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Hello adventurer! Ready for an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Paris? Whether you’re an avid explorer or just someone looking to soak in the city’s rich culture and history, this one-day itinerary is crafted just for you. Picture this: starting your day under the majestic Arc de Triomphe, strolling through the serene Luxembourg Gardens, getting lost in the artistic wonders of The Louvre, marveling at the iconic Eiffel Tower, and finally, unwinding by the picturesque Pont Neuf. Sound exciting? Let’s dive in and discover how to make the most out of a single day in Paris!
From must-see attractions to off-the-beaten-path experiences, we’ll cover it all with a blend of humor, handy tips, and a touch of history. So lace up your walking shoes and get ready to explore Paris in a day – it’s going to be a whirlwind of adventure and cultural immersion!
Booking our Paris Flights
If you have not read any of our international travel blog you would know by now that we like traveling during soldier season and here is why:
Why Traveling to Paris During Shoulder Season is a Smart Choice
Fewer Crowds: Visiting Paris during the shoulder season (April to June and September to October) means you’ll encounter fewer tourists at popular attractions. This allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, whether you’re admiring the Mona Lisa at The Louvre or taking in the views from the Eiffel Tower.
Milder Weather: The weather in Paris during shoulder season is generally mild and pleasant. You can enjoy outdoor activities like strolling through Luxembourg Gardens or exploring the charming streets of Montmartre without the discomfort of extreme temperatures.
Better Deals: Airfares and accommodation rates tend to be lower during the shoulder season compared to peak tourist months. This means you can enjoy Paris’s luxury hotels and fine dining experiences without breaking the bank.
Local Experiences: With fewer tourists around, you’ll have a better chance to interact with locals and experience authentic Parisian culture. Whether it’s chatting with vendors at a local market or getting personalized service at a quaint café, the shoulder season provides more opportunities for genuine connections.
Vibrant Events: Paris hosts a variety of events and festivals during the shoulder season, from art exhibitions and food festivals to fashion shows and music concerts. These events offer a unique glimpse into the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Beautiful Scenery: The shoulder season offers stunning scenery, with spring bringing blooming flowers and autumn offering colorful foliage. This makes for perfect photo opportunities, whether you’re capturing the beauty of the Seine River or the gardens at Versailles.
Shorter Wait Times: Popular tourist spots like the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, and Musée d'Orsay often have shorter wait times during the shoulder season. This means you can spend more time exploring and less time standing in line.
Convinced?
Paris Land Transfers
Our airport transfers were from PariShuttle and they were fabulous they waited for us when our flight got delayed! We had arranged 2 transfers, one for me and Kevin, another for my sister and my mom. They monitored our flights and waited for us. My sister and my mom's flight was also delayed but they waited for them too.
You can book your airport transfer here:
Paris Hotel Stay
As we shook off the pain of air travel we checked in tour hotel at Hôtel Le 123 Elysées - Astotel. The hotel was great! Our room is a little bit bigger because it is for "double occupancy". My mom and my sister's room were the same size. The rooms were not as small as I imagined it would be.
Our hotel offers breakfast starting 7:00am which is a good thing and a bad thing. Good thing because we do not have to hunt for breakfast and bad thing because this would definitely slow down my mom who already has "promptness" problems as we try to make it to our different destinations during the trip
Did I tell you there are free snacks at our hotel from 2pm to 2am?! Yes 2am.... so what do we do after dinner?! Head to the hotel for snacks!
I mean we had tea too but we had snacks!
Want to find your perfect hotel room?
My Ultimate One-Day Must-Travel Guide to Paris:
As I eagerly awaited the check-in time for Hôtel Le 123 Elysées - Astotel room to be ready, Kevin and I decided to kick off our adventure with a visit to the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned by Napoleon, this colossal monument, standing proudly at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, is an absolute must-see in the City of Light.
The sheer grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe left me in awe. Its intricate carvings and statues pay tribute to the brave souls who fought and sacrificed for France.
You have to get tickets to climb up to the top of Arc de Triomphe. As I climbed the spiral staircase to the top, I was treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city's most famous landmarks sprawled out before me, creating a picture-perfect moment.
The steps was worth it though because the views are beautiful.
With the bustling traffic circling the roundabout below, the Arc de Triomphe stands as a symbol of French history, resilience, and unity. My visit left me with a profound sense of appreciation for the beauty and significance of this remarkable monument, making it the perfect start to my Parisian adventure.
We did not know this yet but this would not be the only time we would be taking the steps...
A short walk from the Arc de Triomphe, nestled in the heart of Paris, the Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg) is a verdant oasis steeped in history. Created in the early 17th century at the behest of Queen Marie de' Medici. It was originally designed as a royal retreat.
Today, it's a serene escape for locals and tourists alike. Stroll along tree-lined paths, admire the graceful fountains, and find a moment of tranquility by the reflective pond. The garden also houses the stunning Luxembourg Palace, which now serves as the French Senate. This picturesque blend of history and natural beauty makes the Luxembourg Garden a quintessential Parisian gem.
