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Thinking of a day trip or weekend getaway to Paris without breaking the bank but still stay in a chic place and travel like a local then I am excite to share highlights /breakdown of how our recent trip went and some handy tips for anyone planning a similar adventure!
We opted to drive and and cross the channel by ferry with Irish Ferries http://www.irishferries.com from Dover to Calais, who run a fantastic deal at just £48.50 each way, including the car, if you return within 5 days*. The 1.5-hour ferry ride departed at midnight, arrived 1:50am roads were quiet. The drive from Calais to our hotel in Paris took about 2 hours and 46 minutes – 1 toll road expect to pay around £21 yes much higher than the £2.50 standard Dartford Tunnel toll fee.
For our stay, we chose Hotel Yuk Paris Clichy, a charming hotel located outside the hustle and bustle of central Paris. Situated in Clichy, a district filled with shops and restaurants, the hotel entrance is non assuming but you walk through a short pathway from the main street and is just a 5-minute walk from the nearest metro station, Mairie de Clichy. This makes it super easy to reach key Parisian attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. The rooms at Hotel Yuk were modern, clean, and comfortable. Depending on your budget, you can opt for a “Cosy” room (small but nice) or upgrade to larger executive rooms.
We found the pricing 1/3 cheaper than central Paris , with the added bonus of having an indoor pool and spa area was a great touch – perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Hotel Yuk Paris Clichy is also a member of the Radisson group of hotels, so you can collect and redeem membership points too.
Parking was convenient as well; we used Hotel Indigo’s 24-hour parking, which was a quick 3-minute walk from the hotel, costing us €22 per night.
Navigating the city was a breeze thanks to the metro system. We bought a €13.50 all-day metro & bus pass, which also included a handy map with discount offers at tourist spots. A top tip: plan your itinerary by pinpointing which attractions you want to visit and locate the nearest metro stations in advance. The RATP app is a lifesaver for metro and bus routes, but if you prefer, paper maps are always available too!
From our hotel, the metro from Mairie de Clichy with one change en-route at Miromesnil took around 30 minutes to reach Trocadéro station.. Trocadero is the best Eiffel Tower Photo spot due to its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. There is several off street vendors with several photo prompts (for a fee). We highly recommend pre-booking tickets for the Eiffel Tower to skip some of the queues, as it’s an incredibly popular spot. The experience, from scenic photos at Trocadéro to reaching the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, can take 2-3 hours due to the crowds.
If you’re up for it, there are plenty of Seine River boat tours available for both day and night, starting at €14. You can even upgrade to a lunch cruise if you want a scenic meal on the water. We opted for a casual walk, but the boats looked inviting, especially on a nice day. After visiting the Eiffel Tower, hopping on Bus 72 is a great way to see the Louvre Museum, Champs-Élysées, and the Jardin des Tuileries – all major highlights within easy reach.
The Louvre Museum
Visiting the Louvre Museum is an unforgettable experience, filled with artistic treasures from around the world. The museum’s grandeur is breath-taking, but be prepared for the long lines, especially during peak times. Crowds often gather around famous pieces like the Mona Lisa, which is displayed behind protective glass and surrounded by tourists eagerly snapping photos. If you want a picture, expect a bit of a wait to get close. Outside the museum, you’ll find numerous vendors selling souvenirs and trinkets; don’t hesitate to haggle for a good price! Also, keep an eye out for pickpockets in the busy areas, as the crowds make it an easy target for them. To book tickets directly for the Mona Lisa, you can click here.
Jardin Des Tuileries & Champs- Elysees
The walk from the Louvre Museum to the Jardin des Tuileries and onward to the Champs-Élysées is one of Paris’s most scenic routes, blending art, nature, and history. You can walk this route so comfortable walking shoes as you leave the Louvre’s grand glass pyramid behind, you’ll cross into the expansive Tuileries Garden, where manicured lawns, fountains, and statues offer a serene escape in the heart of the city. Continuing along the Champs-Élysées, you’ll be greeted by elegant designer shops like Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Gucci & Prada to name a few .We peeked the new Yves Saint Laurent Hotel set to open in 2026 and construction is still in progress. The majestic Arc de Triomphe in the distance, capturing the essence of Parisian charm and sophistication.
For a quick bite, we stopped at Sadelle’s at Kith Paris https://kith.com/pages/sadelles-paris-gallery famous for amazing brunch, world famous french toast pricey, but trust me, it’s worth every penny! more of them on a separate food blog post
Later in the evening, we ventured out of central Paris for dinner at Mama Kossa https://www.mamakossa.fr/, african themed local and after hours music & dance spot favourite recommended by Time Out Magazine (more on that in a future post). Both spots offered great food and different ambiance and location.
Paris is a timeless city, full of charm and excitement. Even if you’re short on time, you can easily cover the main tourist spots in a day with some careful planning and a well-thought-out itinerary. And, of course, it doesn’t have to break the bank – by using public transport, avoiding tourist traps, and choosing budget-friendly dining options, you can make the most of your trip without overspending.
Whether you’re visiting solo, with a partner, or as a group, Paris will leave you wanting more. Stay tuned for more tips from our trip, including a detailed review of Mama Rossa and more hidden gems!
