“Paris is always a good idea.” – Audrey Hepburn
“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.” – Thomas Jefferson
Bonjour et Bienvenue to one of the best cities in the world, the City of Light. Paris is a fantastic city that you must visit at least once in your life. The architecture is beautiful, it has some of the best museums in the world, it’s easy to get around on the fantastic metro, and has great food and atmosphere.
While each of our days explore a different part of the city, use your time to stumble on delightful cafes and diversions. Paris is a feast to be enjoyed. This three (plus) day itinerary visits many of the most famous museums and neighborhoods. If you have the time, spend more. One of the best things about Paris is simply wandering parks, neighborhoods, taking a long lunch, or sipping coffee as the world moves by. With additional time, take the 2 nearby day trips.
Length: 3-5 days (or more)
Transportation: Paris Metro
Best Guide Book: Rick Steves Paris (or France)
Movies: La Vie en Rose, Amelie, Midnight in Paris
Day 1
- Notre Dame (Ile de la Citie)
- St Chappelle
- Stroll the latin quarter – Place St Micheal, Rue St Severin
- Cluny Museum
- St Sulpice
- Jardine de Luxemburg
- If you still have time, grab a metro to the Place de Vosges and walk to the Picasso Museum
- Dinner – choose a rec off the Paris Restaurant Guide
- Lodging – Hotel le Grande Ecoles, Cler Hotel or Hotel du Champs de Mars (night 1/4)
Day 2
- Louvre
- Musee de L’Orangerie
- Champs Elysees / Arc de Triomphe
- Montmartre / Sacre Couer
- Dinner – choose a rec off the Paris Restaurant Guide
- Lodging – same place (night 2/4)
Day 3
- Rodin Museum
- Musee d’Orsay
- Eiffel tower
- Dinner – choose a rec off the Paris Restaurant Guide
- Lodging – same place (night 3/4)
Day 4
- Train to Versailles
- Versailles
- Train to Paris
- Musee Marmottan
- Dinner – choose a rec off the Paris Restaurant Guide
- Lodging – same place (night 3/4)
Day 5
- *Note, only add this day between Easter and October when Giverny is open
- Train to Giverny
- Giverny
- Dinner – choose a rec off the Paris Restaurant Guide
- Lodging – same place (night 2/4)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Bonjour! For your first day introduction we start with a walk around the Isle de la Cite – the historic center of the city built on an island in the middle of the Seine river. You can download a Rick Steves audio tour and map of the area if so inclined. Begin by making your way via metro to the Cite Metro stop. From here it is a very short walk to the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame. Sadly it was damaged in 2019 by a tragic fire during restoration work. Fortunately many of the icons, stained glass windows, and famous gargoyles were spared damage. It is currently already undergoing extensive repair and is set to re-open in 5+ years. For now, you can only marvel at the outside.
Do not miss the nearby amazing St Chappelle – perhaps the best stained glass you will see anywhere (and arguably prettier than Notre Dame) – the chapel is a celebration of light. Afterwards, explore more of the island across the bridge at Pont St Michael and explore the charming latin quarter – Place St Micheal, Rue St Severin. This was the original “university district” of the middle ages (latin was the language of scholars- hence the “Latin Quarter”). Now it is full of cafes and inexpensive (and good) Greek restaurants.
From here head south to the charming Cluny Museum – a museum of medieval art set in an old monastery. The famous Unicorn tapestries are here. Nearby is St Sulpice church – worth a visit for the organ (as well as the slightly snarky sign to American tourists).
From here stroll to the Luxembourg gardens for a relaxing break. If it’s summer we recommend a glace (ice cream) from a local stand, or if it’s fall/winter a crepe.
If you still have time, grab the metro to the Place de Vosges and take a short walk to the Picasso Museum.
For dinner, pick one of our recommended Paris restaurants.
Stay Hotel le Grande Ecoles, Cler Hotel, or Hotel du Champs de Mars. You’ll station yourself here for the rest of the trip.
Day 2
Today explore the right bank starting with the largest art museum in the world – the Louvre. PLEASE see our Louvre page for information off skipping lines and avoiding museum overload. Also we suggest reading our post about museum survival. (We don’t want to scare you off but we want you to enjoy yourself). Allow a minimum of two hours (up to 60 days is reasonable if you want to see everything…) then when satiated head out to the short walk to the surprising and remarkable L’Orangerie.
From here you are near the famous Champs Elysees – perfect for a relaxed couple mile stroll past the fancy shops and end at the Arc de Triomphe.
Grab a metro and make your way to Montmarte and Sacre Couer for a view of the Basilica, a tour of this famous bohemian neighborhood, and great views over Paris.
Dinner at one of our recommended Paris restaurants.
Day 3
Two of our favorite museums will be the highlight of the day, as well as the famous Eiffel tower. Start with a metro ride to the Rodin Museum. Even if you are not a big fan of sculpture this is a delightful tour through a house the artist lived and worked in with many of is most famous works on display, including The Thinker. Allow at least an hour (preferably 2).
From here grab a metro to perhaps our favorite museum in the world – the Orsay. French Impressionism remains one of the most popular forms of art in the world and this is the greatest museum of French Impressionism anywhere. It is also a really great space. Built in an old repurposed train station it is well laid out and a pleasure to visit – IF you follow our skip the line recommendations. Allow at least 2 hours (preferably 3 – 4).
From here grab a metro to the Eiffel Tower. Walk across the bridge over the Seine for great views and/or down the Champ de Mars park. Take the elevator up the Eiffel tower for the full experience.
Dinner at one of our recommended Paris restaurants.
Day 4
Today grab an early metro (RAR train) out to Versailles. The place gets really crowded especially after the tour buses arrive (around 9:30) so go early or late. Get a museum pass to skip the lines and start with the interior state apartments and hall of mirrors. After you see that be sure and go out and wander the grounds – and visit the other outbuilding / attractions ( (Le Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s domain) ). It will probably take you the better part of a day for your visit.
Once you have been saturated with 17th century French Royalty grab a RAR train back to Paris. If you still have time and energy we recommend heading out to see the fantastic Monet collection at the Musee Marmotten.
Dinner at one of our recommended Paris restaurants.
Day 5
If it’s between Easter and October, this day works. Eliminate it at other times. Today you’ll leave Paris for the small town of Giverny, an approximately 45 minute train ride from Paris. Grab the train from the Saint-Lazare Paris station to the Vernon-Giverny Station. Once you arrive, grab a taxi, bus shuttle, or walk (about an hour) to Monet’s most famous site.
Monet lived in Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926 in a beautiful house surrounded by gardens. Along with immaculate blooms, you’ll get to see the bridge made famous by his Japanese bridge series. Wander through his home and gardens and get insight into the Impressionist master’s life.
Return to Paris. Spend your final evening strolling along the Seine, having dinner at one of our recommended Paris restaurants, and enjoying the magic of Paris before leaving the next day.
