If you live in London, I’m pretty sure you’ve said “Shall we just jump on the Eurostar to Paris and stay for one night?!” at least once to a friend or partner. Well, I have, and I’ve lost count of the number of times I've said this exact phrase to my partner on a Saturday morning and not acted upon it.
We’ve usually brushed it off with a “We should probably get some rest” or “We need to binge-watch that series that everyone’s been talking about”. Only then do idioms like ‘Life is too short’ actually mean something deeper. Well, what better excuse do you need than to visit the French capital for International Croissant Day?! Plus we all know, the Pret croissants just don’t cut it. The French do it better.
So we’ve been on the lookout for an exceptional croissant that is worth the trip, and no, it isn’t the giant one we’ve all seen; it’s a little more delectable and a little more couture than that. Darling it’s an elegantly decorated croissant like you’ve never seen before. And it’s the only way it’ll cure your hangover in an instant, leaving you to make the most of your 24 hours in Paris…
Day 1
8:30 Check in at St. Pancras International
Arriving an hour before your train departs is ideal, as it means you’ll get to take full advantage of the lounge (with an extra special perk for one day only). Yes, there’s a lounge, just like the airport, if you travel Business Premier. Plus for International Croissant Day, you'll be able to enjoy La Haute Croissanterie before you've even left London, as they are serving 150 of these elegant delicacies in the Eurostar Business Premier lounge this Friday only (30th January).
Do board the train in good time (gates close 15 minutes before departure so it’s no stress if you’re running a little late. Champagne is waiting on board of course.) Once seated, you’ll enjoy a French-inspired menu created by Michelin Starred chefs, and the 2 hour+ journey will feel like 10 minutes with friends. There’s honestly no going back once you’ve travelled Business…
13:00 Arrive in central Paris and check into Sofitel Paris Arc de Triomphe
When you arrive in Paris Gare du Nord, jump in a cab and head to the 8th Arrondissement. Book the Sofitel Arc de Triomphe as it’s the ideal location for your weekend (you’ll soon realise how near everything is). Once you’ve checked in and entered your room, open the window door and let the sounds of the city usher their way in. Even when it’s cold, nothing beats the sounds of Paris.
The room itself is calming and neutral, the bed feels like a marshmallow (seriously), and the rainfall shower with Balmain essentials allows for a nourishing respite from the world. Once you do manage to leave your room, walking on the backstreets is the best way to explore Paris. It’s also the perfect chance to do a mini photoshoot (sorry to your plus one). Just make sure you save some camera roll space for La Haute Croissanterie at breakfast the next morning…
13:55 See the views at Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is right around the corner, so it would be rude not to. Head to the viewing platform if you haven’t been before; totally worth the 284 steps up! You’ll get 360° panoramic views of Paris, so do try and put your phone away for just a moment and soak it up. Find out more about tickets and guided tours here.
14:45 Let’s go shopping!
Head straight down the Champs Elysees for some retail therapy, making sure you stop in the iconic department store Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées or Polène if you’re after a chic Parisian leather handbag.
16:10 Dine at Lordy’s Paris Club
A late lunch at Lordy’s Paris Club is an intimate affair and a much needed stop after shopping. Not only is the service impeccable here, but the setting is intimate and is finished off to a tea. The vibrant deep coral interior welcomes you to a menu of European classics, such as Salmon tartare and Roasted Lamb. Do try not to nab the dachshund knife rest or the Ralph Lauren napkin holders though.
18:00 Get ready for the soirée
Head back to the hotel, slip into your finest attire, and enjoy a glass of Pommery in the downstairs bar, Sorsi, before you head out. Pommery is definitely an upgrade on the usual Moët.
19:10 Enjoy a bit of camp French drama at Théâtre du Lido
Even if the theatre isn’t your thing, you’re going to love Les Demoiselles de Rochefort. Think La La Land mixed with a sprinkling of Abba, but in French (thankfully there are English subtitles).
Twin sisters Delphine and Solange dream of love beyond their seaside town, brought to life by 36 performers, Michel Legrand’s score, and Alexis Mabille’s costumes. The Lido, now Théâtre du Lido, has been a Parisian icon since 1946, famous for feathers, glitz, and the Bluebell Girls. Its Art Deco glamour makes it the perfect spot for a night of spectacle - dress to impress.
22:00 Late night cocktail anyone?
If you’re up for heading out out after, we’ll see you at Le Bar Long for an espresso martini or two. Followed by a potential jaunt to Tango Paris for a completely unique night (jump in a taxi if you do), or if you fancy chatting the night away instead, L’Élysée–Saint-Honoré will serve you up a post evening debrief and unwind.
Day 2
09:00 La Haute Croissanterie is waiting
You may have a sore head, but you need not worry when La Haute Croissanterie is in your mitts. They bake these croissants fresh every single day and decorate them so elegantly with indulgent chocolate cream, hazelnuts and gold foil, of course, you’ll find it difficult not to have more than two… We also recommend a side of the deviled eggs to build your strength back up, so you’re ready for a day of Parisian culture.
11:00 Visit La Galerie Dior
Get in the zone for fashion week and walk over to the La Galerie Dior, where this stunning museum and exhibition space is dedicated to the history, artistry, and innovation of the iconic French fashion house. You’ll be able to explore couture creations, archival pieces, and immersive installations that celebrate Dior’s legacy, all set within a beautifully designed, modern gallery space. If you can, get down sooner rather than later as there will be a queue.
14:00 See the iconic Grand Palais and catch the latest exhibition by Eva Jospin and Claire Tabouret
If you’re after a small exhibition (there’s only so much you can do the morning after), do visit the Grand Palais, which is famous for hosting the Chanel shows (the main hall was off limits in preparation for the Chanel SS 2026 Haute Couture Show). We’d recommend seeing the current exhibition by Eva Jospin and Claire Tabouret.
Eva Jospin’s Grottesco weaves together new and emblematic works, taking you through a transformative world of grottoes, ruins, and forests, with standout embroidered bas-reliefs blending textile and sculpture. Most of the pieces use cardboard elements with the centrepiece being the most majestic. Claire Tabouret’s D’un seul souffle reveals the creative process behind her life-size stained-glass models for Notre-Dame, offering a rare glimpse into the harmony and colour of her Pentecost-inspired designs.
15:00 Obligatory visit to The Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without seeing The Eiffel Tower. Stroll along the river Seine for a truly romantic end to your trip.
17:00 Finish your trip in a French Brasserie
There’s nothing more French than sitting outside on a street corner, wine in hand (sans cigarette) watching the world go by, whilst observing the Parisian fashion trends of passersby and spotting baguettes out of handbags. If you’ve got time, you won’t regret this reflective moment.
18:00 Au revoir Paris
Leaving Paris from Gare du Nord, champagne in hand, is an emotional moment, but one where you will realise how easy it actually is to get to Paris. Life is unpredictable, anything might happen, and no tomorrow is guaranteed for anyone. So do jump on the train, do let yourself wander aimlessly and do enjoy all the croissants that Paris has to offer. À bientôt Paris!
Eurostart Business Premier return tickers start from £209 return (but during Eurostar promos these can go down, so keep your eyes peeled). Book now.
Rooms at Sofitel Paris Arc de Triomphe start from £375 per night. Book here.
