Highlights of Paris in one weekend
Sometimes you choose to take it easy on a city trip, but in Paris you want to see as much as possible. Paris has so much to offer, from iconic sights to charming streets, lovely cafés and unique shops. That is why we share three routes for three days, so you get the most out of your time. Because believe me, this city is absolutely worth it!
Europe
Highlights of Paris in one weekend
Sometimes you choose to take it easy on a city trip, but in Paris you want to see as much as possible. Paris has so much to offer, from iconic sights to charming streets, lovely cafés and unique shops. That is why we share three routes for three days, so you get the most out of your time. Because believe me, this city is absolutely worth it!
How to get there?
There are several ways to get to Paris, depending on your preference for speed, comfort and budget. From the Netherlands you can drive to the city yourself or take a FlixBus in under six hours. If you want to get there faster, you can take the Eurostar (formerly Thalys). In about 3.5 hours you are in the heart of Paris, and during the train journey you can look out of the window and enjoy the changing landscape. For those who want to go fastest, flying is an excellent option: within an hour and a half you land at one of the Paris airports, Charles de Gaulle or Orly. I flew to Orly with Transavia, because it was the cheapest option and the flight times fitted my plans perfectly. From the airport you can easily reach the centre of Paris by bus. The bus stops right in the heart of the city and you can buy a ticket from the driver.
I stayed at Hotel Arcadie Montparnasse, which is perfectly located in the centre of Paris, close to a major metro station. That made it ideal for exploring the city. I should mention that the hotel is on a busy street, so it can be a bit noisy. The rooms are on the small side, but personally I did not mind, as I hardly spent any time in the room and was mostly out discovering the city. For the rest of the days I bought a weekly metro pass, which made it easy to get everywhere.
Day 1: Icons of Paris: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe & Louvre
There is a lot planned for today, so make sure you start your adventure well rested! After checking in to your hotel, you begin your voyage of discovery through the city. Get ready for a day full of Paris icons!
Stop 1: The Eiffel Tower
Of course you start your day at the famous Eiffel Tower. From your hotel, take metro line 6 from Montparnasse station, and in just 23 minutes you are at the metro station near the Eiffel Tower. It is always pleasantly busy around the monument, and the park next to it is the ideal place to relax for a while and people-watch. Take some photos of the Eiffel Tower and the beautiful view. Unfortunately, the Eiffel Tower is sometimes closed to visitors, so check in advance whether you can go up. But do not worry, the atmosphere around the tower is magical too!
Stop 2: Champs-Élysées and Ladurée
After your visit to the Eiffel Tower, walk to the famous Champs-Élysées. This beautiful avenue is full of shops, cafés and theatres and is a must-see in Paris. Because France is famous for its macarons, a stop at Ladurée cannot be missed! Here you can enjoy a delicious iced coffee and a delightful pastry, or get some fresh macarons to take away for later. Be prepared for a bit of a wait, because it is always busy here, but it is absolutely worth it!
Stop 3: Arc de Triomphe
After your sweet stop, walk on to the iconic Arc de Triomphe at the end of the Champs-Élysées. It is impressive to see how the huge avenue ends at this monument, surrounded by chaotic traffic of cars and motorbikes. It is a great place to take photos and soak up the bustle of the city.
Stop 4: Jardin du Luxembourg
Now it is time for a longer walk towards the Jardin du Luxembourg. It is about an hour's walk from the Arc de Triomphe, but along the way you pass beautiful places and get the chance to discover even more of Paris. The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most beautiful parks in Paris and a favourite outing for locals. In the middle of the park there is a large pond, surrounded by chairs where Parisians relax after work and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It is the perfect moment to sit down and take in Parisian life.
Stop 5: The Louvre and the glass pyramid
You end your day at the world-famous Louvre. This iconic museum, once a fortress and royal palace, is now home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Mona Lisa. The glass pyramid at the entrance is a must-see. The Louvre offers art, archaeological finds and furniture from the Baroque period. Make sure you plan a few hours here, because the museum is enormous. Whether you are an art lover or simply love architecture, the Louvre is a highlight of your Paris adventure.
