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3 Days in Paris and 2 Days in Lyon: The Ultimate French City Experience

Viewed by 91 travelers

Day 1: Explore Historic Paris

Paris, France on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with a classic Parisian breakfast including croissants and café au lait at this iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés café open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the world's largest art museum and historic monument, home to the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces. Open from 9am to 6pm (closed Tuesdays).
EUR17, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy refined French cuisine in a chic setting near the Louvre, open from 12pm to 3pm for lunch.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk along the Seine and visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Stroll along the Seine riverbanks before visiting the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral (currently undergoing restoration, exterior viewing available).
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Sainte-Chapelle

Admire the stunning stained glass windows of this Gothic chapel located on the Île de la Cité. Open until 7pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Procope

Dine at Paris's oldest café serving classic French dishes in a historic ambiance. Open until 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Art & Iconic Landmarks

Paris, France on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Angelina

Savor hot chocolate and pastries at this luxurious tearoom known for its Mont Blanc dessert, open from 8am.
EUR20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Musée d'Orsay

Explore Impressionist art masterpieces housed in a former railway station. Open from 9:30am to 6pm (closed Mondays).
EUR16, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Campana inside Musée d'Orsay

Enjoy a light lunch surrounded by contemporary design within the museum, open during museum hours.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk or bike to Eiffel Tower

Visit Paris’s most iconic landmark and enjoy panoramic city views. Tickets to summit recommended, open until 11pm.
EUR30, 3h0m

5:00pm

Cruise on the Seine River

Take a relaxing boat cruise to see the city's landmarks from the river. Early evening cruises starting around 5pm are available.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Les Ombres

Dine with Eiffel Tower views on the rooftop of the Musée du Quai Branly. Open for dinner till 11pm.
EUR60, 1h30m
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Day 3: Classic Parisian Charm

Paris, France on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Du Pain et des Idées

Try traditional French pastries including their famous pain au chocolat at this beloved bakery (open from 7:00am).
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Wander the charming streets of this artistic neighborhood and climb to the basilica for panoramic views, open from 6am to 10:30pm.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Musée de Montmartre

Learn about Montmartre's artistic history in this small museum, open from 10am to 6pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Consulat

Enjoy rustic French cuisine in a historic Montmartre café, open for lunch from 11am.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Palais Garnier Opera House

Tour the opulent 19th-century opera house known for its grand architecture and history, open from 10am to 5pm.
EUR14, 1h0m

4:00pm

Shopping and strolling Champs-Élysées

Enjoy walking down Paris’s famous avenue with shops and cafés, continuing to the Arc de Triomphe.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile

Experience fine dining with creative French cuisine near the Arc de Triomphe, open until 10:30pm.
EUR80, 2h0m
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Day 4: Discover Lyon History

Lyon, France on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Boulangerie Maison Pozzoli

Taste artisanal breads and pastries at this local favorite bakery, open from 7am.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

Walk through the Renaissance quarter with narrow streets, traboules (hidden passageways), and historic architecture, best explored on foot.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Lyon Cathedral (Saint Jean Baptiste)

Admire the Gothic and Romanesque cathedral central to Lyon's Old Town area, open until 6pm.
Free, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bouchon Les Lyonnais

Savor authentic Lyonnais cuisine in a traditional bouchon restaurant, open for lunch until 2:30pm.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Visit one of France’s premier fine arts museums with works from ancient to modern art. Open from 10am to 6pm (closed Mondays).
EUR8, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk along the Rhône River

Enjoy a scenic stroll along the riverbanks with beautiful views and vibrant cafés.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Bouchon des Filles

Taste more traditional Lyonnaise dishes with a modern touch at this popular bouchon, open till 10:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Modern Lyon & Departure

Lyon, France on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Marotte

Enjoy fresh, creative pastries and coffee at this trendy café in Lyon, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Confluence Museum

Explore this futuristic science and anthropology museum located where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, open from 10am to 6pm.
EUR9, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through the Confluence district

See modern urban architecture, waterfront parks, and shops in this redeveloped area.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Taste a variety of top-quality Lyonnaise specialties at this famous indoor food market open daily from 7am to 8pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Wrap up and prepare for departure

Return to your accommodation and get ready for your onward journey.
Free, Varies
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