Established as a leading capital of culture and fashion, France’s capital offers something for every traveler: history, art, food, romance and culture at every corner. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or not, the odds are you’ll only experience a fraction of what the city has to offer. Here are my suggestions on how to make the most out of Paris in a weekend:
Day 1: Saturday
Bienvenue à Paris! Drop off your luggage at your accommodation, grab a croissant avec du cafe (croissant with coffee) at a nearby boulangerie and it’s time to explore!
Start your day with the top attraction visitors look forward to: the Eiffel Tower! The earlier in the morning, the better photos you will get of the city. Ensure to buy a ticket that includes a visit to the Summit, as that is the place that has the highest view. Gustave Eiffel’s small apartment can be seen at the Summit. He had built that apartment to host prestigious guests during small, private receptions.
After returning to land, board a one-hour Seine River Cruise aboard Bateaux Parisiens to take in the charm of Paris. The boat comes with audioguide commentary so you can admire the iconic sights and also the stories behind them.
After disembarking, head to the Montmartre neighbourhood, where the famous Sacré-Coeur Basilica is located. Have lunch in one of the many cafes or bistros. This area is famous for the 2001 movie Amélie, and will make you feel immersed in Parisian life.
Recommended restaurants in the Montmarte neighbourhood:
After lunch, visit the famous Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, this Roman Catholic church is the most visited in Paris, and used to be a sacred pagan site. If you’re up for some cardio, climb the 230 steps of the cathedral for a 360-degree view of Paris! Across from the basilica, romantics can put a lock on the ‘Mur des je t’aime’, directly overlooking the city.
If you’re not drained yet, here are my suggestions:
- Sightseeing buffs: use the rest of the day to walk along the Seine River to appreciate the views of Paris, most of which can be seen from the many bridges crossing the river. Ensure to cross the famous Pont Alexandre III, regarded as the most ornate and extravagant bridge in the city. Ensure to also visit the Place de la Concorde with its monumental fountains, famous for having been an execution site during the French Revolution. its two monumental fountains showcasing the area
- Shopping Buffs: don’t miss the opportunity to shop the many high-end French and worldwide brands along the Champs Elysees, the most famous shopping street in the city.
Walking along the Seine River and/or the Champs Elysees, you’re never far from a nice dinner at an authentic French restaurant.
Teo’s travel tip: Do not miss the opportunity to try an Escargot! Often served as an appetizer, the locals consider them a delicacy. The idea of eating snails may be not appealing for many travelers, and when you look at them, you may feel like refusing. Whatever it takes, just eat one and you will realize that they’re actually “satisfying”!
Day 2: Sunday
Use this day to explore some of the city’s top museums. Start your day with a visit to the world-famous Louvre. You’re probably thinking you won’t have enough time to visit this museum, and you’re right! To make the most out of it in 3 hours or less, plan ahead what exhibits you would like to visit based on your interests, and ensure to not miss the famous Mona Lisa Painting. Buy tickets ahead of time and you will skip the line!
If you’re up for more history, choose at least one more museum to visit, depending on your interest:
- History of France: visit the Cluny Museum, known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages of France. Lovers of historic Gothic architecture will enjoy this museum, housed in a former hotel building still standing from the late 14th century.
- History of Paris: visit the Carnavalet Museum, which showcases Renaissance architecture in Paris, and the city’s history from its origins to present, including collections from the Roman and Medieval eras, along with mementos of the French Revolution
- War History: There is no shortage of war history museums in Paris. The best one would be the Musee de la Liberation, showcasing the liberation of Paris during WWII. Alternatively, descend to the famous Catacombs, installed in the tunnels of former 18th century quarries to showcase the legends of the past. Ensure to book tickets in advance for the Catacombs, as spots fill up fast.
To complete your experience of Paris in 48 hours, get up close with French culture at one of the many evening shows in this city! Two of the top shows include:
- The exotic Lido de Paris cabaret and burlesque show together with an authentic dinner.
- Moulin Rouge, the emblematic Parisian cabaret.
Getting to Paris
Paris is as easy to get to, as it is to leave. The city benefits from two airports – Paris Charles de Gaulle, served by flights from around the world, and Paris-Orly which is served mostly by intra-Europe flights. The airports connect the capital to a vast array of destinations around France as well as the rest of Europe.
Getting from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris:
- RER Trains serve the airport in conjunction with ADP shuttles. Line B runs from Terminal 1 and from the TGV station at Terminal 2 to Gare du Nord. The train stops along the way at Chatelet-les-Halles, St. Michel, Luxembourg and Port Royal, which connect travelers to the Metro. Travel time between the airport and Gare du Nord is about 25 minutes.
- Local buses 350 and 351 run between the airport and central Paris
- The Roissybus serves all 3 terminals and runs to Place de l’Opera, connecting travelers to the Paris metro. Travel time is 45-60 minutes.
- The “Noctilien” (night service) runs between 01:30-04:30, with 3 routes connecting the airport to a variety of places in Paris
Paris also benefits by having six railway stations, all serving trains from a variety of destinations around France and the rest of Europe. Gare du Lyon welcomes trains from Italy, Switzerland and many destinations across France. Gare du Nord welcomes the Eurostar train from London, as well as Thalys trains from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. And if you’ll be arriving on the TGV from other parts of France, you will most likely arrive at Gare du Lyon or Gare Montparnasse
Getting Around Paris
You are never far away from a metro station! The city benefits from a very efficient metro service, similar to the metro of New York. Alternatively, enjoy the city by renting a bicycle, or simply walking along the banks of the Seine River. The options for getting around the city are numerous!