Paris in a day starts with a good breakfast.
No matter how packed your itinerary, if you’re visiting Paris you have to make time for good food. It’s part of the French way of life and there’s nothing quite like sitting and watching the world go by while enjoying authentic French pastries and a cup of strong coffee to fuel your day. There are cafés on what feels like every street corner, so you’ll never be far from some refreshments to help you on your way. If you want to start your day with delicious smoothies and healthy treats in a chic location, drop into DS Café at Galeries Lafayette – it’s located in the Wellness Galerie – a gorgeous space bringing everything dedicated to well-being together. It’s a great place to fill up on healthy nutrients alongside the locals to ensure you have all the energy you need for your jam-packed 1-Day in Paris itinerary.
While you’re in the building enjoy a few moments with Galeries Lafayette’s famous 43-metre-high Art Nouveau glass coupole. A truly majestic sight. The Galerie is a great place to check out iconic brands and take some pictures for your Instagram or to show the family when you get home – no trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to this famous department store and first thing in the morning is a great time to take some photos while it isn’t as busy. It will be hard to resist shopping and you absolutely don’t have to. There’s something special about shopping in a place like this. However, you might want to circle back at the end of your day for your luxury shopping fix, and that way you won’t have to carry more than you need around with you.
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If you’re visiting on the weekend you can explore the architecture of Galeries Lafayette Hausmann before it starts to fill up. Exclusive heritage tours where you can discover the secrets of the store can be booked outside of opening hours (9 am Saturday or 10 am Sunday). The cost is €18 for an adult and €8 for a child and the tour lasts 90 minutes. Totally worth it for photos without the crowds.
Sitting and enjoying a leisurely breakfast might seem overindulgent when you only have 24 hours in Paris but it will also put you in a good mood for the day. That said If you really can’t bear to sit and take your time first thing in the morning because you’re determined to squeeze in as many Paris sights as possible, pop into any “boulangerie” or try the Boulanger Chez Meunier in Galeries Lafayette for top class freshly-made mouth-watering pastries, croissants, pain au chocolat, pain au raisin… just be prepared to stand out like a sore thumb if you eat it while strolling around – it just isn’t the done thing here!
The second stop on your 1-day in Paris itinerary: Palais Garnier
Palais Garnier is home to the French National Opera and while this historic theatre may not spring to mind immediately when you think of a visit to Paris, it plays host to nearly half a million tourists a year and is just a five-minute walk from Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, which makes it the perfect second stop on your whirlwind ‘Paris in a Day’ tour. The building was commissioned by Napoleon III to house the Opera. It was built between 1861 and 1875 and dazzles with onyx, marble, frescos, and gilding – the theatre ceiling is painted by Marc Chagall.
Today Palais Garnier offers a rich program of concerts, ballet, and opera, with over 400 performances a year.
Inside you can gasp in awe at the breathtaking white marble staircase set in the gilded foyer echoing the glamour of Versailles, marvel at the ornate Italian auditorium, and find out about the theatre’s history with an audio tour (included in your ticket price). The full tour takes 90 minutes so you may just want to focus on the parts that interest you most and dedicate 30-60 minutes to the museum. Soak up the beautiful building and move on to see more of Paris, there’s so much to fit in. On that note, we recommend booking your tickets online in advance to save time queuing on the day. A full-price entrance ticket will cost you €15, concessions cost €10)
Once you’re done, hop on the metro right outside the Opera, (metro stop Opera) and take line number 7 to Pont Neuf. It is possible to walk, and Paris always offers stunning views and plenty of exploration, but when you’re trying to visit Paris in a day sometimes the metro is the best choice.
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The Paris metro is quick, easy and safe to use. It isn’t expensive either.A 1-day metro pass can come in handy for 24 hours in Paris. It gives you the option of hopping on and off as you please, something you might be really glad of by the end of the day. If you’re only planning to take a couple of journeys then just buy single tickets or buy a ‘carnet’ and share them with whoever you’re travelling with – as long as everyone has a valid single ticket from the ‘carnet’ this is perfectly ok.
Stroll over Pont Neuf and through Place Dauphine
Once you arrive at Pont Neuf (the metro station is named after the bridge beside it) head up to ground level and look around. Pont Neuf means new bridge, but don’t be fooled; it’s the oldest bridge in Paris! The first stone is said to have been laid in the presence of Catherine de Medici in 1578. In the center of the bridge, you’ll find an equestrian statue of King Henry IV. Walk over the bridge to Ile de la Cite and pass through Place Dauphine – a charming square that has featured in several films – then make your way to Sainte Chapelle. It takes just five minutes to walk from Pont Neuf Metro station to Sainte Chapelle, but it might take you slightly longer with all the photo stops!
