Only one day in Paris is not a lot of time to cover one of the most fascinating cities in the world. But if that’s all the time that you have, it’s best to have your time really organized. This Paris one day itinerary does just that.
A great place to start is at perhaps the most famous museum in the world.
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THE LOUVRE
Starting at the Louvre is the perfect way to start your day in Paris. This museum is well known for its marvelous works. Getting in early is great because you can get a good look at the Mona Lisa without dealing with the massive crowds.
Some have found that it’s best to be there right when the museum opens. Then make a bee line for the Denon alley that holds the Mona Lisa. There will likely be several like minded visitors but nothing like the large crowds that gather later in the day.
Also make time for the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Coronation of Napoleon, Venus de Milo and Liberty Leading the People. These all are must see in the Louvre Museum. Aside from the more well known pieces the museum is just full of artistic treasures.
When you’re only spending one day in Paris you want to maximize your time at each location, so downloading the map ahead of time and planning your course is really beneficial. This guide is a map and then some. It made our trip to the Louvre much easier.
You can purchase your tickets to the Louvre online here. If you want more of a behind the scenes visit you can book a guided tour here.
For more information, you can also check their official website to help plan your visit.
While the main attraction is the museum itself, also take some time to enjoy the splendid beauty of the courtyard that houses the main entrance. The entire space is pretty magnificent.
JARDIN DES TUILERIES
From the Louvre you can make your way towards the Jardin des Tuileries. This park is one of the best in Paris and is a wonderful place simply to take a walk and enjoy its natural beauty.
Its many rows of perfectly trimmed trees and shrubbery are a hallmark of the garden. You can either walk down the main walkway which bisects the park or you can branch off and follow the individual paths.
For families, there is also a playground and carousel complete with a cotton candy stand.
As you progress through the park you can exit at the far west end of the park which will place you at the Place de la Concorde. This large square is beautifully laid out and home to an impressive obelisk from Luxor, Egypt. It stands in the center of the square.
To make it the next stop, head to the Concorde metro station and take the 1 (La Defense) train 2 stops to the Franklin D. Roosevelt stop. This will take you to….
CHAMPS ELYSEES
One of the most popular streets in the world is home to many stores. They range from the highest of the high end to normal retail stores that you’re probably already familiar with.
Even if it’s a store that you frequent often, you’ll probably be tempted to purchase something there just to say that you went shopping on the Champs Elysees.
The boulevard is flanked by rows of trees and beautiful walking paths on either side. It’s fun to take the Champs Elysees walk whether you purchase something or not.
It’s a beautiful boulevard. Of course the view is sure to be exceptional when the end of the street is marked by the Arc de Triomphe.
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
Your stroll down the Champs Elysees culminates in the great monument, the Arc de Triomphe, which sits in the place Charles de Gaulle. This amazing structure was completed in 1836 and still stands as one of the enduring symbols of Paris.
Its location is so unique because it stands at the intersection of 12 streets and around it forms one of the most notorious roundabouts in Europe. Fortunately you don’t have to cross that mass of traffic to make it to the monument.
There are tunnels that go under the intersection so that you can cross safely.
Once you’re there you can take your time and admire the grandeur and artistry of the structure. Its something that is quite impressive up close and is likely larger than you anticipate.
You also have the option of taking the steps up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a lot of work and a lot of steps (284 to be exact). But the effort is worth it. The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe are priceless.
You can buy tickets to access the top of the Arc de Triomphe here.
The city of Paris is on full display with the Eiffel in the near distance and the Champs Elysees stretching out from the place Charles de Gaulle.
Once you have had your fill of the Arc de Triomphe, head to the Etoile/Champs Elysees metro station and take the 2 train (Paris Tour Eiffel) and get off on the Eiffel Tower metro stop.
CHAMP DE MARS AND EIFFEL TOWER
After a quick metro ride and a short walk, you’ll find yourself on the Champ de Mars and staring at the Eiffel Tower. It’s a wonderful place to get a good unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.
Whether you admire its intricate ironwork from below or ascend to the top for panoramic vistas, the Eiffel Tower encapsulates the romance and elegance of Paris.
You can also stroll down the walkways and enjoy the open space.
There’s plenty of green space for you to sit down and enjoy one of the best picnics you’ll ever have. Along with the open spaces there are benches as well. It’s a great space to linger and appreciate the fact that you’re in Paris.
SEINE RIVER CRUISE
With only a limited amount of time in Paris you’re not going to see everything. The fact is even with a week you’re not going to see everything.
One of the best ways to get a nice overview is to take a Seine River cruise. There are many to choose from, but the Bateaux Parisiens river cruise is really nice.
The cruise that we took lasted approximately an hour and launched from near the Eiffel Tower. It cruised the River Seine as far east as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Ile Saint-Louis and made its return.
If you time it correctly and ride as the sun is falling, it’s one of the greatest experiences you can have in Paris. You get to see the city in its natural light, then watch as darkness falls and the city begins to come alive with lights of its own. As you return the Eiffel Tower begins to glow.
EIFFEL TOWER (PART 2)
Since the cruise drops you off at the Eiffel Tower it’s the perfect time to get another good look. It’s one thing to see it during the day light, but it’s another thing to see it at night as it begins to light up. This is quite the experience and one of the best times to see the Eiffel Tower.
Once you’re off the boat, make your way across the River Seine by way of the bridge near the Eiffel Tower, the Pont d’Lena. Once you cross, head into the Trocadero Gardens.
TROCADERO GARDENS
Being able to view the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero Gardens is a nice contrast from the opposing view on the Champ de Mars. There’s green space here also to sit and relax and watch the Eiffel Tower come alive.
Or you could make your way up to the terrace for a more complete view with the Trocadero Fountains in the foreground. This is definitely one of the best views and quite possibly the best place to photograph the Eiffel Tower.
If you can time your visit just right, you can witness the tower sparkle which takes place on the hour every hour for 5 minutes until 1 am. It’s a show that you don’t want to miss.
ENJOY PARIS IN A DAY
Even if you have just one day you can see a lot of great things in Paris when you plan ahead. Of course a longer stay would be better, but anytime that you can see the Louvre and Eiffel Tower among other Paris landmarks in the same day is pretty awesome!
If this is your first visit to Paris there are a couple of things to consider that can make your visit more enjoyable. Safe travels!