A Weekend in Paris

Paris, France contains some of the world's most recognisable landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, there's something for all ages to enjoy. I've collated some of the best activites into a packed 3-day itinerary, helping you to make the most of your visit. 🍷

Day 1 — The Big Landmarks

On your first day in the city, you've got to start the day with a simple Parisian breakfast comprising of a croissant and coffee from a local boulangerie. Might as well buy a beret if you really want to fit in! 👒

Next, make your way to the Eiffel Tower. Whether you choose to go up or not, the surrounding area offers some of the best views and photo opportunities in the city. From here, walk towards the winding Seine River and follow it east towards the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

In the afternoon, visit the Louvre Museum. I'd recommend focusing on key pieces of art such as the Mona Lisa and planning which rooms to visit while in the queue. It is estimated to take over a month to view all 35,000 pieces of artwork!

Other activities:

• Seine river cruise (especially late afternoon or evening)
• Street photography along the riverbanks
• Visiting local cafés along the way for a quick bite or drink

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Day 2 — Views and Culture

Head to Montmartre in the morning. This historic district is known for its narrow streets, street artists, and elevated views of the French capital.

Head over to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in the north of Paris via the subway for panoramic views across the whole city.

After lunch, explore Le Marais. This district combines classical French architecture with modern shops, galleries, and cafés.

Finally, walk along the stunning Champs-Élysées boulevard, ending at the Arc de Triomphe. Climbing to the top provides one of the best viewpoints in Paris.

Other activities:

• Shopping (from large, modern shopping centres to independent boutiques)
• Visiting art galleries in Le Marais

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Day 3 — Museums and Open Spaces

Start the day at the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. It’s the perfect place to relax and take a break from bustling streets of central Paris.

Next take the subway to visit the Musée d'Orsay, housed in a former train station and a more manageable size compared to the Louvre.

Use your final afternoon to revisit favourite spots from the previous days or explore the city freely. Paris is perfect for unplanned exploration, especially in central areas!

Other activities:

• Buying souvenirs from regular local markets
• Trying traditional French dishes at local bistros

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Travelling from the Airport to the City Center

Paris has two main commercial airports:

• From Charles de Gaulle Airport, take the RER B train directly to Gare du Nord, which easily connects to the Paris metro network for quick, affordable travel within the city.

• From Orly Airport, take the Orlyval light rail to Antony station before transferring to the RER B towards Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, a convenient stop for central Paris.

Both routes are reliable and significantly faster than travelling by car during busy periods.

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Final Notes

• Transport: The Paris Metro and RER network provide fast access across the city compared to buses or taxis (consider purchasing a multi-day pass if you plan to travel within Paris frequently). Public transport is highly recommended compared to a hire car
• Queues: Pre-book tickets for major attractions like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower a few weeks/months in advance for the best prices

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As you can see, Paris offers a combination of both sightseeing and activities for all the family, making it suitable for a wide range of travel styles and preferences. Au revoir! 🥐