Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights, where every street corner whispers a story, every pastry has a history, and art and culture are as natural as breathing. In this comprehensive 5-day itinerary, we’ll navigate the charming boulevards, majestic monuments, and the refined culinary scenes that define Parisian life. Whether you’re a returning aficionado or a wide-eyed first-timer, your Parisian tale starts here.
Day 1: Arrival and the Exploration of Montmartre
Your journey begins in the picturesque Montmartre, a village perched on a hilltop that has seduced artists and dreamers for centuries. After settling into your charming Parisian hotel discovered on Agoda, lace up your walking shoes for an unforgettable saunter through cobbled streets and ivy-clad buildings.
- Highlights: Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Place du Tertre, Moulin Rouge
- Dining: Savor a croissant from a local boulangerie, and enjoy a quintessential French dinner at Le Consulat, a historic eatery frequented by artists of the Belle Époque.
Morning: Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Place du Tertre
Catch the morning light painting the white domes of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The panoramic view of Paris from its steps will be your reward for an early start. Then, wander to the bustling Place du Tertre, where artists set up their easels, inviting you to take a piece of Parisian art home.
Afternoon: A Sweet Bite and the Moulin Rouge
Post-lunch, treat yourself to a sweet bite from the patisserie and make your way to the iconic Moulin Rouge. Marvel at the red windmill crowning the edifice, promising a night of cabaret beneath its blades.
Evening: Dinner with a View and Paris by Night
Conclude your first day with dinner at a restaurant overlooking the illuminated city. As the stars rise, so does the beauty of Paris. A quiet stroll or a night cruise on the Seine presents the perfect Paris by night experience.
Day 2: The Heart of Paris – From Notre-Dame to the Louvre
Today, dive into the core of Parisian splendor. From the spires of Notre-Dame to the glass pyramid of the Louvre, this day is a deep dive into history and heritage.
- Highlights: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Shakespeare and Company, Louvre Museum
- Lunch: Enjoy the Parisian staple steak-frites at a brasserie along the Seine.
- Dinner: Dine like royalty at Café Marly, offering a Louvre courtyard view.
Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Shakespeare and Company
The morning begins with the gothic grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even as it rises anew from its recent trials by fire, Notre-Dame remains a symbol of Parisian resilience. Continue the literary tour with a visit to the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a haven for book lovers.
Afternoon: A Date with Mona Lisa at the Louvre
After lunch, proceed to the Louvre Museum. Home to an unparalleled collection of art that spans from antiquity to the 19th century, including da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Louvre awaits to unveil its treasures to you.
Day 3: Marvels of the Left Bank – Saint Germain and the Eiffel Tower
On day three, you cross over to the rive gauche, or Left Bank, where intellectuals, writers, and artists have long found their muse. Weave through the storied streets of Saint Germain before standing at the feet of the Iron Lady, the Eiffel Tower.
- Highlights: Jardin du Luxembourg, Café de Flore, Eiffel Tower
- Lunch: Taste the bohemian flair with a quiche Lorraine at the historic Les Deux Magots.
- Dinner: Wind down with a gourmet meal on a Seine dinner cruise, basking in the cityscape’s twinkling lights.
Morning: Tranquility in Jardin du Luxembourg
Begin with a serene stroll in Jardin du Luxembourg. Commissioned by the widow of Henry IV and empowered by the Medici family’s influence, this impeccable garden manifests the quintessence of French formal gardens – geometric precision softened by the romantic touches of statues and fountains.
Afternoon: Café Culture and Literary Legacies
After lunch, dive into the heart of café culture at Café de Flore, a favorite of existentialists Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Absorb the ambiance of thought and discussion that continues to permeate the air.
Evening: Eiffel Tower and Seine Dinner Cruise
No visit to Paris is complete without admiring Gustave Eiffel’s genius at the Eiffel Tower. Post-dusk, the tower sparkles every hour which makes for an unforgettable moment. Culminate your evening with a dinner cruise on the Seine, a floating panorama of Paris’s monuments.
Day 4: Art in Paris – Montmartre and the Modernists
Paris’s love affair with art is legendary, and on your fourth day, you’ll be an intimate participant. Explore where Picasso painted, where Dali dreamed, and where the avant-garde shifted the trajectory of art history.
- Highlights: Picasso Museum, Centre Pompidou, Montmartre art studios
- Lunch: Sample modern Parisian fare at Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges, the city’s oldest covered market.
