Planning a trip to Paris? Seven days give you time to soak up legendary sights, lose yourself in charming neighborhoods, or simply savor every pastry you encounter along the way. From world-class museums to unforgettable food, from river cruising to wine tasting, we’ve poured all of Paris’ sparkle into a weeklong itinerary. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or solo, this guide ensures you’ll experience the Paris that locals love (and visitors dream about).
Our must-do experiences in Paris include:
- Louvre Museum
- Musee d'Orsay
- Eiffel Tower
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Notre Dame
- Sacré Coeur & Montmartre Walking Tour
- Arc de Triomphe
- Palais Garnier (Opera House)
- Palace of Versailles
- Galeries Lafayette
- Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
- Les Caves du Louvre
- Centre Pompidou
- Picasso Museum
- Gourmet Chocolate Museum
Day 1: Classic Paris – History, Glamour, and a Taste of the Seine
Morning: Dive In at Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
Morning: Dive In at Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
Kick off your week at the spiritual heart of Paris. Take Metro Line 4 to Cité station, and you’ll step almost straight onto Île de la Cité. Start with Notre Dame, where the mighty towers are currently under careful restoration. Even from the outside, the atmosphere in front of the cathedral is lively, with street performers, tourists, and locals all soaking up the iconic setting.
From there, wander a few minutes east to Sainte-Chapelle. This gothic jewel bursts with color: its soaring stained-glass windows glow from every angle, casting sunlight in vibrant jewel tones across the stonework. Take a moment to stand in the hush of the chapel and let the artistry of the light and glass sink in—it’s one of those stops that feels almost magical.
Midday: Stroll to the Louvre via the Seine
Hop over to the Right Bank on foot via Pont Saint-Michel or Pont Notre-Dame for a classic Parisian promenade. Along the way, you’ll pass the bouquinistes, those iconic green bookstalls where you can peek at vintage postcards and old French comics, and catch street musicians adding atmosphere to your stroll. From the bridges, it’s about a 15-minute walk along the Seine to the Louvre, offering scenic riverside views as you go.
Afternoon: The Louvre
Set aside 2–3 hours for your visit to the Louvre. While the Mona Lisa draws a crowd, there’s plenty more to marvel at: the statue-lined Ancient Egypt wing, the luminous Dutch Masters, and the opulent Napoleon III apartments are all highlights. Renting an audio guide is a smart move—it shares fun historical tidbits and points out hidden details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Evening: Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
After your museum visit, make your way to the foot of the Eiffel Tower (a quick ride on RER C to Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel will get you there). Board a Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise and watch Paris transform as the city’s bridges, palaces, and monuments light up along the Seine. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a full day of exploration, waving at riverside passersby and toasting your first night in the City of Light.
Dinner: Les Ombres
Cap off the evening with dinner at Les Ombres, the rooftop restaurant perched atop the Quai Branly Museum. The space offers striking views of the Eiffel Tower, a buzzy glass-roofed atmosphere, and refined French classics like slow-cooked beef cheek and a citrusy lemon tart. Reservations are essential, so be sure to book ahead.
Day 2: A Day Among Parisian Art and Cafés
Morning: Musée d'Orsay
Start the day on RER C to Musée d'Orsay, set inside a stunning former railway station. The impressionist galleries glow under the giant clock, showcasing masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Pause for a pain au chocolat at the museum café while enjoying views back across the Seine—a sweet start to your art-filled morning.
Lunch: Boulevard Saint-Germain
Take Metro Line 12 to Solférino, then wander up bouquiniste-lined Rue de Seine to Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. Famous for its secret sauce and lively brasserie atmosphere, this is the perfect spot for classic steak-frites, fueling you for a busy afternoon.
Afternoon: Centre Pompidou
From Saint-Germain-des-Prés, hop on Metro Line 4 to Châtelet and walk to the Centre Pompidou, Paris’ modernist marvel. Its colorful exterior pipes, open escalators, and rooftop views hint at the bold contemporary art inside. Outside, the lively plaza is alive with buskers and street artists, adding extra energy to your visit.
