From Croissants to Cable Car: Pankaj’s France Trip with Thrillophilia
For years, my wife and I had dreamt of exploring Europe. France, especially, held a soft spot in our hearts. Maybe it was the allure of Paris, the whispers of the Eiffel Tower in every romantic film, or the idea of waking up to fresh croissants and cobbled streets. Whatever it was, it stayed in the background of our day-to-day lives. Then one day, without much planning or overthinking, we looked at each other and said, "Let’s finally do it."
We chose Thrillophilia to curate our itinerary and handle the logistics, and from that moment, our lives took a delightful detour into European bliss.
The Start to Romance in Amsterdam
Our journey began on February 26, 2025, in Amsterdam. We arrived in the afternoon and were greeted with fresh air and warm smiles. After settling into our hotel, we wandered through the narrow streets and soaked in the canal-side beauty. That evening, we experienced the city from the water during a charming evening canal cruise. The softly lit bridges, mirrored reflections in the water, and quaint townhouses whispered stories of centuries past.
It was picturesque, no doubt, but Paris was calling louder with each passing hour.
Train to Paris
On February 28, we boarded the Thalys train to Paris. As the Dutch countryside blurred past, I could feel a sense of anticipation growing. My wife was silent as her eyes were fixed out the window. "I still cannot believe it is happening," she finally said, squeezing my hand.
By the time we stepped onto the platform at Gare du Nord, the buzz of Paris had wrapped itself around us. We were finally here.
Our hotel had that perfect Parisian charm - flower-laced balconies, narrow hallways, and the scent of butter from the bakery downstairs. We did not plan anything for the evening. We just walked and let the city take us by the hand, past quaint cafes, street musicians, and glowing storefronts.
Exploring the Heart of Paris
The next day began with a Big Bus Tour. It was the perfect way to get our bearings and soak in the city without tiring ourselves. Each stop tempted us to get down and explore: the Louvre, Notre Dame, the grandeur of Champs-Élysées. But we always ended up back on the bus, marvelling at how every single corner of Paris looked like it belonged on a canvas.
In the afternoon, it was time for the Eiffel Tower.
We skipped the lines with our reserved tickets and headed to the summit. Standing on top of that iron marvel, the city stretched before us in every direction. Besides being beautiful, it was overwhelming. I turned to my wife, and at that moment, no words could express what we were feeling. Paris had given us something eternal.
Later, a serene river cruise along the Seine allowed us to process everything we had seen. The city glowed under the golden hour. Lovers walked hand in hand along the embankments. Lights danced on the river. And somewhere between the soft splash of water and the distant sound of an accordion, we fell in love all over again.
Magic, Laughter, and a Sprinkle of Nostalgia in Disneyland
March 2 was pure fun. Disneyland Paris was a step into a world we had both loved as children. We took photos with Disney characters, screamed through roller coasters, and indulged in way too many theme park snacks.
There is something about letting go of your adult worries and embracing joy in its purest form. My wife giggled endlessly during a spinning teacup ride, and I could not stop laughing when she tried to chase Mickey Mouse for a selfie.
It was goofy, magical, and a side of France we had not expected to love so much.
From Parisian Lights to Swiss Heights
The next day, we took an early morning train to Zurich, Switzerland. The transition from urban romance to alpine serenity was smooth and scenic. Zurich felt like a breath of fresh and chilled air.
We used our Swiss Pass to explore the city and took a peaceful walk along Lake Zurich. The contrast from the bustle of Paris was stark but welcome. The calmness, the order, the snow-dusted rooftops - everything invited us to slow down.
The next day, we set off for Mount Titlis. The cable car ride was breathtaking. As we climbed, the world turned white. At the top, we built a snowman, threw snowballs, and even took the cliff walk despite my fear of heights.
Later that day, we explored Lucerne, and it was like a fairy tale town. We wandered its bridges, admired the old clock tower, and sipped on hot chocolate as the sun dipped behind the Alps.
Alpine Escapes and Chocolate Dreams
Interlaken and Grindelwald were a part of our journey that stole our hearts. The scenery was like something out of a travel magazine. Tall mountains, green valleys, wooden chalets - the kind of beauty that makes you pause and breathe deeper.
We spent the day just existing in that space. No agenda, no rush. Just fresh air, breathtaking views, and quiet moments.
The next day was sweet in every sense. We visited the mighty Rhine Falls and then indulged our senses at the Lindt Home of Chocolate. Here, we watched the chocolate being crafted, tasted different varieties, and handpicked treats for family and friends. We shopped so much that we needed extra space in our luggage.
As we took our flight back to India on March 7, we recalled every view, every cup of coffee, and every shared smile in France and Europe.
Through every smooth transfer, thoughtfully chosen hotel, and perfectly timed activity, Thrillophilia had given us a perfect vacation. They gave us a story to tell, one that we will keep on reliving over coffee, over time, and every time we dream of France again.
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Thrillophilia France Reviews