THREE DAYS IN PARIS: A DESTINATION GUIDE

Three Days in Paris: Day One – Famous Landmarks

Eiffel Tower

It seems spending three days in Paris would be incomplete if you do not stop by this iconic, wrought-iron tower from the late 19^th century. You can get to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower through taking the stairs or hopping on the elevator. If you do not fancy climbing the stairs all the way to the top, it is best that you book your tickets in advance as you can expect long lines to the elevator.

Champ de Mars

After conquering the dizzying height of the Eiffel Tower, it might be a good idea to take a break and enjoy a picnic at Champ de Mars. This landscaped park has scenic paths and the trees surrounding it provide great shade. And its extensive lawns provide a perfect venue for picnics, with the Eiffel Tower on the background.

Musée du Louvre

For art aficionados, the Louvre Museum is a must-visit when in Paris. Formerly a palace with a colourful history, it is now home to a massive collection of artworks, including Roman sculptures and the iconic “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci.

Three days in Paris - Louvre Museum in Paris - photo by Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA under CC-BY-SA-2.0 — Louvre Museum in Paris – photo by Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA under CC-BY-SA-2.0

Place de la Concorde

After admiring the artworks at the Louvre Museum, take a stroll to Place de la Concorde and marvel at its fountains and statues. The 18^th century public square is also famous for the Egyptian obelisk within it.

Champs-Élysées

From Place de la Concorde, continue your afternoon stroll along Champs-Élysées, by far the most famous avenue in Paris. It is lined with shops and cafes that it can be definitely a treat to walk along it and window shop or perhaps take a quick stop to grab a bite of crepe.

L’Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile

Walking down Champs-Élysées from Place de la Concorde will lead you to the celebrated Arc de Triomphe. This Parisian landmark stands in the middle of Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly known as Place de l’Étoile. There are several restaurants near this star-shaped juncture; so if you’re ready to have dinner and have some drinks, you need not go far.

Arc de Triomphe at night - photo by Sheila Sund under CC BY 2.0 — Arc de Triomphe at night – photo by Sheila Sund under CC BY 2.0

Three Days in Paris: Day Two – History and Culture: Île de la Cité

Île de la Cité

Start your day with a visit to this island within the city of Paris. If you’re having doubts about taking a boat ride, you need not worry because you can easily visit Île de la Cité through one of the bridges connecting it to both sides of the Seine. Pont Neuf is recognized as the oldest bridge in Paris, which was opened in 1607. Pont Saint-Michel dates back to 1857. If you have read “Les Miserables”, you would be familiar with Pont au Change, built during Napoleon’s reign in the mid-19^th century. Then there’s Pont d’Arcole, famous for its role in the August 1944 Liberation of Paris.

Sainte-Chapelle

The Gothic-style Sainte-Chapelle royal chapel on Île de la Cité dates back to the 13^th century. It is regarded as one of the prime examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, and has an impressive collection of 13^th century stained glass.

Conciergerie

This Gothic 14^th century royal palace and French Revolution prison was where Marie Antoinette was incarcerated. It is now mostly used for law courts. The public is welcome to some parts of this monumental building.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Although temporarily closed, you can still view the Notre-Dame from afar as it is being restored and reconstructed to its former glory. Reconstruction is expected to be completed in 2024.

Three Days in Paris: Day Two – History and Culture: Montmartre

Sacré-Cœur

From Île de la Cité, find your way to hill of Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur, an iconic, domed, white church famed for its stained glass windows, interior mosaics and crypt.

Place du Tertre

Next stop: Place du Tertre. This small, cobbled square is lined with cafes. It is also a popular hangout for buskers and artists. While there, you can have your portrait by one of the artists or simply enjoy the street entertainment provided by the buskers.

Musée de Montmartre

For a load of local history and culture, you can head to the Montmartre Museum, set in a 17^th century house where the famous Impressionist artist Auguste Renoir is said to have once worked.

three days in Paris - The garden at Montmarte Museum - photo by Son of Groucho from Scotland under CC-BY-2.0 — The garden at Montmarte Museum – photo by Son of Groucho from Scotland under CC-BY-2.0

Cimetière de Montmartre

Cap your visit to the district with exploring the Montmartre Cemetery. This memorial park is home to the graves of famous artists, including Vaslav Nijinsky, Edgar Degas and Émile Zola. It is also where you can find the grave of the well-known French singer, Dalida.

