Land at CDG, clear passport control and take RER B or a taxi to central Paris; drop bags at your hotel or leave luggage if early. RER B runs frequently; a taxi is quicker with luggage.
Check into a centrally located 3-star/4-star hotel (suggest 9th–1st arrondissements to save transit time) or at least drop bags and freshen up before exploring.
Walk up to Sacré-Cœur basilica (open daily; grounds open early–late) for sweeping views of Paris, then stroll through Place du Tertre to see street artists and Montmartre’s charm.
Wander cobbled streets, see Moulin de la Galette and the small Musée de Montmartre (check museum opening days/times; often open Wed–Sun). Great for local history and artists’ studios.
Take a Bateaux Parisiens or Vedettes du Pont-Neuf cruise to see illuminated monuments; cruises run into the evening — check operators for last departures (usually ~10:00pm).
Visit the world-famous Louvre (open 9:00am–6:00pm; closed Tuesdays — this itinerary is on Wednesday so it will be open). Prioritize Denon wing for Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and Grande Galerie; book timed tickets in advance to skip lines.
Sainte-Chapelle (chapel of stunning stained glass) is usually open in winter from ~9:00am–5:00pm — check exact winter hours and reserve tickets. Stroll the exterior of Notre-Dame (interior access may be limited during restoration).
See Impressionist masterpieces in a beautiful former train station (open 9:30am–6:00pm; closed Mondays — this itinerary is on Thursday so it's open). Book tickets in advance to avoid lines.
Pre-book summit or second-floor tickets to avoid peak lines; winter evenings are great for views and the tower lights up after dark (tower open late; check exact closing time—usually late).
Catch an early RER C train to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche (train ~35–45 minutes); depart early to maximize time at the Château and gardens. RER tickets cost modestly; trains frequent.
Tour the Palace (typically open 9:00am–6:30pm in winter; closed some Mondays — ensure your date is open). See the Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments and learn about France’s royal history; reserve tickets in advance.
Walk the formal gardens (if weather permits) and visit the Grand and Petit Trianon palaces; gardens are large — allow time for strolling or renting a golf cart/mini-train (seasonal).
Stroll the narrow streets, browse independent shops, and visit the beautiful Place des Vosges. Le Marais is excellent for unique souvenirs and a relaxed last morning.
Modern art at Centre Pompidou (open typically 11:00am–10:00pm) or the Picasso Museum (subject to winter hours) are both in/near Le Marais; choose based on interest and energy.
Pick up luggage and depart to CDG by taxi or RER B — allow at least 2.5–3 hours before your international flight for transit, check-in and security. Taxis take ~45–60 minutes depending on traffic.