How To Spend a Short or Long Weekend in Paris. From Budget to Luxury because Paris is always a good idea.
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Paris is always a good idea. It’s the City of Lights, as well as bread, wine, cheese, and Moulin Rouge. Whether you’re hopping on a red-eye for a quick weekend getaway from the states or spending 10 days in France, there’s always something new to see and do. Is it realistic to go to Paris for the weekend? Absolutely! For instance, a direct flight from New York to Paris is only 7 hours.
Travel Tip
Always look for direct red-eye flights. That way, you get a full night’s sleep and land ready to explore the city. With a well-planned itinerary, you’ll be able to thoroughly enjoy a weekend in Paris.
No matter how many times you visit Paris, you’re always left wanting more. The city is huge, with 20 different regions, or “Arrondissements.” I have personally taken a weekend trip to Paris and stopped there on my way to Reims and Bordeaux. Each trip brought new adventures.
Are you looking to relax, eat, and casually enjoy the sites? Or do you want to see as much of the city as possible, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre? This Weekend in Paris guide includes touristy and non-touristy suggestions so that you can custom tailor your trip. Regardless of what you choose to do, chances are you’ll want to come back again and again.
Getting to Paris
Paris is enjoyable any time of year. To avoid breaking the bank, however, I recommend going during the offseason in September. It’s the perfect time of the year. Still hot during the day but cool at night, and best of all it’s not as crowded as during the summer months. With tools like Skyscanner and Dollar Flight Club, you can easily find affordable flights.
Travel Tip
Fly into Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG); it’s much closer to the city than Orly airport. You can either take the metro line into the city for $11 or an Uber/taxi for $50.
How to Get Around Paris
Metro Line
Since you’ll only be spending a weekend in Paris, whether it’s short or long you don’t want to waste time. The best and most affordable way to get around Paris is by the metro line. If you’re coming from a big city like New York City you’ll be able to pick up the subway directions in no time.
Google Maps Trip Planner
Not to fear, if you aren’t used to public transportation there are maps everywhere and getting directions is super easy with Google Maps. Google Maps will give you subway directions from anywhere in Paris so you always know what train to get on.
I highly recommend checking out my How To Plan A Stress-Free Trip With Google Maps Trip Planner article. I provide step-by-step instructions on how to to use Google maps trip planner to create itineraries and custom maps within Google. This will have you money and time on transportation.
The last thing you want to do is be running around all day stressed and tired because all the travel bucket list attractions on your list are no where near each other on day 1 in Paris. Save yourself some sanity and check it out.
Uber
Additionally there’s always Uber. Just be aware that Paris is a city, meaning there will be traffic, lots of it. The currency will be in euros so if you want to know how many US dollars the trip will cost you, I recommend downloading a free currency app beforehand.
Walking
Lastly, there’s walking. Paris is the type of place you can walk for hours and marvel at the views. I encourage you to walk as much as possible and discover all the hidden gems of Paris.
Best Areas to Stay in Paris For The Weekend
Paris is huge, composed of 20 arrondissements. Each neighborhood has its own history and personality. If you only have a weekend to spend in Paris, it’s important to pick a place that not only fits your vibe but is also located near the sites you want to visit. Your time is limited, so you want to spend every minute enjoying the magic of Paris! Some recommendations are:
St Germain de Prés – 6th Arrondissement
Located in the 6th arrondissement, St Germain de Prés is the quintessential Paris neighborhood. It is situated next to the Luxembourg Gardens and filled with shops, cafes, and charming streets, making it the perfect place to stay in the City of Love. Look for lodging in this area if you want a classic Parisian stay. This neighborhood can get very expensive, and it books up quickly during the summer months, so booking well ahead of your stay is strongly advised.
Type: Airbnb
Accommodation: Budget
Hotel d’Aubusson
Type: Hotel
Accommodation: Luxury
Le Marais – 3rd & 4th Arrondissements
Le Marais is located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, where the French aristocracy lived from the 13th century to the 17th century. Today, it’s a vibrant neighborhood full of galleries and boutiques.
