Day Two
Today’s itinerary will be a little more laidback, giving your feet a chance to rest a little after all the distance covered yesterday! Highlights will include a visit to see the masterpieces at the Louvre, followed by up and coming artists in trendy Montmartre. Finally, catch a risque show at the infamous Moulin Rouge.
Morning: Louvre
Louvre museum in Paris, France
It’s worth waking up early again to beat the line for another beloved Parisian attraction: The Louvre! As the largest (and most famous) art gallery in the world, you’ll probably need a few hours to explore it, and the lines can be just as long as the Eiffel Tower. Beat the lines by getting tickets in advance online [https://www.louvre.fr/en/online-tickets], and arriving fifteen minutes before it opens at 9am.
Once you’re in, you’ll be treated to incredible works of art including – of course – the Mona Lisa! Here you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about, and perhaps try to work out the reason for Mona Lisa’s wry smile.
If you’re an art and museum enthusiast, you can also devote an hour or two to the nearby Musee d’Orsay.
Lunch: Rue des Martyrs
The walk between the Louvre and our next recommended stop, Montmartre, is quite long and it is an option to take the metro or an Uber. However, between the two lies Rue des Martyrs, a wonderful, typical Parisian street where rumour has it that the Patron Saint of France, Saint Denis, was executed in the third century.
Today, the street has an impressive selection of cute boutiques and authentic Parisian cafes. It’s the perfect place to stop for a lunch and soak in tha je ne sais quoi of Paris. L’Home Tranquille is a family run bistro that serves delicious, simple Parisian dishes.
Afternoon: Montmartre and the Sacre Couer
Basilica of Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre, Paris
Spend the afternoon exploring artsy Montmartre, one of Paris’ most beautiful and most well-known neighbourhoods. Not only is this place popular with visitors to Paris, but it is also a hub for young artists who descend on the neighbourhood with their sketchbooks and easels. At the market at Place du Tertre young artists sell their paintings and also sketch portraits for visitors.
Also in the neighbourhood is the Sacre Couer, a beautiful basilica which is another of the most well-known attractions in Paris. It is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.
Dinner: Moulin Rouge
After spending a few hours appreciating the art in the Montmartre district, it’s time to appreciate a different type of spectacle at the (in)famous Moulin Rouge. Located only about a kilometre from Montmartre, this venue is famous for its often risque dinner shows that feature the world’s most talented burlesque dancers. It’s bound to be a truly memorable experience, so grab your tickets online [https://www.moulinrouge.fr/reservations] and enjoy the show!
If you’re not quite ready for bed after seeing the spectacle of Moulin Rouge, drop by one of the many great cocktail and wine bars in the area. We love the eye-brow raisingly named Dirty Dick, or hidden gem Orphée Privé.
