Spend A Day In Paris With Our Social Media Manager, Kitty
Summer travels are one of the highlights of our year, but if there’s one thing we could change about them, it would be shortening how long it takes to actually get to (and from) the destination. The St. Pancras Highspeed rail line offers a refreshingly smooth and sustainable alternative, bypassing the usual airport chaos entirely. So we sent our Social Media Manager, Kitty, along to Paris for the day, departing from St. Pancras International to see if high-speed train travel really reigns supreme – here’s what she thought…
In Partnership With London St. Pancras Highspeed
How did the departure process compare to the airport?
I just hopped on the Victoria Line and was at St. Pancras International in no time – there was no need to trek out to an airport. Security was quick and fuss-free, and I loved not having to worry about the whole liquids-in-a-plastic-bag drama. I kept all my skincare bits in my bag, and it made the whole process feel way more relaxed.
How did you spend time before boarding?
There are so many great retail options at St. Pancras International, it felt like a departure lounge. I popped into Accessorize for a few finishing touches to my outfit, then stopped by Neal’s Yard Remedies to stock up on some travel essentials. The Organic Defence Hand Spray is a must when I’m travelling, and the Reviving White Tea Face Mist smells incredible. I also picked up a new read at Hatchards, which is such a beautiful bookshop. To really get into the Parisian mood, I headed upstairs to the St. Pancras Bar & Brasserie and ordered a classic pain au chocolat with a tea.
To really get into the Parisian mood, I headed upstairs to the St. Pancras Bar & Brasserie and ordered a classic pain au chocolat with a tea.
Why Paris for you?
I’m obsessed with Paris: the fashion, the food, the vintage shops, and the lively bars. It always feels so effortlessly chic, excuse the stereotype. And with the high-speed train, it’s so close that it’s basically the perfect weekend escape. You get your dose of French flair without needing to block off an entire week.
I’m obsessed with Paris: the fashion, the food, the vintage shops, and the lively bars.
Were there any highlights of the trip itself?
The journey was surprisingly peaceful, and fast. After shopping in the terminal, I managed to get some work done and read a few chapters of my new book on the high-speed train. There’s a café on board too, which is a lovely touch. I liked being able to get up, stretch my legs, and grab a snack whenever I fancied. Then, I arrived and I could start enjoy Paris as soon as I deboarded.
How did it feel arriving in the city centre, rather than needing to commute in from the airport?
Pulling into Gare du Nord felt like stepping straight into the heart of the city. No hour-long taxi rides or figuring out airport transfers, I was in central Paris. I headed straight to the Eiffel Tower (only 20 minutes on the Metro), but Notre-Dame, the Champs-Élysées and the Louvre are also nearby. It’s ideal if you want to hit a few iconic spots straight off the bat.
Were there any must-visit Paris spots on your list?
I headed straight to the Eiffel Tower for that iconic Paris moment, then made a pit stop at a French pharmacy to stock up on Nuxe and a few other beauty essentials. For lunch, I went to Chez Paul. It was a quick trip, but I packed in all the good stuff!
Any lasting impressions of the train trip or how easy it was?
Travelling on the high-speed train from London St. Pancras International just felt effortless, from the ease of getting to the station to stepping off the train in Paris. It’s the kind of experience that makes you wonder why we ever do it any other way. Plus, the fact that it’s so much more climate-conscious than flying – that’s the best part.
For more information about St. Pancras Highspeed, visit stpancras-highspeed.com
