Paris: 2-day / 1-night stopover
An express, optimized itinerary: Louvre + Orsay, free walks along the Seine and through iconic neighborhoods — with restaurant and hotel options to match your style
Trip overview
Travel Planner Service & estimated budget
The service price (optional) is separate from your trip costs: you pay providers directly for the trip.
Travel Planner Service
Most chosenSave time: we structure the trip, adjust it to your pace, and help you book with confidence.
We adapt this trip to your dates, pace, and budget, then deliver a clear travel book (PDF + links) so you can book directly.
Excludes trip costs (hotels, activities, transport…).
Support service: optimizing Louvre/Orsay time slots, “no-hassle” metro routes, rainy-day alternatives, anti-crowd tips, and great addresses matched to your style.
What’s included
- Personalized kickoff call
- Tailored program adjustments
- Accommodation selection + booking links
- Activities & restaurant recommendations
- Final version of the plan (PDF) + links
- Practical checklist (transport, schedules, local tips)
Not included The cost of hotels, activities, transport, and meals • Payments to providers (you pay directly)
Request a quoteTrip cost (estimate)
This amount is the estimated trip cost (paid to providers). It is not the price of the Travel Planner Service.
per person • estimate • based on 2 travelers
Day-by-day itinerary
Explore the detailed flow of each day, from morning to night, with photos, practical tips, and everything you need to prepare your trip. Need to adjust this plan? → Personalize this trip
Method-selected recommendations
The accommodations and activities shown below are recommendations selected using clear criteria , for their location, comfort, and overall experience—prioritizing reliable providers.
Day 1 · Arriving in Paris: Louvre, Tuileries, and the Seine riverbanks
Goal: enjoy a major museum + a beautiful free walk from Day 1, while keeping enough energy for the evening and your one night in Paris.
- Arrival + easy transfer into the center (RER/metro)
- Louvre (timed slot = saves time)
- Tuileries walk → Pont des Arts → Seine riverbanks
- Optional: 1-hour cruise (if you want an effortless “postcard” moment)
- Dinner: bouillon (budget) or bistro (more “Paris”)
- Morning (08:00–11:00) — adjust to your flight/train#1≈ 45–75 min (depending on your arrival point)Morning (08:00–11:00) — adjust to your flight/train #1 ≈ 45–75 min (depending on your arrival point)Transportation
Arrive in Paris + transfer to the center
CDG / Orly / Stations → Central ParisFor a stopover, the best move is to choose a central place to stay and get around by public transport (metro/RER). If you’re arriving at the airport: buy the dedicated “Paris Région <> Aéroports” ticket and follow the simplest route on RATP/IDFM. Tip: leave a buffer for checks/security/queues (and avoid scheduling a museum too early).
- Upon arrival (if airport)#2≈ 5 min (purchase / reload)Upon arrival (if airport) #2 ≈ 5 min (purchase / reload)Transportation
Airport ticket: info & purchase
Orly / CDG → ParisIf you arrive via Orly or CDG, use the dedicated “Paris Région <> Aéroports” ticket (rail network). Rules and fares can change: check the official page on the day.
- Late morning / early afternoon#3Late morning / early afternoon #3Accommodation Central Paris
💡 Two vibes to choose from: Choose the accommodation that fits you best (quiet, view, budget, proximity…).
Option A — Ultra-central (Louvre / 1st arrondissement)
Super central · “everything on foot” · simple logistics
3–4* hotel · 1 night · Efficient stopover
The best choice if you want to walk “as little as possible”: the Louvre, the Seine, and the Tuileries are right there. Perfect for a stopover where every minute counts.
⭐ 8.7 · Highly rated by our travelersFast access to Louvre/SeineMinimal metroGreat if you’re tired from traveling€€€ (depending on season)Example: Relais du Louvre (Booking)
Option B — Latin Quarter / Luxembourg (calmer, very Parisian)
Charm · Calm · Left Bank
3* hotel · 1 night · Neighborhood vibe
A great compromise: “real Paris streets” vibe, cafés, gardens, and easy access to Orsay + Montmartre by metro. Often quieter at night.
