I recently had the most magical spring day in Paris.
The kind of day that reminds you of the je ne sais quoi that draws millions to the city each year — the reason people pay an arm and a leg for apartments without bathrooms. A day that lets you forgive the rats and the chaos and simply fall back in love with Paris. Okay, a little harsh — but seriously, this day was special. The sun was shining, clouds floated like fluffy cotton candy, and wisteria was blooming everywhere.

And to top it all off, I curated the perfect itinerary. It included some of the best sights, the cutest neighborhoods, and amazing wine bars to prendre un verre (that’s “grab a glass” in French). I’m not so selfish that I’d keep it to myself — so whether you want to recreate the day or just come along for the journey, here it is. Want to follow along on a map? Check out my custom map here.

QUICK TIP: If you plan on following the picnic portion of this plan, don’t forget a wine opener, small glasses, and something to sit on!

First Stop: Musée de l'Orangerie

Book your ticket in advance for a morning slot between 09:00–10:00. (We’re optimizing this day, after all!) This museum is dedicated to Monet, and the ground floor is absolutely breathtaking — with nearly 360° views of his gardens and famous water lilies. While the wall-spanning works are the star attraction, don’t skip the lower level. It tells the story of art dealer Paul Guillaume, a champion of artists like Cézanne and Matisse, and an early advocate for cubism and African art. With the audio guide, you can expect to spend about two hours here.

Stroll Along the Seine to Pont Alexandre III

From the museum, take a scenic walk along the Seine until you reach Pont Alexandre III — one of the most photogenic spots to see the Eiffel Tower. Don’t miss the dramatic golden lions on each end of the bridge!

Time for a pick-me-up! Head to Torre Coffee and order the café noisette (two espresso shots with a touch of milk) and a slice of the marble cake. Trust me — don’t skip the cake.

Wander Rue Cler + Gather Picnic Supplies

Feeling refreshed, make your way toward Rue Cler — one of the most charming streets in Paris. The energy here is high, with people dining at outdoor terraces and popping in and out of little shops. While you explore the Rive Gauche, this is your moment to gather picnic provisions.

La Fromagerie (on Rue Cler) for cheese — they'll even cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Les Petits Domaines for a bottle of wine.
Maison Bergeron for your baguettes.
Carrefour or another grocery store for extras — we picked up strawberries, salami, and olives.

Scenic Walk + Picnic Time

Head toward Avenue de la Bourdonnais, and you’ll pass La Fontaine de Mars (famously visited by Barack Obama). As you reach the crossroad with Rue de l’Université, you'll stumble on a jaw-dropping Eiffel Tower view — stop and soak it in.

From here, cross Pont d’Iéna and take an immediate right. You’ll spot stairs leading down to the river — and voilà, you’ve arrived at Port Debilly, your picnic paradise with Eiffel Tower views. I loved sitting here with my cheese and wine, watching a parade of Seine river cruises float by.

Afternoon Adventure: Lime Bike Ride to Jardin du Luxembourg

After a lazy riverside picnic, head back across Pont d’Iéna. Take a left after the bridge and you’ll find a row of Lime Bikes. Don’t worry — they’re e-bikes and the path is straight, well-marked, and lined with bike lanes. Ride along the Seine and ditch the bike near Pont des Arts to walk the rest of the way towards our next destination: Jardin du Luxembourg. If you are feeling a little anxious about biking, check the Lime map before departure and clock your parking spot, enter that into google maps and follow the map. They won’t steer you wrong, I promise.

Bonus points, because most Lime bikes have a phone holder on the handlebars for easy navigation.

Once at Jardin du Luxembourg, wander through the gardens, stop by the Medici Fountain, and pause at the main fountain to watch kids sail their little wooden boats. If the spring weather cooperates, expect blooming flowers and birdsong galore. Grab a chair, people-watch, and soak up the sun.

Wine O’Clock: St. Germain-des-Prés

Stroll toward the Right Bank, stopping for a glass at Chez Nous or L’Avant Comptoir du Marché. Take your time wandering through the charming streets of St. Germain-des-Prés. If something catches your eye — a bar, boutique, or bookstore — go ahead and pop in. As you reach the Seine, you’ll see Notre-Dame nearby. If you have time, take a detour to admire the iconic cathedral. Entry to the cathedral is free!

Once you are on the right bank its time to make some dinner plans! If you don’t mind walking a bit, I recommend heading to Le Dénicheur for a drink and some small plates. Or if you are ready to dive into dinner check out the French Bistro Poulette or the completely pink pizza parlor, Dalmata.

Final Touch: Sunset by the Seine

The day wouldn’t be complete without a golden hour walk back to the Seine. Watch the sun set behind the Eiffel Tower — a perfect ending to a perfectly Parisian day.

Night Cap

Congrats! You have accomplished a feat, and had a perfectly lovely day in Paris! If you need further recommendations, head to Bachir for some Lebanese style ice cream with crushed pistachios, Bar Nouveau for hand crafted and unique cocktails or Folderol for a drink and ice cream! Yes they serve both. Hope you enjoy, au revoir!

A Perfect Spring Day in Paris