13-Day Paris Itinerary

Afternoon

After arriving in Paris, settle in and leave your luggage before heading to the Jardin des Tuileries. Enter near the Louvre side and stroll west for about an hour, taking your time around the formal parterres, fountains, and shaded chairs. In late August, the garden is generally open from early morning until around 9 p.m.; it is free, and this is an easy first walk even if you are tired from travel. Continue west to Place de la Concorde, about 10 minutes on foot, where you can spend 30 minutes taking in the obelisk, fountains, and broad historic perspective toward the Champs-Élysées. Be mindful crossing the surrounding traffic lanes—this is a place to admire rather than linger in the roadway.

From Place de la Concorde, walk south-west along the Seine for roughly 15–20 minutes to Pont Alexandre III. The bridge is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon light, with gilded sculptures and views toward the Invalides and Eiffel Tower. Allow about 30 minutes for photographs, but avoid trying to cross quickly during peak traffic around the nearby avenues. If you need a short break, there are usually seasonal kiosks and cafés around the riverbanks, though prices are higher than in residential neighborhoods.

Early Evening

Take the Métro from Invalides or Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau toward Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or simply walk for 25–30 minutes if you still have energy. Settle at Café de Flore for an unhurried coffee, aperitif, or light meal; budget approximately €15–30 per person, more for a full dinner. It is famous and polished rather than undiscovered, but it makes a pleasant first-evening introduction to Paris. Service can be leisurely, so use the stop to rest rather than trying to fit in another major sight.

Evening

Finish with a relaxed walk along the Seine riverside near Pont des Arts, reached from Café de Flore in about 15 minutes on foot via Rue de Buci and the Pont Neuf area. The riverside paths are free and especially atmospheric around sunset; bring a light layer, as the river can feel cool even in August. Pick up water before descending to the quays, and avoid accepting unsolicited “friendship bracelet” or petition approaches around the busiest central crossings. This is a good place to end the arrival day—stay for the changing light, then return by Métro or walk back without adding another reservation.

Morning

Start at Sainte-Chapelle, ideally for a timed entry around 9:00–9:30 a.m. The chapel usually opens from 9:00 a.m., though hours and security procedures can vary, so reserve ahead through the official monument website; admission is generally about €13–€15. Allow an hour to take in the upper chapel’s jewel-like stained-glass walls—morning light is especially beautiful. Arrive a little early because bags are screened, and remember that the entrance is at the Palais de Justice complex rather than directly on the riverfront.

Walk a few minutes to the Conciergerie, the former medieval royal palace and later revolutionary prison. A combined ticket with Sainte-Chapelle is often available and is worthwhile; plan roughly an hour. The vaulted medieval halls are atmospheric, while the exhibits about Marie-Antoinette and the French Revolution add context. Continue on foot across Île de la Cité toward Notre-Dame de Paris, pausing briefly around the quieter lanes near the cathedral rather than following the busiest tour groups.

Midday and Afternoon

Allow about 1½ hours at Notre-Dame de Paris, including the cathedral interior and the surrounding square. Entry is free, but timed reservations may be offered through the official cathedral website and are useful in August; dress respectfully and expect another security check. The nearby archaeological crypt and tower visit are separate paid attractions, so skip them today to keep the pace comfortable. For lunch, choose a simple crêpe or sandwich from a nearby street rather than committing to a long restaurant meal—this area is busy and often overpriced.

Cross to Île Saint-Louis and stop at Berthillon for its celebrated artisan ice cream, budgeting about €5–€12 per person. Lines can be shorter at one of the surrounding affiliated counters, and flavors such as salted-butter caramel, raspberry, or dark chocolate are excellent. Finish with a gentle walk back toward Square du Vert-Galant, the triangular riverside garden at the western tip of Île de la Cité. Settle on the steps or grass for around 45 minutes, watching the boats pass; it is one of the best quiet viewpoints in central Paris. The square generally closes in the evening, so check the posted gate time and leave before dusk.

