My personal opinion is that no trip to Paris is long enough. You’ll always be left wanting to see more, taste more, experience more. But a long weekend in Paris is ideal to whet your appetite for all the city has to offer. And there’s plenty you can fit into a four day long weekend – and as someone who travels to Paris often thanks to my travel advisory En Route to Rêverie, I’m here to share recommendations for how to spend a long weekend in Paris.
How to Spend a Long Weekend in Paris
What I love about a long weekend in Paris is that you really work to maximize your time. You can hit up a variety of world class sites and museums but you can also spend plenty of time wandering, eating and soaking up the city. There’s no shortage of things to do and spending a long weekend in Paris can make you appreciate the beauty and charm of what is considered the most romantic city in the world.
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:
1:30PM:
Shop in the Marais. Favorite stores not to be missed include Kerzon for the best candles, Claudie Pierlot for feminine French clothing, FrenchTrotters, L’Artisan Parfumeur, Merci, Mariage Frères, OFR Bookshop and Papier Tigre. And don’t miss visiting 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. If you’re a book lover, pop over to Shakespeare & Company – one of the most famous bookstores in the world.
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 Royal 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 and enjoy it by the garden’s fountain.
5:30PM:
Pop into Galerie Vivienne, built in 1823, it is one of the most iconic covered arcades in Paris.
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:
8:30AM:
Petit Dejeuner at Cafe Marlette.
10:00AM:
Visit the Louvre (buy your tickets in advance or consider purchasing “skip the line tickets”) and plan in advance what you’d like to see so you can make the most of your visit. I typically spend two hours in the museum but if you’ve never been before allow for more time! You may also want to consider a private guided tour to make the best of your visit. Planning to see the Mona Lisa? Be prepared to wait!
12:30PM:
Picnic in the Tuileries gardens. Picnics in the grand Parisian parks are not to be missed. I recommend visiting any local boulangerie for sandwiches and treats and beverages and then setting up in whatever spot suits you!
3:00PM:
Pop into L’Orangerie – a small but beautiful museum. Monet’s striking and massive waterlily paintings are on display here and will take your breath away. You can walk the Champs Elysees after all the way up to the Arc de Triomphe. Feeling fit? Climb the hundreds of stairs at the arc for beautiful views of Paris.
5:30PM:
Head West to 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.
9:00PM:
Stroll to the Champs de Mars to see the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night.
Day Three:
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 petit 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.
12:00PM:
Head to Marché Raspail if your days align (check operating hours before you go!) and pick up items for lunch or dinner.
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.
6:00PM:
Score a Seine River Cruise ticket 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.
Day Four:
9:00AM:
Head to Montmartre! If you’re up for a bit of a wait for breakfast, head to Hardware Societe otherwise grab breakfast at a local boulangerie (Pain Pain is a personal favorite) or corner cafe.
10:30:
Visit the famed Sacre Coeur cathedral and take in the views out front. Look out far enough and you’ll see views of the Eiffel Tower!
11:30:
Wander! Montmartre is one of the most unique and beautiful neighborhoods to get lost in in Paris. Wear comfortable shoes – there are lots of hills and cobblestones!
1:30PM:
Try your hand at lunch at one of the new gastronomy-forward spots opening in the neighborhood.
3:00PM:
If you’re up for an adventure, head to Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen to look for treasures at this famed flea market. Be sure to check operating hours before you go!
7:00PM:
Score a table at Buvette or Pink Mamma for dinner.
9:00PM:
Have a nightcap at Lulu White.
Heading to Paris? Book En Route to Rêverie with me and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip to Paris the best one yet.
Where to Stay in Paris
With En Route to Rêverie I can offer even more hotel and more personalized apartment recommendations along with discounts as well when you book your trip with me.
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What would you do on a long weekend in Paris?
Well, when are we going?! This sounds like the perfect weekend. I haven’t been to so many of these neighborhoods. Must go back ASAP!
xo Jessica
an indigo day
RIGHT!? Made me want to get on a plane ASAP writing this!
Great tip for accommodations
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