Paris in 8 Hours: What You Can Realistically See During a Layover (March 2025)
Why a Layover in Paris
When we booked our tickets to Bali, an unexpected option appeared. While searching for flights on Skyscanner, Air France was offering good prices… with a layover in Paris. And among those flights, some layovers were longer than others. Not just a couple of hours spent waiting in an airport, but long enough to actually step outside and breathe the city.
Neither my husband nor I had ever set foot in Paris before. And the idea of simply passing by – sitting inside an airport while the city was right there, just beyond the doors – felt impossible to accept.
So we started to dream. Then to search. Then to check the details.
Can you really see a glimpse of Paris in an 8-hour layover? According to the blogs and travel stories I read, the answer is yes – as long as you plan a minimum, stay flexible, and are willing to simply taste the city without trying to see everything.
And that’s exactly what I wanted: a first look, a feeling, a walk through the streets. And yes, maybe even a selfie with the Eiffel Tower – just to say: I was there.
So we chose the long layover. And we left with the excitement of a small parenthesis within our journey to Bali.
How I Prepared my Layover in Paris
Before leaving, I needed to know if an 8-hour layover in Paris was truly enough to see something – without rushing. I wanted a realistic sense of what was possible.
I started with an English vlog (Paris in my pocket), where the creator did exactly what I was planning: leaving the airport, taking the train, and exploring Paris during a 6-hour layover. He even walked to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. It was inspiring, but I already knew that, for my very first time in Paris, that wasn’t where I wanted to go.
So I kept researching. I read blogs, checked Google Maps, looked at metro routes and train schedules from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center. My mother, who had already visited Paris, also gave me a few reassuring tips.
From there, I made a list of the places I really wanted to see:
- The Eiffel Tower
- The Arc de Triomphe
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- The Louvre (just the exterior)
- The Opéra Garnier
- The Luxembourg Gardens
Then I tried to create a logical route between these places, based on:
- walking distances
- public transit times
- and especially, opening hours.
And that’s when the adjustments began.
We were arriving very early in the morning, before several sites opened. For example, I had hoped to climb the Arc de Triomphe for the view of the Eiffel Tower… but the opening hours didn’t match our return flight. Same for the Opéra Garnier.
That’s when I understood something important: during a layover, everything becomes a matter of flexible priorities. You choose what you truly want to experience – and you let the rest wait for another trip.
In the end, our plan centered on the essentials:
- See the Eiffel Tower
- Walk through the Louvre and its gardens
- Continue toward Notre-Dame
- Let ourselves simply feel Paris
And if time allowed, a quiet walk in the Luxembourg Gardens.
It wasn’t meant to be a sightseeing marathon. It was a first encounter. A glimpse. A memory taking root.
Entry Requirements for a Layover in Paris
Before our trip, we took the time to verify the entry requirements for our layover in France. Here’s what we needed as Canadian Travelers:
- A passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended return date;
- No visa required for short stays within the Schengen Area, as long as the visit does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
Whether you’re staying a few hours or several days, the same rules apply as soon as you leave the international transit zone. In other words, to visit Paris during our layover, we had to formally enter France.
In theory, it was simple: go through border control, just like any other international arrival.
In practice… things felt a bit different.
Upon landing, we were met with a very long line at passport control. And since our layover time was already limited, every minute in that line suddenly mattered. I watched the queue move slowly and felt a small wave of stress:
“What if we lose an hour here? What if our time in the city disappears before it even begins?”
It wasn’t the most efficient process, and it was clear we weren’t the only travelers noticing the same thing. But we waited, patiently. Eventually, we made it through the border and followed the signs to the train station – off to the heart of Paris.
How to Get Around Paris – During a Layover
For a layover, the most important thing is to save time and avoid unnecessary complications. Since we were leaving directly from the airport and returning the same day, we chose to use public transportation – it’s both fast and affordable.
