3 Days Perusing Paris

EuropeTravel GuideFrance in April
Written By Ashley Federoff

TRAVEL DATES: APRIL 20-24, 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 44 MIN

Young woman in front of the Eiffel Tower, Paris, with lush greenery and clear skies.
Lavish Hall of Mirrors in Versailles Palace with ornate golden decorations and crystal chandeliers.
 

Wishing you were breaking into a buttery baguette admiring the Eiffel Tower?

 
Vintage orange Citroën car parked in Montmartre, Paris, surrounded by historic buildings and cobbled streets.

A city of timeless allure, Paris offers a quintessential European experience in one of the most sought out destinations in the world. The majestic Eiffel Tower sparkles against the night while the Gothic spires of Notre-Dame pierce through the skyline, embodying centuries of history and architectural grandeur.

Wander through the charming streets of Montmartre, where creatives capture the bohemian soul of the borough, and savor the delicate flavors of French pastries in quaint patisseries. The dazzling opulence of the Palace of Versailles and the splendor of Louvre exhibitions provide glimpses into the artistic underpinnings which define Paris. Romantic bridges arch over the water along the banks of the Seine, inviting leisurely strolls to reveal the city's hidden gems. Savor the elegance of a bygone era with an open-hearted exploration through the City of Love in this Paris three day itinerary.

Three Day Paris Itinerary

In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed Paris travel itinerary you’ll find below:

Day 1

  • 9:00 - 10:30 AM: 🥐 Break into a buttery croissant at Cédric Grolet Opéra (1 hr 30 min)

  • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: 🌻 Admire impressionist art in the Musée d'Orsay (2 hr)

  • 1:00 - 1:20 PM: 💄 Customize personalized lip gloss at Officine Universelle Buly 1803 (20 min)

  • 1:20 - 2:20 PM: ☕ Walk through the Latin Quarter to grab a late lunch at Café de Flore (1 hr)

  • 2:20 - 3:10 PM: ⛪ Visit the religious landmarks of Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame (50 min)

  • 3:10 - 3:40 PM: 🍦 Enjoy a sweet treat with ice cream from Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis (30 min)

  • 3:40 - 4:10 PM: 📚 Find a good book inside Shakespeare and Company (30 hr)

  • 4:10 - 6:30 PM: 🛌 Return to your lodging and rest, then get prepared for dinner (2 hr 20 min)

  • 7:15 - 9:15 PM: 🫕 Dive into a steamy bowl of melted cheese at Le Refuge des Fondus (2 hr)

Day 2

  • 9:30 - 10:30 AM: 🍫 Delight in classic French desserts during brunch at Angelina (1 hr)

  • 10:45 AM - 12:45 PM: 🖌️ See the infamous Mona Lisa in the Louvre (2 hr)

  • 12:45 - 1:05 PM: 🍬 Pop into the underground Ladurée for macarons (20 min)

  • 1:05 - 1:35 PM: 🌹 Admire blooming flowers in the Jardin des Tuileries (30 min)

  • 1:35 - 2:35 PM: 🛍️ Window shop down boutiques along Champs-Élysées (1 hr)

  • 2:35 - 2:50 PM: 📐 Snap an obligatory photo of the Arc de Triomphe (15 min)

  • 3:30 - 4:30 PM: ⛴️ Observe iconic landmarks from the water on a river cruise down the Siene (1 hr)

  • 5:00 - 5:30 PM: ✝️ Overlook the city skyline from the hill upon which Sacré-Cœur sits (30 min)

  • 5:30 - 6:00 PM: 👨🏻‍🎨 Watch local painters hone their craft at Montmartre (30 min)

  • 6:00 - 7:30 PM: 🎀 Enjoy dinner inside the perfectly pink La Maison Rose (1 hr 30 min)

Day 3

  • 9:00 - 9:45 AM: 🚉 Travel to Versailles via the express TER train departing from Gare Montparnasse (45 min)

  • 10:00 - 11:30 AM: ⚜️ Explore the many ornate rooms inside the Palace of Versailles (1 hr 30 min)

  • 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM: 🥖 Grab a bite to eat at the Grand Café d’Orléans inside the estate (45 min)

  • 12:15 - 2:15 PM: 🌳 Wander through the musical fountains of the Gardens of Versailles (2 hours)

  • 2:15 - 2:45 PM: 🚂 Take the little train to accommodations on the outskirts of the property (30 min)

  • 2:45 - 3:15 PM: 🕯️ Admire fine silks commissioned by Napoleon in the Grand Trianon (30 min)

  • 3:25 - 3:55 PM: 🏡 Witness the summer reprise of Marie Antoinette in Petit Trianon (30 min)

  • 4:00 - 5:15 PM 🛤️ Retreat the way you came, returning to the entry gates then home via the train (1 hr 15 min)

  • 7:30 - 9:00 PM: 🐦 Dig into Michelin Guide classic French cuisine at Le Christine (1 hr 30 min)

  • 9:00 - 9:30 PM: ✨ Stake out a spot before sunset and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle (30 min)

How to Get Around Paris?

Getting around Paris—this transportation guide for travelers details all the ways to traverse in and around the city:

WALK: When I say lace up your walking shoes, I mean it! Paris is a vast, sprawling city encompassing twenty arrondissements, and odds are all the attractions you’d like to visit are not conveniently located next door. The sporadic traffic jams and extensive transit stations means driving or taking the subway will typically take longer than simply walking yourself. Notable sights in the itinerary described above are generally grouped together — meaning you’ll save time spending the day in one neighborhood instead of running back and forth all over town, but there are inevitably exceptions. As a general rule of thumb, I’d always default to walking if the provided ETA is twenty minutes or less from your maps app, as anything within this time frame will inevitably take longer if you drive or ride public transit.

TAXI: As noted above, the unpredictable traffic patterns through narrow cobblestone streets can make getting around Paris by car quite frustrating, so I always recommend taking the subway if a destination is too far to walk to. In the event it’s late at night or you just don’t want to deal with public transit, you should be able to easily hail a cab off the street or call one via the FreeNow app. Available for both iOS and Android, this service functions similarly to Uber or Lyft, providing you with an estimated route duration and price up front. I enjoy leveraging ride-sharing apps like this—which in Europe typically hail taxis as well since local regulations restrict private drivers—since I don’t have to worry about a language barrier when conveying my destination and they lessen the chance of being overcharged as a tourist.

 
Passengers inside a tram touring the grounds of the Palace of Versailles near Paris.
 

TRAIN: When it comes to zipping around Paris quickly, the underground metro and regional trains are going to be your best friend. For inter-city transit, the metro almost always provides the quickest route to your destination, and you’ll notice below this is typically the transportation method I describe in the commute descriptions. For day trips outside the city or longer journeys like passage from Charles de Gaulle, the TER/RER trains will move you longer distances. It’s important to note that unlike other subway systems in Milan and New York City, there’s no convenient tap-to-pay method for quickly hopping onto the subway. You will need to physically print a ticket from a kiosk in the underground station before proceeding, which inevitably adds time to your commute if there’s a queue or the machine is responding slowly. Keep this in mind and plan to arrive early, especially since some stations include multiple floors of transit with long walkways to reach your particular terminal. Purchasing train tickets is much simpler, since although they can be acquired in person at the station, you can also secure them in advance via SNCF Connect, RailEurope, and ÎledeFrance.

How to Get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris?

FROM: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (95700 Roissy-en-France, France)

TO: Gare du Nord (18 Rue de Dunkerque, 75010 Paris, France)

TRANSPORTATION: Aéroport Charles de Gaulle → Gare du Nord via RER B train (32 min, 10 stops, €12)

Charles de Gaulle is notoriously far from the center of Paris, meaning the initial journey to your lodging could be a bit extensive. The quickest and easiest way to travel to Paris from the airport is to hop on the RER B train which services the Arrivals area from the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle stop. This line will take you to Gare du Nord, which is a pretty central station and one of the larger jumping off points within Paris, so you shouldn’t have a problem connecting to your lodging from here. Even if you train to Gare du Nord and then hop in a taxi, this is almost guaranteed to be faster than driving the whole way into the city.

