Sometimes you just need one day to escape to another world. We decided at the last minute to take the train to Paris, and within 2.5 hours we were in the city of love from Rotterdam Central. With so much to see and do in such a short time, we cleverly planned our route to make the most of our day. Here, we share our experiences and tips for a perfect day trip to Paris.​

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Highlights of our day trip to Paris

• Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre:​

Our first stop was the Sacré-Cœur in the Montmartre district. The climb up to the church was tough, but absolutely worth it for the stunning views over Paris. It is one of the highest points in the city, so you can see far, especially on a clear day. After enjoying the view, we walked through the atmospheric streets of Montmartre, a district known for its art galleries. Here we treated ourselves to macarons at Pierre Hermé. Very delicious!

• Le Moulin Rouge:

Montmartre is, of course, also home to the iconic Moulin Rouge. Although we didn't have time to attend a show, it was nice to see the outside of the building. The red windmill and art deco facade remain fascinating!

• Eiffel Tower:

No visit to Paris is complete without the Eiffel Tower. We took the metro and were soon at the famous tower. Highly recommended: visit the park around it, Champ de Mars, where you can relax and admire the Eiffel Tower from different angles. Because we were on a day trip, we did not go up the Eiffel Tower.

• Pantheon:

The Pantheon is a place full of history, where famous Frenchmen such as Voltaire, Rousseau and Marie Curie are buried. This impressive building with its huge dome is breathtaking both outside and inside. It feels like stepping back in time for a moment as you walk through the corridors and take in France's rich history.

• Place de l'Estrapade (Emily in Paris tour):

Fans of Emily in Paris will definitely recognise this place! This is where Emily's flat is located! Yet locals seem to be less happy about it, as the neighbourhood has been attracting a lot of tourists since the series. Still, we couldn't resist joining them on the Emily in Paris tour, which we booked through Get Your Guide.

• Jardin du Luxembourg:

After a morning of walking and sightseeing, the Jardin du Luxembourg was the perfect place to unwind. This park is beautifully landscaped. We sat here for a while in the sun and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommended for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Cour du Commerce Saint-André:

This charming street is full of historic buildings and small shops. Here you will find, among other things, a bookshop specialising in the works of Jules Verne. The atmosphere is cosy and authentic, away from the tourist bustle of the big sights. A hidden gem you should definitely visit!

• Pont des Arts:

A visit to Paris is not complete without a walk across one of the many bridges by the Seine. The Pont des Arts is perhaps the most beautiful of all, with its enchanting views of the other famous bridges and the river.

• Louvre and Jardin du Palais Royal:

Although we did not have time to visit the Louvre inside (that is really a day activity in itself), we enjoyed the beautiful exterior and the glass pyramid. We then walked on to Jardin du Palais Royal. It is a lovely place to wander around for a while, with fountains and lots of greenery. A perfect combination of culture and relaxation!

• Galeries Lafayette:

Galeries Lafayette is a must-visit even if you don't like shopping. We recommend taking a look at the ceiling inside - a spectacular stained-glass dome. And don't forget to head to the roof terrace for one of the best free views of the city.

• Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe:

We ended the day with a stroll along the world-famous Champs-Élysées and a view of the majestic Arc de Triomphe. What a day!

Practical tips for visiting

• Best travel time: Autumn in Paris is mild and atmospheric, with beautiful autumn colours in the parks and fewer tourists. The weather is often still pleasant, ideal for taking long walks around the city. We visited Paris ourselves in February.

• Allergy-friendly food: Paris is surprisingly accessible for people with food allergies. There are gluten-free bakeries like Chambelland, Copains, and Noglu. For a delicious dinner, we can recommend Amore Mio, a cosy Italian restaurant. Also, don't forget to try Pierre Hermé's macarons, where the allergens are clearly listed on the cards.

• Budget: Paris can be pricey, but you can also find affordable options. In neighbourhoods like Montmartre or the 6th arrondissement, there are plenty of nice and affordable eateries where you can enjoy French cuisine without paying the top price

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A day in Paris is never enough to see everything, but it is absolutely possible to have a great time even if you only stay for a short time. Whether you are going for the first time or have been many times before, Paris continues to surprise and enchant.​

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