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Paris in a Weekend: My 2-Day Itinerary for a Unique Local Experience
You know that magical moment when you drop your bags in your accommodation and your heart is already racing with excitement for the rest of your solo female travel adventure in Europe? That unique sensation when you realize you have 48 hours to discover Paris differently, far from the classic tourist circuits.
Forget the endless queues at the Louvre or selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower (even though these iconic monuments remain magnificent). I'm going to reveal my secret itinerary to experience the capital like a real Parisian woman.
Two days to fall in love with the real Paris – the hidden workshops of Montmartre, the secret gardens of Le Marais, the intimate cafés of Saint-Germain. And don't worry, even when traveling alone as a woman, you're going to absolutely love it: confidential art galleries, chef restaurants beloved by locals, unusual walks along the Seine.
If you're a woman struggling to find accommodation in Paris, sign up for NomadSister. It's a community of female travelers and female hosts who will welcome you and share their hospitality and advice to make your trip go smoothly. In Paris, you'll find over a hundred female hosts where you can stay safely.
Morning: The Paris of Hidden Workshops – Craftsmanship, Creation and Intimacy
Start your morning at Cour de l'Industrie in the 11th arrondissement. This discreet courtyard houses a true treasure of Parisian craftsmanship with its luthiers, cabinetmakers and bookbinders. I discovered a bookbinding workshop there where the female owner explained ancestral techniques to me (by appointment only).
Next, head to Passage Lhomme. This little-known cobblestone passage is full of artists' and decorators' workshops. The atmosphere is intimate, almost confidential, and I was even able to chat with a sculptor who was working in front of his door – something unthinkable in tourist areas!
Finish with the Edith Piaf Museum (reservation required), nestled in the singer's former apartment. Remember to book before your stay! The guides are absolute enthusiasts who tell incredible anecdotes about Piaf's tumultuous life.
Unfortunately, Paris isn't considered a "budget-friendly" destination, but if you're looking to travel without breaking the bank as a female traveler, check out this article dedicated to 5 affordable European destinations for women.
Afternoon: "The Other Montmartre" – Greenery, Vineyards and Silence
Head to Saint-Vincent Cemetery, peaceful and shaded, much less crowded than the famous Père Lachaise. This place offers rare tranquility in Montmartre. You can see painter Maurice Utrillo's grave in restful silence.
Right next door, discover Clos Montmartre, an authentic vineyard in the heart of Paris! Sometimes you can even taste the wine produced on site (reservations required). It's totally amazing to see vines growing between Parisian buildings.
Continue to the Montmartre Museum and Renoir Gardens. This charming museum occupies the former artists' house, with a romantic garden offering a breathtaking view of Paris. The hollyhocks lining the path create an unexpectedly bucolic atmosphere.
End with Villa Léandre and rue de l'Abreuvoir. These secret streets of Montmartre overflow with charm with their atypical houses and village atmosphere. You'd think you were in a small provincial town!
Evening: "Underground and Poetic Paris" – Hidden Bars and Intimate Jazz
For your aperitif, push through the door of Bar Lavomatic in the 10th. The bar is literally behind washing machines – the surprise effect is guaranteed! Even I, who thought I knew all the hidden bars in Paris, took time to understand the system.
Continue with a jazz concert at 38 Riv' in the 4th arrondissement. This medieval cellar offers intimate concerts of exceptional quality. The acoustics are magical – the centuries-old stones seem to vibrate with each note.
End with a nighttime stroll along the Seine quays on the right bank side. From Pont Marie towards Hôtel de Sens, the atmosphere remains calm and romantic, perfect for digesting this first day rich in discoveries.
Day 2 – Hidden Treasures and Natural Paris
The second day of your weekend in Paris has some nature and calm in store for you.
Morning: "Secrets of Eastern Paris" – Hidden History and Green Alleys
Start with rue des Vignoles in the 20th arrondissement. This former working-class street is full of flowery alleys and typical suburban houses. The colorful facades and little secret gardens make you want to settle down permanently!
Continue towards Campagne à Paris, a true space of calm like in a village with its small pavilion houses and absolute silence. You'll feel like you're in the countryside in the heart of the capital. This residential enclave reminds me of English villages, with its cottages and lush vegetation.
Before eating, visit Saint-Germain de Charonne church, one of the rare Parisian churches that has kept its adjoining cemetery within Paris proper. The small country town atmosphere is striking, as if time had stopped.
Afternoon: "Nature and Forgotten Ruins" – Unusual Walk
Head to Parc de la Butte Bergeyre, this secret mini-hill offers a breathtaking view of Montmartre. Its community garden remains unknown to the general public. Neighborhood residents grow their vegetables there in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Stroll along the Petite Ceinture (sections 15th or 20th), this former railway line converted into a plant promenade offers you refuge from urban agitation. The rails overgrown with vegetation create a fascinating post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
Discover the ruins of the Convent of Récollets near Gare de l'Est. Access is through the cloister or during cultural events organized on site. These 17th-century vestiges contrast strangely with the effervescence of the modern neighborhood.
Evening: "Bohemian Twilight on the Canal" – Culture and Sweetness
Have your aperitif at Pavillon des Canaux in the 19th arrondissement. This house transformed into an artistic bar by the canal offers a unique atmosphere. You can even sit in a real bathtub to sip your cocktail!
For dinner, choose between Paname Brewing Company (with canal view) or Les Bancs Publics for its authentic neighborhood atmosphere. The regular events at Canal Saint-Martin at sunset are worth all the shows.
End with a screening or concert at Point Éphémère or Hasard Ludique (former station converted). These alternative cultural venues perfectly represent the Parisian creative spirit.
FAQ: Questions Everyone Asks About Paris
How to Find Safe Accommodation in Paris?
To go with your Paris weekend itinerary, prioritize the Marais, Saint-Germain or Montmartre neighborhoods – this is also where you'll have the most authentic atmosphere.
Platforms like Airbnb offer verified accommodations, but always check recent reviews.
Boutique hotels in the 11th or 18th arrondissement offer excellent value for money, but book at least 2 months in advance to benefit from the best rates and availability.
And if you're a woman, join the NomadSister community. It's a platform that connects female travelers with female hosts from all backgrounds to be welcomed for free. Here is a map showing the NomadSister hostesses in Paris:
Can Paris Be Visited Only on Foot?
Absolutely! Paris remains a human-sized city, perfect for walking. Count about 25-30 minutes between each arrondissement on foot. The metro network perfectly complements your pedestrian movements.
The distances between my recommendations remain reasonable. Vélib' (bike-sharing service) is also an excellent alternative to cover more ground quickly while keeping this freedom of discovery.
What Are the Must-Sees for a First Discovery of Paris?
Well, I admit that as original as my itinerary is, you'll miss some must-sees that you can't pass up if it's your first time in Paris. For a first visit, it's impossible to skip the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Montmartre.
Historic Marais, a Seine cruise at sunset, and a stroll in the Luxembourg Gardens perfectly complement your route. Don't hesitate to taste local gastronomy in traditional bistros rather than in tourist brasseries.
You now have all the keys to experience an unforgettable weekend in Paris! These two days will offer you an authentic vision of the capital, far from crowds and close to its true soul. Don't hesitate to share your discoveries and photos of these secret places – you'll help make this unknown Paris known, unjustly little-known.
If you want to discover other European capitals, check out these articles:
Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!