⭐ 7.9 · Highly rated by our travelersLuxembourg GardenWalkable restaurantsWell connected by metro€€ (depending on season)Example: Hôtel des Grandes Écoles (Booking)Pay providers directly. We do not process your payments.
Option A — Ultra-central (Louvre / 1st arrondissement)
Super central · “everything on foot” · simple logistics
3–4* hotel · 1 night · Efficient stopover
The best choice if you want to walk “as little as possible”: the Louvre, the Seine, and the Tuileries are right there. Perfect for a stopover where every minute counts.
⭐ 8.7 · Highly rated by our travelersFast access to Louvre/SeineMinimal metroGreat if you’re tired from traveling€€€ (depending on season)Example: Relais du Louvre (Booking)Option B — Latin Quarter / Luxembourg (calmer, very Parisian)
Charm · Calm · Left Bank
3* hotel · 1 night · Neighborhood vibe
A great compromise: “real Paris streets” vibe, cafés, gardens, and easy access to Orsay + Montmartre by metro. Often quieter at night.
⭐ 7.9 · Highly rated by our travelersLuxembourg GardenWalkable restaurantsWell connected by metro€€ (depending on season)Example: Hôtel des Grandes Écoles (Booking)Pay providers directly. We do not process your payments.
- Late morning / early afternoon (11:30–15:00)#4≈ 2h30–3h30Late morning / early afternoon (11:30–15:00) #4 ≈ 2h30–3h30Activity Recommended by us
The Louvre Museum: timed entry (saves time)
The Louvre Museum
For a stopover, timed entry is the best choice: you avoid wasting time in lines and you stay in control of your schedule. Stopover tips: - Pick 2–3 sections max (e.g., Egypt + Old Masters + Sculpture). - Arrive 20–30 minutes before your slot. - Check opening hours/closures (the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays) and gallery status on the day.
- Afternoon (15:30–18:30)#5≈ 2h–3h (at your pace)Afternoon (15:30–18:30) #5 ≈ 2h–3h (at your pace)Activity Recommended by us
Free walk: Tuileries → Pont des Arts → Seine riverbanks
Tuileries & Seine riverbanks
“Paris without paying” version: leave the Louvre, cross the Tuileries Gardens, then reach the Seine (Pont des Arts). After that, wander along the riverbanks: benches, views, bridges, bookstalls (depending on the area) — one of the best “Paris moments” for a stopover.
- Optional (19:00–20:30)#6≈ 1h (+ getting there)Optional (19:00–20:30) #6 ≈ 1h (+ getting there)Activity
Optional: 1-hour Seine cruise (easy postcard moment)
Departure near the Eiffel Tower (depending on provider)If you want a “wow” moment without physical effort: a short cruise, perfect after a long day of walking. Tip: choose a session just before/after sunset depending on the season (very photogenic lights).
- Evening (20:30–22:30)#7≈ 1h–1h30Evening (20:30–22:30) #7 ≈ 1h–1h30Recommended meal
Dinner: 2 options depending on your mood
Center / 6th (depending on option)Two styles: an “iconic bouillon” (budget) or a more gastronomic bistro (classic Paris vibe).
Bouillon Chartier (Grands Boulevards) — budget & ultra-Parisian
Traditional · Fast · Affordable
Bouillon / brasserie · French cuisine
The classic: fast service, historic brasserie atmosphere, perfect if you want to eat well without blowing the budget after a long trip.
Efficient“Old Paris” vibeIdeal for a stopover€–€€Bouillon Chartier (info)Le Comptoir (Carrefour de l’Odéon) — a very “Paris” bistro
Bistro · Foodie · Left Bank
French cuisine · Atmosphere
More of a bistro option: perfect if you want a great plate and a Left Bank atmosphere. (Often in high demand: go early or adjust your timing.)
Very ParisianGreat experienceNice for couples€€€Le Comptoir (info)
Day 2 · Day 2: Orsay, Left Bank, Luxembourg, Montmartre… then departure
Goal: a second major museum (Impressionists) + a true neighborhood atmosphere, finishing with Montmartre for one last strong Paris image.
