A Day in Paris: Cigars, Friends, and Unforgettable Moments

There’s something special about Paris in autumn. The early morning chill, the city slowly waking up, and the promise of good cigars and great company. That was the setting for my most recent adventure—a whirlwind day trip to the French capital that started before the sun even rose.

My journey began at 5:50 am with a quick drive to the train station. From there, I hopped on a 30-minute train to Waterloo, followed by the Tube to St Pancras International. Despite the early hour, the anticipation of the day ahead kept me energised. By 8:15 am, I was aboard the Eurostar, speeding through the French countryside and arriving in Paris in just over three hours.

Paris greeted me with perfect weather—around 20°C and plenty of sunshine. The first stop on my agenda was to meet up with some old friends near the Louvre Museum. There’s something timeless about catching up with people in such a historic setting; the grandeur of the Louvre only added to the sense of occasion. After a leisurely coffee and some reminiscing, it was time to set off on my true mission: to explore Paris’s cigar scene.

The first shop I visited was a hidden gem. From the outside, it looked like your typical tobacconist, but inside, it was a treasure trove for cigar aficionados. The selection leaned heavily towards New World cigars—brands from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras dominated the humidor. The Cuban selection, though limited, was curated with care. What struck me most about this shop was not just the cigars but the incredible array of cigar accessories on display. From S.T. Dupont lighters to Les Fines Lames cigar knives, the store was a haven for anyone who appreciates the finer details of cigar culture.

I had two boxes of La Gloria Cubana Podium Edición Regional Francia waiting for me, which I was eager to collect. As a gesture of thanks to the staff who had gone out of their way to reserve these for me, I gifted them some of my own La Gloria Cubana Regionals—the Via Balcanica Edición Regional Bulgaria and the Medaille d'Or Especial Edición Regional Belux. It’s a small way of saying thank you, but in the cigar world, such gestures go a long way in building lasting relationships. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, embodying the true spirit of the cigar lifestyle—where hospitality, generosity, and camaraderie reign supreme.

Instead of taking an Uber to the next shop, I decided to walk and soak in the beauty of Paris. The city was buzzing with life, and as I wandered the streets, I felt a deep appreciation for the fusion of old-world charm and modern vibrancy that Paris offers. My next stop was another well-established cigar shop. Much like the first, this one had an impressive selection of New World cigars, but again, the Cuban options were sparse. It didn’t bother me too much, though, as my main goal for the day was to build relationships rather than just acquire cigars.

Shop number three had a similar story—a diverse New World collection but limited Cuban stock. Still, each shop had its own unique atmosphere, and I enjoyed meeting the staff, exchanging stories, and learning more about their businesses. These personal connections are the true heart of the cigar lifestyle. It’s not just about the cigars themselves but the people you meet, the conversations you have, and the shared passion that brings us all together.

By the time I reached my final destination for the day, I had walked for miles, revisiting some of my favourite spots along the way. The Louvre, the monument to Napoleon Bonaparte, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and of course, the Eiffel Tower—they never fail to take my breath away. Paris is a city that invites you to wander, to lose yourself in its streets and let the magic of the place wash over you.

As the afternoon sun began to fade, I made my way back to Gare du Nord, where a slight hiccup awaited me—I missed my train. While frustrating, it didn’t dampen my spirits. After all, these things happen when you’re caught up in the adventure of the day. I simply boarded the next train and reflected on what had been a truly rewarding experience.

In the end, my day in Paris wasn’t just about cigars; it was about the people I met, the relationships I strengthened, and the beauty of a city that always leaves me wanting more. The shop owners I encountered were the epitome of class and sophistication, embodying the gentlemanly ethos that defines the cigar lifestyle. Their welcoming nature and dedication to their craft were a reminder that, no matter where you go, the cigar community is always full of wonderful people ready to share their passion.

Coprova, the exclusive distributor for Habanos S.A. in France, should be proud to have such dedicated partners representing the brand. I left Paris with not just cigars, but a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I had made meaningful connections that would last long after my visit.

As always, I’ll continue to share more of my adventures across Europe, with new stories from my travels coming soon. If you’re enjoying my blog and want to be part of a growing community of cigar enthusiasts, feel free to join my Telegram group. Until then, here’s to the next adventure—and to savouring every moment along the way.