Paris 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Paris Itinerary:

This itinerary is designed for a first-time visitor to Paris looking to see the highlights while enjoying some local experiences.

Day 1: Iconic Paris

  • Morning: Arrive in Paris (consider CDG airport or Gare du Nord train station), check into your hotel, and freshen up.

  • Afternoon: Climb the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of the city. Afterwards, explore the Champ de Mars and enjoy a picnic with delicious cheeses, bread, and wine from:

    • Lunch/Dinner: A local boulangerie (bakery) for fresh baguettes and croissants.

  • Things to know:

    • Book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance online or through a travel agency to avoid long queues.
    • Pack a picnic: This is a classic Parisian activity and a great way to enjoy the experience on a budget. Many markets and shops around Paris sell ready-made picnic baskets with all the goodies you need.

  • Suggested itinerary:

    • Arrive in Paris & Settle In (if applicable):

      • Fly into CDG Airport (Charles de Gaulle): Take the RER B train from the airport to central Paris.
      • Travel by Train: Purchase a Navigo Pass for convenient travel on public transportation.
      • Things to eat:
        • Boulangerie: Enjoy a classic baguette and cheese sandwich, freshly made for your lunch/dinner.
        • Budget-Friendly Dinner: Grab some fresh ingredients from a local market (or pick up a delicious meal from a nearby boulangerie or grocery store) and assemble a picnic on the Champ de Mars to enjoy with the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights.

Day 2: Louvre & Parisian Charm

  • Morning: Explore the Louvre Museum, focusing on key masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

  • Afternoon: Wander through the charming streets of Montmartre, visit Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and enjoy the artistic atmosphere of this iconic district.

  • Evening: Stroll along the Seine River enjoying the views and perhaps a glass of wine at a cafe with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

  • Things to know:

    • The Louvre is massive! It’s best to focus on specific wings or collections.
    • Book your Louvre tickets in advance to avoid long lines, especially for popular sections.

  • Things to eat:

    • Boulangerie: Enjoy a fresh croissant and coffee from the local bakery.
    • Cafe Montmartre: Experience the charm of this historic neighborhood with traditional French cuisine like onion soup or steak frites.

  • Montmartre: Consider visiting a local market for ingredients, or enjoy a picnic at a charming spot in the neighborhood.

Day 3: Historical Paris

  • Morning: Visit Notre Dame Cathedral (view from outside only as it is under reconstruction) and learn about its architectural marvels and rich history.

  • Afternoon: Explore the iconic Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, strolling down the grand avenue and soaking in the Parisian atmosphere.

  • Evening:

    • Budget: Enjoy a delicious and affordable meal at a local bistro near your hotel.

Things to know:

  • Notre Dame: The cathedral is currently closed for climbing, but you can still admire its exterior beauty.
  • Arc de Triomphe: Enjoy the view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, overlooking the city’s grand avenues and monuments.**

Day 4: Versailles & Gardens

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend the day exploring the opulent Palace of Versailles, including the palace gardens.

Things to know:

  • Pre-book tickets: Especially if visiting during peak season, this is crucial for avoiding long wait times.
  • Consider a bike tour: A fun and active way to see the sprawling grounds of the palace.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a traditional French dinner at your hotel or in a nearby cafe.

Day 4: Versailles & Gardens (cont.)

  • Dinner: Try a “bouchon” for authentic Lyonnaise cuisine, or explore the local markets for fresh ingredients and delicious cheeses.**

  • Things to know:

    • Transportation: The RER C train connects Versailles with central Paris.
    • Accommodation: Stay at a charming hotel in the heart of the city for a luxurious experience.

Day 5: Art & Culture

  • Museum hopping: Visit the Musée d’Orsay (Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art) or the Louvre Pyramid for stunning views.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a casual dinner at a “boulangerie” near your hotel, indulging in local pastries and pastries.

Things to know:

  • Museum Entrance Fees: Many museums offer free admission days or discounts for certain age groups and categories.

  • Musée d’Orsay: Enjoy the museum’s impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

  • Musée Rodin: Explore the works of the renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin in a beautiful mansion setting.

Things to know:

  • Parisian art: Visit the Musée d’Orsay on a specific day for a more intimate experience with the museum’s masterpieces.

Day 6: Parisian Markets & Cuisine

  • Morning: Explore the vibrant stalls of Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’ oldest covered market.
  • Evening: Indulge in the culinary delights of the Marais district. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Jewish restaurant, or try some delicious falafel from a local stall.

Day 7: Farewell to Paris

  • Visit a museum: Spend one last morning exploring a museum you haven’t had a chance to see yet.
  • Enjoy a final Parisian experience: Have lunch in the form of a picnic at the Jardin du Luxembourg, taking advantage of its charming setting and cafes.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Musée Carnavalet (free entry)

Historical Sites & Museums:

  • Champs-Élysées: Take a stroll down this iconic avenue and visit historical landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre Museum.
  • Arc de Triomphe: Climb to the top of the Arc for breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur, and other Parisian sights (check ticket availability beforehand).

Other things to consider:

  • Museum Pass: A great option for a day of museum hopping, allowing you access to many museums and attractions.
  • Jardin du Luxembourg: Enjoy the serenity of this beautiful park with its stunning gardens, fountains, and sculptures.

Things to know:

  • Parisian history: Explore the rich tapestry of Parisian history by visiting different museums and historical sites.

  • Musée Carnavalet (free entry): This museum is a treasure trove of Parisian history and culture.

  • Jardin du Luxembourg: The gardens are free to enter and offer a tranquil escape with plenty of opportunities for a picnic.

  • Advance planning: Booking accommodation in advance, especially during popular travel seasons, is crucial to securing the best rates and availability.**

Day 1:

  • Dinner:

Enjoy the beauty and history of the Louvre by visiting it in the evening. The Louvre offers evening hours on Wednesdays and Fridays, making it a unique and serene experience.

  • Things to consider:

The Louvre’s restaurants and cafes are open during the day, but they often close for the evening. Consider researching nearby restaurants or cafes beforehand and packing your own snacks for a picnic in the courtyard.

**This itinerary focuses on: **

  • Exploring the iconic beauty of Paris: The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and other architectural marvels like the Pantheon and the Eiffel Tower are breathtaking even from afar.
  • Discovering the charm of different Parisian neighborhoods: Montmartre is a great choice for exploring local culture and finding charming cafes and restaurants.

This itinerary focuses on:

  • Exploring the beauty of Paris:

The Louvre, with its grand architecture and rich history, can be enjoyed through a guided tour.

  • Jardin du Tuileries: Enjoying the city’s sights is best done by taking a break in the gardens, which are perfect for a picnic.

Enjoy your time in Paris!