Ah, Paris. The City of Light, the City of Love… the city that promises iconic sights, charming streets, artistic masterpieces, and pastries that redefine deliciousness. Planning your first or second trip can feel like trying to fit the entire Louvre into a carry-on bag – exciting, but overwhelming!

Montmartre Funicular



Fear not, aspiring Parisian adventurer! I’ve crafted a detailed yet flexible 7-day itinerary designed to help you experience the best of Paris. We’ll blend legendary landmarks with hidden neighbourhood gems, world-class art with leisurely café moments, all while minimizing travel time and maximizing your joie de vivre. This guide includes practical links and simple directions to help you navigate.

Think of this as your roadmap to an unforgettable week. Ready to create some Parisian memories? Allons-y! (Let’s go!)

Before You Go: Essential Paris Prep

A little planning ensures a smoother Parisian experience:

  1. Choosing Your Base: Where you stay impacts your trip. Consider: Le Marais (central, trendy), Saint-Germain-des-Prés (classic, chic), Latin Quarter (lively, historic), Montmartre (village feel, views), Canal Saint-Martin (hip, local). My Tip: Le Marais or the Latin Quarter/Saint-Germain borders offer great centrality for first-timers. Use sites like Booking.com, Airbnb, or specialized Paris apartment rentals.

  2. Getting Around: Paris’s public transport is excellent.
    • Transport Info: The RATP (ratp.fr/en) website is your go-to for maps, routes, and ticket info. Use their app or Google Maps for real-time directions.
    • Navigo Découverte Pass: Best for a Monday-Sunday week. Covers zones 1-5 (incl. airports & Versailles). Requires a photo & €5 card + weekly fare (check ratp.fr for current price). Buy at major Métro/RER stations. More details often found on the regional authority site, Île-de-France Mobilités (iledefrance-mobilites.fr/en).
    • Navigo Easy Card: Flexible reloadable card (€2) for single tickets or discounted carnets (10 tickets). Good for shorter stays or if the Découverte doesn’t align.
    • Walking: The best way to explore neighbourhoods! Pack comfortable shoes.

  3. Booking Ahead (Crucial!):
  4. The Paris Museum Pass: ParisMuseumPass.fr (parismuseumpass.fr/en/) – Covers entry (not necessarily timed slots or special exhibits) to 50+ sites. Calculate if it saves you money based on planned visits (Louvre, Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, Versailles eligibility, etc.).

  5. Basic French Phrases: Bonjour (Hello), Merci (Thank you), S’il vous plaît (Please), Excusez-moi (Excuse me), L’addition (The bill). Starting with Bonjour is always appreciated!

Disclaimer: Always double-check the specific websites listed for the latest opening hours, prices, booking requirements, and health/safety protocols before your visit.


Your Unforgettable 7-Day Paris Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Island History & Latin Quarter Charm

  • Morning/Afternoon: Arrive, transfer to your accommodation (RER B train is common from CDG airport, check ratp.fr/en for options from your arrival point). Settle in. First mission: Find a boulangerie for a croissant!
  • Late Afternoon: Getting there: Take the Métro (e.g., Line 4 to Cité or Saint-Michel, Line 1 to Châtelet and walk). Head to Île de la Cité. Admire the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral (info on restoration at NotreDameDeParis.fr/en).
    [Insert photo of Notre Dame exterior]
  • Next Stop: Just a short walk away is Sainte-Chapelle. Use your pre-booked ticket from Sainte-Chapelle.fr (sainte-chapelle.fr/en/) for timed entry. Prepare to be amazed by the stained glass.
  • Evening: Getting there: Simply walk across the Pont Saint-Michel bridge from Île de la Cité. Explore the Latin Quarter. Wander streets like Rue de la Huchette (touristy but lively) and quieter side streets near the Sorbonne University (Sorbonne-Universite.fr/en). Find a traditional bistro for dinner.
  • Pacing Tip: Easy does it today. Get your bearings and enjoy the atmosphere.

Day 2: World-Class Art & Royal Gardens

  • Morning: Getting there: Take the Métro (Lines 1 or 7 to Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre). Head to the Louvre Museum (tickets & info at Louvre.fr louvre.fr/en/visit/hours-admission). Use your pre-booked timed entry. Focus on 2-3 key areas (e.g., Denon Wing for Italian paintings & Mona Lisa, Sully for Egyptian Antiquities, Richelieu for French Sculpture). Don’t try to see it all!
    [Insert photo of Louvre Pyramid or a famous artwork]
  • Lunch: Grab a sandwich from a nearby boulangerie or find casual eats on Rue de Rivoli (can be touristy) or towards the Palais Royal area.
  • Afternoon: Getting there: The Jardin des Tuileries (info at Paris.fr paris.fr/lieux/jardin-des-tuileries-1768) is directly adjacent to the Louvre. Stroll west through the gardens towards the Place de la Concorde.
  • Optional: At the western end of the Tuileries (near Place de la Concorde) is the Musée de l’Orangerie (tickets & info at Musee-Orangerie.fr musee-orangerie.fr/en) famed for Monet’s Water Lilies. Book ahead if visiting.
  • Evening: Explore the area around Rue Montorgueil (Métro: Sentier or Étienne Marcel) for dinner – a vibrant market street with many options. Or consider restaurants near the Bourse (Stock Exchange).




