3 Perfect Days in Paris

November 19, 2018

3 Perfect Days in Paris

I’m so excited to be sharing my first set of photos from last month’s trip to Paris today! I had so many post ideas while on this trip and I’m slowly starting to work on drafting them but I wanted to first share a much-requested post about how to spend time in Paris when you only have a few short days. Behold: my 3 perfect days in Paris!

3 Perfect Days in Paris

3 Perfect Days in Paris

3 Perfect Days in Paris

3 Perfect Days in Paris

3 Perfect Days in Paris

3 Perfect Days in Paris

3 Perfect Days in Paris

Meghan Donovan - Paris

Meghan Donovan - Paris

Meghan Donovan - Paris

Meghan Donovan - Paris

3 Perfect Days in Paris

This three day itinerary features some of my favorite spots to eat at, caffeinate in and several of my favorite parks, museums and neighborhoods.

Day One:

My favorite part of Paris is Le Marais and I love to head there for a relaxed day as I battle a bit of jet lag. Le Marais is a historic district and is home to many spots of historical importance. It spreads across parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements.

9:00AM: Fuel up with caffeine at Ob La Di. This tiny place is the perfect spot to have your first coffee in a bright spot with beautifully tiled floors. Stroll aimlessly afterwards and take in the many beautiful doors and charming streets in Le Marais.

10:00AM: Arrive early to the Picasso Museum to beat the crowds then enjoy the newly renovated museum. (Opens at 10:30).

12:00PM: Have lunch at Cafe Charlot. Situated right on rue Charlot this is one of my favorite brasseries in Paris. For instance, get the warm goat cheese salad or steak frites. Then snag an outside spot if you can.

1:00PM: Pop over to Chez Janou for dessert as their chocolate mousse is to die for.

1:45PM: Shop in the Marais. Favorite stores not to be missed include Kerzon for the best candles, Claudie Pierlot for feminine French clothing, FrenchTrottersL’Artisan ParfumeurMerciMariage Frères, OFR Bookshop and Papier Tigre.

3:00PM: If nearby I always love to stop by Boot Cafe for a coffee. In fact, it used to be a cobbler shop and it is a great little photo opp. Then visit nearby Place des Vosges which is the oldest planned square in Paris and was built by Henri IV in the 17th century.

3:30PM: I love the stroll from Le Marais to Ile Saint Louis. You’ll cross the Seine and can easily wander the quaint streets of this charming island. Then stop at Berthillion for the world’s best ice cream (raspberry + chocolate is my favorite combo) and then head over to Ile de la Cite, stopping to snap a photo and marvel at Notre Dame. Then don’t miss the tucked away Place Dauphine. It’s one of my favorite hidden jewels in the city.

4:30PM: Visit the Palais Royale (where these photos were shot) and the accompanying gardens. It’s so striking as the sun starts to set. Then if you need an afternoon pick me up visit the tucked away Cafe Kitsune.

5:30PM: Pop into L’Appartement Sezane – one of my favorite stores in Paris. Not only is it strikingly beautiful but it also boasts tons of feminine clothing, homewares and shoes.

6:00PM: Line up for Frenchie Bar a Vin before it opens at 6:30 to ensure you get a table. It is one of my favorite restaurants in Paris.

8:00PM: After dinner stroll to Experimental Cocktail Club where the bartender can make you a custom cocktail with all your favorite mixings.

Day Two:

Saint Germaine is my other favorite neighborhood and I always spend time there when I go to Paris. It’s the first neighborhood I remember falling in love with when I was little so it always brings back fond memories.

8:00AM: Join the crowds at famed Cafe de Flore or Deux Magots for a traditional petite dejeuner. Pop by for a photo at the nearby photogenic Le Bonaparte after.

9:00AM: Visit the famed Luxembourg Gardens. Going early in the morning or late afternoon are my favorite times to stroll this stunning park.

10:00AM: Visit the Musee D’Orsay when it opens and take in the grandeur that is the old train station and the incredible Impressionist wing.

