The Ultimate Parisian Saturday: Sights, Snacks, and Surprises

Paris on a Saturday? Here’s how to fill it with food, culture and adventure—croissants included.

Women Enjoying Picnic by Eiffel Tower

Saturday in Paris is pure possibility: sleepy bakeries giving way to vibrant street markets, world-class museums standing shoulder to shoulder with trendy neighborhoods, lazy riverside strolls, and the city’s best picnics. Whether you want art, architecture, shopping, or just the perfect café crème, Paris offers more than enough to fill your day with “wow” moments. Follow along for the ultimate list of experiences, eats, and adventures to make your Saturday sparkle—no matter your style. 

Our favorite things to do on a Saturday in Paris include: 

  • Musée d’Orsay 
  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés Walking Tour 
  • Gourmet Chocolate Museum 
  • Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise 
  • Marché Bastille 
  • Sainte-Chapelle 
  • Montmartre & Sacré-Coeur Walking Tour 
  • Shopping at Galeries Lafayette 
  • Picnic at Jardin du Luxembourg 
  • Sipping Wine at Ô Chateau 

Musée d’Orsay: Art and Atmosphere on the Seine 

Start your Saturday with a trip to Musée d’Orsay, where art history lives in a dazzling former railway station. This museum wraps you in Parisian grandeur before you even spot a single Monet or Van Gogh. The building’s giant clocks and glass roof cast beautiful daylight across one of the world’s most impressive Impressionist collections. 

Inside, wander past famous works—Degas’ graceful dancers, Renoir’s glowing portraits, and Gauguin’s colors explode from every wall. Crowds buzz, but the galleries never feel overwhelming; there’s always a nook to admire masterpieces up close. The vibe is relaxed, creative, and the café under the domed ceiling serves perfect pastries with killer views. It’s a spot where history, art, and Paris’ irresistible energy come together, setting the tone for a brilliant day out. 

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Walking Tour: Stories, Jazz, and Chic Streets 

Paris’ Left Bank oozes charm, and nowhere more so than Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Spend your Saturday morning wandering this historic haunt with a guided walking tour. Your guide spins tales of existentialist philosophers, secret bookshops, and jazz legends who made the neighborhood famous. 

Bistros spill onto stone-paved streets, galleries showcase up-and-coming artists, and the scent of freshly baked bread drifts from centuries-old bakeries. Expect stories about Simone de Beauvoir’s favorite café and the jazz cellars where Miles Davis once played. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden courtyards and maybe even spot a celebrity or two beneath the leafy boulevards. Saint-Germain makes you feel part of Paris’ artistic story—whatever the decade. 

Gourmet Chocolate Museum: Sweeten Your Saturday 

If you haven’t had dessert yet, now’s your chance. The Gourmet Chocolate Museum is a delicious deep-dive into cacao’s global history and a treat for your taste buds. You’ll follow the journey of chocolate from Aztec ceremony to modern-day Parisian extravagance—without skimping on tastings, of course. 

Explore exhibits of ornate chocolate sculptures and vintage adverts, then watch live demonstrations as chocolatiers pour, swirl and temper their creations. It smells heavenly, and the samples make you feel like you’ve stepped into Willy Wonka’s shoes for a spell. There’s a certain joy in the playful decor and whimsical displays—you’ll leave with more sugary knowledge (and a bag full of treats) than you ever thought possible. 

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: Paris from a Fresh Perspective

Cruise Boat on River Seine

For a new angle on Paris’ beauty, climb aboard a Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruise. These boats glide gently past Notre Dame, under romantic bridges, and along the city’s most famous boulevards—no maps necessary. Grab a seat on the open deck if the weather’s fine. 

From the water, Paris rearranges itself: grand facades line the banks, musicians play on sunny quays, and the Eiffel Tower comes into dramatic view. Live guides tell witty stories as you sail, breathing new life into familiar landmarks. Come dusk, the city’s lights twinkle to life, and every bridge glows golden. This is the lazy, lovely Paris you dream of—just float, snapshot, repeat. 