After a day full of Paris icons, you can enjoy a well-deserved break. Maybe dinner in one of the cosy Parisian brasseries to end the first day? You have already seen so much of the city, and the rest of your Paris adventure is still waiting!
Day 2: A journey through history: Versailles, Le Marais and Moulin Rouge
Today one of the most iconic sights in France is on the programme: the Palace of Versailles. But start the day with a good breakfast first, because a long but breathtaking day awaits you.
Stop 1: Royal Versailles
The Palace of Versailles absolutely cannot be missing from your Paris adventure. You are in luck, because your hotel is close to a major station, where you can easily take the direct train to Versailles. You arrive in a charming French town, but after a short walk the impressive palace suddenly appears in front of you. Make sure you arrive early, because Versailles is a popular destination and it can be quite busy, even before opening time. We were already queuing because a big coach full of tourists had arrived just before us. You want to avoid the huge crowds, because Versailles is an enormous complex with 700 rooms, 70 staircases, more than 5,000 pieces of furniture and beautiful gardens.
The palace was originally built in 1624 by Louis XIII as a hunting lodge, but his son Louis XIV expanded it into the enormous palace you can admire today. In 1682 the palace became the residence of the French royal family. Inside you will find royal rooms such as the iconic Hall of Mirrors, the Gallery of Battles and the beautiful gardens full of antique fountains and sculptures. Marie Antoinette's hamlet is also a must-see; the queen used it to retreat from the busy court life.
During your visit you can rest anywhere in the gardens on a bench or a patch of grass to enjoy the view. We brought a typically French lunch ourselves: croissants and macarons, perfect for a picnic in the middle of all this royal splendour. It is a unique experience to get so close to history and take in the immense beauty of the palace and the gardens.
Stop 2: Le Marais, a trendy Paris neighbourhood
In the afternoon you swap royal splendour for modern Parisian charm by heading to the hip Le Marais district. This neighbourhood is known for its lively atmosphere, with countless restaurants, boutiques and galleries. It is the ideal place to wander through the narrow streets, discover unique shops and enjoy local life. The area has a nice mix of old buildings and modern shops, and you will find plenty of places to sit and enjoy a drink or a snack.
Stop 3: The iconic Moulin Rouge
You walk past the famous Moulin Rouge near Saint-Georges, one of the most iconic places in Paris and definitely worth a photo. If you have time, book a show; it does not get more iconic than that!
The Moulin Rouge, opened in 1889, is world-famous for its iconic red windmill and its role in Parisian nightlife. Located in the Pigalle district, it was founded by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller and quickly became the centre of the Belle Époque. The cabaret is best known for the can-can, an energetic and acrobatic dance that made the show one of the most exciting in Paris. The famous painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec captured the lively atmosphere of the Moulin Rouge in his iconic posters, including that of the can-can dancer La Goulue.
Over the years the Moulin Rouge remained a symbol of Parisian culture, despite the challenges of two world wars and the economic crisis. Today the Moulin Rouge still offers spectacular dinner shows, with impressive dancing, music and costumes. It remains a major tourist attraction and a must-see in Paris. Visitors can enjoy a glamorous evening of cabaret performances that bring the magic of the Belle Époque back to life. Booking is strongly recommended, because the shows often sell out quickly. In short, an evening at the Moulin Rouge is a unique experience that reflects the rich history and culture of Paris.
Day 3: Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame and Galeries Lafayette
Get up early today, because you want to be at the first stop in time to beat the crowds! You can grab breakfast along the way in one of the cosy cafés.
Stop 1: Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The first stop is the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It is best to go early, so you can experience the peace and enjoy the panoramic view over the city without the afternoon crowds. The basilica sits at the top of the hill of Montmartre, which makes the view extra special. From Montparnasse you take the metro, and after a ride of about 35 minutes you are at the foot of the basilica. The Sacré-Cœur itself is free to visit, and it is absolutely worth admiring the impressive mosaics and the interior of the basilica. To reach the top, you can climb the 200 steps or take the funicular. The effort of climbing the stairs is rewarded with a breathtaking view over Paris.