As we are all jet lagged we did not get to do a lot on our first day so we had dinner and went to bed shortly after plus our call time is BRIGHT & EARLY!
The Louvre
We had a tour arranged with Paris City Vision which was our first day tour in Paris. If you only have one day in Paris I highly suggest booking a tour with them because they arrange for all the tickets.
The beauty of tours is that you are not only able to chose times that are best for you but also it saves you time from falling in line specially if you pick a "skip the line" tickets! On top of that I really really appreciate that the tour guide tells us about the history and back story of a site! Our favorite tour site is Viator. Cancellation policy is even super flexible as some tours are able to cancel 24 hours before your tour.
The meeting place was at the Arc de Carrousel which was in front of the Louvre, meeting time was 9:15am and the walk was 20 minutes. When my mom and my sister was not ready we told them that we would go ahead and we would just meet at the meeting place. Fortunately they made with time for pictures!
The Louvre, an iconic masterpiece in the heart of Paris, is a treasure trove of art, culture, and history. Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century, it evolved into a royal palace and later transformed into the world-famous museum we know today. Housing over 35,000 works of art, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a testament to human creativity and achievement. Its stunning glass pyramid entrance is as iconic as the art within. Whether you're an art connoisseur or a casual visitor, the Louvre is a must-visit, offering an immersive journey through centuries of artistic expression.
Saying that the Louvre is packed is an understatement. The pieces that was on display was no doubt amazing but the sheer volume inside kind of takes away from the enjoyment a bit.
Can you guess what this line is for?
If you guessed the Mona Lisa you are correct. At least we did not have to wake up at the crack of dawn drive 2 hours and take a picture like the time we went to Bali, Indonesia so this is bearable. Aaaannnnnddd my mom isn't even looking....
Apart from the art work, the building itself was something to see since it used to be the home of French kings
It also has the crown jewels on display
But of course, the visit would not be complete without checking out the Louvre Pyramid from the inside.
We only spent about 2 hours at the Louvre and the tour guide told us that we are taking the Seine River boat tour to the Eiffel Tower and lunch
Seine River Tour
A Seine River tour is part of our first day tour that was arranged by Paris City Vision. This scenic waterway flows through the heart of Paris, it is also a good way to see the iconic landmarks in Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre.
The history of the Seine River is intertwined with the history of Paris itself. The city's development and growth are closely linked to the river, which has served as a vital transportation route and a source of inspiration for countless artists, poets, and writers over the centuries.
A Seine River cruise provides a unique perspective on the City of Light, allowing you to appreciate its beauty and history from a different angle while enjoying a leisurely and memorable experience.
There were several stops to the Eiffel Tower so Kevin and my mom felt that it is a good time to have a deep conversation about a bowl and the role that it had served in French Empire....
I made this up I do not know what they are talking about... they looked hilarious though so I took a picture
Eiffel Tower
No Paris adventure is complete without a tour of the Eiffel Tower. Still part of our Day 1 tour with Paris City Vision, the Eiffel Tower, Paris's most iconic landmark, is a symbol of elegance and engineering brilliance. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889 as the centerpiece of the Exposition Universelle (World's Fair), it was initially met with mixed reviews but quickly became a beloved emblem of the city.
When we finally made it to the Eiffel Tower, the tour guide told us that we can have a quick lunch before heading inside so we walked to one of the closest cafe and ordered our lunch. My mom also thought it would be the perfect time to adjust her foot wear because she got new shoes that she is trying ton break in.
With all wardrobe issues attended and bellies full we proceed to the entrance of the Eiffel Tower for our tour.
There are lines everywhere so naturally this one would have a long one as well
I am not sure about the Eiffel Tower.... I mean it is definitely the landmark but... it was ok. What do you think?
Rising 324 meters (1,063 feet) above the Champ de Mars, the tower offers unparalleled panoramic views of Paris. We get to go up the 2nd (technically it is 3rd but in Paris they count ground as zero then 1st floor then 2nd) . Of course, no landmark tour is complete without group selfie at the Eiffel Tower viewing deck
Pont Neuf
This was the last stop of our tour but we checked checked out the Pont Neuf which is the oldest bridge in Paris before heading to dinner
And there you have it – a perfect day in Paris that captures the essence of this magnificent city. From the historic Arc de Triomphe to the tranquil Luxembourg Gardens, the world-renowned Louvre, the iconic Eiffel Tower, and the charming Pont Neuf, your itinerary is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Remember, traveling is not just about ticking off famous sights but also about soaking in the atmosphere, embracing the culture, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're navigating the bustling streets or savoring a quiet moment by the Seine, Paris has a way of enchanting its visitors at every turn.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you been to Paris before? What were your favorite spots and experiences? Share your stories and tips in the comments below – your insights could be invaluable to fellow travelers.
So, lace up those walking shoes, keep your camera ready, and embark on this whirlwind adventure with a sense of curiosity and wonder. Paris awaits with open arms, ready to share its stories, secrets, and splendors with you.
Safe travels, and may your day in Paris be as magical as the city itself!
TTYL!
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