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How to make the most of your 24 hour trip to Paris
At the beginning of December I spent a long weekend in Paris, arriving Thursday evening and departing Monday afternoon. With two days in Disneyland planned, there was only one day in Paris to sightsee, meaning I had to prioritise my top attractions.
On my must see list were:
- Notre Dame
- The Louvre
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Moulin Rouge
- Champs d’Elysees
I also wanted to eat lunch in a Parisian Patisserie, and have a three course meal including traditional French food.
Happily I managed to do everything on my list thanks to a last minute change in accomodation! The hotel I originally booked was a nightmare, and so for the final night in France I relocated in order to get some much needed rest and relaxation.
Read my “What if… my hotel is horrid?” Anxiety Support post for tips on dealing with this anxiety inducing nightmare
With any short trip, the key to success is in the planning. I was lucky enough to accidently arrange my visit on the first weekend of the month, which meant everything I wanted to do was FREE!! On the first Sunday of the month, many of Paris’ museums are free to the public, and during off season, the big sights join the party!
If you are able to plan your trip to coincide with the first Sunday of the month, be sure to check out the list of free admissions here!
So without further ado, here is my guide to making the most of one day in Paris.
Getting Around
The metro in Paris is by far the quickest and easiest way to get across the city. With only one day in Paris, you don’t want to be wasting valuable time commuting from sight to sight.
The metro is simple and cheap to use. Tickets are purchased from machines which have handy language switching options, and are a flat fare of €1.90 for any single journey in zones 1-2. All the main sights are in these two zones!
If you are going to ride the metro more than four times in a day (which is very likely when trying to cram all your sightseeing into one day in Paris), then buy a day ticket. This will give you unlimited metro rides for one day, and costs just €7.50. The day pass is called a Ticket Mobilis.
For full information, and helpful images and instructions, check out Paris By Train. This website was invaluable to me during my time in Paris, and the planning beforehand.
Make sure you take time to walk a little too though. Paris is a great city to explore on foot, and if you constantly use the underground you’ll miss out on a true Parisian experience.
One Day in Paris – Suggested Route
I suggest having a hearty brunch before you begin your day in Paris. Fill up on pastries and coffee, and try to be out and about by 10:30am.
Start by taking the metro to St Michel Notre-Dame. This is a good starting point as Notre Dame is the eastern most attraction on the list.
Next hop on the metro yellow C Line one stop to Musée d’Orsay, or walk along the riverside to the Louvre.
After exploring the vastness of the Louvre, wander through the Jardin des Tuileries. If you are visiting in December as I did, there is a lovely Christmas market near the gardens. Be sure to grab a snack to sustain yourself for the rest of the afternoon!
Catch the C Line once more up to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile where you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe and the end of the Champs d’Elysees. Try to do a loop of the famed shopping street so you end up back at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. Crossing the road is perilous anyway, so walk down one side and then back up the other so you only have to do t once!
Depending on the season, it will be getting close to dark now. Which is the perfect time to head down to the Eiffel Tower. On the hour, every hour, after sunset the tower is lit up which is by far my favourite time to see it. Ride the Number 6 Line down to Champ De Mars Tour Eiffel to catch the spectacle.
One final stop to make before dinner! Take the Number 6 Line back from Champ De Mars Tour Eiffel to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. Here you need to change to the Number 2 Line, which will take you up to Blanche where you’ll find the Moulin Rouge right outside the station.
Congrats! You’ve now hit all the major Parisian sights in one day!
The Sights
Notre Dame
Notre Dame cathedral is a stunning example of gothic architecture. It really is unlike any other cathedral I have seen. The stained glass windows are dazzling, and there is so much to explore on the ground floor alone.
Entrance is €10 at full rate and includes allowing you to walk up the tower. On the first Sunday of the month from November to March however, entrance is FREE! This is true of many Paris tourist spots, and the full list can be found on the Official Paris Website here!