Morning

Make the Musée du Louvre your only major commitment today and reserve a timed entry for around 9:00 a.m. Arrive 15–20 minutes early through the Pyramid entrance—security queues can be slow even with a ticket. A focused three-and-a-half-hour visit is plenty: choose one or two wings rather than trying to conquer the entire museum, and follow the official map toward the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Venus de Milo if those are priorities. Standard admission is roughly €22, with hours and ticket rules subject to change; the museum is normally closed on Tuesdays, so August 25 should be checked carefully against the official calendar before you go.

Afternoon and Evening

After the Louvre, walk through the Palais Royal complex in about 10 minutes, entering the courtyard from Rue de Valois. Spend 45 minutes around Daniel Buren’s black-and-white columns, then wander beneath the arcades for a quieter look at the gardens and boutique-lined galleries. Continue north to Galerie Vivienne, a beautiful covered passage reached in roughly 10 minutes; its mosaic floor and glass roof are best enjoyed slowly, though individual shops generally close by early evening. For dinner, book Le Grand Véfour in advance—it is an ornate, historic dining room in the Palais-Royal area, and the refined menu is a splurge at approximately €60–150 per person depending on your choices. Afterward, walk 10–15 minutes to Place des Victoires, where the circular 17th-century square makes a pleasant, compact finale; it is especially atmospheric once the surrounding streets quiet down.

Late Morning and Lunch

Begin at Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’s oldest covered market, arriving around 11:00 a.m. before the lunch rush becomes intense. Browse the small stalls and courtyard seating, then choose lunch from one of the Moroccan, Japanese, French, or Italian counters; allow about 1½ hours and roughly €15–30 per person. The market is usually closed Mondays, but check its August hours before setting out, as individual stalls may vary. From central Paris, take Metro line 8 to Filles du Calvaire or line 3 to Temple, then walk 5–10 minutes through the quieter streets of the Haut Marais.

Afternoon

After lunch, walk about 12 minutes south to the Musée Picasso Paris, housed in the elegant Hôtel Salé. Reserve a timed ticket if possible—admission is generally around €16, and the museum is commonly open Tuesday–Sunday from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with later hours on some days. Give yourself two hours for the paintings, ceramics, and changing displays; the building itself is one of the pleasures of the visit. Continue south through the Marais for roughly 15 minutes to Place des Vosges, arriving in the softer afternoon light. Sit beneath the arcades or on the lawns for 45 minutes, then visit Maison de Victor Hugo, located at No. 6 on the square. The former apartment is typically open Tuesday–Sunday, with hours around 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; entry to the permanent collection is often free, though special exhibitions may charge a small fee. Allow about an hour and check the official site for the 2026 schedule.

Evening

Finish with L’As du Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers, about a 15-minute walk from Place des Vosges. The falafel sandwich is inexpensive—usually around €10–20 per person—and is best treated as a casual takeaway rather than a long dinner. Lines can be substantial at peak hours, so aim for an early dinner around 6:00 p.m.; the restaurant’s opening days and service hours can change, particularly in August. Afterward, wander the surrounding Pletzl—the historic Jewish quarter—where the narrow streets, bakeries, and small shops make for an easy, atmospheric end to the day.

Morning

Start at Cimetière de Montmartre around 9:30 a.m., when the lanes are still quiet and the air is cooler. Enter from Avenue Rachel and allow about an hour to wander beneath the mature trees, looking for the graves of François Truffaut, Émile Zola, Edgar Degas, and Dalida. The cemetery is usually open from morning until early evening, with hours varying by season; admission is free. From there, walk uphill through the quieter streets of Montmartre—roughly 10 minutes—to the Musée de Montmartre at Rue Cortot. Reserve a late-morning slot if possible; the museum generally opens around 10 a.m., costs roughly €15–€18, and takes about 90 minutes. Its studios and gardens give a much more intimate sense of the neighborhood’s artistic past than the busier hilltop sights.

