A visit to Europe often means a lot of flights and busy days where you try to see as much as possible before you jet off to another country or city. If this sounds like your upcoming trip, and you’ve planned a few days in Paris (lovely!) we’ve put together a whirlwind weekend itinerary that should tick off all the boxes and more…
Arriving Friday Evening
Once you’ve made your way from the train or airport to your Parisian pied à terre, we recommend getting a first-class view of the “City of Light”, and a delicious dinner, in the famous Montmartre district.
Get off at the Abbesses metro and walk up the winding cobbled streets for breathtaking sights over the city. Feed your eyes, then satisfy your stomach at one of the numerous restaurants on the nearby rue Lepic. We love the picturesque Le Moulin de la Galette or, for a more budget-friendly option, the unforgettably-named Un Zebre a Montmartre.
Saturday Sights
If the weather is as frisky as it is now, it’s a good idea to bring a thermos of hot tea or coffee. Don’t forget your scarf and gloves either, as we’re advising you to go on a Batobus tour around the river Seine. The advantage of the Batobus is that it is a hop-on-hop-off service. Our ideal route is:
1. Start at the Jardin des Plantes, where there are always fewer tourists. Stop at the Hôtel de Ville and walk up to the Pompidou Center. Have lunch at the top or grab a baguette or crêpe from the neighboring rue Rambuteau.
2. Head back to the boat and float on down to the Louvre. Hop off and take photos, then wander through the Tuileries down to Place de la Condorde, where you can jump back on the Batobus.
3. Time it right, and you’ll cruise past the Eiffel Tower around sunset. Time it really right, and she’ll be sparkling in all her glory (on the hour for five minutes from sundown) Pass the Musée d’Orsay and get off for dinner in Saint Germain des Près’ charming art gallery district.
Sunday Adventure
Wake up, send someone out to pick up coffee and pastries, then make your way over to our office for a bike tour with Fat Tire Tours! Sundays have fewer cars on the roads, and Parisians are more relaxed. Alternatively, before your tour, you could check out one of Paris’ mouth-watering markets and pick up some food for lunch.
Afterwards, have a stroll and a sit down along the newly-renovated riverbanks, Les Berges. You can also have lunch at one of the numerous eateries located on the Seine. When you reach Invalides, cross the Alexandre III bridge and make your way up the famous Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Have a coffee in one of the chic cafes on any of the avenues that lead off the arch, then treat yourselves to a taxi back to the hotel/apartment for a well-deserved rest.
This has just been a tiny taster of Paris, so come back again soon and we’ll give you our itinerary n°2!
