Paris

48 Hours in Paris

The City of Light, iconic landmarks & unforgettable evenings

Paris is effortlessly beautiful — filled with incredible food, timeless architecture, art, and romance.

I visited in October 2025 for a 2-night trip, and it was the perfect short getaway. Just under a 1-hour flight from the UK, Paris is ideal when you want something quick that still feels special.

In October, daytime temperatures average around 17°C, with cooler evenings dropping to 10°C, so make sure you pack layers.

Hotel Overview: Hôtel Émile Le Marais

  • Hotel: Hôtel Emile Le Marais
  • Star Rating: Boutique 2-star hotel
  • Location: Saint-Paul, Le Marais, Paris
  • Distance from Airport: Approx. 45–50 minutes via train
  • Date of Visit: October 2025
  • Travel Style: Couples, friends, solo travel, family travel
  • Best For: Couples, friends & weekend city breakers
  • Approximate Cost: 2-night stay (October 2026, 2 adults): approx. £570 total per room (Booked via official website)
  • Flight Time from the UK: Approx. 1 hour
  • Prime location in Le Marais
  • Opposite Saint-Louis Church
  • Walking distance to the Saint Paul metro station
  • Easy access to major attractions
  • Clean, modern rooms
  • Balcony room with views over the church
  • Close to shopping streets and cafés

 

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Getting to Hôtel Émile Le Marais

I flew from London to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) with easyJet, flight time was around 50 minutes.

From CDG:

  • Take the RER train to Châtelet – Les Halles
  • Take the metro to Saint Paul
  • The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the station

I highly recommend downloading the Bonjour RATP app, which works like an Oyster card or contactless card for public transport. It makes getting around Paris simple and stress-free.

Getting to Hôtel Émile Le Marais

I flew from London to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) with easyJet, flight time was around 50 minutes.

From CDG:

  • Take the RER train to Châtelet – Les Halles
  • Take the metro to Saint Paul
  • The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the station

I highly recommend downloading the Bonjour RATP app, which works like an Oyster card or contactless card for public transport. It makes getting around Paris simple and stress-free.

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First Impressions of the Hotel

The hotel is located on a lively strip opposite Saint-Louis Church, with the entrance tucked slightly to the side. Reception is compact but welcoming.

The lift is very small (1–2 people max with luggage), so be prepared to use the stairs if needed.

The room itself was spotless and modern, with beautiful views over the church and main road. The bathroom is open-plan, so it’s worth checking that it suits you before booking.

For a short city break, the location truly makes it worth it.

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Where to Eat in Paris

Here are some of my favourite food and drink spots from the trip:

  • Hotel: Riverose Café
  • Walking distance from the Eiffel Tower
  • Great brunch spot
  • Views of the Eiffel Tower and the river
  • Outdoor seating is ideal in warmer weather
  • Hotel: Gigi Paris
  • Great brunch spot
  • Stunning views of the Eiffel Tower
  • Incredible desserts (Gigi Bueno)
  • Walking distance to Crazy Horse
  • Perfect for a dressed-up evening

Things to Do in 48 Hours

Arc de Triomphe

  • Book tickets to walk to the top
  • Incredible panoramic views of Paris

Trocadéro

  • The perfect photo spot for the Eiffel Tower
  • Visit during the day and return at night

Eiffel Tower

  • A must-visit
  • Book lift tickets in advance
  • Beautiful city views from the top
  • Stay to see it sparkle at night

Musée du Louvre

  • Free to see the exterior and the glass pyramid
  • Book tickets in advance to go inside (queues can be long)

Notre-Dame

  • Expect queues to enter
  • Lovely area for cafés and boutiques nearby

Champs-Élysées

  • Great for an evening stroll
  • Beautiful when lit up
  • Visit the Louis Vuitton store to see the iconic trunk display
  • Stop for macarons (L’Occitane area has great options)

Crazy Horse

  • Adults-only cabaret show
  • World-famous performance
  • Absolutely worth it
  • Book well in advance — tickets sell out quickly

Final Thoughts

I loved Paris; the 48 hours flew by. There is so much to see, eat, and experience. Walking through different neighbourhoods, discovering small cafés and boutiques, is part of the magic.

Our hotel was perfectly located, making it easy to reach all the major sights via metro. The Bonjour RATP app made transport seamless and helped avoid traffic delays.

My absolute favourite moments were:

  • Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night
  • The incredible Crazy Horse show
If you’re planning a trip, bring comfortable shoes; we walked around 27,000 steps a day. Paris is romantic, vibrant, and timeless. Even in just 48 hours, it leaves you wanting to come back for more.

Gallery of Our Hôtel Émile Le Marais
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