3-Day Summer Itinerary for Exploring Paris and Surrounding Gems

Day 1: Iconic Paris Sights

Paris, France on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy a classic Parisian breakfast of croissants and coffee at this iconic Left Bank café famed for its artistic and intellectual clientele. Open from 7am.

EUR18, 1h

9:45am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore one of the world's largest and most famous museums, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Open 9am-6pm (Wednesdays and Fridays until 9:45pm).

EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Relax with French cuisine near the Louvre, offering delicious dishes such as duck confit in a stylish setting. Open 12pm-3pm for lunch.

EUR30, 1h15m

2:30pm

Stroll along the Seine & visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Walk by the Seine riverbanks and visit the famed Notre-Dame Cathedral to admire its Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass. Cathedral open 8am-6:45pm.

Free, 1h30m

4:15pm

Ascend the Eiffel Tower

Take in panoramic views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower’s second floor or summit. Open 9am-midnight in summer.

EUR28.30, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Ombres

Dine with spectacular Eiffel Tower views, enjoying modern French cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seasonal ingredients. Open 7pm-10:30pm.

EUR60, 1h30m

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Day 2: Versailles & Gardens

Versailles, France on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Angelina Paris

Begin your day with a famous chocolate and pastry breakfast at Angelina, known for its hot chocolate and classic French cakes. Opens at 8am but recommended to arrive early.

EUR25, 1h

8:30am

Train to Versailles

Take the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, approx 40 mins journey.

EUR7, 45m

9:30am

Explore Palace of Versailles

Tour the opulent palace, including the Hall of Mirrors and royal apartments. Arrive early to avoid crowds. Open 9am-6:30pm (Closed on Mondays).

EUR20, 3h

12:45pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Lunch at this charming restaurant inside the Versailles gardens, offering Italian-inspired cuisine in a relaxed setting.

EUR35, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Gardens of Versailles and the Musical Fountain Show

Wander the expansive formal gardens and enjoy the summer Musical Fountain Show (scheduled on weekends and select days in July). Open 8am-8:30pm.

EUR12, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Paris

Take the train back to central Paris, relaxing after a day of royal splendour.

EUR7, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Experience traditional Parisian bistro cuisine at this vibrant eatery serving comfort foods at reasonable prices. Open 7pm-11pm.

EUR25, 1h30m

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Day 3: Giverny Day Trip

Giverny, France on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start with a wholesome organic breakfast of breads, cereals and coffee at this popular chain. Opens 7am.

EUR15, 45m

7:50am

Train to Vernon, then taxi to Giverny

Catch the train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon (approx 45 minutes), then a short taxi ride to Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny.

EUR15 for train plus approx EUR15 for taxi, 1h45m total

9:45am

Visit Claude Monet’s House and Gardens

Explore the beautiful home and inspiration behind the artist’s masterpieces, featuring colourful flower beds and the iconic water lily pond. Open 9:30am-6pm in July.

EUR11, 2h