How about spending a perfect day in Paris, exploring the iconic Eiffel Tower to your heart’s content and then enjoying your time in Saint-Germain-des-Pres (one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods). Let’s take a look at how such a day can actually pan out.
An Ideal Parisian Day
You can expect a quintessential Parisian experience once you combine your morning tour of the Eiffel Tower with a relaxing afternoon in Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Shift from iconic ironwork and design to quaint café terraces and gorgeous boutiques. Let’s take a closer look at all these aspects in more detail below.
Morning: Your Date with the Left Bank and the Iron Lady
You’ll find several vacation rentals in Paris near Eiffel Tower that help you quickly access this iconic landmark without any difficulties. You can start at about 8.30-9 AM at the Place du Trocadero to capture the amazing views of the Eiffel Tower before the crowds start trickling in. Walk down the Trocadero Gardens, cross the River Seine via the Pont d’Iena and you’ll be at the foot of the Iron Lady on the Champ de Mars.
Now, in case you wish to ascend, it is imperative that you book tickets at least 1-2 weeks in advance. You’ll find a lovely glass floor experience on the first level, while the second level gives you a clear and amazing view of the city skyline. If you’re looking for a more relaxed morning, you can get hold of some coffee and croissants before sitting down in the Champ de Mars Park to enjoy the structure and views from below.
Lunch: Historic Thoroughfares & Literary Cafes
Many people also book Paris Saint-Germain apartments to stay in the heart of a quintessentially Parisian neighborhood. Even if you’re not here, you can easily walk down from the Eiffel Tower as mentioned above. By around 12.30 PM, you’ll be right at the heart of the 6th arrondissement. The locality is popular for its history of musicians, intellectuals, jazz musicians, artists, and culture. For a grand lunch, you can try to get a seat at the famous Les Deux Magots (once frequented by the likes of Sartre, Hemingway, and Picasso) or Café de Flore.
Once you’re done with lunch, spend time walking around the oldest church in the city, namely the Eglise de Saint-Germain-des-Pres (just opposite these charming cafes).
Afternoon: Exploring Saint-Germain
You can skip the bustling main boulevards and wander further northwards into the winding and quaint streets. Check out the Rue Fürstenberg and the Rue Jacob. The Place Fürstenberg is called one of the most romantic and appealing small squares in the city, surrounded by lovely trees, and housing the amazing Eugene Delacroix Museum.
Now, walk southwards towards the Eglise Saint-Sulpice, a huge and breathtaking church that attained popularity after being featured in The Da Vinci Code. You’ll find it considerably quieter than the crowded Notre-Dame Cathedral. Thereafter, you can shop at the premier boutiques on Rue Bonaparte and sample gourmet delicacies at Pierre Herme. If you’re into macarons, Laduree is also a destination worth considering.
Late Afternoon: Embracing Parisian Garden Charm
Say by 4 PM, you can easily walk a few blocks southwards to the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden). This is an ideal place where you can easily sit down on a metal chair beside the fountain, watching the local children sail their toy boats, the families enjoying themselves, and the pristine landscapes all around. You can also enjoy your coffee from a kiosk nearby.
Evening: Savour Sunset Views and Enjoy Romantic Dining Experiences
With the approaching evening, you can easily stroll towards the Seine and cross the Pont des Arts (the pedestrian love lock bridge) for gorgeous views of the Louvre and Ile de la Cite at sunset. You can end the perfect day in Paris with dinner at a cozy local bistro, i.e. near the Rue de Buci or in the Cour du Commerce Saint-Andre for a more pedestrian-friendly experience. Afterwards, take an evening walk back towards the river to view the glimmering Eiffel Tower (a 5-minute magical light show happening every hour (on the hour) after dark).
Tips for a Wonderful Trip to Paris
As you can see, it’s possible to spend the perfect day in Paris, exploring the Eiffel Tower and then the captivating Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood. However, for a comfortable and convenient stay nearby, choosing a serviced apartment in the area can make exploring Paris much easier. You can book your Eiffel Tower tickets at least 60 days in advance and make sure you book popular restaurants for dinners too.
Wear comfortable shoes, since the walk from the Eiffel Tower to Saint-Germain, while highly enjoyable, will take about 30-40 minutes. It’s also a 7-minute taxi ride if you’re up for it. Some other connectivity options that connect these areas include the RER C train and the Metro line 10. Of course, visiting the Eiffel Tower early in the morning or late in the evening will help you avoid the crowds. If you have time, you can take a Seine River cruise from the docks or explore the Musee du Quai Branly near the landmark. You can easily take the metro to Trocadero (Line 6 or 9) and Saint-Germain-des-Pres (Line 4) to easily commute between areas. Be aware of pickpockets when you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower. Here’s wishing you the perfect day ahead in Paris!
Leave a Reply