Discover Paris in five days with this itinerary designed to make sure you don’t miss a thing. From iconic sites to hidden nuggets, each day is full of discovery and adventure. Come on, I’ll take you!
Table of Contents
Day 1: Discovering the Historic Center
Here’s the itinerary for your first day:
1) Notre-Dame (9am – 10am)
We’ll start the day with a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral (website in French). This masterpiece of Gothic architecture is obviously a must-see. Early in the morning, it won’t be too crowded.
When you get there, take time to admire the fascinating details of the facade. The forecourt offers a spectacular view of the whole cathedral. It’s perfect for photos.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
2) Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis (10am – 12am)
Then on to the Sainte-Chapelle. And here, believe me, it’s a real sight for sore eyes. Book your ticket online in advance to avoid the queues.
A few steps away, discover the Conciergerie, the former prison where Marie-Antoinette spent her last days.
Right next door, the Queen Elizabeth II Flower Market is a little paradise of colors and scents, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Cross the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, for spectacular views over the Seine.
Walking distance: approx. 2 km
3) Lunch in the Latin Quarter (12:30 – 1:30 pm)
After a morning rich in discoveries, I recommend you indulge in the gastronomic delights of the Latin Quarter. Beware, there are plenty of tourist traps in this district!
I recommend:
- Café Delmas (2 Pl. de la Contrescarpe): Charming and friendly, it offers bistro-style French and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Le Petit Prince de Paris (12 Rue de Lanneau): Refined French cuisine in an intimate setting, ideal for lunch with friends or lovers.
4) Latin Quarter / Saint-Germain-des-Prés (1:30 pm – 3:30 pm)
Make sure you explore the Latin Quarter’s independent bookshops, such as the famous Shakespeare and Company, a must for English-language literature.
Take a break in one of the Latin Quarter’s historic cafés, such as Les Deux Magot or Café de Flore. These places have been frequented by famous writers and artists over the decades.
Walking distance: approx. 2 km
5) Panthéon (3:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
The Panthéon, a true architectural masterpiece, is a must-see in Paris. It has been transformed into a secular temple to honor the great men and women of France.
Inside, you’ll discover the tombs of such illustrious figures as Voltaire, Rousseau and Marie Curie.
Above all, don’t limit yourself to the main spaces. Explore the various halls and chapels, too.
Walking distance: approx. 0.5 km
6) Jardin du Luxembourg (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm)
One of the most beautiful gardens in Paris! Take a look at the many statues, fountains and flowerbeds dotted around the garden, including the famous Medici fountain, a true architectural gem.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
7) Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Treat yourself to dinner in this lively district, full of restaurants and bars.
- Brasserie Lipp (151 Boulevard Saint-Germain): Iconic brasserie with traditional French dishes such as the famous Alsatian sauerkraut in a lively atmosphere.
- Le Procope (website in French) (13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie): Located in a picturesque passageway, Paris’ oldest café-restaurant seduces with its vintage decor and creative, tasty French cuisine.
Total distance walked on Day 1: approx. 6.5 km, Metro time: 0 min
Day 2: Iconic Paris Landmarks
Itinerary for the second day:
1) Montmartre (9am – 11am)
It’s time for your second day in Paris! We’ll start with the majestic Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. Climb the steps to enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris from the top—an experience not to be missed!
Then lose yourself in the picturesque streets of Montmartre. Stroll down rue de l’Abreuvoir, discover Place des Abbesses and Villa Leandre, places full of character and history.
Take time to admire the artists of Place du Tertre, where you’ll see painters and caricaturists in action. Don’t miss the famous Moulin Rouge, Montmartre’s landmark.
Walking distance: approx. 3 km
2) Arc de Triomphe (11:30am – 12:30pm)
To continue this wonderful day, take the metro to the Arc de Triomphe (line 2 or 6) and get off at the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station.
To avoid queues, remember to buy your tickets online in advance. Once at the top, you’ll be able to make out iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur and the Champs-Élysées. For me, it is one of the best views in Paris.
Distance by metro: 3 km Time by metro: 15 min
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
3) Lunch in the Champs-Élysées District (12:30 – 1:30 pm)
For lunch, there’s plenty to enjoy on the Champs-Elysées!
