Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The City of Lights brims with world-famous landmarks, delicious food, stunning green spaces and mind-blowing art collections. It is also a renowned fashion capital. Here are some of the places to explore when spending three days in Paris:
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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 19th 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.
Jardins du Trocadéro with the Eiffel Tower on the background – photo by Fred Romero from Paris, France under CC-BY-2.0
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.
aerial view of Parc du Champ de Mars – photo by DUOTONE_ from Pixabay under Pixabay License
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.
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 18th century public square is also famous for the Egyptian obelisk within it.
Place de la Concorde – photo by jean-louis Zimmermann under CC BY 2.0
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.
late evening activity on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées – photo by Richard Allaway under CC BY 2.0
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
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-19th century. Then there’s Pont d’Arcole, famous for its role in the August 1944 Liberation of Paris.
The Île de la Cité as seen from the Pont des Arts shortly before sunrise – photo by DXR under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Sainte-Chapelle
The Gothic-style Sainte-Chapelle royal chapel on Île de la Cité dates back to the 13th century. It is regarded as one of the prime examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, and has an impressive collection of 13th century stained glass.
Sainte-Chapelle – Upper Chapel, Paris, France – photo by Didier B (Sam67fr) under CC-BY-SA-2.5
Conciergerie
This Gothic 14th 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.
La Conciergerie – photo by Hugues Mitton (hugovoyages) at fr.wikipedia under CC-BY-SA-2.5
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.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris before the 2019 fire – photo by Anna & Michal under CC BY-SA 2.0
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.
South facade of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre – photo by Tonchino under CC-BY-SA-3.0
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.
Place du Tertre – photo by Mario Sánchez Prada under CC BY-SA 2.0
Musée de Montmartre
For a load of local history and culture, you can head to the Montmartre Museum, set in a 17th century house where the famous Impressionist artist Auguste Renoir is said to have once worked.
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.
The Tomb of Dalida at Cimetière de Montmartre – photo by PublicDomainPictures under Pixabay License
Three Days in Paris: Day Three – Souvenirs Shopping
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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.
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 Hermès Store on Avenue George V in Paris – photo by Moonik under CC-BY-SA-3.0 The Louis Vuitton flagship store on Champs-Élysées – photo by Nick Gordon under Public Domain
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
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.
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 A view of Rue du Marché Popincourt – photo by VVVCFFrance under CC-BY-SA-4.0
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.
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
Three Days in Paris: Day Three – Cooling Down
Canal Saint-Martin
Tired after shopping for souvenirs? You can retreat to Canal Saint-Martin and simply lounge, enjoy a casual dinner and enjoy the views.
Canal Saint-Martin in Paris – photo by Joe deSousa under CC0 1.0
Tour Montparnasse
To have a memorable view of the City of Lights at night, you can visit the Montparnasse Tower. The skyscraper has an observation deck on its 56th floor where you can take in breath-taking panoramas of Paris.
Paris as seen from the Montparnasse Tower – photo by Joe deSousa under CC-Zero
Pont Alexandre III
Capping your Paris visit with an evening stroll along Pont Alexandre III would also be nice idea. This arched bridge is styled in Beaux Arts fashion and is famous for its golden statues, cherubs, nymphs and Art Nouveau lamps.
Pont Alexandre III at dusk – photo by Derrick Brutel under CC BY-SA 2.0