Type: Airbnb
Accommodation: Budget
Le Pavillon de la Reine
Type: Hotel
Accommodation: Luxury
Champs Elysées – 8th Arrondissement
Champs Elysées is located in the 8th Arrondissement next to some impressive neighbors, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées. Also known as the Park Ave of Paris, the 8th Arrondissement offers the best luxury shopping in the city.
Type: Airbnb
Accommodation: Budget
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Type: Hotel
Accommodation: Luxury
Day 1 in Paris
Eat a Parisian Breakfast
Quick:
The French aren’t big into breakfast. If you walk down the streets of Paris, you’ll find plenty of cafes offering a quick breakfast for 9 euros, which usually includes a coffee, a fresh-squeezed orange juice, a croissant, and a baguette with a side of jam and butter. It’s a quick and delicious way to start your first day in Paris.
Leisurely:
Café Le Rostand
Located across the street from the Jardin du Luxembourg or Luxembourg Gardens, Le Rostand is a charming cafe that serves a fine omelet. It’s the best place to sit outside and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, sip on your caffe latte, and watch people stroll into the gardens.
Visit the Louvre Museum
Most famous for Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Louvre is a must-see for everyone who visits Paris. Buy tickets and join a guided tour. Museums can be overwhelming; your tour guide will walk you through all the highlights.
Budget Tip
If you’re planning on visiting a few museums, purchase the Paris Pass. It’s a great value, and you pay per number of days: two, four, or six.
Sign Up for a Walking Tour of Paris
The best way to truly see Paris is with a local. If it’s your first visit to Paris, I highly recommend it. By booking a walking tour, you’ll have an authentic experience, discovering where locals like to spend their time and learning about the neighborhoods.
Eat Lunch at Chez Aline
Order the classic “Le Parisien”: ham and butter. The sandwich consists of Le Guel’s ham, Norman salted butter, and award-winning Landemaine baguette tradition. This iconic yet simple sandwich costs 8 euros.
See the Eiffel Tower
Built for the 1889 World Fair, this iconic tower and popular attraction, is known around the world. Tourists can visit the landmark and take the elevator up to the viewing deck for a fee. The line can get really long, so buy your tickets in advance to skip the line. Take in the monument from below as well, it’s a Great spot to grab a coffee and relax in the adjacent park.
Book a Boat Ride on the Seine River at Sunset
Pre-book your boat ride tickets online so you can skip the line. Boat tours are a fun way to see everything along the Seine River. Take the tour at night and be dazzled by the sunset and the Eiffel Tower light show.
Have Dinner at Les Antiquaires
Les Antiquaires is located on a little side street right down the road (2-minute walk) from the Musée d’Orsay and the Seine. It’s a classic, charming Parisian secret filled with all the classics and then some. Try the escargots, charcuterie board, onion soup, or steak tartare. You can’t go wrong when ordering at Les Antiquaires.
Day 2 in Paris
Paris Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Croissants
Learn how to make croissants from a French pastry chef. Book this class and go home with a new skill your friends and family will surely love. The class is three hours long and accommodates a small group, which allows for lots of hands-on practice. At the end of class, enjoy your fresh-out-of-the-oven pastry creations with a cup of tea, coffee, or fruit juice. Hungry yet?
Have Lunch at Cafe de Flore
Located in St. Germain, Cafe de Flore is one of the oldest coffee houses in Paris with tradition French cuisine. Enjoy the croque-monsieur, and be on the lookout for celebrities.
Stroll the Champs-Elysees and see the Arc de Triomphe
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées runs for 1.2 miles and is filled with the world’s best luxury shopping, dining, and theater. Stroll the avenue and end up at the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc was inaugurated in 1836 by King Louis-Philippe, who dedicated it to the armies of the Revolution and the Empire. It’s also where the tomb of the unknown soldier is located. Book a ticket and get a spectacular view of the city from the top of the Champs-Elysees observation deck. Please be advised that there is no elevator, only stairs.
