Depart for airport / finish packing and confirm transport to airport; check flight status and upload travel documents to phone for a smoother arrival.
Arrive at airport, check in and drop bags; take time for a coffee and light breakfast before security so you’re refreshed for the flight.
Flight departs for Paris (CDG or ORY) — use this time to rest, review evening plans for Champs-Élysées, and download a city map and RER/SNCF app.
Land in Paris, pass immigration and collect luggage; exchange a small amount of currency or activate your phone plan if needed.
Take taxi or RER + Metro to your hotel near the Arc de Triomphe; check in, drop bags and freshen up for the evening celebration.
Short orientation walk to the Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs-Élysées to get your bearings and scout good vantage points for tonight.
Coffee break at Café Fouquet's (or nearby Le Relais Plaza) to warm up and enjoy people-watching as the avenue fills with New Year’s Eve energy.
Return to hotel to rest and change into warmer evening clothes; charge phones and pack small essentials (water, portable charger, small thermos).
Early dinner reservation at L'Atelier Étoile de Joël Robuchon (or Brasserie Lipp if you prefer classic bistro fare) — a refined meal before the festivities.
Stroll back to the Champs-Élysées; pick a spot between Avenue Marceau and Place de l'Étoile where crowds gather and lines of sight to the Arc are good.
Grab a quick dessert or vin chaud from a nearby patisserie or street vendor and settle in; locals often bring picnic blankets and small folding chairs.
Enjoy the growing street atmosphere—buskers, lights and DJs—while keeping an eye on your belongings and meeting point in case of separation.
Join the crowd for the official countdown entertainment that begins along the avenue; watch for light projections on the Arc and coordinated displays.
Move closer to Place de l'Étoile if you want the best view of the midnight moment; public transportation will soon start to close, so note your route back.
Celebrate New Year’s at the Arc de Triomphe—join the crowds for fireworks/light show (subject to city programming), toast with Champagne and enjoy the communal festivities.
After the stroke of midnight, soak up the atmosphere for a short time but begin a careful, calm exit plan toward a pre-agreed meeting point to avoid large surges.
Walk back toward your hotel or take a pre-arranged taxi/Uber from a safe off-avenue location; expect delays and some streets to be restricted post-celebration.
Arrive at your hotel, enjoy a nightcap at the bar if open, and record highlights from the evening; set a relaxed alarm for New Year’s Day and rest.
Wake gently after last night’s celebrations; enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or walk to Carette (Place du Trocadéro or nearby branch) for fresh pastries, coffee and people-watching.
Slow stroll from your hotel toward the Seine, taking in calmer New Year’s morning streets and heading for the Champs-Élysées metro to connect toward central Paris (Line 1 or 9 depending on your hotel).
Arrive at Pont Neuf and cross to Île de la Cité; pause on the bridge to watch river traffic and the soft winter light on the Seine before exploring the island on foot.
Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral exterior and the nearby archaeological crypt (if open) — note restoration work may limit interior access, but the façade and square remain iconic for photos.
Wander to Sainte-Chapelle on the island and join a timed-entry line to admire its stunning stained glass; allow time to soak in the jewel-like interior (book tickets in advance if possible).
Cross to the Île Saint-Louis and meander the quiet streets, stopping at Berthillon for their legendary ice cream or a warm chocolat chaud at Café Saint-Régis despite the cool weather.
Lunch at Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore in the Saint-Germain/Luxembourg area for a classic Parisian New Year’s Day meal — reservations recommended for a relaxed, elegant experience.
Take a leisurely walk through the Latin Quarter toward the Panthéon, passing bookshop-lined Rue Mouffetard and the lively cafés; pop into Shakespeare and Company for a quick browse of English-language books.
Visit the Pantheon and its surrounding square, enjoying the stately architecture and quiet reflective atmosphere common on New Year’s Day afternoons.
