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 everyone! 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 classic Parisian breakfast comprising of a croissant and coffee from a local café or boulangerie which are dotted across the capital.

Next, make your way to the Eiffel Tower. Whether you choose to go up it or not, the surrounding area offers some of the best views and photo opportunities in the city. Afterwards, walk towards the Seine River and follow it east towards the stunning 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 in the evening)
• Street photography along the riverbanks and on many key bridges/city parks

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Day 2 - Views and Culture

Head to Montmartre in the north of Paris via the metro in the morning. This is a historic district known for its narrow streets, street artists, and unbeatable views of the French capital.

Within, you'll find the spectacular Sacré-Cœur Basilica offering panoramic views across the whole city.

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

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

Other activities:

• Shopping (from large shopping centres to independent stores)
• Visiting art galleries in Le Marais (if the Louvre wasn't enough!)

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Day 3 - Museums and Parks

Start the day at the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. It’s the perfect place to relax under the summer sun and take a break from the busy 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.

You can use your final afternoon to revisit any memorable spots from the previous days or feel free to explore the city yourself further. Paris is perfect for unplanned exploration and has lots to offer!

Other activities:

• Buying souvenirs from 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 (CDG), take the RER B train directly to Gare du Nord, which easily connects to the Paris metro network for quick travel within the capital.

• From Orly Airport (ORY), take the Orlyval light rail to Antony station, before transferring to the RER B towards Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, a central stop in the city.

Both routes are reliable and significantly faster than travelling by rental car/taxi during busy periods, and don't come with the hassle of finding parking or paying for the Crit'Air clean air permit.

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Final Notes

• Transport: If you're planning on using the Paris metro network frequently, consider purchasing a multi-day pass to reduce your budget. Public transport is frequent and 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 an expansive collection of both sightseeing and activities for all the family, making it suitable for a wide range of travel styles and group sizes. Au revoir!