5-Day Paris Itinerary: Classic Sights, Montmartre, Versailles & Le Marais

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Day 1: Classic Paris

Paris, France on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Café Le Saint-Régis (Île Saint-Louis)

Start with a classic Parisian breakfast of croissant and coffee at a charming island café; it's a calm way to begin your first morning. Many island cafés open by 7:30–8:00am, but check current hours before you go.
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9:00am

Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie

Admire Sainte-Chapelle’s stained-glass jewel-box chapel and stroll the nearby Conciergerie to feel medieval Paris; Sainte-Chapelle is usually open 9:00am–7:00pm (seasonal hours vary).
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10:30am

Notre-Dame exterior & Île de la Cité walk

Walk around Notre-Dame and the Île de la Cité to see facades, bridges and historic streets even if interior access is limited due to restoration; outdoor visit is free but check for any restricted areas.
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12:00pm

Louvre Museum

See highlights (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo) with a focused 2–3 hour visit; the Louvre typically opens 9:00am–6:00pm on Sundays (closed Tue), so book timed tickets in advance to avoid lines.
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2:00pm

Lunch — Café Marly (near the Louvre)

Lunch on the museum terrace with views of the Louvre courtyard — good for a relaxed midday break. Kitchen typically serves lunchtime dishes; reservations recommended on busy days.
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3:30pm

Musée d'Orsay

Enjoy Impressionists and late-19th-century art in a former railway station; Musée d'Orsay is usually open 9:30am–6:00pm (closed Mon), so plan an afternoon visit.
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5:30pm

Jardin des Tuileries stroll & Musée de l'Orangerie (optional)

Walk the Tuileries and, if you have time, pop into the Orangerie to see Monet’s Water Lilies; Orangerie typically closes around 6:00pm so check seasonal hours.
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7:00pm

Seine River Cruise (early evening)

Take a 1-hour cruise to see major landmarks from the river as lights come on — many operators run cruises until late evening, but departures vary so confirm times and book in advance.
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8:30pm

Dinner — Le Procope (Latin Quarter)

Dine at one of Paris’s historic cafés in the Latin Quarter for classic French dishes; typical dinner hours begin around 7:00pm and reservations are recommended on weekends.
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10:15pm

Evening walk along the Seine

Finish your first night with a leisurely walk along the riverbanks to see illuminated bridges and monuments; outdoor and free, perfect for digesting and scenery.
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Day 2: Eiffel & Champs

Paris, France on August 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Carette (Trocadéro)

Fuel up with pastries and coffee at Carette on the Trocadéro plaza for superb Eiffel Tower views; cafés in the area typically open early but confirm exact hours.
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9:30am

Eiffel Tower summit

Prebook a timed ticket to access the summit and avoid long queues; the tower generally operates from about 9:30am to 11:45pm (hours vary by season).
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11:15am

Champ de Mars stroll & photos

Relax on the lawns below the tower and take iconic photos — a good moment to rest after climbing and enjoy the park atmosphere.
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12:30pm

Lunch — Les Cocottes (7th arrondissement)

Casual bistro fare from chef Christian Constant with hearty, contemporary French dishes; popular at lunchtime so expect a short wait without reservation.
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2:00pm

Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées

Climb the Arc for panoramic views down the Champs-Élysées and explore the avenue’s shops; Arc opening hours are usually around 10:00am–11:00pm but check before visiting.
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4:00pm

Musée de l'Armée & Invalides (optional)

Visit Napoleon’s tomb and military collections at Les Invalides, typically open around 10:00am–5:00pm; it’s a quieter alternative to busy museums and close to the Eiffel area.
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6:30pm

Early dinner — L'Ami Jean

Enjoy rustic Basque-influenced cuisine at this lively bistro in the 7th; reservations are recommended as it’s popular with locals.
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8:30pm

Sunset photos at Trocadéro

Return to Trocadéro for classic sunset and night views of the Eiffel Tower’s light show; public vantage points are open after dusk for great photos.
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Day 3: Montmartre & Marais

Paris, France on August 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — Le Pain Quotidien (Montmartre)

Start your Montmartre morning with a relaxed bakery breakfast before the hill crowds arrive; many bakeries open early but check for exact opening times.
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9:30am

Sacré-Cœur Basilica and lookout

Visit Sacré-Cœur’s basilica and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Paris from the hill; basilica steps are open early (around 6:00am) and interior access is free though dome access may have a fee and hours.
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11:00am

