After years of canceled plans, delays, and waiting for the right moment, we finally arrived in Paris as a family.
This trip had been a long time coming, and stepping into the city felt both surreal and deeply meaningful. We knew we only had a limited amount of time to explore, so we made the decision to approach our first day slowly—letting the city unfold around us rather than rushing from place to place.
We spent the morning in Saint Germain before gradually making our way across the city toward the Seine, the Louvre, and eventually the Eiffel Tower.
What followed was a full day of walking through Paris, from quiet cafés to iconic landmarks, each stop adding another layer to our first impression of the city.
One Day in Paris
- Morning in Saint Germain
- Walking Along the Seine River
- The Louvre Courtyard & Unexpected Kindness
- Notre Dame Cathedral Under Restoration
- Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
- Arc de Triomphe & Paris City Layout
- Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro Views
- FAQ: A Day in Paris
Morning in Saint Germain
We began our day in the Saint Germain area with a perfectly French breakfast at Café Louise—croissants, coffee, and fresh fruit served at a small table by the window.
The café felt elegant but unhurried, with sunlight coming through the glass and a steady flow of people passing along the street outside. It was the kind of moment where we could simply sit, breathe, and take in the fact that we were finally here.
Watching the neighborhood wake up around us made the experience feel real in a way that arrival the day before had not. Paris wasn’t something we were imagining anymore—it was unfolding right in front of us.
It was the perfect beginning to our first full day in the city.
Afterward, we were ready to spend the day walking through Paris. Just a short distance away, we came across the famous Les Deux Magots, a café that has long been associated with writers and artists such as Ernest Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, Pablo Picasso, and Julia Child. Originally named after a novelty shop that once occupied the space, it has become one of the most recognizable literary cafés in the city.
Walking Along the Seine River
From Les Deux Magots, we continued our walk through the Saint Germain area and soon found ourselves crossing the Seine River.
The Seine stretches through the heart of Paris, weaving the city together with its many bridges and walkways. Standing along the riverbanks, it felt like we were finally seeing the version of Paris we had imagined for so long—elegant buildings, stone embankments, and bridges arching gracefully over the water. We paused often, simply taking in the views as boats moved slowly beneath us and people gathered along the edges of the river.
The Louvre Courtyard & Unexpected Kindness
As we crossed one of the bridges, we began making our way toward the Louvre. Even before reaching the main entrance, we found ourselves walking along the outer edges of the museum grounds, where the scale of the former royal palace already felt overwhelming. The architecture alone was enough to stop us in our tracks.
Originally built as a fortress in the 12th and 13th centuries under Philip II, the Louvre later became a royal residence and was expanded significantly under King Francis I in the 16th century. He transformed it from a defensive structure into a palace influenced by Renaissance design, emphasizing symmetry, proportion, and classical details. Over time, it evolved again—eventually becoming one of the most famous museums in the world.
By the time we reached the main courtyard, we were surrounded by the full expanse of the Louvre complex. The historic palace buildings framed the space, while the modern glass pyramids stood in contrast at the center. While some people feel the pyramids disrupt the traditional architecture, I found the blend of old and new to be part of what makes the space so striking. It felt fitting that a place dedicated to art would itself reflect multiple eras of design.
The scale of the space—and the number of people gathered there—was overwhelming. A long line stretched toward the entrance, and for a moment we considered whether it was worth trying to go inside at all, especially with limited time and a full day still ahead of us.
While we were standing there, we asked a nearby security guard if there was a public restroom in the area. In a simple but unexpectedly kind gesture, he not only gave us directions but also let us skip the long line and enter directly into the lobby of the Louvre to use the facilities.
That small moment changed how we saw the city. It was such a simple act of kindness, but it also made us realize something we would feel again and again in Paris—that despite the crowds and intensity of the most famous places, there was also a surprising level of patience and family-friendliness in how people treated visitors.
Once inside the lobby, we were able to see the famous inverted pyramid skylight hanging above us, a striking modern contrast to the historic architecture of the museum. It was part of the 1990s renovation and has since become one of the Louvre’s most recognizable interior features. It was also featured in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, which added a layer of intrigue for many visitors.