Sainte Chapelle: awe-inspiring stained-glass windows
Sainte Chapelle was built in the 13th century to house some of the most important religious artifacts, including the Crown of Thorns – this was later moved to Notre Dame. This gothic-style chapel was part of the Palais de la Cite, the residence of the French Kings, and features 113 stained glass windows, one of the most extensive collections of 13th-century stained glass in the world.
The building was damaged during the French Revolution but it was rebuilt in the 19th century and is quite amazing. The entrance fee for Sainte Chapelle is €13 and if you want to listen to the audio tour it will cost you another €3. Under-18s can get in for free. As this is just a 1-day in Paris itinerary, it’s worth knowing that you can probably take a glance at everything the chapel has to offer in around 30 minutes, but you can easily spend an hour or more there. The more time you spend, the more you’ll get out of it but don’t stay so long you miss out on other incredible sights.
Just like most Paris museums, you can book online in advance, and it’s a really good idea because you skip all the queues — a great time-saving tip when you only have 24 hours in Paris!
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You can buy a Paris pass which gives you entry into 50 museums in the Paris area. Sadly the minimum purchase is for two days, but if you wanted to pop into more museums than those included in this 1-day in Paris itinerary, it could save you money. If you can spare more than one day Paris has a lot to offer. The cost for two days is €62 – please note for many museums you will still need to book a time slot online at each museum website, especially at peak times if you don’t want to queue – there is no extra cost associated with this. If your one day in Paris itinerary only includes Sainte Chapelle and the Louvre from the Paris pass, paying the entry individually is more cost effective.
Top Tip: If you don’t want to buy tickets online get them at the tourism point at Galeries Lafayette while you’re sorting breakfast. You can up any paper maps and get tips for local events that day while you’re at it.
Step back in time with Tour de l’Horloge
When you step back out into the daylight turn towards the Seine River and take a three-minute walk to the Tour de l’Horlorge, the 4th stop on your 1-day in Paris Itinerary. Stop for a few minutes to admire the decorative 14th-century clock that still works today. It was France’s first public clock. The clock tower is part of the Conciergerie, a medieval royal palace, turned court of justice, turned prison – its most famous inmate was Marie Antoinette. There’s no time to visit the inside on your 1-day in Paris itinerary though! If you want to come back another time a standard ticket is €13
Stop no. 5 on your 1-day in Paris itinerary: Notre Dame
The cathedral Notre Dame is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world and the restoration has been meticulously carried out using traditional tools and craftsmanship, even down to recreating inconsistencies in the wood. Don’t leave Ile de La Cite without stopping to take it all in, even though you’ll have the chance to see it from a Seine River Cruise later in the day. Standing in front of Notre Dame is a must-do on your 1-day in Paris Itinerary. If you’re planning a trip once it has re-opened consider adding it to your day. Though the fire was devastating many religious relics were saved.
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You can also get an impressive view of Notre Dame from the terrace of Galeries Lafayette, so if you’re trying to save time and just want to see the outside, you can do it as part of your first stop.
From the Latin Quarter to Saint Germain de Prés via Jardin de Luxembourg
By this point in the day despite your delicious French breakfast you may be flagging and in need of a break, so walk over Pont au Double – or if you love the idea of ambling down the narrowest street in Paris, Pont de l’Archeveque and then head into the Latin Quarter.
Stop no. 6 on your 1-day in Paris itinerary: The vibrant Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter or 5th Arrondissement is the oldest part of Paris, packed with historic sites and quaint cobblestone streets. It’s home to the world-renowned Sorbonne University, the Pantheon, and the famous English bookshop Shakespeare & Co, among other historic sites, but it’s also a lovely lively area for a stroll with plenty of picturesque buildings. You want to walk in the direction of Saint Germain so you can continue with your tour route (do this by keeping Ile de la Cite on your right-hand side), but how you get there is up to you. Meander up and down the bustling streets, filled with shops and cafes. Make sure you look up to pick out architectural details or frescos on the walls too. When you’ve had enough wandering pick a spot for a drink or lunch if you’re hungry by this point. There are plenty of options in the Latin Quarter, Saint Germain de Pres, or even in Jardin de Luxembourg.
