You can imagine how it will feel and what you will see.

Especially in this day and age where Google street view gives you the option to ‘stand on the ground’ and do a 360 degree view of your surroundings virtually any where in the world.

Your expectations of how it will feel will always be there when you visit places as famous as the Eiffel tower.

But you won’t have a clue what it’s really like until you step foot to ground and see the landscape. No expectations will ever be met until you see it with your own eyes and not from a computer screen – only then can you feel the weather and smell the air.

Only then is it really real.

Since I was a child I imagined going to Paris, it was a place I had dreamed of visiting and my love of the French language spurred me to try and learn it several failed times – you have to apply yourself to a language and never let go – two things I never did.

So, after all this time actually making it there felt surreal, until the chilly wind hit and that meant I never forgot I was in Paris.

A quick list of places to visit for a culinary delight I discovered a little cafe Berthillon with delicious crepes and a family atmosphere, just over the bridge on Pont Louis Philippe, located near famous ice creamery Berthillon. Both well worth a visit.

If you want to try the best macaroons in the city, the best option is Laduree, which happens to be only ten minutes away from famous cafe Margot (unfortunately closed during my visit).

For a hot chocolate made of liquid chocolate and some further sweet temptations to try Angelina is a must stop. Located only minutes walk from the Louvre.

Here is part two of my long weekend there with Le Eiffel included.

Looking back the the ferris wheel/Christmas window display/dinner table behind a window

Paris building/Tower in the distance

Souvenir/Sunday birds/Arc du Triomphe details

Cafe Angelina’s temptations

Constant flow of Seine

Laduree citron tart and tea/More temptations

Ferry go round at the base

Pastry breakfast/Paul’s bread delights/Statue before Le Eiffel

Standing still

Arc du Triomphe

Shameless Eiffel Selfie/Bridge of locks/Stunning graffiti

Eiffel Tower in its glory