Paris France 2 Day Itinerary

Paris, France: A Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning:

  • Start your day with a croissant and café au lait at a traditional bakery like Pain et Chocolat or Du Pain et des Idées.
  • Head to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You can either take an elevator ride to the top, or if you’re feeling adventurous, climb the stairs.
  • From the Eiffel Tower, take a leisurely stroll along the Seine River towards the Louvre Museum (approximately 20 minutes walk). Note that it opens at 9:00 AM and remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

Afternoon:

  • Spend the afternoon exploring the Louvre. Don’t miss the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
  • Grab a quick lunch at Café Marly, which offers a stunning view of the Pyramid of the Louvre.
  • After lunch, visit the Palais-Royal and its beautiful gardens.

Evening:

  • Head to the charming district of Le Marais. This area is known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and historic architecture. Have dinner at Bistrot Paul Bert, a classic Parisian bistro.
  • End your day with a walk along the cobblestone streets of Le Marais or a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral (if it’s open).

Day 2:

Morning:

  • Start your day with breakfast at Berthillon, a famous ice cream and sorbet shop on the Ile Saint-Louis, or grab a croissant from Du Pain et des Idées.
  • Visit Sainte-Chapelle, a stunning Gothic chapel known for its magnificent stained glass.
  • Take a scenic river cruise along the Seine (approx. 1 hour). This is a great way to see many of Paris’s most famous landmarks from a different perspective.

Afternoon:

  • After the cruise, head to Montmartre. Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and enjoy the panoramic view of Paris from its highest point.
  • Explore the artistic and bohemian atmosphere of Montmartre, including the Place du Tertre and the vibrant streets around it.
  • Grab lunch at a local bistro like Le Verre Volé or La Bellevilloise.

Evening:

  • In the evening, visit the Champs-Élysées. Stroll down this iconic avenue and end your day with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe or a show at the Moulin Rouge.
  • For dinner, try out Le Comptoir du Relais in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, known for its classic French cuisine.

Things to Know:

  • Paris is known as the City of Light. Many monuments and buildings are illuminated at night, making for beautiful evening strolls.
  • The Paris metro system is extensive and relatively easy to navigate. Consider getting a Navigo pass for unlimited travel within zones 1-5.
  • French people generally eat dinner late (usually around 8:00 PM). Restaurants may not serve lunch after 3:00 PM, so plan accordingly.
  • Tips are included in most bills, but it’s customary to round up or leave a few extra euros for exceptional service.

Enjoy your trip to Paris!