Paris 3‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport and take a taxi or train to your hotel in the 1st arrondissement. After check‑in, enjoy a classic French breakfast at a nearby café while strolling past the Palais Royal gardens.

Afternoon: Head to the Louvre Museum to admire masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Allocate a few hours to explore the Denon and Sully wings, then pause for a light lunch on the museum’s terrace.

Evening: Walk along the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower and board a Seine River Cruise for illuminated views of Paris’s landmarks. Conclude the night with a relaxed dinner at a riverside bistro.

Day 2: Montmartre & Artistic Highlights

Morning: Take the Metro to Montmartre and climb the steps to the Sacré‑Cœur Basilica for breathtaking city panoramas. Wander the charming Place du Tertre, where local artists display their work.

Afternoon: Descend to the Left Bank and visit the Musée d’Orsay, home to an unrivaled collection of Impressionist paintings. Afterward, browse the boutique shops of the Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés area.

Evening: Explore the historic Le Marais district, stopping for a falafel snack on Rue des Rosiers before dining at a trendy restaurant serving modern French cuisine.

Day 3: Versailles Day Trip

Morning: Board an RER train to Palace of Versailles. Begin with the opulent State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors, allowing time to absorb the royal atmosphere.

Afternoon: Stroll through the expansive Versailles Gardens, visiting the Grand Canal and the musical fountain shows (season‑dependent). Enjoy a light lunch at the on‑site café.

Evening: Return to Paris and head to the Eiffel Tower area for a celebratory dinner with views of the tower’s sparkle. End the trip with a leisurely night walk along the Champ de Mars.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Louvre Museum – 3 hours – €17
• Seine River Cruise – 1.5 hours – €15
• Sacré‑Cœur Basilica – 2 hours – Free
• Musée d’Orsay – 2.5 hours – €16
• Palace of Versailles (interior) – 3 hours – €20
• Versailles Gardens – 2 hours – Free
• Dinner near Eiffel Tower – 2 hours – €60
• Transportation (metro, RER, airport transfers) – all days – €30
• Miscellaneous (snacks, drinks, entry fees for occasional exhibitions) – all days – €25
• Total Estimated Cost: €203

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider a day trip to Giverny to visit Monet’s gardens or head to Disneyland Paris for a family‑friendly adventure. To shorten the itinerary, you could replace the Versailles excursion with a half‑day visit to the Arc de Triomphe and a stroll down the Champs‑Élysées, saving both travel time and entry costs.