Ultimate 5 day trip to Paris

Paris (and France overall) is a popular destination.. Make sure to plan ahead, especially in peak seasons, as hotels, restaurants and winery tours fill up quickly. And don’t forget to pack an adapter if needed since France uses 230V Type E plugs.

Currency: The Euro is the currency of France. While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s always best to carry cash for markets and rural areas. It can also be helpful for additional tipping, but do note that restaurant bills include a service compris.

Languages: French is the official language, but many French people speak multiple languages including English.

Airports:

Paris & Cernay-la-Ville: France’s main international gateway is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), with flights to major cities across most continents. There are also a lot of international and intra-Europe flights into Paris’ second major airport, Paris Orly Airport (ORY).

Transportation: France is extremely well connected by trains, including the Eurostar from London and Amsterdam, as well as summer service to cities in the south. Major cities also have great public transport infrastructure to easily get around. Guided tours and excursions are another great way to get around and see the sites.  Purchase a Paris Visite Pass for unlimited travel on public transport.

Best time to visit: Each part of France has its own unique experiences throughout the year. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are best for mild weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of cultural events. For winter festivities and Christmas markets, December and January are the perfect times. Be aware that many Parisians leave the city in August and September for summer vacation, so expect many smaller shops and restaurants to be closed.


Key phrases: Bonjour (hello), merci (thank you), s’il vous plaît (please) and parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?)


Day 1: Arrival & Classic Paris

  • Morning:

    • Arrive in Paris and check into your hotel. Here are some excellent options for your stay:

      • Le Meurice - Luxurious 5-star palace steps from the Louvre and Tuileries Garden, perfect for travelers who want to be near iconic landmarks.

      • Hôtel Regina Louvre -Elegant accommodations with classic Parisian charm, just across from the Louvre.

      • Maison Mère - A boutique hotel near the Opéra Garnier and Galeries Lafayette, offering cozy charm and personalized service.

  • Afternoon:

    • Stroll along the Champs-Élysées leading to the Arc de Triomphe.

    • Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

    • Stop by La Durée for some iconic Parisian macarons-a perfect mid-afternoon treat and photo opportunity.

  • Evening:

    • Visit the Eiffel Tower.

    • Can take a tour or just enjoy the tower sparkle at night.  It sparkles top of the hour after sunset for 5 minutes.  Magical and should not be missed.  

    • If you take a tour and want to go to the summit- you need to book tickets at least 90 days prior. 

    • Enjoy dinner at Le Bistro Parisien, offering views of the Seine and the tower.


Day 2: Art, History & Hidden Gems

  • Morning:

    • Explore the Louvre Museum.

    • Don’t miss the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. To skip long lines enter in the lesser know Caroussel Entrance

      • Museum Pass: Consider the Paris Museum Pass for skip-the-line access to major attractions.


  • Lunch:

  • Dine at Le Fumoir, a stylish spot near the Louvre.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit Sainte-Chapelle, a gothic masterpiece with stunning stained glass windows.

    • Stop by Notre Dame Cathedral, admire its iconic facade, and explore the interior if open.

    • Fun detour: Walk across to Shakespeare and Co., the iconic English-language bookstore on the bank of the Seine.

    • Mid-afternoon treat: Grab a coffee and a pastry at Café Panis, right across the street from Notre Dame. Enjoy a buttery croissant or a tart while taking in views of the cathedral and the Seine.

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy a Seine river cruise with Bateaux Parisiens.

    • For dinner, try Le Comptoir du Relais in the Latin Quarter.


Day 3: Montmartre & Culinary Delights

  • Morning:

    • Wander through Montmartre. You can either walk up the hill for some light exercise and city views, or take the funicular to save energy and still enjoy scenic vistas.

    • Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched atop the hill, with breathtaking panoramic views of Paris.

    • Explore Place du Tertre, where artists display their work and the surrounding area is filled with fabulous shops, cafés, and charming streets perfect for strolling and soaking in the bohemian atmosphere.

  • Lunch:

    • Savor French cuisine at La Maison Rose, a picturesque café near Place du Tertre.

  • Afternoon:

    • Participate in a bakery behind-the-scenes tour. Learn to make baguettes, croissants, and pain au chocolate. There are multiple tour companies you can book with.  

  • Evening:

    • Visit the Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace for breathtaking views of Paris

    • Dine at Le Perchoir, a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic city views


Day 4: Gardens, Museums & Local Flavors

  • Morning:

    • Begin your day with a peaceful walk through the Jardin des Tuileries, a classic Parisian garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Enjoy sculptures, fountains, and perfectly manicured paths.

    • Visit the Musée de l’Orangerie, home to Monet’s Water Lilies and other Impressionist masterpieces. Don’t miss the serene oval rooms dedicated entirely to Monet’s panoramic paintings.

  • Lunch:

    • Stop at Angelina, famous for its rich hot chocolate, delicate pastries, and historic Belle Époque décor. Try a pain au chocolat or a Mont Blanc dessert.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Musée Rodin, set in a beautiful garden with iconic sculptures like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.

    • Wander the charming streets around Rue de Varenne or enjoy a coffee at a nearby café.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Le Procope, Paris’s oldest café, which has hosted intellectuals and artists for centuries. Enjoy traditional French dishes such as coq au vin or escargots.

    • Optional: Take a short evening stroll along the Seine, perhaps stopping at Pont des Arts for views of the city lights reflecting on the river.

Day 5: Day Trip to Versailles

  • Morning:

    • Take a train to Versailles (about 1 hour from central Paris).

    • Tour the Palace of Versailles, including the opulent Hall of Mirrors, the King’s and Queen’s Apartments, and the stunning gardens designed by André Le Nôtre.

  • Lunch:

    • Enjoy a picnic in the Versailles Gardens (grab local cheeses, bread, and pastries from a nearby market) or dine at La Petite Venise, a charming restaurant in the grounds.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon Palaces, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet, a whimsical village built for Marie Antoinette.

    • Stroll the expansive gardens, admire the fountains, or rent a small rowboat on the Grand Canal for a relaxing experience.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Paris.

    • Cap off your trip with a farewell dinner at Le Jules Verne, the Michelin-starred restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower, offering spectacular views of Paris by night. Be sure to reserve well in advance.


Other Dining Suggestions that you can not go wrong with:  

  • Breakfast: Start your day at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, iconic Parisian cafés.

  • Lunch: Try Le Comptoir du Relais or Bistro des Augustins for classic French fare.

  • Dinner: Indulge at Le Meurice Alain Ducasse or L'Arpège for Michelin-starred dining experiences.

    • Reservations: Book popular restaurants and tours in advance to secure your spot.