We had heard many things about the beauty and style of this world-famous city, but we were totally unprepared for how Paris captures your heart. From the moment we left Charles de Gaulle airport and entered the city near the Arc de Triomphe, we found Paris magical and breathtaking. The majestic and stately architecture, lovely cafés and inviting bistros along with the romance and beauty that greet your eyes everywhere you look, makes Paris a stunning city.

Our France: Homestyle apartment was equally as pleasing. Located in the seventh arrondissement, we were delighted to have a close and personal view of the Eiffel Tower. My four-year-old daughter, Julia, was entranced with this tower and the first French words she learned were la Tour Eiffel (the second was chocolat chaud). Every night she would lean out the window and blow a kiss good night to her newfound friend.

The Eiffel Tower was a favorite and easy way to landmark where we were in the city. From a bridge on the Seine to the top of Le Sacré Coeur, it was a steady and familiar presence. Cautioned about the French "attitude" toward Americans and with rusty to no French language skills, we were a little tentative. We didn't need to be. Everyone we met was helpful and courteous. Staying in an apartment in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower allowed us to enjoy a more authentic Parisian experience. We soon felt part of the neighborhood and in a short time, we put claims on our favorite neighborhood places like the Rue du Clerc marketplace and a friendly boulangerie and café.

On our last night, after an excellent dinner at Sancerre -where the girls were delighted with their new dog friend Charlie, whose muzzle was the perfect height to peer at our food on the table and to occasionally indicate his approval- we spilled out into the street, enjoying the crisp spring air. Suddenly, Julia said: "Mommy look, la Tour Eiffel, it's winking at us". We looked over and indeed, the whole tower was a mass of sparking white and blue twinkling lights. Both girls just stood in the street holding our hands and gazing at this incredible sight, a magical moment where time stood still. Both girls were certain that the Eiffel tower was saying Bon voyage, we will miss you, come again soon.

A small replica of the Eiffel Tower sits in a snow globe on Julia's dresser at home. Dozens of times I have found it clutched in her hand after I have tucked her into her bed. "I just like to have it close to me like in Paris" she says in her sleepy little voice. It is a wonderful reminder of an amazing trip and we look forward to the next time we will see it in person again.