- Musée d'Orsay (Impressionists)
- Saint-Germain: lanes / cafés (free walk)
- Luxembourg Garden (free)
- Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre (free)
- Departure late afternoon (airport / station)
- Morning (09:30–12:30)#1≈ 2h–3hMorning (09:30–12:30) #1 ≈ 2h–3hActivity Recommended by us
Musée d'Orsay: Impressionists (booking recommended)
Musée d'Orsay (7th arrondissement)
Perfect for a stopover: a compact collection, “easy to love” masterpieces (Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh…). Tip: aim for a morning entry (less crowded) or an evening opening depending on the day. The museum is closed on Mondays: check hours/last entry on the official site.
- Check before booking#2≈ 2 minCheck before booking #2 ≈ 2 minActivity
Official Orsay hours (useful reminder)
OnlineCheck closing days, late openings, and last entry on the official page (useful if you’re optimizing down to the quarter-hour).
- Early afternoon (13:00–16:00)#3≈ 2h–3hEarly afternoon (13:00–16:00) #3 ≈ 2h–3hActivity Recommended by us
Free walk: Saint-Germain → Luxembourg Garden
6th arrondissement & Luxembourg
After Orsay: walk toward Saint-Germain-des-Prés (or take 1–2 metro stops) for a classic “Left Bank” stroll. Finish at the Luxembourg Garden: the perfect spot to breathe before Montmartre (bench + coffee break / nearby bakery).
Free - Lunch (12:45–14:15) — flexible#4≈ 1hLunch (12:45–14:15) — flexible #4 ≈ 1hRecommended meal
Lunch: simple and efficient (2 options)
Montparnasse / Marais (depending on option)Choose based on what’s next: if you continue on the Left Bank, Montparnasse makes sense; if you want a “change of scenery”, the Marais is great.
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse — fast, good, no fuss
Left Bank · Fast · Budget
Bouillon · French cuisine
Very convenient geographically (direct metro). A great stopover pick: eat quickly and move on without stress.
Non-stop serviceGreat valueSimple logistics€–€€Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse (info)Chez Janou (Marais) — a “southern” vibe in the heart of Paris
Marais · Friendly · Sunny
Provençal cuisine · Terrace (seasonal)
If you want a more “restaurant” break and a different atmosphere: head to the Marais. A good choice if you like the idea of a slightly longer lunch.
Great area to exploreHoliday vibeNice with friends/couple€€€Chez Janou (info) - Late afternoon (16:30–19:30)#5≈ 2h–3hLate afternoon (16:30–19:30) #5 ≈ 2h–3hActivity Recommended by us
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur (free): the grand finale
Montmartre (18th arrondissement)Climb up calmly toward Sacré-Cœur (stairs are normal in Montmartre). The real pleasure is wandering: - small streets around, - viewpoints, - Place du Tertre (very touristy, but worth seeing once). Stopover tip: save a bit of energy for the climb, and bring a windbreaker if the weather turns.
Free (excluding food/drinks)Dinner/meal option: Bouillon Pigalle - Evening (19:30–22:30) — depending on flight/train#6≈ 45–90 minEvening (19:30–22:30) — depending on flight/train #6 ≈ 45–90 minTransportation
Departure: back to the airport / station
Paris → CDG / Orly / StationEnd of your stopover: use the simplest RATP route from Montmartre (metro + RER / metro + shuttle). Tip: don’t schedule your departure time too tightly after Montmartre — keep an extra 45–60 minutes of buffer (transfers, crowds, checks).
Want more detail: The full PDF goes even further, with itinerary variations, more restaurant ideas, optional activities, and extra tips.
Is this trip right for you?
A good fit if...
- You have a stopover and want “the best of Paris” in 48h without exhausting yourself
- You love art (at least 2 major museums) + long walks on foot
- You want simple logistics (metro/RER, everything in central areas)
Not a good fit if...
- You hate walking (2 days in Paris = lots of steps)
- You want to see everything “without reservations” (Louvre/Orsay = better to prebook)
- You’re looking for a 100% off-the-beaten-path experience (here = iconic + efficient)
How would you like to use this trip?
Choose what fits you best. You can use a free itinerary, or personalize it with our Travel Planner Service (in-trip support included).
Important reminder: In all cases, you always book and pay directly with providers (hotels, activities, transport). We don’t sell bundled packages. We provide recommendations and booking links.