Seven-Day Paris Itinerary: Discover the Heart of France

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Advisor - Melinda Marquez
Curated By

Melinda Marquez

  • Arts & Culture

  • Food & Wine

  • Honeymoons

  • France

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Sightseeing

Advisor - Seven-Day Paris Itinerary: Discover the Heart of France
Curator’s statement

From world-renowned landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to the charming streets of Montmartre and the trendy boutiques of Le Marais, this itinerary showcases Paris’ rich history, art and gastronomy. Each day is thoughtfully planned to provide a seamless balance of sightseeing, leisure and local immersion. This makes it the ideal trip for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

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Day 1: Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter & Paris Catacombs

Morning: Sainte Chapelle & La Conciergerie

  • Start with your early reservation for Sainte-Chapelle. Don't miss its stunning stained-glass windows — they are particularly magnificent when sunlight pours through them.

  • After that, visit La Conciergerie, which is just a short walk away. This historic building was once a royal palace and later a prison during the French Revolution.

Late Morning: Notre Dame

  • Walk over to Notre Dame Cathedral, which is currently allowing limited access, but you can still admire its exterior and the surrounding square.

Afternoon: Latin Quarter & Rue de la Huchette

  • Wander through the charming Latin Quarter, stopping to enjoy the narrow streets and cafés. A great spot for lunch is Rue de la Huchette, where you’ll find lots of little bistros offering classic French meals like croque-monsieur or escargots.

  • Explore nearby landmarks like the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore and relax in the Jardin des Plantes if you have time.

Evening: Paris Catacombs

  • In the evening, head to the Paris Catacombs for a fascinating and slightly eerie experience. The underground ossuary contains the remains of over six million people and offers a unique historical perspective.

Day 2: Louvre & Champs-Élysées

Morning: Louvre Museum

  • Start early to explore the Louvre. Since it’s a vast museum, plan. You can focus on key areas like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace, or explore themed wings like the Greek Antiquities or Renaissance Art.

Lunch: Le Fumoir or Café Marly

  • After a morning of art, grab a bite at Le Fumoir, a chic café near the Louvre, or Café Marly with views over the Louvre courtyard.

Afternoon: Tuileries Garden & Arc de Triomphe

  • After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the Tuileries Gardens towards Place de la Concorde. On the way, you’ll encounter charming fountains, sculptures and manicured green spaces.

  • Continue along the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and if you have the energy, climb to the top for fantastic panoramic views of Paris.

Day 3: Day trip to Versailles

Morning: train to Versailles

  • Take an early RER C train to Versailles. Aim to arrive as the palace opens to avoid crowds.

  • Tour the Palace of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors, Grand Apartments and the Gardens. You can also check out Marie-Antoinette’s Estate (Trianon).

Afternoon: lunch in Versailles

  • Enjoy lunch at one of the many cafés in Versailles or have a picnic in the gardens if weather permits.

Evening: return to Paris

  • After an enriching day at Versailles, return to Paris in the late afternoon. Rest or explore a quiet corner of the city.

Day 4: Eiffel Tower & Seine River

Morning: Eiffel Tower

  • Get an early start at the Eiffel Tower to avoid the crowds. You can take the elevator or challenge yourself by climbing the stairs to the second floor.

Late Morning: Napoléon’s Tomb & Rodin Museum

  • Head to Les Invalides to visit the Tomb of Napoléon Bonaparte, followed by a stop at the Rodin Museum to admire works like The Thinker and stroll through the sculpture gardens.

Afternoon: Seine River Cruise

  • Take a relaxing Seine River Cruise, which gives you a unique perspective of many of Paris' iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and the Musée d'Orsay.

Evening: dinner in the 7th Arrondissement

  • After your cruise, enjoy dinner in the 7th arrondissement, at a classic bistro like Le Bistro de la Tour for a traditional French meal.

Day 5: Disneyland Paris

Morning to evening: Disneyland Paris

  • Spend the day at Disneyland Paris. It’s best to get there early to make the most of the rides and attractions. Whether you’re a fan of Disney or just enjoy theme parks, it’s a fun way to spend the day away from the city. Don't forget to explore Disney Village for shopping and dining.

Day 6: Montmartre & Pantheon

Morning: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

  • Take the funicular up to Montmartre to visit the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur. The view from the top of the hill is amazing, and the interior of the basilica is beautiful.

  • Wander through the Place du Tertre, where local artists display their work.

Lunch: Montmartre cafés

  • Grab a café and croissant at one of the charming spots in Montmartre, like Le Consulat, or head to Café des Deux Moulins, famous for the movie Amélie.

Evening: Pantheon

  • After a restful break at your hotel, head to the Pantheon for a night visit. It's peaceful in the evening, and you can enjoy the beautiful interior and crypts.

Day 7: Farewell Paris

Morning: farewell stroll

  • Begin your day with one last café visit with a coffee and pastry next to the Seine River, enjoying the view.

Need to know

Additional tips:

  • Transportation: Consider getting a Navigo pass or Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel on public transport. The Métro is a quick and convenient way to get around.

  • Breaks & cafés: Remember to take breaks and enjoy Parisian cafés.

  • Flexibility: Allow some flexibility in your schedule for spontaneous discoveries, whether it’s a local park, a small gallery or an impromptu music performance on the street.

With this itinerary, you'll experience the best of Paris at a comfortable pace, and you'll have time to soak in the beauty of each area you explore. Enjoy your trip!

Advisor - Melinda Marquez

Travel Advisor

Melinda Marquez

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