12-Day Ultimate Paris Travel Itinerary: Iconic Sights, Culinary Delights, and Hidden Gems

Day 1: Historic Paris Introduction

Paris, France on June 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Saint-Régis

Start your day with a classic French breakfast of croissants and café au lait at this charming café on Île Saint-Louis, open from 8am to 11:30am.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Explore this iconic Gothic cathedral on Île de la Cité, marveling at its stunning architecture and stained glass windows. The interior and towers are open from 9am to 6:45pm.
Free (tower climb EUR10 optional), 1h30m

12:15pm

Walk along the Seine River

Stroll along the historic Seine banks, enjoying the bouquinistes and scenic views en route to the Right Bank.
Free, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Dine at this elegant restaurant near Louvre serving refined French cuisine, open 12pm-3pm. Try their duck confit or freshly caught fish.
EUR35, 1h15m

2:30pm

Explore Sainte-Chapelle

Visit this breathtaking chapel known for its vibrant stained glass windows, open 9am-7pm. A gem of medieval art on the Île de la Cité.
EUR12, 1h

4:00pm

Louvre Courtyard Walk

Take a leisurely walk through the Louvre’s famous glass pyramid and surrounding courtyards; a perfect photo opportunity.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Fous de l’Île

Enjoy traditional French dishes on Île Saint-Louis in this intimate bistro, open until 10:30pm. Highly recommended are the escargots and crème brûlée.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Art and Gardens

Paris, France on June 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Angelina

Savor their famous hot chocolate and Parisian pastries at this luxurious tearoom near the Tuileries, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h

9:45am

Louvre Museum

Spend the morning exploring world-famous artworks including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The museum opens at 9am and closes at 6pm.
EUR17, 4h

1:45pm

Lunch at Café Marly

Relax at this stylish café offering exceptional views of the Louvre pyramid, serving French classics from 11:30am to 3:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Tuileries Garden

Stroll or relax in these beautifully landscaped gardens adjacent to the Louvre, open until 9pm in summer.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Orangerie Museum

Discover Monet’s Water Lilies and impressionist artworks. Open until 6pm on Thursdays.
EUR12, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Enjoy their famous steak-frites with secret sauce in a lively bistro environment, open until midnight.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Bohemian Montmartre

Paris, France on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Consulat

Enjoy traditional French breakfast in this picturesque café in Montmartre, open from 7:30am to noon.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Visit this iconic white basilica with breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. Open daily from 6am to 10:30pm.
Free (dome climb EUR8 optional), 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Montmartre Streets and Artists’ Square

Wander the charming alleys, visit Place du Tertre where artists display their works, and capture the bohemian ambiance.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Maison Rose

Dine at this quaint and historic pink-hued bistro offering classic French dishes, open until 3pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Musée de Montmartre

Discover the history of Montmartre’s art scene and see Renoir’s gardens. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR13, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Le Refuge des Fondus

Experience a unique fondue and wine spot beloved by locals, open until 11pm.
EUR20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Enjoy hearty classic French comfort food at affordable prices in this retro-style bistro, open till 10:30pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Eiffel Tower & Left Bank

Paris, France on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de l’Homme

Start with breakfast overlooking the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro, open from 7:30am.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Eiffel Tower Visit

Ascend to the iconic Eiffel Tower’s summit for spectacular city views. Opens at 9:30am; pre-book tickets to avoid lines.
EUR28, 2h

12:00pm

Champ de Mars Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a relaxing picnic on the lawns beneath the tower with local cheese, bread, and wine picked up from nearby markets.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Musée d’Orsay

Visit this stunning former train station showcasing impressionist masterpieces, open 9:30am-6pm (closed Mondays).
EUR16, 2h

4:00pm

Walk the Left Bank Boulevards

Stroll through the vibrant neighborhoods of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Odéon, famous for literary cafés and galleries.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Procope

Experience dining in Paris’s oldest café, serving traditional French dishes since 1686, open until 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Le Marais & Canals

Paris, France on June 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Charlot

Enjoy a typical Parisian breakfast in this lively Marais café, open from 7:30am.
EUR14, 1h

9:45am

Explore Le Marais District

Discover historic streets, elegant boutiques, and the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at L’As du Fallafel

Savor the city’s best falafel sandwich at this iconic Jewish eatery, open until 10pm.
EUR12, 1h

1:30pm

Canal Saint-Martin Walk

Walk along this scenic canal lined with trendy shops and cafés, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Musée Picasso

Explore one of the finest collections of Picasso’s works, housed in a historic mansion. Open until 6pm.
EUR14, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Robert et Louise

Experience rustic French cuisine featuring grilled meats in a cozy atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Versailles Day Trip

Versailles, France on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Café

Quick French breakfast before departing; grab croissants and coffee for the day ahead.
EUR10, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Versailles

Take the RER C train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, approximately 1 hour from central Paris.
EUR7 one way, 1h

9:30am

Palace of Versailles Tour

Explore the opulent palace including the Hall of Mirrors and King’s Apartments. Opens at 9am; last admission 5pm.
EUR20, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Enjoy Italian-inspired cuisine within the Versailles park setting, open until 3pm.
EUR35, 1h

2:00pm

Gardens & Trianon Palaces

Roam the vast gardens and visit the Grand and Petit Trianon estates and Queen’s Hamlet, open from 8am to 8pm.
Included with passport ticket, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Paris

