How many days do you need in Paris, France? One, three, five or thirty. There’s no right answer. It all depends on who you are and how you like to travel.
But for now, let’s assume you have all the time in the world but want to see Paris in a day. Soooo…
Voyons Paris! Let’s see Paris!
(That’s it. That’s about as much French as I can confidently write…)
The perfect end to a day in Paris. Now, let’s begin at the start…
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Why Paris, Europe?
I’m currently in Paris, Europe, with my 20-year-old daughter. We’re here for a month, living like locals. On vacation (mainly, I’m still working online).
The backstory is long (and best saved for another time), but in a nutshell, I’m a world traveller from New Zealand, and after losing both my parents last year, this trip marks the beginning of a healing, connecting, year-long family adventure.
My husband and son are in Norway while my daughter and I explore Paris.
In a month’s time, the four of us will meet in Greece for a month-long stay, and after that? I don’t know (join my weekly newsletter where I share private diary entries about life, all of this, and more).
So, why write a post about what to do in just one day in Paris?
Because, like you, I want to see everything… but I also want to do it slowly, intentionally, and meaningfully.
me and my precious girl x
Spending Time in Paris, Europe
My experience may be different from yours — I have the luxury of time, and I can afford to take days where I do absolutely nothing. But like you. I still want to experience the best of Paris, and I want to do it in a way that feels joyful, not rushed or exhausting.
Just like you.
That’s why, instead of cramming every “must-see” into a hectic itinerary, I’ve taken the most magical moments from my time in Paris and woven them into a single, perfect day.
One that balances iconic sights with authentic experiences — slow, beautiful, and unforgettable.
I have also written about where to stay in Paris and given you some Paris travel tips, but you can read those later. For now, stay right where you are and let’s spend a day in Paris together…
Start Your Day in Paris with the Tootbus Tour
Without a doubt, your day in Paris should begin with the Tootbus hop-on hop-off tour. This is the one thing that is not negotiable. I’ll explain why in a minute.
— The idea of traipsing around tourist sites shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of people isn’t my vibe (and thankfully, not my daughter’s either). But the Tootbus is not your typical tour experience.
Me and Tess, about to start our day!
The Tootbus in Paris
The one-day in Paris ticket is valid for 24 hours, and the full loop takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
You’ll glide past all the major landmarks — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Champs-Élysées — with zero stress. You can hop off if you’d like, but honestly? I’d stay on, relax, and take it all in from the top deck.
This isn’t your standard shouty-tour-guide experience either. I’ve been on a lot of city bus tours, and this was by far the most chilled, relaxing one I’ve ever taken.
FYI: If you are only in Paris for the day, I wouldn’t bother with the added cruise option – save you money – you’ll see everything you want to see from the top deck of the bus.
Get your hop-on, hop-off tickets here.
Ready to start? The Tootbus is SUPER easy, affordable and very relaxing!
Tips for Enjoying the Tootbus Like a Pro:
- Bring sunscreen — or do as we did and take an umbrella (just sit at the back of the bus so you don’t block anyone’s view).
- Ride between 12 PM and 2 PM — most people are at lunch, and you’ll enjoy a quieter ride.
- Grab a picnic — pop into a nearby Monoprix for a baguette sandwich, a takeaway coffee, or a bottle of sparkling water. Then sit back and enjoy Paris from above.
Truthfully, most of these famous landmarks look just as impressive from the bus as they do from the ground. I’ve tried both — and I’m telling you, this is the way to go.
Get your Paris Tootbus tickets here
Paris One Day Itinerary
Early Morning: A Croissant, Coffee, and a Park Bench
Your perfect day will begin, as all Parisian mornings should, with a flaky croissant and a strong coffee from the famous La Maison d’Isabelle in the 5th arrondissement.
This beloved bakery, tucked away near Place Maubert, is known for its award-winning pastries — and rightly so.
Square René Viviani & Oldest Tree in Paris (free)
With your breakfast in hand, cross the road to the tiny park across from the bakery, where you will sit beneath the branches of an ancient, gnarled tree.
It is one of those small Parisian moments that you will never forget — birdsong, fresh bread, the hum of the city waking up.
Getting onto your Paris Tour Bus
From the park, it is just a short walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral, where you will hop onto the Tootbus.
📍 Stop: Notre-Dame – Quartier Latin (easy to find, and clearly marked)
After the Tour Bus: The Market
Walking from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame along the River Seine. There is nothing better.
Get Your skip-the-line Musée d’Orsay ticket HERE
Get Your Paris Tootbus Tickets Here
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We have just left New Zealand to travel the world for a year. We are having the year away — living the dream!
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