Traveler Profile: Katie, UK
Location: Paris, France
Time of Year: April
Travel Goals: Great photography locations, art, history, a bit of crazy
Paris was as beautiful as I imagined it to be. The city of light offers an array of iconic sights and experiences that can make even a single day feel magical. From the artistic attraction of the Louvre Museum to the iconic Eiffel Tower, followed by an evening at the avant-garde Crazy Horse, my guide provides a comprehensive itinerary for an unforgettable day in Paris.
Breakfast at Café Kitsuné Palais Royal
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Near the Louvre Museum, Café Kitsuné Palais Royal is a quintessential Parisian experience, especially favored during the spring and summer for its expansive outdoor terrace. This café has rapidly become a favorite spot for locals and tourists seeking a high-quality coffee experience in the heart of Paris. Café Kitsuné offers a selection of treats and light meals at the restaurant on the first floor, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely breakfast or a quick morning pick-me-up.
My Insider’s Tip: For those looking to enjoy the peaceful morning hours, arrive early to secure a spot on the terrace. It’s a great way to enjoy your coffee and a moment of tranquility before exploring the bustling city. I had the Tartine de burrata, tomates confites, zaatar et éclats de pistache and it was divine!
Morning Visit to the Louvre Museum
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The Louvre Museum, located in the heart of Paris, France, is one of the world’s largest and most significant art museums. Its origins date back to the late 12th century when King Philip II initially constructed it as a fortress. Over the centuries, the Louvre transformed from a medieval fortress to a royal palace and finally, into the museum we know today, officially opening to the public in 1793 during the French Revolution.
Spanning over 72,735 square meters (782,910 square feet) of exhibition space, the Louvre houses an extensive collection encompassing over 380,000 objects, with 35,000 works of art on display. The museum’s collections are divided among eight curatorial departments: Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, and Prints and Drawings.
Among its most famous pieces are Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” the “Venus de Milo,” and the “Winged Victory of Samothrace.” These masterpieces and countless others span from prehistory to contemporary times, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of human creativity across cultures and eras.
My Insider’s Tip: Purchase tickets in advance and consider entering through the lesser-known Porte des Lions entrance to avoid long queues. Prioritize sections or artworks you’re most interested in to optimize your visit.
Stroll Through the Tuileries Garden
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The Tuileries Garden, between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde in Paris, is one of the city’s oldest and most significant public gardens. Its creation dates back to 1564 when Queen Catherine de’ Medici commissioned the garden as part of the Tuileries Palace. Designed initially in the Italian Renaissance style, the garden was transformed into a formal French garden under the direction of André Le Nôtre, the famed gardener of King Louis XIV, in the 17th century.
Covering an area of approximately 25.5 hectares (63 acres), the Tuileries Garden is a prime example of classic French garden design, characterized by its precise geometric patterns, wide promenades, and carefully manicured lawns. The garden is adorned with statues by prominent artists, including Maillol, Rodin, and Giacometti, making it an open-air museum of sculpture from the 17th to the 21st century.
Beyond its artistic and historical significance, the Tuileries Garden plays a vital role in Paris’s cultural and social life. It offers a peaceful retreat for Parisians and tourists alike, with its tree-lined paths, ornamental ponds, and terraces providing a serene backdrop for leisure and contemplation. The garden also hosts various seasonal events, including Paris Fashion Week shows and the Fête des Tuileries, a traditional summer fair.
My Insider’s Tip: Find the secluded benches near the Orangerie Museum within the garden for a quiet spot to reflect and relax amidst the natural beauty.
Lunch at Verde by Yeeels on the Champs-Élysées
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pajor Pawel
Verde by Yeeels, located just steps from the Champs-Élysées on Avenue George V, offers a contemporary dining experience with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Under the guidance of head chef Julian Thibault, the restaurant presents a fusion of upscale dining and Parisian mixology. The brunch menu, featuring dishes like eggs benedict alongside exotic cocktails, provides a trendy culinary experience.
My Insider’s Tip: For an enhanced experience, request seating in the outdoor area to enjoy your meal amidst the vibrant atmosphere of one of Paris’s most prestigious avenues.
