Stamps in My Passport

If day one was about falling in love with Paris at first sight, day two was about discovering her soul. From the quiet grandeur of the Louvre to golden hours along the Seine and the charm of Montmartre at dusk, the city revealed layer after layer of timeless beauty.

Our second day in Paris began in the most iconic way imaginable — with a morning at the Louvre Museum. Rather than waiting in the long lines beneath the glass pyramid, we entered through the Carrousel du Louvre, a lesser-known underground entrance that allowed us to skip the crowds entirely. It was the perfect way to glide right into the heart of this magnificent museum, where centuries of art and history awaited.

The moment we stepped inside, I felt as though we had crossed into another world — one where time stands still, and beauty exists in every direction. The Louvre is breathtaking in its immensity, its marble corridors and gilded ceilings holding the weight of history and human imagination. The Louvre’s grandeur is almost impossible to describe. Every gallery seems to hold a heartbeat of its own, every ceiling and sculpture whispering stories from centuries past.

We wandered from gallery to gallery, taking in masterpieces I’d only ever seen in books. The Mona Lisa was, of course, a must — her enigmatic smile as captivating as ever, surrounded by a sea of admirers. Seeing her in person felt almost unreal. Nearby, Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” sketch stopped me in my tracks; its delicacy and emotion radiated from the canvas. I stood for a long time before the Venus de Milo, her beauty and grace undiminished by the centuries, and was completely in awe of the Winged Victory.

The Louvre is magnificent in every sense — a place where the past and present coexist in golden light and marble halls. One of my favorite stops of the morning was the Galerie d’Apollon — a room so breathtaking it feels like stepping inside a jewel box. Its ceiling is a masterpiece of gilded detail and painted allegories, each panel glowing in soft light. We stood in awe beneath its magnificent painted ceilings, gilded moldings, and intricate details — every inch a masterpiece. The room glowed with light reflected from glass cases displaying France’s Crown Jewels, their sparkle illuminating centuries of royal history. I remember feeling completely enchanted, lost in the opulence and artistry surrounding us. So when I learned about the recent jewel heist — that thieves had managed to steal several priceless pieces from this very gallery — my heart sank. To know that these historic treasures, crafted by master artisans and representing hundreds of years of French heritage, are now lost is deeply saddening. Having admired them up close, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss for the history they represented — beauty and craftsmanship that can never truly be replaced.

After admiring the Galerie’s splendor, we took a well-earned lunch break at Café Richelieu, Angelina Paris, tucked within the Louvre. It was the perfect spot to pause and reflect on the morning’s wonders. Their famed hot chocolate was rich and velvety, almost like sipping melted chocolate, and the avocado toast served on a warm croissant was divine — flaky, buttery, and utterly Parisian.

Re-energized, we continued our exploration in the Egyptian wing, a world unto itself filled with ancient wonders — towering statues, intricate hieroglyphs, and relics that bridge millennia. I was completely captivated by the massive sphynx statue, ancient hieroglyphs, sarcophagi, and relics that transport you thousands of years back in time. The Greek sculpture galleries were equally mesmerizing — quiet, light-filled rooms where the beauty of classical art seems to transcend the ages.

Before leaving, we made a few delightful stops in the shops beneath the Louvre — browsing the museum shop where I purchased a few small treasures to remind me of my visit, a quick coffee from Starbucks, a few colorful macarons from Ladurée, and a serendipitous visit to a resale boutique, where I discovered a few unique finds: two vintage Parisian sweaters. Each find felt like a little whisper from Paris itself — a token of the day’s beauty.

Our next stop was the Petit Palais, a true Parisian gem. Lesser-known and blissfully free of crowds, it felt like a secret waiting to be discovered. The building’s Beaux-Arts architecture is magnificent, with painted ceilings, marble staircases, and ornate details at every turn. We loved wandering through its serene courtyard garden, a peaceful oasis surrounded by art and elegance. It’s one of those places that captures the essence of Paris without the bustle — refined, beautiful, and quietly enchanting.

After leaving the Petit Palais, we strolled across the Pont Alexandre III Bridge, one of the most stunning in Paris. Its golden statues glistened in the late afternoon sun, and from its span, we had postcard-perfect views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The air was soft and golden, the river below rippling like liquid light — the kind of scene that makes you pause and realize just how extraordinary this city truly is.

As we basked in the afternoon sunshine, we took a slow walk along the Seine, where the city seemed to move in perfect rhythm with the river’s flow. The sunlight glimmered on the water, street musicians played softly in the background, and the world felt beautifully, unhurriedly alive.

As evening approached, we made our way to Montmartre, the bohemian heart of Paris. The cobblestone streets wound upward toward Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where we watched the sunset cast a rosy glow across the skyline. The view from the top was breathtaking — the Eiffel Tower shimmering faintly in the distance, the rooftops of Paris unfolding endlessly below. Around the square, artists painted portraits and musicians filled the air with song, while cafés glowed with warm, golden light.

Dinner in Montmartre felt like the perfect finale to a day steeped in art, beauty, and Parisian spirit. As we lingered over our meal, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this city seems to move in harmony with the heart — effortlessly blending the past and the present, sorrow and joy, art and life.

Walking back through those winding streets that night, I felt deeply connected to the city — not just as a visitor, but as someone touched by its soul. Paris doesn’t just display art; it lives it. And on this day, I felt like I was living inside its masterpiece. The City of Light has a way of leaving its mark on you — not in grand gestures, but in the quiet moments between them: a masterpiece glimpsed through glass, the taste of a macaron, the sparkle of the Seine at sunset, or a piece of history now lost but forever remembered.

As we made our way back to our airbnb that night, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this city weaves art into every corner — from museum walls to riverside strolls to the laughter echoing through Montmartre’s squares. Paris is a living masterpiece, and being part of it, even for a day, felt like a gift I’ll never forget.

If Paris isn’t already on your bucket list, it absolutely should be! From sipping cocoa at Angelina’s to wandering through the Louvre’s golden halls, this city truly feels like stepping into a dream. If you’re planning your own trip, I’ve shared all the GetYourGuide links below for the tours and experiences we loved — they made exploring so much easier (and skipping lines at the Louvre a total win!).

Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog so you never miss upcoming travel guides, tips, and destination inspiration — next up, more French charm and a peek into our day in Versailles! 💕

With love from the City of Light,

Krista

All rights reserved, @stampsinmypassport copywrite 2025