5‑Day Paris Itinerary (February 2026)

Day 1: Arrival & First Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Charles‑de‑Gaulle Airport and take the RER B to your hotel in the 1st arrondissement. After check‑in, enjoy a quick coffee while strolling to the nearby Eiffel Tower for an early view of the city.

Afternoon: Grab a light lunch at a café on the Seine, then wander along the riverbanks to the Seine River Cruise departure point for a scenic 1‑hour boat tour. The cruise offers panoramic vistas of landmarks such as the Louvre and Notre‑Dame.

Evening: Dine in the vibrant Latin Quarter, sampling classic French dishes like coq au vin. End the night with a relaxed walk to the illuminated Eiffel Tower, where you can watch the hourly sparkle show.

Day 2: Art & History

Morning: Head to the world‑renowned Louvre Museum right after opening to avoid crowds; focus on the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Egyptian collection.

Afternoon: After a café lunch in the Tuileries Garden, stroll to the historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral to admire its Gothic façade and visit the crypt for a glimpse of medieval Paris.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of escargot and wine in the charming Marais district, then explore its lively nightlife with a leisurely walk through Place des Vosges.

Day 3: Montmartre & Classic Views

Morning: Take the Metro to Montmartre and climb the steps to the Sacré‑Cœur Basilica for sweeping views over the city. Wander the artist‑filled Place du Tertre and sip a café in a historic café.

Afternoon: Descend to explore the nearby Moulin Rouge façade, then head to the Musée d'Orsay to admire Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Degas.

Evening: Treat yourself to a dinner of duck confit in a traditional bistro near the Opéra, followed by a night‑cap at a rooftop bar with a glittering view of the Arc de Triomphe.

Day 4: Royal Day Trip

Morning: Board the RER C to the opulent Palace of Versailles. Tour the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartments, and the stunning formal gardens.

Afternoon: Rent a bike to cycle around the Grand Canal and the Trianon estates, then enjoy a leisurely lunch at a garden restaurant overlooking the fountains.

Evening: Return to Paris and unwind with a relaxed dinner in the trendy Le Marais, sampling contemporary French cuisine.

Day 5: Shopping & Departure

Morning: Stroll down the Champs‑Élysées, visiting flagship stores and pausing at the Arc de Triomphe for a final photo opportunity.

Afternoon: Grab a quick lunch at a boulangerie, then explore the elegant boutiques of Rue Saint‑Honoré for souvenirs before heading back to the hotel to collect luggage.

Evening: Take the RER to Charles‑de‑Gaulle for your flight home, reflecting on a memorable Parisian adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Round‑trip flight YYZ‑Paris: ~15 h, $1,200
• Hotel (5 nights, 4‑star central): 5 days, $750
• Eiffel Tower (ticket & summit): 2 h, $35
• Seine River Cruise: 1.5 h, $15
• Louvre Museum (ticket): 3 h, $20
• Notre‑Dame Cathedral (crypt & access): 1 h, $10
• Montmartre & Sacré‑Cœur (free entry): 2 h, $0
• Musée d'Orsay (ticket): 2 h, $16
• Arc de Triomphe (ticket): 1 h, $13
• Palace of Versailles (ticket + RER): 4 h, $30
• Food (meals & snacks for 5 days): 5 days, $250
• Paris Metro Pass (Navigo Découverte, 5 days): 5 days, $30

Total Estimated Cost: $2,379

Tips

If you have extra time or want a more relaxed pace, add an additional day to explore the charming neighborhoods of Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés and the modern art hub of Centre Pompidou. To shorten the trip, consider skipping the Versailles day and swapping one museum for a free walking tour of the historic Île de la Cité; both options keep you well within the $3,000 budget while still capturing Paris’s highlights.