking the same streets once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, discovering hidden passageways, and lingering in cafés has given me a sense of liberation I hadn’t anticipated. I feel more present, more curious, and more open to growth.
Hemingway once described Paris as a moveable feast, and I now understand what he meant. This city nourishes the soul. I’ve practiced my French, embraced spontaneity, and immersed myself in a culture that feels both foreign and familiar. As Professor Julian aptly put it, “Travel stretches time.” Here, the days feel longer, fuller and each moment is an opportunity to absorb, reflect, and transform.
I know I won’t return home to the same person who arrived. Paris has become more than a destination; it has become a part of me.
City of Paris