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🦔 A week in Paris, France

7-day Paris itinerary

1 week Paris itinerary

Paris guide
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Nov 30th, 2022
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Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq miles), making it the 34th most densely populated city in the world in 2020. Wikipedia

About Paris

Since the 17th century, Paris has been one of the world's major centres of finance, diplomacy, commerce, fashion, gastronomy, science, and arts, and has sometimes been referred to as the capital of the world. The City of Paris is the centre and seat of government of the region and province of Île-de-France, or Paris Region, with an estimated population of 12,997,058 in 2020, or about 18% of the population of France. The Paris Region had a GDP of €709 billion ($808 billion) in 2017. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit Worldwide Cost of Living Survey, in 2021 Paris was the city with the second-highest cost of living in the world, tied with Singapore, and after Tel Aviv. Wikipedia
Useful links
Video links
Visiting Paris should be on everyone's bucket list and can only be classed as a once in a lifetime experience. There is just so much to see and do that it is difficult to choose what to leave out and unless you have a month or so to spare there will be unavoidable omissions during a visit to Paris.

🦔 Our Experience

For us visiting Paris was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, and was certainly number 1 on our bucket list. I guess the first question to be answered when visiting Paris is, "Is a week enough time?". The short answer is no. It is almost impossible to visit all of the attractions in Paris in this short time, even if your visit is confined to the major attractions. So our first objective was to plan our itinerary very carefully and to group attractions by area. A successful and rewarding visit to Paris requires careful planning. This was then divided into seven days to fit in with our planned time in Paris
Of course we did all the touristy bits like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower and my wife insisted we take a trip to Euro Disney or Disneyland Paris whichever you prefer. What was surprising was those unheralded little gems we found like the Grevin Wax Museum and the Porte Doree aquarium. Another of the lesser known attractions is the Montparnasse Tower. The views of Paris from the top of the tower are stunning and you get to see a panoramic view of Paris including the Eiffel Tower. Great photo opportunity. If you have not been to Paris plan for a trip.
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Getting Around

Although many of our trips have involved a rental car, which gives you a flexible way of getting around, we have steered away from this in the major cities due to the volume of traffic, city taxes and the nightmare of parking. Quite frankly there is no need to have a rental car in Paris because of its amazing public transport infrastructure. At no time did we feel restricted due to not having a car, even for the longer distances to Versailles and Disneyland Paris. We did not even need to consider the hop-on hop-off bus option because all of the attractions were covered by the metro. The options include:
  • Paris Metro. The fastest way of getting around in Paris this underground system has 16 interconnected lines and over 133 miles of track. Catered for 95% of our requirements.
  • RER. Regional service used both as subway and train service. We used this service for airport transfers, Versailles and Disneyland.
  • City Buses. Buses are available for those who prefer this form of transportation around the city.
  • Trams. Although less popular there are still 7 tram lines in Paris.
  • Taxis. There are more than 20,000 taxis on the streets of Paris. For those who prefer the added convenience and are willing to pay the price.
  • Hop-on Hop-off buses. Big Bus Tours run a hop-on hop-off service using a open top bus which stops at most of the major attractions. Has the added convenience of being dropped off a short distance from the attractions but this tends to be confined to only the major attractions.
  • Hop-on Hop-off boat cruises. Boat cruises on the Seine River are available through a number of vendors.
  • Walking. One of the joys of Paris is that there is just so much to see that there is no time to get bored when walking between attractions. Picking a starting point and prior planning makes walking a viable option in most cases.
Useful links
civitatis Paris - Getting around Paris
Big Bus Paris - Paris Bus Tours

Day 1

Arc de Triomphe to Tour Montparnasse
🦔 Took the Metro to Charles de Gaulle - Etoile from our apartment in Montmartre. Our day started with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe with its amazing elevated view of the Pl Charles de Gaulle with its many feeder roads including the Champs Elysees. Watching the traffic in this amazing intersection is an experience in itself. After a stroll down the Champs Elysees we took the metro to Trocadéro for visits to the Trocadéro Square and the Palais de Chaillot. The Palais de Chaillot houses a number of attractions including the Aquarium de Paris, the National Marine Museum and the Homme Museum. We took a break for a snack in the beautiful gardens of the Trocadéro with its many fountains and great views of the Eiffel Tower. A short walk across the Seine via the Pont d'Iéna took us to the Eiffel Tower where we chose the lift option up to the first level. Great views across the city and particularly of the Seine, Trocadéro and the Champ de Mars. Certainly on the "must do" list when visiting Paris even with the queues'. After leaving the "Iron Lady" we took a stroll through the gardens of Champ de Mars to École Militaire and took the metro to Gare Montparnasse for the tower.
1

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station
22 min · 3.0 mi
2

Arc de Triomphe

Must go
Monument
Ⓜ Charles de Gaulle – Étoile
The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is one of the most famous monuments in Paris, France, standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly named Place de l'Étoile—the étoile or "star" of the juncture formed by its twelve radiating avenues. Wikipedia
3 min · 0.17 mi
3

Av. des Champs-Élysées

Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is an avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France, 1.9 kilometres (1.2 mi) long and 70 metres (230 ft) wide, running between the Place de la Concorde in the east and the Place Charles de Gaulle in the west, where the Arc de Triomphe is located. Wikipedia
10 min · 1.0 mi
4

Trocadéro Square

Historical landmark
Ⓜ Trocadéro
The Trocadéro, site of the Palais de Chaillot, is an area of Paris, France, in the 16th arrondissement, across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. It is also the name of the 1878 palace which was demolished in 1937 to make way for the Palais de Chaillot. Wikipedia
3 min · 0.13 mi
5

