Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
A trip to the French capital never needs to feel rushed, even when you only have two days to explore. Plus, with short direct flights and trains from the UK, it’s a city you can visit time and time again. Here are the hotspots to visit on a short but sweet stay in Paris.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Start your weekend at the heart of the city. Walk across the Pont Saint-Michel and let the towers of Notre Dame rise before you; reopened after the fire of 2019, the cathedral remains a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture.
Inside, you can admire the soaring stained-glass windows that filter light across the stone floor, then climb the restored towers for a panoramic view of the Île de la Cité and the Seine. It’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid queues and enjoy the quiet.
Les Invalides and the Rodin Museum
Head west towards Les Invalides, where Napoleon rests beneath a golden dome. The complex is more than a tomb; it’s a gateway to France’s military history. Walk through the museum galleries to see armour, weapons and stories that shaped the nation.
From here, stroll to the Rodin Museum, only ten minutes away. Its gardens feel like a secret retreat, dotted with sculptures such as The Thinker. Take time to wander among the roses and bronze figures before stepping inside to see Rodin’s most celebrated works.
Buying a combined ticket online saves time and gives you access to both sites without queuing twice.
Eiffel Tower
No visit feels complete without standing beneath France’s famous tower. Approach through the Champ de Mars for the most dramatic view, then decide whether to climb or take the lift. From the top, the city stretches in every direction – the Arc de Triomphe to the north, Sacré-Cœur perched on Montmartre, and the Seine winding like a ribbon.
Stay until sunset if you can; the tower sparkles every hour after dark, and watching Paris light up from above is a sight you won’t forget easily. Or if you want to skip the longest waits, book your ticket in advance and choose a morning slot.
Musée d’Orsay
Finish your weekend with a dose of art at the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former railway station, its glass roof floods the galleries with natural light.
Here you’ll find Monet’s water lilies, Van Gogh’s starry skies and Degas’ graceful dancers. Start on the top floor with the Impressionists before working your way down through Post-Impressionist and Symbolist masterpieces.
If you need a break, the café behind the station clock offers a view that feels straight out of a film. You’ll want to give yourself at least two hours to explore.
A well-planned 48 hours is all it takes to fall in love with the chic French capital. Book a brief break and find out just how much you can pack in!
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