Day 3: Montmartre’s Artistic Soul & Village Vistas

  • Morning: Getting there: Take Métro Line 2 to Anvers or Line 12 to Abbesses. From Anvers, walk up Rue de Steinkerque towards the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (info at Sacre-Coeur-Montmartre.com/english/). You can climb the steps or take the Montmartre Funicular (use a standard Métro ticket/pass, info on ratp.fr/en). Enjoy the incredible city views.
    [Insert photo of Sacré-Cœur or view from its steps]
  • Late Morning: Getting there: Sacré-Cœur is right next to the Place du Tertre. Wander through the artists’ square, then explore the charming backstreets – Rue de l’Abreuvoir, Place Dalida. Find the Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t’aime) (info at Lesjetaime.com) near Abbesses station.
  • Lunch: Find a café or crêperie away from the main tourist crush of Place du Tertre for better value and atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Consider the small Musée de Montmartre (info & tickets at MuseeDeMontmartre.fr/en/) for local history. Continue exploring the winding streets.
  • Evening: For the famous Moulin Rouge (tickets & info at MoulinRouge.fr/?lang=en), book tickets far in advance (located at Métro Blanche, Line 2). Alternatively, find dinner in Montmartre (around Abbesses or Lamarck-Caulaincourt) or head down towards the Pigalle area for more restaurants and bars.


Day 4: Left Bank Literary Legends & Garden Relaxation

  • Morning: Getting there: Take the Métro (Line 4 or 10 to Odéon or Saint-Germain-des-Prés). Explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Visit the historic Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés (eglise-saintgermaindespres.fr/). Window shop along Boulevard Saint-Germain. See the iconic literary cafés Les Deux Magots (LesDeuxMagots.fr/en/) and Café de Flore (CafeDeFlore.fr/).
    [Insert photo of a classic Saint-Germain café terrace]
  • Late Morning/Lunch: Getting there: The Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) (info at Paris.fr paris.fr/equipements/jardin-du-luxembourg-17) is a pleasant 10-15 minute walk south from the main Saint-Germain area. Grab picnic supplies nearby or find a spot on Rue Vavin or around the Odéon area. Relax by the Medici Fountain or watch the sailboats.
  • Afternoon: Getting there: From the Luxembourg Gardens, walk (approx. 15-20 mins) or take a short bus ride/Métro hop (e.g., RER B from Luxembourg to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, then walk across the river, or Métro Line 12 from Rennes to Solférino) to the Musée d’Orsay (tickets & info at Musee-Orsay.fr musee-orsay.fr/en/visit/admission/ticket-prices). Housed in a former train station, it showcases Impressionist & Post-Impressionist art. Book online!
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner in Saint-Germain (can be pricey) or explore the Latin Quarter again for more variety. Consider trying a historic bouillon restaurant like Bouillon Chartier (Bouillon-Chartier.com/en/ – various locations, expect queues) for traditional French food at great value.


Day 5: Marais History, Market Flavours & Modern Art

  • Morning: Getting there: Take the Métro (Line 1 to Saint-Paul, or Line 8 to Chemin Vert). Start exploring Le Marais at the gorgeous Place des Vosges. Wander through its arcades.
    [Insert photo of Place des Vosges]
  • Late Morning: Meander through the district’s streets: Rue des Francs-Bourgeois (shopping), Rue des Rosiers (historic Jewish Quarter, famous for falafel).
  • Lunch: Getting there: Walk towards the northern part of Le Marais (use a map app) to find the Marché des Enfants Rouges (info at ParisInfo.com parisinfo.com/shopping-paris/73812/Marche-des-Enfants-Rouges, entrance on Rue de Bretagne). Choose from diverse global food stalls – a vibrant culinary experience!
  • Afternoon Choices (pick one or two):
    • Musée Picasso Paris: (MuseePicassoParis.fr/en/) – Housed in the Hôtel Salé. (Walkable within Le Marais).
    • Centre Pompidou: (CentrePompidou.fr/en/) – Modern/contemporary art & library, distinctive architecture, rooftop views. (Walkable from southern Marais/market).
    • Musée Carnavalet – History of Paris: (Carnavalet.Paris.fr/en) – Free permanent collection, beautiful buildings. (Located within Le Marais).
  • Evening: Le Marais buzzes at night. Find a bar à vins (wine bar) on a side street, then enjoy dinner at one of the area’s many excellent restaurants (book ahead for popular spots).


