The French capital is a dream destination for many travellers. With its charming streets and renowned attractions, Paris had long been high on my bucket list. To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together this guide on how to spend a weekend exploring the City of Love.
While Paris is undeniably beautiful and deserves a spot on everyone’s travel list, it’s important to note that some areas can be quite dirty, and there is a significant presence of homelessness. Walking through certain neighbourhoods, we encountered sights that were a bit shocking. Despite this, the city’s charm and iconic landmarks make it worth visiting.
Paris Neighbourhoods Overview
Paris is divided into 20 distinct arrondissements, each with its own unique charm. The 1st and 2nd Arrondissements are the heart of Paris, featuring landmarks like the Louvre Museum. The 4th is home to Notre-Dame, while the 5th and 6th are known for their historical and literary allure. The 7th features the Eiffel Tower, while the 8th boasts the Champs-Elysees. The 9th is lively with the Opera Garnier, and the 18th is famous for Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur.
How to Get There
Paris is well connected to many cities around the world, making it easy to reach. Most international flights arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport, located about 25 kilometres from the city centre. From the airport, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or the train directly into the heart of Paris. Orly Airport is another option, situated closer to the city centre, mainly handling flights within Europe. The train is also a great option if you’re coming from London or other European cities, arriving directly at Gare du Nord in the heart of Paris.
To find the best travel route for you, check out Omio for convenient options and deals on trains, buses, and flights.
When to Visit
Paris is a city you can visit year round, but the best time to go depends on what you’re looking for. Spring, April to June is ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The city also comes alive with blooming flowers. Summer, July to August brings warm weather and vibrant street life, but is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Autumn, September to October adds a warm hue to the city’s parks and streets with its stunning golden leaves. Winter, December to February is the off season, with fewer tourists and the chance to see Paris covered in festive holiday lights. It’s the perfect time to cosy up with a hot chocolate in a charming cafe.
How to Get Around
The Metro is the quickest way to navigate the city, with a huge network that covers all major attractions. Day passes are also available for the Metro, allowing you to hop on and off multiple times, which is cheaper than buying individual tickets.
Buses and trams are also great options for seeing the sights. Taxis and Ubers are widely available, but be mindful of traffic, especially during peak hours. For a more leisurely experience, consider walking or renting a bicycle to explore Paris at your own pace.
As we stayed quite central to all the main attractions we wanted to see, and found it easy to walk or use Ubers for spots that were a bit further away.
Where to stay
For a touch of Parisian elegance, Hotel Chateau Frontenac is an ideal choice. This charming hotel offers a blend of classic Parisian style and modern comfort and is just 250 metres from Avenue des Champs-Elysees.
We stayed in the ‘Privilege’ room, which provided stunning views of the surrounding historic Parisian buildings and the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Day 1
Morning: Begin your weekend with breakfast at Sunday in Soho. Hidden away in a charming corner of Paris, this cafe is the perfect spot to start your day with breakfast and a cup of coffee. The banana bread was delicious!
After breakfast, head to Montmartre, spend your morning wandering around the cobblestone streets and soaking in the artistic heritage. Be sure to visit the beautiful Sacre-Coeur Basilica, which is open daily from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. From its steps, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city or by climbing the almost 300 steps leading up to the dome. Just a short walk away is the Carrousel de Saint-Pierre, a vintage carousel that makes for a great photo spot. Continue walking to La Maison Rose, a picturesque pink house that has become an iconic location for photos.
I love exploring by wandering around and soaking in the atmosphere at my own pace. However, if you prefer a more structured experience, there are plenty of guided tours available to help you make the most of your visit.
Lunch: For lunch, head to Pink Mamma, a four story Italian restaurant known for its beautiful interior, delicious dishes, and charming decor adorned with plants and vintage details.
Afternoon: After lunch, head back to your room to freshen up before visiting Trocadero Gardens. From this prime vantage point, you can enjoy stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. If you have time, take a walk around the nearby streets. You’ll find plenty of charming spots with great views of the Eiffel Tower framed by classic Parisian architecture.
Evening: As the sun begins to set, head to the Seine River for a river cruise. There’s nothing quite like seeing Paris from the water, especially at sunset.
Day 2
Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Cafe Marly, located in the courtyard of the Louvre Museum. Enjoy a croissant and coffee while taking in the views of the iconic glass pyramid. This spot is incredibly popular, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
After breakfast, head to the Louvre Museum. Explore its many galleries and admire the stunning architecture. As one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, it houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa. Be sure to purchase your timed entry tickets in advance to avoid waiting in long lines.
After the Louvre, make your way to Notre-Dame. Although the interior is still closed due to the devastating fire in 2019, the exterior remains an architectural marvel. Take some time to walk around the cathedral and appreciate its Gothic details. During our visit, a storm was brewing, which added to the cathedral’s eerie vibe.
Lunch: Grab a quick bite at one of the many cafés nearby before heading to your next adventure.
Afternoon: Next, delve into the darker side of Paris with a visit to the Catacombs. Descend into the underground tunnels where the remains of over six million people lie. This haunting experience offers a unique perspective on Paris’s history and is a must see for those intrigued by the city’s hidden depths. We unfortunately missed out on this as we didn’t book in advance, so I suggest booking this tour early.
In the late afternoon, make your way to the Champs-Elysees, one of the most famous avenues in the world. Start at the Arc de Triomphe, a monumental arch that stands at the top of the avenue. You can purchase tickets to climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
After taking in the view from the top, walk down the Champs-Elysees. Here you will find luxury shops and boutiques along the street. If you’re visiting on a Sunday when the avenue is closed to traffic, so you will have the added bonus of a leisurely, car free walk.
Evening: No trip to Paris would be complete without watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle. Make your way back to this iconic landmark in the late afternoon. Find a spot on the lawn to have a picnic dinner and watch the Eiffel Tower light up. It’s the perfect ending to a weekend in Paris.
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