First time in Paris? You have a wonderful weekend ahead, with countless of options to explore. Paris is really a dream destination for weekend travellers, offering great food, and the landmarks are many. Once you’ve been there, you’ll just want to go back. It’s the perfect combination of cozy restaurants, vibrant city life, and bustling shopping streets. In this article, you’ll find the best tips to make the most of your weekend trip to the City of Light.
The Beauty of the City
Paris is one of the top ten largest cities in Europe, and within the city limits home to over 2 million residents. The city is lush with trees lining the streets, with alfresco dining year-round, and divided into 20 arrondissements, perfectly arranged for you to easily explore its many attractions. The city invites to walks as the street life is so nice, and you can easily stop and enjoy a coffee or sip on a glass of champagne. The charming streets, cozy cafes, and beautiful gardens create a romantic ambiance that’s perfect for couples. There are some stunning parks as well, one of the best is the Luxembourg Gardens, conveniently close if you stay in Montparnasse or Latin Quartier.
Paris Top 10 Attractions
1. Eiffel Tower
2. Louvre Museum (blog post about masterpieces)
3. Notre Dame Cathedral
4. Arc de Triomphe
5. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
6. Musée d’Orsay
7. Seine River Cruises
8. Versailles Palace
9. Montmartre District
10. Luxembourg Gardens
Corella Travella’s Bonus Tip!
11. The Catacombs (for people who don’t easily get scared)
Given this, you’ll have a busy schedule if you are in Paris just for a couple of days and want to have time to see all the attractions. As they are spread throughout the city, where is the place to start? The Eiffel Tower is a must-see, go all the way up to get the best views. The other attraction in our opinion is The Louvre Museum. Who wouldn’t want to see the famous Mona Lisa? Be sure to pre-book your tickets to both attractions, as the lines are long and it might not be possible otherwise. After visiting these, choose among the other attractions based on your interests and convenience.
The Food
Paris is reknown for its vibrant café culture, and many restaurants offer outdoor seatings where you can enjoy delicious French cuisine while soaking up the atmosphere year-round. From freshly baked croissants and baguettes to gourmet dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants, Paris is certainly one of the most high-class destinations in Europe if you want culinary experiences. Chefs pick up on latest trends, and the menus spans both international and traditional French cuisine. When we booked our hotel, and checked where to find the closest Michelin restaurants, we found out that we did not have to go far. And so it is throughout the city! As many restaurants are both small and popular, it’s wise to book in advance. An excellent way to secure a table is to opt for the lunch menu at Michelin restaurants, which is often more affordable and easier to book.
If you visit Montparnasse, don’t miss to have dinner at the historic La Rotonde, where Pablo Picasso and Hemingway were frequent guests. Enjoy delicous French cusine in an elegant atmosphere with red velvet, white tablecloths, wood-paneled walls and beuatiful paintings.
Art and Famous museums
Paris is a cultural hub with a rich artistic heritage, and home to some of the worlds most famous museums. The Louvre Museum is the largest art museum in the world, housing over 38 000 objects, one of them is the iconic Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Visit the Musée d’Orsay to see artworks by Monet, Van Gogh, and other Impressionist masters. Explore the picturesque Montmartre district, where artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali once lived and worked. The cathedrals are another main attraction, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica are visited by around 12 million and 8 million visitors yearly. Sacré-Coeur, located in Montmartre, sits at the highest point in the city, offering stunning views of Paris.
Luxury Shopping
It is not any surprise that Paris serves some of the most famous fashion houses worldwide. Dior, Chanel and others are located here. Not for every wallet, but a must-see anyway. Paris is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from high-end fashion to unique vintage finds. Browse the luxury boutiques on Rue Saint-Honoré or hunt for treasures at the Les Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market. For a truly Parisian experience, visit the charming Le Marais district, known for its trendy shops and boutiques. Don’t miss the majestic Arc de Triomphe at the western end of Champs-Élysées, one of the largest avenues, lined with luxurious design boutiques.
Beautiful Gardens
Paris offers countless impressions, so why not take a break from the hustle and bustle by relaxing in one of its stunning parks and gardens. Luxembourg Gardens, spred over 25 hectares, is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe. It’s no surprise that it attracts over 6 million visitors annually. You can reach the gardens from Montparnasse, and it’s close to the popular Latin Quarter in the 6th Arrondissement.
Another gem is The Tuileries Garden, located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Designed in formal French style, it offers stunning views, sculptures, and fountains, perfect for a leisurely stroll. For a more expansive green space, the Bois de Boulogne in 16th Arrondissiment features lakes, trails, and even a zoo. Although it is further away, it has an interesting history, as it was originally a royal hunting ground and was transformed into a park by Emperor Napoleon in 1852.
Where To Stay and Getting Around
We stayed in the Montparnasse District, mainly because we wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower. We discovered that the district is genuninely charming, offering a unique blend of French culture, art and history. The Voco Montparnasse, an IHG hotel, is close to several subway stations, and offers easy access to the TER trains to Charles de Gaulle Airport (35 minutes to Denfert-Rochereau). The district is historically renowned for its famous artists and singers, including Edith Piaf and Pablo Picasso, who were frequent guests in its bohemian nightlife. Here, you will also find a skyscraper, the Montparnasse Tower, with stunning views and probably offering the best view of the Eiffel Tower.
The subway is very convenient, and we found it to be the best way to get around the city. You can buy day passes and just hop on the closest train. The trains are frequent too.
Bon Voyage!
