Paris offers a stunning mix of landmarks, museums, and charming streets waiting to be explored. However, fitting everything into just four days can feel overwhelming. The key to enjoying Paris lies not only in visiting its famous sites but also in experiencing the city’s unique atmosphere without rushing. After visiting Paris regularly over 25 years, I have put together a balanced, four-day itinerary that includes a day trip to Versailles. It combines must-see attractions with moments to soak in the beauty of the city. Here is how to make the most of your time in the City of Lights.
Day One: Settling In and Getting a Taste of Paris
Your arrival day will likely be tiring. After a flight of 8 to 10 hours, jet lag can hit hard. If you fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport, consider using FastTrack meet-and-greet services. This option allows a guide to escort you from your plane through customs directly to your driver. It can help you bypass long lines and avoid stress.
After dropping your luggage at your hotel, it should be about lunchtime. Parisian restaurants often close between 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., so it’s ideal to have an early lunch. Head to a traditional brasserie such as Le Procope near the Latin Quarter. Here you can try French onion soup or charcuterie platters, dishes that capture classic French flavors without overwhelming you after a long journey.
Following lunch, explore some of Paris’s beautiful covered passages. Begin with Passage des Grand Cerfs, then make your way to Galerie Vivienne, Passage Panorama, and Passage Jouffroy. These 19th-century shopping arcades offer ornate architecture and boutique shops perfect for a gentle stroll. Taking this walk gives your body a chance to adjust to the new time zone while immersing you in Parisian culture.
Once back at your hotel, freshen up for the evening. A vintage Citroën tour offers a relaxed way to see the city’s highlights. You will be picked up right at your hotel and driven past monuments such as Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and eventually the Eiffel Tower. The tour ends at the tower, where a glass of champagne allows you to enjoy the twinkle of lights. This gentle evening escape introduces you to Paris without demanding too much energy from your first day. Afterward, rest well for the busy days ahead.
Day Two: Iconic Sites and Hidden Treasures
Jet lag may still linger, but day two demands an early start. Begin with a pastry and coffee from a local bakery, such as an almond croissant and a double espresso. Bakeries punctuate nearly every Paris neighborhood, so finding a fresh option nearby will not be hard. Treat this breakfast as part of your Paris adventure.
Once energized, head to the Trocadéro Gardens. This terrace offers the best daylight views of the Eiffel Tower. The walk from Trocadéro to the tower is also special, since the bridge connecting them closes to traffic, making it perfect for photos and selfies. If you want to climb the Eiffel Tower, book your tickets well in advance online. Waiting lines can be long, and buying ahead saves time.
After exploring the Eiffel Tower, stroll to the Alexandre III Bridge. Built around the same time as the tower, the bridge spans the Seine with stunning art nouveau lamps and sculptures. From here, it is a short walk to the Petit Palais. This small fine art museum boasts beautiful sculpture gardens and offers free admission. You can stop for a moment of calm before heading toward Place de la Concorde.
Place de la Concorde leads to the Tuileries Gardens, a remarkable 17th-century park designed with manicured lawns, fountains, and statues. These gardens provide a peaceful escape amid central Paris. Perfect for a leisurely walk, they also serve as a connection to the Louvre.
Lunch options abound in this area. Stop at a café like Café de la Paix or grab a sandwich from a nearby market stall. Rest for a moment before your next stop: the Opéra Garnier. This masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture features a grand marble staircase, gilded ceilings, and Marc Chagall’s colorful ceiling fresco. Guided tours help visitors appreciate the rich history, and catching a live performance, if possible, is a memorable treat.
Next door lies the famous Galeries Lafayette department store. Even if you’re not shopping, the rooftop view from here is one of Paris’s best panoramas. Depending on your energy, you can either take the metro to Montmartre or a cab directly to Place du Tertre—the lively square where painters and street artists gather.
Montmartre offers a bohemian vibe quite different from the rest of Paris. Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica for breathtaking views over the city. Walking the narrow streets takes you back in time. To avoid tourist traps during dinner in this area, book ahead at lesser-known bistros like Le Refuge des Fondus or La Mascotte. After dinner, take a taxi or Uber back to your hotel to rest up for the next day’s adventures.
Day Three: Art, History, and Royal Grandeur
Day three is museum day at the Louvre, the world’s most visited museum. The Louvre’s vast collection spans over 30,000 works split across three wings. Without a guide, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Booking a guided tour focuses your visit on key masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. This makes a couple of hours inside more rewarding.
The Louvre’s setting in the Palais du Louvre is impressive on its own. Its glass pyramid entrance contrasts beautifully with classic French architecture. Afterward, you might walk along the Seine to one of the nearby historic bookshops or cafes to relax.
The afternoon presents a chance for a day trip to Versailles, a short train ride away. The palace’s spectacular gardens, Hall of Mirrors, and royal apartments offer insight into France’s regal past. If you prefer to stay in Paris, the Musée d’Orsay—housed inside a former railway station—holds an exceptional collection of impressionist art. Tickets are easier to get and the museum feels less overwhelming due to its manageable size compared to the Louvre.
Day Four: Final Explorations and Farewell
Your last day allows time for any missed attractions or a relaxed morning browsing local markets. Saint-Germain-des-Prés offers charming streets, cafes, and boutiques to enjoy a slow Parisian morning. The Luxembourg Gardens nearby are perfect for people-watching and enjoying sculptures and flower beds.
If you did not visit Notre-Dame the first day, now is the time. Reconstruction continues after the fire, but the surrounding area remains vibrant. You can also explore the Île Saint-Louis with its lovely market and specialty ice cream shops.
As your four-day trip wraps up, consider a Seine river cruise near sunset. The city’s illuminated bridges and monuments give a different, enchanting perspective. Many boat tours operate near Pont Neuf or the Eiffel Tower, and a short cruise lasts about an hour.
Tips for a Smooth Paris Trip
Booking tickets online for popular sights saves time and hassle. Paris’s metro system is efficient and straightforward but walking often reveals hidden gems between points of interest. Always watch your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Dining reservations, especially around Montmartre and central neighborhoods, prevent disappointment. Parisian cafes and brasseries often close in late afternoon, so plan meals accordingly.
Finally, take moments to slow down. Sitting at a café terrace, watching Parisians pass by, makes for unforgettable memories beyond the landmarks.
This itinerary balances iconic sites and local charm, helping you unlock the many secrets of Paris in four days. Using this plan, you can arrive energized, see the highlights with ease, and leave with experiences that linger long after you return home. Paris is a city to savor one step, one delicious bite, and one breathtaking view at a time.
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