  |
|
|
|
A Day Trip to ParisExplore the City's Most Popular Sites in Just a Few Hours
Yes, you can see Paris in a day! But be prepared to keep your feet moving as you dash between some of the French capital's most iconic landmarks.
Less than two and a half hours from London via the Eurostar, Paris makes an ideal destination for a frenzied day of sightseeing. If you map out where you're going ahead of time, you can get a real flavor of the city in just a few hours. Below is a suggested itinerary, which takes in some of Paris's most famous attractions. Notre DameMetro Route: From Gare du Nord, where you'll disembark from the Eurostar, take line 4 to Cité. This impressive, Gothic cathedral is a perfect place to start your day in Paris. Centrally located on Paris's Île de la Cité, the cathedral is just a few stops on the Metro from Gare du Nord. After touring the expansive interior of the cathedral (entrance is free), stop for lunch at one of the many nearby cafés before you really hit the ground running. Louvre Museum and Jardin des TuileriesMetro Route: Line 7 from Châtelet to Palais Royal Musée du Louvre. The Louvre is perhaps one of the world's most renowned art museums, but with only a few hours to experience all that Paris has to offer, it isn't worth actually going inside; save that for another visit, when you can really do it justice. Instead, admire the famous pyramids and the architecture of the building itself before making your way to the Tuileries gardens, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll among the flower beds or sip a café au lait at one of the outdoor cafés. Champs ElyséesMetro Route: Line 1 from Tuileries or Concorde to Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Fifth Avenue of Paris, the Champs Elysées is sure to make any shopaholic swoon. Every way you turn, you'll see designer boutiques and elegant restaurants, but this famous avenue is also home to several well-known chain stores and souvenir shops. At the end of the main shopping district, the Arc de Triomphe towers over the circling traffic. The Arc offers stunning views of the surrounding boulevards – and the rest of the city – from its top. Eiffel TowerMetro Route: Line 1 from George V to Champs Elysées Clemenceau. Line 13 to Invalides. Line C (RER) to Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel. Unquestionably Paris's most popular attraction, the Eiffel Tower is not to be missed. Be sure to build in some extra time for waiting in line if you plan to go to the top. The wait is worth it, though, when you reach the summit. On a clear day, you can see for miles. MontmartreMetro Route: Line C (RER) from Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel to Invalides. Line 13 to Place de Clichy. Line 2 to Anvers. Montmartre is quintessential Paris: cobbled streets, posh boutiques, trendy art galleries, chic bistros – and the famous Moulin Rouge nightclub. What better place is there to cap off a day in the city? Start with a ride on the funicular (you'll want to skip the treacherous stairs after a day of rushing around) up to Sacré-Coeur, the impressive white cathedral that dominates the city skyline from nearly every vantage point in Paris. Take a few moments to savor the spectacular views before making your way to the heart of Montmartre, where you can enjoy a bowl of French onion soup and a glass of red wine at one of the many bistros before heading back to Gare du Nord and saying “au revoir” to the City of Lights.
The copyright of the article A Day Trip to Paris in France Travel is owned by Angela D. Stancar. Permission to republish A Day Trip to Paris in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