 
Tourists on a motorcycle tour on the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, Paris.
 

As one caveat, we departed from our plane to find construction underway and a few signs which we interpreted to mean the RER B train was not running. If I remember correctly there was a note indicating the line was replaced with a bus for the time being, but inevitably we ended up confused and just decided to take a taxi. As expected it took us a good hour to reach our hotel with many questionable driving maneuvers made along the way, but you may need to opt for the same alternative in a pinch.

Where to Stay in Paris?

LUXURIOUS LODGING: Relais Christine (5-star boutique hotel, $1,293.27 for 2 nights split among 2 people)

REASONABLE ROOM: ibis Paris Gare Montparnasse Catalogne (mid-range twin bed hotel room, $816.19 for 5 nights split among 2 people)

AIRPORT ACCOMMODATION: Moxy Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (swanky reprise near CDG airport, $129.51 for 1 night split among 2 people)

Relais Christine

If you’re traveling to Paris to fulfill the whirlwind romantic rendezvous of your dreams—and your wallet is prepared to turn those dreams into reality—there’s no better place to stay than the luxurious, 5-star Relais Christine boutique hotel which preserves the intimacy of the private residence it once was. Tucked away on Rue Christine off the bustling Quai des Grands Augustins, you’re just steps away from the heart of the city in this refined left-of-Siene location with easy access to Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle on Île de la Cité, the historic Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and the mouthwatering ice cream from Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis. This prime location is also surrounded by Michelin Guide specialities like Le Christine, Le Relais Louis XIII, and Ze Kitchen Galerie—ensuring you’re eating the best cuisine that Paris has to offer! Inside the friendly atmosphere of this hotel, you’ll find divine fixings exuding timeless Parisian elegance from ceiling to floor, with dazzling chandeliers reflecting the shiny velvet fabrics of plush patterned couches in the public lounge area. Whether you fancy a game of chess or a good book, this common area crafted from noble materials represents the perfect place to unwind and includes an honesty bar where you can prepare any cocktail of your choosing!

 
Modern and stylish hotel room in Paris with twin beds, geometric headboards, and elegant lighting.
 

  • In your suite, find charming touches like gold fixtures contrasting with a dark obsidian tub complete with Diptyque amenities or the vintage-looking Marshall bluetooth radio that you can use to enjoy the sound of Parisian tunes while getting ready for the day. We opted for a pale pink 22 m² Superior Room with an intimate view of the quiet street. However, each room is furnished uniquely with antiques—warm woodwork and Toile de Jouy print in one room, canopy beds in another—so given this expansive diversity of options, a dedicated hotel team will ensure you find the perfect fit suited to your particular tastes!

    In the basement of this posh palace is a complimentary relaxation center including a gym, bubbling jacuzzi, and a steamy Swedish sauna! Start your day with a detox before diving into the locally-supplied breakfast buffet spread which includes the best croissants I’ve ever tasted and honey from the hotel garden for an ideal, energizing start to your day. Beyond all these finishing features cultivating a resolutely chic and intimate universe, the attentive service staff are truly what make the Relais Christine special, offering local recommendations and catering to any need you may have—even if that’s a laundry and dry cleaning service!

ibis Paris Gare Montparnasse Catalogne

Hotel rooms in Paris are notoriously small, so finding decent accommodations for a reasonable rate can be quite the challenge when traveling to Paris! Your first order of business will be determining which arrondissement to take refuge in — sections 1 through 4 are where the rates skyrocket since many famous landmarks live in this stretch of land adjacent to the Siene. As such, if you need to be conscientious of costs, picking a hotel further out from the city center is the way to go—and the efficient public transportation underneath the congested roads allows you to zip over there quickly! I recommend planning your itinerary before deciding on a lodging location as one of my tips for traveling to Paris on a budget, since that will help refine your search. I knew we’d be taking day trips to the Palace of Versailles and initially we planned to go to Bordeaux as well, with both trains for these destinations leaving from Gare Montparnasse. As such, it made perfect sense for us to stay in the sixth arrondissement right near this station at the ibis Paris Gare Montparnasse Catalogne, allowing us to catch a few extra z’s on the days we departed early from the city. I’ve never stayed at an ibis property before and was pleasantly surprised from check-in to check-out!

 
Modern and stylish hotel room in Paris with twin beds, geometric headboards, and elegant lighting.
 

  • We opted for a standard room with two separate beds as pictured above, which entails 161 ft² of space in this next-generation ibis hotel. As is pretty standard these days, you’ll be able to make yourself comfortable with AC and wifi, and there’s both shelving and a clothing rack for you to store your belongings. Within the room there’s a rain shower stocked with products and a hair dryer, a 4K TV, and daily housekeeping. While nothing here was exceptionally outstanding, I was satisfied to have everything we needed for a relaxing stay at such a reasonable price, and we had a fair amount of space to move about the room without bumping into each other.

    Downstairs, you’ll find a friendly bar where you can order snacks and drinks at any time of the day —we enjoyed a few Kir royals along with some late night pizza. During the mornings in the surrounding seating area you’ll find a breakfast buffet with a wide variety of fresh, quality products: baked goods including baguettes, a hot corner with scrambled eggs and smoked brisket, plus many fruits, cold meats, and cheeses. While we didn’t include breakfast in our reservation rate, we were very jealous each morning as the spread looked quite scrumptious!

Moxy Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

During our return from Nice, we needed an additional night in a Paris hotel before flying back home in the morning — making proximity to the CDG airport our top priority. Luckily for us, the lifestyle Moxy Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is only steps away from the free CDGVAL shuttle train with connections to all terminals 1, 2, and 3, RER B, and the TGV station. As such, Moxy is the best airport accommodation to ensure you can easily make your flight while enjoying a relaxing night beforehand — especially since all rooms are equipped with soundproof windows so you can watch planes take off in peace! A free cocktail awaits you upon your arrival, so what are you waiting for?

Modern minimalist hotel room in Paris with sleek furnishings and natural light.

A global, spunky hotel chain, all Moxy locations are intentionally designed with playful touches like foosball and board games alongside Instagrammable corners. A pleasant change from the stuffy, standard fixings you’ll find elsewhere, this certified eco-friendly hotel in Paris is on the pulse of what's now and next, with unique rooms brimming with industrial style. We enjoyed our single night in a Moxy twin sleeper with access to a fitness center, ultra-fast wifi, in-room screencasting on the HD smart TV, bedside USB ports, and a sleek bathroom with MUK shower products.

Modern cafe interior in Paris with eclectic furnishings, a long communal table, and a stylish bar area.

What to Do in Paris?

Day 1

FROM: ibis Paris Gare Montparnasse Catalogne (11 Rue du Texel, 75014 Paris, France)

TO: Cédric Grolet Opéra (35 Av. de l'Opéra, 75002 Paris, France)

TRANSPORTATION: Gaîté → Opéra via M13 line (24 min, switch at Saint Lazare to M3 line, €2.15)

Breakfast - Cédric Grolet Opéra

Kickstart your first day in Paris with a visit to the home of the pastry wizard himself, Cédric Grolet. Considered by many to be the most emblematic pastry chef of his generation, you may have seen social media clips of Cédric breaking open the many laminated layers of a buttery croissant or creating a photorealistic fruit dessert crafted strictly using flavors from that ingredient itself. However you’ve been introduced, any creation concocted from the mind of Cédric is sure to amaze, so there’s no better way to enjoy classic French pastry techniques than by visiting Cédric Grolet Opéra, the chef’s first bakery-pastry shop.

 
Young woman enjoying a classic Parisian breakfast with croissants, coffee, and a Badoit water bottle at a cafe in Paris.
 

