Paris has been a beacon for artists, writers, and dreamers for centuries, from its medieval Île de la Cité to Haussmann’s grand boulevards. Today, the City of Light pairs storied landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre with neighborhoods where bakers, roasters, and chefs keep traditions deliciously alive.

Expect days that flow from croissants and open-air markets to museums and riverbanks. Along the way, you’ll meet Paris’ many moods: bold and elegant along the Seine, bohemian atop Montmartre, and effortlessly cool in the Marais. Notre-Dame reopened in late 2024—step inside to witness its rebirth.

Practical notes: reserve popular sights and restaurants well ahead, especially in spring and summer. Pickpockets do operate in tourist zones; carry only essentials. A Navigo Easy card makes metro/bus travel fast and affordable, and comfortable shoes are non-negotiable—Paris rewards walkers.

Paris

Paris is best savored in layers: masterpieces in the morning, café terraces at noon, and golden-hour strolls along the Seine. The Left Bank whispers philosophy and jazz; the Right Bank dazzles with palaces, passages, and fashion. Food-wise, it’s butter and baguette bliss, with bistros, bouillons, crêperies, and natural-wine bars at every turn.

• Top sights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Tuileries, Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur, Palais Royal, Luxembourg Gardens, Canal Saint-Martin.
• Where to stay: Saint-Germain for classic charm, the Marais for boutiques and nightlife, Montmartre for village vibes, or near the Tuileries/Louvre for easy museum access.
• Getting there: Book flights or trains with Omio (flights) and Omio (trains in Europe). Eurostar from London is ~2h15; Thalys/Eurostar from Brussels ~1h20. From CDG Airport to central Paris, RER B takes ~35 minutes.

Accommodation (curated picks):

• Iconic stays: The Ritz Paris, Le Meurice, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, The Peninsula Paris.
• Boutique favorites: Hôtel des Grands Boulevards (stylish and central), Hôtel du Temps (quiet creative vibe), Hôtel des Arts Montmartre (for Sacré-Cœur sunsets), Hôtel des Arts Bastille (for the foodie 11th), Hotel du College de France (Latin Quarter), Hôtel du Champ de Mars (near the Tower).
• Great value: Novotel Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse (easy transport), Generator Paris (design-forward hostel).
• Search everything: VRBO Paris and Hotels.com Paris.

Day 1: Arrival, Île de la Cité, and Saint‑Germain

Morning: Travel to Paris. From London, the Eurostar takes ~2h15; from most European hubs, high-speed trains are 1–3 hours—compare options on Omio trains. If flying, browse fares and times via Omio flights. On arrival at CDG/ORY, take RER B or Orlyval+RER B into town; taxis are fixed-rate to the Right/Left Bank.

Afternoon: Check in and decompress with a riverside walk around Île de la Cité. Step inside the newly reopened Notre‑Dame, then enjoy the flower market and the Conciergerie’s Gothic façade. Coffee break at Café Kitsuné (Palais Royal) or the historic Café Verlet (single-origin roasts, excellent pastries).

Evening: Explore Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés. Dinner ideas: Huguette (lively seafood platters and butter-bathed sole), Aux Prés (Cyril Lignac’s modern bistro, superb veal Milanese), or Bouillon Racine (Belle Époque room, classic onion soup and boeuf bourguignon at friendly prices). Nightcap at Prescription Cocktail Club or a stroll across Pont des Arts for river views.

Day 2: Louvre, Tuileries, and the Covered Passages

Morning: Fuel up with croissants at La Parisienne (award-winning) or Stohrer (since 1730, birthplace of baba au rhum). Dive into the Louvre with a guided tour to hit the highlights without the stress:

Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour with Reserved Access

Expect 2–3 hours covering the Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and Mona Lisa with context that brings the collection to life.

Afternoon: Picnic or stroll in the Tuileries, then cross to Palais Royal for its tranquil arcades and Daniel Buren’s striped columns. Wander the covered passages—Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas—for antiquarian bookstores and stamp shops. Lunch at Bistrot Vivienne (steak frites, île flottante) or Canard & Champagne inside Passage des Panoramas.

Evening: See the Opéra Garnier’s grand staircase; if time allows, book a same-day self-guided visit onsite. Dinner options: Juveniles (wine bistro with seasonal small plates), Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse (Parisian classics, brisk service), or Parcelles in the Marais (country-French produce, natural wines). For views, grab a sunset apéro at Printemps Rooftop.

Day 3: Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and a Seine Dinner Cruise

Morning: Early pastries at Poilâne (butter-rich apple tartlets), then head to the Iron Lady. Skip lines and hear the stories behind the rivets with timed access:

Eiffel Tower Dedicated Reserved Access Top or 2nd floor by lift

Plan ~1.5–2 hours. Afterwards, lounge on the Champ de Mars or stroll to Trocadéro for the classic photo angle.

