On my second day in Paris, Mum and I embarked on a journey through the heart of the city, starting with a visit to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. We hopped on the metro and made our way to Saint Michel, stopping for a quick bite at a local creperie before heading towards the enchanting islands.
Although we didn’t plan on joining the extensive line leading up to the cathedral, we were mesmerized by the grandeur of Notre Dame’s exterior, both from afar and up close. The intricate details and stunning architecture left us in awe. We even spotted the bronze star that marks the very center of Paris! As the clock chimed 11 am, the international service commenced within the cathedral walls.
A word of advice: if you decide to visit Notre Dame, be prepared for a long queue, even though it moves quickly. If you’re not up for the wait, simply enjoy the breathtaking exterior of this architectural masterpiece.
Medieval Marvels and Artistic Splendor
Our exploration continued with a visit to the historic La Conciergerie, a medieval palace turned prison, where Marie Antoinette spent her final days. Stepping inside, we embarked on a self-guided tour, delving into the fascinating stories of the prisoners who spent their lives within these very walls while revolutions raged outside.
Just a short walk away, we discovered Saint Chapelle, a Gothic church that stands as one of the most impressive in the world. The initial entrance leads you into a lovely room, but the true wonder awaits upstairs. Ascend the narrow, spiraling staircase to reach a jaw-dropping scene of 15 stained glass windows, each depicting over 1000 scenes. The church was bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors and light, leaving everyone spellbound by its beauty. No photograph can capture the sheer magnificence of this sight, it’s something you have to experience in person!
A little tip: Get a combined ticket for La Conciergerie and Saint Chapelle for just 15 euros. Remember, anyone under 25 gets in for free!
The Latin Quarter: A Foodie’s Paradise
After a morning filled with walking and exploring, our appetites were roaring, so we headed south across the Seine to the vibrant Latin Quarter. As we strolled along the riverbank, I stumbled upon a beautiful vintage print at a market stall. Despite the usual array of tourist trinkets, this vintage Vogue print of a girl gazing out at the Eiffel Tower stole my heart.
Continuing our wander, we stumbled upon Square René Viviani, a charming little garden perfect for relaxing with a coffee or immersing yourself in a good book under the Parisian sunshine.
Our lunch stop was at Sourire Tapas, a local favorite known for its delectable French small plates that are simply impossible to resist. We indulged in a mixed charcuterie board, a symphony of meats and cheeses, perfectly complemented by a side of crispy French fries served with their signature “Sourire sauce,” so good we licked the bowl clean!
Take a stroll along the Seine before indulging in French tapas at Sourire. You won’t regret it!
A Parisian Afternoon Delights
The Latin Quarter is bursting with charming boutiques and patisseries, so make sure you leave time for a delightful afternoon stroll. I couldn’t resist picking up two giant meringues from Bertrand’s for my meringue-loving partner. Macarons were also a must-have, and for just 7 euros, we snagged 7 macarons from Maison Georges Larnicol.
Our favorite discovery, however, was Pays de Poche, a tiny gift shop overflowing with incredible homemade crafts.
Don’t forget to allocate time for shopping in the Latin Quarter! Head to Bertrand’s for heavenly meringues, Maison Georges Larnicol for exquisite macarons, Pays de Poche for unique gifts, or browse the enchanting shelves of Cybèle bookshop or the Shakespeare & Company book café, where you can enjoy a hot drink while getting lost in a good read.
A Romantic Evening by the Seine
Although we actually did this on our first evening, a Seine River cruise would also be the perfect way to end your 48 hours in Paris.
We hopped into a taxi, bound for the Eiffel Tower, and experienced firsthand the unique driving style of Parisians! It was an exhilarating ride, weaving through traffic with a dash of chaos, and somehow we made it to the river, passing the Arc de Triomphe on our way. I had booked us a river cruise with Isango, a luxurious hour-long journey down the Seine, a glass of Champagne in hand.
Our cruise began at 8 pm, as the sun dipped below the horizon, offering breathtaking views of Paris’s iconic landmarks and bridges. But it was the people along the riverbank that truly captivated me. Groups gathered, sharing bottles of wine, enjoying picnics, and even dancing to the rhythm of the city.
As our cruise came to an end, we returned to the Eiffel Tower, shimmering against the dark sky in all its glory. It’s a sight that truly embodies the magic of Paris.
After searching for a dinner spot, we stumbled upon Firmin le Barbier, a charming restaurant offering a 3-course menu for 39 euros. The service was impeccable, and the food was simply divine, with white asparagus and hollandaise sauce, followed by tender chicken drenched in jus, and a surprise oxtail dish. Dessert presented a decadent dark chocolate tart and a refreshing passionfruit crème brûlée, a perfect ending to our Parisian adventure.
To make the most of your Parisian evening, consider a sunset river cruise at the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a delicious meal at Firmin le Barbier.
Stay tuned for part 1 of my 48 hours in Paris guide, where I share all about exploring Saint-Germain-Des-Pres and the Jardin des Tuileries!
