Forty Hours in Paris
People wait their entire lives to catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and I’ve climbed it twice. On our plane ride over for our whirlwind 40 hours in Paris I realized it would be my fifth time visiting the city.
*This post was originally written in 2011; I’ve since returned to Paris multiple times. It’s now one of my favorite places…but I didn’t always love the City of Love.
Not only have I been there by myself, but I’ve been there with my family, my friends, and this time, my husband. Visiting Paris solo is awesome; I highly recommend it.
As an American, I realize how privileged this makes it sound, but I’m just so thankful for the opportunity…even if it was just a quick forty hours in Paris.
When in Paris…
Traveling solo to Paris? Check out this guide.
Heading to Paris with a family? This is the guide for you.
Whether you have less than a weekend to stay in Paris or you can visit for longer, or whether your sole purpose is to eat all the macarons and say hi to Mona, or just see the tower and take all the pictures, 40 hours in Paris will fill your travel soul.
It’s actually kinda cool to look at my pictures over the years and see how eerily similar some are, and to see how they’ve drastically changed the more I learn about photography.
I took the photos below strictly in manual mode. This was my first time not using “auto” as a crutch; it was very daunting, but I think I’m happy with the outcome, especially the night shots without a tripod.
Enough of my blabbering…here are pictures from Paris. I actually have a whole separate post on the Eiffel Tower.
This street was right around the corner from our hotel. There were tons of shops and bakeries.
And this was our room at Hotel de l’avre. We loved staying there. Great location and it was the cutest.
Paris at night…
Such a fun night. This group was singing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody a capella, but they had to keep looking at the paper to get the English words right. I loved how
much fun they were having!
Paris by day…
I had to take a shot of this next set of statues (the front and the back, obviously), because the statue on the right is basically what my husband looks like every time I stop and take a picture.
Zee Louvre…
Paris in the fall time…
ahhh I love Paris! Your pictures make me want to go dig out my scrapbook! It feels like just yesterday when I was there, but really it's been 6 years?!? I don't know how that is possible!
I love your pics by the way! I just finally turned my DSLR off 'auto' as well and am working in total 'manual' mode! Eeek kinda scary! Sometimes it feels too daunting and I just grab my point and shoot camera instead lol
Your pictures are amazing! I'm looking forward to the day I get to go back and spend more time in Paris and your amazing shots just make me want to go right now!
While I have no clue how many times I've been to Paris (when you live an hour outside the city you begin to lose track) I know that I've never taken photos half as beautiful as these! Your images take me back to the beauty of the city – the many reasons I fall in love with it over and over again. I'm so glad that you had a wonderful time this time around and thank you for sharing your photos.
Wowwww your pictures are absolutely beautiful!
Amazing pics, Jess. Paris is one of my top three travel destinations. One day!
Great pics Jess! Love the B&W ones!
You are such a talented photographers!
Ahh, Jess – what can I say. If we can't be there with you, at least we get to share your beautiful pictures. Thank you, thank you!
Love ya……
Beautiful photos!! I spent a weekend in Paris 8 years ago… I still remember most of it, but I want to go back, this time with my husband.
Your photos are GORGEOUS! You have a great eye! I adore Paris and cant wait to go back again. Ive been twice, but there is still so much left to see. And eat! =)
Again, gorgeous photos. I absolutely love some of the angles. Great job and thanks for sharing!!
These pictures are so great! I especially love the one of the couple on the bench – so sweet!