Dinner: Georges (Pompidou Rooftop)
Cap the day with dinner at Georges, the rooftop restaurant of the Pompidou. With skyline views, sleek minimalist décor, and a menu ranging from French classics to modern fusion, it’s the perfect spot to watch sunset over Paris and unwind after a day of art and exploration.
Day 3: Palaces, Pastries, and Parisian Panache
Morning: Palace of Versailles
Morning: Palace of Versailles
Catch RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche (about 45 minutes) and step into pure French extravagance at the Palace of Versailles. The gilded halls, manicured gardens, and fountains feel straight out of a fairy tale. For a touch of fresh air, consider hiring a bike to explore the Grand Trianon estate and its elegant grounds at your own pace.
Lunch: La Petite Venise
Nestled within the palace grounds, La Petite Venise offers Provençal specialties in a cozy, plant-filled setting. Indulge in roasted chicken or a velvety crème brûlée while soaking up the historic ambiance of this 17th-century building.
Afternoon: Return to Paris & Galeries Lafayette
Head back to Paris and make your way to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann via Metro Line 9 from Pont de Sèvres to Chaussée d’Antin–La Fayette. Admire the iconic stained-glass cupola, browse the designer floors, and don’t miss the rooftop for one of Paris’ best free views over the city.
Dinner: Bouillon Julien
End the day in a Belle Époque fantasy of mosaics, mirrors, and classic French charm at Bouillon Julien. Locals love the hearty fare—try the poached egg in red wine sauce or a traditional beef bourguignon for an authentic Parisian dining experience.
Day 4: Montmartre, Chocolate, and More
Morning: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Walking Tour
Take Metro Line 2 to Anvers and join a guided walking tour through Montmartre’s hidden corners. Discover mosaic street art, film locations from Amélie, and stories of the legendary artists who once called the neighborhood home. The tour ends at Sacré-Cœur, where the climb to the basilica rewards you with sweeping views across all of Paris.
Lunch: Hardware Société
Just steps from Sacré-Cœur, Hardware Société offers a bright and comfy setting for a leisurely brunch. The crab Benedict or French toast with mascarpone and berries are always crowd-pleasers, giving you the perfect mid-morning energy boost.
Afternoon: Gourmet Chocolate Museum
Hop on Metro Line 4 from Barbès-Rochechouart to Strasbourg–Saint-Denis and step inside the Gourmet Chocolate Museum. Paris’ chocolate history comes to life through tastings and century-old recipes, and you can even make your own chocolate bar in a hands-on workshop—sweet fun for any chocolate lover.
Dinner: La Maison Rose
End your Montmartre day at La Maison Rose, the pastel-pink bistro loved by Instagrammers. Its cozy, leafy terrace is perfect for watching the neighborhood life go by while enjoying French classics like duck confit and homemade tarte Tatin.
Day 5: History and Wine in Paris
Morning: La Conciergerie
Morning: La Conciergerie
Take Metro Line 4 to Cité and step into the former royal palace and prison, La Conciergerie. Explore the dramatic gothic halls where Marie Antoinette spent her final days—it’s a chilling but fascinating glimpse into Parisian history.
Late Morning: Sainte-Chapelle (if you missed it on Day 1)
This jewel of a chapel glows in any weather, but a Sainte-Chapelle morning visit means softer crowds and better light for those stunning stained-glass windows. Even if you saw it on Day 1, the morning calm makes it worth a second glance.
Lunch: Chez Fernand Christine
Head to Saint-Germain for lunch at Chez Fernand Christine, a charming bistro with classic French dishes like veal with mustard sauce. The professional, friendly staff and bustling local crowd give it an authentic Parisian vibe.
Afternoon: Les Caves du Louvre
Take Metro Line 7 to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre and walk a few blocks to discover Paris’ underground wine cellars at Les Caves du Louvre. Indulge in a guided tasting as experts share stories of famous vineyards beneath arched stone ceilings—an atmospheric and delicious way to spend the afternoon.
