Paris, Like Nowhere Else
They say — rightly — that you can live in Paris for 40 years and still not see it all. So how could you possibly discover it in just one day? Lace up your most comfortable shoes, grab your camera, and follow us through our favorite parts of the capital for a day to remember.
9:00 AM – Waking Up Facing the Opera
As the Jacques Dutronc song goes: “It’s five o’clock, Paris is waking up.” We may not rise quite so early to roam the streets. Let’s linger a little longer under the hotel’s silky sheets. But seasoned travelers know that early hours are precious — especially for those who want to have Paris all to themselves. So after a hearty breakfast at the hotel bar, it’s off to the Opéra Garnier, just a short stroll away. Stand face to face with the Opéra’s majestic façade. In that moment, you’ll feel small — and amazed. Take the time to visit the grand dome and admire Chagall’s stunning ceiling. It might just leave you speechless.
11:00 AM – Coffee with a View of the Louvre
10:30 AM — off to the Louvre! Just a few minutes’ walk. To taste the real Paris, nothing beats an espresso on a café terrace. No matter the neighborhood, there’s always a little bistro waiting on some street corner. Order a short black and watch the Parisian ballet unfold: hurried workers, parents with children, pigeons scattering before the rush of footsteps. All of it in a lively, noisy atmosphere — waiters shouting orders, espresso machines hissing. The area may be touristy, but it still feels authentic. For those who prefer a more peaceful setting, Café Marly under the arcades near the Tuileries Garden offers a sublime view of the Louvre pyramid.
12:00 PM – Off to the Marais
Time to grab a self-service bike and head toward the Marais! With its cobblestone streets and village-like feel, it’s the perfect place to wander and soak in the essence of Paris. If you’re in the mood for shopping, you’re in luck — the neighborhood is packed with fashion boutiques.
1:30 PM – Along the Quays
A must-see: Notre-Dame Cathedral, reopened in 2024 after its devastating fire. Then stroll along the banks of the Seine, where booksellers, joggers, and lovers cross paths on the riverside walkways. Pick up a picnic from a local bakery and settle down on the Île Saint-Louis. A peaceful haven in the heart of Old Paris, there’s no better spot for your lunch break. This tiny island, a coveted residential area since the 17th century, has preserved its grand townhouses, historical architecture, and timeless, bourgeois village charm.
4:00 PM – Off to Montmartre
Change of scene: hop on the metro (to save time) and head to Montmartre, where the artistic and bohemian spirit of Paris still lingers. Climb the steps to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur and enjoy a breathtaking view over the city. Place du Tertre, with its cobblestones and portrait artists, reminds us that Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh once lived in this former working-class district. Stroll through the winding streets of this charming part of Paris, where artisan shops, ice cream parlors, and cafés line the way like a movie set. If you’re still around when the sun begins to set, stretch out on the Sacré-Cœur lawns and watch the golden light brush the city.
8:00 PM – Theatre and Bistro
Back to the hotel for a quick shower before heading out to the theatre — the neighborhood is full of great shows! You’ll find the Bouffes Parisiens, Théâtre Daunou, Mélo d’Amélie, Théâtre de la Michodière… plenty of choices. Tradition has it that you dine after the show. So head to “Racines,” a hidden bistro in the Passage des Panoramas, before returning to your cozy bed on rue d’Antin to replay the highlights of your magical day.