Palais de Chaillot

Historical landmark
Museums
The Palais de Chaillot is a building at the top of the Chaillot hill in the Trocadéro area in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France. For the Exposition Internationale of 1937, the old 1878 Palais du Trocadéro was partly demolished and partly rebuilt to create the Palais de Chaillot. The Palais consists of two separate wings shaped to form a wide arc, which are those of the former building with new taller portions built in front. Wikipedia
3 min · 0.14 mi
6

National Marine Museum

Museum
Art museum
History museum
The Musée national de la Marine (National Navy Museum) is a maritime museum located in the Palais de Chaillot, Trocadéro, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. The permanent collection originates in a collection that dates back to Louis XV of France. Wikipedia
3 min · 0.14 mi
7

Homme Museum

Museum
Natural History Museums
Science Museums
The Musée de l'Homme is an anthropology museum in Paris, France. It was established in 1937 by Paul Rivet for the 1937 Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne. Wikipedia
7 min · 0.38 mi
8

Aquarium de Paris

Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Animal park
Experience the magic of the ocean in the heart of Paris at this aquarium with 13,000 fish and invertebrates'. Also known as Cineaqua.
3 min · 0.18 mi
9

Trocadéro Gardens

Must go
Park
Jardins du Trocadéro (Gardens of the Trocadero) is an open space in Paris, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, bounded to the northwest by the wings of the Palais de Chaillot and to the southeast by the Seine and the Pont d'Iéna, with the Eiffel Tower on the opposite bank of the Seine. Wikipedia
8 min · 0.41 mi
10

Eiffel Tower

Must go
Historical landmark
The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. Locally nicknamed "La dame de fer" (French for "Iron Lady"), it was constructed from 1887 to 1889 as the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair. Wikipedia
8 min · 0.33 mi
11

Champ de Mars

Park
Nature & Parks
The Champ de Mars; English: Field of Mars) is a large public green space in Paris, France, located in the seventh arrondissement, between the Eiffel Tower to the northwest and the École Militaire to the southeast. The park is named after the Campus Martius ("Mars Field") in Rome, a tribute to the Roman god of war. Wikipedia
Ⓜ École Militaire
14 min · 1.7 mi
12

Montparnasse Tower

Hidden gem
Landmark
Ⓜ Gare Montparnasse 
Tour Maine-Montparnasse, also commonly named Tour Montparnasse, is a 210-metre (689 ft) office skyscraper located in the Montparnasse area of Paris, France. Constructed from 1969 to 1973, it was the tallest skyscraper in France until 2011, when it was surpassed by the 231-metre (758 ft) Tour First. It remains the tallest building in Paris outside of the La Défense business district.  Wikipedia
20 min · 4.4 mi
13

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station

Day 2

Grand Palais to the Rodin Museum
🦔 Our second day in Paris was spent in the 7th and 8th arrondissements starting at the Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau métro station with a short walk to the Grand Palais which also houses the Palais de la Découverte, a very interesting science and technology museum. Of particular interest to us were the animatronic dinosaurs on display. The gardens around the palace are beautiful and worth a visit. A short walk across the road brought us to the Petit Palais which houses the fine art museum. We then crossed the Seine over probably the most famous bridge in Paris, Pont Alexandre III which leads into the Esplanade des Invalides, a large grassed area which is popular with Parisiennes who want a bit of sunshine and a picnic. The highlights of our visit to des Invalides were the The Army Museum, with its wonderful medieval suits of armour, and the Tomb of Napoleon that is housed in a spectacular domed church often referred to as The Church of the Dome. The Rodin Museum is a short walk away from the church. Closest metro station from here is Varenne.
1

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station
19 min · 2.7 mi
2

Grand Palais

Museum
Art gallery
Ⓜ Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau
The Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées (English: Great Palace of the Elysian Fields), commonly known as the Grand Palais, is a historic site, exhibition hall and museum complex located at the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France. Wikipedia
6 min · 0.30 mi
3

Palais de la Découverte

Hidden gem
Science museum
The Palais de la Découverte ("Discovery Palace") is a science museum located in the Grand Palais, in the 8th arrondissement on Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, Paris, France. The museum was created in 1937 by Jean Baptiste Perrin (awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, 1926) during an international exhibition on "Arts and techniques in modern life". Wikipedia
2 min · 0.11 mi
4

Jardin de la Nouvelle France

Service establishment
Nature & Parks
Parks
A small well manicured garden next to the Grand Palais that is well worth taking a stroll through. Several statues and items of general interest in the gardens.
4 min · 0.20 mi
5

Petit Palais

Art museum
Museums
The Petit Palais; (English: Small Palace) is an art museum in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France. Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle ("universal exhibition"), it now houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de la ville de Paris). Wikipedia
3 min · 0.15 mi
6

Pont Alexandre III

Must go
Bridge
The Pont Alexandre III is a deck arch bridge that spans the Seine in Paris. It connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with those of the Invalides and Eiffel Tower. The bridge is widely regarded as the most ornate, extravagant bridge in the city. It has been classified as a French monument historique since 1975. Wikipedia
4 min · 0.21 mi
7

Esplanade des Invalides

Historical place
Nature & Parks
Large, well manicured grassed area, leading up to des Invalides, which is popular for picnicking and as a play area. A children's playground is also close by.
10 min · 0.52 mi
8

Les Invalides

Must go
Historical landmark
Museum
Les Invalides; (English: The Disabled), is a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France, containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans, the building's original purpose. Wikipedia
1 min · 300 ft
9

