What to do in 1 hour in… Paris?

Between two business meetings, before heading back to the hotel, you’ve managed to carve out just one free hour… Here is our little guide to Paris, specially designed for the traveler in a hurry, to ensure you don’t miss anything during your whirlwind visit to the City of Light.

One of the most beautiful views of Paris, with a cocktail in hand

To take in one of the most beautiful views of Paris at a glance, while sipping a well-deserved cocktail after a long day of work, head to the Montparnasse Tower. This tower, with its ungraceful shape, houses a restaurant on its top floor with the evocative name: Le Ciel de Paris.

Treat yourself to a simple meal

Simple, hearty food that focuses on the quality of its ingredients rather than frills has regained its prestige in the French capital in recent years. This is fortunate because it’s in the brasseries that you find the true soul of Paris. New establishments are popping up to the delight of all generations of Parisians, including the young, who show a real enthusiasm for this popular French-made gastronomy of which they are proud.

To dive into the heart of popular Paris, head to the Brasserie Lipp in the Saint Germain des Prés district. A true Parisian institution, this establishment has been open for 135 years and has seen all of Paris pass through its doors: from Saint-Exupéry to Madonna, Lipp was and remains the typical Parisian meeting place for artists and intellectuals from all walks of life.

Take the soul of Paris with you

Paris is the Seine flowing quietly past the Île Saint Louis, the ever-busy terraces where the scents of coffee, croissants, or boeuf bourguignon waft through the air, and the bustling activity of the Champs Elysées…

Trust in the power of scent to capture the poetic atmosphere and share it with your loved ones: the finesse of a perfume from a typical Parisian brand is a glamorous and romantic choice.