24 hours in Paris

Tips:

• Paris is easily explored on foot, but the Metro is the fastest way to get around. It’s efficient and inexpensive, which makes travelling in a hurry a breeze.
• Paris is divided into 4 ‘quartiers’ and there’s lots to see, so it’s best to prioritise a wish list before you visit focusing on the neighbourhoods you want to explore.
• The River Seine and its surrounds offer the most romantic views of the city.

24 Hours in Paris:

It’s impossible not to love Paris – full of creativity, beautiful Gothic architecture and small hidden parks. The cobbled streets of Paris are filled with glamour, and its bustling cafés are filled with stylish Parisians sipping on wine. For me, Paris is all about embracing the local Parisian culture, admiring the architecture and eating where the locals eat.

Its main attractions are certainly a spectacle to see, but there’s plenty of hidden gems to be discovered amongst the city’s quarters, so here’s my guide to 24 hours in Paris…

Breakfast / brunch: Angelina Tea Rooms

Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001, Paris

Their signature dessert, the “Mont Blanc” (below) is a foodie heaven ball of meringue covered in whipped cream and sweet chestnut. The exact recipe remains a secret, but the head Pastry Chef comes from three generations of patisserie and chocolate makers, so the recipe is in safe hands and produced to perfection each and every time.

Open weekdays from 7.30am, and from 8.30am at weekends – as well as pastry they serve sandwiches, omelettes, Eggs Benedict and many other savoury breakfast / brunch dishes.

Paris is a haven for chocolate lovers, so it’s no surprise that this tearoom is famous for producing the city’s best hot chocolate. The family who established Angelina has roots in Eastern Europe where thick, sumptuous hot choc is a staple. Angelina’s call it “L’Africain” and their version is a pourable, velvety rich beverage that’s so thick you’ll need a spoon!

For an outdoors stroll: Jardin du Luxembourg

Address: Rue de Médicis / Rue de Vaugirard,  75006 Paris

Situated on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, the Luxembourg Gardens, provide a nice relaxing green space to wander around Paris.

There are several entrances but the closest Metro station is Luxembourg RER (line B) , which will drop you off at the park entrance on Boulevard Saint-Michel.

The gardens cover 25 hectares of land, and are split into French gardens and English gardens. It’s never-ending pathways are co-ordinated with a geometric forest of trees.

The manicured lawns and the design of the garden are a spectacle to see in itself. You can really appreciate how much thought has gone into the symmetry of the gardens. There are also 106 statues spread throughout the park – so there’s plenty to look out for,  keep your eyes peeled for the Medici fountain, the Orangerie and the Pavillon Davioud.

The main focal point is the grand Luxembourg Palace, in the centre of the gardens, which is now home to the French Senate, and therefore cannot be visited inside.

Soak in the culture of: the Latin Quarter

If you’re in search of experiencing medieval Paris, then this neighbourhood is the right place to head. Sitting squarely by the Seine, on the left bank of the city, the Latin Quarter is filled with eateries, bookstores, museums, a University and ancient Gothic churches.

The Latin Quarter remains the hub of academic life in Paris, and has been for over 800 years. The neighbourhood is home to France’s oldest university, La Sorbonne, which was founded here in 1257. The ‘quartier‘ took its name originally from the fact that Latin was the common language of the students, who travelled to study from all over Europe.

The main street, Boulevard St-Michel, is a lively, bustling area where bookshops historically lined the streets, making the area a literary Utopia. Today it is still home to one of the most famous independent bookstores in the world – Shakespeare & Company.

Shakespeare & Company:

Address: Rue de la Bucherie, Quartier Latin, 75005, Paris

My favourite bookstore ever – this place is a haven for aspiring writers. Set on a beautiful street with views from out its windows of the River Seine and Notre-Dame Cathedral, this legendary bookshop is as idyllic as it can get. I was charmed before I even stepped foot inside the shop,  from reading the rustic literary quotes that line the bricks of the store.

When you step inside it really does feel like you’re entering another world – a fictional world of literature. There are books everywhere with shelves up to the ceilings and  reading rooms to take time out. There’s also a house cat and piano for people to play!

Admire French Gothic architecture at: Notre-Dame Cathedral

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France

After an enjoyable pit stop at the Shakespeare & Company, it’s time to cross the River Seine to arrive at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is only a short 5 minutes walk away.

This is the city’s busiest unticketed attraction, so be prepared to queue if you want to go inside. I didn’t have enough time on my trip here, but I’ve read that the views across the city, including the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur, from the top of the bell tower are truly breath-taking. A visit inside is definitely on my list for the next time that I visit Paris!

Be sure to spot the frightening looking gargoyles sitting on the building, and the wondrous design of the stained glass Rose Window is iconic to see.

Take to the Parisian waters: with a boat trip along the River Seine

Address: Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris, France

The River Seine is known famously as “the lifeline of Paris”, running underneath 37 bridges throughout the city, it’s listed as a Unesco World Heritage sight, and offers the most romantic strolls above water across the city. So with limited time, I recommend  taking a river boat cruise along the River Seine to appreciate the city’s main attractions.

“Batobus” conveniently operates river tours from opposite the Notre-Dame. Their one-hour panoramic tour is worth paying for to experience Paris from the height of the river!

It costs around €17 per person for a day pass, and they run tours regularly (departing approx. every 30 mins), starting from 10am and finishing around 10pm.It stops at 9 locations close to Paris’ main districts and monuments, so you’ll get to see the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, St-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, Jardin des Plantes/Cité de la Mode et du Design, Hôtel-de-ville, Louvre, Champs-Élysées and Beaugrenelle.

Dinner: Au Veux Paris D’Arcole

Address: 24 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris, France

A Parisian restaurant, hiding within 100 meters from the Notre-Dame in the charming Le Marais quarter, is Au Veux Paris D’Arcole. A gem that is definitely one of Paris’ best kept secrets. This place is so picturesque with it’s stunning greenery draping over the building and bright purple wisteria. The outdoor seating is so quaint, a little oasis amongst all the surrounding buildings, I recommend sitting outside if the weather is mild.

The history of the property is just as charming as the decor of the bistro itself. I learnt that it was constructed in 1912, around the time that the Notre-Dame was completed, and the wine cellar used to be a small chapel. The wisteria lining the outside is such a unique sight, in fact it’s so rare for a plant like this to grow in the city , that it’s only possible because the Mayor’s office in Paris has granted a special permit to allow it to grow here.

The waiters were happy to recommend a range of French dishes, all of which are made with the freshest and regionally sourced ingredients. I think it’s one of the best cafés in Paris to stop, sit and enjoy hearty traditional French cuisine (even escargots if you dare!)

From here it’s a short 6 min walk to catch the Metro from Cité, back to Gare du Nord. Take the purple line 4 and you should reach the Eurostar Terminal within 20 mins.

After a full day of exploring and soaking up the Parisian atmosphere, this whirlwind itinerary is about to wrap up. There are so many wonderful things to see and explore in the “city of love”, a city that has heaps of charm, magic and somewhere that always leaves you wanting more. There is no right or wrong way to see Paris and hopefully this has given you some inspiration to consider what’s possible in a day trip to help you plan.