France 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary: Paris & Beyond

This itinerary focuses on experiencing both the iconic sights of Paris and venturing outside the city for a taste of something different.

Day 1: Bonjour, Paris!

  • Morning: Arrive in Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport - CDG is recommended).

    • Things to do:
      • Explore the charming Latin Quarter: Wander through its historic streets, visit Shakespeare & Company bookstore, and soak in the atmosphere of this literary hub.
      • Climb the steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower: Enjoy breathtaking views of the City of Lights and take iconic photos.

  • Afternoon: Stroll along the Seine River, visiting charming cafes and bookstores along the way. Consider a boat tour for a unique perspective on Paris’s landmarks.

    • Things to do:

      • Lunch with a view at a cafe near Notre Dame
      • Coffee break at a traditional Parisian cafe in the Marais district
      • Explore the Shakespeare & Company bookstore and its labyrinthine shelves.

  • Evening: Wander through the charming streets of Montmartre, enjoy dinner at a local bistro, and catch a live music performance at La Cigale or Le Poisson Rouge.

Day 2: A Taste of History

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Louvre Museum to marvel at masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
    • Things to know: Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues. The museum is vast, so prioritize which sections you want to see based on your interests.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Louvre’s courtyards and gardens.
    • Enjoy a picnic lunch near the Tuileries Garden.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the Louvre’s extensive collection, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

  • Evening:

    • Take a romantic walk along the Champs-Élysées, admiring the twinkling lights and elegant architecture.

  • Other options:

      * Enjoy a concert at the Sainte Chapelle for a truly magical experience.

Day 3: Versailles & Parisian Charm

  • Morning: Day trip to the Palace of Versailles. Explore the opulent palace and its stunning gardens.

    • Things to do:

      • Tour the Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Trianon, and the Gardens of Versailles.
      • Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the Bois de Boulogne.

  • Afternoon: Return to Paris and visit the charming Jardin du Luxembourg for a relaxing stroll.

Day 4: The Seine and Beyond

  • Things to know:

    • Purchase tickets online in advance to save time at the palace.
    • Allow ample time for exploring both the palace and the gardens, as they are extensive.

Day 1: A Day Trip to Giverny

  • Morning: Explore the gardens of Monet’s home and studio at the Musée d’Orsay.

Things to do:

  • Wander through the gardens and admire the beauty that inspired Monet’s famous paintings.

Other options for your final day:

  • Enjoy a final picnic lunch overlooking the Seine River.

  • Visit the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, a beautiful church with a history dating back to the 19th century.

  • Afternoon: Relax in the charming streets and cafes of Paris, enjoying the atmosphere of this historical city.

Things to know:

  • Train travel: Purchase a train ticket from Paris to Giverny (Monet’s gardens are about an hour outside of Paris by train).

  • Purchase souvenirs:

    • Remember to pick up some last-minute souvenirs, like a print of one of Monet’s paintings or a Monet-themed souvenir.
    • Consider visiting the Musée d’Orsay in the evening if you want to avoid the crowds during the day.

  • Things to see:

    • Explore the charming streets of Montmartre and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.

Important information for travelers:

  • Visa requirements: Check the latest visa regulations for your country on the official website of the French Embassy or Consulate. You may need a passport and Schengen visa depending on your nationality.

  • Transportation: The best way to get around is by using the efficient public transportation system in Paris, which includes the metro, bus, and train lines.

  • Schengen Visa: As a reminder, if you are not a citizen of a country within the Schengen Area (including France), you may need a visa to enter the country. Check with the French Embassy or Consulate for further information on Schengen visa requirements.

  • Currency: The currency used in France is the Euro (€).

Other things to know:

  • Things to do:

  • Language:

French is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

  • Transportation:

The Paris metro is a great way to get around the city.

  • Culture:

  • France:

Learn about the French culture and history of the region you are visiting.

  • Weather: Check the weather forecast before your trip and dress accordingly.

    • Paris:

A good option for the afternoon is a relaxing walk along the Seine River.

Things to consider:

  • Transportation:

The Eiffel Tower is a popular tourist destination, so it’s best to book tickets online in advance.

  • Weather:

Paris weather can be unpredictable, so pack an umbrella and layers.

  • Remember:

The Musée d’Orsay is closed on Mondays.

Food & Drink:

  • Parisian food:

Enjoy the delicious cuisine of Paris, from classic French dishes like steak frites and escargots to pastries at a local boulangerie.

  • Transportation:

    • Consider purchasing a Paris Pass for free entry to many museums and attractions, including the Musée d’Orsay.

  • Food & Drink (cont.):

  • Other things to do:

Monet’s gardens offer stunning views of the Seine River and the charming village of Giverny.

  • Things to see:

The ornate Water Lilies series by Claude Monet is a must-see in the Louvre, and you can find plenty of information about the artist and his work online.

Transportation:

  • You’ll be able to easily navigate between Paris and the charming village of Giverny using the efficient train network.

  • Remember to pack a picnic lunch for the gardens.

  • Things to do: Enjoy a final stroll through the Louvre’s gardens, soaking in the beauty of the building and its surroundings.

  • Parisian food:

Enjoy the diverse and exciting culinary scene in Paris!

  • Transportation:

Explore the charming streets and sights of Paris with a day trip to the Musée d’Orsay.

The museum is located near the Louvre Museum.

Other things to do:

  • Visit the Musée d’Orsay.
  • Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the city.

Enjoy the charm of the Musée d’Orsay and the beauty of its art.