If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience, I highly recommend Le Fouquet’s. It’s the ideal place to enjoy refined dishes in elegant, historic surroundings.
If you prefer a slightly more casual but 100% French option, opt for Café George V. Here you can enjoy an authentic meal at a more affordable price.
4) Champs-Élysées (1:30 pm – 2:30 pm)
Head down the famous Champs-Élysées towards Place de la Concorde. Nicknamed “the most beautiful avenue in the world”, it’s lined with luxury boutiques and iconic cafés.
Visit international names such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Guerlain, as well as haute couture boutiques. It’s the ideal place to stroll and discover the latest trends.
Afterward, why not stop off at Ladurée to enjoy some of their famous macaroons for dessert?
Walking distance: approx. 2 km
5) Jardin des Tuileries (2:30 pm – 3:00 pm)
Then enter the magnificent Jardin des Tuileries, a veritable haven of peace in the heart of Paris. Stroll towards the Louvre Museum.
During your stroll, take time to discover the many statues by renowned artists such as Rodin, Giacometti and Maillol.
For a touch of fun, rent a small boat and sail it around the large round basin. No, it’s not just for kids!
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
6) Louvre Museum (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
The Louvre is huge and you don’t have much time, but it’s perfectly possible to take a two-hour express tour of the Louvre.
Buy your tickets in advance to avoid the queues. The main entrance is via the Louvre pyramid, but you can also use the less frequented entrances, such as the Porte des Lions.
Walking distance: approx. 0.5 km
7) Dinner Cruise on the Seine (8:00 pm – 10:30 pm)
End your day on a high note with a dinner cruise on the Seine to see Paris illuminated before your very eyes.
To find the cruise that suits you best, read my article Paris Dinner Cruise Guide: 10 Top Companies Compared. Be sure to book in advance to guarantee yourself a seat, and choose a table near the window for an unobstructed view of Paris’ illuminated monuments.
Total distance walked on Day 2: approx. 7.5 km Metro time: 15 min
Day 3: Culture and Relaxation
Itinerary for the third day:
1) Musée d’Orsay (9:00 am – 11:00 am)
It’s already day three! Spend your morning at the Musée d’Orsay, admiring its collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
Here, iconic works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir (and many others) will blow your mind.
To avoid queues, remember to book your tickets online in advance.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
2) Jardin des Plantes (11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
It’s an emblematic green space dedicated to botany and natural history.
Founded in 1626, it houses a vast collection of plants, tropical greenhouses, a Ménagerie, the National Museum of Natural History and themed gardens, offering an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.
Walking distance: approx. 2 km
3) Lunch in Le Marais (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
Then head off to lunch in the historic and trendy Marais district!
Here are a few recommendations:
- Chez Marianne (website in French) (2 Rue des Hospitalières Saint-Gervais): Jewish specialties like falafels and mezze plates.
- Breizh Café (109 Rue Vieille du Temple): Delicious Breton galettes and sweet crêpes.
- Les Philosophes (28 Rue Vieille du Temple): Parisian bistro offering classic French dishes in a warm atmosphere.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
4) Le Marais (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
Explore the charming, narrow cobbled streets of the Marais, such as Rue des Rosiers, Rue Vieille du Temple, and Rue des Francs-Bourgeois.
You’ll discover plenty of unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés.
Don’t miss a well-deserved break on the magnificent Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris.
Visit Chez Carette (in French), located under the square’s arcades, order a pastry and a hot chocolate (it’s one of the best in Paris), then take a seat on the terrace. You’ll hear all about it!
Walking distance: approx. 2 km
5) Centre Pompidou (5:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
Expect to be struck by its unique design and bright colors. As you ascend to the upper floors, collections of modern and contemporary art await you.
Don’t hesitate to climb to the top floor for a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris.
Ask about current temporary exhibitions during your visit. The Centre Pompidou regularly hosts innovative artistic events that are well worth a visit.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
6) Walk and Dinner at Châtelet (6:30 pm – 9:00 pm)
In this lively shopping district, you’ll find a variety of French and international brands, as well as boutiques specializing in music, fashion and gadgets.
For a quick shopping break, head to the Forum des Halles (website in French), a huge shopping mall offering a wide selection of stores and entertainment.