Midday and Afternoon

Continue uphill to Place du Tertre, arriving around noon before the square becomes most crowded. Spend 30–45 minutes watching the portrait artists and sketchers, but agree on the price before sitting for a drawing—rates can vary considerably. For lunch, choose a small table on a side street rather than eating directly on the square, where prices are higher. Afterward, make your way to Sacré-Cœur Basilica via Rue du Chevalier de la Barre or the steps from Square Louise-Michel. Entry to the basilica is free, though shoulders and knees should be covered; the basilica typically remains open into the evening, while the dome requires a separate ticket of about €8–€10. Give yourself an hour here, including time on the terrace for the broad Paris panorama. If the steps feel tiring, take the Montmartre funicular from Place Suzanne-Valadon using a regular Métro ticket.

Evening

Finish at Le Consulat, the photogenic red-fronted restaurant on Rue Norvins, ideally with a reservation or by arriving before the main dinner rush. Expect roughly €25–€45 per person for a classic French meal, with dishes such as onion soup, steak frites, or duck depending on the current menu. It is tourist-known but still a pleasant place to end a Montmartre day, especially if you sit outside and watch the neighborhood settle down. From here, avoid rushing straight to the Métro: take a final gentle walk along Rue des Abbesses and Rue Lepic, then use Abbesses station or walk downhill toward Pigalle, depending on where you are staying.

Morning

Begin at Palais de Tokyo, arriving around 10:00 a.m. for roughly two hours of contemporary art in one of Paris’s most striking exhibition spaces. Check the official schedule before setting out, as exhibitions change and opening hours can vary; admission is commonly around €12–€15. The building itself is worth exploring, with its vast concrete interiors and terraces looking toward the Seine. From central Paris, take Metro line 9 to Iéna or line 6 to Trocadéro, then walk a few minutes. Afterward, stroll toward Place du Trocadéro for the city’s classic Eiffel Tower panorama. Spend about 45 minutes around the esplanade and gardens, but keep an eye on bags and phones in the busiest viewing areas. The square is free, and the best photographs are usually from the central terrace before the midday crowds peak.

Afternoon and Evening

Have lunch nearby, then spend about two hours at the Musée de l’Homme, directly beneath the Trocadéro terrace. Its galleries on human evolution, anthropology, and global cultures are thoughtful and manageable without the fatigue of a huge art museum; budget approximately €12–€15, and verify the day’s hours and exhibitions before visiting. In the late afternoon, walk across the Seine toward the Eiffel Tower—about 20 minutes via Pont d’Iéna—and arrive 30–45 minutes before your reserved time. Book an official timed ticket well ahead, choosing stairs, lift, or summit access according to availability; prices vary considerably, roughly €12–€36. Allow around two and a half hours for security, the ascent, the views, and time around Champ de Mars. Finish with dinner at Le Coq, a short walk from the tower in the 7th arrondissement. Expect approximately €35–€60 per person; reserve if possible, especially for a late-August evening, and allow about 90 minutes for a relaxed meal.

Morning

Start at Luxembourg Gardens around 9:00 a.m., entering from Rue de Vaugirard or Boulevard Saint-Michel. Spend about 90 minutes wandering between the formal flowerbeds, chestnut-lined paths, and the Medici fountain; the garden’s gates generally open in the morning, but hours shift with sunrise and sunset. The green metal chairs around the central basin are perfect for a short pause, and an early start keeps the walk cooler and quieter. From the gardens, walk south-west along Rue de Fleurus and Rue d’Assas—about 10 minutes—to Musée Zadkine, usually open from 10:00 a.m. except Mondays; allow roughly an hour and check the official museum site for the current exhibition and admission, commonly around €7–€9.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue on foot toward Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, about 15 minutes via Rue de Rennes and the quieter side streets around Rue Bonaparte. Set aside 30 minutes to see its Romanesque interior, old stonework, and painted vaults; entry is generally free, though services may limit sightseeing. Afterward, settle at Les Deux Magots for coffee, a light lunch, or an apéritif—budget approximately €15–35 per person, with prices reflecting the famous terrace and location. It is a good place to linger rather than rush, especially in the late afternoon; ask for an indoor table if the August heat is strong. For dinner, walk roughly 8 minutes through the narrow streets to Le Procope on Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie. Reserve ahead for an evening table and expect about €35–70 per person; the historic rooms are the main attraction, but choose a classic French dish and allow 90 minutes. The area is well connected afterward from Odéon or Mabillon Métro stations, with frequent Line 4, 10, and 12 connections depending on your accommodation.

