Immerse yourself in a thrilling Parisian adventure with this two-day itinerary, designed to capture all of the French capital’s magic. From Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower, historic districts and gastronomic delights, every moment promises an unforgettable Paris experience!
Day 1
Here is a map to help you visualize your itinerary for the first day:
1. Montmartre (9AM – 11AM)
Start your day with a visit to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Climb the steps for a breathtaking view of Paris.
Then lose yourself in the picturesque streets of Montmartre (rue de l’Abreuvoir, Place des Abbesses, Villa Leandre), admire the artists on Place du Tertre, and discover the famous Moulin Rouge.
Walking distance: approx. 3 km
2. Arc de Triomphe (11:30AM – 12:30PM)
Take the metro to the Arc de Triomphe (line 2 or 6) and exit at the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station. When you arrive, you’ll be impressed by the size of this emblematic monument, built to honor French soldiers.
Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid queues. Once at the top, enjoy a panoramic view of Paris. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Coeur, and the Champs-Élysées, stretching out in a straight line in front of you.
Don’t miss a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the arch, with its eternal flame rekindled every evening at 6:30pm.
Distance by metro: 3 km, Time by metro: 15 min
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
3. Lunch in the Champs-Élysées District (12:30PM – 1:30PM)
Enjoy your lunch in one of the many cafés or restaurants on this iconic avenue.
I recommend Le Fouquet’s for an exceptional gastronomic experience, or Café George V for a more casual and slightly less expensive 100% authentic French meal.
4. Champs-Elysées (1:30PM – 2:30PM)
After admiring the view from the Arc de Triomphe, head down the famous Champs-Élysées towards Place de la Concorde. This legendary avenue is often called “the most beautiful avenue in the world” and is lined with luxury boutiques, iconic cafés, and theaters.
If you like shopping, the Champs-Élysées offers a variety of stores ranging from high-fashion boutiques to major international names such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Guerlain.
Afterwards, why not extend your escapade with a stop at Ladurée to savor some of their famous macaroons?
Walking distance: approx. 2 km
5. Jardin des Tuileries (2:30PM – 3PM)
Cross the majestic Place de la Concorde into the magnificent Jardin des Tuileries, a peaceful haven in the heart of Paris created in the 16th century, and stroll towards the Musée du Louvre.
Discover the many statues scattered around the garden, including works by great artists such as Rodin, Giacometti and Maillol. These sculptures offer exceptional opportunities for the perfect photos.
If you’ve got a sailing soul or just want to have some fun, consider a trip to the little boats, an activity fun for kids.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
6. Louvre Museum (3PM – 5PM)
The Louvre is huge and you don’t have much time, but it’s perfectly possible to take a two-hour express tour of the Louvre.
Buy your tickets in advance to avoid the queues. The main entrance is located via the Louvre pyramid, but you can also use the less frequented entrances, such as the Porte des Lions. Save time where you can!
Walking distance: approx. 0.5 km
7. Notre-Dame (5:30PM – 6:30PM)
Take the metro (line 1) or walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral (website in French). This masterpiece of Gothic architecture is well worth a visit, even if it is currently being restored. Its reopening is scheduled for December 7, 2024!
Admire the architectural details of the façade, the sculptures on the portals, and the famous gargoyles. The forecourt offers an incredible view of the entire cathedral.
Admission to the cathedral is free, but security checks may be in place.
Although some sections may be inaccessible, you can still enjoy the interior architecture, stained glass windows, and beauty of the choir and side chapels.
Distance by metro: 2 km, Time by metro: 10 min.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
8. Dinner on the Seine (8PM – 10PM)
End the day with a dinner cruise on the Seine to see Paris illuminated. It’s an extraordinary experience that very few regret doing.
To find the dinner cruise that’s right for you, read my article Paris Dinner Cruise Guide: 10 Top Companies Compared.
Book in advance to guarantee your place and choose a table close to a window for an incredible view. I suggest arriving at least 30 minutes before the departure time for a stress-free boarding experience.
Total distance walked on the first day: approx. 8.5 km
Day 2
Here is a map for the second day!