Marché Bastille: Shop Like a Parisian 

Saturday morning in Paris means market time. Join the locals at Marché Bastille, one of the city’s largest and liveliest open-air markets. Stalls stretch as far as the eye can see, bursting with seasonal produce, flower bouquets, saucisson, baskets of cheese, freshly shucked oysters, and flaky pastries. 

Vendors shout specials to regulars, bakers hand out still-warm baguettes, and the whole place has a festival feel. Sample a bit of everything—ripe strawberries, regional cheeses, golden croissants—with a coffee in hand. It’s the ultimate way to breakfast or find picnic goodies for later. The people-watching? Perfect, colourful, and oh-so-Parisian. 

Sainte-Chapelle: Step Inside a Rainbow 

Turn up the “wow” factor at Sainte-Chapelle, just a short walk from the Seine. This 13th-century gem feels like pure theater: step into the intimate lower chapel before climbing to the upper level, where sunlight turns thousands of stained-glass panels into a kaleidoscope of color. 

It’s peaceful, reverent, and somehow both grand and cozy at once. The air hums with quiet awe, and you’ll catch travelers craning their necks, speechless in the face of all that glowing glass. Whether you’re an architecture lover or just craving a peaceful break, Sainte-Chapelle is Paris at its most magical. 

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Walking Tour: Hilltop Chic Meets Artistic History 

By afternoon, switch gears and head north to Montmartre. This legendary district is best experienced on foot with a local guide. Cobbled lanes wind past quirky shops and ivy-clad studios. You’ll see where Renoir painted gardens, Picasso danced at cabarets, and today’s street artists still paint beneath striped awnings. 

The crown? Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, rising gleaming white atop Paris’ highest hill. Your guide points out hidden stairways and postcard-worthy vantage points. The neighborhood’s lively energy, bohemian tales, and knockout city views make Montmartre a Saturday must—don’t leave until you’ve sampled a crêpe from a side-street stall. 

Shopping at Galeries Lafayette: Glamour and Views

Woman on Balcony of Galeries Lafayette

Say “bonjour” to some serious shopping at Galeries Lafayette. This dazzling Belle Époque department store is more than just racks of glittering Paris fashion. Its domed stained-glass ceiling is an attraction all its own, while each floor offers the hottest French labels, global designers, and tempting gourmet food halls. 

Not in the mood to splurge? Head up to the rooftop terrace for stunning city panoramas—Eiffel Tower included. There’s no better spot to snap that Paris skyline selfie. The stylish buzz here makes browsing the racks almost as fun as shopping itself, and the window displays are a work of art. 

Picnic at Jardin du Luxembourg: Lunch Like the Locals 

When hunger calls or your feet need a break, join Parisian families and students at the beloved Jardin du Luxembourg. This classic park is dotted with fountains, formal avenues, leafy lawns, and plenty of shady spots. Pick up treats from a nearby boulangerie (or your market haul) and find a green chair to call your own. 

People-watching is an art form here: children float toy sailboats on the pond, older locals play chess beneath chestnut trees, and groups of friends linger over wine and cheese. The atmosphere finds that sweet spot between lively and lazy, turning any picnic into a moment you’ll want to remember. 

Wine Tasting at Ô Chateau: Cheers to Saturday 

Round off your day with a toast at Ô Chateau, a wine bar that welcomes both newbies and serious oenophiles. Their tasting sessions guided by experts are fun, friendly, and filled with anecdotes that only a true Parisian sommelier can deliver. 

Sip your way through French wines from Champagne to Bordeaux, paired with cheeses or charcuterie. The cellar’s mellow lighting and easy-going vibe set the stage for swapping stories with fellow travelers. Even if you don’t consider yourself a wine expert, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve experienced a true slice of Paris nightlife. Santé! 

