Paris is unquestionably one of Europe’s most historic, iconic cities. Conveniently, it only takes a few hours to travel from Paris to London by bus, which makes it a wonderful day trip option. As a result, you can get a real taste of the ‘city of love’ by visiting Paris for just 24 hours. However, if this is something that you’re going to do, you will have to plan very carefully to get the most out of your short visit. Here are some recommendations for a 24-hour trip to Paris.
Given that timing is of the essence, it’s best to work out how you are going to get around Paris before you set off. The Metro is good for covering longer distances, although it can be confusing and squalid. For shorter distances, you should certainly register for a Velib bike. Each journey is free so long as you don’t use it for longer than 30 minutes.
So, once you’re on your bike, where should you go? Let’s start with some of the iconic sites which you will probably feel you must see if you’re going to Paris. For a start, there’s the Champs Elysees which brings you directly to the Arc de Triomphe. The Champs Elysees is one of the world’s premier addresses and if you like designer shopping, then there is nowhere better. Nearby is the Place de la Concorde, one of the most magnificent squares you will likely ever see. Of course, perhaps the most famous site of all in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. However, you can expect to queue for at least two hours to climb the monument itself, eating up a valuable chunk of your 24 hours. You might be best off stopping at Trocadero station to take a picture from one of the best vantage points there is. Talking of which, for an incredible vista over the entire city, climb the stairs to the famous Sacre Coeur church. And if you like churches, then Notre Dame is another iconic landmark.
If you want a taste of culture in Paris, then the Louvre art gallery is the natural place to go. It houses the Mona Lisa and other priceless works. However, you could easily spend half a day at the Louvre. If you feel that’s too long but you still need a dose of art, then check out the Musee d’Orsay, which includes possibly the world’s most impressive Impressionist collection.
Paris is also an excellent shopping venue and if the Champs Elysees is out of your price range, then there are plenty more affordable options. There are some excellent boutiques at the Pontdes Arts and the whole Marais neighbourhood is also a trendy location. For an authentic shopping experience, check out the Saxe-Breteuil Market near the Eiffel Tower, where you can try cheeses, bread and other fresh produce before you buy.
If you’re going to be in Paris for the evening, then there are plenty of options for entertainment. The Fleche d’Or comes highly recommended as a free venue for indie and rock music. If you’re looking for a quiet drink then Harry’s Bar has excellent cocktails and was a favourite haunt of Ernest Hemmingway. For something a little more upbeat, Le Rex is a top nightclub venue.
However, if you need to save time on this briefest of day trips, then perhaps one of the most time-efficient activities to enjoy is a dinner cruise on the River Seine. Great food and you get to see plenty of sites all at once.
Written by David James Taylor
