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Paris in one day: essential checklist

Paris

So you’re finally achieving your dream of visiting Paris, the city of love, but you’ve only got one day to spare. Don’t panic! One day in Paris is more than enough time to get your taste of this effortlessly romantic and infinitely stylish city.

Here’s how to max your time in Paris, without skimping on the must-do’s…

Visit the Arc de Triomphe

With so much to see and so little time, why not kick things off at the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’ best known monuments. Once we’ve done perfecting our Paris selfie with the Arc in the background, we can continue to admire it from the ground or even climb its 40 stairs for a view over the Champs-Élysées.

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A man in sunglasses standing in front of the arc de triomphe.

Take in the Eiffel Tower

It doesn’t matter if you’re here for 3 years, or 3 hours – it simply ain’t a trip to Paris without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Few things in life can prepare you for the pure joy you’ll feel when standing in front of this tall, iconic landmark, an emblem of this fabulous city. To make it extra magical, leave this activity till the end of the day so you can see the tower lit up.

 

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Photo stop at the Moulin Rouge

The world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret is one of Paris’ best gifts to the world and sits at the apex of Paris’ creative scene. Before you start practicing those can-can moves, we don’t have time to watch the show – so we’ll pose instead for a flamboyant photo outside of the iconic neon sign and red windmill.

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Enter the Louvre

Anyone could spend an entire day discovering the artistic wonders that lie in this world-famous art gallery. Sadly, we’re on a tight timeline – but that doesn’t mean we can’t marvel at the fabulous art work. After we’re done filling our cameras up with photos of the unique triangular glass building itself, we’ll cast our eyes onto the Mona Lisa in the flesh before wrapping up.

 

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Browse the Bouquinistes

Looking to work of your baguette after lunch? Take a leisurely stroll down the Seine river. The Seine is lined with antique book stalls called Bouquinistes that sell used and vintage books under the crisp Parisian sky. This is a tradition that dates back to the 16th century, and you’ll likely find a perfect (and cheap) souvenir for your bedroom at home.

 
 
 
 
 
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Go window shopping

OK, you didn’t exactly budget for a whole new wardrobe, but what’s to stop you spending an hour or two wandering round Paris’ plethora of boutiques? Paris is the city of fashion, and the home to the flagship stored of designers like Chanel and Givenchy. Even if you’re just transfixed by the window displays, you’ll get an inkling of Parisian style which you can emulate later at home.

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