1. Luxembourg is a tiny landlocked country tucked between Belgium, France, and Germany, and it’s still officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Its history reads like a revolving door of European powers: once part of the Holy Roman Empire, then under the Habsburgs, then France, then partitioned multiple times, losing territory bit by bit until regaining independence in 1867. Today it’s small but globally relevant: a financial hub, a founding member of the EU, and home to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
2. I didn’t expect Luxembourg to feel this French. The feeling began on LuxAir with a croissant so buttery and warm that it rivaled the best from Parisian patisseries. In the city, parts of Luxembourg look like an upscale, immaculately restored French town—elegant façades, quiet streets, and pastry shops with polished marble counters. At one patisserie, I got politely but firmly corrected for how I was taking a photo—an unexpectedly charming “you must do it properly” moment that felt very French in spirit.
3. The views in Luxembourg City are phenomenal and genuinely feel like stepping back in time. Chemin de la Corniche offers the best panorama in the city. The walk down into the Grund, a historic district in the valley below, was serene and full of postcard-perfect houses tucked into greenery and stone terraces. From there I continued toward Vallée de la Pétrusse, crossed Pont Adolphe, looped back to Place de la Constitution and passed by the Grand Ducal Palace. I eventually ended in Pfaffenthal looking back across the Grund valley, which is one of those scenes you hold onto long after.
4. Casemates du Bock is the main tourist attraction, consisting of underground tunnels carved into the rock in the 17th century to defend the city. I found the idea more compelling than the experience itself and came away slightly underwhelmed. However, the elevated river views from the upper fortifications afterward were absolutely worth the stop and offered a clearer sense of how dramatic the city’s cliffs and valley structure really are.
5. Luxembourg’s food scene isn’t globally famous, but the French culinary influence is unmistakable. There are excellent patisseries and chocolate shops, including Ladurée and Pierre Marcolini, but Oberweis is the local institution that stands out. Its viennoiseries genuinely match quality you would find in Paris. The highlight was their dacquoise, with layers of almond meringue, crème pâtissière, and ganache. The textural contrast, especially from the nuts, made it one of the most distinct pastries I tried on the trip.
1. Andorra, officially the Principality of Andorra, is a tiny country wedged between France and Spain. Legend has it that Charlemagne granted independence to its people in gratitude for their support against the Moors. That gift later sparked a dispute between his successors, the Bishop of Urgell and the Count of Foix, who eventually agreed to share power as co-princes. The arrangement still exists today. Since the Count’s title eventually passed to the French head of state, the President of France is technically a co-ruler of another country. The role is mostly ceremonial now, as Andorra became a parliamentary democracy in 1993.
2. Andorra is reachable only by road. The drive itself is scenic, winding through mountain passes with glimpses of the Pyrenees’ peaks. Buses connect it efficiently to France and Spain, and the country is divided into six parishes. Canillo is the largest and home to Grandvalira, the main ski resort. Tourism drives the economy, shifting between ski season and shopping season throughout the year.
3. Andorra la Vella, the capital and most populous city, feels more like an overbuilt ski town. Shiny new apartments fill the narrow valley, and much of the city resembles a sprawling open-air shopping mall. Still, there’s an undeniable buzz on Friday and Saturday evenings when people pour in from nearby border towns to take advantage of Andorra’s duty-free status. Most shops focus on luxury apparel, cosmetics, alcohol, or tobacco.
4. The old town of Andorra la Vella is small but worth a short wander. The stone Sant Esteve church and Casa de la Vall hint at an older Andorra beneath the modern facades. For a quick escape into nature, Roca de Solà offers a pleasant 4 km round trip with lovely valley views, while Mirador Roc del Quer near Ordino, about 30 minutes away, offers an even better panorama.
5. The official language of Andorra is Catalan, making it the only country in the world where that’s the case.I noticed it at a local bakery where the entire menu was in Catalan. It’s a small detail but one that stands out, showing how this tiny nation manages to keep its distinct cultural identity between two much larger neighbors.
1. Paris is a grand city—it’s clear it was built to impress. But what many don’t realize is that this urban beauty didn’t exist until the mid-19th century. With a population boom that outpaced its medieval layout, Napoleon III ordered a full-scale transformation. He appointed a young bureaucrat, Georges-Eugène Haussmann, to lead it. In 1859, the first major intersection—la grande croisée de Paris—was introduced, followed by wide, tree-lined boulevards that still define the city today.