Stop 2: Montmartre and Place du Tertre
At the foot of the hill lies Montmartre, one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Paris. Here you can wander through narrow streets and past cosy squares. Be sure to take a break at Le Studio Café, a small café with a beautiful view of the basilica, where you can enjoy a typically French breakfast with croissants and a café crème. After breakfast, it is fun to walk to Place du Tertre, the famous square in the heart of Montmartre. Here you will see artists selling their paintings or portraits, and you can buy a work of art yourself or even have a caricature drawn of you. The square breathes the charm of old Paris, with its picturesque atmosphere and historical significance.
Stop 3: Notre-Dame and Shakespeare & Company
After Montmartre it is time to explore Notre-Dame. This impressive Gothic masterpiece is one of the best-known cathedrals in the world. It is an hour's walk from Montmartre, or you can take the metro for a 36-minute ride. Notre-Dame is famous for its detailed architecture, its stained-glass rose windows and its beautiful facade. Near the cathedral you also cannot miss the Shakespeare & Company bookshop. This iconic bookshop is part of the cultural heritage and has become famous for its rich history. It is the ideal place for literature lovers, where you can buy books, but also simply browse and enjoy the atmosphere.
Stop 4: Galeries Lafayette
Your day ends in style with a visit to Galeries Lafayette, the famous department store in the heart of Paris. This shopping paradise is not only a place to shop, but also an architectural wonder. The building is known for its glass dome and Art Nouveau design. The store offers an impressive selection of fashion, luxury goods and design, but you can also take a break on the panoramic roof terrace, which offers a beautiful view over the city. It is the perfect place to admire the city from a different perspective. Even if you are not planning to shop, it is worth taking a look inside the building and taking in the wonderful architecture.
Conclusion: can you do Paris in one weekend?
Paris is a city that keeps surprising you, no matter how many times you go. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a true Paris lover, the city always offers new discoveries and experiences. The rich history, breathtaking architecture and lively culture make Paris a place where you do not just visit sights, but really live in the moment.
My three days in Paris were filled with a perfect mix of iconic highlights and hidden gems, but of course there is always more to discover. Every street, every café and every boutique tells its own story. So whether you are enjoying a croissant in a small café or admiring the city from the top of the Sacré-Cœur, know that Paris will keep welcoming you, time and time again.
Hopefully this travel story has inspired you for your own adventure in the City of Light. Bon voyage!
Practical tips for Paris
Preparation
On the spot
Frequently asked questions about a weekend in Paris
How do you get to Paris? +
From the Netherlands you can be in Paris within six hours by car or FlixBus. By high-speed train it takes about 3.5 hours, and a flight to Charles de Gaulle or Orly takes an hour and a half. We flew to Orly with Transavia, because it was the cheapest.
How do you get from Orly to the centre of Paris? +
By bus, which stops right in the heart of the city. You buy a ticket from the bus driver.
How many days do you need for Paris? +
In three days you will see the main highlights. In this blog we share a route for each day: the icons of Paris, a day full of history with Versailles, and a day past the Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame and Galeries Lafayette.
How do you get to the Palace of Versailles? +
By direct train from one of the main stations in Paris. Arrive early, because Versailles is popular and it can be busy even before opening time.
Is the Sacré-Cœur free to visit? +
Yes, the basilica itself is free. You reach the top of Montmartre via the 200 steps or by funicular.
Do you need to book the Moulin Rouge? +
If you want to see a show, booking is strongly recommended, because the shows often sell out quickly.
Where can you buy macarons in Paris? +
At Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées. Expect a bit of a wait, because it is always busy.
How do you get around Paris? +
By metro. A weekly pass is handy if you plan to explore a lot. You can also easily walk between the sights, which lets you see even more of the city along the way.