Perfect First Day in Paris
The 3 words you should always learn before visiting a different country:
Hello: bonjour
Please: S'il vous plaît
Thank You: merci
Recommended Hotel:
Le Dohkhan’s
https://www.hotelledokhansparis.com/
Who it’s for: First Timers
Mode of transport. Feet only
Bookings. None
Bougie-ness. A bit up there.
Touristy level. Also a bit up there.
This day takes you from sight to sight all on foot - starting at the Eiffel Tower and going along the Axe historique (a line of monuments, buildings, and thoroughfares that extends from the centre of Paris, France) all the way to the Louvre. In our humble opinion, Paris is best seen on foot. Best taken on a sunny spring or fall day with a coffee in hand 80% of the time. ;) Most importantly: Go at your own pace and… Soak. It. In.
Breakfast. Two options for you… eat enough to keep you walking for awhile:
Le Dokhans. Have a delightful breakfast at this charming hotel, which just happens to house Paris’ oldest champagne bar (we will come back to this).
Cafe Du Trocadero. Have breakfast overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Sit outside sipping coffee in awe of the giant metal thing that Parisians tend to hate.
Eiffel Tower. Walk across the street to the Eiffel Tower and take an annoying amount of tourist photos. Make sure to keep your belongings on your body.
Arc de Triomphe. Just a short walk straight to this amazing monument commissioned by Napoleon. Poor bloke never got to see the finished product… he died 15 years before it was done. You can go up to the top - worth if for a great photo opp.
Champs Elysees. A must-do on your first trip to Paris. It’s like the Times Square of Paris. And just like Times Square don’t linger too long.
La Duree. If you’re into macarons, La Duree has some of the best. If you’re feeling like a little nosh, avoid the tourist trap in the front of the store, walk onto the side street, and find the somewhat secret entrance to the back champagne bar. It’s usually less crowded, so you can enjoy your sugar high with a little peace.
Place de La Concorde. Largest square in Paris, and since it’s a square that’s been around for quite some time, obviously they executed people here, including Marie Antoinette and King Louis XIV. Be careful crossing the street here. The signals go fast.
Jardin du Tuileries. These gardens are massive, and so fun to stroll through. Before it was a public garden, it was owned by royalty. The. Whole. Thing. Louis the VIII used it as a playground and even used it for hunting. I guess that was normal for the 1600s. Also a good stop for a snack if you’re feeling peckish. There are a few cute outdoor cafes.
Librarie Galignani. They say they are the “oldest English language bookstore on the European continent,” so it’s been around for awhile. Walk the stacks and find something to read in the park.
Le Meurice. Cocktail time! This hotel is very posh. There will be men standing by the door with looks that encourage you to not go in. Waltz straight through the door and act like you’re Lady fucking Gaga. Once in, walk about 20 feet more and on the left will be a cute and (usually quiet) snug of a cocktail lounge.
Louvre. You’ve seen it in photos and in those Tom Hanks Da Vinci Code movie, and yes, the lady with that smile is in there. Recommend booking ahead to skip the line and spend a good half day getting lost in there (after this lovely day).
Bonus Rounds:
Pont Neuf & Notre Dame. Cross this famous bridge and take a few photos of the famous Notre Dame.
Shakespeare and Co. Another adorable bookshop worth a visit.
