Arrive in Paris (CDG/ORY) and transfer to your central hotel (1st–7th arrondissements recommended for easy access). Settle in and drop luggage to recover from the flight.
Classic French bistro for a comforting steak-frites meal; Le Relais de l'Entrecôte is reliable and welcoming late into the evening. Good option for a straightforward first-night meal near central hotels.
If energy allows, take a brief stroll near the Seine or around the illuminated Louvre courtyard to get a first-night view of Paris lights. Safe and atmospheric for a short walk.
Start with a classic Parisian café breakfast of coffee, croissant and tartine at Café de Flore to soak in historic Left Bank ambiance. Opens early, perfect before sightseeing.
Visit the Eiffel Tower; book skip‑the‑line tickets in advance for summit or second-floor access to avoid long queues. Iconic views and essential Paris photo opportunities. (Typical hours year-round; check official site for winter lift schedules.)
Relax with riverside or nearby bistro fare—seasonal French dishes and salads that suit a midday break near the Seine. Locations are close to the Eiffel area for convenience.
Explore Impressionist and post‑Impressionist masterpieces housed in a converted Beaux‑Arts railway station — must-see Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir works. Typical hours ~9:30–18:00 (closed Mondays); check before visiting.
Early evening 1‑hour river cruise showcases illuminated monuments from the water; book a timed ticket (many cruises run until late). Perfect to relax after museum time.
Enjoy classic French cuisine in historic brasserie settings. La Coupole is lively and Montparnasse is close if you plan to visit the tower later; Le Procope has a literary, historic feel.
Visit the world's largest art museum; prioritize highlights (Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo) and use a map to avoid getting overwhelmed. Open usually 9:00–18:00 and closed on Tuesdays—book tickets and an early slot.
Visit Sainte‑Chapelle’s stained glass (usually 9:00–17:00 in winter) and stroll the Île de la Cité; note Notre‑Dame interior may still be under restoration—exterior and plaza are open for photos.
Head to the Montparnasse observation deck for sweeping city panoramas (including the Eiffel Tower) — open late enough for sunset and evening lights. Typical hours ~10:00–23:30.
Quick breakfast near your hotel, then take RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche (allow ~1h door-to-door). Trains run frequently but buy a return Île-de-France ticket or Paris Visite pass.
Tour the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors; the palace usually opens 9:00 and is closed on Mondays—book tickets and arrive early to avoid crowds. Allow time to see the main palace rooms.
Stroll the formal gardens and visit the Grand Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet (if open); in winter some garden features may be reduced—check seasonal schedules.
Join a guided cellar tour with tastings at a top Champagne house; tours typically run in morning and early afternoon and must be booked in advance — great to learn production and taste premium champagnes.
Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned; open most days with free exterior access and interior visiting hours around daytime until early evening.
Visit a second cellar (Moët & Chandon area tours available) or join a short chauffeured tasting tour among the vineyards to learn about terroir and styles. Bookings recommended.
Enjoy a charming breakfast in Montmartre close to Sacré‑Cœur; the area is atmospheric in the morning and ideal for a relaxed start on your departure day.
Climb to Sacré‑Cœur for panoramic views, then wander Place du Tertre and the artist quarter. Sacré‑Cœur is typically open early and is a relaxed spot for a morning visit.
Head to Galeries Lafayette for last-minute shopping and rooftop views; department stores usually open 10:00–20:00, so plan purchases earlier in the afternoon if needed.
Enjoy a final Parisian meal at an iconic brasserie near the Opera or in central Paris; time it to leave slack for luggage collection and airport transfer.
Return to your hotel to collect luggage and take a pre-booked taxi or shuttle to the airport. For international evening flights, plan to leave Paris 3–4 hours before departure depending on airport and airline.