How to Make the Most of Four Days in Paris

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Advisor - Anna Reid
Curated By

Anna Reid

  • Arts & Culture

  • Couples Travel

  • City Travel

  • Solo Travel

  • Honeymoons

  • Paris

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Shopping

Vibrant model sailboats glide on water, with a grand edifice backdrop and onlookers at the water’s edge.
Curator’s statement

Paris is a work of art that needs much more than four days to explore. However, sometimes all you have is four days. This itinerary will highlight great things to do in Paris for a short period of time, while still being able to relax. Four days tends to be the optimal time to spend in a single city, and this itinerary can show you how to use your time most effectively in the City of Love.

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Where to stay

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Day 1: Arrive in Paris

A historical church with a spire that reaches towards a brooding sky.

Booking through me will secure you an early check-in to your hotel, so no matter when you arrive, you will be able to head to the hotel, drop your bags off and begin your adventure. I recommend the Hotel La Fantaisie. It is an elegant hotel decorated with a garden-esque vibe. It is absolutely stunning, and affordable while still being luxurious. Relax for as long or as little as you like, then walk to one of the local churches for a traditional musical performance (Eglise Saint‐Ephrem — Main Hall typically has concerts on weekend nights).

Day 2: Explore around La Fantaisie

A tempting display of baked delights in a cozy wooden pastry case.

As you may be adjusting to jet lag, take this morning to explore the beauty, restaurants and grounds of the hotel. Once you are done with that, walk to one of the 4.5-star bakeries located near La Fantaisie.

  • UNION BOULANGERIE- Bakery, 4.8 stars and a five-minute walk

  • Patisserie Angelique & David - Pastries, 4.5 stars and a seven-minute walk

  • Gem la Pâtisserie Paris- Pastries, 4.9 stars and a twelve-minute walk

After you've spent the morning exploring the hotel and the area around it, take the Napoleon tour. Not only will you learn all about the life of the famous Napoleon, but you will also engage with historic sites in Paris led by a local guide.

After the tour is done, you'll have plenty of time to walk or catch a taxi to the river, wander around the Eiffel Tower, and of course, get some more pastries. You can even pair this tour with The Louvre, or other monumental Parisian sites you've been wanting to see.

Day 3: Versailles

A grand classical edifice stands proudly behind a vibrant floral display.

Now that you are fully adjusted to Paris and have done a good amount of exploring and one tour, you're ready to take the full or half-day tour of Versailles. One of the most popular tours in Paris, so you definitely won't want to miss this. Versailles was the model of residence for over a century, and the Palace, Hall of Mirrors and grounds are a must-see. Having a tour guide allows you to get the most out of your experience and truly understand and absorb the importance and elegance of this monumental palace.

This tour can be done on foot, or you can opt for a bicycling tour.

After the tour, if finished, freshen up at your hotel before going out to grab a bite to eat or settle down for a meal at the hotel restaurant.

Day 4: Baking or Cooking Class

Two hands skillfully working with dough, at a baking session in progress.

On your last day in Paris, I recommend taking a traditional Parisian baking or cooking class. This is my favorite thing to do wherever I go, as it really immerses you in the culture, and gives you something to take home and recreate to feel like you're in Paris again. This may be a macaroons class, or maybe even a soufflé class.

A hidden gem in Paris that many people miss out on is the markets, so if you can, check any of these out while exploring Paris!

  • Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves- Saturdays 7 AM -2 PM

  • Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen- Mondays 11 AM -5 PM

  • Les Puces de Montreuil- Saturday and Sunday- 7 AM - 7:30 PM

Need to Know

There is so much to see and do in Paris and in France as a whole. I like to travel to each place for about four days, really taking in what each city has to offer. Though you may feel you want to and need to return to Paris again, these are my top recommendations to make your Parisian trip unforgettable. Recommendations and Itineraries can be adjusted and revised to a shorter or longer number of days and activities can be added and substituted for others.

Advisor - Anna Reid

Travel Advisor

Anna Reid

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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Explore the Big Island From Hilo: A Locals Point of View.