A ONE DAY TRAVEL GUIDE TO PARIS

PLANNING TO SEE PARIS IN ONE DAY?

For those who love travelling, Paris is one of the top destinations.  It is one of the most visited capital of Europe, a city full of history and arts and considered as one of the fashion capital of the world.  Historical monuments are from medieval ages to the modernization of Napoleon.

For shengen tourists who are planning for a quick stop or weekenders/backpackers, this blog is for you. The itinerary in this post is to see mainly the monuments and principal attractions and faster transportation routes to maximize your visit. If you come to Paris by train, you will arrive in the heart of the city.  If you arrive in the the airport, you have to get the subway right away, because you need 30 minutes to reach the city. A one day trip is also enjoyable and fun as long you plan it right!

MY ONE DAY TRIP TO PARIS!

I took the night train from Milan and arrived in GARE DE LYON Central Station around 10am.  This train station is already in the heart of the city.  I took a quick breakfast  in a small coffee shop inside the train station and tasted these delicious almond croissants and pain au chocolate with my capuccino.

I went to the information office where they also give free city maps. The lady advised me that the fastest way to go around the city is to use the subway. Altough I thought you can see more views of the city using the bus. Anyway, I bought this NO LIMIT ONE DAY SUBWAY/BUS TICKET which costs 7 euro. She asked me what’s the first thing i want to see in Paris…of course…it’s the EIFFEL TOWER.

Coming out from the metrostation, you will reach the TROCADERO PLAZA with this welcoming view of the Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris in her refined elegance. This extraordinary architecture was initially constructed in January 1887 until 1889.  The project was guided by Engineer Gustav Eiffel.  It was inaugurated in May 1889 as the entrance to the Paris World Fair. A 324 meter tower including the antenna, it has three levels including a restaurant, where the tourists can dine and enjoy the beautiful view of the city.

CHAMP DE MARS is the garden around the Eiffel tower where you can sit and relax. It was a beautiful sunny day when i was there and there was a food fair around. I did some french food tasting and decided to have my lunch before going to my next stop. Eating in front of the Eiffel tower in a beautiful sunny day, what more can i ask for!

FAST ROUTE: From Gare de Lyon metro station take the RER A subway going to Charles de Gaules Etoile then transfer to Line 6 going to Tour Eiffel.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE  

 

This neoclassic arc was built in 1806 and was finished in 1836. Commissioned by the great Napoleon Bonaparte right after his victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. This monument is dedicated to his great military for their heroism and victory.

FAST ROUTE: Get Line 6 subway going to Charles de Gaule Etoile or  if you want to walk from the Eiffel Tower, get  the Avenue Klebèr from the Trocadero Plaza. (15 to 20 mins. walk – 2.1 km).

ILE DE LA CITE’ and the SEINE  The Ile de la Citè is a small island in the heart of Paris where you will find the Cathedral of Notre Dame, La Conciergerie, Palais de Justice, Hotel de Ville and many other top tourist attractions.

METRO STOP : LINE 2 GOING TO LA CHAPELLE

LA CONCIERGERIE (THE ROYAL PALACE)

The historical royal palace of Paris is also known as the old prison of France, is found along the river of Seine.  A 14th century architecture, with 3 famous towers. The Caesar tower, in honor of the Roman emperor, the Silver Tower, where the royal treasures are kept, and the Bonbec tower, where prisoners are kept for confessions.  At the angle of the royal palace is the most antique clock tower of Paris.  It was created around 1371.

PALAIS DE JUSTICE

The supreme court  built in the 18th century. Inside is a beautiful gothic church called St.Chapel, famous for its stained glasses.  In fact, it’s the most beautiful in the world.

THE CATHEDRAL OF NOTRE DAME

The most famous gothic cathedral in the world.  This cathedral is dedicated to the Mother of God.  It was constructed in white marble in the 12th century and which inspired many poets and writers like Victor Hugo for his famous novel Notre Dame de Paris. In 1991, the cathedral was included in the list of Unesco’s World Heritage Site.

TOUR ST. JACQUES and THE VICTORY COLUMN  

When youre around the Notre Dame area, you can also visit the 16th century tower in grand gothic design (the tower on the right in the picture). In front of the St. Jacques tower is the Victory Column, a commemoration of Napoleon Bonapart’s victories. Across this plaza along the river, you will find the book stands, which sells vintage memorabilias, old books, cards and posters.  I love staying here for a while to browse some books everytime I visit Paris and this is where I buy my souvenirs.

THE LOUVRE PALACE AND THE GLASS PYRAMID

One of the top attractions in the city of Paris and one of the most visited musuem in the world.  The Louvre Palace was initially constructed during the medieval period and served as a military fortress in the 12th century. Kings Charles V, Francis I, and Henry IV  contributed to the reconstruction of the palace until King Luis XIV transformed it into a Museum of Arts.  Hosting vast collections of paintings from the medieval period until the 1850s. The most famous is the “Mona Lisa” painting of Leonardi da Vinci.  The Glass Pyramid displayed in the entrance was designed by an American-Chinese I Pei which contributed to the modernization of the palace.

METRO STOP: Metro 1 and 7 Palais Royal – Musèe du Louvre

I think i made the most of my one day trip! It’s a lot of walking (light walking shoes is a must!). Visiting the musuems and other top tourist attractions like Quartiere Latin, Sacre Coeur and La Defense will be in my list hopefully for another trip! J’adore Paris!….mymelodia (fotos by yours truly)