Dreaming of a whirlwind trip to Paris for a weekend? The City of Light offers an exquisite blend of romance, history, art, and gastronomy, making it the archetypal destination for a short getaway.
For more on where to stay and what to do during your first visit to Paris, visit my guide: Where to Stay in Paris First Time: Best Neighbourhoods & Activities.
Here’s how to make the most of your weekend in Paris, France whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to uncover hidden gems.
Day 1: Romance and Art in Montmartre
Begin your weekend in Paris by heading to Montmartre, the artistic heart of the city. Start your morning at B&J, a charming breakfast restaurant on Rue Joseph Dijon. Organic produce, scrambled eggs, and homemade bread are a healthy way to supercharge your first day. Wander Montmartre’s cobbled streets and soak up the atmospheric artistic air.
Don’t miss the Musée de Montmartre, once home to Renoir, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Stroll to Place du Tertre, a quintessential French village square, alive with artists displaying their works. Stop by La Maison Rose, a pastel-pink café famously frequented by Picasso and Dali.
Next, visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic city views and make your way to La Mur des Je T’aime (The Wall of Love).
For a touch of history, check out the old windmills of Montmartre—Moulin de la Galette and Moulin du Radet. Wrap up your evening at Café des Deux Moulins, a delightful spot made famous by the movie Amélie.
Day 2: Icons, Indulgence, and the Seine
Start your second day by visiting the Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of Paris and the Champs-Élysées. Next, indulge in macarons from Ladurée, a Parisian institution.
For lunch, prepare a picnic at Champ de Mars park with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. Pick up a baguette, Époisses cheese, and éclairs from Les Gourmandises d’Eiffel, located just a 5-minute walk from the park.
Afterward, walk through Place de la Concorde and the Jardin des Tuileries, where a charming Ferris wheel offers a unique vantage point of the city.
At 1 PM, head to the Louvre Museum (closed Tuesdays) to explore its world-famous art collections. Once you’ve satisfied your cultural appetite, refuel at Breizh Café, a crepe restaurant nearby, for savoury buckwheat galettes paired with cider.
Spend your afternoon exploring Rue Cler, a picturesque street lined with boutiques, cheese shops, and wine stores. Sip espresso on a terrace before heading to Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle, known for their stunning architecture and stained glass. End your day with a romantic picnic by the Seine and a stroll across the Pont Neuf.
Hidden Gems and Offbeat Spots
If time permits, dive into Paris’s vibrant neighborhoods. Explore Le Marais, a historic district full of trendy boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Check out L’as Du Falafel for budget-friendly eats or visit Au Petit Grec for mouthwatering crepes.
For book lovers, stop by Shakespeare & Co. in the Latin Quarter or marvel at the view from the roof of the Centre Pompidou. Architecture and literary enthusiasts should visit Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand or Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BnF) – Richelieu.
Round out your weekend by seeing The Thinker at the Musée Rodin or renting a bike from Velib to cruise along the canals.
Why Paris for a Weekend is Perfect
Paris for a weekend lets you fully experience its magic at a relaxed pace. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to the artistic charm of Montmartre and the culinary delights of Parisian cafés and patisseries, there’s something for everyone.
Make your weekend unforgettable with this perfectly curated itinerary, blending iconic sights with hidden gems. Paris for a weekend is more than just a getaway; it’s an experience to cherish and reflect on for years to come!
How’s your trip planning for France coming along? To enhance your experience and make it truly unforgettable, be sure to stay in the arrondissement in Paris that’s most convenient for your trip and don’t miss a visit to Carcassonne, one my favourite attractions in Southern France, offering stunning views and a rich historical atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world!
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Until next time,
♥ Agni
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