WEEKEND IN PARIS: BEYOND THE CLASSICS, BUT WITH A FEW MUST-SEES
Having lived in Paris for several years, I’ve had the chance to welcome quite a few friends and family members. One of these visits has even become a ritual: the annual cousins' weekend! The first edition, in February 2021, was marked by the restrictions of the time — a Paris with closed restaurants and nearly deserted streets. From that stay, we mostly have "frozen" memories: McDonald's in the Tuileries Garden and a hunt for hats and gloves on the Champs-Élysées.
A year later, my cousins returned, this time with a more touristy objective: to discover Paris differently, setting aside classics like the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre. The idea? To explore must-see places while adding a touch of mystery, as I had prepared clues for each activity, revealed at the last moment.
DAY 1: Paris from Above
Clue for the first activity: "A viewpoint where the tiles are very clean."
We started our weekend with a nighttime visit to the Panoramic Observatory at the Montparnasse Tower. After taking the fastest elevator in Europe to the 56th floor, we enjoyed an exceptional view of Paris from the observatory before heading up to the outdoor terrace. From there, all of Paris unfolded before our eyes: the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, La Défense, and the Arc de Triomphe were beautifully illuminated. Observing the city at night is a magical moment, and I highly recommend it for admiring the lights of Paris.
Depending on the season, the terrace offers various activities: temporary exhibitions, or even an ice rink in winter. For those looking to dine or have a drink with a view, the Ciel de Paris restaurant is a popular option (be sure to make a reservation).
- Visiting hours: 9:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Prices: Adults: 19€ / Students and youths: 14.50€ / Children: 10€
- Tip : Reserve online, as prices on site are higher.
DAY 2: Immersion and Escape
Clue for the second activity: "An American film with a dinosaur and Ben Stiller."
After a good night’s sleep, we started our day with a morning visit to the National Museum of Natural History. And no, I’m not talking about the place from the movie "Night at the Museum," but a fascinating venue that deserves to be explored. I had booked us tickets for the trendy exhibition at the moment, the Sensory Odyssey, which immersed us in an experience engaging our three senses: hearing, smell, and sight. This exhibition allowed us to explore eight varied natural environments, from tropical regions to temperate zones, and all the way to the Arctic tundra.
After this captivating sensory experience, we took the time to stroll through the Grand Gallery of Evolution, a magnificent space.
- Visiting hours: 10 AM - 6 PM
- Prices: Full price: 13€ / Under 26: Free
- Tip: Remember to book online in advance, especially for temporary exhibitions that fill up quickly!
Clue for the third activity: المسجد الكبير في باريس
Just a short walk from the National Museum of Natural History is our third activity: the Great Mosque of Paris. This place of worship, dedicated to practitioners of the Muslim faith, is also a must-visit monument due to its architectural beauty. Its mosaic-adorned facades, garden surrounded by marble columns, and majestic minaret all contribute to the richness of this location.
- Visiting hours: 9 AM - 6PM (closed on Fridays)
- Prices: Full price: 3€ / Children and students: 2€
- Reservations can be made on-site
In addition to the place of worship, the complex houses a restaurant, a tea room, and a hammam (reserved for women), all highly regarded for their quality.
After our visit, we strolled through the streets to find a place to eat near our next museum. We then had lunch at Paradis du Fruit – Saint Michel, a chain offering smoothies and customizable dishes, perfect for a refreshing break.
Clue for the fourth activity: "A museum where little artists grow like grass!"
The Musée en Herbe is a place that came highly recommended to me, but I had some doubts during my reservation about its suitability for our group. Indeed, this museum is primarily aimed at children. During our visit, we discovered the exhibition “Imaginary Worlds” by Speedy Graphito, a pioneer of street art, showcasing vibrant works of art. At the entrance, a booklet tailored for young visitors was provided to help them look for clues in the paintings and displayed objects.
Without a doubt, I recommend this museum for families, but less so for groups of adults, unless you opt for a guided tour specifically designed for adults. The museum also offers creative workshops for children, suitable for their age.
- Visiting hours: 10 AM - 7 PM
- Prices: Free visit full price: 8€ / Free visit reduced price: 7€ / Guided tour for adults: 11,5€
- Tip: Remember to book online to secure your spot.