Dinner: Le Comptoir du Relais
Finish the day at Le Comptoir du Relais, a legendary spot for French small plates and prime people-watching on sun-dappled terraces. Seasonal terrines and roast chicken come highly recommended—perfect for a relaxed final evening of Parisian indulgence.
Day 6: Science, Surrealism, and Rooftop Views
Morning: Paradox Museum
Take Metro Line 7, switch to Line 8 at Opéra for Strasbourg–Saint-Denis, and hop out at Grands Boulevards. Step into the Paradox Museum, a quirky, mind-bending playground perfect for all ages. Snap photos with optical illusions, explore surreal exhibits, and challenge your sense of reality—it’s impossible to leave without laughing.
Afternoon: Tour Montparnasse
From Strasbourg–Saint-Denis, catch Metro Line 4 down to Montparnasse–Bienvenue and zoom up to the 56th floor of Tour Montparnasse. From here, Paris unfolds beneath you, with the Eiffel Tower front and center. On a clear day, the sweeping cityscape stretches to the horizon. Grab a cold drink from the rooftop bar and soak in the view—many argue it’s the best in the city.
Dinner: Le Dôme Café
Steps from Montparnasse, Le Dôme Café is a celebration of old-school Paris glamour. The art deco interiors set the stage for classic seafood dishes—think oysters or a rich bouillabaisse—finished perfectly with a tangy lemon tart. It’s a sophisticated finale to a day of Parisian surprises.
Day 7: One Last Dose of Parisian Magic
Morning: Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
Morning: Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
Start at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station via Metro Lines 1, 2, or 6. Climb the Arc de Triomphe for an unbeatable view straight down the Champs-Élysées, then take your time descending the grand avenue. Stop for a flakey croissant at Ladurée or a pastry at Pierre Hermé, soaking in the Parisian atmosphere with every step.
Late Morning: Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House)
Hop on Metro Line 1 from Charles de Gaulle–Étoile to Opéra and explore the glittering Palais Garnier. Its grand marble staircase, golden balconies, and Marc Chagall-painted ceiling leave you awestruck. Keep an eye out for the Phantom’s box—yes, the legend lives!
Lunch: Café de la Paix
Right beside the Opera, Café de la Paix is a Paris institution that has welcomed everyone from statesmen to stylish locals since 1862. Try the classic club sandwich, hearty onion soup, or their famous millefeuille for dessert, all while enjoying the elegant Belle Époque décor.
Afternoon: Picasso Museum
Take Metro Line 8 from Opéra to Filles du Calvaire and dive into the fascinating Picasso Museum. Housed in a handsome Marais mansion, the museum showcases everything from cubist masterpieces to quirky ceramics. Pause at the rooftop café for a cappuccino and a little people-watching in the heart of Paris.
Last-Minute Shopping: Le Marais or Saint-Germain
Depending on your route, browse the chic boutiques and chocolatiers of Le Marais or the bookshops and art galleries of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Both neighborhoods ooze Parisian charm, with narrow lanes, hidden courtyards, and independent designers at every turn.
Dinner: Café Charlot
Right in Le Marais, Café Charlot is a buzzing, classic corner bistro—perfect for one last Parisian meal. Try the steak tartare, duck confit, or an indulgent croque monsieur, ideally enjoyed on the terrace with a crisp glass of local white wine.
Nightcap: Harry’s New York Bar
End your week with a toast at Harry’s New York Bar, reputed home of the French 75 cocktail. The vibes are Old World, the stories legendary, and the cocktails expertly crafted—just the right way to celebrate an unforgettable week in Paris.
From timeless masterpieces to chocolate-laced afternoons and glittering evenings on the Seine, Paris truly delivers a week packed with unforgettable moments. With every walk, every meal, and every museum, you’re sure to find your own reasons to fall in love with the City of Light. Bon voyage!
Enjoyed this? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Paris Passes or Sainte-Chapelle vs. Notre Dame
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