  • Booking a table reservation in the tea room is the best approach to enjoying one of these treats, since you won’t have to just grab your order and go, instead you can savor the croissant slowly with a hearty latte on the side versus eating it out of a bag on the sidewalk. However, these reservations are in pretty high demand, so last minute planning may result in your designated bakery day being all booked up, especially since this famous haunt is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

    If you’re planning a visit a few days in advance, consider placing a click and collect order so you don’t have to wait in the spiraling line that forms outside the bakery. We arrived promptly at 10:00 AM when the bakery opened and already had to join the end of a 50-person long queue. It took us a solid hour of patiently waiting before we reached the front of the line, so if you’re in a hurry and want your order available on-demand once you arrive during your designated time slot, then click and collect is your best way to enjoy a tasty flower cake. Unfortunately, click and collect doesn’t list the famous croissants or pains au chocolat, so if bread is what you’re craving you’ll have to stick it out in the line. These flaky morsels sell out incredibly quickly every morning, so if you have your heart set on one I’d advise arriving even before the 10:00 AM opening time!

    Upon our arrival, we gleefully watched the faithful doorman call out his welcoming greetings as he does every opening morning. All the patrons around me in line clapped, and after a hungry hour of watching flower pastries skillfully prepared through the window we were standing as the next group up when a stroke of luck occurred: the employee who typically would’ve walked us into the showroom revealed they had an open reservation in the tea room and invited us to sit inside! This was the best possible news we could’ve received after failing to make a reservation in advance, and with this good fortune we ordered a mocha, latte, sparkling water, the last croissant of the morning, a pain au chocolat, and finally a flower baba with rum. Soaked in rum and citrus fruits, this vanilla cream pastry was topped with apricots to create an exotic tropical flavor permeating through the melt-in-your-mouth fluffy cake. I had been a Cédric Grolet fan for years at this point, so getting selected out of the line for a table opening to try his creations for the first time was truly a dream come true — and now I can confirm, yes, these treats do taste just as good as they look!

Musée d'Orsay

After indulging in food that looks like art, feast your eyes on renowned Impressionist pieces imagined by the likes of Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet inside the Musée d'Orsay. Housed inside a former Beaux-Arts train station, today you’ll find French paintings, sculptures, and photography dating from 1848 to 1914.

Even if you’re not big into art history, you’ve likely seen images or re-workings of the famous Monet and Van Gogh originals you’ll find inside this museum. Within Monet’s featured repertoire, the Le Bassin Aux Nymphéas stands out as one of the Water Lily series highlights depicting the beloved Giverny countryside which Monet immortalized over a thirty year period. When it comes to Van Gogh La Nuit Étoilée, or Starry Night Over the Rhône, can’t be missed, which is one of three paintings depicting the starry night sky that he produced within a single month. Be sure to also keep an eye out for his Autoportrait, one taut and angular self-portrait out of the forty-three introspective canvases painted over the duration of his life.

 
Van Gogh's self-portrait hanging in Musée d'Orsay, Paris, with intricate brush strokes and vivid expression.
 

  • Alongside these world-renowned artists you’ll also find the works of Édouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and Paul Cézanne. Unlike the interpretive nature of modern art, I found the soft pastel strokes and wavering lines of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works to resonate quite easily, as the beauty and advanced technique demonstrated in each piece was entirely self-evident. In addition to the art, you’ll also find a pleasant view overlooking the city from behind the large clock face that today serves as another grand window.

    The museum is open every day except Mondays from 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM, with extended late night hours on Thursdays. Purchase tickets designated for a particular time slot online for €16 to avoid waiting in the box office line, especially during the peak season, or else you may have to wait a few hours before entering the museum.

Officine Universelle Buly 1803

Now that you’ve satisfied your senses of taste and sight, the next sensory experience on the agenda is a stop at Officine Universelle Buly 1803. Walking 13 minutes down Quai Voltaire and turning right onto Rue Bonaparte will bring you to the part-pharmacy, part-perfumery harkening back to the heritage of early-19th century beauty products. Designed like an apothecary, Buly draws on the excellence of the past while offering the best of the present with skincare products designed to compliment the face, mouth, and body. These aromatic concoctions are crafted to embody the ancestral expertise and hygienic beauty routines that would’ve been prominent in Jean-Vincent Bully’s original 1803 store on Rue Saint-Honoré. This portal through time is the closest you’ll get to experiencing what the city felt like more than two hundred years ago, and as the cherry on top you’ll walk out with tributes to the world’s beauty heritage built upon the teachings of ancient recipes.

 
Artisanal perfume sampling setup with spiral droppers in a boutique in Paris.
 

  • I discovered this experience on Tiktok, as the personalized offerings with initial engravings on products like brushes, combs, and lip balms had taken the platform by storm. Evidently, so did all the other 20-something girls visiting Paris at the same time, as I had to wait in a decent line before being let into the store.

    To be very honest, I was a bit underwhelmed by my experience here, however I’m attributing this lackluster feeling to the fact that I visited the shop shortly after the Tiktok phenomenon highlighting Buly started. The videos and online reviews I saw noted how intimate and personalized the experience is, with a dedicated employee walking each customer through the store offerings as they tailor product recommendations to your beauty routine. I, on the other hand, found myself quickly shuffled through the store as I spent around 3 minutes total deciding on my order. Not knowing what other products were offered, and being in a relatively small space with a few other customers, I immediately settled on the customized lip balm I had seen online. What I didn’t realize is that the lip balm recipe itself is a standard offering, and what you’re really customizing is the outer casing, inlaid leather, and pouch colors which enclose the product.

    This was also fine, but for €40 I was a bit disappointed to find very few available color choices left, and only then realized I needed to order this personalized product in-store before having to come back and pick it up later in the week. I was a bit flustered in the moment so I went through with the purchase, but I would not say my resulting lip balm was anywhere near worth that price, and the sales experience left me disappointed overall. All that being said, the interior of the store is truly beautiful and the eye candy lining the shelves is absolutely worth seeing in person, I’d just recommend visiting one of their locations during an off-time, perhaps closer to opening or closing.

    In the end, I did leave Buly with quite beautiful packaging and a dry body oil, hand cream sample, and set of perfumed match cards to go alongside my lip balm, so that made me feel a bit better about the overall price.

Lunch - Café de Flore

Continue down the same street walking away from the river Siene for 7 minutes to reach Café de Flore, an intellectual hub since its establishment in the 1880s. Writers of the “lost generation” gathered here with the likes of Ernest Hemingway, while the two leading existentialist philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir are said to have spent hours writing their seminal works at this very spot. The café’s artistic connection has withstood the test of time, and today the awarding of the Prix de Flore literary prize occurs here annually.

Inside the café you’ll find a classic art deco interior with red leather seats contrasting the distinctive green and gold color scheme reflected in the mirrored walls which enlarge the space. This historic lunch spot oozes nostalgic charm while allowing you to connect with the rich cultural history of the city in a place where ideas and artistic expression have flourished for over a century. The café is open daily from 7:30 AM - 1:30 AM and doesn’t take reservations, but we easily got seated without having to wait at all around 4:00 PM on a spring Saturday.

 
Café de Flore in Paris, bustling with customers enjoying their time at this iconic Parisian café.
 

  • Sitting upon our newspaper-covered table top were the scrumptious morsels we ordered to snack on for a late lunch. I requested my favorite French sandwich, here called a Le Flore but in practice this was simply a croque monsieur, or warmed ham and cheese sandwich. My travel companion enjoyed a quiche lorraine, and like many spots around Paris this is one of cafés famous for serving up hot chocolate! I ordered the chocolat spécial Flore viennois, which essentially meant I got a side of whipped cream to top my drink with. Unlike the very rich chocolate flavor I tasted within Angelina’s thick version of this Paris speciality, I found Café de Flore’s version to be a bit lighter — so if you enjoy the taste of chocolate but don’t want to be overpowered by sickly sweet cocoa, this would likely be your preference.

 
Close-up of a hot chocolate and a glass of whipped cream at Café de Flore in Paris.
 

Sainte-Chapelle

Walk 18 minutes down Boulevard Saint-Germain before turning left onto Boulevard Saint-Michel to cross over the bridge onto Île de la Cité. Here you’ll find Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th century royal chapel built by King Louis IX to symbolize the absolute power and divine right of the French monarchy. It was originally designed to house his holy collection of Passion relics—including the Crown of Thorns—yet today has expanded its capabilities in serving as a classical music venue.