Jardin de Luxembourg a haven of greenery
Jardin de Luxembourg is a public park and entry is free, it’s a great place to stop and relax. There are several large public parks in Paris, each with its own charms, so it’s nice to make time to stroll through at least part of one. The gardens have their own restaurant, Madame’s Terrace, and there are several stalls and kiosks selling a variety of food and drink, which makes it a good choice for refueling before continuing your day. You could easily while away the hours in this lovely Parisian park, but you don’t have time on a 1-Day in Paris itinerary, so don’t idle for too long. Perhaps visit the Orangerie, or simply admire the park as you pass through towards Saint Germain de Pres where there’s always something going on, but keep an eye on the clock if you don’t want to spend the rest of the day here. You can download a park guide to help you decide how to spend your time here.
Stop no. 8 on your 1-day in Paris itinerary: Saint Germain des Prés
Once you’ve refreshed yourself with the greenery or something to eat and drink, head out into Saint Germain de Prés. Bordering the Latin Quarter and Jardin de Luxembourg, the 6th Arrondissement of Paris has a village-like vibe and was popular with well-known 20th Century writers, artists, sculptors, and painters: Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Pablo Picasso to name just a few. Several of the café’s they used to frequent are still trading today, including Les Deux Maggots, Café de Flore, and Brasserie Lipp – more great options for a pit stop to fuel your day in Paris.
You might want to visit Eglise Saint Germain too (free entry, no ticket required) – this church is one of the few remaining Romanesque buildings left in Paris. Once you’ve wandered for long enough and made the most of the cafés head down to Quai de Conti (back towards the Seine) to take a look at the impressive buildings. Here you’ll find the Institut Francais (including the Academie Francaise) and the Monnaie de Paris, coin museum. Snap a few pictures and then walk across Pont des Arts to the Louvre museum.
The Louvre an unmissable monument
Arguably Paris’ best-known museum, nothing can quite prepare you for the grandeur of the Louvre’s entrance. This former Royal Palace on the right bank of the Seine River occupies a vast space with its huge square, home to the iconic glass pyramid. Spend a few minutes in the square soaking up the atmosphere, taking souvenir photos, and admiring its expanse. The outdoor space is only rivaled by the treasures held within.
There is simply no way you can see everything that the Louvre has to offer on a 1-day in Paris Itinerary. You could spend the whole day at this incredible museum and still have huge amounts to see on your next trip. So the best plan is to figure out exactly what you most want to see and make a beeline for those pieces. Try to limit your time inside to around two hours to give you time to complete the rest of the itinerary. While museums like this are fantastic they can often be a little overwhelming. To achieve the two-hour goal it’s really important you plan a route through the museum in advance. It is always busy!
To help you here are some of the works considered to be among the highlights of the Louvre:
- The Mona Lisa
- The Venus de Milo
- Psyche revived by Cupid’s Kiss
- Winged Victory of Samothrace
- The Wedding at Cana
- The Crown Jewels
- The Sphinx at Tanis
- The Raft the Medusa
- The Coronation of Napoleon
- Liberty Leading the people
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If planning your own route around the Louvre feels a little overwhelming, then the museum has helpfully put together some self-guided trails you can follow. From a masterpieces trail to a trail featuring the artwork that inspired Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s APES**T music video in 2018, there’s something to suit all tastes. Each trail takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, which is just the right sort of time to make sure you enjoy some Louvre highlights when you’re visiting Paris in One Day.
Decide in advance how much time, if any you want to spend inside the Louvre and book a timed entry ticket online so you don’t have to waste time queuing. The ticket price for adults is €22, under 18s and EU students under the age of 26 can get in for free.
An alternative option: an afternoon shopping in Paris
Not everyone wants to spend a couple of hours wandering around looking at art, and while the Louvre is truly a great museum if it isn’t for you then feel free to simply enjoy the gorgeous setting and the pyramid and then move on. You could use the time to visit a smaller museum, enjoy a longer more leisurely lunch, or even spend some time in Paris’s iconic shops. It is after all one of the fashion capitals of the world, home to incredible designers, Maisons, exclusive cosmetics brands, and makers of luxury goods.
If you are planning to shop, the quickest way to get to the shopping area of your choice is using the metro. The different lines are both colored and numbered which makes it relatively easy to find your way around.
The best places to shop on one day in Paris
- Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
More than just a place to buy the latest fashion, cosmetics, music, electronics, and designer homeware, this iconic department store is a true piece of Parisian heritage. A stunning place to wander around, shop and enjoy beautiful things. This is the kind of shopping that makes your heart sing. As you’ll already know if you’ve read this far, Galeries Lafayette is just 5 minutes from Opera Garnier in the 9th Arrondissement. You might want to spend longer here in the morning if you aren’t planning on spending time in some of the museums on the tour, or come back later in the evening for a little R&R (more on that later…). This exclusive department store is ideal when you only have one day in Paris as you can get your fix of French and international brands both young and old, all under one roof – you don’t need to seek out different stores, and you’ll certainly find a gift for anyone you want to buy one for. Don’t miss out on the enticing Food Hall – it’s packed with tempting delicacies to try, enjoy, buy for a picnic, or take home to friends and family (if you can resist eating it before it gets to them!).
