2nd solo trip to Paris, 8 days, May 2026
I made my first solo trip in Paris last May. I was so amazed. Although I stayed all the eight days in Paris, I couldn’t check all items from my travel list. Paris has too much to offer! That’s why I came back, for another eight days, in May still.
Probably I used up my luck last time, this year it rained heavily for three days during my stays, another one day being cloudy. So, I spent much time with indoor activities and dining in some recommended restaurants.
Day 1, arrived at CDG, checked in hotel, bought desserts from a local gluten free bakery. Walked in île Saint-Louis, Cité, pont neuf and pont des arts. Had dinner at a gluten-free crêperie.
Day 2, Rainy. Musée Louvre was closed in the morning for some reason, due to that, my booked tour was cancelled. I went to Les invalides instead, saw Napoleons tomb and musée armée. There are so many to see in Les valides, it took me the whole day but couldn’t finish everything. Had dinner in a nearby Italian bistro.
Day 3, Rainy. Visited Hotel de Marine at Place de Concord in the morning. Had lunch at Bistro Rosemarie close to Tour Eiffel. Visited a friend and her family in 78 department in the afternoon.
Day 4, Cloudy. Visited Panthéon in the morning. Had lunch at restaurant Anne in the heart of Place des Vosges. Visited Musée de Louvre from 4pm to 8pm. It was a very good time - when I arrived at the museum, most people were walking out. The museum looked less busy inside and I didn’t wait before getting entered. Some rooms were pretty empty, for example Napoleon III’s apartment. I did some homework before the visit and knew what I planned to see and where they are and how to route. Although I still lost my way sometimes but most of time, I knew where I was and what I was looking for.
Day 5, Sunny. Visited Musée de Rodin in the morning. Had lunch at Les Collonges to north of Montmartre. After lunch, I walked from Montmartre area to hotel and then visited Musée Eugene Delacroix in saint-germain area. Then, walked to Jardin de Luxembourg, sat and people watched till sunset.
Day 6, Sunny. Day trip to Château Fontainebleau. Much better experience than Versaille last year. Not many visitors. Enjoyed the peace in its garden. After returning to Paris in the afternoon, I sat on grass in front of Les Invalide to enjoy the sunlight. Finished the day by a full-course dinner at Bolea, a local French bistro in 17e.
Day 7, last Sunny day. Visited Musée de Jacquemart André in the morning. It's on Hausseman street close to Parc Monceau. Visited Musée d’Albert Khan in the afternoon. Their Japanese style garden was stunning! Went to Trocadéro after dinner, watched Eiffel Tower to be lighted and sparkling - I saw it last year but I loved so much and would love to see it every time when I’m in Paris.
Day 8, last day in Paris, rainy again. Visited Musée Marmottant Monet in the morning. It has a big collection of Monet’s works and also other impressionist paintings. If you’re into Impressionism, it’s a must see museum. I planned to see Monets house and garden in Giverny but I failed to reserve an online ticket - they were fully booked during three sunny days. So, I went to Musée Marmottant Monet (16e) and Musée d’Albert Khan (92 dept.) instead as alternatives. I took lunch at a gluten-free crêperie again because I loved their food. In the afternoon I bought some food from Le Grand Épicerie as souvenirs. I had my last meal at an Italian bistro next to hotel due to heavy rain. It didn’t disappoint me though. I enjoyed their three-course menu dinner. Best value ever!
Sorry for my plain words - English is my second language. I cannot say how blessed I felt to have the chance to visit Paris twice in two years in a row. I cannot say I’ll return for another eight days next year but I’ll definitely return for my 3rd trip in Paris.