Settle into your central Paris hotel (1st–7th arrondissement recommended for easy access). Leave luggage and get a day metro pass if you plan multiple rides.
Light lunch at a nearby boulangerie or brasserie in the Latin Quarter; try a quiche or croque-monsieur to refuel after travel. Most cafés open from early morning through evening.
Stroll the Île de la Cité and visit Sainte-Chapelle for its stained-glass (typically open ~9:00–17:00 in November). Also view Notre-Dame cathedral exterior and the island’s medieval streets.
Leisurely walk through the Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens—great for photos, people-watching and a relaxed introduction to Parisian life (gardens open until dusk).
One-hour early-evening cruise shows key monuments from the water; cruises run frequently until evening (typical last departures around 22:00). Pre-book timed tickets when possible.
Dinner at a classic Saint-Germain bistro (e.g., Le Procope or similar) to sample French staples; restaurants generally serve dinner from ~19:00 and later.
Start at the Louvre (typically open 9:00–18:00; closed Tuesdays) to see highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and grand galleries—book a timed entry to skip lines.
Cross the river to Musée d'Orsay for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces (museum usually open 9:30–18:00; closed Mondays—good to visit on Saturday).
Attend a Moulin Rouge cabaret show (typical start times 9:00–9:30); book well in advance for dinner+show packages or show-only tickets. The venue runs late-night shows; expect a festive experience.
Dinner near the Eiffel Tower (e.g., Le Bistro Parisien or similar) for a relaxed meal before an evening tower visit; many places serve until late evening.
Night visit to the Eiffel Tower (summit access schedules vary; tower often open late—check time slots and pre-book to avoid queues). The tower sparkles on the hour after sunset.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast or market stroll (e.g., Marché Bastille on certain days) and pick up last-minute edible souvenirs; most stalls and bakeries open early to mid-morning.
Head to Tour Montparnasse for a quick panoramic view of Paris including the Eiffel Tower; the observation deck typically opens ~9:30 and is less crowded than the Eiffel summit.
Allow plenty of time for transfer to CDG/ORY or a major train station (Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon); schedule depends on your departure. Plan 1–1.5 hours for transit to CDG on public transport/taxi.