Morning and Canal Saint-Martin

Start around 9:30 a.m. at Marché couvert Saint-Martin on Rue du Château-d’Eau, a compact neighborhood market where you can pick up fruit, pastries, cheese, or something savoury for later. It is usually open from the morning into the afternoon, though individual stalls vary; allow about an hour and bring a small bag. From the market, walk roughly 10 minutes north-east to Canal Saint-Martin, then follow the water south along the tree-lined towpaths. Cross the canal’s iron footbridges, watch the locks operate, and pause around Quai de Valmy or Quai de Jemmapes. This is an easy, unhurried 1½-hour walk; in late August, go earlier rather than later for cooler temperatures.

Afternoon and Evening

Take Metro line 5 from Jacques Bonsergent or République toward Richard-Lenoir, then walk about 10 minutes to Atelier des Lumières in the 11th arrondissement. Reserve a timed ticket in advance—standard admission is often around €17–€18—and allow 90 minutes for the immersive projection exhibitions inside the former foundry. Check the programme and entry time before leaving, since exhibitions and prices change. Afterwards, use Metro line 8 from Faidherbe–Chaligny toward Bastille, or simply walk if you still have energy, to reach the Coulée verte René-Dumont. Enter near Bastille and stroll the elevated garden path eastward for about an hour; it is a pleasant change of pace, with planted terraces, old railway structures, and views over the 12th arrondissement. Finish at Le Chardenoux on Rue Jules Vallès, a short walk from Ledru-Rollin, for classic French cooking in a historic bistro. Book ahead for an evening table and budget roughly €40–70 per person before drinks; arriving around 7:30–8:00 p.m. keeps dinner relaxed, with Metro line 8 and line 1 providing convenient connections home afterwards.

Morning

Take the RER C to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche, aiming to leave Paris around 7:30–8:00 a.m. so you reach the palace before the security queues build. From the station, it is a straightforward 10-minute walk along Avenue de Paris to the Palace of Versailles. Reserve a timed palace entry in advance through the official website; allow about 2½ hours for the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors, and keep your ticket and ID accessible at security. The palace is vast and crowded in August, so follow the main route first and save detailed rooms for a quieter visit if energy allows.

Afternoon

After the palace, head into the Gardens of Versailles through the central terrace. Allow roughly two hours for the formal parterres, fountains, and long views toward the Grand Canal; wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and check the fountain-show schedule because some days have timed musical displays and an additional garden charge. Continue beyond the main axis to Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, another two hours at an unhurried pace. The estate is spread out, so the little train or rental bicycles can save your legs, though walking between the sites is pleasant and gives you a better sense of the scale.

Late Afternoon and Return

Finish beside the water at La Flottille, overlooking the Grand Canal. It is a convenient, relaxed place for a late meal after the estate—expect approximately €25–50 per person, with classic French dishes and outdoor seating when weather permits. Leave around 5:00 p.m.; allow 15–20 minutes to walk back to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche, then take the RER C back toward Paris. Buy the correct destination ticket in the app or at the station, and check the departure board carefully, as not every RER C train serves the Versailles branch.

