Discover Paris in a Day—With the Paris Transport Card

The Paris transport card is the key to unlock a hassle-free trip around Paris. From what it offers to where to collect it, find all the info here: Everything you need to know about the Paris transport card

When we think of Transport Cards, we think free admissions, discounts, unlimited rides, maybe? Well, they are only as effective as our knowledge on how to use them best. So here you go, here’s everything you can do in 24 hours in Paris with the Paris transport card.

24 hours in Paris — with the Paris transport card:

Itinerary across Central Paris for first-time visitors:

Everything about Paris is magical. Stroll along river Seine basking in the views of the iconic Eiffel, enter a random theatre to catch an indie flick, have all the gelato in the world or walk over Pont Alexandre III when it rains, and you’ll see that all the million dreams you’ve had about Paris were worth it.

?Top tip: Pay attention to the operational days of attractions rather than just the operational hours. The Louvre doesn’t operate on Tuesdays and the Eiffel Tower closes before midnight from late-September to mid-June(Rush if you don’t want to miss those lights!) And most importantly, Paris shut the doors to most of its attractions on January 1, July 14 and December 25.

8:30 AM:

? Reach Palais Royal – Musee du Louvre Station operating on Metro Lines 1 & 7, which is the nearest metro to the Louvre. The Louvre opens at 9 AM.

Louvre Museum

➤ Beneath the glass pyramids of the Louvre lie some of the most iconic works of art including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s David. The Louvre, where architecture brilliance meets history, is beauty inside out. ➤ En route the Eiffel tower lies the Musee d’Orsay where you should stop if you love French art and sculptures. ➤ For shopaholics, the Beaugrenelle Shopping mall near the Eiffel Tower is a must-visit. ➤ Or if you’re after street shopping, explore the luxury shopping street of Rue Saint-Dominique near Champs de Mars.

10:30 AM:

? Ride the Palais Royal metro for ~ 20 minutes to reach Rapp – la Bourdonnais Station located at about 400m from the Eiffel Tower. Or take a ride from Pont de l’Alma Station that’s a comparatively longer walk(850m) if you want to make a quick halt at the Quai Branley Museum featuring intercontinental works of art.

Eiffel Tower

➤ Amongst tonnes of attractions that scream for attention, the Eiffel need not even try. Paris and the Eiffel Tower have become almost synonymous, and no vacation gets completed without a visit here. An awe-inspiring view from the top of the Eiffel tower will sure be the most exhilarating minutes of your entire vacation. ➤ Spend some time in the famous bridge of Pont de l’Alma. ➤ Visit the Modern Art Museum — a contrasting attraction to the otherwise archaic city. ➤ Have a picnic in the Champ de Mars park.

12 PM:

? Walk to Trocadero Station at 1.3 km away to reach Charles de Gaulle – Etoile Station near the Arc de Triomphe — we promise it’s so good. Love scenic views? Gawk at the picturesque river Seine from the bridge. History Lover? Stop at the Cite de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine Museum or the Homme Museums. Got kids? They’ll love the Aquarium of Paris en route.

Arc de Triomphe

➤ The location of the Arc de Triomphe, in the juncture of Charles de Gaulle, is as iconic as the attraction itself. Explore this 18th-century neoclassical building that stands to tell tales of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars to this date. ➤ Halt in the Berges de seine, the promenade overlooking river Seine which has lots of cafes and eateries to explore. ➤ Pick any of the 12 streets connected to the Arc de Triomphe such as the Champs-Elysees and explore it by yourself. This is the perfect way to see how a day in Paris is like.

2 PM:

? Take the RER Line in Charles de Gaulle – Etoile Station to reach Auber, and walk for 2 minutes to reach the Opera de Paris. It closes at 4:30 PM.

Opera de Paris

➤ No wonder operas and ballets are so popular in a city that’s built on its cults. Watch professional artists and ballet dancers performing on stories that best reflect Europe’s medieval and modern culture alike. ➤ Wander the Tuileries Garden and immortalize the iconic statues in pictures. ➤ Visit the Orangerie Museum featuring impressionist and post-impressionist paintings — one of the famous art galleries in Paris.

6 PM:

? Reach Gare Saint Lazare Station and take the metro till Abbesses Station. Walk for 500m to reach the Montmartre neighbourhood.

Montmartre

Montmartre is an interesting neighbourhood lying above a large hill in Paris. Montmartre is best for a day trip — you will probably start for a visit to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica and Moulin Rouge, get mesmerised by the idyllic views of Rue de L’Abreuvoir and end up spending your entire day there, if not more!

Day trip itineraries for those who are re(visiting) Paris:

? Top tip: If you plan to spend most of your time in Central Paris, a zone 1-3 card would suffice as the only popular attractions that lie outside are Disneyland and the Palace of Versailles. Both offer extensive shuttle services from the central regions. Or you can take an RER line from Paris. A separate 4-5 card won’t be a great buy.

Day trip A: (From Central Paris)

? Travel from Gare d’Austerlitz to Gare de Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche by taking the RER C-Line. The Palace of Versailles operates between 9 AM and 5:30 PM.

Palace of Versailles

The Chateau de Versailles, where opulence and royalty meet, is one of the most preserved cultural heritages in Europe. After getting a good view of the garden, follow the Baroque and Neoclassique architectural trail of the palace.

Day trip B:

? Travel from Paris Gare de Lyon to Gare de Marne la Vallee Chessy by riding the RER A-Line. It operates between 8 AM and 12 AM.

Disneyland

Somewhere between rooting for Simba to take back the throne or wishing Ratatouille gets the dish right, we all grew up. Take a trip down the memory lane to Disneyland where our favourite childhood characters come alive to play with us.

Top tip: Planning to stay for the Disney light show but worried about missing your shuttle?—Fret not, the last RER train leaves at 12 AM from Marne la Vallee-Chessy station. It’s 5 minutes away from Disneyland, make sure you catch this one!

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Updated as of August 2019. The information is subject to change.

Info credits: Parisinfo.official