A Long-Awaited European Adventure: London to Paris

After months of planning, we finally embarked on our dream vacation

This summer, we fulfilled a long-held dream of visiting two of Europe’s most iconic cities: London and Paris. It was a much-anticipated trip, and it didn’t disappoint. The blend of historical exploration, scenic drives, and an unforgettable birthday celebration for my son made it a journey to remember.

The London Landing: The Start of an Adventure on the Wrong Side of the Road

Our trip kicked off with an exciting challenge: navigating London’s roads! After landing at Heathrow Airport and picking up our rental car, the reality of driving on the opposite side hit me. After 14 years of driving in the U.S., where we sit on the left and drive on the right, the switch to sitting on the right and driving on the left in London was nerve-wracking. On the first day, I had to focus intensely, especially in roundabouts. But by the end of the day, it became second nature, and renting the car turned out to be the best decision, giving us the flexibility to explore London on our terms.

Our hotel in central London served as a great starting point for our adventures. London’s narrow streets and classic architecture added a unique charm to our drives, and soon enough, we were cruising comfortably through the city.

London’s Historical Gems: St. Albans to Buckingham Palace

We kicked off our tour of London with a visit to St. Albans Cathedral, a stunning 16th-century structure that took us back to medieval England. The cathedral’s towering nave and stained glass windows were mesmerizing, and it was fascinating to walk through its ancient walls, rich with history.

Next, we visited the British Museum, home to one of the world’s most impressive collections of historical artifacts. From Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone, the exhibits transported us across time and space. The kids were particularly fascinated by the ancient civilizations displayed in the museum.

We then took a walk around Trafalgar Square, where we soaked in the bustling atmosphere and admired the towering statue of Lord Nelson. A quick drive led us to Westminster Abbey, a must-see for any history lover. The Gothic architecture and significance of the Abbey, as the coronation site of British monarchs, left us in awe.

On our second day in London, we continued our exploration with visits to iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, where the gothic revival architecture never fails to impress. We also made our way to see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, marvelling at the incredible history contained within those walls. Seeing London Bridge from the nearby viewpoint was surreal, and of course, a stop at Buckingham Palace was essential. Standing before the royal residence, we imagined the pomp and grandeur of the royal ceremonies.

The kids were fascinated by the history, and we indulged in a classic British dish—fish and chips—which we enjoyed while driving through streets lined with colonial-era homes. London is a city where every corner has a story, and we felt that deeply as we explored these magnificent places.

A Drive Through the Channel: London to Paris Via the Euro Tunnel

After a whirlwind tour of London, it was time for the next leg of our adventure: Paris! Rather than flying, we decided to drive, adding an exciting twist to the journey. One of the most unique parts of the trip was crossing the English Channel via the Le Shuttle Euro Tunnel. I had been initially skeptical, wondering how it would work, but it turned out to be an amazing experience. We drove our car straight onto a massive cargo train, which then whisked us through the tunnel to France.

This experience felt surreal—driving onto a train, being transported under the sea, and emerging in a new country! Once we arrived in France, I had to adjust again—this time, we were driving on the same side as in the U.S., but still sitting on the opposite side of the car. It took a little getting used to, but soon we were back in the groove, heading toward Paris.

Scenic Drives and the Arc de Triomphe: First Impressions of Paris

The drive to Paris was absolutely breathtaking. The French countryside, with its rolling green hills, picturesque farms, and charming villages, looked like something straight out of a painting. We drove past fields dotted with grazing cows and small, rustic homes nestled in the landscape. It was a refreshing change from the urban sprawl of London, and the kids enjoyed looking out at the scenery as we made our way to the city of lights.

Once we arrived in Paris, we checked into our hotel and took a short break before heading out for a scenic drive around the city. We had pre-booked a relaxing boat cruise down the Seine River, which gave us a unique view of Paris from the water. Gliding past landmarks like Notre Dame and Musée d’Orsay while the city’s lights reflected off the river was a magical experience.

Later, we took a drive to the Arc de Triomphe, famous not just for its historical significance but also for its chaotic traffic circle where 12 roads converge. It was exhilarating to navigate the roundabout, and we marveled at how locals seemed to handle it with ease. Paris felt both vast and intimate as we drove through its winding streets, passing by elegant buildings and lively cafes.

A French Breakfast with Friends in the Countryside

The next day was particularly special, as we ventured outside Paris to visit my daughter’s pen pal, whom she had met through a school exchange program. The drive took us through even more beautiful countryside, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. The house was tucked away in a peaceful village surrounded by farmland and rolling hills—no traffic, no noise, just the sounds of nature.

We spent a lovely morning with the family, enjoying fresh croissants and French coffee while the kids caught up after years of long-distance friendship. It was heartwarming to see how connected they were despite the miles and years that had separated them. This visit gave us a deeper sense of French culture, far from the typical tourist experience, and made the trip all the more meaningful.

Once we returned to Paris, it was time to explore one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Louvre Museum. Stepping inside the Louvre is like stepping into an art lover’s paradise. The sheer size of the museum is overwhelming, and its collections are vast. We marveled at world-famous masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and The Venus de Milo. Each room transported us to different periods and cultures, from ancient Egypt to Renaissance Europe. The kids were fascinated by the Egyptian mummies and Greek sculptures, while I found myself lost in the gallery of French paintings.

From the Louvre, we made our way to the crown jewel of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. Standing at the base of this iconic structure, we were awed by its sheer size and intricate ironwork. We spent time admiring the tower from different angles, taking in the panoramic views of Paris. As the sun began to set, the tower lit up, creating a magical atmosphere that only Paris can offer.

A Birthday to Remember: Celebrating Under the Eiffel Tower

The highlight of our Paris stay was undoubtedly celebrating my son’s birthday near the Eiffel Tower. This moment had been the inspiration behind our summer trip timing, and we had been planning it for months. Although the parks with prime Eiffel Tower views were closed due to preparations for the upcoming Olympics, we didn’t let that deter us. After some searching, we found the perfect spot on a bridge over the Seine River, with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop.

It was a magical moment, celebrating his special day in the shadow of one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. We followed it up with a delicious birthday lunch at a nearby restaurant, enjoying classic French cuisine with a view of the tower. My son couldn’t have asked for a more memorable birthday!

A Bittersweet Farewell

Our last day in Paris was filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. After packing in so many incredible experiences, it was time to drive back to London to catch our flight. The journey back through the Euro Tunnel was smooth, and we arrived in London feeling fulfilled, though a little sad that our adventure was coming to an end.

Looking back, our trip to London and Paris was everything we had hoped for—history, culture, scenic drives, and, above all, quality family time. Europe, with its rich history and natural beauty, offered us an experience we will never forget.