2 days in Paris: the guide
Categories : Discover Paris, published on : 4/2/24
Are you planning to spend two days in Paris , and you don't want to miss any of the most essential monuments and sites? Here is a short itinerary that will allow you to discover the capital's greatest treasures in just 48 hours.
Day 1 - morning: visit the Iron Lady...along the water
We might as well start our visit with the most emblematic monument of the capital: the Eiffel Tower. A stone's throw from the Hôtel Bleu de Grenelle, our journey begins at its feet.
The Eiffel Tower, the emblem of Paris
Even though you have a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower from your room at the Bleu de Grenelle hotel, nothing is more beautiful than getting up close. Seen from below, the monumental steel building designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Universal Exhibition makes you feel very small. We then appreciate the full presence of this Parisian treasure.
As you climb, the different floors offer you ever more impressive and grandiose panoramas. At the top, Paris stretches out before your eyes.
Take the opportunity to take great photos of the Iron Lady!
Visit the capital from the Seine
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, on the banks of the Seine, embark on an unforgettable ride aboard a legendary Parisian riverboat . For a little over an hour, let yourself be carried away by the waves, discovering the most beautiful monuments in Paris. During the cruise on the Seine , you will see the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, the Orsay museum, the Louvre museum and the Pont Neuf.
The Trocadéro esplanade, the most beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower
Cross the Seine by taking the Pont d'Iéna, to continue your visit to the Place du Trocadéro . From its esplanade, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Iron Lady, continuing the elegant, gently sloping gardens. You can also admire the sculptures of Hercules and Apollo, as well as the 20 water cannons of the fountain.
The Arc de Triomphe, Paris' military tribute
Continue the walk, towards the Arc de Triomphe . On the Place de l'Etoile, this monument is a true tribute to all the French armies that fought for the country. From its summit, you can admire a breathtaking view of the Avenue des Champs Élysées and the main monuments of Paris. At its feet, you will discover its facade with multiple reliefs and engravings. Under the arch, the eternal flame of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier is rekindled every evening at 6 p.m.
Day 1 - afternoon: walk down the Champs-Élysées and visit the Opéra Garnier
After a morning already full of discoveries and walks, you can continue the route by taking the most beautiful avenue in the world , where you can eat and walk. If you prefer to picnic, Monceau Park, not far away, is a perfect green space to relax.
The Champs-Élysées, luxury and indulgence
In a few minutes on foot from the Arc de Triomphe, reach the most beautiful avenue in the world. This is the opportunity to find a restaurant where you can enjoy varied cuisines of different standards: French gastronomy, fast food, pizzeria, world cuisine... But the Avenue des Champs Élysées , in the heart of the golden triangle, is best known for its luxury boutiques. Window shopping is yours in an incredible setting.
The Paris Opera, a cultural and architectural jewel
Arriving at Place de la Concorde, turn left to reach the Opera district . It is here that stands the magnificent Opéra Garnier , made famous by Gaston Leroux's work, The Phantom of the Opera. A place of creation and art, this Parisian emblem is steeped in history. You will then be able to discover its sumptuous facade, and inside, the decor will captivate you. Between the dome, the immense staircase, the ceiling of the theater room, and even the curtains, everything is there to amaze you.
Take advantage of being in the Grands Boulevards district to do a little shopping at Galeries Lafayette or Printemps Haussmann.
The Louvre Museum, the artistic treasure of Paris
If you still have enough time and energy to continue the walk, head back towards the Seine. As you wander around, you will arrive at the Louvre Museum , and its very famous glass pyramid. This is the opportunity to take some pretty souvenir photos, and take a few steps in the Tuileries garden .
The Alexandre III Bridge, one of the most famous Parisian bridges
Finally, you can return to the Bleu de Grenelle hotel via the Alexandre III bridge . Majestic, it connects the Grand Palais to the Invalides, and represents an emblem of Paris, thanks to its sublime bronze sculptures and its magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower .
If you're tired from your day, metro line 8 at Invalides metro station will take you close to the hotel in just a few minutes.
Day 2 - morning: Île de la Cité and its religious heritage
For this second day of visits to Paris, we take you to the historic heart of the capital. On the Île de la Cité, the greatest monuments of religious heritage are brought together.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris
20 minutes from the Bleu de Grenelle hotel by metro, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral sits at the end of the Île de la Cité. Of course, it is not yet possible to visit it today, since the terrible fire of 2019, but the reopening will not be long. In the meantime, stand in front of the cathedral to admire this masterpiece of Gothic architecture . Its gargoyles, stained glass windows and rose windows bear witness to several centuries of religious worship and architectural traditions. Built in the Middle Ages, this building has withstood the ravages of time, and will continue to be one of the most prestigious monuments in France.
The Sainte-Chapelle and its relics of the Passion of Christ
A stone's throw from Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle is another historical testimony to French religious fervor. At the entrance, the lower chapel is modest, since it was dedicated to the worship of the faithful. The upper chapel offers a completely different experience, with breathtaking architecture. This space, dedicated to the king and his court, is indeed much more sumptuous. There we find, among other things, more than 600 m² of stained glass windows which magically illuminate the place. It is here, too, that the relics of Christianity are exhibited , including a piece of Christ's cross, as well as his crown of thorns.
If you feel like it, take advantage of being on the Île de la Cité to visit the charming little streets.
Day 2 - afternoon: lunch in the Latin Quarter and sunset in Montmartre
For this last half-day visit, cross the Seine to reach the left bank of Paris . There, new beauties await you.
The Latin Quarter and its warm atmosphere
You have arrived in the 5th arrondissement, in an area very popular with students and tourists: the Latin Quarter . Here, the numerous friendly restaurants and cafés, with their pretty little terraces, offer a peaceful atmosphere where you enjoy relaxing and strolling. This is the opportunity to have lunch in a typically Parisian setting.
In this historic center of Paris, many monuments and tourist sites are unmissable. As you walk through the neighborhood, you will discover the Pantheon , the Place de la Sorbonne , the Luxembourg Gardens , the Jardin des Plantes , the Grand Mosque of Paris, or even the Natural History Museum.
Montmartre and its meringue dominating Paris
To end your stay in style, take the time to reach the Montmartre district . Less than 30 minutes by metro will be enough to get you there from the Latin Quarter. Then stroll through the small cobbled streets of this legendary district of Paris, where many renowned artists lived and worked (Van Gogh, Renoir, Apollinaire...). Climbing to the top of the Montmartre hill , you will be seduced by the “I love you” wall and the Place du Tertre, with its cartoonists and small cafes.
Arriving at the top, at the end of the day, all you have to do is admire the view from the Sacré-Coeur basilica . From here, all of Paris lies beneath your feet.
The Bleu de Grenelle hotel: staying a stone's throw from Parisian monuments
To make your short stay in Paris go as smoothly as possible, without wasting time on public transport, book your room at the Hôtel Bleu de Grenelle . In the heart of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, it is ideally located a stone's throw from the biggest Parisian tourist sites. You will then be able to discover most of the monuments on foot, and it will only take you a few minutes by metro to reach the rest.
Comfortably installed in a 4-star hotel room with a view of the Eiffel Tower , you will enjoy high standard accommodation to rest and recover from your emotions between two visits.
Here is an itinerary that will allow you to fully enjoy your 2 days in Paris . You will be able to discover the most emblematic sites through a personalized route. And for more comfort, don't hesitate to book your room at the Bleu de Grenelle hotel, a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower.
