logo
I tried the extreme-daytripping trend with a 12-hour trip to Paris – here's what they don't tell you on TikTok

I tried the extreme-daytripping trend with a 12-hour trip to Paris – here's what they don't tell you on TikTok

The Irish Sun03-05-2025
EXTREME daytripping – where you go to another country, explore for a day and return home before bedtime – has exploded on social media.
But to make the most of those precious few hours in a foreign city, pre-booking your experiences with an expert is a savvy decision.
2
A look across the Seine to Notre Dame
Credit: Getty
2
The Shakespeare And Company bookshop counted Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Gertrude Stein among its visitors
Credit: Alamy
And many offer time-saving extras like skipping queues or going into attractions after dark.
I've never been to Paris, so this seemed the ideal first extreme trip for me – the chance to take in the city's amazing sites and fabulous food in just a day.
My morning started with a 5am alarm, and by 6.30am I was in my seat on one of the first Eurostar services out of London.
Just two and a half hours later, I was pulling into
Read More on Travel
A must-see was the Impressionist art at the Musee d'Orsay.
But there was no queueing for tickets – my guide met me at the entrance and we were straight in.
The museum is regularly voted one of the best in the world and inside are over 15,000 pieces of art, from paintings to sculptures.
The most notable artists are Monet, Degas and Renoir. Up in the attic I saw works by Vincent Van Gogh.
Most read in City breaks
It was the busiest room of the museum, but it was worth manoeuvring through the crowds to get a glimpse of the magnificent Starry Night Over the Rhône.
The museum is beautiful, with a huge gold clock and a vaulted ceiling – features from its former life as a train station. The clock has been ticking there since 1900.
Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport
I wrapped up at the Orsay at 1pm – and I was already halfway through the day.
With an afternoon food tour booked, I was on a mission to see
Coffee carts on the Left Bank were handy for a caffeine boost after the early start, and I picked up a little souvenir at the stalls along the way.
I wandered from winding streets to broad avenues lined with trees in full blossom.
I stopped outside the famous bookshop, Shakespeare And Company, which opened in 1951 and counted Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Gertrude Stein among its visitors.
Across the road was Notre Dame which, after the devastating fire in 2019, has just begun to allow visitors.
However, guided tours are not available until June.
Half an hour after marvelling at the cathedral, I was tucking into a buttery, layered croissant on the City Experience's Ultimate Food Tour.
Across the Marais neighbourhood, I was taken on a gastronomic journey sampling award-winning chocolate, macarons, classic French cheeses and onion soup, all while learning interesting tidbits along the way.
In the Jewish Quarter I stopped for a pastrami sandwich, then a French-Syrian bakery for sweet treats and to top it off, I sampled two French wines, including delicious Chablis.
I had an hour left before my 8pm Eurostar, which had me back in London by 10pm.
As a homebody, extreme daytripping is a trend I can definitely get on board with.
GO: PARIS
GETTING THERE:
Return Eurostar fares to Paris from £52.
See
SIGHTSEEING:
Musee d'Orsay Skip-the-Line tour is from £47.
The Ultimate Food Tour is from £87.
See
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Abandoned European airport being BULLDOZED & turned into new ‘smart city' unveils timeline for first homes
Abandoned European airport being BULLDOZED & turned into new ‘smart city' unveils timeline for first homes

The Irish Sun

time42 minutes ago

  • The Irish Sun

Abandoned European airport being BULLDOZED & turned into new ‘smart city' unveils timeline for first homes

