Parisian Nights, Stadium Lights: A Stylish City Adventure

As usual, my trip began with a last-minute packing job - but this time, it felt different.

Normally, I’d just sling everything into a bag and hope for the best, inevitably sacrificing something important. But the Lisbon Weekender's capacity exceeded my initial expectations. With plenty of room, I was able to pack my blazer and an extra shirt with ease.

As my friend Alex slotted something into my bag - unable to squeeze it into his own - I started organising my own essentials in The London Sling Bag. It was a new experience for me and i’d never really considered one before. My friend had a nice one, but they just weren’t my kind of thing. That changed the moment I tried it on.

Adjusting to its functionality, I started to see the appeal. My passport had its own secure spot, my key clipped into place, and my phone within easy reach. It felt refreshing, to be honest. For once, i’d packed smarter - and, maybe, even accessorised better.

It was a cold but bright January afternoon. Standing on the platform at Deansgate Station, the skyline of Manchester’s tall apartments surrounded me. The train was on time. Lisbon Weekender in hand, Sling Bag secure.

As I reached into my jeans pcket for my phone, a moment of panic hit - until I remembered its new secure home, resting by my chest.

After gliding effortlessly through security, I enjoyed a pint with friends in the departure lounge, before strategically slotting the Sling Bag under my hoodie as we prepared to board - avoiding detection of an extra bag.

Excited, I settled in for the short flight, with the Lisbon compactly fitted beneath the seat in front, ready for whatever the next 72 hours had in store.

Emerging purposefully from customs at Charles de Gaulle Airport, it was time to explore Paris.

Letting the city lead the way, we smoothly navigated the metro. Pausing for a drink along the climb to Sacré-Coeur before reaching a stunning panoramic view of the city.

Embracing the culture, I sampled escargots for the first time then visited the Eiffel Tower. The notorious pickpockets? No concern. With my essentials secure, checking maps or capturing photos became routine.

Later, we discovered a few great spots near our hotel. Chatting with locals and rugby fans late into the early hours - Northampton Saints supporters seemed to have taken over Paris.

Paris in winter? Cold.

The Rugby result? Not great.

At least my Sling Bag looked good.

By the time I got back from the bar, the Northampton Saints were 20 points up. But Stade Français fought back and won comfortably.

Their home ground, Stade Jean-Bouin, was modern and compact. The atmosphere was buzzing with a sea of pink as their fans celebrated.

Spirits soon lifted when we hit the bars in Saint-Germain-des-Prés - a mix of old-school Parisian charm and lively energy.

We ended up on Rue Princesse, a narrow street lined with bars, overflowing with people drinking outside.

At some point in the night, we even bumped into a few of the Saints players. Queueing for shots at the bar, me and my friends burnt their ears off with nonsense, before snapping a few pictures.

After a coffee and a croissant on the balcony the next morning, we watched the market below come to life. Then we wandered through it - locals stocking up on fresh groceries, the scent of roasting rotisserie chicken filling the crisp, cold air. A peaceful contrast to the night before.

Next stop: Parc des Princes for PSG vs. Saint-Étienne. My Sling Bag smoothly passed security inspection with only one compartment checked, seemingly more interested by the design than its contents.

The match itself was amazing. The pre-game light show set the tone, while the PSG ultras in the Auteuil stand unveiled an impressive tifo.

But the Saint-Étienne away fans, positioned near us, left the biggest impression. After years of boycotts and bans from this fixture, they returned in force. Led by their passionate capo, orchestrating chants and flares with precision. Intimidating, yet fascinating.

Another iconic stadium ticked off my list.

En route back to the airport - slightly hungover, croque monsieur in hand - we made one last stop to take in the chaos of traffic swirling around the Arc de Triomphe.

Strolling down the Champs-Élysées, the Lisbon Weekender felt right at home in its stylish surroundings.

Final thoughts. Paris was incredible.

The food? Unreal. The locals? Great fun. And my French? Not too bad.

The Lisbon Weekender absolutely delivered—I’m already looking forward to its next outing.

As for the London Sling Bag? Well, put it this way - I wear it to the shops, even when I’ve got nothing to carry.