Paris is filled with beautiful sites to see, but sometimes you can have 24 Exciting Hours in Paris. Here is a small guide for a day in Paris!
One of the best things about living in Europe is that you can city-hop. I am so lucky that Venice Marco Polo has daily flights to Paris Orly. Recently, I hopped on a flight and met up with a friend of mine. A fellow Military Spouse, Erin made the long trek to France from South Korea for some Christmas joy. Asia doesn’t celebrate like the West does, so I completely understand why she would want to do this. After living three years in Korea, I get it.
Prior to landing in Paris, I scheduled a car to pick me up right at the arrivals gate. I found this on Get Your Guide, if you are curious about valet services like this, you can check this out here Paris: Private Transfer to/from Orly Airport
Erin found a beautiful boutique hotel called Hotel Saint Paul Rive Gauche. This hotel was an easy walk to various sites and on the left bank, in the 6th arrondissement. It was perfection, especially after a long day of walking. The hotel lobby was especially darling, the decor was eclectic and I knew this stay would be perfect. The hotel room was decorated in a beautiful floral pattern and was the perfect room for both of us.
I’ll stop talking about the hotel and give you a little guide to Paris!
GUIDE: What to see to have the Perfect 24 Hours in Paris
Make reservations at Cafe Marly
Nestled within the historic courtyard of the Louvre Museum, Café Marly stands as a quintessential Parisian gem. It offers not just a culinary experience but a journey through time. Cafe Marly has a regal setting beneath the iconic glass pyramid and exudes an elegant ambiance that seamlessly blends modern sophistication with classical grandeur. Café Marly isn’t merely a dining establishment; it’s a rendezvous with art, culture, and the essence of Parisian charm that lingers in every cup and corner.
We dined on Pumpkin Soup and I ordered the veal. It can be a bit pricey but it is worth it! It’s a great idea to make a reservation though: Le Café Marly
Take in the Louvre
Embarking on a day trip to Paris is incomplete without immersing yourself in the artistic splendors housed within the Louvre. From the moment you step into the iconic glass pyramid, a kaleidoscope of masterpieces unfolds before you. Navigating through the labyrinth corridors, you’ll encounter the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile, the Venus de Milo’s timeless grace, and the grandeur of the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Each brushstroke and sculpted contour unveils the rich tapestry of human creativity. Amidst the galleries, one can’t help but feel a profound connection with the cultural legacy that has shaped Paris into the artistic capital it is today, making a day trip an enchanting encounter with the soul of the City of Light.
GetYourGuide has some fabulous tours you can plan for to see the Louvre
Walk to Notre Dame and take in the Seine
Start your journey from the Louvre and walk towards Île de la Cité, where Saint Chapelle is. I love people-watching on these bridges and the embankments. It should be noted that the Seine is also a great place to get some beautiful pictures!
To begin, while strolling along the Seine, you’ll take in the gentle rhythm of the river as a companion. Your gaze is inevitably drawn to the timeless silhouette of Notre Dame Cathedral. The intricacies of its Gothic architecture, adorned with delicate gargoyles and majestic flying buttresses, command admiration against the Parisian sky. The Notre Dame emerges like a sentinel of history, narrating tales that span centuries. The ambiance with artists capturing the scene on canvas and locals savoring moments along the riverbanks, adds a touch of contemporary life to this historical panorama.
Along the riverside, you can browse the charming stalls. Each stall is brimming with an array of trinkets and treasures, this is where I caution you that taking pictures of the items is probably not the best idea. We encountered a very grouchy stall owner with an array of antique books. I pointed my camera at a few items and this is where I heard someone yelling at us. When you make your selection, you not only acquire a tangible piece of Paris but also carry with you the spirit of the city’s artistic soul and the Seine’s timeless charm.
Peruse Paris’s best Bookstore Shakespeare and Company
Shakespeare and Company, an iconic independent bookstore situated on the Left Bank of the Seine in Paris, has a storied history that intertwines with the literary fabric of the 20th century. Founded by Sylvia Beach in 1919, the bookstore quickly became a literary haven for expatriate writers during the vibrant period known as the “Lost Generation.” Sylvia Beach’s original Shakespeare and Company, located at 12 Rue de l’Odeon, served as a meeting place for literary giants like James Joyce, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway. Sadly, the original store closed during World War II, but the legacy endured. In 1951, George Whitman opened the current Shakespeare and Company at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, just across from Notre Dame. Whitman’s shop continued the tradition of providing a haven for struggling writers, offering them a place to stay in exchange for a few hours of work in the bookstore. However, the bookstore remains a symbol of literary camaraderie, preserving its historical charm while fostering a welcoming space for bibliophiles from around the world.
A word of caution, you will probably spend way too much money here like I did, but it’s the perfect souvenir as the staff will stamp your book for you!
It’s incredibly easy to find as it’s right across the way from the Notre Dame
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Check out Shakespeare and Company
Dinner at Freddys
After a long day of walking around, you are going to work up an appetite. We checked out a Tapas bar called Freddys on Rue de Seine. The vibe of this establishment is a perfect way to end your day. The Tapas are a bit more elevated and the price point was mid-range and affordable. We ordered Charcuterie, cheese, and drinks. The Moscow Mules were perfection.
We found a seat at the bar and we were able to chat with the bartender. When the waitress made our plate of meats, we had the opportunity to watch her use their meat slicer and it was one of the most fascinating things to watch!
Google Maps: Freddys
24 Hours in Paris…a conclusion
Obviously, you can do a lot in Paris but what I loved about this particular itinerary was that everything was close together. This made for a very easy day because you could easily walk the Left Bank and Latin Quarter.
I didn’t feel guilty about missing out on anything before we left for Strasbourg the next morning. I would also like to add we had the quintessential Parisian breakfast at a place called Le Buci Cafe, where the waiter was beyond hospitable with us. He chatted with us about the United States and talked about his trip to California. It was such a great way to end our time in Paris!
Google Maps: Cafe Le Buci
