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
Trip cost & guidance (optional)
What you’ll pay on the ground + our services if you want guidance
Key takeaway
The budget below reflects the cost of the trip (accommodation, activities, transport…). You book and pay providers directly. Our guidance is optional (separate price).
Day-by-day plan
Explore the detailed flow of each day, from morning to evening, with photos, practical tips, and everything you need to prepare your trip. Need to adjust this plan? → Personalize this trip
Tested and approved recommendations
The accommodation and activities shown below are recommendations carefully selected , chosen for their location, comfort, and overall experience, with a focus on 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)
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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).
To go further: The full PDF goes even further, with itinerary variations, more restaurant ideas, optional activities, and extra money-saving tips.
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- Available 8am–8pm (Paris time), 7 days a week during your pack
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- Help if you run into check-in or booking issues (confirmation, terms, changes)
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- Real-time tips: transport, routes, restaurants, day planning
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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)
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