A candid, slightly blurred shot from behind of a person looking at a smartphone displaying a train e-ticket, with a messy hotel room in the background featuring an unmade bed, scattered travel leaflets, and an open backpack. Soft, warm evening lighting from a bedside lamp. Modern smartphone photo style, authentic and slightly imperfect composition
A spontaneous, over-the-shoulder perspective of someone walking down a Parisian street at dusk, passing a small crowd of fashionably dressed people and photographers gathered outside an elegant venue, capturing the contrast between everyday travel and the Fashion Week spectacle. Natural, ambient lighting with motion blur. Authentic smartphone photo feel
A close-up, top-down shot of a small restaurant table in a cozy Parisian bistro, featuring a half-finished plate of food and a glass of wine, with the edge of a travel journal and a pen visible. Soft, warm lighting creates an intimate atmosphere. Slightly off-center composition, as if taken quickly by the traveler themselves

Restless feet lead me to a decision

I'm sitting on my hotel bed, still in my day clothes, surrounded by leaflets, train schedules, and my laptop displaying a half-dozen browser tabs of potential destinations. The clock says 20:20, and I've spent the last few hours in a planning frenzy after that surge of restlessness hit me this morning.

It's my fifth day in Paris. I've seen the Louvre, wandered Montmartre, marveled at Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass, descended into the Catacombs, and explored the Saint-Ouen flea market. But I haven't made it to the Eiffel Tower yet—something I've been saving for the perfect moment.

But that moment keeps getting pushed back. First by rain, then by my wanderings elsewhere, and now... well, now by this familiar feeling that it's time to move on.

I arrived at my decision about an hour ago, after comparing weather forecasts, train schedules, and listening to that internal compass that's been guiding this journey. Tomorrow morning, I'm heading to Lyon. The train leaves Gare de Lyon at 10:04, which means I'll need to be there by 9:30 at the latest.

The booking is confirmed, the e-ticket safely stored in my phone and backed up to the cloud (some habits never die). I've already started the mental process of packing, taking inventory of my belongings spread around this small hotel room.

Why Lyon?

Of all the options I considered—Marseille, Strasbourg, the Loire Valley—Lyon won out for several reasons. It's known as France's gastronomic capital, which appeals to my growing appreciation for culinary experiences. The weather forecast shows slightly warmer temperatures than Paris, which is a bonus as autumn deepens. And the train journey is just under two hours—enough time to process leaving Paris but not so long that I'll be exhausted upon arrival.

Plus, I've heard Lyon has beautiful parks with magnificent plane trees. The city sits at the confluence of two rivers, offering what I imagine will be lovely walking paths.

The Eiffel Tower dilemma

But what about the Eiffel Tower? It's the one major Parisian landmark I haven't visited, despite it being on my original list of must-sees. Part of me feels I should stay one more day, just to tick it off.

But that's exactly the kind of thinking I'm trying to avoid on this journey. This isn't about collecting landmarks like trophies. It's about following the natural rhythm of discovery, even if that means leaving some stones unturned.

Perhaps I'll return to Paris later in my journey. The Eiffel Tower has stood for over 130 years—it can wait a little longer for me.

Fashion Week begins

Interestingly, today marked the beginning of Paris Fashion Week. As I walked through the city this afternoon, there was a palpable shift in the atmosphere. More photographers, more impossibly stylish people strutting purposefully down sidewalks, more security guards with earpieces outside certain venues.

I passed a small gathering outside what I later learned was a Victoria Beckham event. The crowd was a mix of fashion enthusiasts, photographers, and curious onlookers like myself. For a moment, I stood watching the spectacle, feeling distinctly like an outsider—not just to the fashion world, but to Paris itself.

Maybe that's another reason my restlessness kicked in. Paris is transforming into something else for the next week, something I'm not particularly drawn to. The city will be busier, more expensive, more focused on an industry I have little connection to.

Or maybe I'm just rationalizing my decision. The truth is simpler: I've been here five days, and that's about my limit before needing a change of scenery.

Tonight's plans

With my decision made and my train booked, I feel a weight lifted. Tonight, I'll walk to a small restaurant I spotted yesterday near Rue Mouffetard. I'll have a final Parisian dinner, perhaps strike up a conversation with whoever's at the next table. Then I'll return to pack properly and get a good night's sleep.

Tomorrow begins a new chapter. Lyon, with its rivers and cuisine and unknown adventures, awaits.

Day 31 of 500. The journey continues.

PS: I just realized I'll be exactly 1/16th of the way through my journey tomorrow. 31.25 days is 1/16th of 500. Not that I'm counting or anything...