How to Spend a Weekend in Paris
Easily one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Paris can offer memories to last a lifetime. With world class museums, stunning cathedrals, countless historical sights and some of the best food in the world, a comprehensive tour of the City of Lights could easily take weeks. Unfortunately, as is the case on many occasions, some visitors are faced with trying to see this magnificent city in only a few days. In this article you will find some suggestions on how to maximize your sightseeing adventures during a three day weekend in Paris.
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Things You'll Need
- Guidebook or map of Paris
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Money
- English / French translation book
Instructions
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Arriving on Friday morning, most travelers will be fighting jet lag or lack of sleep from catching the early train from London. Given this altered mental state, you should stick to sights that don't require a lot of thought. A river cruise on the Seine is a perfect way to see some of the sights of Paris, while getting a good idea of the layout of the city. Most of the cruise lines run continuously during the day and can offer great views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and many of the other top tourist sights. Tours can run from 1 hour to upwards of 2 1/2 hours, and offer narrated tours of the sights.
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After your river cruise, you will want to find some place to eat. Look for a small cafe or bistro with outside seating. This will allow you to enjoy your lunch and take in some of the everyday sights of a European city. Lots of restaurants will offer you a handwritten menu, but this is not unusual, so don't be alarmed. Ask the waiter for help or inquire about the plats du jour or daily specials. Don't worry about asking for a glass of house wine, as the French typically don't serve bad wine.
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Since you'll most likely be ready for an early evening, consider a guided evening tour. You can usually arrange these through your hotel concierge or front desk for a reasonable fee. Again this will give you a great view of the city without the hassle of driving or walking too far.
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Get an early start on Saturday morning and get to the Musee du Louvre early. They open at 9:00a.m., and lines form early. If you wait until later in the day, you can find yourself in line for a very long time. Once inside, you will want to narrow your visit to certain sections or exhibitions. With over 35,000 works in 60,000 square meters of exhibition space, the Louvre can be a daunting place without a plan. Don't try to see everything, pick out areas that interest you and spend your time there. Each gallery offers a multi-language gallery guide so that you can learn a little about each piece. When you're ready for something to eat, you won't have to venture out of the museum. The Louvre offers the choice of five cafes, a cafeteria and a more formal restaurant to meet your needs. They're a great way to enjoy lunch and make the best use of your time in the museum.
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Since most visitors find themselves overwhelmed with the Louvre, leave in the mid-afternoon and take a stroll through the Tuileries Quarter as a way to unwind. Leaving the museum, you proceed northwest along the Quai du Louvre where you will see the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, continuing on to the Jardin des Tuileries. Designed in the 17th century by royal gardener Andre Le Notre, these formal gardens are a beautiful escape from the busy Paris Streets.
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To end your second day in Paris, consider touring the Opera Quarter for a glimpse of Paris nightlife. The Boulevard des Capucines offers many culinary choices, as well as theaters and opera houses. Check with your hotel concierge for suggestions and ticket options.
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With most weekend trips ending with a late afternoon flight or train trip, start early to make the most of your day. Breakfast at a street side cafe is a great way to start your day. Consider a walk along the Ave des Champs Elysees to window shop at some of the worlds most exclusive stores. In this area you will find the shops of Yves Saint Laurent, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Chanel and many more. Since most of these shops will be closed, you'll be able to view the amazing clothes without being tempted to spend your life savings on a new outfit.
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While most of the more famous Paris restaurants can be quite pricey, many offer affordable options during lunch. If you're extremely resourceful, the Le Jules Verne, on the second level of the Eiffel Tower, offers a moderately priced lunch menu and wonderful views of Paris from your table. Reservations are required even at lunch and are somewhat difficult to get. If you can't manage this, try a take out picnic lunch from a local grocer and eat in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower while you wait for the entrance line to dwindle. A quick trip to the top observation tower should still leave you plenty of time to make your flight or train.
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Tips & Warnings
Start early. Most tourist stops can become extremely crowded as the day goes on.
Plan ahead to minimize lost time while trying to decide what to do.
Check for options to purchase tickets online or by phone, to avoid standing in line.
Don't assume that the average French citizen speaks English. Although most do, try a few French phrases to break the ice.
Eating is a social event and is not offered at a hurried pace. Don't expect to rush in and out of most cafes or bistros.
If in doubt, ask questions. Don't be afraid to get clarifications on directions or prices.
Be sure to get a price quote from your taxi driver prior to entering the vehicle. Verify that he understands where you want to go.