Visually, Sainte-Chapelle is a masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, exemplifying the architectural style of the period. Its long dainty spires emphasize verticality, while the 15 stunning stained glass windows depict over 1,100 biblical scenes from Genesis to the Passion of Christ, creating a breathtaking effect when sunlight filters through them.

 
Moody view of Sainte-Chapelle's spire and ornate exterior against a dramatic cloudy sky in Paris.
 

The overall grandeur of this religious relic can be viewed daily from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, with tickets going for €13. The final admission time occurs 30 minutes before closing, and priority access is given only to visitors with a ticket and subsequent time slot reservation, so be sure to avoid any difficulties by booking online in advance.

We opted to simply view the exterior of the chapel, instead spending a bit of time admiring the quaint Place Louis Lépine flower market. Located just a few steps from Sainte-Chapelle down Rue de Lutéce, Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II is a romantic open-air market spanning the length of a few greenhouses, where multiple vendors sell flowers, plants, quirky crafts, and even live birds on Sundays! Strolling through these pavilions dating all the way back to 1808 served as a nice break during our long day of sightseeing, and randomly stumbling upon this endearing local spot allowed us to get a better sense of the daily happenings of modern Parisians!

Notre-Dame

Continue walking 7 more minutes to the end of the island where you won’t be able to miss the famous medieval Catholic cathedral, Notre-Dame. While you may have heard of this site from Victor Hugo's 1831 novel, "Notre-Dame de Paris," today this landmark serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Paris rather than as the home of a hunchback! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also recognized as a fine example of French Gothic architecture with flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, gargoyles, and 3 large rose windows. Unfortunately, it's not as massive as it once was after a catastrophic fire in April 2019, and while renovations are underway you’re unable to tour the interior.

In December 2024—once visitors are allowed back inside—you’ll notice that the use of flying buttresses structurally allowed for higher and thinner walls adorned with large windows, leading to the spectacular sensation of light flooding in. This holy light illuminates several significant Catholic relics, including what is believed to be the Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross, and one of the Holy Nails.

 
Majestic facade of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris under a cloudy sky.
 

Snack - Berthillon

If you’re starting to crave a snack at this point, an incredibly famous ice cream shop is conveniently located on the island next door. Walk another 8 minutes to Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis to enjoy your picking of ice creams, sorbets, and pastries in the quaint wood-paneled tea room. You can enjoy these frozen sweet treats from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday.

On this street you’ll find both a dine-in location and a quick grab and go counter, so don’t be discouraged if you arrive and spot a lengthy queue outside one of the storefronts. The to-go counter is quite efficient at getting patrons out the door, and regardless of how you decide to enjoy this tasty treat you’ll be served up the same scoops either way! I opted for the raspberry with rose red fruit sorbet and found it to be absolutely divine, while my travel companion enjoyed a classic stracciatella sweet treat!

 
Two hands holding cups of Berthillon ice cream, one with vanilla and the other with raspberry sorbet, in front of the iconic Berthillon shop in Paris, with a queue of people waiting outside.
 

Shakespeare and Company

Make your way back across the Seine via Pont au Double with a quick 5 minute jaunt to Shakespeare and Company, a historic bookstore where iconic writers of the “lost generation” gathered. If you’ve been paying attention, yes—these are the same “lost generation” writers who enjoyed dining at Café de Flore! Look how much French culture you can enjoy in just one day strolling around Saint-Germain!

The interior is a haven for book lovers, with antique novels and cozy corners to curl up and enjoy a good read in. There's typically a bit of a wait to get inside the store, but don’t let that scare you away from indulging in this peaceful escape during a long day of sightseeing. Photos aren’t allowed inside to respect the privacy of fellow patrons, so you’ll have to visit the shop yourself to see what I’m talking about! Peruse the shelves and ask yourself, what would Ernest Hemingway have picked up here?

 
Front view of Shakespeare and Co. bookstore in Paris, showcasing its vintage facade and eclectic decorations.
 

If the line looks intimidating and you don’t have the time or patience to wait, consider checking out the bouquinistes, or green bookseller riverside stands lining the Siene instead! A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, inside the 900 or so book boxes you’ll find rare and used novels, posters, modern illustrations, and other printed materials alongside souvenirs for you to discover!

Dinner - Le Refuge des Fondus

FROM: ibis Paris Gare Montparnasse Catalogne (11 Rue du Texel, 75014 Paris, France)

TO: Le Refuge des Fondus (17 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris, France)

TRANSPORTATION: taxi ride via FreeNow (~40 min, direct, around €30-35)

You’ll surely need to head back to your lodging and relax at this point, but after a quick power nap prepare for the rest of the evening with your best funky fondue ‘fit.

Yes you heard that right, you’ll be heading to the 18th arrondissement for fondue at the infamous Le Refuge des Fondus, a cult-favorite dinner spot in the heart of Montmartre. With two timed seatings at 7:15 PM and 9:45 PM each evening, you’ll likely end up waiting outside the restaurant with your fellow diners before being let into the compact establishment. It’s so tiny, in fact, that if you’re sitting on the bench side of the table you’ll have to climb onto a chair and over the cloth you’ll be eating on to get into your seat. This tradition led to many-a-wine-glass being spilled over the years, which means today you’ll be enjoying your beverage of choice in a baby bottle instead!

 
Young woman smiling at a Paris café with a colorful graffiti backdrop.
 

  • The meal begins with a shot of Kir paired with amuses-bouches, which in practice entails a plate of cheese, cured meats, olives, and pickles. Since you’re sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with the patrons around you, you’ll likely warm up with others and start chatting over this first shot of Kir, which is soon to be followed by white or red wine, beer, or a soft drink in your respective baby bottle.

    From here the main highlight of the night begins when your fondue is brought to the table, which could be beef and potatoes with four homemade sauces or bread and a mix of melted cheeses depending on your preference. We went with the cheese of course, and from a repeat patron sitting next to me she confirmed this is the best way to go. Request refills of your bottle as you see fit, and for the final course you can enjoy meringue floating on crème anglaise, cheese, or chocolate mousse. Again the obvious choice here is the mousse, and I can confirm it’s a dreamy, luscious dessert that is the perfect airy and creamy texture. All of this comes out to a mere €31, and besides that price being an absolute steal for this experience, you never know who you’ll sit next to either. For my country music fans, I happened to sit next to Dasha (the singer of Austin) and she was an absolute delight to meet!

Day 2

FROM: ibis Paris Gare Montparnasse Catalogne (11 Rue du Texel, 75014 Paris, France)

TO: Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France)

TRANSPORTATION: Gaîté → Tuileries via M13 line (24 min, switch at Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau to M1, €2.15)

Brunch — Angelina

Begin your second day in Paris brunching at Angelina, a Parisian institution for over 120 years. Inside the Belle Époque tea room, an established mecca for gourmet pleasures, you’ll embrace the French art of living as you dig into delicate pastries like a millefeuille, chocolate eclair, or the house-favorite Mont-Blanc. Each creation is carefully prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients to guarantee an exceptional taste, and the beautifully decorated treats are as much eye candy as they are sweet tooth satisfiers. Founded to serve as the ultimate temple of gourmet food in Paris, decades of confectionery expertise and pastry-making know-how have cemented Angelina as an unmissable brunch destination in Paris. Open seven days a week from 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM, although they don’t take reservations we were able to easily grab a table at their Tuileries location around 9:45 AM on a spring Monday.

 
Woman sipping coffee at an elegant café in Paris with opulent golden interiors.
 

  • Enjoying a summer papillote as my breakfast treat, I couldn’t visit Angelina without tasting their traditional old fashioned hot chocolate that has been served since Anton Rumpelmayer founded the first location in 1903. Its secret recipe has remained unchanged for years as generations of epicureans flocked here to taste the best of French pastry — what we do know is that three African cocoas from Niger, Ghana and the Ivory Coast are perfectly blended to balance the bitter and fruity notes of the regional bean. Uniting these exotic tastes from different cultivation locations creates the unique character of Angelina hot chocolate, coveted for its inimitable aroma and subtle alliance of smoothness and lightness.

