10-Day Itinerary for Exploring Paris

  • Day 1: The Eiffel Tower
    20 minutes (3.7 km) from Charles de Gaulle airport by car

    The Eiffel Tower needs no introduction since it's one of the iconic landmarks of Paris. Built-in 1887, it was the tallest structure at that time. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower, which provides an unparalleled view of the city.

  • Day 2: Musée d'Orsay and Sainte-Chapelle
    32 minutes (2.2 km) from The Eiffel Tower via public transportation

    The Musée d'Orsay houses many important works of art and is one of the most popular museums in Paris. Located on Île de la Cité, the Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic chapel with stunning stained glass windows that will leave visitors awestruck.

  • Day 3: Palace of Versailles
    33 minutes (20 km) from Paris via train

    The Palace of Versailles was the home of French royalty before the French Revolution. It is a grand monument with lush gardens, a Hall of Mirrors, and collections of French art dating back to the 17th century.

  • Day 4: Père Lachaise Cemetery and Catacombs of Paris
    22 minutes (7.1 km) from Palace of Versailles via public transportation

    Père Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place of many French dignitaries, including Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. The Catacombs of Paris are underground tunnels containing human remains of six million French citizens.

  • Day 5: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica
    30 minutes (4 km) from Catacombs of Paris via public transportation

    Montmartre is a charming Bohemian district in Paris, home to artists, boutiques, and cafes. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is an iconic church with a beautiful view of the city from its hilltop location.

  • Day 6: Louvre Museum and Jardin des Tuileries
    15 minutes (3 km) from Montmartre via public transportation

    The Louvre Museum contains numerous famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. The Jardin des Tuileries is a beautiful garden where visitors can relax and enjoy the Parisian sunshine.

  • Day 7: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
    19 minutes (3.5 km) from Louvre Museum via public transportation

    The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in the world, packed with upscale shops, cafes, and theaters. The Arc de Triomphe is a grand monument that commemorates French soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars and the French Revolutionary Wars.

  • Day 8: Seine River Cruise and Notre-Dame Cathedral
    22 minutes (4 km) from Arc de Triomphe via public transportation

    A Seine River Cruise provides visitors with a unique opportunity to view Paris from the water while admiring the many picturesque bridges that span the river. Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, featuring beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stonework.

  • Day 9: Musée Rodin and Les Invalides
    19 minutes (2.2 km) from Notre-Dame Cathedral via public transportation

    The Musée Rodin houses the works of the famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin, including The Thinker and The Kiss. Les Invalides is a complex of buildings with a military history museum and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

  • Day 10: Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Marais
    22 minutes (3.9 km) from Les Invalides via public transportation

    Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a historic district that was once the center of the literary and artistic world. Le Marais is a fashionable neighborhood featuring old-world architecture, trendy boutiques, and cafes.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • The Eiffel Tower (3 hours, €25)
  • Musée d'Orsay (2 hours, €5-€12)
  • Sainte-Chapelle (1 hour, €10-€15)
  • Palace of Versailles (5 hours, €25)
  • Père Lachaise Cemetery and Catacombs of Paris (3 hours, €13)
  • Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica (3 hours, Free-€10)
  • Louvre Museum (3 hours, €15-€17)
  • Jardin des Tuileries (30 minutes, Free)
  • Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe (2 hours, Free-€17)
  • Seine River Cruise and Notre-Dame Cathedral (2 hours, €14-€20)
  • Musée Rodin and Les Invalides (3 hours, €12-€16)
  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Marais (3 hours, Free-€12)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €129-€169

Transportation

Getting around in Paris can be quite straightforward via its public transportation system, like the Metro or RER. Taxis and Ubers are also common. Expect to spend an average of €1.90 for a one-way Metro Ticket.

Useful Tips

If you have more time available, consider taking a day trip to nearby locations like the Palace of Fontainebleau or Disneyland Paris. Alternatively, if you have less time, concentrate on the Parisian landmarks that are must-sees like The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Airports

Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) located 23 km northeast of the city and Orly Airport (ORY) located 14 km south of the city. Both airports provide convenient access to Paris via various modes of transportation.

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