Start at a Classic Parisian Café
What is more Parisian than a sidewalk café? Head to Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots in the chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. Both are legendary for their history, once frequented by Hemingway and Picasso. Order a café crème and a buttery croissant or a tartine (a simple but perfect slice of baguette with jam and butter).
Take a stroll along the Seine, passing by Pont des Arts, a picturesque pedestrian bridge offering postcard-worthy views of the city. From here, make your way to Musée de l’Orangerie, a smaller, more manageable museum featuring Monet’s mesmerizing Water Lilies murals. The museum’s compact size makes it ideal for those who want to absorb stunning art without spending hours in a crowded gallery.
The Charm of Montmartre
Take a short taxi or metro ride to Montmartre, one of the most romantic and artistic areas of Paris. Start at Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched on the highest hill in the city. From its steps, you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of Paris — a breathtaking sight without the crowds of the Eiffel Tower.
For a truly special experience, follow the rue des Saules, which is hidden from the usual tourist path, to reach Clos Montmartre, Paris’s only working vineyard. It’s truly a striking contrast to the urban landscape, where dark, twisted vines stretch across the hillside. Producing wine for nearly 90 years, this small but defiant vineyard embodies Montmartre’s rebellious spirit, thriving on a north-facing slope rather than the traditional sun-drenched south, and growing a diverse mix of heritage and modern hybrid grapes rather than conforming to France’s strict wine regulations. The vineyard, which also grows strawberries and many other garden plants, as well as an olive tree, is hand-weeded, and all the grapes are hand-harvested.
Your time in Montmartre would not be complete without a stop at Place du Tertre, where local artists display their work in an open-air square. If you’re feeling nostalgic, step into Au Lapin Agile, one of Paris’ oldest cabarets, where artists like Picasso and Modigliani once gathered.
For lunch, enjoy a classic bistro experience at Le Consulat, a charming, historic restaurant serving quintessential French dishes like French onion soup, duck confit and a crisp glass of Sancerre.
Leisurely Strolls and Shopping
Take the time to wander through the Marais district, an area known for its charming boutiques, antique shops and beautiful mansions. If you’re interested in fashion, stop by the Galeries Lafayette or Le Bon Marché, two of Paris’s most famous department stores, perfect for browsing high-quality souvenirs.
If you prefer a more relaxed afternoon, consider a Seine River cruise. Many sightseeing boats offer one-hour tours with comfortable seating and a fresh perspective of the city’s stunning architecture, including Notre-Dame, the Louvres and the Eiffel Tower.
Fine Dining is on the Menu
Paris is one of the world’s top culinary destinations, and dinner should be an unforgettable experience.
For those seeking the charm of an authentic Parisian bistro, Le Bon Georges is a place that feels like a well-kept secret. The dishes are a testament to French culinary heritage — hearty, flavorful and exquisitely prepared. A perfectly cooked steak-frites, a delicate mushroom fricassée or a classic crème caramel remind you that sometimes, the simplest things are the most extraordinary.
For a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience, Le Cinq at the Hotel George V offers a dining journey that feels almost dreamlike. Awarded three Michelin stars, this restaurant is where French cuisine reaches its peak — each course a work of art, each bite revealing layers of flavor meticulously crafted by some of the finest chefs in the world. The service is impeccable, with waiters who move gracefully through the room, their attention to detail making you feel as though you are the only guest there. The dishes are not just food but an expression of creativity and precision — a delicate langoustine ravioli, a rich and velvety truffle-infused risotto or a decadent soufflé that arrives at your table like a cloud, ready to melt away into pure bliss.
Nightcap with a View
End your 24 hours in Paris with a glass of Champagne or a classic French cocktail at Bar Hemingway, tucked inside the Ritz Paris. This legendary bar, once a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, offers a cozy, old-world atmosphere — an ideal place to reflect on the day’s adventures.
Alternatively, for a view you won’t forget, head to the Terrass Hotel Rooftop Bar in Montmartre, where you can sip wine while watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at the top of the hour.
An Overnight in Paris is Only the Beginning
If you find yourself sailing aboard one of our luxurious cruise ships on an itinerary that features an overnight in Paris, savor it at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to soak in the beauty, history and flavors that make this city so special.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® has consistently delivered ultra-luxury travel experiences with the very best value for over thirty years. Aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet®, enjoy unrivaled onboard space, unforgettable shoreside excursions, incomparable culinary experiences, and exceptional Heartfelt Hospitality™.