    As a diehard chocolate fan and lover of all things sweet, I undoubtedly preferred the thick creamy cocoa served up at Angelina over the first hot chocolate I tasted at Café de Flore. My one recommendation would be to drink it quickly while it’s hot and creamy; the drink congeals a bit after it has cooled down.

 
Famous Angelina hot chocolate served in a white branded cup with whipped cream, in Paris.
 

Louvre

Adjacent to the Tuileries Garden is the Musée du Louvre, where you can see the one and only Mona Lisa. Take a brief 10 minute walk down Rue de Rivoli to approach this iconic pyramid, and even after securing an online reservation be prepared to stand in line for a good 20 minutes. Knowing this in advance, I’d prepare to arrive a bit before your selected time slot so you can actually enter the museum at the time designated on your €17 ticket. After entering the infamous glass pyramid you’ll descend into the center of the museum, from which the many exhibits sprawl outwards in various wings.

We began on the ground floor of the Denon wing to admire Roman antiquities and European sculptures including many marble statues and greco columns, most notably being The Dying Slave chiseled by the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo. From there we ascended up a level to halls filled with exquisite paintings from the United States, Great Britain, Spain, France, and Italy — including Miss Mona Lisa herself.

 
Crowded scene in front of the Louvre Pyramid under a clear blue sky in Paris.
 

As you may have already heard, this is actually a relatively small painting affixed to a gigantic canvas wall. A glass covering protects the precious piece, and due to its notoriety this is where you’ll find the largest crowd in the museum. It may honestly be easier to zoom in and look at her coy smile painted by Leonardo da Vinci through your phone rather than wading through her mob of admirers, but with patient determination you will eventually make it to the front rope. At the end of this hall you’ll find both The Winged Victory of Samothrace, with her headless body situated at the top of the stairwell in a nod to her original lofty home, and the dazzling French Crown Jewels. I’m a sucker for anything sparkly, but this particular room is even worth a visit just to admire the stunning murals decorating the ceiling. At this point we had spent enough time in a museum for one day, but if you’re craving more artistic inspiration head across the courtyard to the remaining Sully and Richelieu wings.

Dessert - Ladurée

On your way out of the museum, you’ll pass through the underground shopping mall, Carrousel du Louvre. Besides offering a fine selection of stores if you’re seeking some retail therapy, this particular path includes my absolute favorite manufacturer of the undeniably best French pastry known to man — none other than macarons from Ladurée. I’m convinced there is no better consistently exceptional macaron you’ll taste than the wide range of unique classic and seasonal macaron flavors served by this establishment. Whether you find comfort in the basic vanilla and chocolate morsels or seek more excitement from adventurous Marie-Antoinette tea and blackcurrant violet specialties, every single crumb from one of these sandwiches is sure to delight.

 
Display of colorful macarons and gift boxes at a charming Parisian macaron shop with a neon sign.
 

If it’s not obvious enough, I’m passionate about Ladurée’s macarons and make it a point to treat myself to a few every time I stumble upon one of their locations. The shell is always firm to hold yet soft and crumbly once you take a bite, while the inner cream offers just the right amount of cool sweetness to inspire your palette. I prefer two almond macaron shells filled with rose petal butter cream—and if you’re not sure what to get—this rose flavor is a good place to start. Since you’ve likely worked up a bit of an appetite after walking through the many halls and flights of stairs in the Louvre, it would be a crime to simply walk by this storefront without stopping in for at least one macaron.

A colorful display of macarons in a Parisian bakery, featuring pink, yellow, beige, and green macarons.

Jardin des Tuileries

Exiting the Louvre and its connected mall will bring you directly out onto the Jardin des Tuileries. The meticulously manicured lawns, elegant tree-lined avenues, and stunning decorative fountains are classic examples of French formal garden design, originally created for the royal residence of French monarchs. Admire blooming flora as you stroll through the many winding paths or embrace the present moment by taking a quiet seat in the many publicly available chairs around the seasonal flower beds and water features.

 
Young woman sitting under a blooming tree in a Parisian garden.
 

One of André Le Nôtre’s most famous works, the garden’s grand symmetrical landscapes have inspired countless artists, writers, and poets over the centuries, including Claude Monet who painted scenes of the garden’s pathways and reflections in its ponds. An exhibition of true mastery in garden design, this popular public gathering place offers a serene escape for all in the heart of the city.

Champs-Élysées

Walking through the garden will lead you directly down Avenue des Champs-Élysées, also known as ‘the world’s most beautiful avenue’. Here you’ll find a host of familiar designer and global brands, including the Louis Vuitton flagship store. If you only make one stop, I’d recommend the Galeries Lafayette location here. Across four floors within the luminous Art Deco building you’ll find a luxurious shopping experience with offerings across fashion, home goods, accessories, and fine foods in this curated showcase of high-quality brands. Each company highlighted has its own showpiece section, and for myself I was immediately drawn to the Ganni, Maje, and Chloé features, but the real highlight was a souvenir I secured for my boyfriend. Atelier Amelot produces custom one-of-one textiles here that are hung hot off the press after being screen printed in the center of the ground floor. This is truly a one-of-a-kind souvenir to pick up if you’re interested in street style, and either way the tees are simple yet sophisticated!

 
Crowds of people shopping on the famous Champs-Élysées in Paris, with luxury stores like Louis Vuitton and Zara.
 

If you’re thinking now would be a great time for some food, look no further than the delicatessen and restaurant counters located in the basement. Bringing together the best of the current culinary scene, take a minute to enjoy a glass of local wine at Yard or a savory potato berrichon from Maison Verot.

Arc de Triomphe

In total it’s about a 40 minute walk from the edge of the garden to the architectural marvel that is the Arc de Triomphe. This monument symbolizes French national pride and victory, honoring those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. As I recently discovered during my latest trip, you can actually go on top of the monument for a panoramic view of the area! Open daily from 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM, for €16 euros you’ll gain access to the monument and surrounding terrace — and if you’re under 26 this experience is free! 284 steps will take you to the top of the Triomphe, from which you’ll have an elevated look over the delightful gardens and city streets you just traversed. When examining the arc itself, you’ll find the names of 558 generals and 102 notable military figures inscribed on the inner and outer surfaces, with some underlined to indicate those who died in battle.

The magnificent Arc de Triomphe in Paris, with intricate carvings and sculptures, under a blue sky.

Siene River Cruise

Wind down the afternoon with a relaxing river cruise in which you’ll pass the absolute must-see monuments and museums in Paris — some of which you’ve already been inside! Walk 23 minutes down Avenue Marceau and onto Port de la Conférence to the leading provider of Siene cruises, Bateaux Mouches. Offering a one-hour cruise across a fleet of 6 boats that you can enjoy whenever the moment is right, there’s no need to book a specific time slot in advance! Whether you’re looking for a commentated tour, lunch on the water, or a romantic dinner, there’s a cruise option for everyone.

 
Scenic view from a Seine River cruise boat in Paris, passing by the Musée d'Orsay on a sunny day.
 

It was such a treat to uncover the historic heart of the city from the water, and the tour commentary taught us a bit of history about the landmarks we had previously simply admired for their beauty. If you’d like to avoid traversing the streets to see each of these pieces of heritage on foot, this is the perfect option to experience them all in one go, especially if your travel party has limited walking mobility.

  • For only €16 you’ll pass the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Conciergerie, and Musée d’Orsay along the route. Explore Paris from a new perspective in the high season from April through September with departures leaving every 30 minutes beginning at 10:00 AM until 10:30 PM on weekdays, with additional departures on Friday and Saturday at 11:00 PM. During the low season from October through March departures leave every 45 minutes and end a bit earlier at 10:00 PM. Regardless of the month you go, the cruise will last around an hour and ten minutes and you’ll hear guided commentary conveyed across a range of languages — I recall hearing 4 or 5 different tongues!