Metro Stop: Chaussée D’Antin, Opera or Havre-Caumartin are all just a few minutes away
- Champs Elysées
The legendary Champs Elysées is lined with flagship stores from both French and International brands including Guerlain, Hermes, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Banana Republic, Swarovski, Nina Ricci, Christian Dior… the only downside? You only have 24 hours in Paris!
Another little bonus is that if you head right up to Place Charles De Gaulle Etoile, you can also sneak in a peak at the Arc de Triomphe which stands at the top of the tree-lined boulevard, and perhaps take a few minutes to pay your respects at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Metro stop: Georges V, Franklin D Roosevelt or Champs Elysées (Charles de Gaulle Etoile for the Arc de Triomphe)
Top tip: Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées is as its name suggests on the Champs Elysées just a 10-minute walk from the Arc du Triomphe.
- Rue Saint Honoré
For more high-end shopping Rue Saint Honoré is the place to be, stretching past Place Vendome you’ll find French classics like Longchamp, Chanel, and Saint Laurent, plus one of the world’s largest Cartier stores. There are also restaurants, cafes, and international luxury brands like Rolex and Hublot.
Metro stop: Pyramides, Concorde, or Tuileries – if you’re following the 1-day in Paris itinerary just walk on from the Louvre towards Jardin des Tuileries and you’ll soon find Rue Saint Honoré.
4. Saint Germain
We’ve already touched on how charming Saint German des Prés is, so if you aren’t heading into the long corridors of the Louvre for a couple of hours you might choose to extend your time in this area to indulge in some retail therapy or pick up some souvenirs to take home. Shopping in Saint Germain includes luxury stores but also an array of chocolatiers and pâtissiers for sweet treats, beautiful bookstores, and a real mix of everything. A wonderful stop off on your whirlwind Paris trip.
Metro Stop (although you won’t need it on the tour): Saint Germain des Prés, Mabillon, Rue du Bac.
5. Les Passages Couverts
If you’re looking for something a bit different, or if the weather makes you want to spend more time indoors then head for some of the hidden shopping arcades in Paris. These eclectic spaces are home to vintage shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants and are a fun place to spend a couple of hours shopping, browsing, or watching the world go by. Lots of these little gems are located in the 2nd and 9th Arrondissement so not too far from the Louvre and Palais Garnier.
In the 2nd try Passage du Grand Cerf (145 Rue Saint Denis) one of the largest and most glamorous arcades, built in 1852, or Galerie Vivienne with its impressive mosaic floors (4 Rue Petit Champs).
If you’re shopping in the 9th try Passage Jouffroy (10-12 Boulevard Montmartre), built in 1863 and one of the most popular covered arcades in the city.
Metro stop: Etienne Marcel Passage du Grand Cerf, Bourse for Galerie Vivienne, and Grands Boulevards for Passage Jouffroy
Stop no. 10 on your 1-day in Paris itinerary: Seine River Cruise
Whether you’ve spent a couple of hours at the Louvre or maxed out your credit card on a shopping spree, don’t miss out on Stop no. 10 on our tour – by now you’ll most definitely be in need of a sit-down, and what better way to do that than on a Bateau Mouche, a Seine River Cruise?
There are several tour operators running Seine river cruises, you can opt for a lunch or dinner cruise or even a hop-on, hop-off river boat. But if you want to sit and relax for an hour while listening to an audio guide to the main sites along the Seine then hop on the metro over to the Eiffel Tower and climb aboard the Bateaux Parisiens. The cruise departs every 30 minutes and audio commentary is available in 14 languages, tickets cost €16 for adults and €7.50 for children.
Metro stop: Iéna (Line 1 from the Louvre and switch to line 9 at Franklin D Roosevelt)
If you’re not a fan of audio tours and you prefer live commentary then you could try Vedettes du Pont Neuf. This tour is offered live in both French and English and tickets cost €15 for adults and €7.50 for children. As the company name suggests this tour starts from Pont Neuf so you can either head back there or just hop on and do the cruise earlier in the day before you stop for lunch.
All tickets for Seine River cruises can be bought online and onsite, there are sometimes discounts offered for buying online in advance and it could make things a little speedier which is an advantage when you’re trying to visit Paris in one day!
