EN All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
Paris
Sights and Landmarks in Paris near Le Meurice
Paris may well have its modern side, but at its core the city retains a resolute sense of grandeur and historical influence. From the world’s most visited art museums to sites dating back to the French Revolution, as well as countless other temples to culture and good taste, this two-day itinerary for the City of Light is rich in iconic landmarks.
Day one
From Le Meurice, take a 20-minute taxi ride straight to the Sacré Coeur for the first stop of the day.
T: +33 1 53 41 89 00 | 35 Rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre, 75018 Paris
Sacré Coeur
Perched on the top of the Butte Montmartre, the Sacré Coeur stands at the highest point in Paris, like a sentinel overlooking the sprawling cityscape. The climb upwards is rewarded with unmatched vistas, but the basilica itself is also worth a wander: three-domed and gleaming white, the striking landmark officially opened in 1914.
The Musée du Louvre is then 20 minutes away by taxi.
T: +33 1 40 20 53 17 | 75058 Paris
Musée du Louvre
The world’s most visited art museum (nearly 10 million visitors pass through its iconic pyramid entrance each year), the Louvre is an unsurpassed bastion of the arts. Given that around 35,000 individual pieces are on display at any one time, from the Mona Lisa to Greco-Roman antiquities, it would take weeks to fully explore these hallowed halls. Before Stendhal Syndrome sets in, enjoy a peaceful reprieve in the Jardin des Tuileries outside.
Next, take a 15-minute walk to Place Vendôme.
75001 Paris
Place Vendôme
Taking pride of place in the glitzy first arrondissement, the Place Vendôme is an upmarket public square crowned by the Colonne Vendôme, a war monument originally commissioned by Napoleon. Despite being built as a monument to political and military might, today the square is populated by jewellery stores and other high-end addresses.
Then, head back towards the river, taking a 15-minute walk through the Jardin des Tuileries and over the Seine to the Musée d’Orsay.
T: +33 1 40 49 48 14 | 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris
Musée d’Orsay
Located in the former Orsay railway station, the Musée d’Orsay’s collection spans several decades, encompassing a wide range of works from Impressionism to Art Nouveau. Masterpieces by the likes of Monet, Mondrian and Gauguin adorn the walls, while other vast exhibition rooms are dedicated to sculpture, photography and furnishings.
The final stop of the day is the Place de la Concorde, 10 minutes’ walk from the museum.
75008 Paris
Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is an iconic public square with a chequered past. Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, amongst many others, were sent to the guillotine here during the height of the French Revolution, but today it possesses a far more sedate atmosphere. The ancient Egyptian Luxor Obelisk, which stands in the centre of the Place de la Concorde, is especially impressive.
The hotel is then less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Place de la Concorde
Day two
To spend the morning at the Château de Versailles, take a 40-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
T: +33 1 30 83 78 00 | Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles
Château de Versailles
Impossibly opulent, the vast Palace of Versailles, located southwest of Paris, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as one of France’s most visually striking landmarks. Once the home of royalty, today its sweeping grounds, royal stables and magnificent interior are open to visitors.
Then, take a taxi for the 40-minute journey to the Pont Neuf.
75001 Paris
Pont Neuf
The oldest bridge in Paris (despite its name, which translates to “New Bridge”), the scenic Pont Neuf stretches across the Seine, connecting both the Left and Right Banks with the Île de la Cité. Rich in royal history and romance, the stone bridge offers some of Paris’s most impressive vistas.
A 10-minute walk through the Île de la Cité will then bring you to Notre Dame Cathedral.
T: +33 1 42 34 56 10 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral
One of the world’s great cathedrals, Notre Dame has been immortalised in countless accounts of fact and fiction since its construction was completed in the 14th century. An imposing example of the gothic style, this landmark is an impressive monument, dear to the heart of both Parisians and visitors alike. A fire damaged the structure, particularly the spire and roof, during a fire in April 2019; plans are afoot to rebuild this architectural gem in its original form.
From Notre Dame, the Place des Vosges is 10 minutes away by taxi or 20 minutes on foot.
75004 Paris
Place des Vosges
Once the favoured haunt of noblemen and members of 17th century high society, the Place des Vosges – located in the scenic Marais district – is one of Europe’s oldest residential squares. Flanked by rows of distinctive red-bricked houses, today the square is an urban oasis, with no shortage of surrounding bars and cafes offering prime locations for a coffee.
The Palais Garnier, the final stop of the day, is then 15 minutes away by taxi.
T: +33 1 71 25 24 23 | Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
Palais Garnier
An utterly opulent example of 19th century French architecture, the Palais Garnier hosts the Opéra National de Paris, in addition to performances by visiting ballet companies and orchestras. The foyer, with its sea of chandeliers and grand staircase, makes stopping by a necessity, even for those who don’t have a performance booked.
To get back to the hotel, take a five-minute taxi ride or 15-minute walk.
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