Eiffel Tower and boats on the Seine River under a partly cloudy sky in Paris.

Pro Tip:

If you’d like to enjoy a little bevy or snack during your cruise, there’s vending machines and street food stands outside the dock, along with restrooms that require a bit of change to enter.

Sacré-Cœur

FROM: Bateaux-Mouches (Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris, France)

TO: Sacré-Cœur (35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France)

TRANSPORTATION: taxi ride via FreeNow (~30 min, direct, around €20-25)

Shifting gears to a totally different part of town, if you recall this next stop is near your dinner last night! Overlooking the city atop Montemartre is Sacré-Cœur, an elevated Romano-Byzantine church surrounded by railings adorned with thousands of love locks. With a name meaning "Sacred Heart," the basilica is dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus and was built as a symbol of national repentance for the perceived moral decline of France following the Franco-Prussian War defeat and internal strife of the Paris Commune. As such, this is a major Catholic pilgrimage site, holding a perpetual adoration of the blessed sacrament in which the eucharist is continually displayed.

The white travertine stones which compose the basilica’s exterior set it apart from the predominantly Gothic and Romanesque churches in Paris, while the silhouette of its large central domes is recognizable worldwide. This clever construction material also ensures it continuously remains white by exuding calcite through the process of aging and in the presence of pollution.

Visitors gathered in front of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, Paris, under a cloudy sky.

Inside, the bell tower houses one of the world's heaviest bells—the 19-ton Savoyarde—while also offering panoramic views of Paris in which you can spot the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Entry is free of charge between 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM, however the large number of visitors means you’ll typically have to wait in line before entering the sanctuary. Your patience will be rewarded with one of the world's largest mosaics—the intricate "Christ in Majesty”—which covers the choir and depicts Christ with outstretched arms. Admire the architectural beauty, the art within, and the stunning views from one of the most iconic symbols of Paris.

Montmartre

When you’re like okayyy let’s go, take a 5 minute walk down Rue Norvins to vibrant Montmartre, the bohemian district of Paris. In the central Place du Tertre you'll see older gentlemen sitting at their easels in this open terrace, crafting their next work while displaying a repertoire of masterpieces for sale. This plaza serves as both the heart and home of local artisans, so if you're a fan of collecting unique paintings from your travels, Montmartre is the place to be. Over the years with increased notoriety, the once inexpensive village has become a bit touristy, but nevertheless this rich center of artistic culture in one of the oldest parts of the city is absolutely worth exploring — especially since it was the home of greats like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec!

Stroll through the plaza until a piece catches your eye, and you’ll undoubtedly see a local favorite playing the accordion while his loyal cat sits perched atop the instrument! In the surrounding area you’ll find more winding streets, charming cafes, and historic buildings, including the Musée de Montmartre—which preserves the history of the respective artistic community—and Espace Dalí dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí. If you stick around late into the evening, consider catching a show at Moulin Rouge, or if you can’t secure a reservation at La Maison Rose as described below, my next favorite spot is Au Cadet de Gascogne!

Dinner - La Maison Rose

Wind down this long day of sightseeing with a rewarding dinner at La Maison Rose. You’ve likely seen images of this pink, ivy-covered exterior before, as this quaint maisonette with green shutters has been a fixture in Montmartre since the early 20th century. Given the longevity of this eatery and its charming facade, La Maison Rose has also been depicted in the paintings and photographs of notable artists who lived in Montmartre, with famous patrons including Pablo Picasso, Maurice Utrillo, and Gertrude Stein. Today, La Maison Rose continues to operate as a local café, serving courses for lunch, tea time, and dinner from 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday.

 
La Maison Rose restaurant in Montmartre, Paris, with its charming pink facade and green shutters covered in ivy.
 

  • We enjoyed a cozy lunch on a rainy day inside the upper floor, in which we were served our choice of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. I opted to start with the flaky puff pastry filled with herb lemon ricotta and topped with asparagus. This crispy light starter was perfectly baked and tasted incredibly fresh, exciting me for what was to come! I followed that up with warm polpettes in a thick rosemary tomato sauce served with roasted potatoes. This was another knock-out dish and cemented La Maison Rose as arguably my favorite meal we enjoyed in Paris!

    Trying the house-made meringue and whipped cream on the pavlova is mandatory, and somehow I still had room for dessert! All this is offered for a mere €35, and if your appetite is a bit smaller on the day you visit, opt for the cheaper lunch set menu, or simply choose an appetizer or dessert to go with your main dish rather than ordering both. Be sure to try the seasonal specialities prepared at La Maison Rose and you won’t be disappointed!

Day 3

Palace of Versailles

FROM: ibis Paris Gare Montparnasse Catalogne (11 Rue du Texel, 75014 Paris, France)

TO: Palace of Versailles (Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France)

TRANSPORTATION: Gare Montparnasse → Versailles-Chantiers via TER Paris → Le Mans line (13 min, direct, ~€4)

  • Cap off your last day in Paris with a day trip to arguably the most famous palace in the world, which is a convenient 13 minute train ride from the Gare Montparnasse station. Once you’ve reached the town of Versailles, depending on how much time you have to spare before your ticketed entry time, consider taking the leisurely 25 minute walk from the station through the quaint town and up to the palace gates. If you’re in a hurry, you can shorten this transit time by hopping on the 6201 or 6202 bus lines at Quai E outside the train station, riding for 2 stops over 6 minutes until departing at the Préfecture stop. You’ll still have to walk a bit down the sidewalk and up to the gated entrance, but hopping on the bus should save you a bit of time as opposed to walking the whole way. Once the ornate golden gates are in your line of sight, you’ll soon be entering the Palace of Versailles!

This gargantuan castle served as the primary royal residence and seat of political power in France from 1682, under King Louis XIV, until the French Revolution in 1789. The over-the-top opulence exuding from every inch of the Baroque architecture cemented this extravagant palace as a symbol of the absolute monarchy presiding over the population. The grandiose façades, intricate interiors, and extensive gardens were designed to impress and demonstrate the "Sun King’s” divine right to rule, and that they do!

 
Young woman standing by a large window inside Versailles Palace, Paris, with sunlight streaming in.
 

  • Under the rule of Louis XVI, the Treaty of Versailles was signed in the Hall of Mirrors in 1919, ending World War I. This same gallery of 357 mirrors is celebrated for a dazzling reflection of light derived from the room’s windows and chandeliers, showcasing the emphasis on symmetry, elaborate decoration, and a harmonious integration of the building and surrounding gardens woven throughout the entirety of the palace design. A patron of the arts, Versailles became a cultural hub under Louis XVI’s rule hosting performances, concerts, and ballets to highlight the top artisans during this golden age of French culture. With historical and cultural significance influencing palace architecture and garden design worldwide, the palace has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Inside, you’ll find lavish rooms in which you can experience the grandeur of French history and culture. The King’s Grand Apartments include several richly decorated spaces such as the King’s Bedchamber—where Louis XIV slept— and the Council Room—where the king held his meetings. The Queen’s Grand Apartments mirror this layout and include the Queen’s Bedchamber, which was used by queens such as Marie Antoinette. Providing insight into daily French court life, the stunning artwork, tapestries, and furnishings covering every square inch of this home convey the grandeur of the Sun King’s reign and are truly beautiful to observe as you gaze upon each exhibit​.

The various ticket options available on the Versailles website are a bit overwhelming (or at least I thought they were upon first glance), so to save you the trouble I recommend opting for the all-access €32 passport ticket, which gives you the best bang for your buck if you plan to tour the whole estate of Versailles, including the Palace, temporary exhibitions, Estate of Trianon, Gallery of Coaches, Gardens, and the Park. You could buy individual tickets for each of these attractions, but if you’re already in Paris and heading all the way outside of the city, you may as well see them all!

