How We Spent A Stress-Free Day Trip In Paris

Almost a year ago, my Ate Elvie and I went on a day trip to Paris. It was one of those trips I decided on a whim- and I convinced my Ate to come along with me. While I had been on several day trips to Paris before, it was Ate Elvie's first time. We didn't set any expectations, we simply wanted to enjoy good food and experience Paris without any pressure.

Like my previous day trips, we took the earliest Eurostar train from St Pancras International at 0601, arriving in Paris Gare du Nord at around 0930. Since I wanted to have coffee at Shakespeare and Company Cafe, we took the Metro to Cité. From there, the Cafe is only about five minutes walk- and within just three minutes, you can already catch a glimpse of Notre Dame.

I first came across Shakespeare and Co bookstore on my very first trip to Paris, around 2004, after watching Before Sunset. I've only been inside the bookstore twice. I had heard about the cafe a few years ago, but only managed to visit on this trip.

The cafe sits beside the bookstore- similarly quiet, warm and unhurried. We were lucky to get a table by the window- which felt like a small dream for me- as it was the perfect spot for that classic Parisian cafe photo. The interior features wooden and rustic furniture, adding to its cosy athmosphere. The coffee was smooth, and the pastries- classic Parisian- baked to perfection.

Then it was time for one of my favourite rituals in Paris- a walk along the banks of the River Seine. No matter how many times I have done this walk, it always feels so magical. 

We walked to the Louvre afterwards, passing over the Ponts des Arts. This is one of my favourite routes as it leads me through the quieter streets of Paris, from the 4th Arrondissement to the 6th and 1st. I also love passing by the cafes and restaurants in the area.

It was nearly midday when we arrived at the Louvre. As we had enough time before lunch, we decided to linger in the area for a bit. I love sitting on one of the benches in the Denon Wing of the Cour Napoleon because to me, it feels like the quieter side. It was a slow, intentional and meaningful hour with Ate Elvie in one of the most famous places in Paris. 

Lunch was at La Palette in the heart of Saint-Germain-de-Pres, about eight minutes walk from the Louvre. I discovered the restaurant through a book by Murrielle Rousseau. This classic Parisian restaurant was said to be frequented by Pablo Picasso and Paul Cezanne. Despite its historic reputation, our experience felt rather underwhelming.We were seated inside, where the space felt quite cramped, and the service was inconsitent and rushed. One overly enthusiastic man greeted us but frequently spoke over us. He eventually asked directly for a tip. 

Dessert was at Odette, a cafe in the Latin Quarter of Paris famous for its delicate cream puffs.  I have not been there in quite a while, so I was extra excited to go back. We chose to sit outside as the weather was lovely. To be honest, Odette is one of the most charming cafes in Paris, and offers a fantastic view of the Notre Dame.

Just over 20 minutes walk from Odette is one of the best butter croissants in Paris. I first came across La Maison d'Isabelle by accident in 2018, shortly after they won the Best All-Butter Croissant in Paris. Ever since, I've made a point of visiting whenever I am in the city, and this trip was no exception.

Then it was time to drop by Eiffel Tower because- did you even go to Paris if you don't have a photo with it?  From the bakery, we took the Metro from Maubert to Trocadero which took about 25 minutes. Knowing Trocadero would be busy around that time, I took Ate Elvie to Avenue de Camoens instead- one of my favourite spots to view the Eiffel Tower- especially when it's not too crowded.

Our last stop was Montmartre, where we briefly visited the Sacre Coeur and  had another dessert at La Maison Rose. The cafe is located in a quieter part of Montmartre, where Pablo Picasso apparently lived. Its corner location and blush pink facade make it perfect for photography- although it can get very busy.

And then it was time to make our way back to Gare du Nord. We left Montmartre just after 6pm, in time for our train at 2000.

Whilst some people often wonder how I can enjoy Paris in just a day, it remains one of my favourite things to do. A day trip to Paris can be enjoyable, meaningful and memorable if you know how to prioritise and make the most of your time. Having done this mulitple times with different people and different priorities, it has somehow become easier for me to plan the day.

So, would you travel to Paris with me?

Tintin x