Paris has a way of making everything feel magical, and from the moment we arrived, we knew this stop on our European adventure was going to be unforgettable. Taking the Eurostar through the Chunnel from London to Paris was so much fun, and when we stepped off the train, we were ready to explore the City of Light!

From carousels by the Eiffel Tower to amazing food and a surprisingly sensory-friendly classical concert, every moment in Paris was an adventure—and one we can’t wait to share!

Arriving in Paris – A Train Ride Under the Sea!

Our trip to Paris started with the Eurostar, the high-speed train that takes you under the English Channel and straight into France. If you’ve never done it before, it’s a must-try experience—fast, smooth, and way more relaxing than flying. Before we knew it, we were stepping off the train, ready to wander the streets of Paris.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: The Eurostar is quieter and less stressful than airports—plus, you can get up and move around if needed. If you prefer a more low-stimulation ride, choose Standard Premier seats, which have more space and fewer people.

The Eiffel Tower & a Surprise Carousel Ride

Our first stop? The Eiffel Tower, of course! Seeing it in person felt surreal, and we spent time just taking in the view from different angles. But then, we found something unexpected—a beautiful carousel right next to the Eiffel Tower!

Riding a classic Parisian carousel with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop? Talk about a storybook moment! It was such a fun way to experience the city’s charm in a way that felt lighthearted and joyful.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: The area around the Eiffel Tower can be very crowded, but early mornings or late evenings tend to be quieter. The carousel is a great sensory-friendly break, offering a fun, gentle ride away from the big crowds.

Champs-Élysées & Café Culture

Next, we strolled down the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous streets in Paris, lined with shops, cafés, and bakeries. The smell of fresh croissants pulled us into a few places to sample pastries, and we even found a small café where we people-watched over coffee and hot chocolate.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: Many cafés have outdoor seating, which can be a calmer option if the inside is too noisy. Parisian restaurants won’t rush you, so you can sit and enjoy at your own pace.

A Magical Classical Concert in a Cathedral

One of the most beautiful experiences of our trip was an evening classical piano concert in a cathedral. At first, we weren’t sure how sensory-friendly it would be, but it turned out to be one of the most calming and stunning moments of our trip.

The combination of the grand cathedral setting and the soothing classical music was perfect, and we’re so glad we didn’t have to leave halfway through. The peaceful atmosphere made it a relaxing sensory experience, rather than an overwhelming one.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: Classical concerts in churches or cathedrals tend to be less overwhelming than traditional concert halls—no sudden loud noises, just gentle, predictable music. Sitting near the back also makes for an easy exit if needed.

Parisian Markets & Trying New Foods (Including Escargot!)

Paris is famous for its open-air markets, and we loved wandering through them, checking out fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, and street food. It’s the best way to experience real Parisian culture—and it led us to some of the best meals we had in Paris.

We ate everything from buttery crêpes to fresh-baked baguettes and even took a leap and tried escargot (snails!). And guess what? They were actually delicious! Anything soaked in butter and garlic is usually a win, right?

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: Markets can be busy and overwhelming, so going early in the morning means fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience. Many food vendors let you sample small bites, which is great for picky eaters or those who want to try something new without committing to a full meal.

Final Thoughts on Paris

Paris truly lived up to the hype—from the Eiffel Tower and charming cafés to unexpected sensory-friendly moments, it was the perfect mix of excitement, culture, and relaxation.

We can’t wait to come back and see even more—maybe next time, we’ll visit the Louvre, take a Seine River cruise, or find more hidden gems off the beaten path.

For now, we’ll just be dreaming of croissants, carousels, and classical music in candlelit cathedrals.

Until the next adventure!