Take the RER C train back to Paris center for a late evening.
EUR7, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Relax with dinner at a quiet bistro near your accommodation to reflect on the day.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Latin Quarter & Gardens

Paris, France on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Les Deux Magots

Famous literary café serving breakfast since early 1900s, open from 7:30am.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

Panthéon Visit

Tour the grand mausoleum housing notable French figures, open 10am-6pm except Mondays.
EUR11, 1h

11:00am

Luxembourg Gardens

Relax in these beautiful gardens with fountains, statues, and the Luxembourg Palace. Open from 7:30am to sunset.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Polidor

Traditional French bistro popular among locals and students, open until 3pm.
EUR28, 1h

2:30pm

Sorbonne University and Surroundings Walk

Explore the intellectual heart of Paris with historic university buildings and quaint streets.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee at Café de Flore

Iconic café for people watching and soaking in Parisian ambiance, open until 1am.
EUR12, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Crêperie de Josselin

Indulge in Brittany-style savory and sweet crêpes in a cozy setting open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Modern Paris & Parks

Paris, France on June 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café La Terrasse

Start with a fresh breakfast near Parc André Citroën, open from 7am.
EUR14, 1h

9:45am

Parc André Citroën

Explore this modern and beautifully designed park featuring themed gardens and hot air balloon rides, open 7am-10pm.
Free (balloon ride EUR15 optional), 1h30m

11:30am

La Défense Business District

Visit Paris’s financial district with distinctive modern architecture and public art, accessible by metro.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Les Quatre Temps

Dine in the largest shopping mall in Europe with varied cuisine options, open 11am-9pm.
EUR20, 1h15m

2:30pm

Visit Fondation Louis Vuitton

Experience contemporary art in a stunning Frank Gehry-designed building, open 11am-8pm except Tuesdays.
EUR16, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Central Paris

Head back for a relaxed evening.
EUR2 metro fare, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Train Bleu

Enjoy classic French gastronomy in this historic railway station restaurant, open until 11pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Museums & Champs-Élysées

Paris, France on June 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Ladurée Champs-Élysées

Famous for its macarons and pastries, breakfast here is a Paris treat, open from 7:30am.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Rodin Museum

Explore beautiful sculptures and gardens of Auguste Rodin, open 10am-6:30pm except Mondays.
EUR13, 1h30m

11:30am

Musée Marmottan Monet

Visit a rich collection of Monet paintings, including Impression, Sunrise, open 10am-6pm except Mondays.
EUR12, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at L’Atelier Étoile de Joël Robuchon

Michelin-starred modern French cuisine near Champs-Élysées, open midday on weekends.
EUR45, 1h15m

3:00pm

Champs-Élysées Walk to Arc de Triomphe

Stroll the famous avenue to the Arc de Triomphe, climbing to the top for views if you wish, open until 10:30pm.
EUR13, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Fouquet’s

Enjoy upscale dining on Champs-Élysées, a historic haunt for celebrities, open until midnight.
EUR60, 1h30m
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Day 10: Giverny & Impressionism

Giverny, France on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast and coffee before the countryside excursion.
EUR10, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Giverny

Take train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon (~45m) and then taxi or shuttle to Giverny (15m).
EUR30 round trip, 1h

9:00am

Visit Claude Monet’s House and Gardens

Tour the inspiring gardens and residence of the founder of Impressionism, open 9am to 6pm in June.
EUR15, 2h

11:30am

Explore Village & Museum des Impressionnismes

Visit the local impressionism museum and stroll the tranquil village streets.
EUR10, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Les Nymphéas

Enjoy French cuisine just steps from Monet’s garden, open 12pm - 2pm and 7pm - 9pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Paris

Travel back by train for afternoon and evening in the city.
Included in round trip, 1h

6:00pm

Relax or Light Dinner Near Hotel

Enjoy a light meal or pastries nearby to unwind after the day’s excursion.
EUR20, 1h
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Day 11: Shopping & Historic Streets

Paris, France on June 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Kitsuné

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast in the Palais Royal arcade, open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h

9:45am

Shopping at Galeries Lafayette & Printemps

Explore these iconic department stores on Boulevard Haussmann, open 10am-8pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Pouchkine

Dine on elegant pastries and meals in this luxury café with Russian flair, open till 6pm on Sundays.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Walk Rue Montorgueil & Les Halles

Enjoy bustling market streets full of shops, bakeries, and vibrant street life.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Saint-Eustache Church

Explore this grand Renaissance church near Les Halles, open until 6pm.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Le Grand Véfour

Treat yourself to gourmet dining at this historic Michelin-starred restaurant, open until 11pm.
EUR80, 2h
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Day 12: Seine River & Leisure

Paris, France on June 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pain Pain

Start your day with excellent pastries and coffee near your accommodation, open from 7am.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Leisurely Shopping or Museum Revisits

Use the morning to revisit favorite spots, pick up last souvenirs, or explore a hidden museum gem.
Varies, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Papilles

Enjoy a set menu French bistro meal in a cozy setting, open till 3pm.
EUR35, 1h

2:00pm

Seine River Cruise

Take an iconic Seine cruise from Pont Neuf for 1 hour, viewing Paris landmarks from the water, available daily 10am to 10pm.
EUR15, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Place Dauphine

Enjoy a quiet sunset in this peaceful square on Île de la Cité.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Final Dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais

Finish your trip with lovely French bistro fare in Saint-Germain, open until 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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