Explore Paris in One Day

See Left Bank,Tuileries,Eiffel Tower,Galleries Lafayette

Jul 3, 2007

It is possible to experience the charm of Paris in one day. Start with breakfast at a famous cafe and end the day with dinner where Balzac and Victor Hugo used to dine.

First, pick up a Plan de Paris from any tobacco kiosk or bookshop as soon as you arrive and buy a carnet (book of ten tickets) at the nearest Metro. And before taking off make sure you know which side of the Seine you are on. Stand on the nearest bridge and face in the direction the current is flowing. The Right Bank (Rive Droit) is on the right; the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) on the left.

Take your morning coffee and croissant at the famous Deux Magots cafe on the Left Bank. Fifty years ago this was the gathering place for writers and artists like Picasso, Satre and Hemingway.

Over to the Right Bank via the Ponte Neuf. Turn left by the river to the Louvre. It’s about a fifteen minute walk. You probably won’t have time to go inside as the queues are usually very long but at least you will see the Louvre itself as well as I M Pei’s impressive giant glass pyramid. You can see some great art in the Tuileries Gardensright next to the Louvre. Stroll across to the Orangerie which contains an easily manageable number of Impressionist works by Renoir, Matisse and Cezanne. Monet’s panoramic water-lily painting is on the ground floor.

Nearest Metro: Concorde.

Yes, the Eiffel Tower is touristy but it’s a must if this is your first visit to Paris. You can save time and money, while enjoying a great view of the city, by stopping at the second stage.

Nearest Metro: Champ de Mars.

Time for a rest and a bite of lunch. Pick up a croque-monsieur - a thick cheese and ham sandwich fried in egg batter - and head for the quiet elegance of the Palais Royal Gardens. This is a little-known oasis in the heart of the city. The Palace itself is not open to the public.

Nearest Metro: Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre.

You won’t have as much time for shopping as you might like, so make for two of the best places which are in the same area: Galeries Lafayette(40 Boulevard Haussmann) is famous for fabulous accessories, and Printemps (just down the road at No.64) has a gigantic (and wonderful) perfumery and cosmetic department.

Nearest Metro: Richelieu-Drouot.

Now for something that France is really famous for - food. You won’t have time for a long, lingering dinner, but you can spend a couple of hours over a late, leisurely lunch. Back where you started the tour, on the Left Bank, is Le Procope, founded in 1686 and said to be the oldest café in Paris. Moderate prices with traditional bourgeoise food. Balzac, Victor Hugo and Voltaire used to meet here.

Nearest Metro: St-Germain-des-Pres

Something Different

Or, for something quite different, take the Metro over to the old Jewish Quarter, the Marais district and take a stroll around the nearby Place des Vosges. The magnificent houses surrounding the square have been home to some of France’s most famous figures. Wander through the ancient arcades - home to antique shops and cafes - a fitting grand finale to your day in Paris.

Nearest Metro: Saint Paul.

The copyright of the article Explore Paris in One Day in Historical Travel is owned by Cathy Smith. Permission to republish Explore Paris in One Day in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.