One of my very favourite times of the year to visit Paris is in August. I love August because Parisians leave the city for their summer holiday and the entire city gets a little quieter, a little softer, a little bit more accessible, and wide open to exploring with the usual buzz at bay. It seems this secret is slowly being shared with more tourists sharing the streets of Paris during this quiet time. There is still a feeling, though that you have Paris all to yourself and it makes for the perfect summer long-weekend destination. If you’re wondering where to start your visit to Paris, this pocket guide will lead you to what to see in Paris in 4 days.

Pat Bailey

What to See in Paris in 4 Days

 

How to Get to Paris

• Paris may very well be one of the easiest places to get to in Europe, with two major airports (Charles de Gaulle is or Orly) and a few surrounding smaller ones. Use this tool to help plan the fastest route to and from the Paris airports to the city.
• Paris is also very accessible by train or bus from the rest of Europe.

Where to Stay in Paris

Hotel Therese Paris

I arrived in Paris very happily wanting a slow-down after a whirlwind month of travel exploring Corsica and Italy. I checked in to Hotel Therese and the big easy began instantly.

This five-star, luxury property is perfectly situated in the first arrondissement and within walking distance to some of my very favourite spots to visit. 

It is tucked away on a quiet street so you have the best of both worlds: quiet time to relax and rest as well as proximity to the electric energy of the city within minutes.

“Little luxuries” is a phrase Hotel Therese uses to describe their approach to the intimate feel of their property, the staff, and the attention to detail given to each guest from the moment they arrive until they say “Au Revoir.”

It is the perfect place to land if you have just a little bit of time in Paris to explore, or if you are craving an intimately quiet refuge in the heart of the city of love.

Hotel Therese Classic Room

My Mini Charm, 12m² Classic Room, with a fluffy queen-size bed and quintessential Paris view of rue Thérèse was perfection.

I opened both windows immediately and let the sounds of the city that I love to float in, and the window view was my breakfast spot the first morning I stayed.

Among the many special things about Hotel Therese was the afternoon tea every day in the lobby.

A variety of teas, coffee and pastries, candies, and other delectables are served, with an invitation to linger in the velvety space.

I also loved that I could borrow a scooter to take on my city adventures and I even ordered the in-room rowing machine one afternoon because I wanted to try it.

Book Hotel Therese

The perfectly charming Classic Room with modern and luxe furnishings and a beautiful view of the neighboring rooftops. Image © Pat Bailey

[/one-fourth]

Here are some other luxury Paris hotels we love when traveling as a couple and some of the best places to stay in Paris with kids.

What to do in Paris in 4 Days

Walk to See the City’s Iconic Sights

A very short distance from Hotel Therese is the beautifully bold and inspiring space of the Grand Palais, arrive early morning just before they open and have a coffee nearby then sneak in just as the gates open so that you have the entire space to yourself.

A beautiful statue of Molière points you in the right direction (Fountain Molière) and is a reminder of how beloved this comic genius is in Paris – as are many literary greats.