Paris, France-6-day-itinerary

Paris, the City of Love: A 6-Day Itinerary

Paris, the capital of France, is a city like no other. Rich in history, art, fashion, and cuisine, it’s a destination that has something for everyone. Here’s a 6-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to Paris.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY)
  • Take a taxi, bus, or train (RER B) to your hotel
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up

Afternoon

  • Start your Parisian adventure at the iconic Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
  • Take the stairs or elevator to the top for breathtaking views of the city
  • Explore the nearby Champ de Mars park

Evening

  • Head to the Seine River and take a scenic river cruise (Bateaux-Mouches) to see the city’s landmarks while learning about its history
  • Dine at Le Comptoir du Relais, a cozy bistro serving traditional French cuisine

Day 2: Museums and Galleries

Morning

  • Visit the famous Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre) to see the Mona Lisa and other artistic treasures
  • Explore the adjacent Palais-Royal gardens

Afternoon

  • Head to the Musée d’Orsay, home to an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art
  • Stop by the nearby Sainte-Chapelle church with its stunning stained-glass windows

Evening

  • Enjoy a cabaret show at the world-famous Moulin Rouge or Lido de Paris
  • Dine at Le Grand Vefour, a historic restaurant serving classic French cuisine

Day 3: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Morning

  • Explore the charming neighborhood of Montmartre, known for its bohemian vibe, street artists, and stunning views of the city
  • Visit the beautiful Basilique du Sacré-Cœur perched on a hill

Afternoon

  • Wander through the picturesque streets and alleys of Montmartre, stopping at the Place du Tertre and the Musée de Montmartre
  • Relax with a coffee or snack at a charming café like Le Consulat or Café des Deux Moulins (from the movie Amélie Poulain)

Evening

  • Dine at Le Pain Quotidien, a bakery-restaurant serving organic and delicious food
  • Enjoy a scenic walk along the Seine River to see the city’s landmarks illuminated at night

Day 4: Palace of Versailles

Morning

  • Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles), a former royal residence with opulent decorations and gardens
  • Explore the Hall of Mirrors, Royal Chapel, and Royal Opera House

Afternoon

  • Stroll through the beautiful Gardens of Versailles (Jardins du Château de Versailles)
  • Return to Paris in the evening

Evening

  • Dine at Septime, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative French cuisine
  • Explore the trendy Marais neighborhood and its vibrant nightlife

Day 5: Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité

Morning

  • Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris), one of the most beautiful churches in the world
  • Explore the adjacent Île de la Cité, including the Sainte-Chapelle church and the Conciergerie palace

Afternoon

  • Take a scenic walk along the Seine River to see the city’s landmarks and bridges
  • Visit the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore or the charming Saint-Michel fountain

Evening

  • Dine at Breizh Café, serving delicious crepes and galettes (savory pancakes)
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise on the Seine River (Vedettes de Paris)

Day 6: Markets and Farewell

Morning

  • Visit the bustling Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, one of the largest flea markets in the world
  • Explore the charming streets and canals of the Oberkampf neighborhood

Afternoon

  • Return to your hotel to collect your luggage and depart for the airport or train station

Accommodation

  • Hotel Le Walt (4-star) - a stylish hotel with comfortable rooms and a convenient location near the Eiffel Tower
  • Hotel des Archives (3-star) - a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the Marais neighborhood
  • Consider renting an apartment through services like Airbnb or Paris Attitude

Transportation

  • Metro: an efficient and affordable way to navigate the city (€1.90 per ticket or €14.50 for a carnet of 10 tickets)
  • Bus: a convenient option with many routes covering the city (€2 per ticket or €14.50 for a carnet of 10 tickets)
  • Taxi: readily available, but more expensive than public transportation
  • Velib: a bike-sharing system with stations throughout the city

Tips and Essentials

  • Learn some basic French phrases to show respect and appreciation for the culture
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist season (June-August) for smaller crowds and lower prices
  • Don’t forget to validate your train ticket before boarding
  • Respect the local environment and culture by not littering, not eating on the go, and not touching historical monuments

Things to Know

  • The Eiffel Tower is closed on December 25 and January 1
  • Some museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays; check ahead of time to plan your itinerary
  • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
  • Paris has a reputation for being expensive, but there are many affordable options for dining and activities with some planning

Bon voyage et à bientôt à Paris! (Have a good trip and see you soon in Paris!)