- Dinner: Enjoy a bohemian feast at La Maison Rose, a picturesque Montmartre landmark.
Morning: A Pilgrimage to Picasso and Pompidou
Start your day at the Musée Picasso to encounter the work of the iconic Spanish artist. Housed in the grand Hôtel Salé, the master’s muscular and emotional art takes center stage. Later, make your way to the architectural marvel, Centre Pompidou, showcasing the skeletal beauty of high-tech architecture and displaying a formidable collection of modern and contemporary art.
Afternoon: Artistic Alchemy in Montmartre
Wander through Montmartre again, this time focusing on its artistic soul. Visit the studios that were once the crucible of modernist masterpieces. Each corner of Montmartre tells the story of art that has echoed across the 20th century, shaping what we see today in galleries and imagination.
Day 5: Leisure and Farewell
Your final day in Paris should be one of leisure and reflection. Glide through the streets, revisit your favorite spots, or uncover new ones. Paris is a city of layers – endlessly complex, infinitely charming – always ready to reveal something new with each visit.
- Leisure Activities: Picnic at Champ de Mars, shopping at Le Marais, people-watching at a café terrace
- Lunch: Grab a seat at a sunny terrace and enjoy a plate of fromage and charcuterie paired with a glass of crisp French wine.
- Dinner: Conclude your Parisian journey with a celebratory meal atop Montparnasse Tower, offering the finest views of the Paris skyline as a delicious adieu.
The Art of ‘Flânerie’
Take this day to perfect the art of ‘flânerie’ – aimless wandering with keen observation. Saunter through the verdant expanses of Champ de Mars, meander through the chic boutiques and historical mansions of Le Marais, or just sit back at a café terrace watching the world elegantly whirl by.
Pre-Trip Preparations: Packing for Paris
Before embarking on your Parisian journey, a well-thought-out packing list can make all the difference. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as Paris is best discovered on foot. Pack layers to adapt to Paris’s unpredictable weather and include a mix of casual and dressier options for the variety of venues you’ll visit. Don’t forget a plug adapter and perhaps a French phrasebook to help navigate your adventure.
Understanding Paris: Customs and Etiquette
Paris is not only a hub of history and culture but also a place with unspoken customs. Greet shopkeepers when you enter boutiques with a polite “Bonjour,” and it’s customary to say “Au revoir” upon leaving. Be mindful of your volume; Parisians generally speak in softer tones in public. Dining is considered an experience to savor, so meals may take longer than you’re used to. Embrace the slower pace and enjoy every bite.
Navigating Paris: Transportation Tips
Paris boasts an intricate web of efficient public transportation. The Métro, with its comprehensive network, is a convenient way to traverse the city. Purchase a carnet of tickets or a Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel. Remember to validate your ticket and hold onto it until you exit the station. For scenic routes, the bus system offers picturesque views, and for destinations along the Seine, the Batobus riverboat is a charming alternative.
A Taste of Paris: Cuisine Guide
French cuisine is an art in itself, and Paris is the grand canvas where this art comes to life. Begin your culinary exploration with a visit to a traditional boulangerie for a fresh baguette. Sample the quintessential croissant at a patisserie, indulge in a hearty coq au vin for lunch, and enjoy the sophistication of a plateau de fruits de mer for dinner. For dessert, let the variety of pastries from colorful macarons to a delicate tarte tatin delight your palate.
Arts and Entertainment: Paris After Dark
As the sun sets, Paris transforms into a city of illuminated elegance. To experience Paris by night, consider a show at one of the legendary cabarets like the Moulin Rouge or Lido de Paris. Classical music aficionados will appreciate a concert at the ornate Opéra Garnier or Philharmonie de Paris. For a night of dancing, the vibrant Marais district offers a variety of clubs and bars. And for film lovers, a visit to a historic cinema like Le Grand Rex is a must.
Au Revoir, but not Goodbye
Paris is not a city you leave; it’s a city that travels with you, shaping the way you see and engage with the world. Its lessons are profound, its beauty is unfathomable, and its ability to inspire is inexhaustible. So, au revoir, Paris, until we meet again.
As you ready yourself for departure, recall the words of Audrey Hepburn: “Paris is always a good idea.” Plan your next stay by finding the perfect Parisian accommodations on Agoda, and remember, the City of Lights will always be waiting for you.
