{"id":1329472,"date":"2024-08-14T18:04:55","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T16:04:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/haussmann.galerieslafayette.com\/?p=1329472"},"modified":"2026-04-16T09:26:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T07:26:03","slug":"paris-in-one-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/haussmann.galerieslafayette.com\/en\/paris-in-one-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Paris in a Day: An Unforgettable Itinerary for the City of Light"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Paris in a day starts with a good breakfast. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No matter how packed your itinerary<\/strong>, if you\u2019re visiting Paris<\/strong> you have to make time for good food. It\u2019s part of the French way of life and there\u2019s 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 caf\u00e9s on what feels like every street corner, so you\u2019ll 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 Caf\u00e9 at Galeries Lafayette<\/strong> \u2013 it\u2019s located in the Wellness Galerie<\/strong> \u2013 a gorgeous space bringing everything dedicated to well-being together. It\u2019s 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<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you\u2019re in the building enjoy a few moments with Galeries Lafayette\u2019s<\/strong> 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 \u2013 no trip to Paris<\/strong> 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\u2019t as busy. It will be hard to resist shopping and you absolutely don\u2019t have to. There\u2019s something special about shopping in a place like this. However, you might want to circle back at the end of your day<\/strong> for your luxury shopping fix, and that way you won\u2019t have to carry more than you need around with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re visiting on the weekend you can explore the architecture of Galeries Lafayette Hausmann before it starts to fill up.<\/em> Exclusive heritage tours<\/em><\/strong><\/a> 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 \u20ac18 for an adult and \u20ac8 for a child and the tour lasts 90 minutes. Totally worth it for photos without the crowds.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sitting and enjoying a leisurely breakfast might seem overindulgent when you only have 24 hours in Paris<\/strong> but it will also put you in a good mood for the day. That said If you really can\u2019t bear to sit and take your time first thing in the morning because you\u2019re determined to squeeze in as many Paris sights<\/strong> as possible, pop into any \u201cboulangerie\u201d or  try the Boulanger Chez Meunier<\/strong><\/a> in Galeries Lafayette for top class freshly-made mouth-watering pastries, croissants, pain au chocolat, pain au raisin\u2026 just be prepared to stand out like a sore thumb if you eat it while strolling around \u2013 it just isn\u2019t the done thing here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second stop on your 1-day in Paris itinerary: Palais Garnier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Palais Garnier<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, it plays host to nearly half a million tourists a year and is just a five-minute walk<\/strong> from Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, which makes it the perfect second stop on your whirlwind \u2018Paris in a Day\u2019 tour<\/strong>. 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 \u2013 the theatre ceiling is painted by Marc Chagall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today Palais Garnier<\/strong> offers a rich program of concerts, ballet, and opera, with over 400 performances a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s history with an audio tour<\/strong> (included in your ticket<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, there\u2019s so much to fit in. On that note, we recommend booking your tickets<\/strong> online in advance to save time queuing on the day. A full-price entrance ticket <\/strong>will cost you \u20ac15, concessions cost \u20ac10)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019re done, hop on the metro<\/strong> right outside the Opera<\/strong>, (metro stop Opera<\/strong>) and take line number 7 to Pont Neuf<\/strong>. It is possible to walk<\/strong>, and Paris<\/strong> always offers stunning views and plenty of exploration, but when you\u2019re trying to visit Paris in a day<\/strong> sometimes the metro<\/strong> is the best choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The <\/em>Paris metro<\/em><\/strong> is quick, easy and safe to use. It isn\u2019t expensive either.A <\/em>1-day metro pass<\/em><\/strong> can come in handy for <\/em>24 hours in Paris<\/em><\/strong>. 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 <\/em>day<\/em><\/strong>. If you\u2019re only planning to take a couple of journeys then just buy single tickets or buy a \u2018carnet\u2019 and share them with whoever you\u2019re travelling with \u2013 as long as everyone has a valid single <\/em>ticket<\/em><\/strong> from the \u2018carnet\u2019 this is perfectly ok.