The Army Museum

Must go
History museum
The Musée de l'Armée; ("Army Museum") is a national military museum of France located at Les Invalides in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. The Musée de l'Armée was created in 1905 with the merger of the Musée d'Artillerie and the Musée Historique de l'Armée. The museum's seven main spaces and departments contain collections that span the period from antiquity through the 20th century. Wikipedia
1 min · 300 ft
10

Museum of Relief Maps

Museum
History Museums
The Musée des Plans-Reliefs is a museum of military models located within the Hôtel des Invalides in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France. The construction of models dates to 1668 when François-Michel le Tellier, Marquis de Louvois and minister of war to Louis XIV, began a collection of three-dimensional models of fortified cities for military purposes, known as 'plans-relief'. Wikipedia
1 min · 300 ft
11

Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte

Must go
Historical landmark
The retour des cendres (literally "return of the ashes", though "ashes" is used here as meaning his mortal remains, as he was not cremated) was the return of the mortal remains of Napoleon I of France from the island of Saint Helena to France and the burial in Hôtel des Invalides in Paris in 1840, on the initiative of Prime Minister Adolphe Thiers and King Louis-Philippe. Wikipedia
10 min · 0.53 mi
12

Rodin Museum

Sculpture museum
Museums
The Musée Rodin (English: Rodin Museum) in Paris, France, is a museum that was opened in 1919, primarily dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The collection includes 6,600 sculptures, 8,000 drawings, 8,000 old photographs and 7,000 objets d’art. Wikipedia
Ⓜ Varenne
24 min · 3.2 mi
13

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station

Day 3

Place de la Concorde to Sainte-Chapelle
🦔 Day three of our stay in Paris was jam packed and those who want to spend more time in the art museums, other than the Louvre, will have to make an adjustment to their schedule. A good place to start is the Place de la Concorde via the Concorde metro station. We found a food barrow serving pastries and had the most amazing chocolate croissant ever. Worth looking out for. Art lovers, and particularly followers of Monet, will enjoy visiting the Musée de l'Orangerie home to his water lily murals. As non aficionados of art we decided to pass on the Musée de l'Orangerie and Musée d'Orsay and focus our time on the Louvre Museum later in the day. On the way to the Palais Royal we passed the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel which is one of the smaller triumphal arches commissioned by Napoleon. The Palais-Royal is a very interesting attraction with a variety of offbeat art pieces especially in the Courtyard of Honour which includes "Columns" by Daniel Buren and "the spheres of the Palais-Royal fountain". The gardens of the palace are outstanding and include typical French displays of tree lined avenues, "The Alley of Colette", and an old style barrows. Look out for the "ball of newspaper" made from stainless steel. Our next stop was the Louvre Museum via the famous glass pyramid. As visitors not schooled in the arts we decided to go for the "Famous Highlights" audio tour guide which was quite adequate for our purposes. This certainly will not do for the art aficionados. We got to see The Mona Lisa, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Venus de Milo, The Lacemaker by Vermeer and the Great Sphinx of Tanis. We then crossed over the Seine again via The Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge across the river, to the Île de la Cité and our final destination for the day, Sainte-Chapelle. This was a pleasant surprise. Although the outside of the church is nothing to write home about the inside is nothing less than spectacular, especially the Lower Chapel with its amazing ceilings, arches, gilded flying buttresses and Fleur-de-Lys'. The closest metro station for the trip home is Cité.
1

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station
14 min · 2.4 mi
2

Place de la Concorde

Plaza
Sights & Landmarks
Ⓜ Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is one of the major public squares in Paris, France. Measuring 7.6 ha (19 acres) in area, it is the largest square in the French capital. It was the site of many notable public executions, including the executions of King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and Maximilien Robespierre in the course of the French Revolution, during which the square was temporarily renamed Place de la Révolution. Wikipedia
5 min · 0.26 mi
3

Musée de l'Orangerie

Art museum
Museums
Specialty Museums
The Musée de l'Orangerie (English: Orangerie Museum) is an art gallery of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings located in the west corner of the Tuileries Garden next to the Place de la Concorde in Paris. The museum is most famous as the permanent home of eight large Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet. Wikipedia
7 min · 0.27 mi
4

Tuileries Garden

Garden
Nature & Parks
The Tuileries Garden is a public garden located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France. Created by Catherine de' Medici as the garden of the Tuileries Palace in 1564, it was eventually opened to the public in 1667 and became a public park after the French Revolution. Wikipedia
10 min · 0.52 mi
5

Musée d'Orsay

Art museum
Museums
Modern art museum
The Musée d'Orsay (English: Orsay Museum) is a museum in Paris, France, on the Left Bank of the Seine. It is housed in the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914. Wikipedia
10 min · 0.50 mi
6

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

Monument
Nature & Parks
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (English: Triumphal Arch of the Carousel) is a triumphal arch in Paris, located in the Place du Carrousel. It is an example of Neoclassical architecture in the Corinthian order. It was built between 1806 and 1808 to commemorate Napoleon's military victories in the Wars of the Third and Fourth Coalitions. Wikipedia
8 min · 0.39 mi
7

Domaine National du Palais-Royal

Must go
Cultural landmark
The Palais-Royal is a former royal palace located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France. The screened entrance court faces the Place du Palais-Royal, opposite the Louvre. Originally called the Palais-Cardinal, it was built for Cardinal Richelieu from about 1633 to 1639 by the architect Jacques Lemercier. Wikipedia
3 min · 0.16 mi
8

