48 Hours in Paris Like a Bonne Vivante

You land in Paris with nothing but a carry-on, a couple killer outfits, and a craving for magic. It’s your first day, and the city smells like possibility… and croissants.
The metro from the airport feels like a train into your own personal film — cobblestones, café terraces, and that first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower catching you off guard, like a lover you swore you were over.
You’re not here to do Paris. You’re here to live it — boldly, lightly, deliciously.

So here’s how to spend 48 unforgettable hours in the City of Light — the Bonne Vivante way.

Day One: Touchdown & Takeover

Late Morning:
You’ve just landed. You slept just enough on the redeye to power through your first day and make your grand entrance. You hop on the metro, and with every stop, the excitement builds — Where do I start? What should I eat first? The possibilities are endless, and mon amour, they’re all delicious.

Afternoon:
You check into your hotel — do you save your euros for champagne and croissants with a modest stay, or splurge on a five-star stunner overlooking the Seine?
In my case (and let’s be honest, most cases when I’m in Paris), I opted for the former. I spend so little time in my room that it feels like a waste to book a suite that’ll tempt me to stay inside… when the real romance is waiting outside.

Still a bit groggy but buzzing with anticipation, you do a quick refresh and head out to wander your arrondissement — in my case, the 9th. You stop at a sidewalk café for a tiny espresso and an even tinier moment of stillness. The clink of cups, the smell of city air, the gentle hum of French conversation — you’ve arrived.

You walk up through Montmartre, taking in every darling boutique, flower-filled balcony, and scent of warm baguette.

Golden Hour:

On your way back to the hotel, you detour for a celebratory glass of champagne — because what else does one do when they’ve just made it back to Paris? Your espresso has kicked in, and you raise your coupe to yourself: Cheers, babe. You’re here.

Back at your hotel, slightly buzzed and fully giddy, you shower, slip into your pre-planned outfit, and add a swipe of red lipstick. You’re not just going out — you’re making an entrance.

Evening:
It is my strong opinion that your first night in Paris should be a little decadent. For me, that meant a four-course meal with wine pairings at Verjus, a romantic hideaway near Palais Royal.
But “decadent” is subjective, darling. It could be a splurge at Le Cinq, a chic dinner at Sphere, or a bustling, budget-friendly Bouillon Pigalle. Maybe even a crepe at Breizh Café.
Whatever your vibe, tonight is the night to do it up big.

You arrive at dinner with a dazzling smile and a flutter in your stomach — maybe it’s hunger, maybe it’s excitement, maybe it’s both. Each course gets better, each wine bolder.
Maybe you flirted with your server. Maybe you flirted with yourself. Who’s to say?

Late Night:
You’re full of joy (and bread) but not quite ready to call it a night. You opt for a scenic walk back to your hotel — and a cheeky nightcap en route. For me, that meant slipping into a familiar favorite: Danico, a speakeasy tucked behind Daroco.
The cocktails are globally inspired, with bartenders traveling to each destination before crafting the menu. Thoughtful, unexpected, and absolutely Bonne Vivante approved.

After your final sip, you wander back, smiling. Bonsoir, Paris.
Tomorrow, we do it all again — but bolder.

Day Two: Main Character Mode

Early Morning:
You wake before the sun — because with only 48 hours in Paris, there’s no time to waste. And honestly? The best time to enjoy the city is at sunrise, while almost everyone else is still asleep and the magic feels like it’s all yours.

You throw on something chic (but comfy), grab your bag, and make your way back up the streets of Montmartre. There’s no better way to welcome the new day than from the steps of Sacré-Cœur, bathed in soft morning light.
You sit for a few quiet minutes, soaking it all in. This is your life.
(Or maybe you traded the hilltop for a stroll along the Seine — equally iconic, equally dreamy.)

Morning:
Zen moment over — time for a croissant and caffeine. You plug in your headphones, cue up your main character playlist, and begin your Parisian promenade down Rue de Montmartre (or whatever charming “rue” you call home).

If you’ve been to Paris before, today’s the perfect excuse to revisit old favorites. If it’s your first time? Everything’s new, and everything’s fabulous.

For me, I knew exactly where I wanted to start — with an old friend: Notre-Dame.
After her long recovery, I was thrilled to find her radiant — and open to visitors again. The stained glass, the soaring spires, the fact that she almost didn’t survive — she’s a masterpiece with a second chance.

And right across the Seine? Another old soul I couldn’t resist: Shakespeare & Company.
This legendary English-language bookstore has welcomed readers, writers, and dreamers since 1951, when it reopened in homage to the original shop founded by American expat Sylvia Beach.
Stepping inside feels like entering a literary fairytale — and if you leave without buying a book, I don’t believe you.

