Now if you follow me on Instagram, then you would have seen that I spent part of last week in Paris. And it was magical. Although I do apologies for all the Paris spam that continues to dominate my IG page! But I can’t help it. Paris is one of my favourite cities. It’s full of beautiful architecture, pretty streets, and delicious food and champagne. I mean, what’s not to love about Paris! My only regret is that I only spent three days there and I would have loved to have spent longer. But if you’re planning a trip to the city of love anytime soon and need an idea of what to do in the city. Then here is how I spent 72 hours in Paris.
Paris day one
As we were travelling via Eurostar day one started with breakfast at Dishoom in Kings Cross. If you’ve never had their breakfast nann then you are missing out! Trust me, the sausage, cream cheese, chili jam and nann combination is one that just works. It’s sooooo good! After breakfast it was a quick walk backed to St Pancras to get in the line for the Eurostar, which honestly was so well organised. I’d seen reports that week of it taking people almost 90 minutes to get through and onto the train but we were through within about 20 minutes. The train itself only takes about 2.5 hours, although France is an hour ahead. We arrived into Paris around 3.30pm, hoped onto the metro and then checked into our hotel about 45 minutes later.
We decided to stay in the 6th quarter of Paris in a little hotel called Hotel Le Six, which is a very cute boutique style hotel. Our room was a twin room which was small but most hotel rooms in Paris are. But it had everything we needed. The beds were very comfy, we had a cute little balcony and the bathroom was lovely.
After unpacking at the hotel, we decided to head over to Montmartre and walk up to see the the Sacré-Cœur. On the way we stopped at had dinner at a very pretty little bistro where we indulged in some Italian food, Moet champagne and a lot of people watching.
After admiring the views at the top of Montmartre, it was time to wonder back down and hop on the Metro back to our hotel as Day two was going to be a busy one.
Paris day two
This was always going to be our busiest day, but it did not disappoint. It was a very early start. We were eating breakfast in the hotel at 7.30am before getting on a train and heading over to Versaille Chantiers station – the station for the Palace of Versailles. When we originally planned this trip, the main thing I wanted to do was to see the Palace. And it did not disappoint. It’s as extravagant and ostentatious as you’d imagine it to be.
The Hall of Mirrors is a site to behold and the sheer size of the palace is breathtaking. Not to mention the beautifully manicured gardens. We had tickets booked for 9am and I would highly recommend you get there early. As it got busy, very quickly.
After spending just over two hours wandering around inside the Palace, it was time to head out and explore the musical gardens. You could easily spend about three or four hours outside admiring the fountains and numerous statues and vases around the grounds. There’s even a chance to hire a rowing boat to explore the canal, bikes to explore the wider gardens or golf carts to ensure you see it all.
After exploring as much as we wanted of the Palace, we decided to head into Versailles town itself in the hunt for a crepe. Because you can’t come to France and not experience a traditional French crepe! And we found the cutest little crêperie just five minutes away from the hustle of the Palace.
It was a quick break back in the hotel room to get changed for the evening, before heading back out and this time to the Eiffel Tower. This time to take in the view from across the river. Then it was a quick 15 minute to our dinner spot – La Fontaine De Mars. A traditional French bistro that served the most amazing French food. I opted for the Steak and Frites, while my sister-in-law went for the chicken with dauphinoise potatoes
After dinner, it was time to head back to the hotel bar for a well earned glass of champagne before bed. After, all we had walked just over 30,000 steps that day!
Paris day three
Our final day in Paris started with a little lie in and breakfast in the hotel at around 8am. After a breakfast involving scrambled eggs, pastries, and crepes, it was off to the Louvre. Not to go in and see any art but just to see the famous pyramid. Then it was off round the corner to see the iconic Colonnes de buren, which are the famous black and white columns at the Palais Royal.
After a quick picture on the columns, it was time to head back to the hotel. Check out of our room and head back to the Gare de Nord to pick up our Eurostar home.
It was an absolute whirlwind of a trip. But I had the best time! Paris is definitely a city that deserves more than 72 hours to explore. But it just means I have an excuse to head back again and spend another 72 hours in Paris.
Let me know in the comments what your favourite thing to see and do in Paris is.
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