Check into your central Paris accommodation (Saint-Germain, Le Marais, or near Gare Saint-Lazare). Unpack, recharge devices and get a city map or transit pass to start easily.
Easy first stroll to stretch legs: cross Pont Neuf, enjoy riverside views and the charming Île Saint-Louis ice cream (Berlian’s or Berthillon). Open outdoors at all times.
Take metro to Montmartre for sunset views by Sacré-Cœur and the lit-up city panorama; Sacré-Cœur basilica open daily (approx 6:00am–10:30pm). Great introduction to Paris nightlife and street artists.
World-famous art collection including the Mona Lisa and Egyptian antiquities; plan key rooms in advance because the museum is huge. Louvre hours are typically 9:00am–6:00pm; closed Tuesdays. Book timed tickets online to skip lines.
Lunch with Louvre/Tuileries views at Café Marly or a terrace in the Tuileries Gardens; many cafés open 11:30am–10pm. Good spot for people-watching and a light salade or sandwich.
Home to Monet’s Water Lilies in oval rooms — compact and perfect after the Louvre. Open typically 9:00am–6:00pm; closed Tuesdays — check before visiting.
See the cathedral façade (interior access may be limited during restoration) and explore the small shops on Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis. Public spaces open all day.
Enjoy convivial solo dining in the Latin Quarter; try Chez René or a crêperie for classic fare. Most restaurants open 7:00pm–11:00pm; many welcome solo diners at the bar.
Early breakfast and RER C train toward Versailles Château Rive Gauche; trains take ~30–40 minutes from central Paris. Check train schedules—first trains start early morning.
Tour the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors; the Palace is typically open 9:00am–6:30pm (closed Mondays). Buy timed tickets and consider an audio guide.
Stroll the vast formal gardens and visit the Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s estate; gardens are open year-round and often free unless there’s a musical fountain event which may require a fee.
Casual bistro lunch near the palace—try local brasserie fare and take a leisurely walk on Rue de la Paroisse. Many restaurants open 12:00pm–3:00pm for lunch service.
Back in Paris, head to Montparnasse for skyline views; the Montparnasse Tower observation deck is open late (often until 11:00pm) and offers a quieter Eiffel-view alternative.
Wander the steep streets, visit Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (open daily) and see artists at Place du Tertre; museums in Montmartre vary by schedule but the neighborhood is always lively.
Stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin for a different Parisian vibe—bridges, boutiques, and canal-side cafés. Public space open all day; cafés typically open until late afternoon.
Explore the Marais on foot—independent shops, galleries, and Rue des Rosiers’ famous falafel; many stores open 10:00am–7:00pm, closed rarely on Monday but lively on weekdays.
Try L'As du Fallafel for a casual meal or a contemporary bistro for sit-down dining; popular spots draw lines, so plan accordingly. Many restaurants open 7:00pm onward.
Enjoy a café crème and tartine at a local café; take advantage of early opening hours to avoid lines at the museum later. Typical early openings from 7:30–9:00am.
Impressionist masterpieces in a grand former train station; Musée d'Orsay is generally open 9:30am–6:00pm and closed Mondays, so Tuesday is ideal. Buy timed tickets to skip queues.
Visit the Panthéon (open roughly 10:00am–6:30pm; check seasonal hours) and wander the bookshops and narrow lanes of the Latin Quarter, soaking up student culture.
Relax with tea or people-watch in the splendid Jardin du Luxembourg; gardens are open daily and ideal for a quiet break. Consider the Luxembourg Museum if open and of interest.
Have dinner in the Latin Quarter then head to a nearby jazz club (e.g., Caveau de la Huchette or Sunset Sunside) — most clubs open evenings 8:00pm onward and welcome solo visitors.
Contemporary art museum and vibrant cultural hub with great rooftop city views; Centre Pompidou is typically closed Tuesdays but open Wednesday and often late on Thursdays—today (Wednesday) is perfect.
Grab a casual and famous falafel on Rue des Rosiers or sit down at a bistro—excellent solo-friendly options. Most places open 12:00pm–3:00pm for lunch.
Explore independent boutiques, vintage stores, and small galleries; shops generally open until 7:00pm–8:00pm. Great area for unique souvenirs and fashion.
Scenic 1-hour cruise (Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes de Paris) to see illuminated monuments like Notre-Dame and Eiffel Tower; typical evening departures ~7:00–10:00pm. Book ahead for a guaranteed spot.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe for a sweeping view down the Champs-Élysées; Arc is usually open daily 10:00am–10:30pm (seasonal variations). Then stroll the avenue toward Place de la Concorde.
If you want sculpture and a peaceful garden, Rodin Museum is a great choice (open Tue–Sun, roughly 10:00am–6:30pm; closed Mondays). It’s a calm complement to the busy Champs-Élysées.
Pre-book a late-afternoon slot to ascend the tower; Eiffel Tower is typically open daily with varying evening hours (often until 11:00–11:45pm). Sunset and early evening lights are spectacular.
Dine at a classic Parisian bistro near the tower (e.g., Rue Cler area) or book a table at a restaurant with Eiffel views. Many restaurants accept reservations for evening service.
Take an early train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon then a short bus or taxi to Giverny; trains run regularly—check SNCF schedule. The journey is ~45–60 minutes by train.
Visit the famous water-lily gardens and Monet’s house; open daily in this season (usually 9:30am–6:00pm) — buy tickets in advance to avoid peak crowds and for best photo light in the morning.
End the day with a creative modern French meal in Marais or Saint-Germain — great for solo diners and tasting menus. Reservations recommended for popular spots.
Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast, finish packing and confirm your transport to the airport or train station. Bakeries and cafés open early for take-away if needed.
If you missed it earlier, the Orangerie (Monet’s Water Lilies) is compact and soothing — open generally 9:00am–6:00pm. Alternatively, shop Galeries Lafayette (opens ~10:00am) for souvenirs and a rooftop view.
Have a final leisurely lunch at a riverside café or visit a local market (Marché Bastille on certain days) for local treats to take home. Many market stalls open mid-morning to early afternoon.
Spend your last afternoon revisiting a favorite spot (Luxembourg Gardens, Île de la Cité or a small museum) depending on your departure time—public sites open throughout the day.
Allow ample time for travel to CDG/ORY or train station—factor in luggage, metro/RER connections, and security lines. Aim to arrive 2–3 hours before international departures.