A Week in Paris: Exploring Art, Culture and Cuisine

  • Day 1: Musée d'Orsay
    30 minutes (1.9 miles) from Notre Dame Cathedral

    Located in the heart of Paris, Musée d'Orsay is home to the most extensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world. Explore works from renowned artists like Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, and Renoir as you stroll through the museum.

  • Day 2: Eiffel Tower
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Musée d'Orsay

    No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower! Go up to the top floor of this iconic structure to get a panoramic view of the city. Alternatively, take in the stunning view from the gardens at the bottom and indulge in some French pastries.

  • Day 3: The Louvre Museum
    20 minutes (1.2 miles) from Eiffel Tower

    The Louvre Museum is the largest art museum in the world and a must-visit spot in Paris. Explore the museum's extensive collection, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, ancient Egyptian artifacts and sculptures, and more!

  • Day 4: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
    30 minutes (2.5 miles) from The Louvre Museum

    Take a trip to the charming Montmartre neighborhood to see the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched on top of a hill. Walk around the narrow streets and soak in the delightful atmosphere filled with cafes, street artists, and musicians.

  • Day 5: Palace of Versailles
    50 minutes (12.6 miles) from Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

    Step back into France's royal history with a visit to the Palace of Versailles, one of the most famous and elaborate palaces in the world. The palace is known for its spectacular gardens, rich history, and grand architecture.

  • Day 6: Notre-Dame cathedral and Seine River Cruise
    40 minutes (2.8 miles) from Palace of Versailles

    Take a visit to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its stunning Gothic architecture. Afterward, take a river cruise on the Seine and appreciates Paris from a unique angle.

  • Day 7: Centre Pompidou
    30 minutes (1.8 miles) from Notre-Dame Cathedral

    The Center Pompidou is a vibrant, modern art museum in Paris Centre, boasting an impressive permanent collection of art forms. Guests are treated to exhibitions on significant themes in contemporary art and a range of interesting cultural offerings.

  • Day 8: The Marais District
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Centre Pompidou

    The Marais is perhaps the most charming district in Paris. With unique boutiques, art galleries, and hip bars, it's Paris's trendy hub. You can also try out some delicious street food and authentic Parisian cuisine.

  • Day 9: Musée Rodin
    30 minutes (1.6 miles) from the Marais District

    Admire Auguste Rodin's world-famous sculptural works at the Musée Rodin, a museum and sculpture garden in Paris. Besides top-notch sculptures, visitors can also enjoy the museum's stunning views of Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Musée d'Orsay (2-3 hours, $15-20)
  • Eiffel Tower (2-3 hours, $15-35)
  • The Louvre Museum (3-4 hours, $15-20)
  • Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur (2-3 hours, $10-15)
  • Palace of Versailles (4-5 hours, $20-25)
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral and Seine River Cruise (3-4 hours, $20-30)
  • Centre Pompidou (2-3 hours, $12-15)
  • The Marais District (3-4 hours, $20-35)
  • Musée Rodin (2-3 hours, $12-15)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $130-220

Transportation

Paris has an excellent public transportation network, including buses, trams, metro, and RER trains. The metro system is especially good and covers the entire city, so visitors can use it for all point-to-point journeys. Purchase a 7-day metro pass, which costs about $30 and is cheaper than buying individual tickets for each ride. Taxis and Ubers are also available but can be expensive, especially during peak hours.

Useful Tips

With only 9 days in Paris, it can be challenging to visit all the tourist sites. We recommend splitting up the attractions according to their proximity to save on the time you spend traveling. Although our itinerary covers the must-see sites, you can reduce or extend your stay accordingly. If you have less time, you can shorten the time spent in some museums or eliminate the visit to Versailles. Suppose you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Champagne or the Loire Valley.

Airports

Paris is served by two airports, the primary Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). Charles de Gaulle Airport is Paris's largest airport and is approximately 16 miles from the city center. A taxi or private transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your hotel usually costs around $70-80. Orly Airport is smaller and closer to central Paris, with a travel time of just 30 minutes on the Orly Airportbus from the city center.

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