  • It’s critical to note this is an experience you MUST book online in advance. Securing a ticket means you’ll have a designated entry time to the palace, and from there can explore the other attractions at your leisure. If you do not book a timed entry ticket in advance, you probably won’t be able to enter the palace! I had planned to meet a friend here who happened to be visiting France during the same time, but her group failed to purchase tickets online and found that when they arrived at the gates at 10:00 AM, the next available entry wasn’t until 3:00 PM. I’ve also seen peers show up to find that no additional tickets are being sold for the day anyways, so heed my warning and be sure to book online and enter the palace within the half hour following your reservation time.

    To make the most of the estate during high season, which runs from April through October, review the following attraction hours:

    • the Park is open daily from 7:00 AM - 8:30 PM

    • the Gardens are open daily from 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM

    • the Palace is open daily from 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM and closed on Mondays

    • the Estate of Trianon is open from 12:00 - 6:30 PM and closed on Mondays

    • the Gallery of Coaches is open from 12:30 - 6:30 PM only during the weekends

    That being said, plan to arrive early and begin your day touring the park and gardens before entering the palace, then explore the Estate of Trianon and Gallery of Coaches after lunch. Based on the closures detailed above, it’s advisable to avoid visiting on a Monday, and the last admission to most of these attractions occurs at 6:00 PM with the respective ticket office closing at 5:45 PM.

Lunch - Grand Café d’Orléans

Once you’ve strolled the palace to your heart’s content, you’ll want to grab some food before heading out to see the rest of the landscape, since on fountain show and musical garden days re-entry to the garden is not permitted. Assuming you booked your passport ticket and then moved on with the rest of your Paris planning, the Grand Café d’Orléans is the one of two lunch options you’ll have inside the palace. Here you can enjoy fast food, sandwiches, and pre-made desserts to be purchased at the cafeteria counter and enjoyed in the adjoining series of contemporary lounges. This is what we did as a no frills way to grab a quick bite before continuing on with our day. Your other choice is restaurant Angelina, which is another location of the same French chain described above in which you can enjoy sweet and savory menu items all day long! If you’re craving another steaming cup of their scrumptious hot chocolate, then this is the place for you!

If you desire a more kingly meal than a simple baguette sandwich, you’ll need to make reservations in advance at Ore. Elegant Ore is a contemporary French café overlooking the Royal Courtyard. Here you can enjoy breakfast or lunch for €40 and €80 respectively, which includes a ticket to enter just the palace within the total fee.

Gardens of Versailles

Once you’ve taken some time to eat, enjoy the Gardens of Versailles and the adjacent royal Park. Designed by one of the most famous landscape architects in history—André Le Nôtre—the gardens of Versailles are considered a masterpiece of French formal garden style featuring geometric layouts, manicured lawns, and parterres of flowers, topiaries, and sculptures to create a sense of order and grandeur.

Originally commissioned by Louis XIV, the gardens were just one aspect of his grand plan to transform Versailles into the epicenter of French power and culture, flaunting the absolute monarchy which in theory extended his control over even nature. Many European palaces and estates have since incorporated elements of Versailles' layout and style, making it a model for formal gardens across the continent​.

 
Aerial view of the meticulously designed Versailles Gardens with geometric patterns and fountains.
 

  • Splitting the center of the gardens is the Grand Canal, while water features like the famous Latona and Apollo fountains highlight intricate hydraulic systems during fountains shows and musical garden days which were an engineering marvel in their time. It’s important to note that while the gardens are typically free, these featured days require a paid ticket which is conveniently covered by the passport ticket option! These concerts in which water is set to the rhythm of Baroque music are one of the many performances which keep the spirit of the estate’s historical role as an arts center alive.

    There are a variety of transit options available to explore the 800 hectares of vast and varied garden landscape. The little train offers hop-on, hop-off service across the property, bringing you from the garden entrance to the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette's Estate. You can purchase a passport ticket which includes one little train return trip, but I found it more convenient to purchase a ticket on site for €9 and use the full circuit to access all the Estate of Trianon points of interest. Alternatively, you can reserve an electric golf cart for €42/hour to zip around, row boats down the Grand Canal for €20/hour, or ride a bike through the park for €10/hour.

Grand Trianon

Continuing on through the palace grounds, next bring your attention to the Estate of Trianon comprising two main palaces, the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet. This more personal glimpse into the lives of French royalty preserves the history and daily life of the French court while highlighting their contrasting public duty and private leisure. Beginning with the Grand Trianon, step inside Louis XIV’s private residence, a retreat from the formalities of court life for the king and his family. During our visit, an exhibition dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte’s commission for imperial silks to refurbish the Palace of Versailles was on display, as he also retired to this residence during his reign.

 
The elegant facade of the Petit Trianon at the Palace of Versailles, featuring arched windows, ornate columns, and a decorative staircase.
 

The charming pink exterior of "Marble Trianon” was designed using a harmonious blend of marble and porphyry, while the classic French architecture builds upon this foundation with elegant colonnades, expansive windows, and formal parterres in the manicured garden​ behind the estate. You’ll find the best view of this harmonious blend between indoor and outdoor spaces when walking through the covered peristyle which connects the two main wings of the Grand Trianon.

Petit Trianon

Just a short ride away via the little train lies the Petit Trianon, which is most famously associated with Queen Marie Antoinette who used it as her personal refuge. Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel and completed in 1768, it was given to Marie Antoinette by Louis XVI in 1774. The queen transformed it into a secluded haven where she could escape the pressures of court life and indulge in simpler pleasures.

Contrasting from the Grand Trianon, this structure is celebrated for its refined Neoclassical architecture with a more intimate design than found elsewhere on the grand estate. This elegant design reflects Marie Antoinette’s tastes, with light, airy rooms painted seafoam green and beautiful decorative details like the naturalistic English gardens surrounding the property.

If you continue north from the Petit Trianon you’ll find the Queen’s Hamlet, which was built between 1783 and 1786 when Marie Antoinette commissioned Richard Mique to construct an entire model village around an artificial lake. Designed to resemble a rustic village and farm, this crescent formation of charming cottages, a mill, a dairy, and a farmhouse is ideally viewed from across the water. Functionally, this idyllic setting allowed Marie Antoinette and her friends to cosplay as the shepherdesses and peasants they ruled over, pretending to live a quaint life free from the royal responsibilities the formal court required. When examining this play space alongside the furnishings of the Petit Trianon, these historical artifacts provide a unique insight into Marie Antoinette’s personality and her desire for a simpler, pastoral life, which was likely inspired by the Romantic movement’s fascination with nature and rural life during the late 18th century​.

Dinner - Le Christine

FROM: ibis Paris Gare Montparnasse Catalogne (11 Rue du Texel, 75014 Paris, France)

TO: Le Christine (1 Rue Christine, 75006 Paris, France)

TRANSPORTATION: Losserand - Maine → Saint-André des Arts via Châtelet 58 (17 min, 12 stops, €4)

After heading home from the palace, take a much-needed nap before dinner. Once you’re feeling up to it, head to Le Christine to taste the most delicious French cuisine highlighted in the Michelin Guide’s 6th arrondissement lineup! Originally a makeshift wine bar, Le Christine was transformed in 2004 into a cozy haunt for bon vivants, serving up thoughtful French cuisine created from well-sourced harvests and raw materials. Savor refined dishes that transcend trends while sipping fine international wines on the quiet little street of Rue Christine. Inside, you’ll always be greeted with a warm welcome in a timeless place paying homage to the gastronomic art of the right sauce, the right seasoning, and perfect cooking, all imagined through the inspirations of the chef.

 
The cozy interior of Le Christine in Paris, featuring colorful floral chairs, rustic stone walls, and a warm, inviting ambiance with soft lighting.
 

