Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

5-Day Paris Itinerary: Arrival Dec 25 — Eiffel Tower, Local Highlights, Disneyland & More

Viewed by 89 travelers
Day 1 · Thu, Dec 25
18th arrondissement (Montmartre)

Arrival & Evening Stroll in Montmartre

5:10 PM:

Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle (or Orly) around 5:10 PM; collect luggage and clear customs. If you arrive at CDG, take a taxi or rideshare directly to your hotel at 10 Avenue de Saint-Ouen (approx. 40-60 minutes depending on traffic).

6:20 PM:

Check in at your hotel and drop off bags; freshen up for an easy evening walk. Take a moment to confirm tomorrow's Eiffel Tower tickets and any transport plans.

6:45 PM:

Walk into the heart of Montmartre: stroll down Avenue de Saint-Ouen toward Rue des Abbesses. Enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere, small shops, and festive holiday lights (Christmas Day means some places may have limited hours).

7:10 PM:

Pause for a classic Parisian aperitif at La Machine du Moulin Rouge area or a cozy café like Le Relais Gascon (rue des Abbesses) if open; try a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine) if available. Use this time to decide on dinner options — many restaurants in the area run holiday hours, so a short walk to find an open spot is wise.

7:40 PM:

Dinner at La Mascotte (56 rue des Abbesses) — a brasserie known for seafood and friendly service; enjoy a relaxed meal and try a signature dish like moules-frites or a fish special. If La Mascotte is closed for the holiday, head to Le Coq Rico (98 rue Lepic) for roast poultry or Le Petit Parisien for a comforting bistro dinner.

9:15 PM:

Take a gentle post-dinner walk up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica square to enjoy sweeping night views of Paris illuminated. The steps and esplanade provide a romantic panorama — perfect for photos and a quiet moment after travel.

9:40 PM:

Wander the charming, winding streets of Montmartre (Rue Norvins, Place du Tertre) to see artists' squares and historic corners; many artist stalls may be quieter on Christmas night but the atmosphere is magical. Stop for a hot chocolate at Au Petit Trianon or a late pastry if you crave a sweet treat.

10:10 PM:

If interested in nightlife, check whether jazz nights or small music venues are hosting performances (note: some may be closed on Dec 25). Otherwise, begin the short walk back to your hotel, enjoying the illuminated streets and the peaceful Montmartre vibe.

10:30 PM:

Return to your hotel at 10 Avenue de Saint-Ouen to unpack and relax. Set alarms, review tomorrow's plan for the Eiffel Tower day, and charge devices; get an early night to recover from travel and be ready for a full day on Dec 26.

11:00 PM:

Lights out or a final short check of messages and tickets. If jet-lagged, do a brief stretching routine and enjoy the quiet — you'll have an active itinerary starting tomorrow.

Day 2 · Fri, Dec 26
7th arrondissement & River Seine

Iconic Landmark Day — Eiffel Tower & Seine

7:00 AM:

Wake up and enjoy a leisurely hotel breakfast or a nearby café — try a croissant and café crème at Le Petit Déjeuner on Rue des Abbesses before heading out; confirm your Eiffel Tower time-slot and bring tickets and IDs.

8:00 AM:

Take a taxi or metro (Line 2 to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile then Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim or RER C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel) toward the Eiffel Tower; expect 30-45 minutes travel from Montmartre depending on connections and traffic.

8:45 AM:

Arrive at Champ de Mars and stroll through the park toward the Eiffel Tower to admire its scale in soft morning light; take photos from different vantage points and walk beneath the tower’s iron lattice.

9:15 AM:

Enter the Eiffel Tower for your reserved visit (if you have summit/second-floor tickets) — take the elevator or stairs to the second floor for views and optionally continue to the summit; spend about 60-90 minutes exploring.

10:45 AM:

Pause for a mid-morning snack at the 58 Tour Eiffel brasserie on the first floor (if open) or grab a coffee and pastry from a nearby vendor; enjoy another perspective of Paris from the tower’s terraces.

11:15 AM:

Walk along the Seine westward toward Trocadéro Gardens for classic postcard views of the Eiffel Tower across the river; take time at the Esplanade du Trocadéro to photograph the tower with the fountains.

11:45 AM:

Stroll across Pont d'Iéna and head toward the Musée Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac for exterior views and its garden; if interested in a short museum stop (small exhibits) you can go in, otherwise continue your riverside walk.