Slow riverside walk along the Left Bank toward the Île de la Cité, following the quais and pausing to watch barges and enjoy the view of Notre-Dame from a different angle.
Take a one-hour Seine river cruise (Bateaux Parisiens or Vedettes de Paris) departing from near Pont Neuf or Pont Neuf/Place de l'Alma to see Paris’s landmarks from the water in the soft late-afternoon light.
Disembark and head toward the Latin Quarter for an early evening aperitif at Le Procope, Paris’s historic café, to soak up atmosphere and recap highlights from the day.
Dinner reservation at Au Vieux Comptoir or Restaurant Le Coupe Chou for cozy, classic French cuisine in the Latin Quarter — enjoy slower service and a warm, convivial New Year’s meal.
After dinner, take a gentle evening stroll across Pont Neuf to see the city lights reflecting on the Seine, and stop for views of the Île de la Cité illuminated at night.
If you’re up for it, enjoy a nightcap at Hotel Pont Neuf Bar or return to your hotel bar to relax; otherwise, take the time to sort photos and notes from the first full day in Paris.
Return to your hotel to rest and recharge for tomorrow’s Louvre visit; set out a simple plan for transit and any tickets needed for the next day.
Wake up gently after your Seine day and New Year’s strolls; enjoy a hotel breakfast or pop into Café Richelieu - Angelina (inside the Louvre wing) for a chocolat chaud and classic French pastries to fuel the morning.
Walk toward the Palais-Royal garden to enjoy the formal arcades and Column of Buren with fewer crowds; browse a few boutique antiques and bookstores in the covered arcades for unique finds.
Head to the main entrance of the Louvre (Pyramide) and pick up pre-booked timed-entry tickets if you haven’t already; use this quieter hour to orient yourself with the museum map and highlight plan.
Begin your Louvre visit with the Denon Wing to see the Mona Lisa and Grande Galerie masterpieces — arrive early at the Sala delle Réserves to avoid peak crowds around the most famous works.
Move through the Sully Wing to admire ancient Egyptian antiquities and then cross to the Richelieu Wing for French decorative arts and the apartments of Napoleon III, keeping a steady but relaxed pace.
Break for lunch at Café Marly, overlooking the Louvre courtyard and Pyramid; enjoy classic bistro dishes while taking in one of the best museum views in Paris (reservations recommended).
Return to the museum for a focused hour on sculptures — don’t miss the Winged Victory of Samothrace at the top of the Daru staircase and the Venus de Milo in the Sully Wing.
Exit the Louvre and stroll across the Tuileries Garden toward Place de la Concorde, pausing to enjoy winter trees, the fountains and seasonal outdoor sculptures; relax on a bench with views toward the Seine.
Stop for a mid-afternoon coffee and tart at the elegant Café des Marronniers in the Tuileries or at nearby Ladurée on Rue de Rivoli for macarons and people-watching.
Visit the Orangerie Museum at the west end of the Tuileries to see Monet’s Water Lilies (if you prefer modern impressionism) or explore the Jeu de Paume for photography and contemporary exhibitions — both are short, focused visits.
Wander through the arcades of the Rue de Rivoli and into the cozy courtyards of the Palais-Royal; stop at Serge Lutens boutique or the Galerie Vivienne nearby for an elegant shopping detour.
Aperitif time: enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail at Le Grand Véfour in the arcades of the Palais-Royal (book ahead) or choose the more casual Chez Maman for a lively bistro vibe close by.
Dinner reservation at Les Fines Gueules or Restaurant Le Grand Colbert for refined French cuisine near the Louvre; savor seasonal dishes and reflect on the museum highlights of the day.
After dinner, take a gentle post-meal walk along the Seine toward Pont des Arts to see the river lit up and the Louvre Pyramid glowing at night — perfect for evening photos and a peaceful end to the day.
Return to your hotel to rest, organize tomorrow’s plan for the Eiffel Tower day, and charge devices; jot down favorite moments from the Louvre while the memories are fresh.
