Bonjour, fellow travelers! My friend and I had gone on a girls’ trip to Paris last month. We were in London and decided to take the plane into the City of Light. We did not want a too-exhaustive itinerary. This was my first trip to Paris, but Paris, its landmarks, its museums, and its romantic feel are hard to resist. Within two days, we managed to see the Palace of Versailles, experience the quaint streets of Paris, and marvel at the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs-Élysées. Here’s the recap of our 48-hour Parisian journey.
Day 1: The Royal Splendor of Versailles
Morning: Journey to Versailles
Our Parisian adventure started with a flight from London to Paris. We couldn’t get a train ticket, so we took a cheaper, faster flight. Within 45 minutes, we were in Paris. Then we took the train to Versailles, looking forward to the grandeur that lay ahead. Versailles is a suburb of Paris, and we had to travel about 50 minutes by train to reach it.
Afternoon: Exploring the Palace of Versailles
At Versailles, we went straight to the tour agency from which we had bought our tickets. They hired a driver to drive us and other visitors to the Palace. To enter the Palace of Versailles was like walking into a history book. It was an incredible palace adorned with ostentatious architecture, gold-plated walls (real gold, actually), and extensive gardens. The attendant took us around the palace, giving us an idea about the building and how it had been preserved for more than 100 years. We loved the palace and were overjoyed. We wandered through the Hall of Mirrors and fantasized about the royal balls held there. The gardens, their lawns, statues, and fountains were a work of art. I haven’t stopped recounting my experience at the Palace of Versailles.
Evening: Return to Paris and Leisurely Dinner
We drove back to Paris late in the evening, settled into our small hotel near the center, the Hôtel D’Aubusson, and sat down to a quiet dinner in a local restaurant just two blocks away. A staffer at the hotel recommended the restaurant. Paris was delightful in all its atmosphere, flavor, and hospitality. I adored every aspect of it. Everybody in Paris looked as if they were living the high life without a care in the world. I was like Emily in Paris and loved every moment of it.
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks and Parisian Streets
Morning: Bus Tour of Paris
The following day, we took a hop-on-hop-off bus tour – the ideal route to get a sense of the city’s layout and important landmarks. We took a train to Trocadero station, the site of the Eiffel Tower. We immediately walked around the Eiffel Tower before taking the tour bus. The guided tour gave us a thorough insight into Paris that we could follow at our own pace. There were bus stations where we could jump off and explore the sights for ourselves.
Midday: The Louvre and Lunch
We started at the Louvre, the most significant art museum in the world. Featuring thousands of artifacts, such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the museum was an art lover’s dream. We booked tickets online at GetYourGuide and got entry seamless; we purchased an audio tour that described the history and artwork. Seeing the Monalisa painting first-hand was an eye-catching affair. We had lunch in a small café and enjoyed croissants and coffee after our museum visit.
Afternoon: Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars
We returned to the Eiffel Tower again with the tour bus to soak in the beauty of this famous landmark and take pictures. We marvelled at this architectural wonder and strolled in the nearby Champ de Mars, a vast green space perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Evening: Champs-Élysées and a Seine River Cruise
We ended the day walking along the famed Champs-Élysées, which is lined with designer shops, theatres and cafés. I even heard you could meet celebrities here as this street is a hotspot for famous and successful shoppers. We finished our Parisian tour with a peaceful river cruise along the Seine, seeing Paris’s landmarks lit up by night – the perfect way to end our brief, but memorable trip.
Our two-day Paris itinerary was a rollercoaster of culture and history. From Versailles’s majestic beauty to Paris’s landmarks, each experience was a mix of wonder and magic. In its timeless beauty and grace, Paris eluded us. We boarded the plane home to London, our hearts full of memories and the promise of returning to this magical city.
Things to Know Before Visiting Paris
When to Visit Paris: The best time to visit Paris is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the city isn’t overcrowded with tourists. Summer can be quite busy, and winters, though charming, can be cold and damp.
Getting Around Paris: Paris has an excellent public transportation system, including the Metro, buses, and trams, which are efficient ways to navigate the city. Consider purchasing a Paris Visite travel card for unlimited travel within a specified time. Walking and cycling are also great options to explore the city’s charm.
Currency and Power in Paris: The currency used in Paris is the Euro (€). Cash is advisable for smaller establishments, though most places accept credit cards. France uses Type E plug sockets for power; the standard voltage is 230V. Travelers from outside Europe will likely need a power adapter.
Tips for Travelers:
Plan Ahead: Book tickets for attractions like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower in advance to avoid long queues.
Stay Central: Choose a hotel in the city center to minimize travel time. We booked our hotel through Booking.com
Use Public Transport: Paris has an excellent public transport system that is both efficient and economical.
Savor the Cuisine: Don’t miss out on the local culinary delights. Take time to enjoy a meal at a Parisian café.
Take it Slow: While seeing everything is tempting, enjoy each moment without rushing.
For train travel across 45 Countries in Europe, you can use Trainline.
There aren’t many places in Paris where two days is sufficient, but with this itinerary, you will not be disappointed if you take your time to enjoy the city’s iconic monuments, nooks and corners, and sultry vibes. Whether it is seeing the Eiffel Tower, exploring Montmartre’s bohemian alleyways, or tasting every last savor of a decadent croissant, Paris will make you smile for the rest of your life.
The magic of Paris is not only in sight but in the experience — so slow down, have that café au lait, and let it enchant you. Welcome and adieu until your next Parisian journey.
