City break Paris — 3-day itinerary

🌅 MORNING:

09:00 - 10:30 · 1h 30 minEiffel Tower: This global cultural icon is synonymous with Paris and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Ascending to its summit is an unforgettable experience and a must-do for any first-time visitor. Opening hours: Typically 09:00 - 00:45 (mid-June to early September), 09:30 - 23:45 (rest of the year). Entry: Varies by level and access (stairs/lift), approx. €11.30 - €28.30. TRANSPORT: Metro Line 9 (Trocadéro), Metro Line 6 (Bir-Hakeim), RER C (Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel).🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

11:00 - 12:30 · 1h 30 minArc de Triomphe: Standing majestically at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, this monumental arch honors those who fought and died for France. Climbing to the top provides stunning views down the famous avenue and across Paris. Opening hours: Typically 10:00 - 22:30. Entry: Approx. €13. TRANSPORT: Metro Line 1, 2, 6 (Charles de Gaulle - Étoile). TRANSPORT: From Eiffel Tower, Metro Line 9 from Trocadéro to Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Line 1 to Charles de Gaulle - Étoile (approx. 20 minutes).🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

🍽️ LUNCH [13:00 - 14:00] (average cost: €20 - €40):

Champs-Élysées / Saint-Honoré district (e.g.: Ladurée on Champs-Élysées for pastries and light lunch). TRANSPORT: Walking distance from Arc de Triomphe (approx. 5-10 minutes).

☀️ AFTERNOON:

14:30 - 17:30 · 3hLouvre Museum: Home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the Louvre is one of the world's largest and most visited museums. Its vast collection spans millennia of human history and art. Opening hours: Typically 09:00 - 18:00 (closed Tuesdays). Entry: Approx. €17. TRANSPORT: Metro Line 1, 7 (Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre). TRANSPORT: From Champs-Élysées, Metro Line 1 from Charles de Gaulle - Étoile to Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre (approx. 15 minutes).🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

17:30 - 18:30 · 1hTuileries Garden: Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, this historic public garden is a perfect place for a relaxing stroll. It offers beautiful landscaping, sculptures, and fountains, providing a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. Entry: Free. TRANSPORT: Walking distance from the Louvre Museum (approx. 5 minutes).🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

🌙 EVENING [19:30 - 21:30] (average cost: €40 - €70):

Latin Quarter / Saint-Germain-des-Prés (e.g.: Le Relais de l'Entrecôte for steak frites, or explore numerous bistros). TRANSPORT: From Tuileries Garden, Metro Line 1 from Tuileries to Hôtel de Ville, then Line 4 to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (approx. 20 minutes).

🌅 MORNING:

09:00 - 13:00 · 4hPalace of Versailles: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this opulent former royal residence is a testament to French grandeur. Explore the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, the King's and Queen's Apartments, and the vast, meticulously manicured gardens. Opening hours: Palace 09:00 - 18:30 (closed Mondays), Gardens 08:00 - 20:30. Entry: Palace approx. €19.50, Gardens free (except during Musical Fountains Shows/Musical Gardens). TRANSPORT: RER C from Paris (e.g., Invalides, Musée d'Orsay, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame) to Versailles Château Rive Gauche (approx. 40 minutes).🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

13:00 - 14:00 · 1hGardens of Versailles: After touring the palace, spend time wandering through the iconic gardens. Designed by André Le Nôtre, they feature stunning fountains, groves, and the Grand Canal, offering a serene and beautiful experience. Entry: Free (check for special event pricing). TRANSPORT: Walking distance from the Palace of Versailles.🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

🍽️ LUNCH [14:00 - 15:00] (average cost: €20 - €40):

Versailles town center (numerous brasseries and cafes near the palace). TRANSPORT: Walking distance from the Gardens of Versailles.