It can get busy, but to be honest I didn’t find the queues unreasonable. As with any major tourist spot, there are tourists! So be patient and navigate the crowds calmly. After all, everyone is there for the same reason, so just enjoy the experience.
I didn’t climb the tower myself, but it is something I’d love to do on my next visit when I have a bit more time and energy! The views are meant to be wonderful, so I’m adding this to my tick list for my next visit to Paris in the spring!
The Louvre
I fully admit that my main reason for wanting to visit The Louvre has nothing to do with art. I am a massive geek, and I wanted to see the glass pyramids entirely because of their feature in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.
Regardless of this fact, I was truly awed by the Louvre and insist you add it to your itinerary, art lover or not.
Do NOT however enter the Louvre unprepared! I cannot express this strongly enough. The museum is HUGE! You will get lost, and without a very clear idea of what pieces you want to see you could be in there for days.
With only one day is Paris, I suggest giving the Louvre no more than 2 hours of your time. Pick your five must see exhibits, and find them on a map before you enter. Use the Floor Plans to plot a route, and if you don’t know where to start then check out The Masterpieces housed at the Louvre!
(HINT: The Mona Lisa is in the Denon wing on the 1st floor, Room 711).
Admission is €17 full rate, but as with Notre Dame, you can enter for FREE on the first Sunday of the month from November to March. Entrance is also free all year round for children under 18 and those under 26 from a country within the European Union. Plus if you are lucky enough to qualify for free admission, you can skip the queues and head in through the side door!
Eiffel Tower
The iconic Eiffel Tower is obviously not to be missed. The trick is finding the best viewing spots! I’d love to spend a whole day just wandering Paris and finding unique angles to capture the tower, but time is of the essence on this trip!
You can of course buy tickets and climb the tower, but I don’t really see the point. Once you’re in the Eiffel Tower, the most iconic structure is removed from your photos. Instead, walk down the Port de Suffren pathway along the Seine river and capture some great close up shots.
As you can see, I prefer viewing the Eiffel Tower at night when the illuminations take place. Every hour on the hour after sunset, for five minutes, the Eiffel Tower performs the light show that cannot be missed!
Moulin Rouge
Okay, so once again I had one reason and one reason only for wanting to visit the Moulin Rouge. Yes, it’s the movie. I wish I could say otherwise, but honestly, without Ewan McGregor singing from his window I’d probably not bother making the metro trip up to the red windmill. Especially since with only one day in Paris, the Moulin Rouge is a little bit off the tourist trail.
I’m so glad I did though! Even though I didn’t have time (or the spare cash!) to watch a show, just seeing the iconic club was pretty cool. And through some wonderful kismet, I ended up having a fantastic meal at Le Chat Noir just down the road!
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe will forever be known as The Roundabout of Death to me. When I was 7 years old I visited Paris with my parents, and one of my key memories is driving round the monument. It was terrifying!! If there is law or rules to follow then I can’t figure them out.
So I was glad to be a pedestrian this time round. Sadly my one day in Paris took place the day after the Gilets Jeaunes protests, and the Arc de Triomphe has been vandalised.
Whatever the political motivations, this is just criminal damage in my opinion. Due to the damage caused, the monument was closed to the public when I visited. This was particularly disappointing as just like Notre Dame, on the first Sunday of the month from November to March entrance is FREE!
Usually you can climb the 40 stairs to the top of the Arc for €8, where you can get great views of the Champs d’Elysees below. Just don’t try to cross the road!! Use the subway to access the entrance underground!
Champs d’Elysees
Paris’ famed shopping street is where you’ll find all the designer stores and guarded entrances to the Elites spending playground.
You’ll find a decent selection of regular stores too though, including my favourite, the Disney Store! (Because two days in Disneyland still wasn’t enough lol).
There are signs of American invasion everywhere down the Champs-Elysees beyond Disney though. From McDonalds to Tiffanys, the street has become a hub of commercialism.
