Paris is the most visited city in the world for a reason. However, the 21st-century megalopolis is far from the rose-tinted version we see on screen. So much so in fact, people have actually reported physical and psychological symptoms, known as ‘Paris syndrome’, when they realise it’s not all drinking hot chocolate at Café de Flore, taking selfies with Mona Lisa, and strutting down the Champs-Élysées.
That being said, stick a beret on me and I’ll dance in the rain: I love Paris. So, when my friend asked me for some recommendations, I took great pleasure in putting together a two-day itinerary for them.
Day 1
Head to Notre Dame and walk down the river to the Eiffel Tower, taking in most of the major monuments
Walk to the Pont Bir-Hakeim for a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower (minus the crowds) then get Metro Ligne 6 to Charles de Gaulle Étoile
Take in the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées
Get Metro Ligne 9 to Chaussé d’Antin Lafayette, and head to the top of Galeries Lafayette to take in the view
Walk up to Pigalle in time for lunch at Bouillon Pigalle
Walk up to the Sacré-Cœur and explore Monmartre
In the evening, head to Les Fontaines (near the Centre Pompidou) for €4 pintes-pêches and a charcuterie board
Prepare for the crowds and the instagram-style photo shoots, before heading over to Trocadéro to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle
Day 2
After a pain au chocolat aux amandes (obviously) and a café
Get the metro to République and walk up to Buttes-Chaumont
Walk around the park, enjoying the views and the pétanque
Head over to Père-Lachaise. Yes, it’s a cemetery, but it’s very beautiful and peaceful. A lot of famous people are also buried there, so keep your eyes peeled.
Make your way to Le Marais in time for lunch. Get falafel wraps from Chez Hanna (they are so good, I dream about them) and eat them at Place des Vosges.
Head over to Bastille and walk along the Paris Highline (one of my favourite things to do)
Cross the river and explore Jardin des Plantes, before heading to la grande mosquée de Paris for mint tea
Pick up some beers and snacks from the supermarket and head to Quai Saint-Bernard for the evening. It’s super lively and there is lots of dancing.
It’s a lot to fit into two days, and if you have more time, you’d be able to take it a bit slower, but I think it’s the perfect mix of touristy Paris and Paris-Paris. I just hope the Parisians agree …
Next time: Why ‘DUFF’ storylines are the duffest of them all
In the meantime:
Paris je t’aime (2006) is a collection of vignettes. Margot Martindale’s 14e arrondissement is totally unrelated to this itinerary, but it is, in my opinion, cinematic gold. Watch it.
Eddie Abbew was described as an “egg-guzzling health vigilante’ in an HTSI piece. I’m still laughing about it now.
I read Guardian columnist, Harriet Gibsone’s, memoir this week. Is This Ok? explores a plethora of things. The most poignant is Gibsone’s agonising experience of early menopause and her very traumatic birth experience. On a more trivial note, I need to know if Chris Martin has read this book.