Arrive at Chennai International at least 3 hours before an international flight; complete check-in and immigration. This reduces stress before a long-haul flight.
Book a late-evening or overnight flight (typical itineraries via Middle East or Mumbai/Delhi) so you sleep on route and arrive in Paris in the morning local time; direct nonstops are rare. Choose a flight with a single short layover for best comfort.
Arrive in Paris in the morning; take RER B (CDG) or Orlyval+RER/Tram (ORY) or pre-book a taxi to central Paris (approx 30–60 min depending on airport).
Popular spot for a casual, delicious falafel sandwich; expect a short queue but quick service and great value. Open roughly 11:30–23:00 (verify seasonal times).
Walk to Île de la Cité to view Notre-Dame's façade and visit Sainte-Chapelle (stained glass). Sainte-Chapelle typically open 9:00–19:00 (verify). Notre-Dame interior may remain restricted; exterior and nearby areas are great for photos.
A 1-hour Bateaux Mouches/Bateaux Parisiens cruise gives an easy orientation of Paris' riverside monuments; evening cruises typically start from ~10:00 to 21:30 depending on operator.
Classic Parisian bistro fare in central location; good for a relaxed first-night dinner with duck confit or steak frites. Most bistros open evenings from ~18:00.
Plan 2–3 hours to see highlights (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory); Louvre hours typically 9:00–18:00 and closed Tuesdays — confirm before visiting. Buy timed tickets online to skip lines.
See the sparkle show at the Eiffel Tower (sparkles every hour on the hour after dusk for 5 minutes). If you plan to go up, book tickets in advance — summit access hours vary (typically until ~23:45).
Walk the gardens and the charming Latin Quarter streets; ideal for relaxed exploring, bookshops and cafés. Gardens open daily from early morning to dusk.
Tour the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors and gardens; Palace typically open 9:00–18:30 but closed on Mondays — allow 3–4 hours for palace and immediate gardens. Book timed-entry tickets online.
Wander the artistic hilltop neighborhood, visit Sacré-Cœur (open early, typically 6:00–22:30), and enjoy panoramic views of Paris. Place du Tertre offers artists and cafés.