Wake up after yesterday’s Louvre highlights and enjoy a hotel breakfast or a quick croissant and café au lait at Café Constant (near Eiffel).
Walk or take the metro to the Champ de Mars to view the Eiffel Tower in the crisp morning light; snap photos from different angles and note the line situation for summit tickets.
Enter the Eiffel Tower with pre-booked tickets and start your visit on the second floor—take in panoramic views of Paris and learn a bit about the tower’s history from the exhibits.
If you have summit access, ride the glass elevator to the top for a bird’s-eye perspective; spend time scanning landmarks like the Seine, Montmartre and Les Invalides.
Descend to the first floor and explore the tower’s exhibitions and the glass floor, then relax with a light snack or sparkling water at 58 Tour Eiffel brasserie if you’d like a short break.
Stroll along Avenue de la Bourdonnais toward Les Invalides, pausing to admire the architecture and cross over to the Seine for classic postcard views of the tower reflected in the river.
Lunch at Les Cocottes (Christian Constant) near the Eiffel Tower for comforting modern bistro cuisine in a relaxed setting — reservations recommended at midday.
Walk or take the metro to the Champs-Élysées; begin a leisurely promenade from Place de la Concorde up the avenue, taking in shops, winter window displays and iconic sights along the way.
Stop at Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées for macarons and a coffee break, enjoying the Belle Époque decor and refuelling for the afternoon of shopping and sightseeing.
Continue your stroll up the avenue toward the Arc de Triomphe, browsing flagship stores like Louis Vuitton and Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann if you’d like to pop into department stores.
Arrive at Place Charles de Gaulle and take the underpass to the Arc de Triomphe; ascend to the terrace for sweeping views down the twelve radiating avenues, including the Champs-Élysées.
Descend and wander the surrounding streets for a coffee break at Le Hide (or Café Fouquet’s if you prefer an iconic brasserie) to rest and plan the evening.
Return toward the Trocadéro for arguably the best photo-op of the Eiffel Tower at sunset; linger on the esplanade as the tower lights begin to twinkle for a magical view.
Early evening aperitif at Bar 8 or the rooftop bar at Hôtel Raphael for cocktails with an elegant view near the Champs-Élysées area (reservations suggested).
Dinner reservation at Le Taillevent (classic, refined French cuisine near the Champs-Élysées) to celebrate an iconic Paris day — savor seasonal dishes and a memorable wine list.
After dinner, take a gentle post-meal walk along the illuminated Avenue Matignon and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré to enjoy Parisian evening energy and window-lit boutiques.
If you’re up for one last view, ride or walk back to the Seine for a night-time perspective of the Eiffel Tower sparkles (every hour for five minutes) before returning to your hotel to rest.
Return to your hotel to recharge devices and organize plans for tomorrow’s Versailles day trip—confirm train times and ticket reservations so you’re ready for an early departure.
Wake early and enjoy a light hotel breakfast; double-check train times for the RER C to Versailles-Château — bring layered clothing (palace can be chilly), your tickets, passport for ID checks, and a small backpack.
Leave the hotel and take a taxi or Metro + RER to Paris-Austerlitz/Invalides to catch the RER C toward Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche; aim for an early train to beat crowds and give you more time on-site.
Arrive at Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche station, follow the signs and stroll the short walk to the Palace of Versailles; stop for a quick coffee at a station kiosk if needed and enjoy the quiet morning approach to the estate.
Enter the Palace grounds with pre-booked timed-entry tickets; begin your visit in the State Apartments, moving through the Hall of Mirrors early when it is least crowded to appreciate the gilding and grandeur.
Continue through the King’s and Queen’s apartments and the Royal Chapel, taking time to read plaques and admire period furnishings — audio guide recommended for context on Louis XIV’s court and daily life.
Walk out into the Courtyard and head toward the formal gardens; pause for photos on the Parterre and orient yourself with the map to plan which groves, fountains and sites to prioritize in the afternoon.