☀️ AFTERNOON:

16:30 - 18:30 · 2hMontmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Ascend to the charming hilltop village of Montmartre, famous for its artistic history and bohemian atmosphere. The stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers incredible panoramic views of Paris and is a beautiful architectural marvel. Entry: Sacré-Cœur Basilica is free. TRANSPORT: From Versailles, RER C back to Paris (e.g., Invalides), then Metro Line 13 to Place de Clichy, then Line 2 to Anvers (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes total).🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

18:30 - 19:30 · 1hPlace du Tertre: Just a short walk from Sacré-Cœur, this bustling square is where artists set up their easels, capturing the essence of Montmartre. It's a vibrant spot to soak in the artistic ambiance and perhaps get a portrait done. Entry: Free. TRANSPORT: Walking distance from Sacré-Cœur Basilica (approx. 5 minutes).🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

🌙 EVENING [20:00 - 22:00] (average cost: €35 - €60):

Montmartre / Pigalle (e.g.: Le Consulat for traditional French cuisine, or explore the many creperies and bistros). TRANSPORT: Walking distance from Place du Tertre.

🌅 MORNING:

09:00 - 11:30 · 2h 30 minMusée d'Orsay: Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, this museum boasts an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by artists like Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh. It's a stunning setting for world-class art. Opening hours: Typically 09:30 - 18:00 (closed Mondays). Entry: Approx. €16. TRANSPORT: Metro Line 12 (Solférino), RER C (Musée d'Orsay). TRANSPORT: From Montmartre, Metro Line 2 from Anvers to Pigalle, then Line 12 to Solférino (approx. 25 minutes).🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

11:30 - 12:30 · 1hNotre Dame Cathedral (Exterior View): While currently undergoing restoration, the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral remains an iconic symbol of Parisian history and Gothic architecture. Its grandeur and historical significance are still palpable from the outside. Entry: Free (exterior view). TRANSPORT: From Musée d'Orsay, RER C from Musée d'Orsay to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (approx. 5 minutes).🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

🍽️ LUNCH [13:00 - 14:00] (average cost: €20 - €40):

Île de la Cité / Latin Quarter (e.g.: Explore boulangeries for sandwiches or find a bistro near the Seine). TRANSPORT: Walking distance from Notre Dame Cathedral.

☀️ AFTERNOON:

14:30 - 15:30 · 1hSainte-Chapelle: Located on Île de la Cité, this royal chapel is renowned for its breathtaking stained-glass windows, which depict over 1,000 biblical scenes. It's a dazzling example of Gothic architecture and a truly awe-inspiring sight. Opening hours: Typically 09:00 - 17:00. Entry: Approx. €11.50. TRANSPORT: Walking distance from Notre Dame Cathedral (approx. 5 minutes).🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

16:00 - 17:00 · 1hSeine River Cruise: A relaxing and picturesque way to see many of Paris's famous landmarks from a different perspective. Glide past the Louvre, Notre Dame, Musée d'Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower, often with informative commentary. Entry: Approx. €15 - €20. TRANSPORT: From Sainte-Chapelle, walk to a nearby Bateaux Mouches or Bateaux Parisiens departure point (e.g., Pont Neuf, Pont de l'Alma) (approx. 10-15 minutes walk).🔍 Curiosities🎟 Tickets

🌙 EVENING [19:00 - 21:00] (average cost: €40 - €70):

Le Marais (e.g.: L'As du Fallafel for a casual but famous falafel, or explore the many trendy restaurants and bars). TRANSPORT: From the Seine River cruise departure point, Metro Line 1 from Pont de l'Alma to Hôtel de Ville, then walk (approx. 20 minutes).

It is strongly urged that the traveller verify the CURRENT opening hours and visiting schedule of every attraction shortly before each visit, as hours frequently change with the season, public holidays, and special events in Paris.

Consider purchasing a Navigo Découverte pass if staying for a full week (Monday-Sunday) for unlimited public transport. Otherwise, a carnet of 10 t+ tickets is a good option for shorter stays.

Many museums in Paris are closed on either Monday or Tuesday; always check specific attraction websites to avoid disappointment.

Book popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre online in advance to save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak season.

While Paris is generally safe, be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Keep valuables secure.

Tipping is not mandatory in France as a service charge is usually included, but rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for excellent service is appreciated.