12:30 PM:

Lunch at Les Ombres (27 Quai Branly) — a stylish restaurant with a rooftop view of the Eiffel Tower; reserve in advance and enjoy seasonal French cuisine while watching the tower rise above the glass roof.

2:00 PM:

Board a Bateaux Parisiens or Vedettes du Pont Neuf Seine cruise from near the Eiffel Tower for a 1-hour sightseeing cruise; glide past Île aux Cygnes, Notre-Dame, and the Grand Palais while listening to commentary.

3:15 PM:

Disembark near Pont Neuf and walk toward the Île de la Cité to see Notre-Dame from the outside — explore the square, the façade, and the nearby flower market at Marché aux Fleurs (if open).

3:45 PM:

Cross to the Left Bank and wander the Latin Quarter's narrow streets; browse independent bookshops like Shakespeare and Company (check holiday hours) and enjoy the lively atmosphere around Place Saint-Michel.

4:30 PM:

Take a short break for a coffee or hot chocolate at Café de la Mairie (Place Saint-Sulpice area) or the historic Café Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés for a classic Parisian pause.

5:15 PM:

Head back toward the Seine and walk along the riverbanks at golden hour — consider crossing Pont Alexandre III for ornate views and photo opportunities of the Grand Palais and Invalides.

6:00 PM:

Return to the Eiffel Tower area for evening illumination — watch the tower light up and enjoy the sparkling display that starts each hour after sunset; soak in the romantic atmosphere on the Champ de Mars.

7:00 PM:

Dinner at Le Jules Verne (Eiffel Tower) if you have a reservation, or nearby Chez Grenouille (rue Saint-Dominique) for refined bistro fare; alternatively choose Café Constant (139 Rue Saint-Dominique) for reliably good French dishes.

9:00 PM:

After dinner, take a gentle evening stroll along the Seine — walk toward Pont de l'Alma and enjoy nighttime city lights, or seek out a riverside bar like Bar Hemingway at the Ritz (check opening/hours) for a nightcap.

10:00 PM:

Return to your hotel in Montmartre by taxi or metro (Line 6 to Montparnasse/transfer as needed), arriving around 10:30-11:00 PM depending on traffic; review plans for Dec 27 and rest up for a day of local Paris explorations.

11:15 PM:

Unwind in your room, charge devices, and prepare any tickets or directions for tomorrow; enjoy a final look at photos from today's Eiffel Tower and Seine highlights before lights out.

Day 3 · Sat, Dec 27
Central Paris (Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter, Le Marais)

Local Paris: Markets, Parks, Historic Streets (No Galleries)

7:30 AM:

Wake up and enjoy breakfast near your hotel — grab fresh pastries and a coffee at Le Pain Quotidien (or a local boulangerie on Avenue de Saint-Ouen) to fuel a full day of walking.

8:15 AM:

Take the metro (Line 4 from Porte de Clignancourt via transfer as needed) or a taxi toward Île de la Cité and arrive early to see Paris wake up; begin with a slow walk around the cathedral forecourt to admire Notre-Dame's exterior and the calm riverbanks.

8:45 AM:

Browse Marché aux Fleurs on Place Louis Lépine (flower market) and the nearby stalls on the island; smell the blooms and pick up a small souvenir or seasonal bouquet to brighten the day.

9:15 AM:

Cross to the Left Bank and wander the Île Saint-Louis's narrow streets; stop for a famous Berthillon ice cream (or a hot chocolate in winter) on Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île and enjoy the island's quiet charm.

10:00 AM:

Head into the Latin Quarter and stroll past the historic Sorbonne area, stopping at Place Saint-Étienne-du-Mont to see the church and its peaceful square, great for photos and people-watching.

10:30 AM:

Explore the Shakespeare and Company area; browse the exterior, step into nearby independent bookshops and antiquarian stores, and soak up the literary atmosphere without entering larger galleries.

11:00 AM:

Walk toward the lively Rue Mouffetard market street and wander its food stalls and specialty shops; sample cheese, charcuterie, or a warm crepe from a street vendor for a light mid-morning taste of local life.

12:00 PM:

Lunch at Le Petit Prince de Paris (or Le Coupe Chou) in the Latin Quarter for classic French bistro fare in a cozy, historic setting; reserve or arrive slightly early to avoid the noon rush.