Because of the crowds and the way our day was unfolding, we ultimately decided not to continue into the galleries that day. Instead, we stepped back outside and continued on through the city, with the Louvre still feeling like an incredible place we would need far more time to properly explore.
Even without seeing the art inside, the experience of being there—especially that unexpected moment of kindness—stayed with us.
Standing there, it was easy to understand how the Louvre became what it is today—an institution that holds thousands of years of history, creativity, and human expression all in one place.
Notre Dame Cathedral Under Restoration
From the Louvre, we continued our walk through the city toward the Île de la Cité and eventually arrived at the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Seeing it in person was a very different experience than I expected. The cathedral is currently surrounded by cranes, scaffolding, and construction barriers as restoration work continues following the devastating fire in 2019. Even with all of that in place, the scale and presence of the building still come through. The front façade remains intact and striking, standing as a reminder of the cathedral’s long and complex history.
Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, Notre Dame is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. Its flying buttresses, rose windows, and intricate stonework have made it one of the most recognized cathedrals in Europe. Over the centuries, it has also endured periods of damage and neglect, including significant destruction during the French Revolution, when much of its religious imagery was defaced or removed.
By the 19th century, the cathedral was in such poor condition that there were serious discussions about demolishing it entirely. It was Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame that helped renew public interest in the building and ultimately contributed to its preservation and restoration.
Standing outside the cathedral today, it is clear that Notre Dame is once again in the midst of another long restoration chapter. This current work is being done with careful attention to historical accuracy, aiming to restore the building as closely as possible to its original design.
Even with the construction, there is something powerful about being there. It is not just a landmark—it is a place that reflects centuries of history, loss, resilience, and renewal. Walking around the site, it felt less like a sightseeing stop and more like a moment of pause in the middle of a very full day.
Despite not being able to go inside, I was glad we made the stop. Some places are worth seeing even in their unfinished or imperfect state, and Notre Dame was one of those places.
Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Just across the river from Notre Dame is the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore, one of the most beloved English-language bookstores in Paris.
The original shop opened in 1919, and while the current location carries on its legacy, it has become an institution in its own right. Over the years, it has welcomed countless writers, readers, and travelers through its narrow aisles filled with stacked books and cozy reading corners.
Walking inside felt like stepping into a different kind of Paris—quieter, slower, and more personal. After the crowds and scale of the Louvre and Notre Dame, it was a welcome change of pace. The shelves were tightly packed, the rooms slightly uneven and full of character, and every corner seemed to hold something worth pausing for.
I picked up a copy of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and had it stamped with the bookstore’s signature logo inside the cover, a small but meaningful souvenir from the day. It quickly became my favorite bookstore we visited on the entire trip.
More than anything, Shakespeare and Company felt like a place that invites you to linger. It is not just about buying books, but about being surrounded by stories—both the ones on the shelves and the ones created by everyone who passes through.
Arc de Triomphe & Paris City Layout
From Shakespeare and Company, we continued our walk through the city, eventually making our way toward the Arc de Triomphe.
Standing at the monument, it became clear just how intentionally Paris is designed around its major landmarks. The Arc sits at the center of a series of radiating avenues, forming a symbolic axis that connects many of the city’s most important sites.
The monument itself was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte to honor those who fought and died during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. At its base lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, with an eternal flame that is rekindled each evening in remembrance.
What stood out most to me was not just the history, but the sense of scale. The Arc de Triomphe feels less like a single monument and more like a centerpiece of the entire city—anchoring the wide boulevards and framing the movement of Paris around it.
While standing there, we also noticed how the city quietly weaves together layers of history and international connection. Nearby streets and statues reference figures such as George Washington and Woodrow Wilson, a reminder of the long-standing relationship between France and the United States.
It was one of those moments where you begin to understand Paris not just as a collection of landmarks, but as a carefully structured city where history, symbolism, and daily life all intersect.
Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro Views
After a full day of walking through history, art, and neighborhoods, we saved the most iconic view for last. We continued our walk through Paris until the city gradually opened up toward one of its most iconic landmarks—the Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower rises above the city in a way that feels almost surreal the first time you see it in person. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, it was originally met with criticism and protest from Parisians who felt it did not belong in the city’s historic skyline. Today, it stands as one of the most recognizable structures in the world and an enduring symbol of Paris.
We made our way to the Jardins du Trocadéro, where the view of the tower opens up across fountains, terraces, and wide public spaces filled with people from all over the world. It was here that we slowed down for a while, letting the moment settle in after a full day of walking through the city.
One of the highlights for our daughter was the carousel near the base of the tower. With the Eiffel Tower rising in the background, she insisted on riding it, especially after choosing a purple beret earlier in the day. Watching her enjoy that moment with the city behind her felt like a perfect snapshot of the trip.
We decided not to go all the way to the top of the tower, choosing instead to spend time on the second level, where the views of Paris stretched out in every direction. From there, the city felt endless—bridges, rooftops, and streets all blending into a living map of everything we had walked earlier in the day.
We also picked up a box of macarons and sat for a while, simply taking in the view. The tower itself stands 1,083 feet tall and was once the tallest man-made structure in the world until it was surpassed by the Chrysler Building in 1930. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, and today remains one of the most visited monuments on earth.
As evening approached, the tower was undergoing preparations for upcoming Olympic events, a reminder that even the most historic parts of Paris are still part of a living, evolving city.
We stayed longer than we probably should have, hoping to wait for the lights to turn on, but the long day finally caught up with us. Instead, we added it to our growing “next time in Paris” list and slowly made our way back through the city.
It felt like the only possible way to end our first day in Paris—standing beneath something we had seen in photos for years, finally experiencing it together in person.
FAQ: A Day in Paris
- Is one day enough to see Paris?
One day in Paris is enough to get a meaningful first impression of the city, but not nearly enough to see everything. We were able to walk through several major landmarks and neighborhoods, but still left feeling like we had only scratched the surface. Paris is a city that really rewards slow exploration and multiple visits.
- What ist he best way to spend one day in Paris?
The best way to spend one day in Paris is on foot, moving through a few key neighborhoods rather than trying to rush between attractions. Our day in Saint Germain, along the Seine, through the Louvre courtyard, Notre Dame, and ending at the Eiffel Tower gave us a great balance of cafés, history, and iconic views.
- Can you walk around Paris in a day?
Yes—you can walk a large portion of central Paris in a day, especially if you group landmarks that are relatively close together. We were surprised by how walkable the city felt, although it is still a very full and active day with a lot of ground covered.
- Do you need tickets to visit the Louvre?
Yes, tickets are required to enter the Louvre museum. In our case, we only visited the courtyard and lobby area, but if you plan to go inside the galleries, it is best to book tickets in advance because the lines can be very long.
- What is the best view of the Eiffel Tower?
One of the best views of the Eiffel Tower is from the Jardins du Trocadéro across the river. This is where we spent time watching the tower and enjoying the atmosphere before going up to the second level for views across the city.
- Is Shakespeare and Company worth visiting?
Yes—especially if you enjoy books or quieter spaces in busy cities. Shakespeare and Company felt like a peaceful break from the more crowded landmarks and ended up being one of our favorite stops of the day.
Our first day in Paris was long, full, and unforgettable.
From quiet mornings in Saint Germain to standing beneath the Eiffel Tower at the end of the day, we moved through the city feeling both overwhelmed and incredibly grateful to finally be there. Each stop—cafés, riverside walks, historic landmarks, and hidden bookstores—felt like a moment we had been waiting years to experience.
We didn’t manage to see everything, and we didn’t try to. Instead, we let the city unfold around us one step at a time.
Paris is a place that seems to divide people, but for us, there was no hesitation. We left already thinking about when we might return, knowing there is still so much more to discover.
And as we made our way back through the city that evening, tired but content, it felt clear that this was just the beginning of our time in Paris.
Our first day in Paris may have come to an end, but there was still so much left to explore…
Thank you for joining me on this visit to Paris. May life always have the hue of seeing things through rose colored glasses.
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