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Stroll over Pont Neuf and through Place Dauphine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you arrive at Pont Neuf<\/strong> (the metro station<\/strong> is named after the bridge beside it) head up to ground level and look around. Pont Neuf<\/strong> means new bridge, but don\u2019t be fooled; it\u2019s the oldest bridge in Paris<\/strong>! 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\u2019ll find an equestrian statue of King Henry IV. Walk<\/strong> over the bridge to Ile de la Cite<\/strong> and pass through Place Dauphine \u2013 a charming square that has featured in several films \u2013 then make your way to Sainte Chapelle<\/strong>. It takes just five minutes to walk<\/strong> from Pont Neuf Metro<\/strong> station to Sainte Chapelle<\/strong>, but it might take you slightly longer with all the photo stops!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sainte Chapelle: awe-inspiring stained-glass windows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sainte Chapelle<\/strong> was built in the 13th<\/sup> century to house some of the most important religious artifacts, including the Crown of Thorns – this was later moved to Notre Dame<\/strong>. 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<\/sup>-century stained glass in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The building was damaged during the French Revolution but it was rebuilt in the 19th<\/sup> century and is quite amazing. The entrance fee for Sainte Chapelle<\/strong> is \u20ac13 and if you want to listen to the audio tour it will cost you another \u20ac3. Under-18s can get in for free. As this is just a 1-day in Paris itinerary<\/strong>, it\u2019s 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\u2019ll get out of it but don\u2019t stay so long you miss out on other incredible sights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like most Paris museums<\/strong>, you can book online in advance, and it\u2019s a really good idea because you skip all the queues \u2014 a great time-saving tip when you only have 24 hours in Paris!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You can buy a <\/em>Paris pass<\/em><\/strong> which gives you entry into 50 museums in the <\/em>Paris<\/em><\/strong> area. Sadly the minimum purchase is for two days, but if you wanted to pop into more museums than those included in this <\/em>1-day in Paris itinerary<\/em><\/strong>, it could save you money. If you can spare more than one <\/em>day<\/em><\/strong> Paris has a lot to offer. The cost for two days is \u20ac62 \u2013 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\u2019t want to queue \u2013 there is no extra cost associated with this. If your <\/em>one day in Paris itinerary<\/em><\/strong> only includes <\/em>Sainte Chapelle<\/em><\/strong> and the <\/em>Louvre<\/em><\/strong> from the <\/em>Paris pass,<\/em><\/strong> paying the entry individually is more cost effective.<\/em>
Top Tip: If you don\u2019t want to buy tickets online get them at <\/em><\/strong>the tourism point at Galeries Lafayette<\/em><\/strong><\/a> while you\u2019re sorting breakfast. You can up any paper maps and get tips for local events that day while you\u2019re at it.<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step back in time with Tour de l\u2019Horloge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you step back out into the daylight turn towards the Seine River<\/strong> and take a three-minute walk <\/strong>to the Tour de <\/strong>l\u2019Horlorge, the 4th<\/sup> stop on your 1-day in Paris Itinerary. Stop for a few minutes to admire the decorative 14th<\/sup>-century clock that still works today. It was France\u2019s first public clock. The clock tower is part of the Conciergerie<\/strong><\/a>, a medieval royal palace, turned court of justice, turned prison \u2013 its most famous inmate was Marie Antoinette. There\u2019s no time to visit the inside on your 1-day in Paris itinerary<\/strong> though! If you want to come back another time a standard ticket<\/strong> is \u20ac13<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stop no. 5 on your 1-day in Paris itinerary: Notre Dame<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The cathedral Notre Dame<\/strong> 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\u2019t leave Ile de La Cite<\/strong> without stopping to take it all in, even though you\u2019ll have the chance to see it from a Seine River Cruise<\/strong> later in the day. Standing in front of Notre Dame<\/strong> is a must-do on your 1-day in Paris Itinerary.<\/strong> If you\u2019re planning a trip once it has re-opened consider adding it to your day<\/strong>. Though the fire was devastating many religious relics were saved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You can also get an impressive view of Notre Dame from the terrace of Galeries Lafayette, so if you\u2019re trying to save time and just want to see the outside, you can do it as part of your first stop.