Wander the illuminated streets, discover prestigious museums, escape for a coffee on a terrace... Paris is never short of ideas for a successful weekend. For a stay in Paris in comfort and elegance, check into the Hôtel Londres Saint-Honoré, ideally located in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. You'll be just a stone's throw from some of the capital's most beautiful monuments, art galleries and vibrant districts.
Discover the must-sees of Paris in a weekend
Whether you are visiting Paris for the first time or rediscovering the capital, there are a number of monuments and sites that are not to be missed. They form the soul of Paris and are accessible all year round.
Eiffel Tower and Champs-de-Mars
The universal symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower towers 330 metres above the city. Built for the 1889 Universal Exhibition, it can be visited day and night, offering an uninterrupted view of the capital. At its foot, the Champs-de-Mars offers wide lawns ideal for a picnic or a stroll, summer or winter.
The Louvre Museum and its permanent collections
A former royal palace, the Musée du Louvre houses over 35,000 works on permanent display, spanning several millennia of history and civilisation. You can admire the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Raft of the Medusa. Even without going inside, its glass pyramid and monumental courtyards are well worth a visit.
Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Île de la Cité
A Gothic masterpiece from the XIIᵉ century, Notre-Dame de Paris remains an iconic landmark, visible and visitable in its surroundings despite the restoration work. The Île de la Cité, the historic birthplace of Paris, offers a chance to step back in time as you wander along its narrow streets and bridges.
Arc de Triomphe and stroll along the Champs-Élysées
Erected at the request of Napoleon I, the Arc de Triomphe pays tribute to the French armies. Its panoramic terrace offers one of the finest views of the historic axis linking the Louvre to the Grande Arche at La Défense. Below, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées invites you to take a stroll through its shops, gardens and cinemas.
Strolling through the most beautiful districts of Paris
Paris is best revealed through its emblematic districts, where every street tells a story and every step reveals a different aspect of the city. Here are four must-see districts to explore for a walk rich in charm, culture and heritage.
Le Marais
A former marshland transformed into an aristocratic district as early as the XVIIᵉ century, the Marais is today one of Paris's oldest and most fascinating urban ensembles. Its cobbled streets are home to private mansions, hidden courtyards and Renaissance facades that have stood the test of time. The Place des Vosges, Paris's first royal square, is the perfect embodiment of this historic charm. For a more confidential stroll, venture into the Village Saint-Paul, with its art galleries, antique shops and shady passageways. And in Rue des Rosiers, you'll find a warm, traditional atmosphere, often pedestrianised on Sundays, reflecting an authentic, lively Paris.
Montmartre
Perched on a hill to the north of Paris, Montmartre embodies the bohemian, artistic spirit of the capital. Its narrow, cobbled streets lead to the famous Sacré-Coeur basilica, and it's here that you can follow in the footsteps of Monet, Renoir or Degas, while artists exhibit their work at the Place du Tertre. This village atmosphere can also be discovered in the secret alleyways, with their discreet staircases and intimate gardens. The funicular railway provides easy access to the top, so you can admire the view while avoiding the stairs on rue Foyatier.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The chic, literary quarter of the Left Bank, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has an elegant atmosphere, with old-fashioned cafés and refined bookshops. Stroll along its boulevards, lined with terraces, art galleries and upmarket boutiques, in a spirit that is both cultural and sophisticated.
Canal Saint-Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin deserves a mention as a relaxing and timeless promenade: lined with trees, bridges, grocery shops and bohemian cafés, it epitomises bohemian 'bobo' Paris, perfect for relaxing by the water between city strolls.
Enjoying green spaces and outdoor walks
Paris has a wealth of green havens and peaceful walks, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre at any time of year. Here are four emblematic places that are always accessible and ideal for relaxing, strolling or getting active.
Tuileries Gardens
Situated between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is one of the largest public gardens in Paris, extending over some 28 hectares. A veritable open-air museum, it is adorned with numerous statues - works by Maillol, Rodin and Giacometti - scattered among the paths and ponds. It's the perfect place for a stroll combining art and nature, or to give the children a playful moment in the play areas.
Luxembourg Gardens
In the heart of the 6ᵉ arrondissement, the Jardin du Luxembourg covers almost 23 hectares. Created in 1612 by Marie de Médicis and inspired by the Boboli gardens, it offers a clever mix of formal gardens, wooded areas, a large pond and a geometric forest area. Parisians come here to play chess or tennis, or to admire the Medici fountain and the famous model boats on the Grand Bassin.
The banks of the Seine
The Berges de Seine, a new pedestrian area along the river, offers a pleasant and accessible walk from the Place de la Concorde to the Hôtel de Ville. Alternating shady passages, places to rest and emblematic viewpoints, it's an itinerary through the history and living heart of the capital.
Bois de Vincennes
To the east of Paris, the Bois de Vincennes is the city's largest green space, covering almost 995 hectares. A former royal forest transformed in the XIXᵉ century, it offers a diversity of landscapes and activities: lakes, arboretum, floral park, zoo, theatre and even boat hire. It's the ideal place for a bucolic getaway away from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
Parisian experiences all year round
As well as its monuments, Paris offers unique experiences that can be enjoyed at any time of year and allow you to discover the city in a whole new way.
Cruise on the Seine
A cruise on the Seine is one of the most poetic ways to discover Paris. From the boat, you can see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame and many other architectural gems. These trips are available all year round, with some companies even offering heated boats in winter.
