Paris
Three days minimum; book museum slots ahead.
1Le Marais cafés
Le Marais cafés is the sit-and-watch-Paris-go-by stop — order, linger, repeat.
- ·Order the house specialty rather than a flat white
- ·Take an outdoor table and people-watch for a while
- ·Ask staff where they eat next — the best tip you'll get
Where to stay here
2Canal Saint-Martin quays
Water is the whole point here — Canal Saint-Martin quays shows Paris from a different angle.
- ·Take the earliest departure for calm water and low light
- ·Bring a dry bag and something warm for the return leg
- ·Walk part of the shoreline once you're back on land
Where to stay here
3Louvre courtyard
The cultural set-piece of Paris: Louvre courtyard is worth two unhurried hours.
- ·Book a timed ticket online to skip the queue
- ·Pick two or three rooms rather than the whole floor plan
- ·End at the café or bookshop for a break and local reads
Where to stay here
4Montmartre steps
A walkable highlight of Paris: Montmartre steps turns the scenery into a proper outing.
- ·Start early to beat both heat and crowds
- ·Carry water, sun cover and a downloaded offline map
- ·Turn around at the halfway point if the light is fading
Where to stay here
5Rue Montorgueil bistros
A local favourite in Paris and an easy add-on to your day around Rue Montorgueil bistros.
- ·Give it an unhurried hour rather than a quick stop
- ·Ask a local what the best time of day to visit is
- ·Pair it with a nearby café or viewpoint to round out the visit
Where to stay here
6Buttes-Chaumont park
Buttes-Chaumont park is the green breathing space of Paris, good for a slow hour on foot.
- ·Walk the outer loop before cutting through the middle
- ·Pack a picnic from a nearby bakery or market
- ·Go at dawn or dusk for the best wildlife and birdsong
Where to stay here
7Seine bateaux-mouches
Seine bateaux-mouches is the sit-and-watch-Paris-go-by stop — order, linger, repeat.
- ·Order the house specialty rather than a flat white
- ·Take an outdoor table and people-watch for a while
- ·Ask staff where they eat next — the best tip you'll get
Where to stay here
