HANDY TIPS FOR PARIS!
Paris is known as one of the most romantic cities in the world and is no doubt on many people’s bucket lists!
There are so many wonderful places to visit in Paris and plenty to do for any type of traveller, whether you have 4 days or only 2 days in Paris.
The capital of France is well renowned for its beauty, food, and fashion. A dream destination for many, with a long list of must-see Paris attractions and sites.
We have put together the ultimate 4 days Paris itinerary, from which you can go ahead and choose what’s most interesting for you if you do have less time out there.
WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS?
The best area to stay in Paris is in the central part.
There are plenty of hotels around the Champs-Élysées, the most famous avenue n Paris, or perhaps look at the hotels around the beautiful Saint Germain des Pres (in the 6th arrondissement) or near the Latin Quarter, which is not only historic but more affordable (in the 5th arrondissement). Alternatively, if you would rather have a great view, you may want to look at the hotels in Paris with views of the Eiffel Tower!
DAY 1: Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Paris
Either book a walking tour or download an offline map.
This 2-3 hour walk is great to get a general vibe of the city, perhaps for the day, you arrive in Paris.
Amble slowly through the streets of the historic Latin Quarter.
Walk over the Seine on the Pont St. Michel Bridge on Ile de la Cité
Walk by Sainte-Chapelle– This Gothic monument was built by King Saint-Louis, in 1248, for his collection of religious artifacts. The stunning paned glass depicts 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Stroll further along the Seine, and get as close as you can to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Marvel at this amazing 12th Century church …it’s one of our favourite places to go!
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the devastating fire in April 2019, Notre Dame will be closed for at least 5 years.
If you can, check out Point Zero– this bronze plaque set in the cobblestones in front of Notre Dame marks the center of Paris. This is the place from which all distances in France are measured!
DAY 2: Top Must-See Places To Visit In Paris!
PARIS MUSEUMS
Louvre
Considered to be one of the world’s greatest art museums, the highlight is Leonardo da Vinci’s, Mona Lisa. This museum is enormous and packed with people, my advice is to come on a Wednesday or Friday night when it is open until 10:00 pm. Plenty of entertainment by street performers before or after your visit.
NB: Avoid waiting in line by buying your tickets online. Free entrance on the first Sunday of the month.
Musee d’Orsay
French art dating from 1848 to 1914- including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography with the largest collection of impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world, by painters including Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh
For fewer crowds, go on Thursday nights when they are open until 9:45 pm.
Buy tickets online and print them.
Free entrance on the first Sunday of the month.
Army Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb
This is one of the largest military history and art collections in the world, with over 500,000 pieces, including the armor and weapons of the kings of France. The 100m high Dome church holds the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Again, another popular visitor destination!
DAY 3: Visit one of the famous shopping areas in Paris
Champs Elysee for a leisurely stroll
Rue Du Commerce for popular brands, small boutiques, and lots of charm- near the Eiffel Tower
Boulevard St. Germain for fashionable boutiques and home decor
Triangle D’Or for Haute Couture, as high end as it gets- across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower
Rue Saint Dominique and Rue de Grenelle and Rue Cler for charming boutiques and cafes
Rue De Rivoli– big brand names, street vendors, etc. Runs parallel to the Seine near the Louvre
Le Halles– Enjoy some shopping underground while in Paris
OR
Why not take a bike tour of Paris?
Click here to book a fun bike tour in Paris
This tour is the ultimate introduction to Paris! The bikes are easy to ride, they keep the groups small, and the guides are knowledgeable
Here’s an example of a 4-hour bike tour itinerary:
Notre Dame Cathedral, Love Lock Bridge, Musée d’Orsay, the River Seine, Pont Alexandre III Bridge, Hotel des Invalides (learn about the most famous general France ever had, Napoleon Bonaparte), stop at the market street named Rue Cler for a snack break.
Continue on to the Eiffel Tower, Grand, and Petit Palais buildings, and the famous Champs-Elysées Avenue with a stop to hear the history of the guillotine and Marie-Antoinette at Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Gardens, and finish riding to the majestic Louvre Museum.
Day 4: EIFFEL TOWER
Start out your day with a croissant and coffee from any of the amazing boulangeries!
You could also pick up some fresh food for a picnic before heading off to join the long queues waiting to see the Eiffel Tour!
The global cultural icon of France, this tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world.. as no doubt you will see!
If you would really like to go up to the top and enjoy seeing the spectacular views, we would recommend coming back and going very late at night (the last entry is midnight in the summer, at 11 pm for the top) or booking a skip-the-line tour.
Click here to book your Eiffel Tour and skip the line!
If the weather is good, enjoy that picnic in the park close to the tower, and sit back and enjoy the views of this historic majestic iron structure.
Afterward, why not take a walk along the Seine and visit Luxembourg Gardens or Jardin du Luxembourg?
These beautiful gardens cover 25 hectares of land and are split into French gardens and English gardens complete with many statues, fountains, and ponds.
There are also many outdoor activities that both adults and kids can enjoy, including, chess, tennis, bridge, and even remote control boats.
SACRE COUER
SACRE COUER is a Roman Catholic church located at the summit of Montmartre, the highest point in the city.
This old church is beautiful and is situated in a very popular vibrant area full of artists and street performers. Be prepared to climb lots of steps!
Walk down to the Montmartre and gather a picnic around rue Lepic and rue des Abbesses. Make sure to visit an artisan Boulangerie, as this area is known to have some of the best baguettes in Paris!
On the weekend mornings, you can also visit one of the Montmartre Flea Markets
THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES
The Palace of Versailles is an 11th-century royal château in Versailles in the Île-de-France region of France. The history is fascinating and the palace is beyond opulent. Versailles is situated 10 miles from the center and is easily reachable by train, or you could even take a walking or bike tour!
As you can see there is so much to do even with 4 days there, hopefully, you can pick out what appeals to you and take it from there!
Most of all…
RELAX AND HAVE A SAFE TRIP! L xx
