Traveling with Teens: Paris & London Through Sofia’s Lens

The Journey Begins: Paris Arrival

We landed in Paris on June 2nd, kicking off our mother-daughter adventure with a stay at the Mercure Paris Butte Montmartre Basilique. Nestled near Sacré-Cœur, the hotel gave us easy access to charming cafés, cobblestone streets, and sweeping views of the city.

Our first few days were all about visual storytelling and flavor chasing. I booked our tours through Get Your Guide, which made planning seamless. Highlights included:

• The Louvre: While I marveled at the art, Sofia was more intrigued by the grandeur of the building and the selfie potential.

• Montmartre Food Tour: One of our most memorable experiences in Paris was the Montmartre food tour, which turned out to be more than just a delicious walk—it was a deep dive into French culinary heritage. We learned about the history of the baguette, its protected status in France, and how it’s still baked fresh daily in neighborhood boulangeries.

The tour was a sensory journey through:

• Traditional meats and cheeses: Think creamy brie, aged comté, and slices of saucisson sec.

• Local wines: Paired perfectly with each bite, offering a taste of regional terroir.

• Classic desserts: From delicate macarons to rich chocolate tarts, Sofia was in heaven.

• The baguette itself: Crisp on the outside, airy inside—every bite came with a story.

While Sofia may not have gravitated toward the historical landmarks, she was captivated by the stories behind the food—especially when they came with a bite and a photo op.

Golden hour from the Eiffel Tower—Sofia’s favorite photo spot.

Even if history wasn’t her thing, the mosaic inside Sacré-Cœur was undeniably stunning.

Under the Sea: Train to London

On June 5th, we took the Eurostar train to London—a bucket-list experience, even if not the most economical. Booking.com made our hotel and transfer logistics easy, and we checked into The Clermont London, which felt both elegant and teen-friendly.

London was all about iconic landmarks and indulgent bites:

• Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace: Beautiful, but Sofia was more excited about the photo ops than the historical facts.

• Shopping in Soho & Covent Garden: This was her playground. Trendy boutiques, bubble waffles, and street performers kept her engaged.

• Dim Sum at Chinatown: A spontaneous stop that turned into one of our favorite meals.

Sofia’s trench coat moment—London style meets iconic backdrop.

“Best dessert of the trip,” according to Sofia.

We stumbled upon pelicans in St. James’s Park, watched a ceremonial horse parade, and found quiet moments by the water near historic buildings. These unscripted experiences added texture to our trip.

Wildlife in the heart of London—who knew?

A royal surprise near Buckingham Palace.

What I Learned Traveling with a Teen

• Food is the gateway: Sofia connected most with the places where we ate, snacked, or explored local treats.

• Photos matter: She loved capturing moments—especially with dramatic skies, cool architecture, and stylish outfits.

• History is optional: While I soaked in the stories, she preferred the vibe. And that’s okay.

Final Thoughts

This trip wasn’t just about seeing two iconic cities—it was about seeing them through Sofia’s eyes. Traveling with a teen means balancing structure with spontaneity, and letting their interests guide the rhythm. From bubble waffles to sunset views, we built memories that were uniquely ours.