Paris: Immersing in The City of Lights

  • Day 1: Jardin du Luxembourg
    30 minutes (2.1 miles) from Charles de Gaulle Airport

    Start your trip immersing yourself in the stunning beauty of the Jardin du Luxembourg. Spend the morning admiring the well-manicured gardens, tranquil fountain, and head over to the Palace of Luxembourg to learn about the history of the Royal family before having a picnic lunch under the sun.

  • Day 2: Musée d'Orsay
    30 minutes (1.9 miles) from Jardin du Luxembourg

    Home to an extensive collection of French art from the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Musée d'Orsay is a must-visit. Spend the day immersing yourself in the works of Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, and Renoir, and grab a coffee at the museum's café overlooking the Seine river.

  • Day 3: Le Marais
    25 minutes (1.5 miles) from Musée d'Orsay

    Discover the vibrant history and culture of Paris in the charming Le Marais district. Wandering through the narrow streets and browsing the boutiques is a great way to spend the morning. In the afternoon, take a break and enjoy a picnic at Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris.

  • Day 4: The Louvre
    10 minutes (1.1 miles) from Le Marais

    A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to one of the world's largest museums, the Louvre. Get lost in the vast collections and marvel at the intricate architecture. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mona Lisa before grabbing a bite at one of the museum's restaurants.

  • Day 5: Montmartre
    20 minutes (2.5 miles) from The Louvre

    Explore the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre and its incredible hilltop basilica, Sacré-Cœur. Stroll through the artist's village of Place du Tertre, where Picasso and Van Gogh once roamed, and savor the eclectic carnival-like feel of this unique part of Paris.

  • Day 6: Versailles Palace
    45 minutes (12.5 miles) from Montmartre

    A day trip to the royal Versailles Palace is well worth it. Explore the gardens and the park of the historic palace, which was once the home of the French monarchy. The opulence of the interior rooms and the Hall of Mirrors are nothing short of impressive.

  • Day 7: Forêt de Fontainebleau
    50 minutes (40 miles) from Versailles Palace

    In a small town just an hour's train ride from Paris, visit the Forêt de Fontainebleau, a picturesque forest with stunning landscapes and historic ruins. Go for a hike or bike ride, canoe in the river, climb to the top of a boulder, or led by a guide in horseback. A perfect escape from the buzz of the city.

  • Day 8: Sainte Chapelle
    30 minutes (1.7 miles) from Forêt de Fontainebleau

    Escape the crowds and take a break at the stunning Sainte Chapelle. Get lost in the colorful lights of the stained glass windows and marvel at the thought-provoking Gothic architecture of this grand cathedral. A quiet moment in the center of Paris.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Jardin du Luxembourg (2 hours, free)
  • Musée d'Orsay (4 hours, €14 adult)
  • Le Marais (4 hours, free)
  • The Louvre (6 hours, €18 adult)
  • Montmartre (5 hours, free)
  • Versailles Palace (4 hours, €27 adult)
  • Forêt de Fontainebleau (5 hours, €12 train tickets)
  • Sainte Chapelle (2 hours, €10 adult)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €81 per person (excluding transportation)

Transportation

Paris has a great public transportation system consisting of buses, trains, and metros. The most cost-effective way to get around is by purchasing a transportation pass, which grants you unlimited travel. A one-day pass costs around €14.50. Taxis and Ubers are plentiful but can be expensive, particularly in peak hours. Plan for an average of €60 per day if utilizing ride-hailing services. Prepare for a 20-minute walk or more to some destinations. Distances seem to be shorter on the map than in reality.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time in Paris, consider exploring quarters like Canal Saint-Martin, Pigalle, or Le Marais's southern part. If you want to experience Paris in-depth, join a walking or food tour, or take a wine-tasting class. Paris is well known for its stunning parks filled with art, sculptures, and hidden gems. Find one that resonates with you, and take a picnic for a relaxing afternoon. If you're short on time, consider cutting a day trip to Versailles Palace or Forêt de Fontainebleau. However, we do encourage you to visit as much as possible!

Airports

Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located approximately 13 miles northeast of Paris's city center, and Orly Airport (ORY), located approximately 8.5 miles southeast of the city. Travel time from the airport to the city center varies from 20 minutes to one hour, depending on the mode of transportation selected. A taxi from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center will cost an average of €55. A one-way train ticket to the city center will cost around €11.

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