THE site of a major international airport is set to be transformed into a smart city as new plans have been unveiled. Spanning a whopping 6.2 million square metres, this site even played a role on the Olympic stage. 6 The Ellinikon development will see the former airport site coverted into a 'smart city' Credit: 6 The former international airport was used during the Athens Summer Olympics in 2004 Credit: Getty 6 First built in 1938, the Athens airport served over 12 million passengers a year in its heyday before closing in 2001 Credit: Getty The former Athens International Airport site is set to undergo the First used as a airport in 1938, the Greek airport saw its last flight in 2001 as operations moved to the new Spata site. Since then parts of the development were repurposed for the Athens Summer Olympics in 2004. Sports such as canoe‑slalom, hockey, and softball were hosted on the grounds. Read More On Airports Ambitious development In 2012, purchased the site and now executives have shared an update on their ambitious plans. Set to be one of Europe's largest regeneration projects , the Ellinikon urban development will see a new "smart city" constructed on the premises of the former airport. And despite minor delays of three to four months in some areas due to updates in national building regulations, construction remains largely on track with the city set to welcome residents by 2027. There are four residential projects underway, one along the coastal front and three within the 'Little Athens' district. Most read in News Travel Accordinf to Lamda, these are all progressing ahead of schedule, with the average price for residential units in the Little Athens neighbourhood now exceeding €8,500 (£7,372) per square metre. There is also strong commercial interest in the retail aspects of the project, with the Elliniko—Vouliagmenis Mall poised to become the largest mall in Greece. Incredible 'airport of the future' revealed - with no queues or long waits To date, Lamba has generated €1.2 billion (£1 billion) in revenue from real estate sales at Ellinikon. The development is rapidly establishing itself as a landmark urban regeneration model, combining luxury living, retail, and green public spaces in a singular coastal destination. It is set to include a 600 acre metropolitan park, a Hard Rock Cafe & Casino, museums, schools, university campuses, cinemas, office towers, and even beaches. The development, which is roughly three times the size of Monaco, will be largely powered by renewable energy. It will even feature a massive green canopy to reduce heat island effect. History of Ellinikon International Airport By TOM MALLEY Ellinikon International Airport once served around 11 million passengers a year - and recorded 13.5 million passengers during its final year of operation. Located four miles south of central Athens, the airport was initially built in 1938, just before the Second World War, at a time when the area was sparsely populated. But shortly after it opened, the Third Reich invaded Greece and after 1941, the airport served as a Luftwaffe airbase during the occupation. In 1945, the Greek authorities had to sign an agreement with the United States Air Force that allowed them to use the airport for flights between Italy and the From October 1, 1945, to 1969, the airport became the Hellinikon Air Base. A command and control centre, as well as a passenger and cargo terminal, were opened at the airport. In 1958, the airport changed its name to Athens International Airport when its purpose was changed to civil aviation. In 1988, however, Greece refused to renew their agreement with the US Air Force, which conducted its last operation at the airport in 1991. Following its official closure ten years later, abandoned planes, empty hangars, overgrown runways and crumbling infrastructure formed part of the huge eyesore that was once a major international airport. And while most of the existing structure will be bulldozed, some of the historic hangers will be maintained and converted into cultural spaces. Project timeline The development is currently in its first phase, with construction of the park, Riviera Tower, and casino set to be complete by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, the Little Athens residences, Hard Rock Hotel, and commercial areas will be developed between 2027 and 2030. And from 2030 onwards, work will focus on the full expansion of cultural, business, and educational hubs. 6 The development will include a large park, retail spaces, residential units, and uniersity campuses Credit: 6 The Ellinikon development will even feature a beach front area for residents Credit: More airport stories Plus, the And the The Plans for a And 6 Some historic elements of the airport will be preserved while the rest is set to be demolished to make way for the massive city Credit: Getty

Urgent warning for Irish holidaymakers to act before boarding flight to popular sunshine spot over rule change
Urgent warning for Irish holidaymakers to act before boarding flight to popular sunshine spot over rule change

The Irish Sun

time3 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Urgent warning for Irish holidaymakers to act before boarding flight to popular sunshine spot over rule change

AN urgent warning has been issued to Irish holidaymakers before boarding their flight to a popular sunshine spot. A major change in Turkey's mobile data rules is expected to catch out thousands of tourists this 2 Turkey has banned the use of e-SIMs for those in the country Credit: Getty 2 e-SIMs are a popular choice for Irish tourists looking to avoid roaming charges Credit: Apple The country has introduced a ban on eSIM activation after arrival, which could leave holidaymakers without mobile internet unless they prepare in advance. eSIMs have become a popular choice for Irish tourists looking for affordable data plans while abroad, offering an alternative to physical SIM cards or roaming charges. However, under the new rules tourists will no longer be able to activate a new eSIM or manage their existing eSIM using a provider's app or website once inside This means those who planned to set up their eSIM after landing will be left buying a local SIM card or rely on expensive roaming charges. READ MORE IN TRAVEL Travel expert Juan David Soler from Holafly said: "Turkey's sudden ban on eSIMs has caught many travellers off guard, and it's vital that Irish holidaymakers heading there this summer take action before they fly. 'eSIMs have become the go-to option for Irish people wanting affordable mobile data abroad without the hassle of physical SIMs or costly roaming. 'But now, travellers will no longer be able to activate a new eSIM once they arrive in Turkey.' And he is now warning that Irish Most read in News Travel Although the ban is aimed at Turkish residents purchasing eSIMs for international use, the restrictions impact all users who attempt to activate or access eSIM services inside the country. The first and most important step is to purchase your eSIM while still in Ireland as your provider's website or app may be blocked or restricted once in 'It's very important' - Ryanair's 'baggage sizers' warning to Irish passengers ahead of busy Easter break amid €75 fine Tourists should then install their eSIM before departure using the QR code or manual installation instructions provided by their eSIM provider. Once installed, the Tourists are also advised to store their installation code or QR image onto their camera roll in case they need to re-install it without internet access. AVOID BEING CAUGHT OUT Lastly, it is recommended to download a VPN before travel as this may allow users to bypass access issues and continue managing their eSIM if needed. Without a VPN, users may not be able to check how much data they've used, contact customer support or make any changes to their plan while in Turkey. Travel experts say this is important for tourists who rely on mobile data for navigation, transport apps, hotel check-ins or bookings while on the move. To avoid last-minute stress, all Irish visitors are now being strongly advised to install and test their eSIM before leaving Irish mobile networks. Juan added: 'To avoid getting caught out, Irish travellers should ensure their eSIM is fully downloaded and activated before leaving Ireland. 'This means setting up your digital SIM while still on Irish networks, and confirming it's working properly before departure. 'Otherwise, you could be left without internet access the moment you land, which can be a serious issue if you rely on your phone for maps, transport, or bookings."