Lunch at La Petite Venise or La Flottille (both located in the garden area) for classic bistro fare with views of the water and formal landscaping; reservations recommended in winter for limited indoor seating.
Explore the expansive gardens on foot — walk toward the Grand Canal, enjoy the winter light across the terraces, and visit the Fountain Basin and Latona Fountain area for sweeping vistas of the estate.
Head to the Grand Trianon and Marble Court via the garden paths; tour the Grand Trianon’s lighter, more intimate palatial rooms used by royalty as a respite from court protocol.
Walk on to the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine) to see Marie-Antoinette’s rustic retreat and landscaped grounds — these areas offer a charming contrast to the formal palace rooms.
If time and energy allow, rent a small electric cart or take a short guided shuttle (seasonal) to return toward the Palace along the Grand Canal, admiring the broad perspective back to Versailles.
Stop for a hot chocolate or tea at Angelina’s Versailles boutique or the Palace café to warm up and reflect on the day’s highlights before heading back to the station.
Walk back to Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche station and board the RER C back to central Paris; use the journey to rest and sort photos, and check the post-Christmas sales windows you might want to visit later in the trip.
Arrive in Paris; return to your hotel to freshen up and drop off any purchases, then consider an early evening aperitif near your hotel — try L'Avenue (Champs-Élysées area) or Le Bon Georges for relaxed cocktails.
Dinner reservation at Le Violon d'Ingres or Café de l'Esplanade (both near central arrondissements) to enjoy refined French cuisine after a full day of royal sightseeing — savour a leisurely wine and classic regional dishes.
Take a gentle post-dinner walk along the Seine or back toward the Champs-Élysées to enjoy Paris at night and compare the city’s intimate evening atmosphere to the grandeur of Versailles.
Return to your hotel, charge devices, and jot down favorite moments from Versailles; confirm your plan for tomorrow’s Montmartre day and your Moulin Rouge dinner reservation at La Mère Catherine.
Wake gently after Versailles with a hotel breakfast or grab a warm croissant and coffee to-go from a nearby bakery (e.g., Du Pain et des Idées) before heading north — today is a walking day, so dress in layers and comfortable shoes.
Take the Metro (Line 2 to Anvers or Line 12 to Abbesses) to Montmartre and begin at the base of the hill; stroll up Rue des Martyrs for a taste of local life and peek into specialty food shops and pâtisseries.
Arrive at Place Saint-Pierre and follow the cobbled streets to the funicular or walk the short but scenic stairway up to the Sacré-Cœur basilica to enjoy the morning light and far-reaching city views with fewer crowds.
Visit Sacré-Cœur: enter the basilica for a contemplative moment, admire the mosaics, and spend time on the dome terrace if open for elevated panoramic photos of Paris.
After descending, stroll along the charming lanes toward Place du Tertre, passing artists’ studios and small shops; stop to watch painters at work and browse for a quick sketch or postcard as a memento.
Explore Place du Tertre and have a light mid-morning bite at La Maison Rose or Le Consulat — both are iconic Montmartre cafés perfect for people-watching and soaking in the bohemian atmosphere.
Visit the Musée de Montmartre and its peaceful gardens (Jardin Renoir) to learn about the neighborhood’s artistic history and see works linked to Degas, Utrillo and Renoir; the museum provides great context for the area.
Lunch at Le Relais Gascon or La Crêperie Brocéliande for comforting Basque-style salads or savory galettes — hearty fuel for more walking and exploring the winding streets of Montmartre.
Wander downhill toward rue Lepic and visit the famous Café des Deux Moulins (featured in Amélie) for a quick coffee and a peek inside if you’re a fan of the film; browse nearby specialty shops and vintage stores.
Walk to the Musée de la Vie Romantique (if you fancy a short detour toward the lower edge of Montmartre) or visit the small, quirky Musée de Montmartre exhibits you may have missed earlier; these are pleasant, low-key cultural stops.
