Embark on a journey through the enchanting streets of Paris, where every corner reveals a new facet of its timeless charm. From iconic landmarks to hidden treasures, immerse yourself in the essence of the “City of Lights” with this comprehensive 4-day itinerary.
Day 1: Global Icons
1. The Eiffel Tower
Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Description: Built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, the Eiffel Tower is an enduring symbol of Paris. Opt for skip-the-line tickets to bypass queues and maximize your time exploring this architectural marvel. Choose between elevator access to the top or a scenic climb up the stairs for panoramic views of Paris.
Directions: Take the Paris Métro Line 6 to the Bir-Hakeim station. From there, it’s a short walk to the Eiffel Tower.
2. Arc de Triomphe
Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Description: Commissioned by Napoleon, the Arc de Triomphe commemorates France’s military victories. Ascend to the top for sweeping views of the city. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid queues and maximize your visit.
Directions: Take the Paris Métro Line 6 from the Eiffel Tower to the Charles de Gaulle—Étoile station.
3. Champs Elysees + Pont de l’Alma
Address (Champs Elysees): Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Address (Pont de l’Alma): Pont de l’Alma, 75008 Paris, France
Description: Stroll along the prestigious Avenue des Champs-Élysées, lined with luxury boutiques and cafes, before capturing stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from Pont de l’Alma.
Directions: Walk from the Arc de Triomphe to Champs Elysees and continue to Pont de l’Alma.
4. Branly Museum
Address: 37 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris, France
Description: Explore the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac’s diverse collection of indigenous art and cultures worldwide. Short queues make it an ideal stop to delve into France’s colonial heritage.
Directions: After crossing Pont de l’Alma, continue along Quai Branly to the museum.
5. Banks of Seine
Description: Conclude your day with a stroll along the picturesque banks of the Seine River. Bask in the romantic ambiance and admire iconic landmarks illuminated against the night sky.
Experience the magic of Paris’s global icons while uncovering its lesser-known treasures, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through the city’s heart.
Day 1: Global Icons
| Attraction | Open Hours | Tickets | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower | Daily: 9:30 AM – 11:45 PM | Varies based on level and age | Purchase tickets online or at the venue |
| Arc de Triomphe | Daily: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Regular: 13 EUR<br>Under 18: Free | N/A |
| Branly Museum | Daily: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM (closed on Mondays) | Regular: 12 EUR | Audioguide: 5 EUR |
Day 2: Treasures of Paris
1. The Louvre
Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Description: Venture into the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument – The Louvre. Housing over 35,000 artworks spanning millennia, including the iconic Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, this cultural behemoth promises an immersive journey through human creativity.
Directions: You can walk from Jardin du Palais Royal to the Louvre or take the Paris Métro Line 1 to the Palais Royal—Musée du Louvre station.
2. Jardin du Palais Royal
Address: 6 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France
Description: Nestled near the Louvre, the Palais Royal Gardens offer a serene retreat amidst the bustling city. Admire the elegant symmetry of its manicured lawns, tranquil fountains, and striking contemporary art installations.
Directions: Located adjacent to the Louvre, easily accessible by foot.
3. Sainte Chapelle
Address: 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
Description: Step into a kaleidoscope of color and light at Sainte Chapelle, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture renowned for its splendid stained glass windows. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and celestial beauty of this sacred sanctuary.
Directions: A short walk from the Palais Royal Gardens, across the Pont Neuf bridge.
4. Notre Dame Cathedral (External Visit)
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Description: Behold the majesty of Notre Dame Cathedral, a testament to medieval craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. Although closed for restoration following the 2019 fire, the cathedral’s exterior still captivates with its awe-inspiring façade and timeless grandeur.
Directions: Just a brief stroll from Sainte Chapelle, located on Île de la Cité.
5. Shakespeare and Company
Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Description: Delve into a literary oasis at Shakespeare and Company, a legendary bookstore steeped in history and culture. Browse its eclectic collection of books, soak in the bohemian ambiance, and pay homage to its storied past as a haven for literary luminaries.
Directions: A short walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, in the charming Latin Quarter.
6. Jardin du Luxembourg
Address: 15 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris, France
Description: Conclude your day with a leisurely vacation in the enchanting Luxembourg Gardens, a verdant expanse of manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and ornate fountains. Unwind amidst the idyllic surroundings or take a leisurely boat ride on the tranquil pond.
Directions: Accessible by foot from Shakespeare and Company, or take the Paris Métro Line 10 to the Luxembourg station.
7. Montparnasse Tower
Address: 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris, France
Description: Ascend to the heights of Montparnasse Tower for unrivaled vistas of Paris at sunset. Marvel at the panoramic views stretching from the Eiffel Tower to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, capturing the city’s timeless allure from above.
Directions: A short distance from Jardin du Luxembourg, accessible via the Paris Métro Line 4 to the Montparnasse – Bienvenüe station.
Day 2: Treasures of Paris
| Attraction | Open Hours | Tickets | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Louvre | Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM<br>Wed, Fri: 9:00 AM – 9:45 PM | Regular: 15 EUR | Purchase tickets online or at the venue |
| Jardin du Palais Royal | Daily: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM | Free | N/A |
| Sainte Chapelle | Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Regular: 11 EUR | Audioguide: 3 EUR |
| Notre Dame Cathedral (External Visit) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Shakespeare and Co. | Mon-Sat: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM<br>Sun: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Free | N/A |
| Jardin du Luxembourg | Daily: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM | Free | N/A |
| Montparnasse Tower | Daily: 9:30 AM – 11:30 PM | Regular: 18 EUR<br>Reduced: 9 EUR | Purchase tickets online or at the venue |
Day 3: Tranquil Pursuits
1. Musée d’Orsay
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Description: Delve into Impressionism and post-Impressionism at the Musée d’Orsay, housed within a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station. Admire masterpieces by Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, and other luminaries set against the backdrop of a historic architectural marvel.
