48 hours in France

Getting 48 hours in France is simply too short to justify the world’s most visited country or city. However, with a carefully planned trip, those 48 hours or two days are more than enough to create wonderful memories and get a great experience. France is known for amazing cities and architecture as well as luxury hotels and cheap hotels. One will get overwhelmed with the choice available. Once you have made the flight booking and secured a lodging at one of the luxury catered ski chalets in France, it is time to make most of those two-precious days you have in your hand. You could explore the Roman remains or enjoy the coastal views or go for the current exhibitions. The idea is to make most out of the delectable destination and avoid getting overwhelmed with the number of options and choices you have. For those who have just 48 hours, here’s what is highly recommended for them. You could cover both Paris and Nice, and they happen to be the most sought-after destinations in France.  The whole trip is doable as the flight time between the two cities is just about one hour!

There is a treasure trove of activities and several sites that are worthy of exploration in the two famous cities of France.

Spend The first day in Paris!

Paris boasts of some of the best tourist attractions in Europe. Those romantic bridges and tree-shaded boulevards have become like a timeless familiarity. Careful preparation is a must if you want to see the best of the city in just one day. The French capital has something for everyone, and there are loads of beautiful things to do and see here.

Start your day on the bank of the Seine, Place de la Concorde to enjoy the 360-degree panorama of Paris. Later take a stroll through the 17th-century war veterans’ residence with sprawling grounds, the Hôtel des Invalides.  Head towards the Musée de l’Orangerie to see paintings by Cézanne, Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Sisley and other famous artists. By the time you finish, it would be lunch time and so, take some rest and have lunch.

After lunch, go to the Eiffel Tower to get the greatest viewpoint of Paris. Once you have admired the magnificent view, take the hop-on, hop-off waterbus to the Jardin des Plantes, which is one of the most well-known botanical gardens in Paris or have some French picnic: cheese, wine and baguette in the Eiffel Tower until the sunset and enjoy the view at night. Enjoy a leisure walk in tropical greenhouses, winter garden, and an alpine garden.

Explore the Latin Quarter, the center of academic life in Paris, which is graced by fountains and lime trees. You will find students and professors, bookshops and secondhand record shops here. Make a visit to the Musée National du Moyen Âge and the Jardin des Plantes within the Latin Quarter. Medieval rue Mouffetard, is the area’s pulse, with its liveliest commercial street.

Spend the evening at St-Germain des Prés where you will come across antique collectors and fashionistas as well as the literary lovers. Enjoy looking at exclusive homewares and clothing boutiques at t-Germain des Prés.

Grab some dinner and a few drinks and Make sure you reach the airport in time to catch your flight to Nice.

Enjoy The second day in Nice!

Named by the ancient Greeks after Nike, Nice has been treasured ever since. With amazing views and sublime climate, it is easy to understand why it is a magenta for the tourists and travelers.

After a restful night, start with an early morning with a light breakfast of a croissant and coffee. Save big appetites for lunch and dinner. Head towards the old port in Nice and enjoy the view overlooking the harbor and the boats. Just wander the streets of Old Town and go through the little alleys. You will come up with lovely antique/flea markets as well as antique/bric-a-brac shops where one can spend hours. Pay attention to the Baroque architecture, while in the Old Nice. Make a visit to the Opera de Nice, which is the most beautiful of French theatres because of that ceremonial staircase and painted ceiling.

Once you are done with your exploring and shopping head towards the flower market on Cours Saleya that has been operating since 1897. You will love the freshness and fragrance of flowers, those brightly-colored, awnings, and the colorful stalls. Smell the fresh flowers or taste the fresh vegetables.

After having lunch, go to the Chagall Museum on the Boulevard de Cimiez and admire the fantastic stained glass and how Chagall used color in his work. Next, you could visit the elegant neighborhood of Cimiez where you will come across the “Belle Epoque” architecture from the era of World War I. Matisse residence in a villa, can be found here and it is now the Musée Matisse.

After wandering around the museum, you can head towards the Roman remains of Cemenelum, which are from the 1st century AD. Have some snacks packed and enjoy them while sitting in the Roman arena. If you still have time, visit the 16th-century Franciscan Monk Monastery on the way back.

Enjoy the evening in the lively and the service friendly atmosphere of the private beaches like Sporting Plage. Gaze at eh seas and enjoy an ice cream for dessert. If you still have some energy left, you could end the day with one of the jazz clubs like Shapko.