Return to Montmartre’s artistic quarter to discover hidden staircases, street art and the vineyard Clos Montmartre; pause at a wine bar like Le Tire-Bouchon for a glass and rest your feet.
Take a guided walking tour (book ahead) focused on Montmartre’s history and secrets — many tours run about 90 minutes and cover anecdotes about Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec and the lost cabarets of the area.
Head back to your hotel to freshen up and change for the evening; set aside a small bag with your reservation confirmation for the Moulin Rouge and bring an extra layer for the late-night return.
Dinner at La Mère Catherine in the heart of Montmartre near Place du Tertre; enjoy classic French dishes in this historic bistro (confirm your reservation) and savor the neighborhood ambiance before the show.
Arrive at the Moulin Rouge for your evening performance — aim to be there 30 minutes early to check in, enjoy the pre-show atmosphere and take photos of the iconic red windmill façade.
Moulin Rouge show begins: settle in for the cabaret spectacle of dance, costumes and music; if your booking includes champagne or a dinner package, savor the experience as part of an unforgettable Parisian night.
Show concludes; applaud the performers and exit into the festive Montmartre nightlife — you can linger for a digestif at nearby Le Sans Souci or arrange a taxi/Uber for a comfortable ride back to your hotel.
Return to your hotel, review photos from the day, and jot down memorable moments from Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge; set a relaxed alarm for tomorrow’s Marais and Musée d'Orsay explorations.
Wake gently and enjoy breakfast at your hotel or walk to Café Charlot (38 Rue de Bretagne) for a classic Parisian café breakfast of croissant, café au lait and people-watching in the heart of the Marais.
Begin your morning in the Marais with a stroll down Rue des Rosiers, popping into boutique patisseries like Sacha Finkelsztajn for fresh baked goods and wandering the narrow lanes lined with vintage shops and Jewish delis.
Visit the Musée Carnavalet (history of Paris) to get a local perspective on the city—enjoy the newly renovated rooms and period interiors; entrance is often free and it's a calm start before busier galleries open.
Walk to Place des Vosges and spend time in the elegant square’s arcades; browse Galerie Gilbert Dufois or the art galleries on Rue de Birague and pause on a bench to enjoy the quiet green space.
Head to Merci concept store (111 Boulevard Beaumarchais) to browse curated fashion, homewares and the famous red Fiat—this is a great stop for design-minded souvenirs and a quick espresso at their café.
Lunch at Le Mary Celeste (1 Rue Commines) for inventive small plates and natural wines, or choose Breizh Café (109 Rue Vieille du Temple) for savory galettes and a Breton cider to fuel the afternoon.
After lunch, wander the Marais’ independent boutiques on Rue Vieille du Temple and Rue des Francs-Bourgeois—stop at boutique bookshops like WHSmith (for English titles) or small concept stores for unique finds.
Cross the Seine toward the Left Bank and walk along the Quai Voltaire to the Musée d'Orsay; enjoy winter light on the river and the views toward the Louvre as you make your way to the museum entrance.
Enter the Musée d'Orsay with pre-booked tickets and head straight to the Impressionist galleries—spend focused time with masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas and Van Gogh, using the museum map to prioritize highlights.
Take a pause at the Musée d'Orsay’s clock viewpoint on the fifth floor for iconic photos of the Seine and Notre-Dame, then enjoy a late-afternoon coffee or hot chocolate at Café Campana inside the museum.
Walk across the Pont Royal toward the Jardin des Tuileries and amble along the Right Bank quay back into the Marais, stopping to browse any galleries or antique shops you may have missed earlier in the day.
Return to Place de la République area and relax with an aperitif at Le Progrès (34 Rue René Boulanger) or at Candelaria (hidden taqueria with a bar) for inventive cocktails in a convivial atmosphere.
