Paris isn’t a city you rush through — but sometimes you’ve only got a few hours to work with. Maybe you’ve just landed at CDG Airport, you’re killing time before a train from Gare de Lyon, or you’re on a layover en route to Disneyland Paris or Château de Versailles. Whatever the reason, there’s no need to spend that precious time sitting around.
This half-day walking route covers two of the most iconic Paris landmarks — the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral — plus a few memorable stops in between. And because Paris’s cobbled streets and river paths are far more enjoyable when you’re not dragging a suitcase, we’ll keep it bag-free.
🧳 Step 1: Store Your Luggage First
Before you start, drop your bags at Stasher’s secure luggage storage service near your arrival point. There are options close to Gare de Lyon, Gare Montparnasse, and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame Station, so you can pick whichever is most convenient for your journey. Travelling light makes all the difference — especially in busy areas around Châtelet Les Halles or the riverbanks.
🚶 Step 2: Start at the Eiffel Tower
Begin your route at Trocadéro Gardens for that perfect Eiffel Tower photo — arguably the best view in the city. Then, wander down across the Seine via Pont d’Iéna and into Champ de Mars for a closer look. If queues aren’t too crazy, you can take the lift up for panoramic views over the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and Grand Palais.
🖼 Step 3: Follow the Seine Towards the Centre
From the Eiffel Tower, walk east along the Right Bank for a scenic riverside route. You’ll pass elegant bridges and get glimpses of famous museums like the Musée d’Orsay across the water. If time allows, detour into Le Marais for a quick coffee — it’s a neighbourhood full of charm, boutiques, and history.
⛪ Step 4: Notre-Dame Cathedral
Cross over to the Île de la Cité via Pont Neuf or Pont Saint-Michel, arriving at the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even with restoration work ongoing, the gothic façade and towers are magnificent. The surrounding Latin Quarter is perfect for a quick bite — think crêpes, baguettes, or a sit-down café moment.
🛍 Step 5: Optional Add-Ons if Time Allows
If you still have some breathing room before heading back:
- Galeries Lafayette Haussmann or Printemps Haussmann – Parisian shopping with rooftop views.
- Centre Pompidou – For modern art lovers and striking architecture.
- Jardin des Plantes – A peaceful botanical garden for a moment of calm.
🎒 Wrapping Up
Finish your walk close to your onward travel hub — whether that’s Gare de Lyon, Gare Montparnasse, or Paris Austerlitz Station for a train, or Denfert-Rochereau Station if you’re heading to Paris Orly Airport. For CDG Airport, RER trains from Gare du Nord or Châtelet Les Halles are the quickest option.
Even in a few short hours, this route gives you a taste of Paris’s most celebrated sights, the charm of its riverbanks, and the buzz of its neighbourhoods — all without the weight of luggage slowing you down.
