Paris in a weekend
The classic romantic weekend — done right, it's still magic
Paris rewards slow mornings and long dinners more than checklist tourism. Skip the Eiffel Tower queue by drinking champagne at Café de l'Homme across the river instead. Book the Louvre for first slot, and stay in the 6th or 11th — not the 8th.
The plan
- 1Friday evening
Eurostar to Gare du Nord. Drop bags in Le Marais or 6th. Wine at Le Baron Rouge, dinner at Bistrot Paul Bert.
- 2Saturday morning
Louvre 09:00 (pre-booked). See Mona Lisa in 10 minutes, then Denon wing for 90.
- 3Saturday afternoon
Walk Tuileries → Palais Royal → Marché des Enfants Rouges for lunch.
- 4Saturday night
Sunset at Sacré-Cœur (arrive 60 min before dusk). Montmartre dinner at Le Coq Rico.
- 5Sunday morning
Musée d'Orsay (smaller, better than the Louvre for many). Long lunch at Café de Flore.
- 6Sunday afternoon
Seine river cruise or Luxembourg Gardens picnic. Eiffel Tower view drink at Café de l'Homme.
Louvre + Musée d'Orsay first slots. Sacré-Cœur is free but the funicular queue at sunset is 40 min — walk up.
The 'gold ring' and 'petition' scams are everywhere near landmarks. Say non and walk. Uber is faster + safer than metro late at night.
Other weekend cities
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