1:00PM: Indulge in a great lunch special at Little Breizh of a savory crepe and a sweet crepe at this cute and delicious creperie.

2:00PM: Visit the Rodin Museum. This is one of my favorite museums as it is in an old home that’s been beautifully restored. You’ll also get access to the gardens which also feature many works of Rodin’s.

3:30PM: Pick up an afternoon sweet treat at La Patisserie Des Reves or a croissant at Poilane.

4:00PM: Visit Le Bon Marche. This department store is worth marveling at. Don’t miss the food hall across the street of the same name. It is amazing and the perfect spot to pick up some sweet and savory souvenirs.

5:30PM: Score a sunset boat tour on one of the famed Bateaux Mouches. You can purchase a ticket right near the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a view of the beautiful La Tour following your boat ride.

7:00PM: Have drinks at Lulu White.

8:00PM: Score a seat at nearby Buvette or Pink Mamma.

Day Three:

In 2017 when I was in Paris for a week I finally had the time to explore some arrondissements I was less familiar with which included the 11th and 12th.

9:00AM: Cafe Oberkampf has a banana bread that I now dream about. It’s a thick slice and they’ll warm it up for you and put a tiny pat of butter on it and oh my goodness it’s heaven. So start your day with this banana bread and a delicious coffee.

10:00AM: Wander over to the charming and secret Passage L’Homme that’s worth a stroll and offers plenty of photo opportunities.

10:15AM: If you need another dose of caffeine stop at the light + bright Passager Cafe. I love sitting in their big window with a noisette. 

11:00AM: Head up to the Coulée verte René-Dumont which is an elevated park after which New York’s Highline is modeled. It’s lovely to see Paris’ rooftops from above and the perfect little walk.

12:00PM: Grab lunch at Le Servan or Cafe Mericourt.

1:30PM: Don’t miss the colorful and delightful Rue Cremiux which harkens to Notting Hill in London with its pastel homes along a small cobblestone street.

2:00PM: Other jewels in these two neighborhoods include Ble Sucre for a sweet treat, Welcome Bio Bazar which is an amazing home store and Maison Kitsune for cool clothes and shoes.

3:30PM: Head back to Central Paris and pop into L’Orangerie before it closes for the day. Monet’s striking and massive waterlily paintings are on display here and will take your breath away.

5:30PM: Get one of the best views of the Tour Eiffel from Avenue de Camoens. Get another more traditional view by stopping by the nearby Trocadero afterwards.

7:00PM: Have dinner at Les Cocottes. It’s classic French food in a modern setting. Stroll by the sparkling Tour Eiffel afterwards.

. . .

Have you been to any of these spots? Used any of my Paris recommendations in the past? If so I’d love to hear about it! I have a lot more Paris posts upcoming, too so keep an eye out!

Heading to Paris? Book Paris, Perfected with me and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip to Paris the best one yet.

Mango Jacket (only $80 – wearing a M) // Zara Skirt + Sweater (old) // Booties (more affordable version here) // Saint Laurent Bag // Goorin Bros. Hat (similar) // Chanel Brooch

p.s. my Paris favorites and 5 things not to miss in Paris.

[Anna Lebedeva Photography]

comments +

  1. Cate says:

    I loved the museums in Paris, le Musee d’orsay and le musee de la photographie europenne are my two favourites.

    Cate ? 35mm in Style

    • Meghan says:

      Ah! I’ve never been to the photography museum! Must add it to my list for my next trip. There are so many good small museums I adore along with the classics!

  2. Libby says:

    I want to go to Paris!! I love this outfit too, so chic, and that Chanel brooch is everything!! Can’t wait to see more from the trip!

    https://premedwearspearls.blogspot.com

    xoxo Libby

  3. I just adore these photos of you! And this itinerary sounds utterly perfect; I want to go and do it all right now! And I really need to explore the 11th and 12th more so that’s going on my list for next time.

    Briony xox

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