Paris in one day: Itinerary with map

Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde

I recommend starting your one-day Paris itinerary from the Tuileries Garden. It is one of Paris's oldest and largest public gardens, located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. Created in 1564 by order of Catherine de' Medici, it is an ideal place to walk, relax on the benches in the middle of the park, and enjoy the view of the city. You will have the opportunity to admire the Louvre Museum, albeit from the outside, and watch the bateau mouche that sails the Seine, the river that crosses Paris.

Adjacent to the Tuileries Garden, the Place de la Concorde is one of the largest and most famous squares in Paris. Built in the 18th century, this historic square has witnessed many significant events in French history. At the center of the square is the Egyptian obelisk of Luxor, donated to France in 1831, which stands majestically between two monumental fountains. The square is surrounded by important buildings, including the Hôtel de Crillon and the Hôtel de la Marine, and offers spectacular views of the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.

Champs-Élysées

Now pass the Place de la Concorde and enter the Champs-Élysées. It is one of the most famous and iconic streets in Paris, known for its beauty, luxury and lively atmosphere. Stretching for about 1.9 kilometers from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, this vast artery is a must for any visitor to the French capital. There are several attractions that you can visit along the way:

• Grand Palais and Petit Palais: Two magnificent buildings located along the avenue. The Grand Palais hosts art exhibitions and events, while the Petit Palais is a museum displaying French art from the Middle Ages to the Belle Époque.
• Theaters and Cinemas: Along the Champs-Élysées are some of the most famous theaters and cinemas in Paris, such as the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and the Gaumont Champs-Élysées.
• Luxury Shops: The street is famous for its high-end fashion stores, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Cartier, as well as international brand boutiques and department stores. I recommend checking out the Galeries Lafayette.
• Cafes and Restaurants: The Champs-Élysées is home to many iconic cafes and restaurants, such as Fouquet's, perfect for a relaxing break and watching the Parisians and tourists pass by.

Arc de Triomphe

At the end of the Champs-Élysées, you will find the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, after his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Architect Jean Chalgrin was in charge of the project, inspired by the triumphal arches of ancient Rome. Construction was completed in 1836, during the reign of Louis-Philippe.

Tour Eiffel

From the Arc de Triomphe, you can take the metro line 6 at Charles de Gaulle – Étoile to Bir-Hakeim. I recommend it because you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower directly from the metro carriage (wait until you cross the Seine). From here, you can walk to the Eiffel Tower. The undisputed symbol of Paris and one of the most recognizable monuments in the world, the Eiffel Tower stands majestically in the heart of the city, attracting millions of visitors every year. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Universal Exhibition, it celebrates the centenary of the French Revolution.

Unfortunately, you won't have the opportunity to climb the tower due to the limited time available. However, you can still go up to the Trocadéro gardens to take some unforgettable photos.

Itinerary map

Conclusions and Alternatives

Visiting Paris in just one day is difficult, but this itinerary will allow you to see the most iconic places in the city. Start with a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens and continue to the Place de la Concorde. Walk down the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, where you can enjoy a panoramic view. End the day at the Eiffel Tower, where, even without climbing, you can admire the tower from Trocadéro or from the banks of the Seine for memorable photos. This itinerary will allow you to experience the essence of Paris, even if you have limited time.

If you still have time, I recommend visiting the Montmartre neighborhood, easily accessible by metro.

Thank you for reading,

Explorer's Tale.