  • Open daily from 6:00 - 10:00 PM, you can select from the pretty reasonably priced €69 five-course tasting menu, €95 six-course menu, or choose your own dishes from the à la carte offerings. Opting for the smaller of the set dinners, I enjoyed a starter of camus artichokes, fir tree, dried bonito tempura, sesame oil, chickweed, and lime zest. My first main dish followed, comprising a wild sea bream from Loctudy paired with peas, rhubarb, galangal emulsion, and verbena powder—the foamy emulsion looked just like sea foam! My second main for the evening was a sliced breast of confit veal topped with broccoli purée and florets, blanquette emulsion, orange zest, and sage, and at this point I was really entertained by this second plate of emulsion. I also must say that I truly detest vegetables—typically including artichokes, peas, and broccoli, which were all featured in the previous three dishes—but they were prepared in such a delectable manner I pretty much licked my plate clean! My final and favorite dish—dessert of course!—entailed gianduja ganache, Grand Marnier mousse, coffee and vanilla ice cream, and cocoa nibs as the finishing touch. A picture speaks a thousand words, and as this photo of my fifth dish looks like a large, deconstructed s’more, you can imagine how delicious it tasted!

Pro Tip:

If you happen to stay at the Relais Christine hotel next door, you can even order these fine dining plates from Le Christine directly to your room!

Eiffel Tower

FROM: Le Christine (1 Rue Christine, 75006 Paris, France)

TO: Eiffel Tower (Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris, France)

TRANSPORTATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame→ Champ de Mars Eiffel Tower via RER C line towards Versailles Château Rive Gauche (10 min, 4 stops, €4)

For your last night in Paris, it wouldn’t be right if you left before seeing the city’s most iconic landmark sparkle, so head to the Eiffel Tower Gardens after dinner. It’s important to make this distinction, because you’ll have to wait in line and go through a security checkpoint to enter the designated Eiffel Tower area. There you can climb or take an elevator to the second floor or summit, depending on how high you want to venture. Either way, you’re just here to admire this architectural marvel from the ground, so you can avoid the hassle by entering the open-access public park through any green space in front of the tower.

 
Majestic view of the Eiffel Tower twinkling against a dark night sky, surrounded by lush green trees.
 

  • The monument was originally constructed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. This groundbreaking feat of engineering utilized advanced techniques to construct the lightweight yet durable lattice structure, showcasing France's industrial prowess on a global stage​. Standing at 1,063 feet tall, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930​.

    While the initially controversial design was originally considered to be an eyesore, functionally it’s been used in the early days of radio transmission during World War I​ to broadcast signals, and Gustave Eiffel himself used the structure to conduct wind resistance experiments.

The most spectacular feature of its composition—and what you’re here for today— is the sparkling light show which automatically begins ten minutes after the sky begins to darken, usually around sunset. During my visit in July 2024, sunset technically occurred at 9:52 PM but the light show didn’t start until 10:00 PM on the dot. Be sure to look up the sunset times for the dates of your trip in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly! This golden, twinkling spectacle lasts for 5 minutes and repeats every hour from sundown until 1:00 AM during the off-season and 2:00 AM in the summer. If you’re a night owl, many consider the final display at 1:00 AM to be the best—meaning the best time to travel to Paris and see this phenomenon is in the summer as well!

How Much Do Three Days in Paris Cost?

Following the above Paris itinerary ideas totaled $1,239.40, costing me $413.13/day as a recent graduate:

Before calling out anything else, let’s get into the vast outlier above: my two purchases at the Champs-Élysées Galeries Lafayette. Had I not made those purchases my overall total would’ve only been $732.12 with a daily cost of $244.04, but I like to keep it real and had planned to make these expensive clothing purchases in advance, so I’m keeping that expense in there. Otherwise, I’d say we did pretty well at exploring the city for all it’s worth without spending our life’s savings along the way (which inevitably could happen in Paris!).

Obviously if you’re on a tighter budget, you may want to avoid stepping into the Galeries Lafayette altogether as their offerings are very tempting, and you can definitely do without the Universelle Buly lip balm. We taxied quite a few times as well since my mother wasn’t very comfortable with the subway system, which evidently increased our overall expenses. That being said, all of the museum and tour ticket prices were quite reasonable, and the set course meals we enjoyed were incredibly worthwhile in terms of the amount of food we ate!

What to Wear in Paris?

Paris fashion screams sophistication, and class — get inspired to embody haute couture like you’re walking in Paris Fashion Week. Here less is more and elegance is all in the details. Whether you’re strolling along the Seine, visiting the Louvre, or enjoying a café au lait at a sidewalk café, your thoughtfully curated ensemble will ensure you do so with graceful style as you embark on customizable Paris travel itineraries for every interest.

Regardless of personal aesthetic or budget, anyone can style a classic black and white ensemble: think old money chic, timeless wardrobe staples that exude effortless taste, and clean lines from well-tailored silhouettes. These pieces can easily transition from daytime sightseeing to evening dining, embodying the versatility that Parisians are known for. Choosing neutral colors like black, white, and beige ensures your look will be sophisticated while easy to mix and match. Footwear is crucial in Paris—where walking is a way of life—while accessorizing appropriately will complete your look with an added hint of mystery and glamour. Look to achieve a balanced and refined appearance without wearing overly flashy items—instead focus on quality fabrics and impeccable tailoring. Pull these pieces from your closet to craft the perfect outfit when planning a trip to Paris:

Timeless Tops

craft a timeless silhouette with cuts that won’t go out of style — tuxedo vests, corset bustiers, staple tanks and tees

Basic Bottoms

don’t overcomplicate things with silk skirts, pleated trousers, and flowy culottes that are simple yet sophisticated

Dainty Dresses

think easy, breezy, beautiful (CoverGirl!) — spaghetti straps, tulle, and simplicity are keys to a chic Paris gown

Jet Black Flats

ballet slippers, Mary Janes, and slingback kitten heels will keep your feet from aching through each arrondissement

Luxe Accessories

chunky gold jewelry and a dainty handbag make your outfit feel as luxurious as a Palace of Versailles princess

Fine Fabric Accents

silk ribbons, lace bows, and rose appliqué— pull in pops of ruby and sapphire to exude old money elegance

Does Paris Deserve a Second Chance?

Now that I’ve had more than a rushed six hours visiting Paris during a transportation strike (find my first guide here!), I can most definitely say that the city deserves a second chance. I mean that had to be the case right? I know so many people who absolutely adore Paris and make it a priority to come here, but even after spending a good four-ish days there myself it hasn’t done much to sway my opinion of France as a destination in general.

While the art and overall opulent allure of Paris is quite charming, it’s hard to overlook the general grime and state of despair that many of the public facilities are in. This well-known phenomena of the “Paris Effect” was so shocking for my mother as her first glimpse into Europe that we had quite a tough conversation following her initial few hours in the city and had to swear off taking the subway altogether! That’s not to say these downsides negate all the wonderful things Paris has to offer, but after seeing the general state of order and cleanliness in Tokyo—the largest city on Earth—I’m no longer accepting that cities are bound to be dirty! The surrounding environment does speak to the inherent French culture you’ll find here, as these revolutionaries are known for their nefarious plots like scheming to poop in the Siene after the mayor announced she’d be swimming in it!

Grit and grime aside, I once again ended up in Paris during a pretty frigid climate, packing only sundresses and light jackets for an end-of-April trip during which everyone else walking around was bundled up in scarves and gloves. I’m sure experiencing one warm, sunny day in the City of Love could really sway my opinion here, but alas we’ll have to wait until my next trip over there!

My final musing speaks to the sprawling layout of the many arrondissements, which in practice means you’ll spend much of your time on foot, in a taxi, or on the metro. While sightseeing in any big city requires a significant amount of back and forth, I feel I would enjoy Paris more in the future by simply puttering around a single area and taking in the overall ambiance at a relaxed pace. I can only do so now that I have seen the notable sights a first-time visitor would have on their agenda, but it seems to me that’s where the real magic of Paris lies and why it has so many of my peers coming back time and time again. When and if I’m able to do so, I’m preferential to the bohemian 18th arrondissement containing Montmartre, so I’ll have to report back when I can make that experience happen — for now, au revoir Paris!

 

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✺ ABOUT ME ✺

Girl floating in the clear blue-green waters of Cefalù, Sicily, surrounded by rocky shoreline and vibrant Mediterranean scenery.

Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?

I recently graduated, and I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.

While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.

It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m convinced I can make it to all 195 countries before my time is up.

✺ READ MORE ON THE BLOG ✺

Ashley Federoff
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