Paris, France 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Montmartre Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and take a taxi or RER train to your accommodation
  • Check-in to a hotel in the 9th arrondissement, such as Hotel Le Walt or Hotel des Archives

Afternoon

  • Visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, one of the most beautiful views of Paris (free admission)
  • Explore the charming streets and alleys of Montmartre, including Rue Lepic and Place du Tertre
  • Stop by a traditional French café, like Le Consulat or Café des Deux Moulins

Evening

  • Enjoy a classic French dinner at Chez Eugène, a cozy bistro in the heart of Montmartre
  • Take a stroll along the Seine River and enjoy the city lights

Day 2: Parisian Landmarks

Morning

  • Start the day with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower ( tickets from €17)
  • Take the stairs or elevator to the top for breathtaking views of the city
  • Explore the surrounding Champ de Mars park

Afternoon

  • Visit the nearby Musée d’Orsay, home to an impressive Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art collection (tickets from €12)
  • Stop by the iconic Arc de Triomphe, honoring Napoleon’s military victories (free admission)

Evening

  • Enjoy a Seine River dinner cruise with Bateaux-Mouches or Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches
  • End the night with a spectacular light show at the Eiffel Tower (free admission)

Day 3: Royal Paris

Morning

  • Visit the Palace of Versailles, a former royal residence with stunning gardens and fountain shows (tickets from €20)
  • Take a guided tour or explore on your own

Afternoon

  • Return to Paris and visit the Luxembourg Gardens, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city
  • Explore the nearby Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, known for its upscale boutiques and art galleries

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Breizh Café, serving delicious crepes and galettes
  • End the night with a visit to the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore

Day 4: Artistic Paris

Morning

  • Visit the world-famous Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa and an impressive art collection (tickets from €18)
  • Explore the adjacent Palais-Royal gardens and fountain shows

Afternoon

  • Stop by the trendy Marais neighborhood, known for its street art, boutiques, and LGBTQ+ community
  • Visit the Musée Picasso, showcasing an extensive collection of the artist’s work (tickets from €14)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais, serving classic French cuisine with a twist
  • End the night with a visit to the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret show

Day 5: Market Shopping and Departure

Morning

  • Visit the bustling Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, one of the largest flea markets in the world (free admission)
  • Explore the nearby Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood, known for its trendy boutiques and street art

Afternoon

  • Return to your accommodation, pack up, and depart for the airport or train station
  • Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass for skip-the-line access to many attractions (from €62)

Transportation:

  • Metro: an efficient and affordable way to navigate the city (tickets from €1.90)
  • Bus: a convenient option for shorter distances (tickets from €2)
  • Taxi: readily available, but more expensive than public transportation
  • Velib: Paris’s bike-sharing system, a fun way to explore the city (from €1.70/day)

Tips and Essentials:

  • Learn some basic French phrases to enhance your experience
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes and layers for changing weather
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions
  • Consider purchasing a Paris City Guide or map to navigate the city
  • Don’t forget your camera, charger, and adapter for France’s Type E/F plugs

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Le Walt (from €120/night)
  • Hotel des Archives (from €100/night)
  • Airbnb options available throughout the city (from €60/night)

Restaurants:

  • Chez Eugène (Montmartre, from €25/person)
  • Breizh Café (Latin Quarter, from €15/person)
  • Le Comptoir du Relais (Marais, from €30/person)

Additional Tips:

  • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
  • Validate your metro ticket before boarding the train to avoid fines
  • Enjoy the city’s many free museums and attractions on certain days of the week or month

Bon voyage et à bientôt à Paris!