First time in Paris

Paris is the stuff of dreams... but what if you only have a few days to visit one of the most fascinating capitals in the world? To make the most of a short stay, we offer you a big bite of the best of Paris with our itinerary suggestions for 1, 2 or 3 days of pure pleasure. Independently or on an excursion, you can tune into the exciting rhythms of a city that constantly surprises with a beauty both magnificent and rare. Famous museums and monuments, cruises along the Seine, the joys of shopping and the magic of “Paris by Night” are all yours… for just a few hours. With the huge wealth of art, history and culture to be found in Paris, it would be ideal to draw up your own program using the list of our points of interest. But if you only have 1, 2 or 3 days to spare, we’ve put together 6 examples of Parisian days, to mix and match as you wish, according to your taste and your mood.

First Things First

Begin with a coffee on the Champs-Elysées, then take a gentle stroll down to the Eiffel Tower along the avenue Marceau, passing the famous flame of the Pont de l’Alma. From the top of the Tower, you’ll be treated to an unrestricted view over Paris. Then, hop onto one of the river boats moored just below and glide down the Seine as far as Notre-Dame. When you’ve finished your visit of the cathedral, it’ll be time for a lunch break. The Louvre is just half an hour away and awaits you for a made-to-measure tour around the major works of art. As you leave, the day will be drawing to a close over the footbridge des Arts, the Pont Neuf and the Institut de France… Cross over the river and make your way to Odéon metro station which will lead you straight to the Montmartre hill where you can enjoy an exceptional panorama over the city and its monuments, illuminated at nightfall.

Recommended Hotels for this itinerary:
- Au Manoir Saint-Germain des Prés Hotel ****
- Horset Opéra Hotel ****
- Chambiges Elysées Hotel ****
- Left Bank Saint Germain Hotel ***

A view of History

Here’s a way to travel back in time along the streets of Paris, all in the space of one day. Begin your journey in Roman times by visiting the Arènes de Lutèce. Weather permitting, don’t hesitate to move on to the Middle Ages with the musée de Cluny, and walk along the rue Mouffetard, the rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève and the rue des Ecoles that runs alongside the Sorbonne, the oldest university in Europe. Have some lunch in the Latin Quarter then cross the river to the Sainte-Chapelle, a splendid example of gothic architecture. Past the tip of the Ile de la Cité and the quaysides, you’ll come to the Louvre, former residence of kings, whose perfectly balanced forms will take you into the Classical period. Close by, the avenue de l’Opéra unfurls one of the characteristic perspectives designed by Haussmann, and from there, by taking the Météor metro line (14), you’ll find yourself in a flash in the new district around the Bibliothèque de France. Audacity, immensity, elegance: you’re at the heart of contemporary Paris, ready to dine by the Seine River not far away.

Recommended Hotels for this itinerary:
- Au Manoir Saint-Germain des Prés Hotel ****
- Left Bank Saint Germain Hotel ***

Paris and romance

Place des Abbesses, at the foot of the Butte (hill) Montmartre is the starting point for this day: just the spot for a typically Parisian breakfast before heading for the Sacré-Cœur to admire the panorama. Then take your time as you make your way down the rue des Martyrs, packed with interesting boutiques, as far as the Saint-Georges district where you’ll find the Musée de la Vie Romantique… what else? The visit over, take the metro or bus down to the Jardin du Luxembourg where you can declare your undying love beneath the greenery of the splendid Médicis fountain. Next, a visit to the Marais, one of the oldest parts of the city, is just the thing: private mansion houses, the Picasso museum, the latest boutiques, hidden spots (like the Carreau du Temple) and the peace and quiet of the Place des Vosges are all here. Should you fall under the spell of this neighbourhood, you may choose to dine here unless you prefer the epitome of romantic Paris: dinner by candlelight on the Seine River.

Recommended Hotels for this itinerary:
- Au Manoir Saint-Germain des Prés Hotel ****
- Horset Opéra Hotel ****
- Chambiges Elysées Hotel ****
- Left Bank Saint Germain Hotel ***

Shopping delights

Wake up slowly in a cosy Montmartre bistro to watch the sun climb over the rooftops of Paris: a unique sight. If you want to pick up a few souvenirs, there’s no better place to find them than here. After that come down from the hills and head for the Madeleine with its chic boutiques, the typical hustle and bustle of the Grands Boulevards and the magic of the Parisian department stores for an unforgettable shopping experience. All the big stores have cafes and restaurants, most usually offering a great view over the city. Window-shopping is on the menu later in the afternoon-along the avenue des Champs-Elysées, avenue Montaigne or Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Minutes later, metro line 1 will have whisked you into the Marais district to explore the myriad fashion and design boutiques and to linger over dinner in this appealing area.

Recommended Hotels for this itinerary:
- Horset Opéra Hotel ****
- Chambiges Elysées Hotel ****

A different Paris

Make a start at La Villette by exploring the Cité des Sciences, its exhibitions and interactive centres. Once your brain cells have been exercised, take yourself for a walk along the Canal Saint-Martin and appreciate the opportunity to catch up on a former working-class area now newly fashionable. The banks of the canal are lined with cheerful bistros where you can stop for lunch. Setting off from the place de la République situated a little further south, you will find yourself in Beaubourg and the Pompidou Centre in just a handful of metro stops, for a look at the latest must-see exhibition. Then drink in the special charm of the banks of the Seine River with a stroll as far as the Institut du Monde Arabe and, a little further on, bring the day to a close with dinner at the water’s edge at the threshold of the new ultra modern district around the National Library.

Recommended Hotels for this itinerary:
- Au Manoir Saint-Germain des Prés Hotel ****
- Horset Opéra Hotel ****
- Chambiges Elysées Hotel ****
- Left Bank Saint Germain Hotel ***

Bohemian Paris

This particular Paris-may not really exist any more but many places have retained a powerful memory of the artists that made their reputation. You need to begin by a coffee in Montparnasse and a trip to the musée Bourdelle, a small museum that conjures up the atmosphere of Paris and its artists. The brasseries and legendary cafés of the boulevard Montparnasse will then escort you as far as the gardens of the Observatoire. On your way back down through Luxembourg and the place Saint-Sulpice you’ll reach Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Parisian centre of intellectual and artistic activity. In one of its cafés you might even chance to come across your favourite writer... Bohemian Paris continues in Montmartre, setting off from the metro station Odéon. Souvenirs of the workshops of Picasso and Utrillo, the birth of cubism, cabarets, vines, popular songs and painters in the place du Tertre… the picture is complete, night falls over the city.

Recommended Hotels for this itinerary:
- Au Manoir Saint-Germain des Prés Hotel ****
- Left Bank Saint Germain Hotel ***