Dinner reservation at Les Philosophes (28 Rue Vieille du Temple) for hearty, traditional bistro fare using seasonal French ingredients—savor the warm interiors and classic dishes after a day of art and shopping.
After dinner, take an evening walk along the Seine toward Île Saint-Louis and stop for an indulgent dessert at Berthillon (29-31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île) if they're open, enjoying a famous Parisian ice cream or sorbet.
For a nightcap with a view, head to Pont Neuf area and enjoy a drink at Le Musée d’Orsay-facing bar or return to Candelaria for a relaxed cocktail—soak in the river reflections and the city’s nocturnal calm.
Take a last gentle stroll through the atmospheric Marais streets, popping into any remaining shops still open, and return to your hotel to pack or sort purchases ahead of departure day tomorrow.
Arrive at your hotel to charge devices, back up photos, and jot down favorite moments from the day—confirm your airport transfer and any last-minute details for tomorrow’s departure.
Wake gently, pack remaining items and do a final room check; collect any purchases, ensure all chargers and travel documents are in your day bag, and leave suitcases with reception if you have a late transfer.
Enjoy a relaxed hotel breakfast or pop down to a nearby boulangerie (e.g., Maison Landemaine or Du Pain et des Idées) for fresh pastries and a strong café au lait to fuel the morning.
Return to your room to finish last-minute packing and check out requirements with the front desk; confirm your airport transfer time, collect any stored luggage and request a receipt for the taxi/shuttle if arranged through the hotel.
Head out for quick last-minute shopping near your hotel—if you're staying in the Marais, revisit Merci or Rue des Francs-Bourgeois; near the Champs-Élysées, stop by Ladurée or Galeries Lafayette for souvenirs and duty-free advice.
Pick up gifts and edible souvenirs: stop at La Maison du Chocolat or Pierre Hermé for boxed chocolates and macarons, or Chez Mariage Frères for a tin of tea; wrap fragile items or have the shop pack them for travel.
If time permits, take a short scenic detour: a final stroll along the Seine from Pont Neuf toward Île Saint-Louis for one last view of Notre-Dame and a calming river atmosphere before the journey home.
Return to the hotel to collect luggage and settle any incidental charges; reconfirm your transfer and ask the concierge for the best route to CDG or ORY given current traffic and train schedules.
Depart the hotel by pre-booked taxi, private transfer, or Metro + RER—if taking RER B to CDG, allow extra time for luggage and potential winter service changes; if headed to ORY, follow the recommended Orlyval/RER connections or book a direct shuttle.
Arrive at the airport (target time depends on airline recommendations; this slot assumes domestic/EU or short-haul check-in windows); check in, drop bags, and complete security while keeping passport and boarding pass handy.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at an airport restaurant—at CDG try La Table by Thierry Marx (Terminal 2) or at ORY grab a final French meal at Café Air France—use the time to hydrate, review photos and note souvenirs purchased.
Clear security and passport control; allow time to browse duty-free for any last-minute gifts or bottles of Bordeaux/Champagne for the flight, and pick up water for the journey.
Boarding begins—arrive at your gate early to avoid queues and get settled; charge devices at the gate, download any remaining entertainment and set your devices to travel mode.
If you have spare time before departure, take a final moment to write a postcard or note in your travel journal about favorite highlights from the trip: the Arc de Triomphe New Year’s Eve, Versailles grandeur and Montmartre’s bohemian charm.
Flight departs; relax, enjoy an in-flight meal or snack, and review your photo album—use the journey to rest and plan the first evening back home or your next steps after landing.
Upon arrival, proceed through immigration and baggage claim, then continue with onward transport—if transiting Parisian transport again, note RER/metro schedules and retrieve any pre-booked transfers or luggage services.
When you’re home, unpack thoughtfully: store perishable souvenirs appropriately and back up photos. Reflect on trip highlights and keep restaurant names and notes for future visits—Paris will be waiting for your return.