Day 6: Royal Splendor – Day Trip to Versailles

  • Full Day: Getting there: Take the RER C train towards Versailles Château Rive Gauche. You can board at central Paris stations like Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, or Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel (check line status on ratp.fr/en). The journey takes approx. 40-60 mins. Ensure your ticket/pass covers Zone 4. The Château is a 10-min walk from the station.
  • Must-Do: Use your pre-booked timed entry ticket for the Palace of Versailles (book via ChateauVersailles.fr en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/tickets-and-prices). See the Hall of Mirrors and State Apartments.
    [Insert photo of Hall of Mirrors or Versailles exterior]
  • Explore the Grounds: Dedicate at least half your day to the vast Gardens. Consider renting a bike or golf cart near the Grand Canal to reach the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. Check the Fountain Show schedule on ChateauVersailles.fr (en.chateauversailles.fr/news/shows/fountains-shows-and-musical-gardens) if visiting on show days (often weekends Apr-Oct, requires specific garden ticket).
  • Lunch: Options inside the estate (restaurants, cafes, takeaway) or find spots in the town of Versailles just outside the gates.
  • Evening: Take the RER C back to Paris. Have a simple, relaxed dinner near your hotel – you’ll likely be tired but exhilarated!


Day 7: Triumphant Views & Farewell Feasts

  • Morning: Getting there: Take the Métro (Lines 1, 2, or 6) or RER A to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile. Ascend the Arc de Triomphe (book via the Centre des Monuments Nationaux site Paris-Arc-De-Triomphe.fr/en/) – use Museum Pass or book online. The panoramic view down the 12 radiating avenues is breathtaking. My favourite Paris viewpoint!
    [Insert photo of the view from the Arc de Triomphe]
  • Late Morning: Stroll down the Champs-Élysées towards Place de la Concorde. It’s mostly high-end stores and showrooms. Perhaps grab macarons at Ladurée (Laduree.fr/en/). Tip: Don’t spend too long here unless luxury shopping is a priority. Avenue Montaigne nearby is for haute couture.
  • Lunch: Options abound, but can be pricey/touristy directly on the Champs. Head towards the Madeleine area (Métro: Madeleine) or back towards the Seine for more choices.
  • Afternoon Options (choose based on energy/interest):
    • Seine River Cruise: Getting there: Various companies depart near the Eiffel Tower (e.g., Bateaux Parisiens bateauxparisiens.com/en.html) or Pont Neuf (e.g., Vedettes du Pont Neuf vedettesdupontneuf.com/home/)). Check departure points & book online or walk-up. A relaxing way to see landmarks from the water.
    • Musée Rodin: (info & tickets at Musee-Rodin.fr/en) – Beautiful sculptures and garden (The Thinker!). Métro: Varenne (Line 13).
    • Grands Magasins: Getting there: Métro: Chaussée d’Antin-La Fayette (Lines 7, 9) or Havre-Caumartin (Lines 3, 9). Explore Galeries Lafayette (haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/) – go to the free rooftop terrace for stunning views! – and Printemps Haussmann (printemps.com/fr/fr/magasins/paris-haussmann).
    • Offbeat Park: Getting there: Métro: Buttes-Chaumont or Botzaris (Line 7bis). Visit the hilly, romantic Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (info at Paris.fr paris.fr/lieux/parc-des-buttes-chaumont-1757) for a local feel.
  • Evening: Your final Parisian dinner! Splurge on a memorable meal you booked in advance, return to a favourite bistro, or try a neighbourhood you haven’t explored yet for dining (like Canal Saint-Martin). Indulge in one last perfect pâtisserie.


Making It Your Own: Flexibility is Key

This is just a framework! Swap days, linger longer where you love, skip things that don’t interest you.

  • Art Addicts: Add Musée Marmottan Monet, Orangerie (if not done), contemporary galleries in Le Marais.
  • Food Lovers: Book a market tour, cheese/wine tasting, or cooking class. Explore Rue Cler (7th arr.) or Rue des Martyrs (9th arr.).
  • Shoppers: Dedicate more time to Le Marais boutiques, Saint-Germain chic, department stores, or vintage shops.
  • Relaxation: More park time, longer café stops, maybe a Hammam experience (e.g., Grande Mosquée de Paris).


Final Practical Reminders

  • Safety: Be vigilant, especially in crowds/Métro. Use anti-theft bags/money belts.
  • Water: Tap water (une carafe d’eau) is free and drinkable in restaurants.
  • Connectivity: Use eSIMs, local SIMs, or check international plans. Free Wi-Fi is common.
  • Get Lost (a little): The best discoveries often happen off the main path!


Au Revoir, But Not Goodbye!

A week in Paris offers an incredible taste of its magic, but it will likely leave you yearning to return. From the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower at night to the simple joy of a perfect croissant on a sunny morning, the city creates lasting memories.

Use this itinerary as your starting point, trust your instincts, walk as much as you can, and let Paris enchant you.

Bon voyage et profitez bien de votre semaine inoubliable à Paris! (Have a great trip and enjoy your unforgettable week in Paris!)