STROLLING THROUGH AESTHETIC PARTS OF PARIS: DAY 2 ITINERARY
No matter the length of your trip to Paris, get inspiration from this 5 day itinerary of Paris for strolling through the most aesthetic parts of the city. These spots are perfect for any time of the year.
These itineraries can be done without having to use the metro between every single location. Save money by strolling through Paris instead of seeing it from the top of a tour bus.
Paris seems big on a map, but you’ll be surprised by how much of Paris you can see in one day with only your two feet to carry you.
The locations on each itinerary are within walking distance. However, depending on your comfort level, you may choose to have your own transportation to make it easier for you.
I also want to encourage you to explore on your own. Use this itinerary as a guide, but go to what interests YOU.
Make your trip the most unique experience and stroll through Paris like you are actually part of it.
Please note that day 2 is a jam packed itinerary. Do what you can or desire to do for the day. However, if you want to do it all, you definitely can!
Itinerary
Tuileries Garden
Louvre
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
Pont des Arts
Pont Alexandre III
Grand and Petit Palais
Eglise de la Madeleine
Palais Garnier
Wall of Love
Sacré Cœur
Square de la Turlure
Rue de l’Abreuvoir
Place du Tertre
Morning
Tuileries Garden
Start your day off with a calm morning in the Tuileries Garden. Grab breakfast on the go and find a bench to relax on in this beautiful garden. Be careful of the pigeons! They’ll try to be your friend but more will come and then your breakfast will be an uncomfortable stare down.
Louvre
Take a stroll through the park and then head up to the Louvre. Before you get there, you’ll pass a beautiful archway, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
The Louvre is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, so don’t underestimate the crowds. Purchase tickets ahead of time, as the website to the Louvre also mentions the importance of reserving your tickets beforehand.
The Louvre is the largest museum in the world, so don’t worry, you’ll never run out of things to see, and it will truly be an unforgettable experience.
However, with the vast amount of sights to see inside the Louvre, I recommend leaving this for another day. You should actually spend an entire day just for the Louvre. For today’s itinerary, just take a glance at the outdoor grounds of the Louvre.
Pont des Arts
Go down to the river Seine and cross Pont des Arts. This is a beautiful bridge facing the Institut de France. To your left, you can see the one end of Sainte-Chapelle and on your right you can see the Louvre along the Seine. Continue walking along the Seine on the other side, heading northwest. You’ll get a perfect view of the river as you pass a few bridges, leading up to Pont Alexandre III.
Afternoon
Pont Alexandre III
When you reach this iconic golden bridge, head towards the Grand and Petit Palais. Pont Alexandre III is a beautiful 19th century bridge, articulately designed and stunning to look at. Take plenty of pictures from the bridge, as you will also see The Eiffel Tower and the Hôtel des Invalides from there. Head towards the gorgeous Petit Palais, across from the Grand Palais, both are beautiful buildings you can’t miss.
Palais Garnier
Make your way over to Eglise de la Madeleine, a large pillared church which is a lovely little stop in the middle of your walk that is open to the public. From there, you can go to the Palais Garnier, otherwise known as Opéra Garnier or the Opera House.
This attraction cannot be missed. If you’re a fan of the Phantom of the Opera, or just have an interest in the arts, take a visit to this stunning theatre. You’ll find the most beautiful architecture, ballrooms, grand staircase, and an adorable little library. This is all found within the theater. To all you dancers out there, or anyone with an interest in ballet, like I am, this is the place for you. You’ll find old costumes used in different performances, and the building itself makes you feel like you’re in a Degas painting.
Stop by the Lindt chocolate shop after visiting the theater if you’re a chocolate lover, and then get something sweet from Besties Bakery, which is located in a cute little pink shop down the street.
Evening
Wall of Love
Time for the long walk up to Montmartre. Walking up this steep incline is a fairly popular bucket list Paris activity, so if you’re up for the challenge, just go for it! Especially if you’re already at Palais Garnier, you’re already halfway there.
If walking up a steep incline is too much, make sure to take the Funicular up to the basilica. Before visiting the church, go over to Square Jehan Rictus to see the Wall of Love. This is a really interesting aesthetic wall with love written in every language. It’s a rather charming spot to walk around in the evening with live music and a beautiful atmosphere.
Sacré Cœur
Make your way up to the basilica, and there you will see Sacré Cœur looking over Montmartre and the rest of Paris. There are views all around. There is the magnificent basilica of Sacré Cœur, the inside of this beautiful church, and the rest of Paris with a perfect view of the skyline.
Square de la Turlure
Don’t just stop with glancing at just the front of the basilica. It’s beautiful from all sides, and I suggest you take a walk around to the back, to Square de la Turlure. Here you’ll get an even more amazing view with a lovely park setting as well. Because it’s behind the church, there are fewer people, and most likely you’ll have the view all to yourself.
Place du Tertre
Take a walk along the old streets of Montmartre such as the cute little path of Rue de l’Abreuvoir.
By now you’ll be tired from all the walking in the day, so make your way over to Place du Tertre. It’s the perfect place to have dinner in this ideal little square with live music and street artists. It’s a bit of a stereotypical Parisian scene, but that’s what most people want to see when they come to Paris anyway. There are lovely little restaurants as well, such as La Mère Catherine.
Voila, a perfect ending to a day full of outstanding sights. And there is always more to see in the next coming days. Join me for itinerary day 3!
Maeve
Welcome to our little corner of the internet!
Just an American girl living in India and exploring the rest of the world on the side. Most of my joys come from traveling beautiful places, good old fashioned handwritten letters, fresh flowers, and a warm cup of chai.
So allow me offer you a cup of tea (with a spoonful of chini, of course!) as you join me in sharing about travel tips for discovering the most beautiful locations, insights into life as an expat in India with my wonderful Indian husband, and discussions about navigating long-distance relationships.
Join me for stories filled with wanderlust, cross-cultural love, and the little joys of life. Whether you’re an aspiring traveler, in a multicultural relationship, or just curious about life abroad, there’s something here for you.
Our Long Distance Story
We are Maeve and Kart – a long distance married couple from America and India.
To all kindred spirits out there trying to navigate a multicultural or a long distance relationship, you’re not alone. Learn from our own experiences of how we finally found each other from across the world and remain together living with a blend of both cultures and languages.
Get a cup of tea and a spoonful of chini and take in the advice from those who have successfully created a strong cross-cultural relationship from a distance.