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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From the Latin Quarter to Saint Germain de Pr\u00e9s via Jardin de Luxembourg<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By this point in the day<\/strong> despite your delicious French breakfast you may be flagging and in need of a break, so walk<\/strong> over Pont au Double<\/strong> \u2013 or if you love the idea of ambling down the narrowest street in Paris, Pont de l\u2019Archeveque<\/strong> and then head into the Latin Quarter.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stop no. 6 on your 1-day in Paris itinerary: The vibrant Latin Quarter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Latin Quarter<\/strong> or 5th<\/sup> Arrondissement is the oldest part of Paris<\/strong>, packed with historic sites and quaint cobblestone streets. It\u2019s home to the world-renowned Sorbonne University<\/strong>, the Pantheon,<\/strong> and the famous English bookshop Shakespeare & Co<\/strong>, among other historic sites, but it\u2019s also a lovely lively area for a stroll with plenty of picturesque buildings. You want to walk<\/strong> in the direction of Saint Germain<\/strong> so you can continue with your tour route (do this by keeping Ile de la Cite<\/strong> 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\u2019ve had enough wandering pick a spot for a drink or lunch if you\u2019re hungry by this point. There are plenty of options in the Latin Quarter, Saint Germain de Pres,<\/strong> or even in Jardin de Luxembourg.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jardin de Luxembourg a haven of greenery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jardin de Luxembourg<\/strong> is a public park and entry is free, it\u2019s a great place to stop and relax. There are several large public parks in Paris<\/strong>, 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\u2019s 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<\/strong>. You could easily while away the hours in this lovely Parisian park, but you don\u2019t have time on a 1-Day in Paris itinerary<\/strong>, so don\u2019t idle for too long. Perhaps visit the Orangerie<\/strong>, or simply admire the park as you pass through towards Saint Germain de Pres<\/strong> where there\u2019s always something going on, but keep an eye on the clock if you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stop no. 8 on your 1-day in Paris itinerary: Saint Germain des Pr\u00e9s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve refreshed yourself with the greenery or something to eat and drink, head out into Saint Germain de Pr\u00e9s<\/strong>. Bordering the Latin Quarter<\/strong> and Jardin de Luxembourg<\/strong>, the 6th<\/sup> Arrondissement of Paris<\/strong> has a village-like vibe and was popular with well-known 20th<\/sup> Century writers, artists, sculptors, and painters: Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Pablo Picasso to name just a few. Several of the caf\u00e9\u2019s they used to frequent are still trading today, including Les Deux Maggots, Caf\u00e9 de Flore, and Brasserie Lipp<\/strong> \u2013 more great options for a pit stop to fuel your day in Paris.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 You might want to visit Eglise Saint Germain<\/strong> too (free entry, no ticket<\/strong> required) \u2013 this church is one of the few remaining Romanesque buildings left in Paris<\/strong>. Once you\u2019ve wandered for long enough and made the most of the caf\u00e9s head down to Quai de Conti<\/strong> (back towards the Seine<\/strong>) to take a look at the impressive buildings. Here you\u2019ll find the Institut Francais (including the Academie Francaise<\/strong>) and the Monnaie de Paris,<\/strong> coin museum. Snap a few pictures and then walk <\/strong>across Pont des Arts<\/strong> to the Louvre museum.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Louvre an unmissable monument<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Arguably Paris\u2019<\/strong> best-known museum, nothing can quite prepare you for the grandeur of the Louvre\u2019s<\/strong> entrance. This former Royal Palace<\/strong> on the right bank of the Seine River<\/strong> occupies a vast space with its huge square, home to the iconic glass pyramid<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is simply no way you can see everything that the Louvre<\/strong> has to offer on a 1-day in Paris Itinerary<\/strong>. You could spend the whole day<\/strong> 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<\/strong>. While museums like this are fantastic they can often be a little overwhelming. To achieve the two-hour goal it\u2019s really important you plan a route through the museum in advance. It is always busy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help you here are some of the works considered to be among the highlights of the Louvre:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n