💫 One Magical Twinkle: 27,000 Steps, a Taxi, a Metro Ride, and a Full Day in Paris

Today was the kind of day I’ll carry with me always—the kind that fills your heart while it wears out your shoes.

With all day and an open mind, I set out to wander the beautiful heart of Paris. There was no rush, no strict plan—just the soft intention to walk, to wonder, and to follow wherever joy might lead me. And oh, did she lead.

🌿 Tuileries Garden & A First Glimpse of the Eiffel Tower

My morning began in the graceful Tuileries Garden, where I strolled among sunlit paths and fountains. Somewhere in the distance, I caught my first peek at the Eiffel Tower, and I smiled—she is as magical as they say.

I passed by Musée de l’Orangerie, though the line was long, so I kept moving, reminding myself that this trip is just the beginning and that I will someday return.

🌉 Pont des Arts, Sainte-Chapelle & Les Deux Palais

From there, I strolled along the Pont des Arts, letting the breeze off the Seine wrap around me. I saw the beautiful exterior of Sainte-Chapelle, and since I didn’t have a ticket, I decided to slow down for something equally holy: lunch.

I dined at Les Deux Palais, and oh my stars—that cappuccino was divine. Not your average cup. Rich, velvety, and unlike any cappuccino I’ve had. I also had the French onion soup and a salad with perfectly boiled eggs topped with homemade mayonnaise. It was simple, elegant, and, as always, far too much food for one. I do dream of one day having someone to share my meals—and my heart—with.

⛪ Notre-Dame and a Walk Through History

I wandered to Notre Dame, which is now open again and offers free interior visits by reservation (note to self: Next time, book 3 days ahead). Standing outside her grand frame, I felt the weight of history. I lingered a while, imagining how many lives have passed through this sacred space.

From there, I made my way through Paris again—this time, not along the river, but through the streets, brushing up against bookstores, flower carts, and the simple beauty of Parisian life. Lovely as it was, I decided I preferred walking beside the Seine. She’s quiet company.

🎨 Montmartre: A Climb, A Crêpe, A Crown

I returned briefly to my hotel, rested, then made my way to Montmartre by Metro, where I climbed up to Sacré-Cœur once for the view and a second time for a taxi. The view from the top was as glorious as ever, alive with music, artists, and energy. I toured Sacré-Cœur too—it’s free, the line looks long but moves quickly, and it’s worth every step.

I treated myself to a 3-fromages crêpe before the climb and a little gelato reward on the way down. Paris really does reward the walker.

🛻 From Montmartre to Arc de Triomphe

I hailed a taxi to the Arc de Triomphe, found the underground tunnel (merci to the cyclist for the tip!), and popped up beneath the magnificent arch. It was too late to go to the top, but that didn’t stop me from taking in every inch of it. I meandered, took selfies for my daily social media travel reel that keeps my loved ones happy, knowing I’m safe and having fun, and admired how the past and present meet in the sweep of its stone arms.

🌟 The Grand Finale: Champs-Élysées & A Single, Stunning Sparkle

I made my way down the Champs‑Élysées, soaking in golden hour as I strolled. As I approached Pont Alexandre III, I was aiming for the 10:00 p.m. Eiffel Tower sparkle… but I just missed it—by about ten minutes.

So I sat, watched, wrote a little, let the city slow me down, and waited.

At 11:00 p.m., the Eiffel Tower began to twinkle, and this time… I felt it in my bones. The kind of shimmer that doesn’t just light up the sky—it lights you up from within.

“Paris flirted with me all day. She gave me a cappuccino I’ll never forget, a crêpe that made me blush, and a view from Montmartre that nearly undid me.”

And yes, I’ve also learned the key to getting around here: don’t try not to look lost. If anything, lean into it. I made eye contact when I needed help, and more often than not, someone would just walk right up and ask where I was trying to go. It’s funny how easily kindness finds you here—as long as you avoid eye contact with anyone selling trinkets on the sidewalk, 😂

💛 A Day of Grace and Glitter

I did a little eating, a little praying, and a whole lot of loving Paris today.

27,000 steps, one taxi, one Metro ride, and a full heart. I didn’t see it all—but what I did see, I really saw. And I think that’s the point.

I had an uninvited reminder of the heartbreak I’ve worked so hard to accept. But rather than let it ruin my day, I told the truth. I stood up for myself. And I let it go—with grace and power.

And when the ache sneaks in—because it will—I’ll remind myself: I deserve so much better.

I will keep choosing healing. I will keep living fully.

✈️ Next Stops on the Horizon…

Italy is already in motion: Sorrento, Rome, Florence, Tuscany, and Venice are booked and waiting.

Next? Barcelona and Portugal are calling. The order of things is still undecided—but that’s half the fun. I’m learning to love the planning as much as the arrival.

Honey Note:

It turns out the twinkle I was looking for wasn’t just in the Eiffel Tower tonight—it was in me.

À demain,

MaryNell 🌸

P.S.

If Paris was trying to seduce me today… well, she succeeded.

And if there’s a charming someone out there who wants to share cappuccinos, crêpes, and a front-row seat to the sparkle—he better be ready to keep up. I walk fast, laugh loud, love deep, and I don’t do lukewarm anything.

You’ve been warned. 💋

Viens me chercher… si tu l’oses.

Je suis prête… mais pas pour n’importe qui.

Attrape-moi… si tu peux.