Afternoon: Cross the river to Musée d’Orsay for Impressionism’s greatest hits—Monet, Renoir, Degas—housed in a Beaux-Arts railway station. Late lunch nearby at Cafés Verlet Orsay kiosk, or head to Loulou Paris for a sunny terrace and seasonal salads/pastas in the Louvre’s Carrousel gardens.

Evening: Dress for a night on the water. Glide past the city’s illuminated monuments with a multi-course meal and live music:

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise

Allow ~2–2.5 hours; menus typically feature foie gras, seasonal fish, and tarte au citron, with wine pairings available. It’s an unforgettable way to see the Seine sparkle.

Day 4: Versailles Palaces and Gardens

Morning: After coffee at Coutume or KB Coffee Roasters, set out for Louis XIV’s dazzling court. You can DIY via RER C (~35–45 min to Versailles Château Rive Gauche) or choose a streamlined small-group experience:

Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour from Paris

Expect the Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments, and André Le Nôtre’s grand gardens; spring–summer adds musical fountains on select days.

Afternoon: Picnic by the Grand Canal or rent a rowboat. Stop by the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet for a pastoral counterpoint to the palace’s pomp. Return to Paris mid-afternoon.

Evening: Crêpe night. Book Breizh Café (buckwheat galettes with Bordier butter) near Odéon, or head to Montparnasse for Crêperie Josselin’s caramel au beurre salé finale. Post-dinner, a digestif at La Rotonde or a jazz set at Le Caveau de la Huchette.

Day 5: Montmartre’s Vistas and Village Streets

Morning: Start at Montmartre’s Rue des Abbesses with coffee at The Hardware Société (Aussie-Paris brunch) or a kouign-amann from La Maison d’Isabelle (award-winning butter content). Climb to Sacré‑Cœur for sweeping views; duck behind the basilica for quieter streets and the Vigne de Montmartre (Paris’ petite vineyard).

Afternoon: Explore artists’ squares and the Musée de la Vie Romantique (garden tea room is lovely). For lunch, Bouillon Pigalle delivers brisk service and classics (leek vinaigrette, steak au poivre) at value prices. Amble down to SoPi (South Pigalle) for boutique browsing and an espresso at Café Lomi’s corner bar.

Evening: Golden hour from the Terrass’’ Hotel rooftop bar; then dinner at Le Bon Georges (market-driven, superb côte de boeuf to share) or Clamato (seafood plates, no reservations; arrive early). Consider a late set at New Morning (jazz) or drinks at Le Syndicat (French spirits, inventive cocktails).

Day 6: Le Marais, Bastille Bites, and Nightlife

Morning: Pastries at Yann Couvreur (try the vanilla mille-feuille) or Wild & The Moon for a lighter start. Explore the Musée Carnavalet (free; Paris history in a handsome mansion) and Place des Vosges, then dip into Merci concept store and rue des Rosiers’ bakeries.

Afternoon: Lunch options: L’As du Fallafel (overflowing pitas—go early), Miznon (roasted cauliflower and pitas), or Robert et Louise (wood-fired côte de boeuf; cozy). Continue to the Picasso Museum or wander to Canal Saint‑Martin for café terraces and street art.

Evening: Start with natural wine at Le Barav or oysters at Istr. Dinner in the 11th: Le Servan (Filipino-French sisters, vibrant sauces), Bistrot Paul Bert (textbook steak frites and pepper sauce), or Mokonuts (tiny, soulful; cookies are cult). Finish with amaro at Little Red Door or tacos-and-cocktails at Candelaria’s hidden bar.

Day 7: Markets, Gardens, and Departure

Morning: Stroll the Marché d’Aligre (except Mondays) for cheeses, saucisson, and stone fruit in season. Alternatively, promenade through the Luxembourg Gardens—watch the model sailboats on the pond and visit the Medici Fountain. Brunch at Holybelly (pancakes and seasonal plates) or Claus for a refined “petit déjeuner.”

Afternoon: Last-minute stops for gifts: Debauve & Gallais for chocolates, Shakespeare and Company for a stamped book, or Maison Plisson for pantry treasures. Head to your station or airport; compare fastest routes/tickets on Omio trains and Omio flights. Au revoir!

Evening: In transit.

Optional “Paris-in-a-day” alternative (time-crunched companions)

If someone in your group wants a one-and-done overview with a guide and pre-reserved entries, consider:

Paris in a Day with Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame & Cruise (an option-packed compact route). Note: you can weave elements of this into your week, but the 7-day plan above allows a gentler pace with deeper neighborhood time.

Practical tips: Reserve museum entries and top restaurants 2–4 weeks ahead. Carry a reusable water bottle (public fountains are common, many with sparkling water). For metro travel, buy a Navigo Easy card and load carnets; avoid paper singles to save money and time.

Summary: In one week, you’ll trace Paris from palace halls to river reflections, from village lanes to modern bistros. This itinerary balances icons and everyday pleasures so the city feels both grand and familiar—exactly how Parisians like it.