48 hours in Paris – Weekend Edition
Paris In Less Than 48 Words
Possibly the most famous city in the world, Paris is also referred to as the “City Of Lights” and the “City of Romance.” Paris is definitely for lovers—of art, culture, cuisine and all the fine things in life that city seems to have in endless supply.
The Eiffel Tower, the iconic landmark that has become synonymous with Paris. (Photo by Madebycedric)
First 24 Hours
There are a number of airports in Paris, but chances are that you will touch down on the city via the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (www.aeroportsdeparis.fr), the fifth-busiest in the world. From the airport, you can take the RER Line B train (about €7.85), which will take you to the Gare du Nord station, a hub for getting to the Metro stations in central Paris, after a journey of around 30 minutes. You can opt to hire a private taxi which is expectedly exorbitant.
HOTEL MEURICE: Check in, with style
After arriving at the city center, it is best to find yourself a nice hotel that is close to the main attractions of the city. A popular choice among tourists is the Hotel Luxembourg Parc (42 rue de Vaugirard 6th Arr., 75006; +33 01 53 10 36 50; www.luxembourg-paris-hotel.com), noted for its elegant accommodations as well as for its friendly staff. Hotel Ares Eiffel (7 rue du General de Larminat|15 Arr., 75015; +33(0) 1 47 34 74 04; www.ares-paris-hotel.com) is a practical choice, with reasonable prices, classy facilities, and a nice location. Another worthy option is the Jays Paris (6 rue Copernic|16th Arr., 75116; 01 47 04 16 16; www.jays-paris.com), most known for its helpful concierges who guide travelers regarding their Paris itinerary.
If you have a lot cash to spend, don’t hesitate on splurging on one of the finest hotels in Paris, Hotel Meurice (228 Rue de Rivoli; +33 1 44 58 10 10; www.lemeurice.com). It has nice views of the city, excellent spas, and is lined with murals, mirrors, and gilts. An intimate choice is the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais (12 Rue Vieille-du-Temple; 33 1 42 72 34 12; www.carondebeaumarchais.com), which looks and feels like a traditional Marais house.
MONTMARTRE: See Paris from up high
The first order of business in Paris may be to head up the hill of Montmartre, standing at a height of 130 meters. It is reached by taking a train to the Blanche Metro station, where you hike up an array of steep steps and cobbled streets to Place du Calvaire, located near the top of the hill. Once there, you can enjoy heavenly views of the city, and take in the breeze. Enter the Sacré Cœur Basilica (Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Paris; www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com) sitting at the hill’s very summit with its definitive white dome—the landmark of the area and the city’s must-sees. Entrance will cost you about €5.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart Basilica) is one of the city’s tourist magnets. (Photo by intrepid_luke)
EIFFEL TOWER: Viewing the city from a world-famous angle
No visit to Paris, especially for first timers, is complete without heading to its single most popular attraction – the Eiffel Tower (33 (0)8 92 70 12 39; www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk). It is an icon of France and towers over the city at a height of 324 meters. There are three levels in the tower for visitors and the level of where you are headed will determine the price of your ticket. The Eiffel Tower, incidentally, is the most-visited paid monument in the world.
The first and second levels are reached either by lift or by stairs, the latter a great option if you like savoring the experience. Both have nice views, and feature an array of restaurants where you can dine while enjoying the sights. The third level, however, can only be reached by a lift, as it is located almost at the very summit of the tower. Needless to say, the views there are the best.
GUY SAVOY: Fine dining in Paris
Patisserie Pierre Herme is famous for their mouth-watering chocolate and macaroon confections. (Photo by staxnet)
Take a break from all the sightseeing with lunch at Paris’ superb restaurants. After all, the city is renowned for having some of the finest chefs and cuisines in the world. If you want to experience the topnotch, go ahead and splurge at Guy Savoy (18, rue Troyo; +33 0 1 43 80 40 61; www.guysavoy.com), a restaurant with international acclaim. It prides itself with an impressive fine dining selection, as well as attentive and helpful staff.
An alternative is Taillevent (15,rue Lamennais; +33 1 4074 2020; www.taillevent.com), a venue which makes up for its expensive price with its classy ambience and facilities, plus a diverse menu. If you just want a quick bite, it may be a good idea to head to Patisserie Saint Preux (13 Rue Lepic), which serves ciabbata, pizza, and dessert. Pierre Herme (72, rue Bonaparte; +33 (1) 43 54 47 77; www.pierreherme.com) is one of the city’s finest bakeries, and is renowned for their succulent macaroons and chocolate confections.
