Day 1: Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, the Latin Quarter, and more!
- Start your day at the Champs-Élysées and visit the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views of the city.
- Take a leisurely stroll down the Champs-Élysées and explore Place de la Concorde, where you can see the Luxor Obelisk.
- Walk through the Jardin des Tuileries and admire the Louvre Museum from the outside.
- Cross the Pont Neuf to reach the Île de la Cité and visit the Sainte Chapelle, known for its stunning stained glass windows.
- Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral, which is still being repaired but can be admired from the outside.
- Explore the Latin Quarter, wandering through its charming streets and discovering hidden gems.
- Visit the Pantheon and enjoy the Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the city’s most beautiful parks.
- End the day by visiting Saint Sulpice and finding a café to relax and enjoy the Parisian atmosphere.
Day 2: Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and more!
- Spend the day exploring the Louvre Museum, home to a vast collection of art and historical artifacts.
- Afterward, visit the Musée d’Orsay, known for its impressive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art.
- Finish off your museum day with a visit to the Musée de l’Orangerie, where you can see Monet’s famous Water Lilies paintings.
- Consider getting the Paris Museum Pass to save money and skip the lines at these museums.
Day 3: The Palace of Versailles, Père Lachaise Cemetery, and more!
- Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, located just outside of Paris. Explore the opulent palace, its gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s estate.
- After returning to Paris, visit Père Lachaise Cemetery, the final resting place of famous figures like Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison.
Day 4: Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Holocaust Museum, and more!
- Start your day by visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower. Consider going early in the morning to avoid long lines.
- Enjoy a picnic on the grass at Champ de Mars, located near the Eiffel Tower.
- Explore Rue Cler, a street filled with Parisian eateries and shops.
- Consider visiting the Paris Sewer Museum for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Visit Les Invalides, a complex that houses the Musée de l’Armée and Napoleon’s tomb.
Day 5: Paris Catacombs, Rue Mouffetard, Musée de Cluny, and more!
- Descend into the Paris Catacombs and explore the underground ossuary.
- Visit Rue Mouffetard, a vibrant street known for its food markets, shops, and cafés.
- Explore the Musée de Cluny, which showcases medieval art and the remnants of Gallo-Roman baths.
- Consider other attractions or activities based on your interests and preferences.
Where to Eat in Paris
Remember to check the opening hours and any necessary reservations for the attractions you plan to visit. This itinerary provides a general overview, and you can customize it based on your specific interests and pace of exploration. Enjoy your time in Paris!
As for off-beat attractions, unique walking tours, and day trips from Paris, here are some suggestions:
- The Catacombs of Paris: Explore the underground ossuaries that hold the remains of millions of Parisians. It’s a unique and somewhat eerie experience.
- Canal Saint-Martin: Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin, lined with trendy cafes, boutiques, and tree-lined walkways.
- Montmartre Village: Visit the charming neighborhood of Montmartre, known for its artistic history and bohemian atmosphere. Climb up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a panoramic view of the city.
- Sainte-Chapelle: Admire the stunning stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle, located within the Palais de la Cité complex. It’s a hidden gem of Gothic architecture.
- Père Lachaise Cemetery: Wander through the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, where notable figures like Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf are buried. It’s a peaceful and beautiful place.
- Day trip to Versailles: Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, a grand royal residence with opulent gardens. It’s easily accessible by train from Paris.
- Château de Fontainebleau: Explore the Château de Fontainebleau, a magnificent palace with beautiful gardens. It’s another great day trip option from Paris.
- The Marais District: Discover the historic Marais district, known for its narrow streets, art galleries, and trendy shops. Don’t miss the charming Place des Vosges.
- Promenade Plantée: Walk along the Promenade Plantée, an elevated park built on an old railway viaduct. It offers a unique perspective of the city and is a peaceful escape from the bustling streets.
- Musée de l’Orangerie: Visit the Musée de l’Orangerie, located in the Tuileries Garden, to see Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies series.