1. Palais Garnier (9AM – 10PM)
Start your day by admiring the opulent architecture of the Palais Garnier, one of the world’s most famous opera theaters, and exploring the lively neighborhood.
Buy tickets in advance for a guided or self-guided tour. Guided tours offer detailed information on the history and architecture of the building.
If possible, visit the auditorium to see the ceiling painted by Marc Chagall and the famous crystal chandelier. The auditorium itself is a work of art, with its red velvet seats and gilded decor.
Explore the other sumptuous halls, such as the Salon du Glacier and the Foyer de la Danse, which are often less crowded but just as magnificent.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
2. Department Stores (10AM – 12AM)
Spend the morning shopping at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, two of Paris’ most famous department stores on Boulevard Haussmann.
Start at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, a temple of luxury shopping. Admire the magnificent Art Nouveau dome and explore the various floors dedicated to fashion, accessories, beauty and home decor.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the terrace for an exceptional panoramic view of Paris. Access is free and the view is spectacular.
Next, head to Printemps, another iconic department store. It’s also known for its fashion, beauty and luxury selections.
Printemps offers a magnificent view of Paris from its terrace. The rooftop restaurant is also the perfect spot for a coffee break.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
3. Lunch in Le Marais (12:30PM – 1:30PM)
Take the metro to Le Marais (line 1) and enjoy lunch in this historic and trendy Paris neighborhood.
A few recommendations:
- Chez Marianne (2 Rue des Hospitalières Saint-Gervais): For a local experience, try Chez Marianne (website in French), famous for its Jewish specialties like falafels and mezze plates.
- Breizh Café (109 Rue Vieille du Temple): For delicious galettes bretonnes and sweet crêpes, head to Breizh Café. Their menu offers a variety of buckwheat pancakes topped with fresh, local produce.
- Les Philosophes (28 Rue Vieille du Temple): For a Parisian bistro experience, this is a great option. This restaurant serves classic French dishes in a warm atmosphere.
Distance by metro: 2 km, Time by metro: 10 min.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
4. Le Marais (1:30PM – 2:30PM)
After lunch, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Marais, a historic and trendy district of Paris, famous for its historic streets, trendy boutiques, and medieval architecture.
Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Marais, such as Rue des Rosiers, Rue Vieille du Temple, and Rue des Francs-Bourgeois. You’ll discover unique boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafés.
Stop by Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, known for its elegant architecture and peaceful gardens.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
5. Châtelet
Then walk to Châtelet.
Enjoy a coffee break on one of the many terraces in this lively, historic district, or do a little shopping.
In this shopping district, you’ll find a variety of French and international brands, as well as boutiques specializing in music, fashion, and gadgets.
Take a trip to the Forum des Halles, a huge shopping mall featuring a wide selection of stores, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s also a good place to take a break and refresh yourself.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
6. Latin Quarter / Saint-Germain-des-Prés (4:30PM – 6:30PM)
End your day with a stroll through this bohemian neighborhood, visiting bookstores, literary cafés, and boutiques.
If you’re a reader, visit Shakespeare and Company bookshop, a landmark for lovers of English-language literature.
Take a break in one of Saint-Germain’s historic cafés, such as Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore, which is one of the many places frequented by famous writers and artists over the decades. Beware, the bill can be steep!
End your day with a stroll through the Jardins du Luxembourg, a magnificent park where you can relax by the fountains, admire the sculptures, and watch the pétanque players.
Walking distance: approx. 2 km
7. Eiffel Tower and Champs-de-Mars (7PM – 9PM)
Take the metro to the Eiffel Tower (line 4 then line 6), and spend at least two hours visiting the iconic tower, enjoying the spectacular view.
Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. You can choose to take the elevator or climb the stairs for a more sporty experience.
The Eiffel Tower is open until late evening, offering breathtaking views of Paris by day and night. Try to get there before sunset to see the city light up.
Once you’re back downstairs, watch the Eiffel Tower light show, which takes place every hour after dark for 5 minutes. The sparkling lights create a magical, romantic atmosphere not to be missed.
Distance by metro: 4 km, Time by metro: 20 min.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
Total distance walked on the second day: approx. 8 km
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
