A weekend in Paris is the idea trip for those short on time, studying in Europe, or just looking for a quick and easy weekend break. You’ll find plenty to see, do and eat and even travelling to Paris is easy from London! But if you’re not sure on how to spend a weekend in Paris, don’t panic. We’ve got a number of suggestions on how you could spend a weekend in Paris right here!
See the Sights
Spending a weekend in Paris, especially if it’s your first visit to the city, will obviously involved seeing the sights. Touristy as it may be, you can’t pass up the opportunity to witness the sprawling views from the Eiffel Tower, catch a glimpse of the Arc de Triomphe or spend an afternoon wandering along the Seine (beret and baguette both optional). Head to Montmartre and climb the steps to the Sacré-Cœur and get THAT photo in front of the Louvre Pyramid. All of which, minus the ascent to the top of the Eiffel Tower, are entirely free to do.
Visit a Marchė aux Puces
If you’re looking to do a spot of shopping, away from the Champs-Ėlysėe and the souvenir shops you’ll find in Paris, why not head to one of the many Marchė aux puces (flea markets) in the city? One of the largest and most popular flea markets in Paris is Les Puces de Cligancourt, but you also have the Marchė aux Puces de la Pore de Vanves and the Marchė aux Puces de Montreuil. Flea markets are a great way to do some shopping, whilst on a budget. And armed with a coffee and pastry in hand, they make for the perfect morning activity during a weekend in Paris!
Eat the Delicacies
No trip to Paris is complete without trying a French delicacy or two. We’re talking freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat from boulangeries and patisseries dotted around the city. Cheese, bread and Normandy butter, washed down with a glass of wine, from the majority of restaurants in Paris. And we haven’t even got to main dishes yet. Snails in garlic butter, ratatouille, beef bourguignon, coq au vin and French onion soup. And if you have room for dessert we’re talking creme brulee, macarons, eclairs, soufflė and crėpes. We’re salivating just thinking about it!
Get Lost in Shakespeare
Not Shakespeare the play-write, the Shakespeare and Company bookstore! Head to Paris’ left bank and spend some time away from the bustling city and get lost in this gorgeous Parisian bookstore. And once you’ve bought enough books (is there such a thing as enough books?) you’ll find yourself places in the shadow of the Notre Dame and super close to the river. A perfect spot to sit and get lost in a book and the city.
Get Cultured
Paris is a hub of cultural activity. From fashion and art to music and history. A weekend trip to Paris most definitely should include a trip to one of the cultural houses of the city. Palais de Tokyo, Louvre Museum, Musėe des Arts Dėcoratifs, The Centre Pompidou and the Musėe d’Orsay just name but a few. A simple tip, double check gallery and exhibition opening and closing dates. You wouldn’t want to get excited about visiting a certain museum only to find it’s closed on the day or weekend of your visit to Paris.
Head Outside The City
Ok so a weekend in Paris doesn’t always have to be spent in its entirety in Paris. There are some great experiences a short distance away from the city, that you may not want to miss. A day-trip to Versailles is a popular option for those visiting Paris. But it will take up a whole day, with travelling and actually exploring Versailles, so you will be giving up a day to explore Paris. And for those Disney fans one train can take you from the Paris Gare de Lyon straight to Disneyland Paris.
Street Art Spotting
Being a Paris newbie doesn’t mean you have to stick entirely to the weekend in Paris guidebook. If you’re looking to experience the city in a different way, take some time and research unique activities and sights to see in Paris. Street art could be a choice for those of you who wanting to familiarise yourself with Paris urban landscape. In the 13th arrondissement you’ll find an open air museum which has become a hotspot for street artists. Head east to the districts of Oberkampf, Belleville and Mėnilmontant to find streets rich in street art. If you’re lucky you may get to witness an artists creating a new piece!
Clock Watching
Paris is also home to some incredibly beautiful clocks, many of which adorn some of the cities major monuments. So whilst wandering the city keep your head up and your eyes peeled. The oldest clock in Paris, dates back to 1371 and it can be found on the Conciergerie on Île de la Cité. And if you’ve already taken our advice to head to the Musėe d’Orsay check out the clock there too. Th clock itself is an intricate timepiece but what makes it more stunning is the views of Paris it offers too. On a good day you’ll get views reaching to the Sacré-Cœur.
These are just a few of the endless ideas to how you could spend a weekend in Paris. And if you’re considering booking your trip to Paris, you can take adavantage of the great student flights prices with us here. Au revoir!
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