What to do in Paris in 24 Hours
I’ve just been lucky enough to spend 48 hours in Paris without the kids. Now I know the title to this review says 24 hours, but that was basically the time I had in Paris that I wasn’t spending at the prestigious Les Spot des E-Fluent conference (now in year 5) put on by Parole de Mamans.
The conference was the reason for being in Paris, to meet brands and other bloggers and discuss potential collaborations; to try and make the European blogging world more inclusive and cohesive. There was quite a number of brands exhibiting during the day, together with some talks, ending with a DJ party. French bloggers sure know how to dance and there was a lot of happy faces towards the end of night, oh and yes there was also champagne, cheese and bread!
Take a look!
24 Hours in Paris
I travelled to Paris on a short 1hr long flight from Manchester with Laura & Phil and were whisked off in a taxi into Paris with some other international bloggers and Jo from the UK who had just flow in from Bristol. Thanks to Selectour Afat for arranging our travel.
Apart from attending the conference though we had time to explore this beautiful city and we managed to fit in a walk across the city to see the Eiffel Tower, take a stroll through the Christmas markets, have dinner on the Seine and take a morning trip through the Tuileries Gardens to the Louvre!
Fundamentally for me to see the best of Paris you walk, walk and walk some more. You only have to walk a short distance from any attraction like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre and you stumble across beautiful buildings and iconic sights from across the city.
We stayed in a lovely hotel the Saint James Albany which is fabulously located right opposite the Louvre in Central Paris. Whilst the rooms are possibly due a refurbishment and sadly during our stay the wifi was broken, its location more than made up for these issues as you could literally walk out into the Tuileries Gardens and across to the Louvre! You also stumble across interesting lights, bridges and statutes all of which make you stop and pause and take lots of photos particularly if you’re a blogger/photographer!
Being in Paris for a short time in December means you should try and fit in the Christmas Markets which are beautifully located all down the Champs Elysees from the Arc du Triomphe. Even though we visited during the day the atmosphere was ever present and I had to partake in a glass of hot wine (mulled wine to us Brits!) and was very tempted by the doughnuts and crepes!
After the wander though the markets we made the short walk to the Eiffel Tower. Well when I say short, it was around 40 minutes. The Eiffel Tower is always present when you’re in Paris and it always looks closer than you think. You always think it will be just round the next corner, until it actually is!
We had all good intentions of going to the top but it was bitterly cold and the queue just wasn’t moving, so instead took the decision to save our money and spend it on the Louvre the next day. We had after all seen the Eiffel Tower and the only place you can’t see the Eiffel Tower in Paris is when you’re at the top! Thanks Alison for the money saving tip!
Our Dinner on the Seine was an excuse to get dressed up and it felt so incredibly special to be cruising up and down the Seine past the Eiffel Tower drinking champagne, particularly when it put on a show for us like this:
It was also an excuse to pop on a little Velvet number!
Finally the morning before we left we were at the Louvre when it opened at 9, trying to make the most of our last few hours in Paris before being collected at 12 from the hotel to head back to the airport. Unfortunately for us the Louvre had some kind of issue with security and whilst they let us in, we sat on the floor in the entrance until it finally opened at just after 10.
Thankfully it has a very nice ceiling!
Our delay unfortunately only left us with a little over an hour in the Louvre but we made the most of our time, and you can see some photos of our 1 hour in the Louvre here! Too many to include in this already photo heavy post!
NB: We were invited to Paris by Parole de Mamans who also arranged for a lot of the activities but all views and opinions are my own.
A huge thank you for Sophie and Parole de Mamans for inviting me, Selectour Afat for arranging the travel, St James Albany for putting us up, Paris en Scene for the dinner and the amazing nighttime views of Paris.
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16 Comments
Ah Paris! Always a good idea, no matter the reason to visit! #MondayEscapes
Great pics – we went pre babies but had the flu so didn’t have a great time but looks like you did
I totally agree that Paris is a walking city. Looks like a great trip and a fun party too. #mondayescapes
Oh loved the pics of the eiffel tower and the Christmas markets -looked like you made the most of your time there!
Love your photos Karen, and I have to say that you ladies looked very glamorous on your Seine boat cruise! I’ve only been to Paris once on a hen weekend but I would love to go again sometime. #mondayescapes
Paris looks fabulous! Over been to a lot of European cities but crazily enough never too Paris! Some great tips here, will definitely refer back to them when I finally make it to Paris! #MondayEscapes
Walking is definitely the best way to see Paris. What a great location for your stay. Shame you had so little time in the Louvre but what a great excuse to go back! #MondayEscapes
Lovely pics!
Paris is such a beautiful city. We visited back in April but visiting during Christmas time looks a great time too! #MondayEscapes
Wow! That was quite a mini tour around Paris. Looks like lots of fun. Long time ago, I only had one full day in Paris too. We walked like crazy all around the city but were able to see the main sight. I bet the visit in December was great (because of the festivities, except for the cold weather). #MondayEscapes
Paris is perfect for strolling as you say. There are so many options – you don’t even need to leave the Seine area! There are a few lovely walks a bit out of the centre too – my favourite is following the St Martin Canal. Wilbur. #citytripping
I’ve always wanted to go to Paris. It’s very high on my list of places to visit. Hopefully we’ll go in the next few years. #citytripping
Very jealous – I’ve had two planned trips to Paris cancelled this year and I would love to go back even for 24h. I agree it’s a city to walk and walk around, love your photos. #citytripping
Karen it looks beautiful and somewhere we have not yet visited, gorges photos x
What a fab trip! I know what you mean about the Eiffel Tower always looking closer than you think. Paris is perfect for walking around. Have enjoyed seeing your photos here and on Instagram. Thanks for linking #citytripping
ahah when I first arrived in Paris, I always had this “problem” : thinking that the Eiffel tower was just 10 min away and find myself walking for an hour & a half! ;))
Btw, if next time you want to climb the Eiffel tower, you may wanna buy your tickets online in advance so that you won’t have to queue! 🙂