Visit Notre Dame
Notre-Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris), a medieval Catholic cathedral, is an iconic landmark. Spend the evening admiring the impressive French gothic architecture for which the cathedral is known. There is usually a line to enter the church for tours or visiting, but it moves quickly. You can also attend Sunday mass.
Before the fire on April 15th, 2019 engulfed the cathedral, it attracted thousands of people from around the world. There are now plans to restore the church for mass by 2024.
Have Dinner at La Coupole
At La Coupole, Parisian art deco meets seafood. Spend an evening where many notable figures, such as Patti Smith and Jane Birkin, have dined. Operating since 1927, this restaurant is a staple in Paris. Order traditional French fare or a seafood platter and a nice bottle of French wine. The menu is extensive, and the restaurant also has a prix fixe menu that includes a Starter, Main Course, and Dessert for $34.
Looking for a Long Weekend in Paris Itinerary? Check out these recommendations for an additional 2 days.
Day 3 in Paris
Visit the Palace of Versailles
Thirty minutes southwest of Paris is the Palace of Versailles. Take a taxi or the RER C (yellow) metro towards Versailles-Rive Gauche from Paris. The palace was the royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It covers over 2,000 acres, and you can visit the ceremonial Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera, the royal apartments, and the gardens.
Plan on spending a full day at the estate, as there’s a lot of ground and history to cover. Visiting the gardens is free, but visiting the Palace requires a ticket. I suggest choosing the Passport with a timed entry for 27 euros, as the line to get into the Palace can get quite long. Rent a golf cart to tour the gardens for a fun and easy way to see the grounds.
The ticket includes:
- The palace with timed entry
- The estate of Trianon
- The temporary exhibitions
- The gardens and the park
- The Musical Fountain Shows or the Musical Gardens
Day 4 in Paris
Day Trip from Paris to Reims, The Champagne Region of France
Reims, the Champagne region of France, is located in the northeast. Reims is easily accessible from Paris by train in just under 45 minutes. Harvest season is September, but you can visit any time of the year and tour the Champagne houses, from the very well-known to the local. Just make sure to book an appointment well ahead of time. Here are some popular houses that I recommend:
What to Pack for a Long Weekend in Paris
Traveling with only a carry-on for a weekend in Paris is easy when you have the ultimate carry-on packing list. There’s no need to carry around bulky luggage for a weekend when you can fit everything you need into a carry-on bag, which will also save you some money. A couple important things you’ll need are:
A jacket that fits any occasion given your vacay wardrobe
Weather is always unpredictable. Save space by packing one jacket that goes with any outfit. I always travel with a jean jacket; you can dress it up or down.
No more than three pairs of shoes
- Travel shoes (always travel in your heaviest pair)
- Formal shoes
- Walking shoes
Always pre-plan your clothes, shoes, accessories, and intimates.
Bring plenty of T-shirts, blouses, and dresses, and reuse bottoms. A good ratio is 80% tops and 20% bottoms.
READ MORE:
Travel Tips for a Long Weekend in Paris: 3 Day and 4 Day Paris Itinerary
Buy Tickets in Advance
The best way to save money when traveling is to plan your itinerary before you go and buy tickets well beforehand, which will give you time to pay off the trip before you even take it. Buying tickets ahead of time also allows you to have a concrete plan to avoid straying off and making last minute purchases when you get to your destination, which can ultimately double the price of the trip.
Be on the Lookout
Although Paris is very safe, always be on the lookout for pickpockets as you would in any city. Stay alert, and never leave your belongings unattended.
Bring a Portable Charger
If you’re going to be taking pictures with just your phone, make sure to bring a portable charger so your battery doesn’t die.
Travel on the Metro
The quickest and cheapest way to get around Paris is by taking the metro. Buy a weekend pass for unlimited rides. If you are using international data on your phone, use Google Maps to look up the metro routes as well as walking routes.
Overall
A weekend in the French capital of Paris is the perfect amount of time to get a taste for the City of Lights. Whether you’re into museums, architecture, food, wine, history, or just relaxing, Paris will always make you want to come back for more
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