Hello fellow travelers! I’m Shivani, and in April 2024, I had the pleasure of spending 9 days in France with my husband. Our journey included 3 days in Paris, 2 days in Normandy, and 4 days in the French Riviera. This was my second visit to Paris, and I was determined to experience all the major spots I had missed during my first trip with my parents in 2017. As it was my husband's first visit to this beautiful city, we also planned to cover all the typical first-timer bucket lists. Let me take you through our unforgettable 72 hours, a complete in-depth guide to help plan your future travels in the City of Love.

Day 1: Cruising, History, and Sparkling Lights

Our Parisian adventure kicked off with a cruise on the River Seine. Having taken a nighttime cruise on my previous visit, I wanted to experience the city’s landmarks in the morning hours. We booked the cruise through the GetYourGuide app, and I must say, seeing Paris bathed in sunlight offered a different kind of magic. While the city lights at night are enchanting, the day reveals many more details of the beautiful architecture and bustling riverside life.

After the cruise, we headed to the Latin Quarter to visit the stunning royal chapel of Sainte-Chapelle and the historic Conciergerie. Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass windows left us in awe, their vibrant colors telling intricate stories. I had visited Notre Dame before its tragic fire on my last visit, but I believe Sainte-Chapelle will impress you even more and if you must choose between the two, the latter would be my suggestion.

Next, we explored the Conciergerie, a former royal palace and prison. It's fascinating how history is preserved here. The interactive VR tablets provided with our tickets allowed us to glimpse into the past, bringing the historical context to life. We could easily have spent 2-3 hours here, so I recommend planning your time accordingly.

For lunch, we grabbed a delicious sandwich on the go before joining a free walking tour of the Latin Quarter with Sandemans. Our guide, Keara, made the tour extremely lively and informative. We learned about the Haussmann style of architecture, which is ubiquitous throughout the city, and how it came into existence. She told us the story of Shakespeare and Co., a famous bookstore that has served as a refuge for writers, artists, and intellectuals since it opened in 1951. We spotted Gargoyles projecting out of Gothic roofs, juxtaposed with the Haussman style of architecture which symbolizes modern Paris, and even the ruins of a Roman-era bathhouse! These free (tip-based) walking tours are a great way to get acquainted with a city’s history, architecture, and culture while meeting other travelers from around the globe. The moment we were done with the walking tour, it started pouring heavily and as we made our escape into a nearby pub, we stumbled upon a fellow traveler who was with us on the same walking tour. As we recognized each other, we had a fun time sharing a glass of beer and a table at the pub, as the rain came to a halt. 

In the evening, we strolled down the famous Champs-Élysées, marveling at the luxurious shops and vibrant street life. The Zara store on the way beckoned me inside, but with immense self-control, I continued walking ahead towards the majestic Arc de Triomphe.

Our journey to the Champs-Élysées began with a ride on the RER from the Latin Quarter. To our surprise, we emerged at Place de la Concorde, greeted by the majestic fountain and towering obelisk. We seized the opportunity to snap a few photos before setting off on our walk towards the Champs-Élysées.

En route, we meandered by the Pont Alexandre III, marveling at the intricate sculptures and the cherry blossom trees near the Musée d'Orsay. We passed the Tuileries Garden, though time constraints meant we could only glimpse its beauty. If you have an extra day to spare, consider dedicating a leisurely day to this area, where you can enjoy shopping, explore art and history, and bask in nature’s splendor.

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the meeting point of 12 straight Avenues and was built as a memorial to those who fought and died for France during the Napoleonic Wars. A symbol of French military prowess, The monument has been the site of many important historical parades and events including the liberation of France during the Second World War or the celebrations of French victories in the FIFA World Cup.

Due to the paucity of time, we had a choice on whether to climb the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe. Having climbed the Eiffel Tower the last time I was here, this time we opted to climb the Arc de Triomphe and I must say, the Arc de Triomphe wins hands down! Here’s why: climbing the Eiffel is more expensive, and at that height, everything below looks like a miniature model — almost like the view from an aircraft. But from the Arc, you get a fantastic panorama of Paris with the Eiffel Tower proudly in the skyline. Plus, it's a solid workout with 284 steps to the top (however, lifts are available for people with special needs). We stayed up there till sunset, soaking in the breathtaking views and braving the chilly winds as the temperature dipped, with the arrival of night.

As the sun set, we made our way to the Eiffel Tower to witness its majestic sparkle. Even though I had seen it before, sharing this magical moment with my husband was truly special. We had planned to enjoy a bottle of wine in the nearby gardens, but they were closed in preparation for the Olympics. Instead, we indulged in savory ham and cheese crepes, a perfect end to our first day.

By this point, we were struggling to walk and just wanted to find the nearest metro station to make our way back. We had already reached a 27,000-step count for the day but we regretted none of them. Paris is definitely a city that requires a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must!

*One tip would be to move at least one activity from this day to any other day as it was hectic for us and we were tight on time throughout the day. We didn’t have a choice this time as many of the attractions and activities were not available for booking on any other day and we had to pack all of it on the 1st day itself. 

Day 2: From Scam to Serenity

The next morning, we planned to visit Trocadéro and then relax at the Jardin du Luxembourg. However, our day took an unexpected turn at Trocadéro when we fell victim to a common tourist scam. We lost 100 euros in a matter of seconds to a group running a cup-and-ball trick. It was a sobering reminder to stay vigilant and not let our guard down.

