Bonjour, I officially arrived home from Paris, France, and my brain was overloaded. Mentally, my brain is not entirely back, but my body is in South Carolina. However, I had the time of my life, which was highly entertaining. I became more educated on the culture, architecture, and Parisian style. At the same time, while touring many architectural structures, I remembered several from my classes while obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Interior Design.

Moreover, I understand why Paris is called the ‘City of Light.’ Many lights on the exterior and interior are not your average light fixtures but enormous, elaborate, and intricately ornate.

Even though I have mastered my fear of heights, I had to take a moment before I did the Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour. Yes, your girl had to have a significant prep talk, but I did it, and it felt amazing! I learned about the tower's intriguing history and detailed engineering and how it became a part of Parisian culture today. The incredible panorama of Paris and its landmarks from a bird' s-eye view was stunning.

I took a monuments cruise, which allowed me to see the most famous monuments from the sea. From the Louvre Museum to Notre-Dame Cathedral, passing by the Eiffel Tower, the one-hour cruise started and ended at the Pont-Neuf, on the Ile de la Cité, in the heart of historic Paris.

My tours included the following:

Luxembourg Gardens: which provides Paris's prettiest garden, flowers, fountains, and a palace
Pantheon: A mausoleum with stunning Corinthian columns
Arènes de Lutèce: A 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater
Church of Saint Julien de Pauvre: Featuring Paris's oldest living tree in the courtyard
Shakespeare and Company: A world-famous, century-old bookstore
Notre Dame Cathedral: The city's beloved church, surviving through the centuries
Rue de la Huchette: A lively street perfect for a TikTok or high-energy selfies

I will never forget the outstanding Moulin Rouge Show or my 90-minute ride on the train to Versailles Palace. Once there, I learned about the city that housed a royal palace where the Louvre museum now stands—until Louis XIV decided to relocate to the outskirts of Paris to build a new structure, the fabulous estate of Versailles.

Oh, and the guy, our waiter, decided to photo-bomb.

I finally caught another plane to spend some time in Nice, France. Once I arrived, my hotel faced the Mediterranean Sea and had a beautiful rooftop restaurant. The hotel also offered a full-service Spa with a steam room, Jacuzzi, and massage services. Directly across the street were another beach, bars, and restaurants. The first floor of the building had a Casino and, of course, a McDonald's.

I had a full itinerary for each day, and my relaxation time came when I boarded the sixth plane.

I cannot say enough about this great city; I genuinely enjoyed my stay.

Typically, I never tour a country twice because I aim to step my pretty little feet on every inch of this globe, but I will return to Paris, France.

Credit: Photos by Kimberly C. Lyons are the sole property of KCL-IDESIGN, LLC®.

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