Sunset at the Eiffel Tower a breathtaking view
If you’ve followed the itinerary you’re now hopefully just in time to watch the sunset by the Eiffel Tower. While Champ de Mars is often named as being popular for picnics, arguably the best spot for a great view of the Eiffel Tower is on the opposite side of the Seine in Place du Trocadero. No matter where you stand the views are awe-inspiring. You can stand by the steps, the forecourt, or the fountain and gaze at this spectacular building bathed in the glowing light. There’s no fee to enter the Trocadero and it does get very busy, but this doesn’t ruin things, it creates a festive atmosphere, there are often dancers or singers performing filling the evening with the sounds of celebration. Make sure you take some great photos while the light is still good, there are plenty of excellent spots where you can avoid getting the crowds in the background. Take a moment to think back on the day trip so far, all the ground you’ve covered, sights you’ve seen, and museums you’ve discovered.
If you have any time or energy left once you’ve taken in your fill of the Eiffel Tower, it’s open late (until midnight). Ticket prices vary depending on whether you’re taking the stairs (probably not if you’ve already spent a day walking around Paris!) or using the lift, and what level you want to visit. They start at €11.80 for an adult for access to the second floor via the stairs and top out at €29.90 for full access to all floors via the lifts. If you’re going to do it, then you probably want to go all the way to the top. Once again booking online can save you time and money as you can jump the queues – of course, you might want to see how you’re feeling at the end of the Paris in 1-day Itinerary – but you can always book on your cell phone!
The final stop on your 1-day in Paris itinerary: The Wellness Galerie
Just when you thought you’d seen everything you could in 24 hours in Paris, we have a final stop on your agenda and it circles you neatly back to the start — the Wellness Galerie at Galeries Lafayette. Channeling into the demand for a balanced lifestyle, this 3,000m2 space is an oasis of calm in the bustle of the city and the perfect end to a busy day on the tourist trail. It brings together experts in health, beauty, and sport to offer custom treatments, carefully curated products, and a cool, stylish space dedicated to your well-being. We imagine you won’t want to join in the fitness class, but you might like to shop for a gorgeous pair of leggings to take home, or a luxury face mask so you can recreate the calming moment at home.
However, what you really need after being on your feet all day in Paris is a little bit of pampering under expert hands. Face, body, and beauty treatments are all available to help you feel fresh and revived after a long day on your feet.
The treatment bubbles are veritable cocoons in warm welcoming colors with soft, cozy furnishings – perfect for drifting away while enjoying a relaxing back and neck massage, or letting go as you experience an uplifting facial or rejuvenating treatment. Treatments are tailored to fit your needs, so if your perfect pick-me-up is a manicure or pedicure this is also the place to be.
In addition to these treatments, you can also enjoy a range of tailored therapies to help you address well-being issues like sleeping difficulties, reducing stress, and rejuvenation via a range of innovative treatments, for example, luminotherapy or cryotherapy. You could even opt for a sauna. Everything in the Wellness Galerie is designed to harmonize your body and mind.
There aren’t many travel tours that end this way, but there should be! Relax, help your body to recover, and take time out to ease your muscles and mind at the end of the day.
Practical information: The Wellness Galerie is open every day from 10 am to 8:30 pm (11 am – 8 pm on Sundays) and you can book treatments online or in person.
With your treatment completed and your newly acquired goodies safely tucked into bags (who can resist French fashion and cosmetics?), it’s time to make tracks for your hotel to enjoy a good night’s sleep. You’ve made the most of Paris in one day, you can’t possibly squeeze in another thing!
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If you’ve just flown in and are heading out on a 1-day in Paris itinerary but you’re feeling jet-lagged, try starting your day with the Anti-Jet Lag Experience at the Wellness Galerie. It includes:A replenishing infrared sauna to help reset your internal clockA detox juice packed with vitamins and minerals to help your energy levelsA Wellness Galerie tote bag – perfect for carrying all your souvenirs!Book-in and set off for your day feeling refreshed and full of energy.
Have a little more time in Paris?
If you happen to decide to extend your trip and spend more than one day in Paris there is still so much to see. You didn’t get a chance to delve into the impressionist masterpieces at Musee D’Orsay or climb the steps of Montmartre to explore the striking views of the Sacré Coeur both inside and out. There are still the wonders of modern art at the Pompidou Centre, the fun vibe of the Marais district to uncover, the underground delights of The Catacombs, and Musée Rodin. For fashion lovers there is always more shopping, but also Palais Gallieri, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and Maison Dior. There are also shows, concerts, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs waiting to be discovered. But if all you have is one day in Paris then this itinerary covers the essentials and a few tempting extras.