Determined not to let this mishap ruin our day, we headed to Montmartre for another walking tour with Sandemans. Our guide, a British expat, shared fascinating stories about Montmartre’s artistic history and cabaret culture. We saw Van Gogh’s former residence, the city’s only vineyard, and many other interesting landmarks in the area including the Moulin Rouge and the Sacre Couer. The highlight of the day was the live concerts at the top of the hill at Montmartre next to the Sacre Couer. We spent our evening sitting on the steps, taking in the beautiful panoramic views of the city from the top while listening to some truly talented musicians.

After the tour, we caught a train to Bayeux, Normandy, for a two-day stay. (Click on the link to view the Guide to Normandy).

Day 3: Art and Farewell

We returned to Paris after spending 2 days in Normandy. We made use of one of the many luggage storage facilities near the railway stations so that we could explore the city without any encumbrances of heavy suitcases. Our final day in Paris was dedicated to the Louvre. This enormous museum can be overwhelming, so I recommend downloading the free audio guide from the Rick Steves app. It’s a great way to navigate the highlights without missing out on the rich history and artistry. It is worth a visit and the Mona Lisa is not even the best of what the museum has to offer!

We spent about three hours exploring the museum, but you could easily spend an entire day there. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid some very, very long lines. After our cultural immersion, we headed to the train station for our journey to the French Riviera.

Accommodation and Travel Tips

We stayed in a charming Airbnb in Asnières-sur-Seine, a quiet neighborhood with an amazing boulangerie where we picked up our morning croissants and pain au chocolat. Accommodation in the heart of the city is quite expensive and sometimes difficult to find. However, Paris has a very good Metro system, and so long as your accommodation is within walking distance of a Metro station, the city is quite easy to navigate by public transport.

Our host was incredibly sweet and was very considerate of our late check-in time She spared no effort to make our stay comfortable, and even offered to iron one of my dresses on her own.

Top 13 Travel Tips: Make the Most of Your Paris Adventure

1. Book in Advance: From Seine cruises to museum tickets, booking ahead is a game-changer. It saves you precious time and spares you the hassle of long lines.

2. Free Walking Tours: These tip-based walking tours are fantastic for getting to know the city and meeting fellow travelers. Sandemans and GuruWalks offer excellent options. Plus, you never know when a rainstorm might lead to an unexpected pub chat with new friends! based)

3. Stay Vigilant: Paris is magical, but like any big city, it has its share of scams. Keep your wits about you, especially around popular landmarks.

4. Comfortable Shoes: Paris is a walker’s paradise, so comfy footwear is essential. Trust me, your feet will thank you after a day of exploring!

5. Enjoy the Cuisine: Indulge in local delicacies like crepes, croissants, and a variety of French cheeses. Parisian food is a treat you don’t want to miss.

6. Download Google Translate: While picking up a few French phrases is always good, having Google Translate on hand can be a lifesaver, especially when deciphering menus. I recommend downloading “French” on the app so that you can communicate even when offline.

7. Eat at a Boulangerie: Start your mornings right with fresh pastries, croissants, or pain au chocolate from a local boulangerie. It's an authentic and delicious way to experience Paris. Be sure that the place says “Boulangerie” and not “Bakery”, since the Boulangeries are required to stock fresh pastries made by the traditional French method.

8. Get the Paris Navigo Card: This travel card is a must for easy and cost-effective public transport throughout the city. A day pass lets you use all forms of public transportation including the Metro, RER, and buses. However, be sure to select the zones you want to travel within correctly.

9. Google Maps: I am guessing that you already have this app downloaded, but in case you don’t then you must do so to get real-time updates on the app regarding the Paris metro and other public transportation, to navigate your way within the city. Again, downloading the offline maps for Paris is recommended.

10. Carry your Layers of Clothing: Don’t forget to Layer up if you are not here during the summertime between May to August as it can get really cold, especially when it rains!

11. Left Luggage: Popular left luggage facilities include Bounce, Nannybag, Stow Your Bags, Radical storage, and Luggage Hero to name a few.

12. Best time to Visit: The shoulder season (Spring or Autumn) are recommended so as to avoid excessive crowds. Also, Paris can get really hot in the summer, with temperatures going up to 35℃.

13. Check museum closing days: Certain museums have their weekly closing days on either Monday or Tuesday. Do take note of this while planning your trip. The Louvre is closed on Tuesday, and the Palace of Versailles and Musee d’Orsay are closed on Monday.

Extra Adventures for Your Paris Itinerary

If you have more days to spare in Paris, consider adding these exciting activities to your list:

• Visit the Catacombs: If dark tourism piques your interest, the famous Catacombs offers a fascinating underground experience.

• Experience the Moulin Rouge: Witness the world’s most iconic cabaret and soak in the vibrant showmanship.

• Day Trip to Disneyland: Embrace your inner child with a magical day at Disneyland Paris.

• Explore the Palace of Versailles: Take a trip to this grand palace and its stunning gardens for a taste of French opulence.

• Visit Musee d’Orsay: Home to an extensive collection of impressionist art, this museum is a must-visit for art lovers.

• Ascend the Montparnasse Tower: For a different perspective of Paris, head to the top of this tower and enjoy the panoramic views.

• Monet’s Garden: Take a day trip to Giverny and wander through the enchanting garden that inspired Monet’s masterpieces.

• Day Trips to Etretat, Mont St Michel, or D-Day Landing Sites: Explore the breathtaking cliffs of Etretat, the iconic island commune of Mont St Michel, or the historic D-Day landing sites.

• Visit the Loire Valley: Known for its stunning châteaux and vineyards, the Loire Valley makes for a picturesque day trip.

Conclusion

With its rich history, delectable cuisine, and endless adventures, Paris is a city that captures your heart and leaves you with unforgettable memories. Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, these tips and activities will help you make the most of your Parisian journey.

Happy travels!