Montmartre walking tour: Place du Tertre & artists

Wander cobbled streets, artists’ square and hidden vineyards — a short walking tour gives insight into the neighborhood’s bohemian past and photo stops.
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12:30pm

Lunch — La Maison Rose

Lovely Provençal-style bistro ideal for a leisurely lunch and classic French dishes in an iconic Montmartre setting.
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2:30pm

Travel to Le Marais & Musée Carnavalet (History of Paris)

Head to Le Marais to explore the historic district and visit Musée Carnavalet to learn Paris’s story; Carnavalet usually opens mid-morning and check current hours as exhibitions rotate.
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5:00pm

Coffee — Café Charlot (Le Marais)

Relax at a classic Marais café and watch local life go by — cafés usually serve all afternoon and are great for people-watching.
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8:00pm

Dinner — Chez Janou (Le Marais)

Have a lively Provençal dinner at Chez Janou where sharing plates and a bustling atmosphere make for a memorable meal; reservations advised on busy nights.
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10:00pm

Evening — Explore Marais nightlife

Finish with bars or a quiet walk in the Marais' narrow streets; many spots stay open late but check last-entry hours for specific bars.
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Day 4: Versailles Daytrip

Versailles, France on August 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Quick bakery stop

Grab coffee and a pastry to-go from a bakery near your hotel so you can catch an early RER train; most boulangeries open by 7:00–7:30am but confirm hours.
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8:30am

RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche (travel)

Take the RER C line to reach Versailles in around 40–60 minutes depending on connections; buy return tickets or check Navigo options beforehand.
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9:45am

Palace of Versailles — State Apartments & Hall of Mirrors

Tour the main palace rooms and Hall of Mirrors; the Château typically opens around 9:00am and closes around 6:30pm (closed Mon), so arrive early to beat the biggest crowds and prebook tickets.
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12:30pm

Lunch — La Petite Venise (in the park)

Enjoy a scenic lunch in the Versailles park near the Grand Canal; restaurants in the park are convenient but can be busy—reservations help.
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2:00pm

Grand & Petit Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet

Explore the quieter Trianon palaces and the Queen’s Hamlet in the estate’s gardens for a more intimate view of royal life; access times match estate hours so check for seasonal schedules.
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4:30pm

Return to Paris

Take the RER back to central Paris, arriving late afternoon to rest or freshen up before dinner; RER schedules vary in the evening so check last trains if staying late.
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7:30pm

Dinner — Bouillon Chartier

Have a classic, affordable Parisian meal at this historic brasserie with traditional dishes and lively service; dinner fills up quickly so expect a crowd but steady turnover.
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9:30pm

Evening stroll — Île de la Cité or Boulevard Saint-Germain

Gentle nighttime stroll to digest and take in Paris lights; both areas are lively and safe but check local transit options for late returns.
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Day 5: Le Marais & Farewell

Paris, France on August 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — Breizh Café (Le Marais)

Enjoy savory or sweet Breton galettes and top-quality ciders for a memorable final Paris breakfast; many Marais cafés open by 8:30–9:00am—confirm times.
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10:00am

Centre Pompidou (modern art)

Visit for striking modern and contemporary works and the building’s panoramic rooftop views; Pompidou generally opens around 11:00am on some days—check exact opening time and prebook tickets.
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12:30pm

Lunch — L'As du Fallafel (Rue des Rosiers)

Grab an excellent and iconic falafel sandwich in the heart of the Marais for a quick, delicious meal; popular spot with lines during lunch so plan for a short wait.
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2:00pm

Last-minute shopping — Le Marais boutiques & concept stores

Shop independent boutiques, vintage shops and gourmet food stores in Le Marais for souvenirs and gifts; many stores are open through the afternoon but some close early on Thursdays, so check hours.
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3:45pm

Relax at Place des Vosges or Musée Picasso (optional)

If time allows, rest in the square or visit Musée Picasso (open Tue–Sun; closed Mon) to end with strong Parisian culture; verify museum opening times before heading in.
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4:45pm

Head to airport / train station

Allow ample time to get to CDG/ORY or Gare du Nord/Gare de Lyon — depending on your departure, travel time can be 45–90 minutes from central Paris by RER or taxi, so plan accordingly.
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6:30pm

Departure or final café stop

If you have a later departure, enjoy a final café or quick aperitif near your hotel/station; if leaving, double-check luggage and transport arrangements.
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