- 🕒 Half‑Day Model Course Overview
- Classic Panorama – The “Iron Lady” from Eiffel Tower to Pont d’Iéna
- Paris Icon – View from Palais de Chaillot (Trocadéro)
- Metro Transfer to Arc de Triomphe
- Interior & Rooftop of Arc de Triomphe: 360° Paris Views
- Metro to Notre‑Dame Cathedral (Stay Alert in Crowds)
- Notre‑Dame Cathedral – Exterior Only (Under Restoration)
- Relaxing Take‑Out Lunch by the Seine
- Scholar’s Walk – Latin Quarter to Panthéon
🕒 Half‑Day Model Course Overview
| Time (Approximate) | Spot | Highlights / Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | Eiffel Tower | Arrive at the security gate, purchase same‑day ticket, explore 2nd‑ and 1st‑floor levels |
| 10:30 | Pont d’Iéna / Palais de Chaillot | Walk for photo spots with views of the Eiffel Tower |
| 11:15 | Arc de Triomphe | Metro transit; visit rooftop observation deck (advance booking recommended) |
| 12:15 | Notre‑Dame Cathedral | Metro transit; arrival, exterior view and preparation for lunch |
| 12:30 | Seine River Bank | Take‑out lunch and enjoy exterior view of Notre‑Dame along the river |
| 13:15 | Quartier Latin / Panthéon | Begin stroll through the Latin Quarter |
| 14:30 | Return to hotel | Metro back to hotel, relax |
Classic Panorama – The “Iron Lady” from Eiffel Tower to Pont d’Iéna
Enjoy the Eiffel Tower bathed in morning light and stroll to Pont d’Iéna. On the bridge, pause for the iconic snapshot of Paris — a must for any trip.
Arriving at 9:00 allowed us to beat much of the crowd, purchase tickets on the spot, and tour the upper then lower levels before moving on.
→ Link to Eiffel Tower article
From the bridge, the Eiffel Tower appears breathtakingly elegant and frames the Seine beautifully.
Paris Icon – View from Palais de Chaillot (Trocadéro)
Cross over and arrive at Palais de Chaillot’s plaza and gardens. At the top of the steps, the view you’ll see is the “Paris” image you’ve seen in countless photo collections — simply unforgettable.
Metro Transfer to Arc de Triomphe
Board Metro Line 6 at Trocadéro station, then arrive at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station.
Once above ground, the majestic Arc de Triomphe emerges centrally.
Important note: The monument sits inside a giant traffic roundabout — do not cross at street level. Use the underground passage via Champs‑Élysées, then emerge at the monument entrance.
Interior & Rooftop of Arc de Triomphe: 360° Paris Views
Having booked through GetYourGuide made entry smooth. Same‑day tickets are available from 11:00 to 23:00, but booking ahead helps avoid queues.
The climb is via a steel spiral staircase — fairly steep, but there are rest landings along the way.
At the “Salle des Attiques”, you’ll see impressive sculpture and historic footage. A small café and souvenir shop are located there, and the only restroom in the monument was here (bring patience if you’re female).
From the rooftop: a full 360° panorama of Paris — the Eiffel Tower, the systematic layout of the city, and its height‑uniform architecture (classic Paris planning) clearly visible.
Winter tip: Strong winds at the top — bundle up. Some areas have uneven steps; focus on your footing while enjoying the view.
Metro to Notre‑Dame Cathedral (Stay Alert in Crowds)
Leave Arc de Triomphe and board Metro Line 1 at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile to Hôtel de Ville station.
This line was the most crowded during our travel, and pick‐pockets seemed active. From experience in London, I strongly recommend:
- Carry your bag in front
- If seated, keep it on your lap
- Continuously scan your surroundings
Even small awareness makes a big difference in busy lines.
→Check out our recommended security pouches here
Notre‑Dame Cathedral – Exterior Only (Under Restoration)
Walk from Hôtel de Ville station to Notre‑Dame. We arrived at about 12:15 and decided to admire the exterior due to the long queue.
Despite ongoing restoration, its facade remains impressive and proud — visible even from a slightly angled view.
Relaxing Take‑Out Lunch by the Seine
At around 12:30 we purchased sandwiches and salad at Subway across from Notre‑Dame, then seated ourselves on the riverbank.
A stairway led down to benches with bins, and we gazed at the cathedral across the Seine — a moment when I genuinely felt, “Yes, I am in Paris.”
Scholar’s Walk – Latin Quarter to Panthéon
From around 13:15, wander the Latin Quarter’s charming bookshops, cafés, and small boutiques. The atmosphere shifts here — quiet and steeped in history.
Passing the renowned Sorbonne University, we then reached the Panthéon. Although we didn’t enter due to time, the architecture alone commanded admiration.
Board Metro Line 10 at Cardinal Lemoine station at 14:30 and return to hotel near Charles‑Michel station.
We ended the stroll, gathered our thoughts, and prepared for departure.
Bonus: Our hotel’s nearby UNIQLO store was bustling, and the adjacent shopping mall featured a stunning rooftop stained‑glass design — featured in the NHK program Sekai Fureai Machiaruki.
Finally, at 15:00 we returned to the hotel to freshen up and head toward the next destination.
👉 Related Article:
- Must‑have items for a hotel stay in France
- Anti‑theft travel goods for Paris
- How to protect yourself from hard water in France
Have a nice trip! 😊
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