1:30 PM:

After lunch, walk north across the Seine to Le Marais — enter via Île de la Cité-Pont Louis-Philippe and begin exploring the charming streets around Rue des Rosiers and Place des Vosges.

2:00 PM:

Stroll through Place des Vosges, relax on a bench in the square's arcades, and admire the elegant façades; consider a short stop at Carette for a Parisian pastry and coffee on the square's edge.

2:30 PM:

Wander the winding streets of Le Marais: browse vintage shops on Rue Vieille du Temple, perfumeries on Rue des Francs Bourgeois, and the boutique-lined Rue des Rosiers for falafel or small bites.

3:15 PM:

Visit the Marché des Enfants Rouges (one of Paris’s oldest covered markets) for a tasting tour — choose from Moroccan, Japanese, or classic French stalls and enjoy a small plate or sample.

4:00 PM:

Take a short break at Café Charlot or Le Loir dans la Théière for tea or coffee and a tartelette; use this pause to review photos and relax before an afternoon park stroll.

4:45 PM:

Walk toward the nearby Hôtel de Ville and then along the Promenade Plantée/Viaduc des Arts if you want a greener, elevated stroll — otherwise continue exploring hidden courtyards and artisan shops in the area.

5:30 PM:

Return toward the Seine and head to Île de la Cité for a sunset riverside walk; enjoy views of the bridges and the warm winter light on Notre-Dame from the quai.

6:00 PM:

Dinner in Le Marais at Les Philosophes (Rue Vieille du Temple) for classic Provençal and Parisian dishes, or at L'Ange 20 for a cozy bistro experience — both are well-suited to the neighborhood atmosphere.

7:45 PM:

After dinner, enjoy an evening stroll through Place des Vosges and the Marais' quiet streets, pausing for a digestive drink at Le Mary Celeste or a nearby wine bar if open.

8:30 PM:

Make your way back to Montmartre by metro or taxi; relax on the short ride and reflect on the day's market finds, parks, and historic streets explored without visiting galleries.

9:15 PM:

Back near your hotel, stop for a late-night coffee or pastry at a neighborhood café, or simply unwind in your room and sort any purchases and photos from the day's explorations.

10:00 PM:

Prepare for tomorrow's Disneyland day: pack comfortable shoes and check train times for RER A; set alarms and lay out outfits to streamline the morning departure.

10:30 PM:

Lights out or a quiet final walk around the block if you prefer a short night stroll — rest well for an early start to Disneyland on Dec 28.

Day 4 · Sun, Dec 28
Chessy / Marne-la-Vallée (Disneyland Paris)

Day Trip to Disneyland Paris

6:30 AM:

Wake up, pack a small day bag with water, portable charger, a light jacket, and any booked Disney tickets; enjoy a quick hotel breakfast or grab a croissant and coffee to go so you can leave promptly.

7:15 AM:

Take a taxi or rideshare from your hotel at 10 Avenue de Saint-Ouen to Gare de l'Est (or Gare du Nord) to catch the RER A connection, or take a direct taxi to Marne-la-Vallée if preferred for convenience; travel time is ~45-60 minutes to the RER A link depending on connections.

8:15 AM:

Board the RER A toward Marne-la-Vallée—Chessy (confirm the exact train platform and that it is an express that stops at Chessy). Keep your tickets handy and enjoy a relaxed ride through the Paris suburbs.

9:15 AM:

Arrive at Marne-la-Vallée—Chessy station (right at the park entrance); take a moment for photos of the Disney entrance and consult the official Disneyland Paris app for showtimes, parade times, and wait estimates.

9:30 AM:

Enter Disneyland Park as it opens; head straight to popular headliners such as Big Thunder Mountain or Peter Pan's Flight to minimize queue times, using Lightning Lane/Disney Premier Access if you purchased it.

10:15 AM:

Continue exploring Fantasyland and Adventureland—ride classics like It's a Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean, and snap photos with costumed characters at scheduled meet-and-greet spots listed in the app.

11:30 AM:

Take a mid-morning snack break at Market House Deli (on Main Street) or grab a warm crepe from a nearby cart; use this time to rest, check parade times, and plan your afternoon FastPass/Premier Access selections.

12:00 PM:

Head over to Discoveryland for attractions like Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Star Tours; if lines are long, check for single-rider or mobile queue options to save time.

