Saturday, December 16: Arrival and the Eiffel Tower
Begin your Parisian adventure by visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower. Start the morning with a leisurely walk along the Champ de Mars, a beautiful park located in front of the tower, and enjoy the stunning views. In the afternoon, ascend the Eiffel Tower to experience breathtaking panoramas of the city. As evening falls, head to a nearby café to savor delicious French cuisine while gazing at the illuminated tower.
Eiffel Tower: Estimated cost - €25 (for access to the top), Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Champ de Mars: Free access, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, located just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. Indulge in freshly baked pastries and artisanal breads. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, head to Café de l'Homme, a stylish restaurant with panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy a variety of French classics with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about €25 per person.
End your day with an unforgettable dinner at Les Ombres, situated on the rooftop of the Musée du Quai Branly. Delight in French cuisine with an Asian influence, while admiring the spectacular nighttime vistas of the Eiffel Tower. Average cost for a meal is about €50 per person.
Sunday, December 17: Louvre Museum and Seine River Cruise
Immerse yourself in art and culture today at the Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa. Spend the morning exploring the vast collection of artworks spanning different eras. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise along the Seine River, enjoying the enchanting views of Parisian landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the charming bridges. For the evening, venture into the charming neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, known for its cozy cafés and lively atmosphere.
Seine River Cruise: Estimated cost - €15-20, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Free access, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Café de Flore, a historic café in the vibrant Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. Enjoy classic French pastries and a cup of coffee while soaking in the charming atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
Savor a delicious lunch at Le Comptoir du Relais, a popular bistro located near the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church. Indulge in traditional French dishes such as escargots and coq au vin, paired with a glass of fine wine. Average cost for a meal is about €30 per person.
For a memorable dinner, head to L'Ambroisie, a Michelin-starred restaurant housed in a historic building on Place des Vosges. Indulge in exquisite French cuisine crafted by renowned chef Bernard Pacaud, with dishes like foie gras and lobster. Average cost for a meal is about €300 per person.
Monday, December 18: Palace of Versailles and Montmartre
Embark on a day trip to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, located just outside Paris. Spend the morning exploring the opulent palace, including the Hall of Mirrors and the stunning gardens. In the afternoon, head back to Paris and visit Montmartre, a bohemian neighborhood famous for its artistic heritage. Climb the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic views of the city. As night falls, wander through the narrow streets, discovering hidden gems and local art.
Palace of Versailles: Estimated cost - €20 (online ticket), Estimated time spent - 4-5 hours
Montmartre: Free access, Estimated time spent - 3-4 hours
Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Free access, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Le Moulin de la Galette, a charming cafe in Montmartre. Enjoy freshly baked pastries and a cup of steaming hot coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
Indulge in a delicious lunch at La Table de Marie-Jacques, located near the Palace of Versailles. This elegant restaurant offers a menu of French specialties using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about €35 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Le Comptoir du Relais. This cozy bistro in Montmartre is known for its traditional and mouthwatering French cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about €50 per person.
Tuesday, December 19: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Champs-Élysées
Explore the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral in the morning, marveling at its Gothic architecture and intricate details. Take a stroll along the nearby Île de la Cité, one of the two remaining natural islands in the Seine River. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Champs-Élysées, known for its luxury shops, charming cafés, and vibrant atmosphere. End your Parisian adventure by ascending the Arc de Triomphe for a stunning view of the city.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: Free access, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Île de la Cité: Free access, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Champs-Élysées: Free access, Estimated time spent - 3-4 hours
Arc de Triomphe: Estimated cost - €12 (online ticket), Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a traditional French breakfast at Café de Flore, located near Notre-Dame Cathedral. Indulge in freshly baked croissants and a rich cup of coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at Le Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in the Eiffel Tower. Savor exquisite French cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of Paris. Average cost for a meal is about €100 per person.
Experience an authentic French dinner at L'Ambroisie, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant near Notre-Dame Cathedral. Delight in exquisite flavors and impeccable service in a luxurious setting. Average cost for a meal is about €300 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Paris, don't miss the opportunity to visit the charming neighborhood of Le Marais, famous for its medieval architecture, trendy boutiques, and quaint cafés. Another hidden gem is the Canal Saint-Martin, where locals gather for picnics and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Explore the unique shops and art galleries in the artistic district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and indulge in a delicious French pastry at one of the traditional bakeries tucked away in the city streets.