12 hours in Paris is probably long enough to make you fall in love with the city, to allow you to see why so many songs, books and films feature the world’s most romantic city, to have a glimpse of Paris, and to make you realise that twelve hours is not nearly enough time to see everything ahere.
What twelve hours in Paris can do is to make you want to come back again, and agin, and maybe even again.
Ok, if you’re ready to hit up some of the things to see in Paris, you will need a map and a carnet, which is a set of ten tickets for the Paris Metro which can be used everywhere. Walking or using the Metro will get you round much more quickly than surface transport – think of the the films you have seen featuring Paris taxis!
Start at the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur at Montmartre. The view of the city from here, the highest point, is breathtaking, and may even make up for probably not having enough time to queue for the top of the Eiffel Tower. Montmartre is traditionally the artists district, and still there are easels to be seen just below the dome of the church. After a coffee in the Place du Terte, make for the Metro and head for Charles de Gaulle Etoile, which is the sop for l’Arc de Triomphe.
After marvelling at this, Have a look at the skyline, you should be able to see the top of the Eiffel Tower. About twenty minutes walking through residential streets should bring you to the base of the Tower, or take the Metro again to either Bir Hakeim or Dupleix. Having gazed in awe at the Tower, and decided whether or not to ascend, it is time to move on. The next stop on this whistle stop tour is the cathedral of Notre Dame. This is easily within walking distance alongside the river Seine.
You are now in the Ile de la Cite where Paris first began around 300BC. After gazing in wonder at the celebrated gargoyles, you can go up the spiral staircase in the cathedral and get another amazing view all over Paris.
A short walk will take you to the Marais district, which is traditionally the Jewish quarter of Paris, and is now better known as the gay quarter, and for its infamous resident, the Dior designer, John Galliano.
The Marais district is full of history and culture, and the remainder of the limited time in Paris could best be spent here, browsing the vintage shops, visiting the Picasso Museum. It is also an excellent place to eat, possibly in one of the many cafes on la Rue des Rosiers.
The twelve hours in Paris are up, but I have no doubt you will be back to see more of this fascinating place.