Three Days in Paris: Day Three – Souvenirs Shopping

Fashion

As one of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris offers a great selection of fashion pieces. You can visit Boulevard Saint-Germain for chic outfits. Les Halles was once the central fresh foods market of Paris but is now a largely underground, modern shopping mall. If you prefer something high-end to take home with you, Triangle d’Or would be your destination. Triangle d’Or is formed by three Parisian streets: Avenue George V, Avenue Montaigne and Rue François 1er. For elegant pieces, check out the boutiques along Rue de Rivoli. All over Paris, you can find a number of Hermès and Louis Vuitton shops.

three days in Paris - A shop window on Boulevard Saint-Germain - photo by THOR under CC-BY-2.0 — A shop window on Boulevard Saint-Germain – photo by THOR under CC-BY-2.0

Forum des Halles - photo by Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France under CC-BY-2.0 — A shop window on Boulevard Saint-Germain – photo by THOR under CC-BY-2.0

Cosmetics

If you are on the hunt for cosmetics to bring home for yourself or a loved one, there are several shops on Rue du Commerce specializing on beauty and skincare products. Yves Rocher is one of the most popular French cosmetics brands and has several stores in the City of Lights. You can also find shops of other French beauty and makeup brands in Paris, like Caudalie and Melvita.

The Yves Rocher at the Italie 2 shopping mall in Paris - photo by ErasmusOfParis under CC-BY-SA-2.0 — The Yves Rocher at the Italie 2 shopping mall in Paris – photo by ErasmusOfParis under CC-BY-SA-2.0

Vintage and Antique Pieces

Planning to take home something that reminds you of French antique and vintage charm? You might want to stop by Le Village Saint-Paul in the Le Marais district of Paris. This old-fashioned enclave is home to several antique shops, art galleries and eateries. There’s also Au Petit Bonheur la Chance for old toys and vintage notebooks. Carré Rive Gauche is an association of vintage and antique stores and features arts and antiques from its member stores. For something to remind you of your Louvre Museum visit, there’s Louvre des Antiquaires. Along Rue du Marché Popincourt, you can find a couple of antique shops where you can browse for souvenirs.

three days in Paris - Le Village Saint-Paul in Le Marais - photo by Passion Leica under CC BY-SA 2.0 — Le Village Saint-Paul in Le Marais – photo by Passion Leica under CC BY-SA 2.0

Louvre des Antiquaires - photo by xiquinhosilva from Cacau under CC-BY-2.0 — Le Village Saint-Paul in Le Marais – photo by Passion Leica under CC BY-SA 2.0

Fragrances

Fragrances as souvenirs – why not? GUERLAIN is a French perfume house with several shops in Paris. You might have passed by one during your stroll along Champs-Élysées. Then there’s Officine Universelle Buly 1803 on Rue Bonaparte and Rue de Saintonge.

three days in Paris - GUERLAIN boutique on Avenue des Champs-Elysées - photo by Erwmat under CC-BY-SA-3.0 — GUERLAIN boutique on Avenue des Champs-Elysées – photo by Erwmat under CC-BY-SA-3.0

L'Officine Universelle Buly on Rue Bonaparte - photo by Teatin Gonzalez under CC-BY-SA-4.0 — GUERLAIN boutique on Avenue des Champs-Elysées – photo by Erwmat under CC-BY-SA-3.0

BEST SHOPPING IN AMSTERDAM: 20 PLACES TO EXPLORE

My Impressions of Portland: Happiness and Convenience Stores

BEST SHOPPING IN PARIS: 18 PLACES TO VISIT

HANOI: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON PARTS UNKNOWN

Know all of the dishes and addresses selected by Andrew Zimmern in Delicious Destinations Brooklyn

MACAU: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON NO RESERVATIONS