Ascent of the Montparnasse Tower
Less well known than the Eiffel Tower, the Montparnasse Tower offers one of the finest panoramic views of Paris. From its 210-metre-high terrace, you can take in all the city's skyline in a single view, with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Discover the Parisian markets
Markets are part of everyday life in Paris. From the Marché d'Aligre to the Marché Maubert, you can find fresh produce, flowers, regional specialities and crafts. These lively places are open all year round and reflect France's culinary diversity.
Cruise on a bateau-mouche or restaurant barge
To combine gastronomy and discovery, a dinner cruise on the Seine is an unforgettable experience. During the day, you can also enjoy the sunshine and bustle of the quayside on the terrace barges.
Ideas for seasonal activities
Each season brings its own special atmosphere to Paris, offering activities to suit the conditions and mood of the moment.
In summer: terraces, barges and waterside picnics
Longer days invite you to sit out on a terrace, picnicking by the Seine or in one of the large parks. Summer cruises and open-air guinguettes are ideal for enjoying the mild evening air.
In autumn: stroll through the golden gardens
The Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc Monceau and Buttes-Chaumont are all decked out in warm hues, providing the perfect backdrop for contemplative strolls.
In winter: illuminations and Christmas markets
From mid-November to early January, the streets and monuments are lit up. Christmas markets offer handcrafted decorations, regional specialities and a festive atmosphere.
Spring: stroll through the parks in bloom
The cherry trees in the Parc de Sceaux, the magnolias in the Paris gardens and the flower beds in the Parc Floral herald the return of fine weather and light-hearted strolls.
Going out in Paris in the evening
When night falls, Paris reveals a different side to its personality: elegant, festive, romantic or intimate, depending on what you fancy. The nightlife options are varied and suited to all seasons.
Dinner in a gastronomic or bistronomic restaurant
Paris has an impressive number of restaurants where cuisine is an art. From Michelin-starred restaurants to contemporary bistros, the city offers a diversity of flavours and styles. Whether you want to savour French haute cuisine or discover cuisines from around the world, districts such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Marais or the Opéra are home to a host of renowned addresses. Heated terraces mean you can even enjoy a meal outside in winter.
Theatre or opera performances
In the evenings, Paris has a rich and permanent cultural offering. The Opéra Garnier and Opéra Bastille host ballets, operas and concerts throughout the year. Theatres, whether institutional like the Comédie-Française or more intimate, offer classical plays, comedies and contemporary creations. It's a great way to immerse yourself in local cultural life.
An evening stroll around the Seine and its illuminated monuments
Paris by night is a spectacle in itself. The city's iconic monuments, from the Eiffel Tower to the Hôtel de Ville, light up as night falls. A stroll along the banks of the Seine offers splendid views and changing moods, from the bustle of the quayside to the romantic calm of the bridges. For a unique view, climb up to the Arc de Triomphe in the evening to admire the glittering Champs-Élysées.
Cabarets and legendary venues
Some Parisian cabarets are veritable institutions, renowned for their shows that combine music, dance and spectacular staging. They embody the festive and glamorous spirit of the capital. It's a typically Parisian experience, often accompanied by dinner, that attracts visitors and locals alike.
Tips for organising your weekend in Paris
Paris offers a multitude of activities, but a weekend goes by quickly. Good organisation is the key to making the most of your stay and avoiding setbacks. Here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of your days.
Choosing the right times to visit monuments
The most popular monuments and museums, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe, attract large numbers of visitors, especially in the middle of the day and at weekends. To avoid queues, it's best to visit early in the morning, as soon as the museum opens, or at the end of the day, when visitor numbers are lower. Some sites, such as the Louvre, offer evening visits once or twice a week, giving visitors the chance to discover the sites in a quieter and often more magical atmosphere.
For outdoor monuments, such as Montmartre or the Champs-Élysées, it's a good idea to go early in the morning to enjoy the soft light and more peaceful atmosphere, or in the evening to admire the illumination of the façades and monuments.
Use public transport to get around easily
Paris is well served by a dense transport network: metro, bus, RER and tram. The metro is the quickest way to cover long distances in the city, while buses offer a pleasant view of the streets and monuments. For a weekend away, a Paris Visite ticket or a book of tickets can come in handy. If you enjoy walking, many of the city's tourist districts are within easy reach of each other: from the Louvre to Notre-Dame, for example, it's about a 20-minute walk. For more picturesque journeys, use the self-service bicycle hire scheme (Vélib') to cycle along the Seine or through the districts in complete freedom.
Book certain activities in advance
For very popular sites, such as the Eiffel Tower, certain cruises on the Seine or cabarets, online booking is highly recommended. Not only does it guarantee your place, it also saves time by avoiding queues. Advance bookings are particularly useful if you are coming during busy tourist periods (school holidays, bank holidays, end-of-year celebrations). Similarly, for gourmet restaurants or popular shows, it's best to book several days or even weeks in advance.
Plan according to your priorities
You can't see everything in one weekend. The best thing to do is to identify 2 or 3 'must-sees' that are not to be missed, and then add some lighter activities or free walks around them. For example, after a visit to the Louvre, plan a walk in the Jardin des Tuileries, or after an afternoon in Montmartre, stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin.
At the end of your stay, take some time out to simply lose yourself in a district you like: this is often how you discover the most beautiful aspects of Paris, at the bend in a street or on a terrace.
