London to Paris in two and a half hours; it’s no exaggeration to say that it’s a wonder of modern engineering. Before the channel tunnel was finished, we used to take the slow, arduous ferry across the channel and drive three hours from Calais to the big city. Today, you can have a full English for breakfast in Picadilly and lunch on Moules and Champagne on the Champs Elysees for lunch.
Given that it’s so easy to try both capitals in one visit, it would be a shame not to take advantage. The question remains, however, of how you should spend your day in this auspicious city. That’s why we’ve put together this quick list of unmissable activities for your day trip to Paris. We’ve covered both the obvious and not-so-obvious, so grab a pen and start planning your itinerary.
See the Eiffel Tower
Let’s get the big one out of the way first. You already know that you can’t miss out on a visit to the Eiffel Tower. You need to decide, though, whether or not you’re going to the top…
Eat a croissant in Montmartre
You should try a real pain au chocolat in France. It is a whole different level of deliciousness, so don’t leave Paris without eating one. And if you’re going to do it anywhere, it might as well be in one of the traditional cafes in and around the famous Montmartre district.
Visit Napoleon’s Tomb
The extent of Napoleon’s impact on the modern world can’t really be overstated, and a visit to his final resting place is a profound reminder.
Bask in the glory of Notre Dame
Whether cathedrals or your thing or not, Notre Dame de Paris remains a testament to the determination and artistry of humankind as much as it is a testament to God. Don’t miss out on experiencing its grandeur for yourself.
Take a walk down the Seine
After your visit to Notre Dame, you owe it to yourself to take a little time strolling down the banks of the Seine. Unwind and wander by the past artisan cheese shops, Parisian cafes, and a two-hundred-year-old flower shop.
Have coffee on the Champs Elysees
With the Arc de Triomphe at one end and the Grand Palais at the other, the Champ Elysees is a must-see stop on your tour of the city. Of course, the truly Parisian way to soak up the atmosphere is to stop for a coffee in one of its stunning traditional cafes. It may cost you an arm and a leg, but it’s worth it.
Experience the Mona Lisa
You may feel that Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous work is almost all-too-familiar to bother with. However, those fears will melt away when you see it in real life. The real thing has a depth and texture to it that simply can’t be captured in a photograph. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you choose only one thing to do from this list, make it this one.
Et voilà ! Your Paris experience is complete. Follow this list to the letter, and you’ll leave the city feeling like you’ve experienced everything it has to offer. Of course, that’s not quite true – there’s always more to see in the city of love! Check out our Paris guided tours to get the most out of a trip to Paris.
