7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Paris

  • Day 1: Le Marais
    9:00AM
    1 hour (1.2 miles) from Saint-Michel Notre-Dame Station

    Enjoy a leisurely walk through the cobblestoned streets of Le Marais, the city's historic district. Visit the Musée Carnavalet, which showcases the history of Paris through art, furniture, and other artifacts. The nearby Place des Vosges is a perfect spot for a picnic lunch.

  • Day 2: Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise
    9:00AM
    30 minutes (2 miles) from Place des Vosges by car

    Take in the iconic Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars before climbing to the top for a stunning view of Paris. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing Seine River Cruise to see top landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.

  • Day 3: Montmartre
    9:00AM
    45 minutes (2.7 miles) from Eiffel Tower by car

    See the stunning Sacre-Cœur Basilica and enjoy stunning views of the city from this hilltop district. Afterward, wander the winding streets of Montmartre and experience the bohemian spirit that has inspired artists such as Pablo Picasso.

  • Day 4: Versailles
    9:00AM
    1 hour (12 miles) from Montmartre by train

    Visit the opulent Palaace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features stunning architecture and lavish gardens. Try to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds, and be sure to set aside at least half a day to explore this sprawling estate.

  • Day 5: Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle
    9:00AM
    30 minutes (4.5 miles) from Palace of Versailles by car

    Visit the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has been recently rebuilt after a devastating fire. Then, head over to the nearby Sainte-Chapelle to admire its stunning stained-glass windows.

  • Day 6: The Louvre Museum & Tuileries Gardens
    9:00AM
    20 minutes (1 mile) from Notre-Dame Cathedral by car

    Explore one of the world's greatest art museums, the Louvre Museum, which showcases a wide range of art and artifacts from around the world. Afterward, take a stroll through the adjacent Tuileries Gardens to enjoy beautifully landscaped lawns and fountains.

  • Day 7: Les Invalides & Rodin Museum
    9:00AM
    20 minutes (1.6 miles) from Louvre Museum by car

    Visit Les Invalides, a military museum that houses a collection of artifacts related to France's military history. Then, head to the nearby Rodin Museum to view the masterpieces of the famed sculptor Auguste Rodin and enjoy the peaceful sculpture garden.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Le Marais (3 hours, free)
  • Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise (4 hours, €25 for ticket)
  • Montmartre (3 hours, free)
  • Versailles (6 hours, €27 for ticket and train)
  • Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle (2 hours, free entry for the churches)
  • Louvre Museum & Tuileries Gardens (5 hours, €17 for ticket)
  • Les Invalides & Rodin Museum (3 hours, €15 for ticket)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €84

Transportation

Paris is well-connected by public transportation, so consider purchasing a Passe Navigo pass for unlimited access to the metro, buses, and trains. Expect to spend around €27 for a weekly pass. A taxi or Uber ride will cost around €10-15 for short journeys within the city.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the historic town of Fontainebleau or exploring the modern art galleries of the Pompidou Centre. If you have less time, consider skipping one of the museums or choosing to only visit the exterior of the Palace of Versailles.

Airports

The main airport in Paris is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located 14 miles from the city center. The fastest way to get to the city is by taking the RER B train, which costs around €10 and takes around 40 minutes. The Orly Airport (ORY) is located 9 miles from Paris and is easily accessible by taking the Orlybus or the RER B train.

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