Lunchtime:
By now, that croissant has worn off — and darling, it’s time for wine. (You’re on holiday. This is not up for debate.)

Two iconic cafés sit nearby: Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore — both historic, both chic, both usually with a small line.
This time, Les Deux Magots had a table waiting for me, so in I went.

One croque madame. One (okay, maybe two) glasses of crisp white wine. And just like that — we’re refueled, refreshed, and ready to conquer the rest of the day.

Afternoon:
Still floating from your wine-fueled lunch and main character stroll, you cross back over the Seine toward another Paris icon: The Louvre.
Ticket in hand and time slot booked (because no one should ever wing a Louvre visit, babe), you’re ready to bask in some art.

If you’ve been before, you already know: it. is. massive. Don’t try to see it all. Pick a wing, follow your curiosity, and let the palace guide you.
(Pro tip: unless you're dying to see her, skip the Mona Lisa. She's lovely, but the crowd is chaos.)

After a couple of hours and several internal “wow, I’m in Paris” moments, the post-wine, post-art haze hits. It’s nap time.

Yes, I know — with only 48 hours, every minute counts. But babe, this is a Bonne Vivante itinerary. And a Bonne Vivante always listens to her body — especially when it whispers sieste.

Evening:
You wake from your nap like the radiant queen you are. Red lip reloaded. Outfit ready. Energy reset.

Tonight’s dinner? Le Mary Celeste, a cozy and effortlessly cool spot in the 3rd.
(Pro tip: the best food is often found in the 3rd and 11th — away from the crowds.)

You sip a cocktail, savor some beef tartare and cheese, and toast to the perfect Parisian day.

But you can’t linger too long — you’ve got a date tonight… with a very beautiful lady.

Late Night:
You arrive in the 7th arrondissement with a pep in your step. No need for Google Maps — you know where you’re going. And even if you didn’t? You’d just look up. She’s there.

You settle into a spot at the Jardin de la Tour Eiffel, just in time. A vendor approaches — wine, champagne, whatever you need (or didn’t know you needed).
You haggle a little, accept the slightly overpriced bottle, and toast the view.

And then… she sparkles.

Everyone claps. You grin like a kid at fireworks. You weren’t going to stay for the second show… but of course you do. One is never enough.

This time, a photographer with lights and heart-shaped balloons approaches. You negotiate. You pose. You twirl. And you capture the main character moment.

The Eiffel Tower sparkles again, somehow brighter than before. A street musician starts playing something soft and French on the trombone as you sip the last of your champagne.

Voilà. Lights off. Magic made.

You grab a late-night crepe and stroll home, smiling — with Nutella on your fingers and a little sparkle still in your soul.

Day Three: Au Revoir, But Make It Memorable

Morning:
Today, you sleep in — and bonne for you. After two jam-packed days and a sparkly late-night date, your body deserves a slow start.

Once you're up, it’s a quick shower, a casual pack-up, and you’re out the door for one last spin through the city.
Today’s theme? New experiences. New pastry. New neighborhood. New moment of falling in love with Paris all over again.

You stop at a bakery known for its cinnamon rolls — warm, gooey, heavenly. With cappuccino in hand, you stroll through the 2nd and 3rd, soaking in the quiet beauty of passageways you hadn’t yet explored.

Afternoon:
Lunchtime again (how does time do that here?), and you’re craving something different.
You duck into Le Chai Thai, a casual, flavorful spot tucked away from the chaos. No wine today — your liver politely declines — but the food is a dream.
(Bonus: leftovers for the plane.)

With a full belly and a happy heart, it’s time for one final Parisian escape: Cimetière du Père-Lachaise.
Entry? Free.
Crowds? Minimal.
Vibe? Romantic, reverent, deeply poetic.

You stroll the tree-lined paths past the tombs of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Chopin, and more. The stillness. The beauty. The stories.
It’s the perfect, grounding way to end your whirlwind affair with Paris.

(And if an afternoon among the dearly departed isn’t your idea of peace — not everyone appreciates the spooky like I do — feel free to swap this out for a stroll down the Champs-Élysées instead. Très different, equally iconic.)

Evening:
And just like that, it’s time to go. But Paris never really says goodbye.

She just winks and says, à bientôt.

Et voilà. You’ve just done 48 hours in Paris like a Bonne Vivante.

And you’re not leaving her behind.
You’re taking her with you — in your red lipstick, your camera roll, and your bones.