2. Haussmann’s impact went beyond roads—he redefined the look of the city. Uniform cream-colored façades, locally sourced limestone, mansard roofs, and strict height limits created a harmonious, timeless skyline. Ground floors became home to shops and cafés, upper floors for residences. Walking those streets, it struck me how Paris mastered mixed-use urban planning long before it became trendy elsewhere.
3. Paris is a city of neighborhoods—each “arrondissement” has its own personality. Montmartre’s winding streets felt like a painting come to life—bohemian, romantic, and a little gritty. The 1st was regal and museum-rich, Le Marais was buzzing with food and life, the Latin Quarter was intellectual and vibrant, and Saint-Germain felt refined and effortlessly cool. One of my favorite things to do was just wander. Despite the clichés, I found Parisians kind and open—even when I led with English. Of course, there are gritty corners too, especially near Gare du Nord and Saint-Denis.
4. The Eiffel Tower is exactly as romantic as you’d hope—but better admired from a distance. Seeing it in full from the Trocadéro Gardens, without crowds or lines, was a highlight. It’s an engineering marvel that somehow feels delicate and monumental at once. Sitting there with a snack, watching the light show, and doing absolutely nothing? Le farniente at its finest.
5. Paris is home to some of the world’s most striking cathedrals, each reflecting a different era. Notre-Dame, a Gothic icon, features gargoyles, flying buttresses, and intricate stained glass—centuries of history etched into stone. Its ongoing restoration after the 2019 fire has come to symbolize resilience. In contrast, Sacré-Cœur atop Montmartre stands out with its bright white domes and Romano-Byzantine design. Built in the late 1800s after France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, it was meant to inspire hope. Today, it’s both a place of worship and one of the city’s most popular viewpoints, surrounded by Montmartre’s creative energy.
6. Champs-Élysées is one of the world’s most iconic boulevards. Just over a mile long, it stretches from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle and is lined with luxury stores, cafés, and theaters. While branded shopping is now everywhere, Champs-Élysées was once the heart of global luxury. At its western end stands theArc de Triomphe, honoring France’s military history with panoramic views from the top. On the other end, Place de la Concorde features the Luxor Obelisk, a 3,000-year-old Egyptian monument. Not far off, the Opéra Garnier dazzles with its ornate interiors and remains a symbol of Parisian grandeur.
7. Paris is a museum lover’s paradise. With over 300 museums, it’s impossible to see them all. The Louvre is overwhelming in the best way—not just for the Mona Lisa but for the quiet corners and overlooked gems. I did the highlights tour, which helped a lot. Musée d’Orsay’s Impressionist collection was a favorite—Cézanne, Van Gogh, Monet in one place. I missed the Orangerie, Rodin, and Dalí museums, but they’re on my list for next time.
8. The French truly adore their neighborhood boulangeries. Bread is an essential part of every meal, and it’s almost a daily ritual to pick up a fresh baguette or two. It felt like everyone had their favorite local spot. Croissants were consistently excellent, even from humble neighborhood bakeries, but I also tried the classics—Ble Sucré, Du Pain et Des Idées, Poilâne, and Stohrer. Each has its own specialty and legacy. That said, newer places like Cédric Grolet, Mamiche, and French Bastards are giving the old guard a real run for their money.
9. Ladurée and Pierre Hermé introduced me to the wonder that is the macaron—and I’ve been spoilt ever since. Nothing else really compares. The almond cookie shell is feather-light with just the right amount of crunch, and the fillings are ethereal. I’m partial to Pierre Hermé, especially for his rose-flavored macaron—floral flavors are tough to balance, but this one is near perfect. If it’s too subtle, you can’t taste it; if it’s too strong, it feels artificial. Hermé nails it. His signature Ispahan—a blend of rose, lychee, and raspberry—is a standout. It’s worth noting that Hermé was once the head pastry chef at Ladurée before launching his own brand. While you can now find both brands at luxury stores around the world, having them in Paris just hits differently.
10. Parisians take dining culture seriously—and I quickly learned there’s a whole vocabulary to it. A brasserie is for all-day dining and beer on tap; a bistro is more casual but still offers multi-course meals; a café is a wine bar with small plates or light fare; and a restaurant leans toward more refined cooking. I loved how every spot had a personality. Bouillon stood out for how it brought fast-casual dining to French classics—great execution at very reasonable prices. The long lines of both locals and tourists are a testament to its popularity. And then there are creperies. Breizh Café was a highlight, serving traditional buckwheat galettes paired with apple cider. Both savory and sweet options were great, but their salted caramel crepe was unforgettable. One thing that surprised me: there’s very little street food, and that’s by design. The French treat meals as a pleasure to be lingered over, not rushed.
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