PARC MONCEAU: A walk in the park
Relax at Paris’ Parc Monceau, located at the junction of Rue de Prony, Boulevard de Courcelles, and Rue Georges Berger. It is a semi-public park known for its unusual English-style layout, with its curved walkways and random statues – a far cry from the French-style gardens. You can see there its exquisite gilded gates, as well as replicas of a Venetian bridge and an Egyptian pyramid.
Of course, its main attraction is its extensive lawns, where you can relax and have a picnic. The park is especially suited for visitors with children, thanks to its play areas. It is open only on weekdays, and a rotunda (circular building) will greet you at the entrance.
Luxembourg Gardens is the largest park in Paris. (Photo by stevetesta)
If you are after scale, then visit Jardin du Luxembourg, the city’s largest park. The garden, which has an extensive playground, is made more attractive to children with free puppet shows and a merry-go-round.
Next 24 Hours
The second day can be devoted to exploring Paris’ other attractions. Learn more about the city’s history and culture by visiting its museums , the grandest of which is the Le Museé du Louvre (99 rue de Rivoli 75001; +33 (0)1 40 20 58 24 www.louvre.fr). Few know that it was once a fortress, which became a museum to serve as home to France’s masterpieces after the French Revolution. The most visited museum in the world takes pride in its collection of nearly 35,000 artifacts dating between prehistoric times to the 19th century, as well as more than 6,000 paintings. It is the home of the Mona Lisa and the setting in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code.
The famous Grande Piramide of the Louvre which figured prominently in the Da Vinci Code. (Photo by djof)
ARC DE TRIOMPHE: Feel the French pride and honor
One of the most notable landmarks in Paris, especially for first-time visitors, is the Arc de Triomphe (Place Charles de Gaulle 75008). It is the second largest triumphal arch in the world, and commemorates all those who had fought in the name of the country. It is a nice setting to take your souvenir photos, as well as soak up the history behind it by reading some of the names of the French generals or seeing the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrouselle, built by Napoleon, commemorates the heroism of the French people. (Photo by ZX-6R)
You can also visit the Notre Dame de Paris (Place du Parvis de Notre Dame 75004; www.cathedraledeparis.com), considered as the epitome of the French Gothic architecture. It was restored by the famous architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, and its public gardens are just ripe for some lovely strolls. You can even see inside it around 600-piece art collection dating back to the Middle Ages, as well as a historic grand organ.
CHAMPS-ELYSEES: Shop the Parisian way
Luxury goods are in no short supply at Champs Elysees that has rows of fashion boutiques. (Photo by mxbourke)
Champs-Elysees is one of the most famous streets in the world, with some of the most expensive real estate strips around. Because of high rents, people usually do not live there – instead, upscale shopping malls and fashion boutiques dominate the street. You can find there popular and luxury brands, like Louis Vuitton, Bel Air Fashion, Sephora, and the largest Gap and Adidas stores in the world.
An alternative for the shopping enthusiasts is the Boulevard Haussman. You can find there Printemps, with one of the largest beauty departments around. Buy some cosmetics and beauty products, and while you’re at it, take a few Art Nouveau cupolas.
ROASTS AND FRICASSEES: A hearty dinner with the locals
Eat to your heart’s content as dinner time strikes. Fine-dining places are available all over the city, like Mon Vieil Ami (69 Rue St Louis en L’Ile; 33 01 40 46 01 35; www.mon-vieil-ami.com), where you can enjoy meals like caramelized duck and tarte au chocolat in a minimalist setting. Another worthy option is Boissonerie (71 Rue de Seine), serving quirky menus such as roast red cod with shallots and mushroom and goat’s cheese fricassee. You can also feast on authentic French food at La Cordonnerie (20, rue St-Roch, 75001), which is so intimate with customers that you can expect to meet the chef every time you dine there.
BAR HEMINGWAY: Enjoy the Paris nightlife
Indulge in the city’s happening nightlife. Of the numerous bars and clubs there, the Bar Hemingway (15 Place Vendome; www.ritzparis.com) is perhaps the most popular. It is the bar frequented by the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, and was hailed by Forbes as the best in the world. The ambience is suited for the bookish, literary types, and one must dress to impress. Get star-struck at Les Bains (7, rue du Bourg-l’Abbé; www.lesbainsdouches.net), which in turn is frequented by fashion models, glamorous Hollywood personalities and international names. A more casual alternative is Barrio Latino (46 Rue du Faubourg, St Antoine), whose ambience suits all kinds of club-goers.
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