Palais-Royal Garden

Hidden gem
Garden
Nature & Parks
The first garden of the Palais was planted by Cardinal Richelieu in 1629, where the Court of Honor is today. In 1633, Richelieu obtained authorisation to extend the garden northeast into the land occupied by the obsolete medieval city walls of Paris. Wikipedia
8 min · 0.43 mi
9

Louvre Pyramid

Cultural landmark
The Louvre Pyramid (Pyramide du Louvre) is a large glass and metal structure designed by the Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei. The pyramid is in the main courtyard (Cour Napoléon) of the Louvre Palace in Paris, surrounded by three smaller pyramids. The large pyramid serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. Wikipedia
8 min · 0.42 mi
10

Louvre Museum

Must go
Art museum
The Louvre or the Louvre Museum, is the world's most-visited museum, and a historic landmark in Paris. It is the home of some of the best-known works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. A central landmark of the city, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement. Wikipedia 
7 min · 0.38 mi
11

Pont Neuf

Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
The Pont Neuf, "New Bridge" is the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine in Paris. It stands by the western (downstream) point of the Île de la Cité, the island in the middle of the river that was, between 250 and 225 BC, the birthplace of Paris, then known as Lutetia and, during the medieval period, the heart of the city. Wikipedia
9 min · 0.44 mi
12

Sainte-Chapelle

Hidden gem
Chapel
The Sainte-Chapelle; (English: Holy Chapel) is a royal chapel in the Gothic style, within the medieval Palais de la Cité, the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century, on the Île de la Cité in the River Seine in Paris. Wikipedia
Ⓜ Cité
16 min · 3.5 mi
13

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station

Day 4

Palais Garnier to Montmartre
🦔 The first attraction of day four of our stay in Paris was Palais Garnier, also referred to as Opera Garnier, by way of the metro station Opéra. This was followed by a visit to a perfume "factory" where we witnessed some of the techniques used to design a new perfume. My wife jumped at the opportunity to buy some real French perfume in Paris. Fragonard also have gift packs to take back home for friends and family (not too expensive considering). The Grevin Wax Museum was another pleasant surprise. Not the usual Madame Tussauds offering but rather a more unique presentation with a distinct French flavour. Worth a visit even if its only to see Asterix and Obelix. Another pleasant surprise was the Musée des Arts et Métiers a science and technology museum with an amazing collection of historical artifacts with a definite emphasis on photographic and sound equipment. For those interested in science and technology this is a must. The Centre Pompidou has a high tech design style, which makes it interesting from an architectural point of view, and is also home to the largest modern art museum in Europe as well as the public information library. Our next stop was another science museum, the largest in Europe, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie which is huge and because of the space it houses some of the larger exhibitions like a submarine and a section devoted to robotics. Many of the exhibits are interactive and designed for children. With all of the hype around this attraction it was a bit of a disappointment.
1

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station
17 min · 1.9 mi
2

Palais Garnier

Must go
Opera house
Ⓜ Opéra
The Palais Garnier, also known as Opéra Garnier, is a 1,979-seat opera house at the Place de l'Opéra in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. It was built for the Paris Opera from 1861 to 1875 at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III. Initially referred to as le nouvel Opéra de Paris (the new Paris Opera), it soon became known as the Palais Garnier. Wikipedia
3 min · 0.14 mi
3

Fragonard Boutique Haussmann

Perfume store
Throughout the year, Fragonard offers a program of activities adapted to visitors desires. Free and guided tours, apprentice perfumer workshops and olfactory conferences... Fragonard Parfumeur
13 min · 0.67 mi
4

Grévin Museum

Hidden gem
Museum
Specialty Museums
The Musée Grévin (English: Grévin Museum) is a wax museum in Paris located on the Grands Boulevards in the 9th arrondissement on the right bank of the Seine. It is open daily; an admission fee is charged. The musée Grévin also has locations in Montreal and Seoul. Wikipedia
19 min · 0.94 mi
5

Musée des Arts et Métiers

Hidden gem
Museum
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is a science and technology museum , part of the National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts , in the 3rd  arrondissement of Paris . Labeled “  Musée de France  ” in 2002, it is a state museum placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Wikipedia
11 min · 0.54 mi
6

The Centre Pompidou

Cultural center
Museums
The Centre Pompidou, (English: National Georges Pompidou Centre of Art and Culture), also known as the Pompidou Centre in English, is a complex building in the Beaubourg area of the 4th arrondissement of Paris, near Les Halles, rue Montorgueil, and the Marais. Wikipedia
32 min · 5.2 mi
7

City of Science and Industry

Science museum
Museums
Ⓜ Porte de la Villette
The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie ("City of Science and Industry", abbreviated la CSI) or simply CSI is the biggest science museum in Europe. Located in the Parc de la Villette in Paris, France, it is one of the three dozen French Cultural Centers of Science, Technology and Industry (CCSTI), promoting science and science culture. Wikipedia
6 min · 0.29 mi
8

La Villette

Park
Convention center
The Parc de la Villette is the third-largest park in Paris, 55.5 hectares (137 acres) in area, located at the northeastern edge of the city in the 19th arrondissement. The park houses one of the largest concentrations of cultural venues in Paris, including the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (City of Science and Industry, Europe's largest science museum), three major concert venues, and the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris. Wikipedia
24 min · 2.6 mi
9

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris

Must go
Building
Ⓜ Lamarck - Caulain (a walk of about 800m which is a good opportunity to experience the streets of Montmartre)
The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre (Sacred Heart of Montmartre), commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica and often simply Sacré-Cœur, is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica in Paris, France, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sacré-Cœur Basilica is located at the summit of the butte of Montmartre. Wikipedia
6 min · 0.29 mi
10