So take a look at the symmetrical streets, and have a wander through a few shops if you like. But avoid the restaurants and tourist traps if you can, and instead explore a little further afield if you still have time. With only one day in Paris though, a brief walk down the street as you head between the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe will be enough to tick the Champs-Elysees off your list.
December Delights
Paris like many European cities is home to a decadent Christmas market throughout December.
I stumbled across La Magie de Noël purely by accident! Which is the best kind of stumble!! The market can be found in the Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre. Full of chalets selling crepes, mulled wine, hot apple cider, and bratwurst, you’ll not be disappointed by the Parisian contribution to this every growing European tradition.
Plus, I even got a free souvenir cup with my mulled cider so have a little memento of my happy stumbling find!
Christmas is a brilliant time to visit any European city, so be sure to find the festivities and indulge in the season of good will!
Winning over the Parisians
You may have heard that the Parisian people lack a friendly and hospitable nature when interacting with tourists. Indeed, many of my friends have cited having a poor experience when communicating in Paris.
This was not my experience however! And I think this was in large part due to my attempts to speak French. Being able to politely say a few phrases and making the effort to learn the lingo seemed to go a long was in winning over the Parisians.
Ten phrases to learn in French to win over the Parisian people
I am far from fluent, and without serious revision my French is extremely basic. But just being able to apologise for how bad my French is was appreciated.
Yes, most people in Paris can speak English, but why should they? As a visitor to any country, I try to learn at least “Hello”, “Thank you”, and “Goodbye” in the native language. It’s simple courtesy, and always goes down well with the locals.
Staying in the City
Originally I had planned to return to my Torcy accomodation after spending the day in Paris. However, after just one night there I knew I wanted to spend as little time in that place as possible!
Read my “What if… my hotel is horrid?” Stumbling Story here!
So I went online on my trusty Hotel Tonight app, and found this little gem of a hotel: the magic themed Hotel Splendor.
Get £20 off your first booking with Hotel Tonight by using my exclusive Promo Code: JLITTLER1
Located conveniently near a metro station, and about twenty minutes walking distance from the Arc de Triomphe, this hotel was perfect! And because it was located in the city, my one day in Pairs extended to one day and one night. So I had a whole extra morning to find Parisian pastry, and sip espresso in this beautiful city.
Looking at the costs of Parisian hotels, I’m really pleased with the bargain I got by booking last minute. Regardless of price though, on my next visit I’ll definitely be staying in the city centre again. Being close to the sights really does mean you get more time to explore. And nothing beats watching the world go by from your own Paris balcony after all.
French Food
Food is such a massive part of French culture. The delicious soft cheeses, the warm crusty bread, it’s a wonder the French aren’t huge! So be sure to bring your appetite, because with just one day in Paris you’ve got a lot to try!
Beyond the classics, there are some delicacies that have to be tried at least once when in Paris of course. The traditional Escargot was something I felt should be experienced. Now, in full disclosure, this wasn’t my first experience easting snails. Weirdly that happened in China of all places. But this was my first time eating snails à la France.
They were good!! Really good in fact! Now this is probably due to the abundance of garlic butter and pesto they were doused in, but still! A surprisingly delicious treat was had at Le Chat Noir.
With the addition of champagne, desserts, and espresso, my French feast was complete.
My advice, don’t skimp when it comes to eating out in Paris. Avoid real tourist traps if you can, but be sure to experience traditional French foods. French Onion Soup, Beef Bourgeon, Macarons, Crème Brûlée… the list goes on and on!
And after a hard day pounding the pavements, cramming in all your desired activities during one day in Paris, you deserve a glass of bubbly and a superb meal.
Bon Appetit!
One Day in Paris: Summary
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my one day in Paris guide!
This wonderful city has so much to offer, it was a challenge doing so much in a single day. But when time is of the essence, it can be done!
Let me know what your top places to visit are in Paris, because I’m certainly making sure I go back in 2019!
Until next time! Au Revoir!