1:00 PM:

Lunch at Plaza Gardens Restaurant (buffet with varied options) or at Captain Jack's — Restaurant des Pirates for a themed sit-down meal inside the Pirates attraction; reserve via the app if possible to avoid long waits.

2:15 PM:

After lunch, take the Disneyland Railroad for a relaxing circuit around the park to rest your feet and enjoy a different perspective of the lands and attractions.

2:45 PM:

Explore Frontierland and Toy Story Playland in Walt Disney Studios Park (short walk or park-to-park transfer if you have a park hopper ticket), enjoying family-friendly rides and interactive experiences.

3:30 PM:

Catch an indoor show or stunt performance listed in the schedule (e.g., Mickey and the Magician or the Studio Tram Tour) to warm up and sit down for a while; check the app for exact showtimes and theater locations.

4:30 PM:

Return to Disneyland Park for afternoon attractions you missed or to re-ride favorites; use shorter late-afternoon lines to enjoy Fantasyland classics or the Haunted Mansion.

5:30 PM:

Early dinner at Blue Lagoon (inside Pirates of the Caribbean) for a memorable, atmospheric meal, or head back to Main Street for pasta or burgers at Café Mickey; both offer themed dining that keeps the Disney mood flowing.

7:00 PM:

Find a good spot near Central Plaza or along Main Street for the evening parade and/or nighttime spectacular—arrive at least 30-45 minutes early to secure a view, especially during the holiday season when crowds swell.

8:00 PM:

Enjoy the parade and/or fireworks/illumination show that lights up Sleeping Beauty Castle; savor the magical atmosphere, themed music, and coordinated projections—this is a highlight memory-maker of the day.

8:45 PM:

After the show, slowly make your way back toward the park exit, stopping for souvenirs on Main Street or a final hot chocolate from a vendor if the lines permit.

9:15 PM:

Board the RER A at Marne-la-Vallée—Chessy station for the trip back to central Paris; expect about 40-50 minutes to reach the city, then a short taxi or metro ride back to your hotel in Montmartre.

10:30 PM:

Arrive back in Montmartre and walk to your hotel at 10 Avenue de Saint-Ouen; unwind, unpack any new purchases, and charge devices while you review photos and highlights from the magical Disney day.

11:00 PM:

Relax with a warm drink in your room or a nearby café if still open, stretch tired legs, and set alarms for the next day's departure plans; sleep well after a full, festive day.

Day 5 · Mon, Dec 29
18th arrondissement / Transfer to airport

Departure Day — Relaxed Morning & Transfer

6:30 AM:

Wake gently and take a final stretch; check luggage to ensure passports, boarding passes, chargers, souvenirs, and any duty-free receipts are packed and easily accessible.

7:00 AM:

Enjoy a relaxed hotel breakfast or pop into a nearby boulangerie on Avenue de Saint-Ouen for fresh croissants and café au lait; use this time to confirm your airport transfer reservation or train times.

7:45 AM:

Return to your room to finish packing, tuck away last-minute items, and double-check room safe for any forgotten valuables; settle any hotel folio charges at reception if needed.

8:15 AM:

Take a short, final walk around the neighborhood (if weather allows) to say goodbye to Montmartre — stroll toward Rue des Abbesses for a last look at local shops and the morning street life.

8:45 AM:

Arrive back at the hotel, carry luggage down, and complete check-out; store any remaining small items in your day bag and request a taxi or ride-share if you haven't pre-booked airport transfer.

9:15 AM:

Depart the hotel for Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY); expect roughly 40-60 minutes to CDG and 30-50 minutes to Orly by taxi depending on traffic — allow extra time for morning congestion during the holiday season.

10:15 AM:

Arrive at the airport terminal; proceed to your airline’s check-in or bag drop counter and complete security screening, keeping passports and boarding passes ready for inspection.

10:45 AM:

After security, take a moment for airport conveniences — grab a coffee, a light snack, or a final French treat from a terminal café; use lounge access if available to relax before boarding.

11:15 AM:

Walk to your departure gate, monitor flight status on screens or airline app, and use this calm time to organize carry-on items, charge your phone, and download any last-minute maps or receipts.

12:00 PM:

Boarding typically begins around this time depending on your flight; follow airline announcements, stow luggage, and settle in for your journey home with comfortable layers and travel documents at hand.

H:MM PM/AM (flight time dependent):

Flight departs — enjoy the in-flight service, review photos and notes from your Paris trip, and start planning your next visit while resting on the way home.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version