Montmartre

Hidden gem
Montmartre is a large hill in Paris's northern 18th arrondissement. It is 130 m (430 ft) high and gives its name to the surrounding district, part of the Right Bank. Montmartre is primarily known for its artistic history, the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur on its summit, as well as a nightclub district. Wikipedia
6 min · 0.29 mi
11

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station

Day 5

Notre-Dame to Place de Bastille
🦔 On day 5 we decided to take one of the boat cruises on the Seine which start next to the Eiffel Tower. The glass canopy of the boat made viewing of the passing sights quite pleasant. The Batobus is like a hop-on hop-off bus with various stops along the Seine where you can get off for viewing of attractions. It definitely gives a different perspective on many of the famous attractions along the bank of the river. Our first stop was at the Notre-Dame cathedral which was subsequently damaged by fire. Check to see when the cathedral will be reopening. The Pantheon is modelled on the Pantheon in Rome and is a mausoleum for the remains of distinguished French citizens. The beautiful Luxembourg Gardens are worth a visit especially during the summer months when everything is fresh and colourful. For those with an interest in science a visit to the Curie Museum will be of interest. Located in the former laboratory of this very famous scientist. I guess a visit to Paris would not be complete without at least one fashion attraction thrown into the mix. The City of Fashion and Design is worth considering. The final attraction of the day is the historical Place de Bastille with its memories of the days of the revolution.
1

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station
43 min · 3.7 mi
2

Batobus Station - Tour Eiffel

Must go
Boat tour agency
A hop-on hop-off cruise service with various stops on the route down the Seine River.
23 min · 3.5 mi
3

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Must go
Cathedral
Ⓜ Pont Marie/Saint-Michel Notre Dame
Notre-Dame de Paris; meaning "Our Lady of Paris"), referred to simply as Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité (an island in the Seine River), in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Wikipedia
16 min · 0.80 mi
4

Panthéon

Monument
Education and culture
The Panthéon is a monument in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. It stands in the Latin Quarter, atop the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, in the centre of the Place du Panthéon, which was named after it. Wikipedia
14 min · 0.66 mi
5

Luxembourg Gardens

Must go
Garden
The Jardin du Luxembourg, known in English as the Luxembourg Garden, colloquially referred to as the Jardin du Sénat (Senate Garden), is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, France. It covers 23 hectares (56.8 acres) and is known for its lawns, tree-lined promenades, tennis courts, flowerbeds, model sailboats on its octagonal Grand Bassin, as well as picturesque Medici Fountain, built in 1620. Wikipedia
12 min · 0.61 mi
6

Curie Museum

Museum
Specialty Museums
The Musée Curie (Curie Museum) is a historical museum focusing on radiological research. It is located in the 5th arrondissement at 1, rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France, and open Wednesday to Saturday, from 1pm to 5pm; admission is free. The museum was renovated in 2012, thanks to a donation from Ève Curie. Wikipedia
25 min · 2.1 mi
7

City of Fashion and Design

Cultural center
Sights & Landmarks
Civic Centers
Ⓜ Austerlitz
The City of Fashion and Design, is a building located at the site of the old general storehouses on the quai d'Austerlitz in Paris. IFM Paris (Institut Français de la Mode) has been located in the building since 2008. Art Ludique, a museum of exhibitions of contemporary art in comic books, manga, cinema, live animation and video games, is also located in the building. Wikipedia
17 min · 1.6 mi
8

Place de la Bastille

Plaza
Landmark
Ⓜ Bastille
The Place de la Bastille is a square in Paris where the Bastille prison once stood, until the storming of the Bastille and its subsequent physical destruction between 14 July 1789 and 14 July 1790 during the French Revolution. No vestige of the prison remains. Wikipedia
30 min · 4.9 mi
9

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station

Day 6

A day in Versailles
🦔 Day 6 was our trip to Versailles by train. It's not often that an attraction that has been built up by media actually exceeds your expectations, and in all honesty the Palace of Versailles certainly did that. It is simply spectacular and although there was some work on the outside in progress this did not detract from the spectacle at all. The one area that really stands out is the Hall of Mirrors which is breathtaking. The gardens are also outstanding and although our timing was not quite right for the best flower shows the designs, hedges, grass and trees made up for this. The closest we have come to this kind of splendour was at Peterhof in St Petersburg, Russia but it trails Versailles by some way. There is enough to fill a day, and more, when visiting Versailles. Do not miss a visit to Versailles when in Paris.
Getting to Versailles from Paris
Find the closest metro station that is served by the RER C. Take the train that goes directly to Versailles, i.e. Versailles château – Rive gauche. The journey will take between one to one and a half hours depending on your departure point in Paris.
1

Palace of Versailles

Must go
Castle
The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence built by King Louis XIV located in Versailles, about 12 miles (19 km) west of Paris, France. The palace is owned by the French Republic and since 1995 has been managed, under the direction of the French Ministry of Culture, by the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles. Wikipedia
< 1 min · 0 ft
2

Hall of Mirrors

Must go
Castle
The Hall of Mirrors is a grand Baroque style gallery and one of the most emblematic rooms in the royal Palace of Versailles near Paris, France. The grandiose ensemble of the hall and its adjoining salons was intended to illustrate the power of the absolutist monarch Louis XIV. Wikipedia
3 min · 0.13 mi
3

Royal Chapel

Catholic church
Museums
The present chapel of the Palace of Versailles is the fifth in the history of the palace. These chapels evolved with the expansion of the château and formed the focal point of the daily life of the court during the Ancien Régime. Wikipedia
6 min · 0.33 mi
4