Morning

After breakfast in Versailles, take the RER C back toward central Paris and aim to arrive around 9:30 a.m.; allow 40–50 minutes on the train plus time to reach the platform and walk from your Paris station. Begin at the Panthéon, ideally around 10:00 a.m., when the Latin Quarter is still relatively calm. Allow about 90 minutes for the vast neoclassical interior, the Foucault pendulum, and the crypt, where figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie are commemorated. Admission is usually around €13, with hours and entry arrangements best checked on the official monument website. From there, walk roughly 10 minutes downhill along Rue Soufflot and Boulevard Saint-Michel to the Musée de Cluny.

Spend late morning at the Musée de Cluny, one of Paris’s most rewarding smaller museums, with its Roman baths incorporated into the building and its superb medieval collection, including the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. Two hours is a comfortable visit; standard admission is generally about €12, and the museum is commonly closed on Mondays, so confirm the 2026 schedule before going. Afterwards, stroll south through the Latin Quarter toward Rue Mouffetard, about 15 minutes via Rue de l’Arbalète and Rue du Pot-de-Fer. Browse the food shops and market stalls, stopping for a crêpe, cheese, or a simple lunch; the street is liveliest earlier in the day, and many shops begin closing in the afternoon.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, walk down toward Jardin des Plantes, entering from Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire or Place Valhubert; it is about 15–20 minutes from Rue Mouffetard. Spend around 90 minutes among the formal botanical beds and tree-lined paths, adding one of the greenhouses if open and if you would like a more structured visit. The garden itself is free, while the greenhouses and specialist galleries usually require separate tickets of roughly €7–€12. This is a good point to slow down—bring water, particularly in late-August heat, and check greenhouse closing times before committing.

For dinner, return toward the Latin Quarter and settle in at Le Jardin d’Artemis. Allow about an hour for a relaxed meal, budgeting approximately €25–45 per person depending on drinks and courses. Reserve if possible, especially for an evening in late summer; otherwise, arrive around 7:00 p.m. before the busiest seating. The surrounding streets are pleasant for a final wander after dinner, with plenty of cafés and bookshops around Rue Mouffetard and Rue Monge.

Morning

Start around 9:00 a.m. at Père Lachaise Cemetery, entering through the main gate on Boulevard de Ménilmontant. Allow about two and a half hours for a relaxed self-guided walk through the sloping, tree-shaded lanes; wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and download a map because the cemetery is surprisingly easy to navigate badly. Follow the paths toward the graves of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Marcel Proust, and Honoré de Balzac, while leaving time for the quieter corners and ornate family tombs. Entry is free, and the cemetery generally opens around 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, though gates and closing times vary by season.

Afternoon

Take the short walk or a quick bus connection toward Parc de Belleville—roughly 20 minutes depending on your exit—and arrive around 12:30 p.m. Pick up lunch from one of the casual spots around Rue de Belleville before spending an hour in the park. The upper terraces have one of the better open views over Paris, with the Eiffel Tower visible in the distance on a clear day; the vineyard and landscaped slopes are worth exploring at an unhurried pace. From there, walk downhill to Rue Dénoyez, a compact lane layered with changing murals and graffiti. It takes only about 30 minutes, but the atmosphere is best enjoyed slowly—look at the shutters, doorways, and side walls rather than treating it as a single photo stop.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Continue west toward Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, allowing around 25–30 minutes by bus or Métro with a short walk. Spend roughly an hour and a half circling the lake and climbing toward the rocky island, suspension bridge, and Temple de la Sibylle. This is a good place to slow down after the denser streets of Belleville; the park’s steep paths are manageable but not ideal for rushed sightseeing. It usually stays open until evening, with seasonal closing times, so check the official schedule if you plan to linger near sunset.

For dinner, walk or take a short bus ride to Le Chapeau Melon on Rue Romainville. This intimate 19th-arrondissement natural-wine bistro is known for inventive small plates and a changing set menu rather than a long à la carte selection. Expect approximately €35–60 per person before extra drinks, and arrive close to opening or reserve ahead—the dining room is small and popular. Afterward, the nearby streets are quiet and residential, making this a pleasantly local finish rather than a return to central Paris.

