There is nothing more spellbinding than the streets of Paris with its decadent and opulent architecture around each corner, and charming corner cafés filled with chicly dressed café-goers enjoying a café noir with a fresh croissant. Paris, the city of lights, the city of love! Who wouldn’t want to visit?
Strolling through the streets, I can imagine being transported to the roaring 20s, with the music and art scene at its height. Yes, like the movie ‘Midnight in Paris’. When the movie was released, I remember telling my friend that this is how I imagined Paris, being transported back in time, into a mirage world of my imagination and history. Hence, I have always been fascinated by Paris, and having only 3 days to spend in this iconic city, you can bet that I will make the most of it.
Thus in this post, I share with you my ideal one day fully packed itinerary with our top 10 most iconic places to see in Paris, sure to please any art & history enthusiast. Tried and tested, and loved it!
A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life.” – Thomas Jefferson
Also see > Montmartre Paris – Self guided Walking Tour
Exploring the Iconic Sites
Morning at the Louvre
Before the days exploration commences, start the morning early with a coffee and fresh pastry at a street cafe or splurge a bit at Le Café Marly in an open-aired arch passageway with a view of the Louvre pyramid opening at 8 am.
Head over to the Louvre, which opens at 9 am. Having been twice, I spent about 4-5 hours each time, and believe me; I only saw the tip of the iceberg. Don’t think I could do more than that as I was already tired after four hours.
For a break, depending on which side of the Louvre you find yourself, you can either enjoy the slightly pricier, Angelina Paris Musée du Louvre or the Café Mollien (closest to the Mona Lisa). Bonus Café Mollien has an outdoor area with a somewhat elevated view of the Louvre Pyramid.
*During summer you might want to visit the Louvre in the afternoon to escape the heat. I made use of the floor air vents like Marylin Monroe to cool down. Hey, it worked.
Interesting Fact:
Apparently, it will take you 100 days with no sleep or breaks, with about 30 sec spent at each piece in the Louvre to see all of its 338 000 pieces.
Tips:
Suggest selecting an area of interest or part of the Louvre and enjoy that, you will not be able to see all, remember my Louvre fact.
The Louvre is closed on Tuesday.
Look at buying a Paris museum pass which can save you a bit of money and time.
Make sure to book your table at Le Café Marly.
| Opening hours: 9 am-6 pm | Cost: starting at €17.00 |
Lunch around Tuileries Garden
Either stop at the Franprix at 165 Rue St Honoré to buy a few items and set up a picnic in Tuileries Garden. I love sitting around the fountain at Tuileries Garden, it is so relaxing. Or look out for set lunch specials around the area. They usually are cheaper, and you can get some good deals. Another option is to grab a take-away at Paul.
Tips: Use a site like TheFork to find restaurants nearby, make reservations, and see who offers deals from % off to specials. To fit in all the days itinerary try to fit lunch in at about 1-2:30 pm (even earlier in winter)
Want to follow in the footstep of Van Gogh or Picasso?
We did a self guided walking tour around Montmartre.
Read here to discover all the little hidden gems you probably didn’t know of.
Afternoon walk around Paris
Grand Palais and Petit Palais
After lunch make your way (+-25min) up to Ave Des Champs-Elysees and turn left in Ave Winston Churchill past the impressive monuments Grand Palais and Petit Palais, constructed out of stone, steel and glass. The most spectacular candelabra and the buildings speak of the once opulent Art-nouveau scene in Paris. Petit Palais is home to the Fine Art Museum.
After you passed by the Palais you will see the most popular and elegant bridge over the River Seine, Pont Alexandre III. Time for some Vogue poses!
Esplanade des Invalides
From the bridge, walk (20+-min) through Esplanade des Invalides, a favourite spot for late afternoon picnics. Turn right down Rue Saint-Dominique towards Lavirotte Building, with its famous and unusual Art-Nouveau door at 29 Av. Rapp. It is absolutely fascinating, have you ever seen anything like it?
Interesting Facts:
- If you have been to Ho Chi Min City in Vietnam, you most probably saw the Saigon Opera house, well it and the Petit Palais was designed by Charles Girault.