🎟️ Buying your ticket before or upon arrival
We downloaded the Île-de-France Mobilités app ahead of time, which allowed us to purchase our transit passes directly on our phones and simply scan the phone at the access gates.
For a layover, it’s very important to choose the right ticket, because not all passes include transportation to and from the airport.
Here were the options we compared:
- Navigo Jour (12€ per person) → does not include the airport
- Paris Region ⇄ Airports ticket (13€ per person per trip) → one ticket needed for the outbound and another for the return
- Paris Visite 1-day Pass (29.90€ per person) → unlimited travel throughout Île-de-France, including the airport, on all modes of transport. We chose this one!
It was simply the easiest and most convenient option, especially during a layover where you don’t want to spend time comparing fares or buying multiple tickets.
🚆 RER B: the fastest way to reach the city
The RER B line connects Charles-de-Gaulle Airport directly to central Paris. This is what we took to reach Châtelet – Les Halles, right in the heart of the city.
Small tip: Not all RER B trains stop at the same stations. Using the Île-de-France Mobilités app or Google Maps will tell you exactly which train to board in your direction.
🚖 What about taking a taxi?
Yes, taking a taxi is always an option, but:
- it’s more expensive;
- traffic can slow you down;
- and when you’re on a layover, every minute matters.
For us, the combination of RER + walking was the most efficient, simple, and stress-free solution.
Itinerary for my Layover in Paris
Châtelet – Les Halles Station: Arrival and the Shock of the Cold
The RER B ride from the airport took us about 35 to 40 minutes. As soon as we stepped out at Châtelet – Les Halles, the very first thing we felt was the cold. We knew Paris wouldn’t be warm in March… but that morning, it was actually colder than Montreal was when we left. And we were definitely not prepared for that. I had a small heated jacket, my husband had a warm sweater, but it simply wasn’t enough.
So, we decided to walk to warm up, because despite everything, we were there – in Paris. And we wanted to make the most of it.
Along the way, we stopped in a little neighborhood bakery for some French pastries. And honestly… they were incredible. It’s one of those “delicious” memories I’ll never forget from this layover.
The Louvre Museum: A First Glimpse of Paris
We then walked to the courtyard of the Louvre Museum, with its glass pyramid at the center.
We knew we didn’t have time to visit the inside — the intention was simply to see the place, to feel the atmosphere, to just be there.
We took a moment to snap a few photos, without rushing… even though the cold kept reminding us to keep moving.
As we continued walking through the Louvre Gardens, we caught sight of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. And even if it wasn’t the grand, close-up view I had imagined, I had made myself a promise: I would get a selfie with it.
🎯 Promise kept.
A tiny Eiffel Tower, far in the background — but I was there. And honestly, that was perfect.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: Walking to Warm Up
Since it was still very cold, we decided to keep walking. We crossed the Seine and made our way toward Notre-Dame Cathedral.
From where we stood, we had a beautiful view of the entire façade. We stayed there for a little while, just taking it in. The wind was biting, our backpacks were starting to feel heavy, and we could feel our energy beginning to drop.
Luxembourg Gardens: A Final Breath Before Heading Back
We were supposed to take the train from Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame, but the RER entrance we needed was closed. Fortunately, since I had studied several route options before the trip, I knew we could catch the RER B a bit further south, near the Luxembourg Gardens.
So we walked toward the gardens – and since we still had a little time left, we took a short stroll through them. Just enough to absorb the moment… without lingering too long.
Then, we headed to Luxembourg Station and took the RER B back to the airport.
Return to the Airport
The process at the airport was surprisingly quick and smooth, thanks to the automated system. We even had a bit of time to wait before boarding – which confirmed that our timing had been just right, even with the adjustments we had to make along the way.
In total, we spent about 2 hours and 30 minutes walking through Paris. It wasn’t a lot – but it was just enough to get a taste of the city.
