Paris 5‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Central Landmarks

Morning: After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll down the Champs‑Élysées to the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city and capture your first Parisian photos.

Afternoon: Head to the Eiffel Tower where you can ride the elevators to the second floor and enjoy the sweeping vistas of the Seine. Consider a quick snack at the tower’s 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant for a taste of French cuisine.

Evening: Relax with a Seine river cruise that glides past illuminated monuments, ending with a view of the glittering Eiffel Tower sparkling on the hour.

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Day 2: Artistic Montmartre & Sacré‑Cœur

Morning: Wander the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, exploring the historic Place du Tertre where painters showcase their work. Pop into the Musée de Montmartre for a glimpse of the neighborhood’s bohemian past.

Afternoon: Ascend the steps to the Basilique du Sacré‑Cœur de Montmartre. Inside, admire the stunning mosaics and enjoy the sweeping cityscape from the basilica’s dome.

Evening: Dine at a classic bistro in Montmartre, perhaps trying a traditional French onion soup while listening to live accordion music.

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Day 3: Museum Day – Louvre & Musée d’Orsay

Morning: Spend the morning immersed in art at the Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and countless masterpieces spanning millennia.

Afternoon: Cross the Seine to the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a magnificent former railway station. Here, Impressionist and Post‑Impressionist works by Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh await.

Evening: Take a relaxed walk along the riverbanks, stopping at a riverside café for a late‑afternoon coffee and people‑watching.

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Day 4: Historic Heart – Notre‑Dame & Luxembourg Gardens

Morning: Visit the legendary Notre‑Dame Cathedral. Even though restoration work continues, you can still admire its gothic façade and the famous rose windows.

Afternoon: Unwind in the beautifully manicured Jardin du Luxembourg. Rent a small sailboat for the pond or simply relax on the lawns with a freshly baked croissant.

Evening: Explore the lively Latin Quarter, sampling crepes and wine at a bustling sidewalk brasserie.

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Day 5: Day Trip to Versailles

Morning: Board the RER C train for a swift journey to the Palace of Versailles. Begin your tour in the opulent Hall of Mirrors, where history echoes in every gilded surface.

Afternoon: Wander the expansive gardens, the Grand Trianon, and the Petit Trianon, taking time to admire the meticulously crafted fountains and sculpted hedges.

Evening: Return to Paris and enjoy a quiet dinner near your hotel, reflecting on the grandeur of the day’s experiences.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Arc de Triomphe – Approx. 1 hour – €13.50
  • Eiffel Tower (second floor) – Approx. 2.5 hours – €25.50
  • Basilique du Sacré‑Cœur – Approx. 1 hour – Free
  • Montmartre (walking tour) – Approx. 2 hours – Free
  • Louvre Museum – Approx. 3 hours – €17.00
  • Musée d’Orsay – Approx. 2 hours – €16.00
  • Notre‑Dame Cathedral – Approx. 1 hour – Free
  • Jardin du Luxembourg – Approx. 1.5 hours – Free
  • Palace of Versailles (including gardens) – Approx. 4 hours – €20.00
  • Total Estimated Cost: €92.00

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a visit to the vibrant Marais district or a day trip to the charming town of Giverny to see Monet’s gardens. To shorten the itinerary, you could combine the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay into a single “art day” and skip Montmartre’s detailed walking tour, focusing only on the Sacré‑Cœur and its views.

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