 

With these picks, your Saturday in Paris will be a glorious mix of art, culture, local flavor, and everyday adventure. Let the city surprise you at every turn! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Ô Chateau vs. Gourmet Chocolate Museum or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Paris Passes 

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A woman admires the rooftop view of the Eiffel Tower
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Things to do in Paris in June

As summer reaches the French capital, Paris seems to emit a sigh of satisfaction. World famous landmarks like Montmartre’s Sacré-Coeur Basilica gleam in the early summer sun. Restaurant terraces are fiercely fought over, and the city’s parks and gardens take on a light carpeting of picnicking friends and couples. But if that isn’t enough incentive to head to Paris in June, there’s also plenty to keep you entertained. As well as the museums and galleries you can visit at any time of year, there are a wealth of one-of-a-kind events. The French Open tennis tournament and pride celebrations are just two. All of which begs the question, where do you even begin in Paris in June? What to do on your first day in Paris in June Why not start as you mean to go on? You’re on vacation after all! Get your first view of Paris’s glorious array of landmark attractions by gliding past them from the water. In just 60 minutes, River Seine cruises cover hundreds of years of history. Sailing through an area so important it’s one of only 1000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, you’ll travel from the gothic gargoyles of Notre Dame Cathedral to the reasons behind the construction of the Eiffel Tower in 1889. For a bird’s eye view that includes Gustave Eiffel’s ‘Iron Lady’, there’s only one place to head, and that’s the Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower). The city’s only skyscraper, its 56th story is given over to a panoramic deck with 360° views, reached in less than 40 seconds with Europe’s fastest elevator. Outdoor terraces aren’t difficult to find at lower levels, although the very best see their tables fill up quickly each lunchtime and at the end of the working day. Frankly, it’s no wonder given the warm early evening air and cityscapes people literally travel thousands of miles to witness for themselves. Go al fresco Whilst craft beers are making increasing inroads with trend-conscious Parisians, for the most part it’s wine that remains the tipple of choice. It’s not uncommon to see residents enjoying a glass of red or white wine over a lazy lunch. But for that extra special element of holiday cheer it’s tough to beat the offerings of restaurant Au Cadet de Gascogne. Take their menu’s Champagne Gaumond option and you can enjoy a glass of bubbly and a smattering of French pastries in Place du Tertre in the heart of Montmartre. It's the streets of Paris’s ‘golden triangle’ – an unofficial district formed by the Champs-Elysées, Avenue George V and Avenue Montaigne – that takes the crown for many seeking out Paris’s legendary style. The end of June sees even its luxury brands slashing prices in the summer sales. Bask in Paris’s open spaces Lining the Seine’s rive droite (right bank) on the city’s western extremity is the immense Bois de Boulogne. Gifted to the people of the city by Napoleon III, it’s one of the city’s biggest parks. Amongst its over 2000 acres are gardens, greenhouses and even a zoo. However, in Paris in June attention turns to the southern side of the park, and Roland Garros, home to the French Open tennis championship. The year’s premier clay court competition, it’s possible to encourage on the year’s favorites and underdogs with a ground pass, giving access to practice courts and big screen displays. It’s the silver screen which features most prominently during June’s Champs-Élysées Film Festival. Movie theatres along arguably France’s most famous thoroughfare début a mix of American independent and French cinema. The most colorful event of the year – Paris Pride – is also a stalwart of Paris in June. Also known as the Marche des Fiertés LGBT, this parade sets off from the Tour Montparnasse and ends on the opposite bank of the Seine at the Place de la Bastille. Here the good-natured crowds disperse amidst the streets of La Marais – the city’s de facto LGBTQ+ district. Absorb a little culture Should you miss Pride, you can instead wander the sun-filled streets of the fifth arrondissement with a guide-led Latin Quarter selfie tour. One of the most picturesque areas of the city – and that’s saying something – you’ll be able to grab Instagrammable images at the Panthéon and Shakespeare and Company – perhaps the world’s most famous bookshop. Home to a number of family-friendly museums, there are some collections that just shouldn’t be missed from a June Paris itinerary. It’s the Louvre that grabs most of the headlines, but it’s the Musée d’Orsay that contains some of French art's most celebrated works, from Cézanne to Toulouse-Lautrec. American visitors – and Mr. Bean fans – should keep a look out for Arrangement in Grey and Black, better known as Whistler’s Mother. On the outskirts of Paris, June also sees theme park Parc Asterix open up for its lively summer season. A blend of adrenaline-inducing rollercoasters and child-friendly rides, this rival to Disneyland Paris has been celebrating the comic book antics of Asterix the Gaul since 1989. Celebrate summer in style Keen to not let a single annual event pass without celebration, the summer solstice on June 21 is marked with the Fête de la Musique. Public spaces become stages for incredible amateur and professional musical talent, with few visitors able to resist the allure of the beat. Ideally suited to fitting into a tight schedule of things to do in Paris in June is the La Défense Jazz Festival. Concerts usually take place over lunchtime and then again in the early evening, giving you plenty of time to admire the area’s other delights, including the views from the Grande Arche. Combining rock music with concerns for the environment, the We Love Green festival takes place in the Bois de Vincennes at around the same time. Lasting just three days, this is one of Paris’s top festivals, featuring huge names in rock. As a result, tickets sell out long before summer kicks off. Making the most of your vacation budget With so much to do in Paris in June, how do you keep a tight rein on your vacation budget? One way is to uncover the glories of the French capital with Go City. Our pre-pay passes have been designed with discounts to major Paris attractions in mind, without taking away the flexibility you value as a traveler!
Ian Packham
A hot-air balloon passes by the Eiffel Tower
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Adventurous Things to do in Paris