Morning

Start around 10:00 a.m. at Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, reached via Porte de la Villette on Metro line 7 or tram T3b. Give yourself about two and a half hours for the hands-on exhibitions; the Cité des Enfants areas are especially popular with families, while the permanent science galleries suit adults and older children. Check the official timetable and reserve ahead if you want a specific session—general admission is usually around €13–15, with some exhibitions requiring separate tickets. The building is large, so wear comfortable shoes and expect airport-style security at busy times.

Midday and Afternoon

After the museum, walk across the park to La Géode, the unmistakable mirrored sphere. A large-format film beneath its dome makes a good one-hour reset after the exhibits; showings vary, so book a time that leaves room for lunch nearby. For something easy, use the cafés around La Villette, or take a short walk toward Avenue de Flandre for more everyday neighborhood options. Then follow the Canal de l’Ourcq eastward for about an hour, passing waterside benches, moored barges, and changing public-art installations. Continue back toward Philharmonie de Paris, whose sweeping, tiled exterior is worth seeing even if you are not attending a concert. Allow roughly 90 minutes for an exhibition or architectural visit, and check performance times in advance—concert tickets range widely, while exhibition admission is commonly around €10–15.

Evening

Finish at Rosa Bonheur à la Villette, set inside the park near the canal. It is relaxed rather than formal: order a drink and shareable food, then take a table outside if the weather is pleasant. Arrive by about 6:30–7:00 p.m. to avoid the longest queues, since summer evenings fill quickly; budget approximately €20–40 per person. The park is particularly enjoyable at dusk, when the monumental buildings and paths soften into a lively local scene. From here, Porte de Pantin on Metro line 5 is the easiest departure point, only a short walk away.

Morning

Begin at the Musée de l’Orangerie when it opens, ideally around 9:00 a.m. Reserve a timed ticket in advance—admission is usually about €12, and the museum is typically closed on Tuesdays. Go straight to Claude Monet’s two oval Water Lilies rooms before exploring the smaller Impressionist collection upstairs; allow about 90 minutes. From the Jardin des Tuileries, walk roughly 20 minutes along the Seine to the Musée d’Orsay, or take Metro line 1 from Concorde to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre and change for line 12 to Solférino. A little wandering is worthwhile here: cross via Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor for river views, then enter the museum around 11:00 a.m. for your prebooked ticket. Give yourself two to two and a half hours for the former railway hall, concentrating on the Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh rooms rather than trying to see everything.

Afternoon

After the Musée d’Orsay, cross back over the river and continue toward Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche—about a 20-minute walk via Rue de Bac, or a short ride on Metro line 12 from Solférino to Sèvres–Babylone. Browse the elegant fashion, interiors, stationery, and homeware departments at an unhurried pace; the store generally operates from late morning into the evening, though Sunday hours are shorter. For lunch and edible souvenirs, head next door to La Grande Épicerie de Paris, where the food hall is ideal for assembling a picnic or choosing gifts such as chocolate, preserves, cheese, biscuits, and wine. Budget roughly €15–35 per person for a casual meal, and remember that refrigerated goods are awkward to carry if you are flying later. Leave time to stroll along Rue de Sèvres and Rue du Bac before taking Metro line 12 from Sèvres–Babylone to Saint-Lazare, then walk about 10 minutes to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Finish at the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, reached through the main store on Boulevard Haussmann. The terrace is free, although access can occasionally be restricted for weather or events; check the current closing time, usually around 8:00 p.m. in summer, and arrive at least an hour before sunset for the best light. From here you can pick out the Opéra Garnier, Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and the long axis of the Parisian boulevards—a fitting final panorama without paying for another attraction. If you still have energy, linger around Place Édouard-VII or have a final drink near Rue des Mathurins; otherwise, use Chaussée d’Antin–La Fayette or Opéra for straightforward Metro connections back to your accommodation.