Things To Do on a Day Trip to Paris

I went on a three-month hiatus and finally realised that I am back blogged. So here I am, trying to write again.

Let me end that hiatus by writing about my Paris travel experience last June, a month before the Olympics. My friends Mai and Small came to visit London as part of Mai's birthday trip. Paris was part of their itinerary and I am grateful that I was part of this trip, too. I have been to Paris on a day trip multiple times, but I am extra grateful that I was able to do this twice this year- and with special people. 

If I haven't mentioned before, Eurostar is my preferred trasnportation to Paris. It's mainly because St Pancras International is located in Central London, hence very convenient for me or anyone staying in London and wanting a day trip to Paris. To maximise our trip, we took the earliest train at 0601.

First order of this trip was the coveted breakfast at Le Café Marly near the Louvre. From Gare Du Nord, we took the Metro to Palais Royal Musee du Louvre then we walked a few yards to the cafe. As we planned to have lunch a couple of hours later, we only had butter croissants and coffee to begin with. In my opinion, what makes Café Marly so popular is of course the view of the Louvre from their balcony.  Who wouldn't want morning coffee with a view, right?

Before we knew it, it was time to move on to our next destination that was the Eiffel Tower. As our lunch was near Trocadero, we took the Metro (1) to Charles de Gaulle- Étoile and changed  to Metro (6) to Trocadero. Paris was preparing for the Olympics at the time, so construction of all sorts were ongoing in all places. It was however very nice to see the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower.

We had lunch in the area then moved on to Champs Élysées for my friend's shopping spree. For me, the best stop  for Champs Élysées is Charles de Gaulle - Étoile via Metro 6 from Trocadero.  It's about 10 minutes and as you get out to the main Avenue from the escalator, you'll immediately see the Arc de Triomphe. 

As we were only in the Louvre area for breakfast, we went back after shopping. It was only 1530 and we already managed to do most things that we planned to do on the day. Our next stop was Moulin Rouge. From Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre we took the Metro (1) to Charles de Gaulle - Étoile, then changed to Metro 2 towards Nation and got off in Blanche.

Most of my day trips to Paris end in Montmartre. I like the idea of climbing up the hill from the foot of Rue Lepic, then winding through the quieter streets until we reach Rue Norvins, which leads to one of the busiest parts of Paris- Place du Tertre. 

We stopped for a quick crepe and then headed to Sacre-Coeur, our last destination for the day. Perched at the highest point in Paris, the grounds of the basilica offer one of the best breathtaking views of the city. And no matter how many times I have visited this place, there is always something special about standing on top of those stairs, watching street performers and soaking in the view.

From there, we walked down to Gare du Nord. The classic tour guide that I am, despite using citymapper, I still managed to somehow take my friends to the rougher part of Paris. Totally embarrassed, I apologised profusely. You wouldn't believe this but we saw, dead rats and human waste on the street with people actually hanging out in the area. I know areas like this exist in most big cities, but I've never come across anything like it in Paris before. So, this was as much a shock to me as it was to my friends.

Surprisingly, my friend Small actually appreciated this because at least she has seen the other reality of Paris, not just the curated beauty you see on social media. She said that this somehow completed her trip to Paris. I was relieved and grateful hearing this because I'm sure not everyone will appreciate this inconvenience and er, reality.

As the day came to a close, I felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to travel to Paris with two of the most kind and easy going friends. I will always cherish their friendship. Tired but happy, we caught the last Eurostar train back to London with full hearts and stomach, sore feet and memories that we will  stay with us for a long time.

I plan to continue my annual Paris day trip this year because, no matter how many times I return, this city always offers something new to fall in love with - and write about. Will you be my next travel buddy to Paris?

Tintin x