And even though the conditions weren’t ideal… Paris is done. ✔
Quick Tips to Make the Most of a Layover in Paris
A layover in Paris can become a beautiful little escape, but a bit of planning goes a long way in avoiding stress and fully enjoying the moment. Here is what I learned from our experience:
⏱️ 1. Minimum Time to Plan For
For a layover where you leave the airport, I recommend having at least 7 to 8 hours. With less than 6 hours, it becomes difficult to:
- go through passport control,
- get into the city,
- actually enjoy your time,
- and return in time for your flight.
With 8 hours, you can usually allow for:
- about 40 minutes on the train into the city,
- 40 minutes for the return,
- 1 to 1.5 hours for passport control and walking through the airport,
- 2.5 to 3 hours of sightseeing in the city.
And those 3 hours are just enough to get a taste of Paris – without rushing.
✈️ 2. When Should You Head Back to the Airport?
The general recommendation for international flights is to arrive 3 hours before departure.
Since our luggage was already checked through and we didn’t have any bags to collect or re-check, we chose to return 2.5 hours before our flight, which felt comfortable and safe.
- If you have luggage to check or pick up: plan for 3 hours.
- If you don’t have any luggage to manage: 2.5 hours is usually enough – as long as you feel confident navigating airports.
🚶♀️ 3. Accept That Your “Visit” Time Will Be Short (and That’s Okay)
On a layover, you don’t “visit” Paris…
You discover it, glimpse it, brush against it – and that can be very beautiful.
We spent about 2.5 hours walking through the city, and yet it left a lasting impression on me.
☕ 4. Plan a Small, Pleasant Pause
Even if your time is short, stopping:
- in a bakery,
- at a café terrace,
- or on a bench with a view…
…really helps anchor the memory.
For us, that little pastry stop near Châtelet – and our quiet moment at the Louvre – remain some of the most beautiful memories of the layover.
🧣 5. Adapt to the Weather
It can’t be said enough: Paris is a city you walk. And walking in the cold can make the experience much more challenging.
- Check the weather before you leave
- Bring an extra warm layer
- And if you’re sensitive to the cold: gloves + a small beanie = game changer
Our layover would have been much more comfortable if we had been dressed a little warmer.
💛 6. Keep Some Flexibility in Your Itinerary
Train connections can change, certain lines may be closed… It happened to us, and it’s completely normal.
The most important thing is to have a main plan… and a Plan B.
🌙 In Summary
A layover in Paris doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. A walk, a coffee, a view, a moment. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
In Conclusion
I’m glad I experienced this layover in Paris. It was short, a little cold, a little unpredictable… but it was real. And more than anything, it allowed me to see Paris for the first time – to form my own impression, to taste the city in a way that’s different from photos and postcards.
If I were to do it again, I would take the exact same route. Maybe just dress a little warmer. But overall, everything unfolded naturally: the walking, the pauses, the little discoveries along the way. And even if it wasn’t perfect, it was just right.
What would I do differently?
I would go all the way to the Eiffel Tower, if the train line was open.
But ending in the Luxembourg Gardens brought a gentle close to this small chapter, so I have no regrets.
I’ll admit it – Paris didn’t overwhelm me. I’m happy I finally saw it, but I didn’t feel the immediate spark that many describe.
The streets felt less clean than I expected, and I was surprised by the lack of trash bins in tourist areas. I can only imagine what that looks like during peak season.
And yet – I keep beautiful memories: the warm pastries in the early morning, the light over the Seine, the Louvre’s glass pyramid, the Eiffel Tower appearing far in the distance… and this feeling of having touched Paris, just enough.
I don’t feel the need to return right away. But if life brings me back someday, I hope the city will surprise me – and gently change my mind.
For now, I hold this layover as something soft, imperfect, and precious – a small fragment of travel suspended between sky and earth, between two destinations, between two worlds.
And you, would you try a layover in Paris, even if only for the time of a breath?
**Some links in this article are affiliate links: they allow me to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you make a purchase through these links, thank you for supporting my work as a travel blogger 🌎🩵
You May Also Like