Last-minute UK coastal breaks for this summer from £26pp a night
Last-minute UK coastal breaks for this summer from £26pp a night

The Irish Sun

time17 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Last-minute UK coastal breaks for this summer from £26pp a night

IT'S not too late for a coastal staycation this summer. a seaside booking and inspiration site, says there is plenty of availability for a last-minute break. 4 The stunning North Yorkshire coastline around Saltburn by the sea Credit: Supplied From Lisa Minot has some suggestions for exploring our stunning shorelines. ENJOY A FEAST IN DORSET ENJOY a food and wine inspired tour of the Dorset coast this summer. The Catch at The Old Fish Market restaurant in Weymouth on the quayside sees diners buy fresh fish downstairs before heading upstairs for a sea-to-plate experience. Read More on STAYCATIONS 4 Enjoy a food and wine inspired tour of the Dorset coast this summer Credit: Getty Must-try dishes include Portland Brown Crab and black sea bream. There is also affordable dining at Rockfish in Brixham, Dartmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Plymouth where on Takeaway Tuesdays you can grab a portion of sustainably caught fish and fresh cut chips for just £5 to enjoy by the sea. Add fire to the mix at the Great Dorset Chilli Festival at the Stock Gaylard Estate near Sturminster Newton on August 2 and 3. Expect artisan chilli products, spicy food, chilli eating competitions, live music, local beers and a chance to try the Dorset Naga super-hot chilli. Most read in Beach holidays The coast is also home to several world-class vineyards including the Langham Wine Estate that offers guided tours, as does Bride Valley Vineyards, just a short drive from At sunset, the Dorset skies will be ablaze with free firework displays during the summer holidays on Thursdays at Poole Quay, on Fridays from GO: Between Weymouth and Durdle Door, Parkdean's Warmwell Holiday Park has an indoor pool and ten-pin bowling. A three-night stay in a two-bed lodge sleeping up to six is from £468 in total. See FUN IN WHITE CLIFFS COUNTRY TAKE to the stunning waters around the Kent coast with a thrilling RIB ride with Dover Sea Safari. Setting sail from 4 Enjoy good vibes and clifftop views at The Coastguard in St Margaret's Bay (UK's closest pub to France) Credit: Alamy See Take to the waters to learn wakeboarding or tackle a giant floating obstacle course at Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park near Sandwich. Spot wildlife including a secret seal colony, hop on a River Runner tour from Sandwich Quay or White Cliffs Country's summer of live events kicks off this weekend with the We Will Meet Again festival at Betteshanger Country Park with tank and jeep rides, Spitfire and Hurricane tours and street food stalls. From July 26 to August 2, Deal Carnival and Regatta will feature a week of events including a teddy bear's picnic, raft race and firework displays. Enjoy good vibes and clifftop views at The Coastguard in St Margaret's Bay (UK's closest pub to France) with live music on Sunday nights during July and August. Or take your seat in the Tudor gardens theatre at GO: Fallow Fields Camping in Eastry near Sandwich has general pitches and furnished bell tents. There are pizza nights and a Gin and Fizz Bar onsite. A three-night stay in a furnished bell tent sleeping up to four is from £462. See BUCKET & SPADE FAMILY TIME IN NORTH YORKS THE resort of Redcar is gateway to eight miles of sweeping, unbroken sands spanning South Gare to Saltburn-by-the-Sea with plenty of classic seaside fun and great value for money. Redcar's expansive, flat, sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles, paddling, and enjoying a donkey ride. 4 Enjoy the Victorian elegance of Saltburn-by-the-Sea Credit: Getty Climb the vertical pier of the Redcar Beacon for 360-degree views of the coastline. Further along, enjoy the Victorian elegance of For those with a taste for adventure, the waves at Venture inland, and you will discover a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts within the dramatic hills and lush forests of the North York Moors National Park. The Guisborough Forest & Walkway offers a fantastic day out with its numerous walking and cycling trails, adventure play areas and sculpture trails. For a family challenge, hike up the iconic Roseberry Topping, known as the 'Yorkshire Matterhorn,' to be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire region. GO: Anchor Bay Holidays in Filey has 75 coastal holiday rentals with pool and beach access, use of the indoor heated pool, a shop, cafe and restaurant. Three nights for four in a one-bed apartment starts at £332 in total – see

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store