Categories: First Time in Paris, Paris
Paris is magical, but what if you only have a single day to explore? In Episode 583 of the Join Us in France podcast, host Annie Sargent chats with Rick McGuirk about his whirlwind adventure—proving that an one day in Paris itinerary can pack in the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Seine cruises, and more. Whether you’re on a layover, a quick business trip, or just squeezing in a solo day, Rick’s story shows how to make every minute count.
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Why One Day in Paris? Rick found himself in Paris for work, with just one extra day to explore. Instead of wasting it, he crafted a fast-paced but rewarding one day in Paris itinerary. His goal? Show his coworker the highlights, then dive deeper alone. Annie, a Paris expert, breaks down his strategy so you can replicate it.
Rick’s first tip: Prioritize. Skip the lines, wear comfy shoes, and keep your phone charged. Paris rewards those who plan—but also leaves room for spontaneity.
Evening Stroll: Luxembourg to the Eiffel Tower
Rick’s trip started with a coworker who’d never seen Paris. They began at Luxembourg Gardens, a serene spot with fountains and history. From there, they walked to Saint-Sulpice Church, a grand but often overlooked gem. Annie notes the Delacroix paintings and the gnomon (an ancient astronomical tool) as must-sees.
Next, they wandered through Saint-Germain-des-Prés, passing Notre-Dame (still under renovation in 2024) and the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. The evening ended at the Eiffel Tower, where Rick insisted on waiting 15 minutes for the sparkling light show—worth every second.
Solo Adventure: Sunrise to Sunset
The next morning, Rick went solo. He started at Trocadéro with a croissant, soaking in the Eiffel Tower views. His original plan? A hop-on/hop-off bus. But Paris traffic (thanks, Olympic prep!) turned it into a walking tour.
He hit the Louvre Courtyard (pro tip: the underground mall has free exhibits!), then Notre-Dame again—this time with daylight. Lunch was at Le Comptoir du Relais in Saint-Germain, a local favorite.
Afterward, Rick grabbed pastries and sat by the Seine at Square du Vert-Galant, a hidden spot with river views. He then explored the Marais, snapped photos at Hôtel de Ville, and treated himself to ice cream at Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis.
Museums Without Crowds
Rick’s secret weapon: Timing. He visited the Musée de Rodin in the afternoon—no lines. The gardens alone are worth it. Later, he took a Seine River cruise, sipping wine while gliding past landmarks.
As evening fell, he headed to Musée de l’Orangerie (open late on Fridays) for Monet’s Water Lilies. Annie calls it a "bang-for-your-buck museum"—small but stunning.
Lessons Learned: Rick’s Top Tips
- Walk everywhere. Rick logged 32,000 steps—but saw more than any bus could offer.
- Use Uber strategically. He took one to l’Orangerie after dark, avoiding tired feet.
- Eat like a local. From Le Comptoir du Relais to a corner crêpe stand, food fueled his journey.
- Charge your phone. Google Maps and photos drain batteries fast.
Annie adds: Batobus (the river taxi) is a great alternative to buses. And always buy tickets online for major sites.
One Day in Paris: How to See the Best of the City in 24 Hours
Rick’s one day in Paris itinerary proves you don’t need weeks to experience the city’s magic. His mix of iconic sights, hidden gems, and smart logistics makes it repeatable for anyone.
Listen and Plan Your Trip
Want the full story? Listen to Episode 583 for Rick’s playful tales and Annie’s expert tips. Then, subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to never miss an episode.
Join Us in France is your weekly dose of travel inspiration, cultural deep dives, and practical tips. Hit subscribe and let’s explore France together!
Table of Contents for this Episode
Table of Contents for this Episode
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Discussed in this Episode
- Luxembourg Gardens
- Saint-Sulpice Church
- Medici Fountain
- Notre-Dame
- Shakespeare and Company
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Conciergerie
- Arc de Triomphe
- Trocadéro
- Eiffel Tower
- Carrousel du Louvre
- Courre de Commerce
- Le Comptoir du Relais
- Square du Vert-Galant
- Marais
- Hôtel de Ville
- Île Saint-Louis
- Bertillon
- Musée de Rodin
- Hôtel Invalides
- Musée de l'Orangerie
- Place de la Concorde
- Champs-Élysées
- Le Kleber Brasserie
- Batobus
- croissant
- crêpe sucre
- white wine
- pastries
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TranscriptCategories: First Time in Paris, Paris