Paris... City of Light, City of Love, City of... Adventure? Think of Paris and you’re more likely to picture yourself indulging in romantic riverside strolls and lazy pastry-based brunches than in nerve-jangling high-octane pursuits. In fact, Paris offers a surprising array of unusual and adventurous activities that will take you out of your comfort zone, from waterskiing on the Seine to perfecting the French art of macaron-making and gorging on snails and sea urchins. Read on for our pick of adventurous things to do in Paris. Adventures Above and Below Paris Fans of Les Misérables will find much to enjoy in the Paris sewage system which, as Victor Hugo so succinctly put it in his celebrated 1862 novel ‘is slime, minus the human form’. But don’t let that put you off: the Paris Sewer Museum takes you on a fascinating (and completely sanitary!) journey into the city’s underbelly, where you can wade through centuries of sewage history and learn all about the sewermen who worked here. Exhibits include antique equipment and you can take a guided tour with an expert while you’re there. Pause in the gift shop to pick up some stuffed rats for your loved ones on the way out and, most importantly, don’t forget to flush! For a somewhat more claustrophobic underground adventure, the Paris Catacombs are hard to beat. This labyrinth of bone-filled tunnels is said to contain the mortal remains of some six million Parisians, mostly displaced here from overflowing cemeteries in the 18th and early 19th centuries. You’ll notice a chill in the air as you descend the 131 steps to enter the tunnels. From here, there’s a 1.5-kilometer loop through the dead air of this underground ossuary, with walls constructed from densely stacked human bones and skulls. An unmissable adventure, but definitely not one for the faint-hearted. Paris also offers plenty of great options for adrenalin heads with their eyes on the skies. Climb the Eiffel Tower’s 674 steps to reach the viewing platform on the second floor, soar 150 meters above the Parc André Citroën aboard the Ballon de Paris Generali, a thrilling ascent that provides stunning 360-degree views across the city. And, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even fly over the city’s most famous landmarks by jetpack! Ok, ok, so this one from Flyview Paris is a virtual reality experience, but it’s no less thrilling for it. Much like a flight simulator, it’s designed to emulate the real-life sensations of jetpack flying, so you really will feel like you’re cruising over the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Well, for a few moments anyway. Let’s Get Physical Serene sunset cruise not exciting enough for ya? Don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. Located on the banks of the Seine in the Bois de Boulogne, one of Paris’s biggest and most beautiful parks, the Ski Nautique Club de Paris offers 3.5 kilometers of water for water-skiing. It’s open to abilities of all levels so everyone from newbie to expert can get involved. Learn the basics or show off your best river acrobatics if you’re already a pro on the water. If you struggle to find your sea legs, you might prefer to join one of the city’s big rollerblading events instead. Weekends see around 20 kilometers of Paris streets closed to traffic as locals roll out of their homes in their thousands for the Sunday Skate, to weave, wobble and wend their way around major landmarks from the starting point in Place de la Bastille. The Pari Roller is a wheely great way to experience the City of Light by night, with a skating tour that kicks off 10PM Fridays in Montparnasse and rolls on into the early hours of Saturday morning. Do Something New! There’s nothing more adventurous than stepping out of your comfort zone to learn a new craft, and – let’s be honest – what skill could possibly be more life-enhancing than the art of macaron-making? These dainty, delicate and oh-so-delicious little confections are, alongside braille, pasteurization and hair dryers, surely