Credit: Anton Aleksenko
THAT first magical glimpse of the Eiffel Tower is a highlight of any trip to Paris.
For me, however, the gasps of wonder from our two girls as it sparkled against the night sky was even better.
Eiffel Tower light up against the Paris night sky. Credit: AFP
Molly and Maisie fell in love with the city Credit: Sam Love – The Scottish Sun
We’d arrived in the City of Love — appropriately for our family — via an easy easyJet flight and were captivated by its grand boulevards, stunning architecture and stylish locals.
But watching this iconic monument turn into a glittering showstopper courtesy of 20,000 lightbulbs was utterly spellbinding for the four of us — especially Molly, 15, and Maisie, 11.
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It was the perfect end to an evening that had started with a fabulous Savoyard supper. Mountains of mountain cheeses, cured meats and fresh salads were followed by a wander to the River Seine to watch the Olympic balloon rise, as it did when Paris hosted the Games in 2024.
Tired and happy, we headed back to our fabulously chic M Social Hotel — handily located in the vibrant 9th arrondissement and super central for everything, including the Metro.
AIR WE GO!
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It’s a wonderful blend of Art Deco elegance, modern design and Parisien refinement, home to one of the oldest working electric elevators in the city and wonderfully welcoming staff who were happy to help with all our questions and offer their own tips about where to visit.
Our stylish, connected bedrooms were beautifully cool and quiet and the bathrooms well stocked with gorgeous luxury L’Occitane toiletries, perfect for weary travellers.
Breakfast the next morning was spot on too, with muesli, yogurts and freshly squeezed orange juice as well as fresh croissants, meats, cheeses and made to order omelettes.
M Social Hotel in Paris proved the perfect place to stay Credit: M Social Hotel
Beautiful bedrooms were luxurious and welcoming Credit: M Social Hotel
Notre Dame Cathedral from the river Credit: Alamy
The famous Mon Lisa at the Louvre Museum impressed the girls Credit: Sam Love – The Scottish Sun
Ready for a day of adventure we headed back to the Eiffel Tower for a river cruise. It’s a great way to see the city and its famous landmarks, like the Louvre Museum and spectacular Notre Dame Cathedral, refurbished after the devastating 2019 fire.
As we sailed under the Pont Marie, known locally as Lovers’ Bridge, we closed our eyes and made a wish; legend has it that it will come true within the year. Back on terra firma we headed straight for somewhere Molly was keen to check out — the famous Saint-Ouen Flea Market in the north of the city.
Despite our slight anxiety about using the Metro, with its many lines and myriad stations, it was fairly easy to navigate and much cheaper than taking Ubers everywhere.
Soon my wife Annabelle and I were sipping drinks at a street cafe while the girls flitted between shops and stalls packed with vintage clothing, jewellery and bric-a-brac.
Maisie even returned clutching a free fan she’d been gifted to help with the 34°C heat!
Lunch was salad bowls and croque monsieurs before setting off for the Louvre. This iconic museum is home to more than 35,000 pieces of art including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the ancient Greek sculpture of Aphrodite.
Book tickets well in advance to get your preferred time slot and prepare for the crowds too — we found it so hot inside, and busy, that we only saw a fraction of what’s there.
GO: PARIS
GO: MSOCIAL HOTEL
GETTING THERE: EasyJet fly from both Edinburgh and Glasgow to Paris with fares from £34.99pp one-way. See easyjet.com
STAYING THERE: One night’s B&B at the M Social Hotel costs from £130 based on two sharing. See msocial.com.
Going by the numbers of folk queueing to snap selfies with the Mona Lisa, nobody minds that da Vinci didn’t finish his famous portrait.
One of the highlights for us, and perhaps the slightly cooler air helped, was seeing the Greek pottery, art and jewellery displayed in Napoleon III’s stables.
Wilting a little in the summer temperatures, our final stop of the day was Bercy, and a swim in the Seine. At 26°C the water wasn’t exactly cooling but mon dieu it felt good and was a great way to unwind after all the sightseeing we’d done.
Maisie and the family loved their dip in the Seine Credit: Sam Love – The Scottish Sun
The Bar Le Douze at the MSocial was perfect place for a nightcap and a fond farewell to the city of love Credit: M Social Hotel
Back at M Social, we headed to the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Papillons & Co by Beast and Butterflies; and what a culinary treat awaited!
We tucked into delicious starters of creamy Burrata dressed with juicy ribbons of fresh melon and saltyParma ham, followed by a main course of tasty salmon fillet.
Each dish, made from seasonal ingredients, was bursting with sensational flavours and served so beautifully it looked like a work of art.
With just enough energy for one last cocktail at Bar Le Douze in the main lobby, and a quick game of chess, it was soon time for bed.
As day turned to night, we fell asleep dreaming of our next visit to the City of Love(s).
Dining and Cooking