- Les Invalides was commissioned as a hospital and nursing or retirement home for soldiers and French war veterans.
- You can view the tomb of Emperor Napoléon under the golden dome.
- The Lavish Lavirotte Building is one of the best-preserved Art-Nouveau buildings left in Paris, designed by Jules Aimé Lavirotte.
Tip:
Keep an eye on the time, it is easy to lose track of it here when you start tacking photos. Try to reach the Eiffel Tower by 3-3:30 pm as they close at 5:30 pm (that is if you planned to go up the tower).
I ought to be jealous of the tower. She is more famous than I am.”
Late afternoon around the Eiffel tower
Make your way (+-15min) to the Eiffel tower through Champ de Mars. Probably the most memorable experience would be to head to the top of the Eiffel tower. You can either climb the stair or pay extra to take the elevator. Remember to book your tickets way in advance; they can be sold out for quite a few months. Prices vary depending on various aspects, from age to if you are using the stairs or elevator.
| Opening hours: 9:30am-5:30pm | Cost: starting at €10.50 – 26.10 for an adult |
After you visit the Eiffel Tower, walk towards Palais de Chaillot, this area is perfect for photos with the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars in the background. The park area has many benches, an ideal spot to enjoy a crepe while admiring Paris’ iconic landmark.
Interesting Facts:
Two things you probably did not know about the Eiffel Tower
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- firstly it was only meant to be a temporary structure of 20 years
- secondly, Gustave Eiffel built a small apartment on the third level, and no one has ever stayed there except him.
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Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées & Ladurée
Make your way over to the massive Arc de Triomphe to get a panoramic view of the city. But on route, make sure to pass by Ladurée on Ave Des Champs-Elysées, the birthplace of the macaroon. Well, not this particular shop, the original Ladurée bakery was first established in 1862 at 16 rue Royale, and it is still there (closer to Tuileries Garden). Be warned you might stand in a queue, so to spare some time, you can use their ‘click and collect’ function on their website or book a table if you are not taking it away. For me, it was worth the wait; I couldn’t get enough macaroons.
Address: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées
Finally, head up to the Arc de Triomphe’s viewing deck, book your tickets ahead of time to avoid queues. At the top, you will be greeted by the breathtaking cityscape; during sunset, or if the sun has already set you will see why Paris is called the city of lights.
| Opening hours: 10am-10:30pm | Cost: €13.00 |
Interesting Fact:
There are 284 steps to reach the top (elevator for those with disabilities).
Tip:
To reach the Arc de Triomphe, do not cross the busy road; use the underground/subway tunnel.
Dinner
What better way than to end the night at a French restaurant sipping on a glass of French wine? Count me in!
So what is the top 10 places to see in Paris, here is the list:
- The Louvre
- Tuileries Garden
- Grand Palais & Petit Palais
- Pont Alexandre III
- Esplanade des Invalides
- Lavirotte Building
- Champ de Mars
- Eiffel tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Ave Des Champs-Elysées
Bonus: Ladurée and Palais de Chaillot
It is a jammed packed day visiting the top 10 places to see in Paris, with a few bonus stops along the way. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did, even with all the walking. Just make sure to have comfortable walking shoes, mine are from Eden Leather & Co in South Africa, my all time favourite travelling shoes during spring and summer.
Don’t rush too much, take in the beauty of the city and enjoy its incredible food.
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Till next time!
xxx
Tour Tip: 1.)comfortable shoes 2.)take care of your bag, and be aware that there are pickpockets around. 3.)if it is summer ensure you have sun protection like a hat (and of course sunscreen, but that you need no matter summer or not). And keep hydrated
To set the mood:
Music to listen too:
- Moulin Rouge – Juliette Gréco
- Can can- czech National symphony Orchestra
- Ça, c’est Paris! – Mistinguett
- Il m’a vue nue – Mistinguett
- On m’suit -Mistinguett
- C’est Toujours La Même Histoire – Edith Piaf
- Y’a Pas de Printemps – Edith Piaf
Disclaimer: Comments and thoughts are my own. Always check relevant websites before you visit, to make sure you have the right information, regarding times, your tickets, and other requirements.
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