Paris, France

Paris, France

A Perfect Day in Paris: From Hidden Gems to Iconic Landmarks

Spending a day in Paris is like stepping into a dream—every street, square, and bridge tells a story.

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"Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel: A stunning arch located near the Louvre, offering beautiful views of Paris and rich historical significance, built to commemorate Napoleon's victories."

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From charming cafés to breathtaking landmarks, here’s how my day unfolded in the City of Lights.

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Morning: A Parisian Start ☕🥐

I kicked off my day the French way - with a classic Parisian breakfast at a cozy café - flaky croissant, a crispy baguette with butter and peach jam, a strong espresso or creamy café crème, and a glass of fresh orange juice. The perfect way to start the day, watching the city wake up from a charming terrace. ☕🥐🍊✨

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alt="Classic Parisian breakfast: a buttery croissant, fresh baguette with butter and jam, a cup of espresso, and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, served at a charming Parisian café."

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Shopping on Rue des Francs Bourgeois 🛍️

Next, I strolled through Rue des Francs Bourgeois, a charming shopping street in the Marais district. From chic boutiques to unique concept stores, this area is perfect for fashion lovers and window shoppers alike.

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alt="Explore local Parisian neighborhood markets with fresh produce, artisan bread, and flowers, offering a more authentic experience than supermarkets."

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Hidden Square & Historic Gems

Wandering further, I found myself at Église Saint-Gervais, a beautiful square tucked away from the crowds.

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"Hidden Square & Historic Gems: Discover the serene beauty of Église Saint-Gervais, a peaceful square away from the crowds, perfect for a quiet moment amidst Paris' historic charm."

 

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Wandering further, I found myself at Église Saint-Gervais, a beautiful square tucked away from the crowds. Just around the corner stood the majestic Hotel de Ville, Paris grand city hall, an architectural masterpiece worth stopping for a photo. 

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"Hidden Square & Historic Gems: Discover the serene beauty of Église Saint-Gervais, a peaceful square away from the crowds, perfect for a quiet moment amidst Paris' historic charm."

 

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Midday: Along the Seine & Notre Dame Views 🌊📸

No Parisian adventure is complete without a stroll along the Seine.

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walking over the Seine River in Paris, iconic bridges in the foreground reflecting off the water

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Crossing photogenic bridges, I admired the city from different angles, stopping to take in the view of Notre Dame, still standing strong despite its ongoing restoration.

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"A beautiful exterior view of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, showcasing its Gothic architecture, flying buttresses, and intricate stone carvings against a clear blue sky."

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Crossing Pont des Arts 🌉💫

I made my way back across the Pont des Arts, the famous pedestrian bridge, once covered in love locks. Even without them, the view is stunning, making it one of the most romantic spots in Paris.

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walking over the Seine River in Paris, iconic bridges in the foreground reflecting off the water

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Lunchtime

For lunch at Café de l’Époque, we indulged in a true French classicâ Tartare de beef, perfectly seasoned and served with crispy fries, and Cuisse de canard Francais confite, a tender, flavorful duck leg with golden potatoes. Paired with a glass of red wine, it was the perfect Parisian lunch experience.

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alt="A plate of Duck Confit (Confit de Canard), featuring slow-cooked duck with crispy skin, golden and tender, paired with a glass of red wine."

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Afternoon: The Louvre – How to Make the Most of Your Visit 🎨🏛️

After a delicious lunch (because in Paris, food is an art form), I headed to the Louvre, home to some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

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"The Louvre – How to Make the Most of Your Visit 🎨🏛️: After a delicious Parisian lunch, explore the world-renowned Louvre Museum, home to iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo."

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Louvre Visit Tips:
🔹 Plan Your Time – If you want to see everything, dedicate at least half a day (ideally a full day). Otherwise, pick a few must-see sections to explore.

🔹 Skip the Long Lines – Buy tickets online in advance via the official Louvre website to avoid waiting at the entrance. The main entrance at the glass Pyramid usually has the longest queue, so consider using the Carrousel du Louvre entrance instead.
🔹 Louvre Ticket Prices (as of 2024) – Standard admission is €17 online and €15 at the museum. Entry is free on the first Friday of each month (after 6 PM) and for EU residents under 26.
🔹 Best Time to Visit – Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.

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"The Louvre – How to Make the Most of Your Visit 🎨🏛️: After a delicious Parisian lunch, explore the world-renowned Louvre Museum, home to iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo."
"The Louvre – How to Make the Most of Your Visit 🎨🏛️: After a delicious Parisian lunch, explore the world-renowned Louvre Museum, home to iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo."

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After exploring some of my favorite sections, I stepped outside to admire the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, a smaller but equally stunning triumphal arch near the Louvre.

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"Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel: A stunning arch located near the Louvre, offering beautiful views of Paris and rich historical significance, built to commemorate Napoleon's victories."

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After exploring the Louvre, I strolled through the Jardin du Carrousel, enjoying the peaceful gardens and stunning views.

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"Jardin du Carrousel: A charming garden located next to the Louvre, featuring beautiful sculptures, lush greenery, and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stroll in the heart of Paris."

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From there, I continued to the elegant Place Vendôme, where the iconic Colonne Vendôme stands tall, surrounded by luxury boutiques and classic Parisian architecture. ✨

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"Place Vendôme: A symbol of elegance in Paris, featuring the iconic Colonne Vendôme, surrounded by luxury boutiques and stunning architecture, offering a glimpse of Parisian opulence and history."

 

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Evening: The Parisian Way 🦪🍾

As the sun set, it was time for apéro—a pre-dinner drink and a moment to relax.
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alt="Enjoy an authentic Parisian apéro with drinks and small bites at a café or wine bar, a beloved French tradition for unwinding after work."

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To end the night in style, I indulged in the ultimate Parisian dinner: fresh oysters and champagne. The perfect way to toast to a magical day in the most beautiful city in the world.

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"Elegant dinner setting at a classic French brasserie, featuring fresh oysters on ice and a glass of champagne, embodying the essence of Parisian dining."

 

"Elegant dinner setting at a classic French brasserie, featuring fresh oysters on ice and a glass of champagne, embodying the essence of Parisian dining."

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KKdestinations

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Find my others Paris travel guides with hidden photo spots.
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alt="Wander through Paris' hidden streets and covered passages like Passage des Panoramas, Passage Jouffroy, and Rue Crémieux, filled with vintage charm, boutique shops, and vibrant colors blog post
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