24 Hours in Paris: A Whirlwind Adventure for the Senses

Stepping out of the calm, fog-draped countryside of rural France, a quick escape to Paris to watch a ballet performance sounds thrillingly decadent. There’s an undeniable allure to the City of Light—its architecture, charm, and cultural heartbeat call out to anyone who longs for a touch of the sublime. Today, I’m taking you with me on a packed 24-hour journey through Paris to witness Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet “Mayerling” at the grand Palais Garnier, one of the city’s crown jewels.

Let’s dive right in, from early morning fog in Charente to an evening of dazzling ballet, with every Parisian detail in between.

8:00 AM: Departing from the Calm Countryside

The day begins with fog still clinging to the fields as I walk my dog, Anita. A quick hello to our village before packing and double-checking the essentials, particularly those precious ballet tickets. The plan is simple but tight: pack light, bring only what’s necessary, and make it to the station in Angoulême.

At 11:00 AM, we’re on the road. Alexis and I park the car at the station and, after a hectic search for a spot, dash to catch our train. However, it seems Parisian adventures can’t begin without a twist. Our train, scheduled to depart at 12:24, faces delay after delay, morphing a 45-minute pause into a 2-hour wait. By the time we board, we’re both eager to soak up the magic Paris promises to deliver.

4:30 PM: Arriving Fashionably Late in Paris

Arriving at Gare Montparnasse, the city greets us in its full, bustling glory. We set off, exploring the streets and marveling at the timeless architecture that breathes life into every corner of the city. The ambiance is distinctly Parisian, effortlessly blending historic elegance with modern vibrance.

Our first stop? BocaMexa, a cozy eatery offering quick Mexican bites, conveniently catering to plant-based diets. In just 40 minutes, we manage to savor the flavors before continuing our walk through the city’s romantic streets.

7:00 PM: The Palatial Grandeur of Palais Garnier

As the day wanes, we approach the iconic Palais Garnier, an emblem of French grandeur and architectural mastery. Constructed in the 19th century under the direction of Charles Garnier, the opera house embodies the opulence of the Second Empire. Marble pillars, gold leaf, frescoed ceilings—every detail whispers of a time when elegance was paramount, and art was celebrated with unmatched reverence.

Inside, we find our seats, brimming with excitement for “Mayerling.” The ballet unfolds with tragic beauty, and watching the principal dancers, Hugo Marchand and Dorothée Gilbert, feels like witnessing poetry in motion. Their grace and intensity breathe life into Kenneth MacMillan’s choreography. It’s a sublime experience, one that lingers long after the final bow.

10:00 PM: A Charming Stay at a Parisian Hotel

With the ballet leaving us in a quiet sense of awe, we make our way to a quaint hotel near the opera house. The room is tiny yet endearing, with just enough space to rest after the night’s enchanting spectacle. We settle in, taking in the city’s nighttime hum before heading off to bed.

8:00 AM: A Vegan Breakfast at Land & Monkeys

The next morning, refreshed and ready to seize the day, we check out and head to Land & Monkeys, a fully vegan boulangerie in the vibrant Marais district. The streets of Paris wake up alongside us, with locals going about their routines, filling the air with a sense of purposeful bustle.

At the boulangerie, the selection is a feast for the eyes and palate alike. Fresh, flaky croissants and warm pastries offer the perfect plant-based start to the day, capturing the heart of a traditional French breakfast with a vegan twist.

10:00 AM: Wandering Through Le Marais

Breakfast fuels our exploration through the Marais, one of Paris’s oldest neighborhoods with a rich cultural tapestry. Known for its historic Jewish quarter, the area is brimming with bakeries, synagogues, and bookstores that speak to its enduring heritage. As we stroll along Rue des Rosiers, we feel the heartbeat of this resilient community, shaped by history but thriving with life and tradition.

A few streets over, we stop in front of Paris’s oldest palace, the Palais de la Cité, once home to French royalty. The towering buildings and intricate facades remind us of the city’s storied past.

11:00 AM: Admiring the Louvre and Tuileries Garden

Crossing the Seine, we approach the Louvre, with its glass pyramid shimmering amidst the historic grandeur. Originally a fortress, then a royal palace, and now a world-renowned museum, the Louvre is a testament to the French commitment to art and preservation. Even from the outside, the Louvre’s scale and beauty captivate.

We continue into the Tuileries Garden, where autumn has painted the pathways in shades of gold and crimson.

1:00 PM: A Satisfying Vegan Lunch at Breathe

Our final culinary stop is Breathe, a Japanese-inspired vegan restaurant in the 2nd arrondissement. With a serene ambiance and thoughtfully crafted dishes, it’s the perfect place to relax and indulge. Each dish is a testament to culinary artistry, transforming plant-based ingredients into flavorful, satisfying bites.

3:00 PM: Strolling Back to Gare Montparnasse

The afternoon is spent wandering leisurely back towards Gare Montparnasse, taking in Notre-Dame and the Jardin du Luxembourg on the way. The contrast between Paris’s bustling streets and its quiet gardens reminds us of the city’s dual nature—vibrant yet serene, historic yet ever-evolving.

As we board our train back to Angoulême, I reflect on the whirlwind of experiences that filled these past 24 hours. Paris, with its endless charm, has a way of weaving itself into your heart, leaving you both exhilarated and yearning for more.

6:00 PM: A Warm Welcome Back Home

Returning to the quiet countryside, Anita eagerly greets me, her wagging tail a sweet reminder of home. The rural landscape, with its expansive fields and calm, offers a grounding contrast to the City of Light. After the excitement and beauty of Paris, this familiar calm feels like the perfect conclusion.

Thank you for joining me on this journey! From the elegance of Palais Garnier to the cozy vegan spots and the city’s timeless charm, Paris truly is an adventure. Until next time, au revoir!