For dinner, I recommend restaurants such as :
- Le Zimmer (1 Pl. du Châtelet): Tucked away on a quiet street, this restaurant offers classic French cuisine with elegant decor and a historic ambience.
- Le 404 (website in French) (69 Rue des Gravilliers): For a touch of the exotic, this Moroccan-French restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices.
Total distance walked on Day 3: approx. 7 km
Day 4: Modern Must-sees
Itinerary for the fourth day:
1) Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars (9:00 am – 11:30 am)
I recommend spending at least two hours there. It really is an experience in and of itself. Visit different floors, enjoy the spectacular views and why not climb to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view and a glass of champagne
Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. You can choose to take the elevator or climb the stairs (cheaper and less waiting).
Once you’ve got off, take a stroll along the famous Champs de Mars to get your best shots of the Eiffel Tower.
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
2) Montparnasse ( 12pm – 13pm)
For lunch, I suggest you go to the nearby Montparnasse district. This is the Breton quarter of Paris par excellence. And Breton district offers Breton galettes and crêpes!
Visit one of the best crêperies in Paris, such as La Crêperie Bretonne (56 Rue du Montparnasse), but there are many others.
Distance by metro: 3 km Time by metro: 15 min
Walking distance: approx. 1 km
3) Buttes-Chaumont (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Then, to digest those crêpes, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the heart of Paris by exploring the magnificent Buttes-Chaumont park.
Discover the lake with its island overhung by a temple, the suspension bridge offering a magnificent view, and the mysterious grotto.
And don’t miss the park’s hilltop belvedere, offering a truly stunning panoramic view of Paris.
Distance by metro: 5 km Time by metro: 20 min
Walking distance: approx. 2 km
4) Tour of the Canal Saint-Martin (4:00 pm – 6:30 pm)
This canal is super cute and popular with Parisians. Stroll along the banks, admiring the charming bridges and historic looks. You’ll find plenty of trendy cafés and boutiques where you can take a break and sample local specialties.
The banks of the canal are also an excellent place to observe Parisian life and relax before continuing your day.
Distance by metro: 2.5 km Time by metro: 17 min
Walking distance: approx. 2 km
5) Dinner in the Pigalle district (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
To round off your busy day, head to the lively, wacky Pigalle district for an unforgettable evening.
It’s famous for its legendary cabarets, trendy bars and lively restaurants. And sex shops, too…
Dine in a typical bistro like :
- Le Pantruche (website in French) (3 Rue Victor Massé): This chic bistro offers refined French cuisine in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
- Pink Mamma (20bis Rue de Douai): Trendy restaurant serving delicious Italian cuisine in a magnificent setting.
Distance by metro: 3.5 km Time by metro: 22 min
Total distance walked on Day 4: approx 10 km, Time by metro: 1 hour 15 min
Day 5: Excursion to Versailles
Itinerary for the fifth day:
1) Château de Versailles (9:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Let’s go for a royal day out! Start with the magnificent Château de Versailles (my guide here and tickets here). Believe me, it’s a jewel of French history. Take your time to stroll through the splendid state rooms, including the famous Galerie des Glaces, the King’s Chamber and the Chapelle Royale. It’s simply breathtaking.
Then take a break and stroll through the immense gardens of Versailles. The fountains, groves and sculptures are just incredible. It’s a breath of fresh air and a feast for the eyes.
To end the day on a high note, check out the Hameau de la Reine. This rustic village, created for Marie-Antoinette, is so charming. It’s like something out of a fairy tale.
Distance by RER: 20 km one way Time by RER: 40 min
Walking distance: approx. 3 km
2) Dinner at Bastille or Oberkampf (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Return to Paris and enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Oberkampf or Bastille district:
- Musa (website in French) (117 Rue Saint-Maur, Oberkampf): Mediterranean cuisine and cocktail bar in a festive, friendly atmosphere. Perfect for sharing mezzes and enjoying innovative cocktails.
- Papa Poule (23-25 Rue des Taillandiers, Bastille): Original concept with a selection of starters and desserts to share, and tasty main courses in a warm atmosphere.
Total distance walked on Day 5: approx. 5 km Time by metro/RER: 1h 20 min
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