Gardens of Versailles

Must go
Garden
The Gardens of Versailles occupy part of what was once the Domaine royal de Versailles, the royal demesne of the château of Versailles. Situated to the west of the palace, the gardens cover some 800 hectares of land, much of which is landscaped in the classic French formal garden style perfected here by André Le Nôtre. Wikipedia
1 hr 17 min · 16.8 mi
5

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station

Day 7

Disneyland Paris
🦔 Day 7 was for the young at heart and not so young in body, with a visit to Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios. A non-negotiable on my wife's bucket list for our visit to Paris. On the return journey I got a bit of relief (just kidding) with a visit to the aquarium at Porte Doree, next to the zoological gardens. Although small this aquarium has a lot to offer with a wide selection of aquatic specimens.
Getting to Disneyland Paris from the city
The options include train, bus, taxi or driving. The best option from a cost and timing point of view is the train which leaves from Châtelet les Halles. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
1

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station
19 min · 3.3 mi
2

Chatelet Les Halles

Transit station
Subway station
Train station
Train station for trains to Disneyland Paris.
42 min · 23.2 mi
3

Disneyland Paris

Theme park
Water & Amusement Parks
Disneyland Paris is an entertainment resort in Chessy, France, 32 km (20 mi) east of Paris. It encompasses two theme parks, resort hotels, Disney Nature Resorts, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex, and a golf course. Disneyland Park is the original theme park of the complex, opening in 1992. A second theme park, Walt Disney Studios Park, opened in 2002. Disneyland Paris is also the only Disney resort outside of the United States to be completely owned by The Walt Disney Company. Wikipedia
10 min · 0.53 mi
4

Parc Walt Disney Studios

Theme park
Water & Amusement Parks
Walt Disney Studios Park is the second of two theme parks built at Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallée, France, which opened on 16 March 2002. It is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company through its Parks, Experiences and Products division. Wikipedia
1 hr 24 min · 21.5 mi
5

Aquarium Tropical

Aquarium
Ⓜ Porte Doree
The Palais de la Porte Dorée is an exhibit hall located on the edge of the Bois de Vincennes at 293, avenue Daumesnil, 12th arrondissement of Paris, France. It now houses the Musée de l'Histoire de l'Immigration, as well as a tropical aquarium. The building's cellar is home to the Dorée Tropical Aquarium, which contains about 5,000 animals representing 350 species in a variety of tanks ranging from 100 to 370,000 l (26 to 97,744 US gal) in size. Wikipedia
42 min · 7.3 mi
6

Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Subway station

Attractions we Missed

Due to the sheer volume of attractions and things to do in Paris it is almost impossible to see everything, certainly in a single trip. The attractions listed below are those that we did not get to see but would probably be on the must do list of other travellers depending on personal preferences.
1

Moulin Rouge

Dinner theater
Cabaret club
Performing arts theater
Moulin Rouge is a cabaret in Paris, on Boulevard de Clichy, at Place Blanche, the intersection of, and terminus of Rue Blanche. In 1889, the Moulin Rouge was co-founded by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, who also owned the Paris Olympia. The original venue was destroyed by fire in 1915. Wikipedia
2

Louis Vuitton Foundation

Art museum
Museums
Specialty Museums
The Louis Vuitton Foundation, is a French art museum and cultural center sponsored by the group LVMH and its subsidiaries. It is run as a legally separate, nonprofit entity as part of LVMH's promotion of art and culture. The art museum opened on October 20, 2014 in the presence of President François Hollande. Wikipedia
3

Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des plantes (French for "Garden of the Plants"), is the main botanical garden in France. Wikipedia
4

Musée National Picasso-Paris

Museum
Art museum
The Musée Picasso is an art gallery located in the Hôtel Salé in rue de Thorigny, in the Marais district of Paris, France, dedicated to the work of the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso (1881–1973). The museum collection includes more than 5,000 works of art (paintings, sculptures, drawings, ceramics, prints, engravings and notebooks). Wikipedia
5

Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac

Museum
Art Museums
Specialty Museums
The Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac (English: Jacques Chirac Museum of Branly Quay), located in Paris, France, is a museum designed by French architect Jean Nouvel to feature the indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Wikipedia
6

Place des Vosges

Park
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Place des Vosges, originally Place Royale, is the oldest planned square in Paris, France. It is located in the Marais district, and it straddles the dividing-line between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris. Wikipedia
7

Hôtel de Ville

City Hall
Sights & Landmarks
The Hôtel de Ville, is the city hall of Paris, France, standing on the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville – Esplanade de la Libération in the 4th arrondissement. The south wing was originally constructed by François I beginning in 1535 until 1551. Wikipedia
8

Conciergerie

Museum
Sights & Landmarks
The Conciergerie (English: Lodge) is a former courthouse and prison in Paris, France, located on the west of the Île de la Cité, below the Palais de Justice. It was originally part of the former royal palace, the Palais de la Cité, which also included the Sainte-Chapelle. Wikipedia
9

National Museum of Natural History

Natural history museum
Museums
The French National Museum of Natural History, known in French as the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, is the national natural history museum of France and a grand établissement of higher education part of Sorbonne Universities. The main museum, with four galleries, is located in Paris, France, within the Jardin des Plantes on the left bank of the River Seine. Wikipedia
10

L'église de la Madeleine

Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
The Church of Saint-Marie-Madeleine, or less formally, La Madeleine is a Catholic parish church on Place Madeleine in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. It was planned by Louis XV as the focal point of the new Rue Royale, leading to the new Place Louis XV, the present Place de la Concorde. Wikipedia
11

Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis

Basilica
Sights & Landmarks
The Basilica of Saint-Denis, (now formally known as the Basilique-cathédrale de Saint-Denis) is a large former medieval abbey church and present cathedral in the commune of Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris. Wikipedia
12

Château of Vincennes

Castle
Sights & Landmarks
The Château de Vincennes is a former fortress and royal residence next to the town of Vincennes, on the eastern edge of Paris, alongside the Bois de Vincennes. It was largely built between 1361 and 1369, and was a preferred residence, after the Palais de la Cité, of French Kings in the 14th to 16th century. Wikipedia
13

Grande Arche de la Defense

Monument
Sights & Landmarks
La Grande Arche de la Défense ; ("The Great Arch of the Defense"), originally called La Grande Arche de la Fraternité ("Fraternity"), is a monument and building in the business district of La Défense and in the commune of Puteaux, to the west of Paris. Wikipedia
14

Musée de Montmartre

Art museum
Museums
The Musée de Montmartre (English: Montmartre Museum) is located in Montmartre, at 8-14 rue Cortot in the 18th (XVIII) arrondissement of Paris, France. It was founded in 1960 and was classified as a Musée de France in 2003. Wikipedia
15

Astérix Park

Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Parc Astérix is a theme park in France based on the comic book series Asterix by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny. With around 2.3 million visitors yearly, Parc Astérix is France's second largest theme park, behind only Disneyland Paris with its 14 million annual visitors. Wikipedia

Off the Beaten Track

Often there are attractions that do not form part of the mainstream tourist agenda but are well worth a visit. Although these may be a bit quirky potential visitors need to keep an open mind, which is always a good thing when travelling.
In many cases these lesser known attractions form part of one of the mainstream attractions but go unnoticed. 🦔
1

Catacombs of Paris

Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries in Paris, France, which hold the remains of more than six million people in a small part of a tunnel network built to consolidate Paris's ancient stone quarries.  Atlas Obscura
2

Statue of Liberty

Monument
Sights & Landmarks
Monuments & Statues
The Pont de Grenelle-Cadets de Saumur, formerly known as Pont de Grenelle is a bridge that crosses the Seine River in Paris. The bridge passes behind a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Atlas Obscura
3

Flame of Liberty

Monument
Sights & Landmarks
Monuments & Statues
The Flame of Liberty in Paris is a full-sized, gold-leaf-covered replica of the flame of the torch from the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World). The monument, which measures approximately 3.5 metres in height, is a sculpture of a flame, executed in gilded copper, supported by a pedestal of gray-and-black marble. It is located near the northern end of the Pont de l'Alma, on the Place Diana, in the 16th arrondissement. Atlas Obscura
4

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Cemetery
Sights & Landmarks
Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris, France (44 hectares or 110 acres). With more than 3.5 million visitors annually, it is the most visited necropolis in the world. Notable figures buried here include Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Frederic Chopin. Atlas Obscura
5

59 Rivoli

Cultural center
Art gallery
59 Rivoli is an art gallery in Paris, France. Formerly an artist squat that had occupied the space since 1999, it was legalized by the city from 2006 onwards. The venue became known for its parties, exhibitions, and performances. Atlas Obscura
6

Rue Crémieux

Notable street
Outdoor Activities
Scenic Drives
Rue Crémieux is a one-block pedestrian street in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, originally built as workers' housing. The street has been widely recommended to tourists for its quaint painted house fronts, and has become a popular destination for filming and for social media photos. Atlas Obscura
7

Parc Monceau

Park
Nature & Parks
Parc Monceau is a public park situated in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France, at the junction of Boulevard de Courcelles, Rue de Prony and Rue Georges Berger. At the main entrance is a rotunda. The park covers an area of 8.2 hectares (20.3 acres). Atlas Obscura
8

La Danse de la Fontaine Emergente

Sculpture
La Danse de la fontaine émergente is a monumental fountain constructed in Paris. Located on Place Augusta-Holmes, rue Paul Klee, near Gare d'Austerlitz in the 13th arrondissement, it was designed by French-Chinese sculptor Chen Zhen, who died in 2000, and was completed by his wife Xu Min in 2008. Atlas Obscura

Accommodation

Our accommodation in Paris, booked through Booking.com, had some advantages and disadvantages. The biggest advantage was the location in the heart of Montmartre which is a great area to stay in when in Paris. The area also has many metro stations so getting to public transport is easy and there are many smaller shops like bakeries and supermarkets where you can get real French food and not the usual tourist fare. There are also a lot of restaurants and pubs that are frequented by locals rather than tourists. You really get the feeling that you are in Paris. We can recommend staying in Montmartre. The disadvantages include the size of the apartments, the fact that many of the buildings are old and do not have lifts and make sure that you do not get a host who has serious attitude. Getting up a narrow flight of stairs with suitcases in the dark, (lights only come on when you are on a landing), without any help from your host, is quite a trying experience.
Our selections for accommodation in Paris are made on booking.com which we have found to be the best service, based on our experiences using the following selection criteria:
  • Location. Montmartre which is just far enough outside of the city but close enough to metro stations.
  • Price. Based on establishments offering pleasant accommodation at reasonable prices. No hidden costs like cleaning fees, parking and taxes.
  • Wifi. Although most establishments offer free wife it pays to check that this is available in your room as well.
  • Free cancellation. Always be prepared for the unexpected and not have to pay for possible cancellations.
  • Rating. Always aim for 7 or above and preferably a minimum of 8 if the price is right. It's also important to consider how many reviews the rating is based on. Obviously the higher the figure the more accurate the rating.
  • No prepayment. Always better to pay just before you leave on your trip or at the hotel during your stay.
  • Apartment. Choice of an apartment rather than a hotel because of the area. 🦔
1

