Paris 3-Day Exploration Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Central Paris

Morning: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport and take the RER B train (≈45 min) to Gare du Nord. From there, walk 10 minutes to your hotel in the Marais district to drop off luggage and freshen up.

Afternoon: Stroll 12 minutes east to Place des Vosges for a quick coffee, then head north (5 min walk) to the Picasso Museum. After the museum, walk 8 minutes to the historic Rue des Rosiers for a falafel lunch.

Evening: Take the Metro Line 1 (2 stops, ≈7 min) from Saint-Paul to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre. Explore the illuminated Louvre Pyramid and enjoy a Seine river cruise (board at Port de la Bourdonnais, 15‑minute walk from the Louvre).

Day 2: Classic Landmarks

Morning: Walk 10 minutes to Notre‑Dame Cathedral for a brief visit, then cross the Île de la Cité (≈5 min) to the Sainte‑Chapelle. Afterward, take the Metro Line 4 (1 stop, ≈3 min) to Châtelet and transfer to Line 1 (2 stops, ≈5 min) to reach Champs‑Élysées – Clemenceau for shopping.

Afternoon: Continue on Metro Line 1 (3 stops, ≈6 min) to Charles de Gaulle – Étoile. Walk 7 minutes up the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic city views, then descend the Avenue des Champs‑Élysées toward the Grand Palais (≈12 min walk).

Evening: Take the Metro Line 9 (2 stops, ≈5 min) from Alma‑Marceau to Ile de la Cité – Pont Marie. Cross the bridge (≈2 min) to the Latin Quarter, where you’ll dine at a traditional bistro and enjoy a night‑time walk along the Seine.

Day 3: Art, Gardens & Departure

Morning: Take the Metro Line 1 (5 stops, ≈10 min) from Saint‑Michel to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre, then transfer to RER C (2 stops, ≈7 min) to Musée d’Orsay. Spend time admiring Impressionist masterpieces.

Afternoon: Walk 15 minutes through the Jardin des Tuileries to the Place de la Concorde. From there, board the Metro Line 8 (3 stops, ≈6 min) to École Militaire and explore the Musée Rodin and its beautiful gardens.

Evening: Return to your hotel via Metro Line 9 (4 stops, ≈8 min) to Saint‑Paul, collect luggage, and take a taxi (≈30 min) to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• RER B train (CDG → Gare du Nord): 45 min, €10
• Metro rides (all days): Approx. 30 min total, €1.90 per ticket (2 tickets)
• Picasso Museum: 1‑2 h, €14
• Seine River Cruise: 1 h, €15
• Notre‑Dame & Sainte‑Chapelle: 1.5 h, €10 (combined entry)
• Arc de Triomphe: 30 min, €13
• Musée d’Orsay: 2 h, €16
• Musée Rodin: 1.5 h, €13
• Taxi to CDG (Hotel → Airport): 30 min, €55
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner): Approx. €60 per day
• Total Estimated Cost: €258

Tips

To extend the trip, add a half‑day visit to the Versailles Palace (reachable by RER C, 45 min each way) or explore the Montmartre neighborhood for its artistic vibe. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Musée Rodin and replace the Seine cruise with a free evening walk along the riverbanks, saving both time and money.