  • Food & Drink (cont.):

    • French cuisine:

  • Shopping: Explore the culinary delights of the Parisian food scene.

  • Dining:

The Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are both located in Paris, so you can easily walk from one to the other.

  • Enjoy a romantic picnic with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Other things to do:

  • Things:

Take advantage of the beautiful architecture and unique atmosphere of the city.

Enjoy the food markets like the Marché des Enfants Rouges or the Marché Bastille for fresh, local produce.

  • Consider the Paris Pass:

The Louvre is a stunning museum with a wide range of art, but it’s also a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic in the park nearby.

Enjoy a final picnic with views of the Eiffel Tower.

  • Things:

The Musée d’Orsay is located in a former train station.

It’s an experience worth having.

  • Enjoy the beauty of the Louvre architecture, then take a stroll along the Seine and enjoy the scenery.

  • Don’t forget:

Enjoy a romantic evening with a view of the Seine River.

  • Things to do:

The Musée d’Orsay is a beautiful museum with stunning views, making it perfect for enjoying a picnic with a view.

Enjoy the beauty of the Seine and its surroundings while strolling along the banks.

Other things to do:

Visit the Jardin du Luxembourg for a romantic walk in the tranquil gardens.

  • Enjoy:

A leisurely bike ride through the city, taking in the sights.

  • Parisian food:

Enjoy a leisurely picnic on the banks of the Seine and explore the diverse culinary scene.

Enjoy the charm of the charming streets:

Explore the beautiful hall of the Musée du Louvre.

Enjoy the beauty of the gardens and the atmosphere that they hold.

Things to do:

  • Travel:

Enjoy the beauty of the Seine and its surroundings:

  • Enjoy a final leisurely picnic along the Seine.
  • Visit the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a view of Paris.

Enjoy the charming atmosphere:

  • This is where you’ll find the best views of the city and the Seine, so pack your snacks and head to the park!

  • Things to do (cont.):

Parisian food:

  • Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Seine and soak in the beautiful scenery.

For a good time and a good view, the gardens near the Eiffel Tower are a perfect choice for sightseeing.

  • Transportation: You can easily take a train from the city center to visit the charming village of Giverny and its famous gardens.

Things to know:

  • Other options:

    • Enjoy a leisurely day trip to Giverny, home to Monet’s beautiful gardens and home and the Musée du Bonbon:

Enjoy a final stroll through the picturesque gardens with a view of the stunningly beautiful tower.

Important:

Remember that this is just a starting point. You can customize this itinerary based on your interests and preferences!

Things to do (continued):

  • Jardin du Luxembourg: Enjoy a final picnic in the park near the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Other options:

  • Things to do: Enjoy the beauty of Monet’s gardens, and enjoy a leisurely ride around the city on a Vélib'.

  • Enjoy the beauty:

  • Enjoy a final stroll:

The city of Paris offers many opportunities to experience the beauty of its art.

Other options (continued):

  • Enjoying the beauty of the Seine River: A good reminder that travel can be stressful, so bring some snacks for your journey!

  • Things to enjoy:

    • Beautiful views:

Giverny’s gardens are open and accessible to the public.

Other options (continued):

  • Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Paris, including the Seine River, which is a beautiful and scenic river.

Enjoy exploring the beauty of the city and the wonders of nature that can be found in its parks:

  • Take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside.

  • Enjoy the beauty of the gardens, and then take a leisurely ride on the Seine River.

  • Other options (continued):

Enjoy a final walk through the charming streets of Paris:

  • Enjoy the beautiful architecture and gardens by taking a leisurely bike ride along the Seine.

  • Parisian food:

Enjoy the charm of a city with delicious pastries, cheeses, and wines.

  • Things to do:
  • Enjoy your visit to the Musée d’Orsay.

Other options (cont.):

Enjoy the beauty of the gardens at Giverny, which are home to beautiful flowers and stunning views of the water lilies.

Remember:

  • This is a final reminder to enjoy the peaceful scenery and enjoy the scenery with a leisurely stroll.**

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the beautiful gardens of Giverny.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Seine River.
  • Enjoy a relaxing experience, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the peacefulness of the environment.

Enjoy a final relaxing meal at a local café or restaurant.

  • Other options:

Enjoy a final picnic in the charming park setting.

Enjoy the beauty of Monet’s gardens and enjoy a leisurely ride on a bike ride along the Seine.

  • Enjoy a relaxing bike ride through the picturesque gardens, enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the city.

Other options (cont.):

  • Enjoy a visit to the Musée du Louvre for its stunning architecture and artwork.
  • Enjoy a scenic final trip along the Seine River.

Enjoy a leisurely ride on the Seine River:

  • Things to consider:

The Musée d’Orsay is located in a beautiful park, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

Enjoy a relaxing picnic near the riverbank, enjoying the serene views of the gardens and admire the breathtaking beauty of the Eiffel Tower.

  • Other things to do:

Enjoy the charming atmosphere of the café, while observing the history and culture of Paris.

  • Transportation (cont.):

You’ll need a train ticket for a Parisian adventure.

  • Enjoy a final meal:

Explore the beauty of the gardens surrounding the Seine River.

  • Other options:
  • Enjoy the serene beauty of the Seine River, and enjoy the beauty of the city from the beautiful scenery.

Enjoy a relaxing day trip to Giverny’s beautiful gardens.

Remember (cont.):

  • The Musée d’Orsay is renowned for its stunningly beautiful architecture and its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

To truly experience the Parisian river lifestyle, enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Seine River.

Let me know if you’d like me to help you plan a specific day trip!