one of France’s greatest ever inventions. This 90-minute pastry masterclass at Paris’s iconic Galeries Lafayette Haussman department store includes creation, assembly and, of course, the all-important tasting of your treats. Want to really impress your friends when you return from Paris? Find out how to transform your potato dauphinoise from a disappointing beige mush into a lip-smacking work of art at the Alain Ducasse Cooking School. And, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can even have a go at learning the very Parisian art of burlesque. Afterwards, head over to Crazy Horse for an evening of high-kicking, high-octane entertainment, and to see how the experts do it. Adventures in Food and Drink When in Paris... eat as the Parisians eat. Snails and frogs’ legs are just the beginning of this great nation’s culinary specialties and, if you can set your squeamishness aside, you might just be surprised. Snails in particular – plump little parcels of deliciousness served in the shell in a hot garlic-and-herb butter – may well prove life-changing. But did you know the French also do a fine line in sea urchin? That’s right: those spiny blighters that skewered your big toe off the coast of Mexico back in ‘95. These sweet, umami-tasting creatures are also said to rival oysters for their aphrodisiac power. Ooh la la! The British novelist Anthony Burgess once described the experience of snacking on durian fruit as 'like eating sweet raspberry blancmange in the lavatory'. A similar half-compliment could be made for traditional French andouillette, a sausage made from pig intestines and seasoning, and a close cousin of South American chitterlings. Its – shall we say – ripe odor might not win you many friends in the restaurant, yet locals swear by the sweet flavor, assuming of course that you can overcome your natural aversion to the smell and tuck in. A warning to the curious though: this one is strictly for those with guts of steel. Many more epicurean adventures await you in the weird and wonderful bars and restaurants of Paris, where you can variously: drink wine from baby bottles at legendary Montmartre restaurant Le Refuge des Fondus, have coffee and cake with a cat, be serenaded by opera singers as you dine and take on an actual pro-wrestler in the basement between courses. Only in Paris. Save on adventurous things to do in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
A panoramic view of Paris focused on Notre Dame Cathedral in fall
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Visiting Paris in October

Whilst in the firm grip of the Parisian fall, October shouldn’t be dismissed as a good time to visit the French capital. Sure, the dog days of high summer may seem a lifetime ago, but in Paris in October the streets take on an alternative chic look with the beautiful fall color of its trees. You may even experience ‘second summer’, when temperatures rise once again for a few days of further warmth. When it comes to visitor numbers, October straddles the line between high and low seasons, since it incorporates the school mid-term vacation. The benefit is a guaranteed range of fascinating one-off events to add to the long list of world-famous landmarks Paris is already able to boast. Wondering what to do in Paris in October? We’ve got you covered!   Save on attraction admission in October If this round up of everything taking place in Paris in October doesn’t have you reaching for the credit card to book transport and accommodation in the French capital nothing will. So don’t forget to buy your All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass at the same time! So grab whichever Paris attraction pass suits you best, and save while you sightsee! Explore with Go City and you get the benefit of discounted admission to many of Paris’s top attractions. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for more great tips and to share your latest vacation snaps!
Ian Packham

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