“Do you want to take an overnight trip to Paris?” This is the question I asked my wife when planning our trip to the United Kingdom. Her response was a look of “What are in the world are you talking about?”. With so much of England and Scotland already crammed into our itinerary, how could we possibly make Paris happen? Even if we did, would there be enough time to truly appreciate such a legendary city? However, it is absolutely possible. How do I know? Because we totally pulled it off!

It takes a lot of precise planning to make it happen. Don’t worry though. HwL has you covered. Below, we are going to discuss the itinerary for you to make an overnight trip from London to Paris a reality too. The itinerary is action-packed, but rest assured it’s completely doable within the allotted time. If you’re the type who thrives on nonstop adventure, there’s even room to squeeze in a few extra activities. Ready to see how it’s done? Let’s dive in!

Day 1

st. pancras station TO gARE dU nORDE, 5:45 am TO 10:30 AM (1-HOUR TIME CHANGE)

To make this happen, catch one of the earliest trains (7:00 AM) departing from St. Pancras Station in London, conveniently located next to King’s Cross. Yes, I said train! You’ll be traveling through the “Chunnel” beneath the English Channel. The Eurostar will whisk you from London to Paris in about 2.5 hours.

While not as arduous as navigating an airport, you still need to go through passport and luggage checks for this international travel. Arrive 75 minutes before departure to allow enough time for these procedures. Similar to air travel, it’s best to book your tickets in advance. Ticket prices average $140 per person for roundtrip standard seating but vary by season.

TOUR PARIS in a GOLF CART, 11:00 AM TO 3:00 PM

With this itinerary, time is of the essence. Therefore, you are going to need a tour guide to help you see the main sights of Paris in a short timeframe. How about discovering the city’s iconic landmarks in a sleek golf cart? This unique way of exploring offers a private yet affordable experience. Opt for a four-hour tour and here are some of the sights you’ll enjoy:

• Sacre-Coeur Basilica
• The Wall of Love at Square Jehan Rictus
• Moulin Rouge
• Arc de Triomphe
• Palais Galliera
• Equestrian Statue of George Washington at Place D’Iena
• Eiffel Tower
• Dome des Invalides
• Pantheon
• Saint-Etienne-du-Mont
• Church of Saint-Sulpice

Unfortunately, the company we used, Golf Cart in Paris, is out of service until 2026. However, there are several other companies like Golfette Parisienne that offer similar tours if you plan to visit before then. I can’t recommend seeing Paris this way enough!

Hotel Check-In and Dinner, 3:30 PM TO 6:30 PM

After a day of traveling and sightseeing, you’ll be ready for a little downtime. The Left Bank neighborhood is an ideal hotel location for your overnight escapade due to its picturesque streets lined with terraced cafes and proximity to popular attractions. We’ll use the Hotel Left Bank for this post. One night priced in April 2025 ran $332 on booking.com.

After checking in and getting an hour of rest, head next door to Le Procope for some traditional French fare. Founded in 1686, it is the oldest cafe in Paris. Some of the regular patrons of yore included philosophers Rosseau and Voltaire, revolutionaries Benjamin Franklin and Robespierre, and dignitaries such as Marie Antionette and Napoleon.

The restaurant treats guests with the traditional French service style, which means you’ll see many servers stop by your table. The establishment is strewn with beautiful artwork and historical artifacts such as a bicorne hat worn by Napoleon himself. History buffs can hardly pass up an opportunity to check out this historic establishment.

a visit to notre dame, 7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM

Staying in the Left Bank comes with countless perks, but perhaps the most remarkable is being just a short stroll away from the iconic Notre Dame. This 12th-century Gothic masterpiece stands as a testament to Paris’s enduring elegance and history, making it a can’t miss highlight for any visitor. Though the devastating fire of 2019 meant we couldn’t venture inside during our visit, wandering around this towering marvel was still an awe-inspiring experience.

Fortunately, Notre Dame has since reopened for your visiting pleasure. Admisison is free for all. The cathedral is open until 10:00 PM on Thursdays so it might be a good day to schedule your Day 1 then. Otherwise, it is open until at least 7:00 every other day.

