Emily-Inspired and Eiffel-Enchanted – My Winter Paris Moments

This was my third time in Paris, and somehow the magic still hasn’t worn off. I visited in February, during the quiet chill of winter, and while I’ve seen the city in other seasons, there’s something about Paris in winter. The grey skies, the slow pace, the warm cafés that brings out a different side of it. As always, the Emily in Paris series played a huge role in shaping my Paris dreams. On this trip, I revisited a few of those filming spots, explored others I’d missed before, and simply let the city carry me from one beautiful moment to the next. 1. Ristorante Tera Nera Even though I didn’t dine here, this was a must-stop for me purely for its link to Emily in Paris. The moment I spotted the restaurant’s deep green exterior and those small Parisian chairs outside, I smiled. It looks just like it does on screen, tucked away on a quiet street with that effortless charm. It’s become a bit of a ritual now — snapping a photo here and soaking in the vibe. A scene straight out of the show, every time. 2. Boulangerie Moderne Another Emily in Paris filming location that I love returning to. I didn’t step inside this time, but even just standing outside brought back all the dreamy nostalgia. The warm yellow lights inside, the scent of fresh bread, and that unmistakable French neighborhood atmosphere made it feel like I was walking right alongside Emily again. It’s a simple stop but so satisfying. 3. Notre-Dame Cathedral I didn’t go inside on this trip, but I never skip Notre-Dame when I’m in Paris. There’s something about standing before it that grounds you. The gothic architecture, the calmness of the surrounding area, the quiet lapping of the Seine, even without entering, it’s a deeply moving place to visit. Especially in winter, it feels almost sacred. 4. Eiffel Tower No matter how many times I’ve seen it, the Eiffel Tower always stuns me. I timed my visit for sunset, just in time for that magical sparkle when the lights come on. I stood there in the cold, completely still, as if seeing it for the first time again. It never loses its wonder and it just changes slightly with each visit, like an old friend who always surprises you. 5. Bistro de Champs One of the few places I actually sat down for a meal, and it ended up being such a highlight. The grilled cod was beautifully done, crisp on the outside, flaky inside, with light seasoning that let the fish speak for itself. The ambiance was warm and calm, just what I needed after a long day of walking. A cozy, reliable spot in the middle of all the Champs-Élysées energy. 6. Arc de Triomphe I’ve seen it before, but each visit makes me pause. This time, I didn’t go up to the top, just admired it from the ground, taking in the detailed carvings and the bold symmetry of it all. The sheer size always catches me off guard, and the way it anchors the entire roundabout gives it such weight and presence. A symbol of strength, right in the middle of the chaos. #paris #solotrip