Aparthotel Adagio Paris Montmartre

Hotel
Located a 5-minute walk from Sacré-Coeur Basilica in the lively Montmartre district, Aparthotel Adagio City Paris Montmartre offers modern, fully equipped apartments with free WiFi. Aparthotel Adagio apartments feature a fully-equipped kitchen area, a bathroom with a shower, and a flat-screen TV with international channels. Price range $150 - $200 Booking.com
2

Citadines Apart'hotel Montmartre Paris

Extended stay hotel
City Hall
This Citadines is located in a residential area in Paris near Place de Clichy at the foot of the Butte Montmartre. It offer furnished studios and 1-bedroom apartments, just a 10-minute metro ride from the Champs Elysées. Its apartments are equipped with a kitchen area and some of them have balconies. Citadines Montmartre Paris has a rooftop terrace that provides a view of the city. Price range $200 - $250 Booking.com
3

Appart'hôtel Odalys City Montmartre

Hotel
Located 200 m from the Sacré-Coeur in Paris, Odalys City Paris Montmartre offers studios and apartments a 15-minute walk from Moulin Rouge. Guests may have a relaxing time in the wellness area at an extra cost. Each studio is equipped with a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchenette and a dining area. Every unit is fitted with a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. Bed linen is provided. Price range $200 - $250 Booking.com

Food & Drink

How do you recommend what food and drink to enjoy when you are in the food capital of the world. There are just so many choices wherever you look. With this in mind we have selected a number of out of the ordinary places that might be enjoyed while in Paris. We have also provided a list of meals or drinks that are worth trying during your stay.
  • Une baguette traditionnelle a slightly more expensive French bread that is well worth the extra cost.
  • Ratatouille a tomato based vegetable stew of eggplant, zucchini, onions and green peppers.
  • Macarons, consisting of a buttercream or ganache between soft meringue shells, combine into France's favourite "cookie".
  • Croissants are a must while in Paris. Try the chocolate variety where small "globules" of warm chocolate burst in your mouth, Pain au Chocolat.
  • French wine. It is difficult to find a bad French wine and at the end of the day it boils down to personal preference and what you can afford.
  • Pastries. Like wine it's difficult to find a bad pastry when in France. Spoilt for choice.
  • Crepes. French to the core, with the lighter sucré crêpe that is wheat based with a sweet topping or the darker gallette crêpe made from gluten free buckwheat with a savoury topping.
  • Champagne. Try the real thing while you are in Paris. If you can afford it. No sparkling wine copy-cat's here.
  • Salted butter caramels. A buttery, chewy caramel with some interesting seasonal flavours such as black sesame and piña colada.
  • Cuisses de Grenouille (frog legs). Usually prepared by frying in a light batter or sautéeing them with garlic, butter, and parsley. Before ordering make sure that you know the price, and don't faint when you hear it. 🦔
Not sure? Try this Paris Food Guide
1

Harry's New York Bar

expensive
Cocktail bar
Harry's New York Bar is a bar in Paris, France located at 5, Rue Daunou, between the Avenue de l'Opéra and the Rue de la Paix. The bar was acquired by former American star jockey Tod Sloan in 1911, who converted it from a bistro and renamed it the "New York Bar. Atlas Obscura
2

Le SPA Dans Le Noir ? Paris

Spa
Beauty salon
Dans Le Noir ? (French for "in the dark") is a chain of restaurants where guests are served in total darkness, a concept called dark dining or blind dining. Dans Le Noir was founded in 2004 in Paris by Edouard de Broglie, a French entrepreneur. Atlas Obscura
3

Roger La Grenouille

affordable
Restaurant
A frog themed restaurant visited by the Queen Mother, Pablo Picasso and Pope John XIII among others. Specialises in frog legs and other frog based dishes. Atlas Obscura
4

L'Oisivethé, Tea and Knitting Salon

affordable
Tea house
Wool store
Odd combination of a tea house and a wool store selling yarns and passing on expert opinions on knitting.

Organised Tours

The tours that we choose are normally of the budget variety and involve some form of organised way of getting to the major attractions. On occasion we will choose a organised shopping tour or an attraction where there are long queues and a tour can fastrack your visit.
In all of our travels around the world we have found Viator.com to be the most reliable and affordable vendor for organised tours. 🦔

Cruising from Paris

Although Paris is not on the coast and does not have direct access to cruise ships, the option is to board or disembark in Le Havre which is approximately two and a half hours away by train or car. This really puts day visits from the port out of the question due to the almost five hours travelling time there and back. For this reason the only practical way to cruise from Paris is if Le Havre is the starting or finishing point of the cruise, unless of course the itinerary includes multiple days in port. Cruises leaving from Le Havre include:
  • Northern Europe with MSC
  • Western Mediterranean with Costa
  • Repositioning (cross Atlantic) with MSC and Cunard.
Useful links

About Us

We are a retired, married couple from Johannesburg, South Africa with a passion for travel. Our travels have taken us to more than 40 countries and well over 300 cities, towns and locations around the world. These guides are intended to share some of our experience and knowledge of the places we have visited, as well as some of the places we still intend to visit.
Our Travel Philosophy
Our guides are based on our own travel philosophy with a focus on getting the most out of the experiences and attractions in any place we visit without breaking the bank. As South Africans we need to be frugal because of the foreign exchange situation where most travel costs are either in US dollars or Euros. We try to keep our costs down on accommodation, food and transport without any major compromises in quality and quantity. "Budget travel with some luxuries on the side" Safe and happy travels.🦔
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