Directions: It is located near the Seine River, a short walk from the Louvre, or you can take the Paris Métro Line 12 to the Solférino station.
2. Musée de l’Orangerie
Address: Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France
Description: Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of Claude Monet’s Water Lilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie, nestled within the idyllic setting of the Tuileries Garden. Marvel at the artist’s magnum opus displayed in two oval-shaped rooms, evoking a sense of serenity and transcendence.
Directions: Adjacent to the Musée d’Orsay, a brief walk from the museum through the Tuileries Garden.
3. Place de la Concorde
Address: 75008 Paris, France
Description: Explore the historic heart of Paris at Place de la Concorde, a sprawling square steeped in centuries of tumultuous history. Admire the majestic Egyptian obelisk, ornate fountains, and panoramic views stretching towards the Champs-Élysées and the Louvre.
Directions: Situated near the Musée de l’Orangerie, just across the Tuileries Garden.
4. Jardin des Tuileries
Address: 113 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Description: Unwind amidst the enchanting ambiance of the Jardin des Tuileries, a meticulously landscaped oasis brimming with lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and iconic statues by renowned sculptors. Bask in the timeless elegance of this quintessential Parisian garden.
Directions: Accessible from Place de la Concorde, adjacent to the Louvre Museum.
5. Seine River Cruise
Description: Embark on a leisurely cruise along the Seine River, offering a unique perspective of Paris’s iconic landmarks bathed in sunset’s golden hues. Choose from daytime excursions or enchanting night cruises, accompanied by captivating commentary and unparalleled vistas.
Directions: Board cruises from various points along the Seine River, with departure locations near major attractions.
Day 3: Tranquil Pursuits
| Attraction | Open Hours | Tickets | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musée d’Orsay | Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM<br>Thu: 9:30 AM – 9:45 PM<br>Mon: Closed | Regular: 14 EUR<br>Online priority ticket: Check website<br>Online priority ticket + river cruise: Check website | Free on first Sunday of the month |
| Musée de l’Orangerie | Wed-Mon: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM<br>Tue: Closed | Regular: 12.50 EUR | N/A |
| Place de la Concorde | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jardin des Tuileries | Daily: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM | Free | N/A |
| Seine River Cruise | N/A | N/A | Price varies, check with cruise operator |
Day 4: Exploring Old Paris
1. Paris Catacombs
Address: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Description: Descend into the underground realm of the Paris Catacombs, an eerie labyrinth adorned with the skeletal remains of millions. Traverse dimly lit passages lined with meticulously arranged bones, offering a haunting glimpse into the city’s macabre past.
Directions: Located in the 14th arrondissement, accessible via the Paris Métro Line 4 to the Denfert-Rochereau station.
Note: Consider purchasing priority tickets in advance to avoid lengthy queues.
With these immersive experiences, your four-day Paris itinerary promises to be a captivating journey through the city’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and artistic splendor.
Day 4: Exploring Montmartre and Cultural Delights
1. Palais Garnier (Paris Opera)
Address: 8 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France
Description: Experience the epitome of grandeur at the Palais Garnier, a majestic opera house exuding opulence and architectural splendor. Marvel at the ornate interiors adorned with intricate detailing and immerse yourself in the storied history of this cultural icon.
Directions: Located in the 9th arrondissement, accessible via the Paris Métro Line 3 to the Opéra station.
2. Montmartre
Description: Wander through the enchanting streets of Montmartre, a picturesque neighborhood perched atop a hill in the 18th arrondissement. Explore its cobblestone alleys, quaint cafes, and bustling artist squares, evoking the bohemian spirit of bygone eras.
Directions: Accessible via the Paris Métro Line 2 to the Anvers or Blanche station, followed by a scenic ascent to Montmartre.
3. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Description: Ascend to the summit of Montmartre and behold the glorious Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a majestic testament to faith and architectural prowess. Admire its dazzling white façade and panoramic vistas of Paris, offering a transcendent experience amidst the city’s skyline.
Directions: It is situated atop Montmartre hill and accessible via a leisurely stroll or the Montmartre Funicular from the base of the hill.
4. Moulin Rouge
Address: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France
Description: Conclude your Parisian adventure with a touch of glamour and intrigue at the legendary Moulin Rouge. Immerse yourself in cabaret extravagance adorned with dazzling costumes, captivating performances, and an atmosphere of unbridled revelry.
Directions: It is located in the vibrant Pigalle district of the 18th arrondissement, accessible via the Paris Métro Line 2 to the Blanche station.
Indulge in an unforgettable evening of entertainment at the Moulin Rouge, culminating your four-day journey through the timeless allure of Parisian culture and heritage.
Day 4: Exploring Montmartre and Cultural Delights
| Attraction | Open Hours | Tickets | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palais Garnier | Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Regular: 14 EUR<br>Audioguide + 6.50 EUR<br>Guided tours: Check website | N/A |
| Montmartre | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sacré-Cœur Basilica | Church: Mon – Sun: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM<br>Dome: Daily from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM (summer)<br>Daily from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (winter) | Church: Free<br>Dome: 5 EUR (300 steps, no elevator) | N/A |
| Moulin Rouge | N/A | N/A | N/A |
