Paris Unwrapped: Shobha’s Family Trip Review with Thrillophilia
Paris had always been the city we dreamt about. To me, it was a place of poetry and paintings, of streets where history danced with art. For my husband, it was the culinary capital, promising endless indulgence in cheese, wine, and pastries. And for our son it was the place with the “big tower” he had seen in his storybooks.
When we finally booked our trip through Thrillophilia, the anticipation was electric. Paris wasn’t just another destination—it was the city, the one we’d been waiting to explore together as a family.
Paris Unwrapped
Our Parisian adventure was all about letting the city reveal itself. On our first morning, we wandered into a hidden alley behind the Louvre, where street performers played violins that seemed to make time stand still. My son twirled to the music while I stood, captivated by the sheer beauty of the moment.
Exploring Montmartre became one of our favourite experiences. The winding streets, with their pastel-coloured facades and bustling cafes, felt like stepping into a French painting. At a small artist’s corner, an elderly painter sketched my son’s portrait in charcoal while sharing stories of how he had once painted the Eiffel Tower from memory.
The Parisian markets were another revelation. At Marché des Enfants Rouges, the city’s oldest covered market, we savoured crepes that oozed with chocolate and caramel. My husband struck up a conversation with a vendor about the perfect way to pair French cheeses, while our son discovered the joy of watching baguettes emerge fresh from the oven.
From Heights to Horizons
The Eiffel Tower was, of course, the centrepiece of our trip. As we approached it, my son ran ahead, pointing and shouting, “It’s so big!” His awe was infectious, and soon we were all giggling like children.
Ascending to the summit felt surreal. The city stretched out in every direction, a maze of rooftops, gardens, and the Seine winding its way like a ribbon of light. My husband and I sipped champagne from a small kiosk at the top, while our son marveled at spotting boats far below.
But Paris is about the layers of history beneath your feet. One afternoon, we explored the Latin Quarter, losing ourselves in its labyrinth of cobblestone streets and old bookstores.
Cultural Glimpses and Heartfelt Moments
Paris came alive not in grand gestures but in its subtleties. It was in the quiet dignity of an old woman arranging flowers outside her shop, the laughter of children chasing pigeons in the Tuileries Garden, and the shopkeeper who insisted we sample her favourite macarons before we bought any.
One of my favourite memories was at a small boulangerie near Notre Dame. As I struggled with my French, the baker grinned and handed my son an extra croissant “for practice,” winking as he said, “Your smile speaks perfectly.”
Even a simple Seine River cruise became magical. The golden glow of the city at twilight reflected in the water, and my son’s excited voice filled the air as he pointed out the illuminated bridges and houseboats. The gentle breeze carried the faint strains of an accordion, and for a moment, it felt like we were part of a Parisian fairytale.
And then there was Montparnasse Cemetery. It may sound unusual, but the tranquillity of this place spoke to us. Wandering through the moss-covered tombs, we learned about the lives of poets, philosophers, and artists who had shaped Paris.
A Swiss Break
Switzerland felt like a peaceful interlude to our Parisian adventure. As the train journeyed from the bustling streets of Paris to Zurich’s pristine calm, the landscapes transformed into a breathtaking symphony of snow-capped peaks and emerald valleys.
Mount Titlis was the highlight of our Swiss journey. My son’s excitement at touching snow for the first time was infectious—his giggles echoed through the crisp mountain air as he launched his first snowball.
The Glacier Cave shimmered like a frozen dream, while the swaying Titlis Cliff Walk offered us a thrill wrapped in panoramic beauty. Riding the Ice Flyer chairlift, we felt like we were suspended in a postcard, surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps.
Lucerne added a touch of old-world charm to our journey. Wandering across the Chapel Bridge and pausing at the Lion Monument, we felt a quiet reverence, a contrast to the lively energy of Paris. Switzerland’s tranquil beauty provided a perfect balance to the vibrance we had left behind, wrapping up our journey with moments of peace and wonder that will forever stay etched in our hearts.
A Parisian Goodbye, but Not Forever
As we packed our bags on our last morning, my son clutched his collection of souvenirs—a tiny Eiffel Tower keychain, a sketch from Montmartre, and a feather he had picked up in the Tuileries. My husband and I shared a look that needed no words. Paris had given us more than we could have imagined.
This trip wasn’t just about seeing Paris; it was about feeling it. It was the laughter we shared over spilled hot chocolate, the wonder in my son’s eyes as he discovered the city and the quiet moments of connection that reminded us why we travelled in the first place.
Read more: Thrillophilia Paris Reviews