After our museum visit, we enjoyed our free time strolling along the quays.
Clue for the fifth activity: "Keeper's lodging"
After our pleasant stroll along the quays, we decided to head to the Conciergerie. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Conciergerie is one of the oldest remnants of the Palais de la Cité. This historical monument has served as a power residence before becoming a prison, where Marie Antoinette was held.
At the entrance, an interactive tablet is available to help visitors reconstruct images from the past, but we found the place rather empty. The visit didn’t fully captivate us.
- Visiting hours: 9:30 AM - 6 PM
- Prices: Adultes: 13€ / Under 26: Free
- Tip: To avoid queues, remember to book your tickets online.
Clue for the snack: Treats... with a very original shape
Trending on TikTok since it just opened in Paris, we had our snack at La Quéquetterie. They serve waffles shaped like "Quéquettes or foufounes." Beyond the amusing shape, they were delicious and indulgent. At the time, due to its popularity, we had to wait in line for about half an hour. I'm not sure if that's still the case today.
- Price of the waffles: between €6 and €8.
Clue for the 6th activity: Ready to dig where some minds are still locked away...
After this snack break, we headed to the Opéra Garnier, not to visit it but to challenge our brains at an escape game nearby. I chose Victory Escape Game to try the experience titled “The Guinea Pigs of Shutter Island.” You don't need to have seen the film to enjoy the game, as the story takes place in a psychiatric hospital, and the atmosphere is particularly immersive.This challenge is quite difficult, so I wouldn't recommend it for beginners. However, if you are a fan of escape games, go for it! The game master and the setup create a thrilling and tense atmosphere.
Don't forget to book online and in advance to secure your spot.
I don't know if this escape game is available in English.
DAY 3 : A gourmet brunch and scenic views
Brunch clue: A brunch where chocolate reigns supreme
- A choice of main dish, either sweet or savory
- A side dish
- Pastries, mini waffles, and fresh fruit
- A beverage
- And to end on a high note: a tasting of six chocolates, followed by your choice of a chocolate delight, such as a hot chocolate, a ramekin of chocolate, a chocolate-coated ice cream, or a choco-cappuccino.
- Price: Starting at €20
- Brunch is available every day of the week
- Tip: Be sure to book your table online to secure a spot.
Clue for the 7th and Final Activity: A View Over the World’s Most Beautiful Avenue
After a filling brunch, we headed to the Arc de Triomphe to take in the famous Champs-Élysées from its summit. To reach it, we first passed through the Passage du Souvenir, an underground walkway that leads across the Étoile roundabout and brings you close to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Next, we climbed the 284 steps to the terrace, where we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Paris.
- Prices: Adults: €16 / Under 26: free / Free for all on the first Sunday of each month
- Tip: Book online to avoid waiting in line.
This visit marked the end of our weekend, with everyone heading back to Normandy, hearts full of memories.
Practical Information
Public Transport
During our stay, we made a few trips on foot, but mostly relied on the metro. For Friday and Sunday, we opted to buy single tickets as it was more economical than purchasing a day pass.
There’s now a convenient option to buy a reusable card for €2, which can be easily reloaded at metro kiosks or on your phone. This card helps avoid losing tickets or having them demagnetized.
For Saturday, we chose the Paris Visite Pass (Zones 1-3 – Central Paris). This pass offers unlimited travel on the metro, RER, Transilien, trams, and buses within Paris and select stops in the suburbs. It's available for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days, valid from 12:00 am on the first day until 11:59 pm on the final day. Note, this is not a 24-hour pass starting from the purchase time. For example, if you purchase a 1-day pass on February 6th at 11:32 am, it will only be valid until 11:59 pm that same day, not until 11:32 am the next day.
If you’re staying outside these zones or want to visit Disneyland, Château de Versailles, or any of the airports, you’ll need the Paris Visite Pass (Zones 1-5).
- Prices:
- Single metro ticket (within Paris): €2.15
- 1-day Paris Visite Pass (Zones 1-3): €13.95
Fare prices may change, so feel free to check the RATP website for the latest information on tickets and passes.
To plan your metro or walking routes, I highly recommend using the CityMapper app – it’s super handy!
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