10 Things to Do on a Weekend Trip to Paris to help you experience the new, old, and historical sides of Paris, France.
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High Low Embroidery Dress
Paris is one of my favorite big cities in the world.
There is always something new, old, and historical to experience in Paris.
And while a weekend may seem short, you really can enjoy so many things in Paris in just a couple of days, if you plan right.
Even so, I’m not suggesting that you try to rush through this list of 10 Paris experiences.
Some of these may not be to your taste and you may want to completely skip them, while other ones could be a 5 hour or even an all-day experience
No matter how you spend your weekend in Paris, I hope you take the time to slow down just a little bit and soak in the beauty and history of the city of lights!
1. Explore the Louvre
The Louvre is always a must on our list when visiting Paris.
And even though I’m the one with a B.A. in history, this is one of the top places on Roger’s list to visit every time we go to or talk about Paris.
There is so much to see, not just the sculptures on the floors and paintings on the walls, but the architecture of this former palace is absolutely breathtaking.
2. Stroll Through Luxembourg Gardens
Although this doesn’t take much time, a visit to the Luxembourg Gardens is always so refreshing.
Even in the midst of a big city, it can be so refreshing to be surrounded by nature and take in some fresh air.
3. Float down the Seine on a Riverboat
This is something you can do both during the day, at sunset, or at night.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you may prefer to enjoy this ride during the warmth of the day or the cool of the night.
And if you go at night you have a special opportunity to view the Eiffel Tower all lit up from the center of the river!
4. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower
Some people feel that visiting the Eiffel Tower is SO touristy, but I don’t care I love it!
You can enjoy some beautiful views of Paris from the top!
Oh, and I recommend that you go to the very top (the second floor) for some extra special high views of Paris.
5. Live Slow Like a Local
I know there is a lot to see and do in Paris, but if you have some time to slow down for an hour or two I highly recommend grabbing a baguette and a good drink before heading to a local park.
And while you can bring a picnic blanket, these parks are filled with green chairs (some that are upright and some that recline slightly) for locals and tourists to relax on while soaking in the day.
You will find locals gathered in these parks, moving the chairs into circles so they can talk or away from people so that they can read or sketch.
6. Explore the Opera House
Whether you love opera music, or not, visiting this historic building is worth the small price of admission.
Not only can you explore this beautiful building, but you can also step outside for some pretty views of Paris.
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Pleated Midi Skirt | Off The Shoulder Top | Sunglasses
Camera Details:
Canon EOS 6D | Canon EF 24-70mm
7. Watch the Sunset
There are several very popular locations to watch the sunset, so if you are visiting during peak tourist season you may want to arrive early to get a good view.
Some of the top places to watch the sunset include the Seine River, the Montparnasse Tower, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Coeur, and Esplanade du Trocadéro.
8. Take a day trip to Versailles
This place is still on my bucket list, we always say we are going to try to make it out there, but so far it hasn’t worked out.
Sad, but I’ haven’t lost my head over it. (I’m so sorry, I couldn’t help the pun!)
One of these days I’ll explore Marie Antoinette’s castle, take a boat ride on her beautiful lake, and explore the expansive grounds of this gorgeous estate.
9. Go Underground into the Catacombs
This is a great one for a rainy day!
We had it on our list of places to visit during our winter/early spring trip to Paris a few years back but ran out of time.
The next rainy weekend we have in Paris we will definitely be taking a trip to visit the catacombs!
10. Have Dinner with a View of the Eiffel Tower
We have had dinner at 3 of the top locations that have a view of the Eiffel Tower.
Our favorite is Les Ombres. This restaurant has a unique view of the Eiffel Tower with both an outdoor seating area and its main dining room which has a glass-covered dome ceiling.
So whether you visit during the day, the rainy season, or at night, you can expect to have a gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower.
Oh, and they also have a special vegetarian menu which was a major bonus over the other two restaurants.
Second up is the Café de l’Homme, although this restaurant charges for prime Eiffel Tower seating views, you can still sit outside and enjoy the view from a less perfect, yet still beautiful location.
The third one that we visited is right across from the second but doesn’t charge you for prime seating. Although you also may not have the best view of the Eiffel Tower.
During our meal, I sat with the Eiffel Tower behind me followed by a large hedge that made it not so easy for Roger to see it either.
Whichever restaurant you choose, I highly recommend that you make reservations well in advance, especially for Les Ombres as they can be booked weeks in advance.
I hope you enjoyed this little list of 10 Things to Do on a Weekend Trip to Paris!
If you are planning a trip to Europe, or just want to start dreaming of the fun adventures that await, be sure to click here to read all of my tips and advice posts on traveling in Europe!
What are you looking forward to doing in Paris?
I’d love to hear from you!
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With love, Giusti
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
1 John 4:20-21 NIV
