The city of lights. That’s Paris. This capital city has a certain romance around it that makes you fall in love with the people, the sights, and the food. French is considered one of the most beautiful languages to speak and walking along the Seine is looked at as one of the most romantic things a person can do. But there are a lot of other things that can be done in Paris, and you can basically see them all in one day. Here is what you can see in Paris in one day if that is all you have.
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the signature of France. The tower was built in the 1880s as part of a world’s fair, and what most people do not know is that it was not meant to stay up. The tower was so loved, it remained intact.
You can easily get to the Eiffel Tower when it opens at 9:30 AM and go up in the elevator to the top where you will get sweeping views of Paris. If heights are not your thing, you can simply swing by for a few photos and then be on your way.
The Louvre
When you leave the Eiffel Tower, simply swing over the Seine and make your way towards the Louvre. When you get into the Louvre there are really only a few things to see, and when you get in, all signs literally point to where they are. Although the museum houses tons of art, all you really need to see are the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory, and the Venus de Milo.
As soon as you enter the museum through the glass pyramid, descend the stairs and you will see signs pointing you in the right direction. In about 45 minutes’ time, you will be able to snap a selfie in all three locations. The Winged Victory is located between the other two pieces of art, so everything is close together.
Notre Dame
Once you exit the Louvre, make your way further east and walk to Notre Dame Cathedral. In recent years there was a massive fire at the cathedral, but Parisians promise it will be reopened sooner than later. Check to ensure you can still access the inside where you will see the great Rose Window made of stained glass. You can snap a photo along with a few statues of saints including Joan of Arc.
If you are only able to be outside, you can still marvel at the Gothic architecture that makes this one of the most beautiful and famous cathedrals in the world. You can also spy on the bell towers that are the setting for the famous novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This is also a good time to find a local cafe or sandwich cart and have yourself a cafe au lait and a saucisson sandwich.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Right past Notre Dame is Pere Lachaise Cemetery. Here you will find the final resting places of a lot of famous people like Oscar Wilde, Edie Piaf, and Jim Morrison. All the tombs in the cemetery are specially carved and decorated making for a fantastic walk through the grounds.
Oscar Wilde’s grave is covered in lipstick. Those who adore him pucker up and kiss his grave.
Other great writers like Gertrude Stein, Moliere, and Balzac are buried here as well as Chopin and others.
Montmartre
Hop in a cab and make your way north to the section of Paris known as Montmartre. Here you will see the great basilica Sacre Coeur and the famous Moulin Rouge. You may not have the time to catch a show at the Moulin Rouge, which still has performances by can-can girls, but you can walk by and snap a photo.
Sacre Coeur has gorgeous architecture and the basilica sits on the highest point in the city. You can take a rest on its vast staircase that leads up or on the lawn that is just as big. It’s a great place to catch your breath and take in the entire city below.
Arc de Triomphe
When all is set and done, have dinner on Champs Elysees and you can sit right across from the Arc de Triomphe. You will be able to see all the cars going around in the roundabout as they make their way through the city. Be careful because drivers drive fast. Any truck accident lawyer will tell you not to get in anyone’s way in the roundabout.
Hang out around the Sine River
To end the night, do what the locals do and hang out with your family, friends or special someone anywhere along the Sine River. You can see many people here sitting, walking and/or talking. It’s a wonderful experience where you simply get to soak in the moment to experience a true Parisian lifestlye instead of running out checking off bucketlists.
I, myself, spent a total of 2 nights in Paris but really had only one full day to explore the city. I definitely need to go back to Paris. In fact, I would love another Euro Trip.
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