Paris in 1 day? It's possible!

Between two flights, a round trip from London, a last-minute stay... There are many reasons to make a short stopover in Paris, and even more reasons to enjoy it!

If the French capital offers an infinite and sometimes bewildering array of tourist attractions, monuments, and museums, it is possible in one day to grasp the magnitude and atmosphere.

For the most pressed travelers, we have taken up the challenge!

Between must-see monuments and more discreet places, here is the program concocted to discover the taste, fashion, and romance of Parisian life!

1/ The Eiffel Tower, of course!

2/ A coffee and croissant at Saint-Germain-des-Prés ?

3/ Stroll in the heart of Paris: the Île de la Cité

4/ Feeling like shopping? La Samaritaine is nearby!

5/ The Louvre: the palace and its garden

6/ A dinner cruise on the Seine

140 years after its construction, the Iron Lady remains majestic and magnificent. Built to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution in 1889, since its inauguration, it has been the icon of an entire country.

At its summit, you will take in at a glance the wonders of this two-thousand-year-old capital: the Arc de Triomphe, the Hôtel des Invalides, the bridges of the Seine, the Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Panthéon, the Sacré-Cœur... (To learn more about the history of Paris and the Eiffel Tower, we recommend taking a guided tour.)

Guaranteed emotions!

Then head to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the elegant 6th arrondissement which is full of cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

Enjoy a coffee and croissant in one of the literary cafés of Saint-Germain: Café de Flore, frequented by Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, Lipp, or Les Deux Magots. In these cafés dating back to the late 19th century, you'll discover the refinement of the Belle Époque.

Just a stone's throw away, at the heart of the Saint-Germain village, take the time to visit the oldest church in Paris: Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The foundation of this abbey church dates back to the 6th century, and the bell tower (one of the oldest in the country) dates back to the year 1000. Inside, freshly renovated, you can admire the vibrant colors, the ancient decor, and the mural paintings.

Then, take the time to wander through the streets of Saint-Germain, gradually making your way towards the Île de la Cité.

Just like in London (the City), the Cité refers to the heart of Paris, where it all began. The first settlers on the Île de la Cité were the Parisii, a Celtic people who arrived on the site around 250 BC.

By crossing the Petit Pont (the smallest and the very first built in Paris) from the Left Bank, you will arrive directly on the parvis of Notre-Dame. The ideal location to contemplate the cathedral, a jewel of Gothic art, a gem of the 12th century... still adored 800 years after its construction.

To visit it, you will have to wait until 2024! 300 artisans (and soon 500) are working hard to restore its entire splendor.

Continue your walk on the Île de la Cité by taking Boulevard du Palais and then Quai de l'Horloge until you reach Place Dauphine and Pont-Neuf.

By following this path, you can marvel at the Sainte-Chapelle – a monumental reliquary built in the 12th century to house the holy relics of Christ – the Conciergerie – where Queen Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned – and the Clock Tower – Paris' first public clock dating back to the 14th century.

At the westernmost point of the island, the Place Dauphine, a peaceful gem, awaits you for a coffee break before heading to the legendary Pont Neuf.

The oldest and undoubtedly the most romantic of all the bridges of Paris"the Pont-Neuf", the oldest and undoubtedly the most romantic of them all. Built in the early 17th century, it was the first stone bridge in Paris and the first road in Paris to have pavements. Like the lovers on the Pont-Neuf, settle comfortably on the stone benches of its overhangs (so romantic!), and let yourself be dazzled by the Seine and the grand monuments around.

Perfect, it's on the way! On the other side of the Pont-Neuf is the Samaritaine, one of the most beautiful department stores in Paris - along with Galeries Lafayette, Bon Marché and Printemps. It dates back to 1870. Its art nouveau architecture is made of metal and glass.

Long closed, it has just been renovated. Whether for shopping or to appreciate its architecture, La Samaritaine is worth a stop.

After leaving La Samaritaine, head towards the Cour Carrée du Louvre, located less than 400 meters from the department store.

The Louvre in a day is as exciting a challenge as seeing Paris in a day. However, to appreciate the magnitude of the world's largest museum and the largest palace in Europe, you don't need a ticket! You can freely stroll through the Cour Carré (the finest example of Renaissance architecture in Paris) and onto its esplanade to admire the Pyramid and the Carrousel du Louvre. Get up close to its facades; the palace itself is a work of art!

The Tuileries Garden, an open-air museum in its own right, also deserves some attention. This French-style garden was designed by André Le Nôtre, the landscaper for the Sun King, who also created the gardens of Versailles. Inside the park, you'll find over a hundred statues or installations dating from the 17th to the 20th century.

At nightfall, embark on one of the boats offering a dinner cruise on the Seine.

From the Eiffel Tower to the Île Saint-Louis, the spectacle of the City of Light from the Seine is breathtaking. The bridges of Paris - and their many secrets - will unfold before you.

Of course, there's nothing like a tour in a 2 CV with Parisi Tour to explore Paris in 1 day!