7 Things to See in Paris in Under 2 Hours
by Ellie Smith / August 15, 2025
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Landing in the City of Light with only tow hours to spend might feel like culinary cruelty, but it’s enough time for a concentrated hit of history, art, and café culture, only if you plan smart. Forget any dreams of wandering the endless halls of the Louvre (that alone could take two full days, let alone two hours). Instead, think of this as a cinematic “greatest‑hits montage” performed with the help of a Blacklane chauffeured ride and a willingness to hop in and out quickly.
Below you’ll find a deliberately tight itinerary that strings together seven stops. Every location is either a spectacular photo‑op, a bite‑sized art moment, or a quintessential Parisian experience you can savour in minutes.
Traffic in Paris can be unpredictable, so buffer a few extra minutes between stops or be ready to drop one if the périphérique misbehaves.
Pro Tip: If you only remember one thing, remember this: Paris rewards focus. Resist the FOMO and you’ll squeeze a surprising amount out of 120 minutes.
Table of contents
Paris in under 2 hours
1. Arc de Triomphe
Start your journey at one of the most iconic monuments in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned by Napoleon to honor French soldiers, it stands at the center of Place Charles-de-Gaulle, where twelve grand avenues, including the Champs-Élysées, converge in a star-like formation. You won’t have time to climb to the top, but that’s fine. The view from the traffic island is impressive enough. It’s one of those places that just feels bigger in person. How to do it fast: Ask your Blacklane chauffeur to stop near the pedestrian underpass that leads safely to the center. Snap a few photos, soak in the madness of the roundabout, and you’re back on the road.
Time: 10 minutes
2. Eiffel Tower (from Trocadéro)
From the Arc, it's a short drive down Avenue Kléber to the Trocadéro Gardens, home to the best view of the Eiffel Tower. Here, the Iron Lady rises in full glory above the fountains, framed by grand steps and open sky. Skip the elevator lines and souvenir stalls. This is where you’ll get the photo that says “I was in Paris,” without losing 90 minutes to a queue. How to do it fast: Have your chauffeur drop you off near Place du Trocadéro. Walk to the front of the terrace, grab your shot (or five), and hop back in.
Time: 10 minutes
3. Monet’s Water Lilies at Musée de l’Orangerie
After the tower, head toward the Tuileries Garden and make a quick stop at the Musée de l’Orangerie. Hidden near Place de la Concorde, this compact museum is a quiet escape and home to Monet’s monumental Water Lilies murals. Displayed in two softly lit oval rooms, these paintings were designed by the artist to feel like a peaceful refuge. If you only see one artwork in Paris, let it be this. How to do it fast: Book a timed-entry ticket in advance (especially in high season, as it’s mandatory). Go straight to the Water Lilies rooms on the main floor. No need to explore the rest unless you have extra time.
Time: 30 minutes
4. Boulevard Saint-Germain and Les Deux Magots
Back in the Blacklane, cross the Seine to the Left Bank and cruise down Boulevard Saint-Germain, one of the city’s most stylish avenues. Here, high-end boutiques sit next to old bookstores, and the vibe is pure Left Bank elegance. Make a quick stop at Les Deux Magots, the historic café where Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir once sat for hours. You won’t have time for existential debates, but you can still sip an espresso and imagine. How to do it fast: Ask for a coffee at the bar or get it to-go. Snap a quick photo of the green awnings and marble tables, then keep moving.
Time: 15 minutes
5. Pont des Arts and Louvre Cour Napoléon (exterior only)
Next, head toward the Pont des Arts, a footbridge known for its romantic views over the Seine. It’s a quick walk across and leads you right to the rear courtyard of the Louvre, where the famous glass pyramid sparkles between classical facades. Don’t go inside. You’ll need days for that. But standing in the middle of the Cour Napoléon with the pyramid on one side and the old palace on the other? That’s enough. How to do it fast: Park near the bridge and walk across if traffic allows. If not, swing around in the car for a drive-by view and a quick photo stop near the Louvre.
Time: 15 minutes
6. Notre-Dame and Shakespeare and Company
Cross the river again to Île de la Cité and pause in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Though still under restoration after the 2019 fire, the iconic twin towers and Gothic architecture remain striking. Just across the street is Shakespeare and Company, the world-famous English-language bookstore that’s been charming readers since the 1950s. This stop gives you two flavors of Paris in one: its medieval roots and its literary soul. How to do it fast: Admire Notre-Dame from the front (no need to walk all the way around), then step into the bookshop for a few quick glances, or at least a photo under the quirky green signage.
Time: 15 minutes
7. Berthillon Ice Cream on Île Saint-Louis
Finish your tour with a short walk over to Île Saint-Louis, a peaceful little island in the middle of the Seine. Its narrow streets feel like a small village - quiet, local, and lovely. Here you’ll find Berthillon, arguably the most beloved ice cream shop in Paris, known for its rich, natural flavors and no-fuss service. It’s the perfect final stop: a sweet reward and a moment to pause. How to do it fast: There might be a short line, but it moves quickly. Choose a single scoop, stroll to the edge of the island, and enjoy your view of the river before heading off.
Time: 15 minutes
Optional swap‑ins (traffic dependent)
Sainte‑Chapelle: Unbeatable stained‑glass kaleidoscope (allow 25 min with pre‑booked ticket).
Jardin du Luxembourg: Quick fountain photo‑op if you’re near the Latin Quarter.
Panthéon: Peek at the neoclassical dome and Foucault pendulum in 10 min.
Fast logistics cheat‑sheet
Transport: Book Blacklane’s sightseeing service as public transport and taxis can chew up valuable minutes. A professional, locally knowledgeable chauffeur will take you on a private tour. While you explore, your belongings will be safely stored in the vehicle. It’s family-friendly, tailor-made, and designed to help you avoid tourist traps.
Tickets: Buy Orangerie and Sainte‑Chapelle slots online to guarantee swift entry.
Luggage: If on a layover, use CDG or Gare du Nord luggage storage before heading out.
Dress Code: Carry a light layer, as breezes along the Seine can surprise.
Language: A “Bonjour” and a smile will open most doors!
Make the most of two hours in Paris
Spending 2 hours in Paris is less about ticking boxes and more about inhaling the city’s essence, stone, steel, and Seine in fast, flavorful gulps. With Blacklane’s reliable chauffeur service, you can make the most of every minute. Choose from a range of vehicles for airport transfers, long-distance city-to-city trips, in-city rides, or by-the-hour bookings. With our English-speaking chauffeurs, punctuality and professionalism come standard. Book ahead and enjoy the certainty that the price you’re quoted is the price you’ll pay.
Bon voyage and remember Paris will still be here when you come back for that Louvre day pass.
