Some towns you visit. Paris, Texas is a town you experience. It’s the kind of place where a 65-foot Eiffel Tower wears a giant red cowboy hat, where history and hospitality sit side by side on the same downtown block, and where a good meal in the middle of the day makes everything that follows a little sweeter.
We’re BonFire, and we’ve watched countless families, road-trippers, and curious travelers pass through our doors on their way to somewhere else in town. So we put together the day trip we’d want to take ourselves — one that hits the landmarks worth stopping for, leaves room to wander, and lands right here with us for lunch, because a day this good deserves a great meal!
Here’s how we’d spend the day if you let us plan it for you.
Stop 1: See the Iconic Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris, Texas is complete without a photo beside our Eiffel Tower replica, proudly standing 65 feet tall and topped with a bright red cowboy hat. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Northeast Texas, and for good reason: it’s the perfect blend of local humor and civic pride. Built in 1993 and later crowned with its signature hat, the tower has become the unofficial symbol of the city.
Get there early, while the morning light is soft and the crowds are thin. It only takes about 15 minutes to see, but it sets the tone for the day: playful, proud, and a little unexpected.
Stop 2: Visit Evergreen Cemetery’s “Jesus in Cowboy Boots”
From one Paris icon to another. A short drive from downtown, Evergreen Cemetery is home to one of the state’s most talked-about grave markers: a statue of Jesus wearing cowboy boots, marking the resting place of Willet Babcock. It’s a peaceful, reflective stop, and one that visitors often say they didn’t expect to move them the way it did.
Take your time here. Wander the older sections of the cemetery, read the names on the headstones, and let the quiet set in before you head back toward the noise and color of downtown.
Stop 3: Lunch at BonFire — The Heart of Your Day Trip
By midday, you’ve earned a seat at the table. This is where we come in.
BonFire sits right in the middle of everything Paris, Texas has to offer, which is exactly where we like to be. We’re not a stop you squeeze in. We’re the stop your whole day is built around. After a morning of walking, photos, and history, you need a meal that feels like a reward, not an errand.
Our live fire grill is the heart of our kitchen, turning out bold, smoky flavors that make every bite memorable. Whether it’s our signature flame-grilled steak, a perfectly charred burger, or seasonal veggies, our menu is designed to satisfy all tastes. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail or a refreshing local brew, and you’ve got everything you need to fuel the rest of your adventure.
We built BonFire to be the kind of place locals bring visitors and visitors wish they lived close enough to visit every week. Warm service, a menu that invites you to linger, and a dining room that feels like it was made for good conversation. Sit down, eat well, and let the second half of your day start from a great place.
If there’s one rule for a Paris, Texas day trip, it’s this: don’t skip lunch, and don’t settle for ordinary. Make it memorable with food fresh off the grill and flavors worth talking about. We’ll take care of the rest.
Stop 4: Explore the Historic Downtown Square
Fed and recharged, downtown Paris is the natural next step. The historic square is lined with locally owned shops, murals, and architecture that tells the story of a town that’s been proud of itself for a long time. The Culbertson Fountain sits at the center of it all, a quiet gathering point that’s been part of downtown life for generations.
Give yourself a generous amount of time here. Pop into the shops, snap a few photos by the fountain, and soak in the small-town charm that makes Paris feel like a place worth slowing down for.
Stop 5: Step Into History at the Sam Bell Maxey House
Just a few minutes from the square, the Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site offers a glimpse into 19th-century Texas life. Once home to a Confederate general and U.S. senator, the house has been preserved with much of its original furnishings intact. Guided tours run seasonally, so it’s worth checking ahead, but even a walk around the grounds gives you a sense of the town’s deeper history.
Stop 6: Soak Up the Sunset at Pat Mayes Lake
End your day the right way, out in the open, with the sky putting on a show just for you. Pat Mayes Lake is a peaceful spot just outside of town where locals come to unwind, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re strolling along the water’s edge, finding a quiet bench, or simply sitting with someone you love and watching the colors change, there’s something about this place that makes you exhale.
As the sun dips below the horizon and the lake catches that golden light, it’s hard not to feel grateful for the day you’ve had. It’s the kind of ending that doesn’t need any words. Just good company and a sky full of color.
Come Back and See Us Soon
A good day trip doesn’t end when you drive home. It ends when you’re already thinking about the next visit. That’s what we hope Paris, Texas leaves you with: a photo by the tower, an afternoon of wandering downtown, a memorable lunch at BonFire, and a quiet moment under the big Texas sky.
We’ll be here next time, too. Same table, same warm welcome, and the same bold flavors from our live fire grill to make your next trip even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see all the main attractions in Paris, Texas?
A full day is enough to comfortably hit the highlights, including the Eiffel Tower, historic downtown, and vibrant local dining scene.
Where should I eat during a Paris, Texas day trip?
BonFire, located in the heart of downtown Paris, is the ideal brunch, lunch, or dinner stop. Enjoy dishes from our live fire grill, like flame-grilled steak or charred seasonal veggies, paired with craft drinks.
Is Paris, Texas good for a family day trip?
Yes. Stops like the Eiffel Tower replica and downtown square are family-friendly, low-cost, and require minimal walking, making them easy to enjoy with kids of all ages.
Do I need to book anything in advance?
Most outdoor attractions, like the Eiffel Tower and Evergreen Cemetery, don’t require reservations. The Sam Bell Maxey House offers seasonal guided tours, so it’s worth checking their schedule ahead of time.
What makes Paris, Texas worth visiting?
Paris, Texas blends small-town charm with unexpected landmarks, from a cowboy-hat-topped Eiffel Tower to a historic downtown square, making it a memorable and easy day trip destination.