Afternoon Climb up the Eiffel Tower
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The Eiffel Tower, an iconic structure in the heart of Paris, highlights human ingenuity and architectural innovation. Completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution, the tower was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and his team. Initially met with skepticism and criticism from some of Paris’s leading artists and intellectuals, the Eiffel Tower has since become a universally recognized symbol of France.
Rising 324 meters (1,063 feet) above the Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower was the world’s tallest man-made structure until the Chrysler Building in New York was completed in 1930. Constructed using over 18,000 pieces of wrought iron and 2.5 million rivets, the tower’s innovative use of iron challenged traditional architectural aesthetics and techniques, marking a departure from the ornate styles prevalent in the 19th century.
The Eiffel Tower consists of three levels accessible to visitors. The first and second levels feature restaurants, shops, and an immersive historical exhibit detailing the tower’s construction and global impact. The summit, reachable by lift, offers panoramic views of Paris, making it one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
My Insider’s Tip: Book your tickets in advance and consider visiting in the late afternoon to catch the golden hour – a photographer’s dream to capture the city in its best light.
Dinner and Show at Crazy Horse
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Conclude your day with an evening at Crazy Horse, Paris’s iconic cabaret known for its artistic and avant-garde performances. The “CRAZY EXCLUSIVE & GINGER” package offers a luxurious experience, including a show with vintage champagne, canapés, caviar, and dinner at the restaurant “GINGER.” This combination of fine dining and entertainment encapsulates the essence of Parisian nightlife.
Crazy Horse Paris, established in 1951 by Alain Bernardin, is an iconic cabaret known for its artistic and avant-garde approach to the art of burlesque and cabaret. Situated in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, near the prestigious Champs-Élysées, Crazy Horse has distinguished itself from traditional cabarets with its unique blend of aesthetic sophistication, artistic choreography, and cutting-edge light effects, all designed to celebrate the female form.
The venue is renowned for its intimate setting, which allows for a close-up view of the performances, enhancing the immersive experience. The shows at Crazy Horse highlight Bernardin’s vision of cabaret as an art form, combining dance, music, and visual effects to create a sensual and captivating spectacle. The performances are characterized by their elegance, creativity, and the use of elaborate costumes and lighting to accentuate the dancers’ physiques, creating intricate visual illusions.
My Insider’s Tip: Dress to impress – the Crazy Horse experience is as much about the spectacle as it is about being part of an elegantly attired audience.
A Potted History of Paris
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Paris, the capital city of France, has a storied history that spans over two thousand years. Originating as a small Gallic settlement known as Lutetia on the Île de la Cité, it was conquered by the Romans in 52 BC and renamed. The city’s strategic location along the Seine River facilitated its growth and development through the Middle Ages and into the modern era.
The establishment of the University of Paris in the 12th century marked Paris as a center of education and intellectual discourse. The city’s influence expanded significantly in the 17th century under Louis XIV, although the royal court’s relocation to Versailles shifted political focus away from Paris temporarily.
The French Revolution in 1789 was a seminal event in Paris’s history, leading to significant social and political transformation. The 19th century saw comprehensive urban renewal under Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann, whose initiatives modernized Paris with the introduction of wide avenues, parks, and uniform architectural facades.
The 20th century was characterized by artistic and cultural flourishing, even as the city faced the devastations of two World Wars. Paris maintained its prominence as a center for art, fashion, and gastronomy, adapting and evolving through each historical phase.
When to Travel
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Spring and early fall are ideal for visiting Paris, offering mild weather and fewer crowds, enhancing outdoor activities and dining enjoyment.
How to Get There
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Paris is well-connected by air with two main airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly. The city’s extensive public transportation system, including the Metro, buses, and RER trains, makes navigating Paris convenient and efficient.
The Bottom Line
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When planned carefully, a day in Paris can offer plenty of cultural, culinary, and visual experiences. From the artistic treasures of the Louvre to the breathtaking views from the Eiffel Tower, capped off with a night of exquisite dining and entertainment at Crazy Horse, Paris promises an unforgettable journey through its historic streets and beyond.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.