Walk the streets of the left bank, 9:00 PM TO 10:30 PM

Emerging from the grandeur of Notre Dame, let the allure of Paris guide your steps through the storied streets of the Left Bank. As twilight descends, the city seems to awaken in a new light. This is the Paris that has bewitched hearts for generations—a living tapestry of history, romance, and charm. It is time to stop, look around, take a deep breath, and let it set in that you are really in the City of Light.

night view of the eiffel tower, 10:30 PM TO 11:45 PM

You have one more activity on Day 1 and it’s a showstopper. Though you catch a good look of the Eiffel Tower during your golf cart tour in the daytime, it pales in comparison to the breathtaking sight of this iconic monument illuminated against the night sky. Thanks to a brilliant tip from the hotel staff, we discovered the Trocadero—a perfect viewing spot for France’s most recognizable landmark. Consider taking a ride share or cab, as the Trocadero is not within walking distance from Hotel Left Bank.

Standing there, the tower sparkles like a masterpiece come to life. It’s an experience that lingers in your memory long after the lights turn off. The lights do, in fact, turn off at precisely 11:45 PM. Be sure to plan ahead. You won’t want to miss this magical spectacle.

Wow, what a whirlwind of a first day! Time to sink into that cozy bed and treat yourself to a well-deserved good night’s sleep. You’ve earned it!

Day 2

coffee and croissant, 8:00 AM TO 10:15 AM

Now that you are rested up, it is time to ease into Day 2 in Paris. Grab a cup of coffee and a pastry at one of the many pastry shops in the area. While French cuisine in general is scrumptious, French pastries are on another level. What’s more French than a croissant and a cup of strong coffee?

the louvre, 10:45 am TO 3:00 PM (2.5-hour tour plus free time)

If you’re still not awake, let a brisk 15- to 20-minute walk to the Louvre help you. In my opinion, the centerpiece of a trip to Paris is the Louvre. The fortress-turned-palace-turned-world renowned museum is vast so opting for a guided tour significantly reduces the time required to explore it. Viator has a 2.5-hour guided tour in English for $60 (admission included). Some of the treasures you’ll discover include:

• Great Sphinx of Tanis
• Liberty Leading the People
• Mona Lisa
• Napoleon’s Coronation
• Venus de Milo
• Wedding Feast at Cana
• Winged Victory

The tour guide, through the use of headsets, discusses some history of each work of art. The biggest bonus is that they transport you efficiently from one stop to the next. I got turned around enough even with a tour guide to know how it would’ve gone without one. The downside is the tour is quick paced so there isn’t much time to enjoy your favorite pieces. Your admission is valid for the entire day, however, allowing you to explore as long as you want once the tour is over.

My personal favorite piece on display is the Wedding Feast at Cana. It is located in the same hall as the Mona Lisa on the opposite wall. The immense scale imposes its significance upon you, creating an almost palpable aura of importance. Make sure to take the time before, during, and after your wait for the 30-second glimpse of the Mona Lisa to admire this work of art.

ENJOY A midday meal, 3:30 PM TO 5:30 PM

As your enchanting Parisian journey approaches its finale, savor the chance to indulge in one last delightful meal of exquisite French cuisine. To really go out with a bang, reserve a table at nearby Michelin 3-star Plenitude or 1-star Le Tout-Paris!

head back to london, 6:00 pm

You did it! Your overnight adventure Paris is complete. Now, it’s time to head back to Gare du Nord. It’s not in walking distance and the streets will be logged jammed with vehicles at this hour, so take either the No. 4 or 7 of the Paris Metro line. Once again, ensure you arrive at least 75 minutes before your scheduled departure. Before you know it, you’ll be coasting under the English Channel on your way back to London.

Making THE UNBELIEVABLE Reality

If you still doubt whether you can pack so much adventure into such a short time, let me assure you that you can! My family’s experience is proof that with a bit of planning and the right choices, you can make the seemingly impossible into memories that will last a lifetime. Because one night in Paris is better than no nights at all. Bon voyage!