48 hours in a city—or even in a friend or family member’s home—feels just right these days. When traveling with my husband and children, we never want to overstay our welcome, and when traveling alone, I don’t want to be away from them for too long. A two-day trip means only two dinners out and an itinerary that’s packed, but there’s a certain magic in that energy. You leave feeling exhilarated, with just enough of a taste to make you eager to return.
And what better place to experience that than Paris in the month of love? Whether you’re treating yourself or celebrating a special occasion, here’s one version of a dreamy 48-hour solo itinerary in the City of Love. It was impossible to choose from so many favorites, but this is a start. Bon voyage!
Favorite Place to Stay: Le Meurice, Paris
Day 1: Art, Fashion & Spa
Morning:
• 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Alain Ducasse at Le Meurice. (I'm still dreaming about this breakfast spread....YUUUM!)
• 9:30 AM – Walk to Musée de l’Orangerie to see Monet’s Water Lilies.
• 11:00 AM – Visit Musée Yves Saint Laurent for a deep dive into Parisian fashion history.
Afternoon:
• 12:30 PM – Lunch at Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
• 2:00 PM – Visit Deyrolle, a fascinating naturalist boutique with taxidermy, butterflies, and botanical prints. (My framed butterflies in my home pictured above are from Deyrolle!)
• 3:00 PM – Explore Shakespeare & Company bookstore, then browse vintage and independent shops in the Marais. (My time spent shopping around NYC for the Jimmy Fallon team taught me that there are vintage GEMS in every shop, you just have to be willing to work around the store slowly and take your time digging.)
• 4:30 PM – Afternoon tea at Le Meurice with pastries by Cédric Grolet.
• 5:30 PM – Spa treatment at Le Meurice’s Valmont Spa – Try their signature anti-aging facial or a Swiss lymphatic drainage massage. (Book this NOW!)
Evening:
• 6:30 PM – Freshen up at the hotel.
• 8:00 PM – Wine and charcuterie at **Frenchie Bar à Vins in the 2nd arrondissement.
• 10:00 PM – Enjoy a creative cocktail at Little Red Door, one of Paris’s best speakeasies.
**Another great dinner option a short walk from the hotel, Michelin-starred dinner at Le Grand Restaurant (2⭐️) by Jean-François Piège.
Day 2: Creativity, Boating, and Sunset Views
Morning:
• 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Alain Ducasse at Le Meurice.
• 9:30 AM – Take a painting class in Montmartre.
• 11:30 AM – Walk up to Sacré-Cœur for breathtaking panoramic views.
Afternoon:
• 12:30 PM – Lunch at Pink Mamma for Italian cuisine in a beautiful space.
• 2:00 PM – Visit Musée Rodin and stroll through its gardens.
• 3:30 PM – Shop for my children’s gifts at Bonton and La Grande Récré.
• 4:30 PM – Take a cooking class (French pastry or charcuterie-focused).
Evening:
• 6:30 PM – Freshen up at the hotel.
• 7:30 PM – Sunset Seine River cruise with a glass of champagne.
• 9:00 PM – Dinner at Girafe, offering incredible Eiffel Tower views.
• 11:00 PM – A nightcap at Bar Hemingway at the Ritz.
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