3 Days in Paris, France — Posh First Timer’s Guide
LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 2, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: MARCH 2023 + APRIL 2024 + JULY 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 30 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
What to Do With 3 Days in Paris France?
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Wishing you were breaking into a buttery baguette admiring the Eiffel Tower?
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 charming Montmartre, where creatives capture the bohemian soul of the borough, or savor the delicate flavors of French baking in quaint patisseries. The dazzling opulence of Versailles and splendor of Louvre exhibitions provide glimpses into the artistic underpinnings which define Paris. Romantic bridges arch over the banks of the Seine, inviting leisurely strolls which 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 3 days in Paris itinerary.
3 Days in Paris Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed 3 days in 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 historic Arc de Triomphe (15 min)
3:30 - 4:30 PM: ⛴️ Observe iconic landmarks from the water on a river cruise down the Seine (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 around 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 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 the 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?
WALK: When I say lace up your walking shoes, I mean it! Paris is a vast, sprawling city encompassing 20 arrondissements, and odds are all the attractions you plan to visit are not conveniently located next door.
Sporadic traffic jams and extensive transit stations means driving or taking the metro will typically take longer than walking. Notable sights in the itinerary above are grouped together— meaning you’ll spend the day in one neighborhood rather than run all over town, but there are inevitably exceptions.
As a general rule of thumb, walk if the destination is less than 20 minutes away, as anything within this time frame will inevitably take longer to drive or reach via public transit.
TAXI: As noted above, unpredictable traffic patterns through narrow cobblestone streets can make getting around Paris by car quite frustrating. I recommend taking the subway if a destination is too far to walk to.
In the event it’s late at night or you don’t want to deal with public transit, easily hail a cab off the street or via FreeNow. This app functions similarly to Uber or Lyft, providing an estimated route duration and price up front.
I enjoy ride-sharing apps—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. Plus they reduce the chance of being overcharged as a tourist.
TRAIN: To zip around Paris, the underground metro and regional trains are your best friend. For inter-city transit, the metro provides the quickest route, and this is typically the transportation I describe in the commute directions below.
For day trips outside the city or longer journeys like passage from Charles de Gaulle, the TER/RER trains connect further distances.
Unlike other city subway systems, a convenient tap-to-pay method for quickly hopping on the subway isn’t guaranteed. Physically print a ticket from kiosks in some underground stations before proceeding, which inevitably adds time to the commute if there’s a queue or the machine responds slowly. Plan to arrive early, especially since some stations include multiple floors of transit with long walkways to reach a particular terminal.
Purchasing train tickets is much simpler. Although they can be acquired in person at the station, secure them in online 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 city center. The quickest and easiest way to travel to Paris from the airport is to hop on the RER B train which services Arrivals from the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle stop.
This line routes to Gare du Nord, which is one of the larger jumping off points within Paris. You shouldn’t have a problem connecting to accommodations from here. Even if you train to Gare du Nord and then hail a taxi, this is typically faster than fully driving into the city.
I arrived to find construction underway and a few signs which I interpreted to mean the RER B train was not running. A note indicated the line was replaced with a bus for the time being, but inevitably I ended up confused and decided to take a taxi.
As expected it took a good hour to reach the 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
When traveling to Paris for three days to fulfill the whirlwind romantic rendezvous of your dreams—if 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.
Tucked away on Rue Christine, you’re steps away from the heart of the city in this refined left-of-Seine location with easy access to Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle on Île de la Cité, the historic Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and mouthwatering ice cream from Berthillon. This prime location is surrounded by Michelin Guide specialities like Le Christine, Le Relais Louis XIII, and Ze Kitchen Galerie—ensuring you eat the best cuisine Paris has to offer!
Inside the friendly atmosphere of this hotel are 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. Whether you fancy a game of chess or good book, this common area crafted from noble materials is the perfect place to unwind and includes an honesty bar to prepare any cocktail of your choosing!
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In your suite, find charming touches. Gold fixtures contrast with a dark obsidian tub complete with Diptyque amenities while a vintage-looking Marshall radio can be used to enjoy Parisian tunes while getting ready.
I stayed in a pale pink 22 m² Superior Room with an intimate view of the quiet street. Each room is furnished uniquely with antiques—warm woodwork and Toile de Jouy print in one room, canopy beds in another—so the 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 steamy Swedish sauna! Start the day with a detox before diving into the locally-supplied breakfast spread including the best croissants I’ve ever tasted and honey from the hotel garden for an energizing morning.
Beyond all these finishing features cultivating a resolutely chic and intimate universe, the attentive staff are truly what make the Relais Christine special. Ask for local recommendations and they will cater to any need—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!
First, determine which arrondissement to take refuge in — sections 1 through 4 are where the rates skyrocket since many famous landmarks live in this stretch adjacent to the Seine. If you need to be cost conscientious, pick a hotel further out from the city center. Efficient public transportation underneath the congested roads allows you to zip over there quickly! Plan your itinerary before deciding on lodging as a tip for traveling to Paris on a budget, since that will refine your search.
I knew we’d take day trips to Versailles and initially planned to visit Bordeaux as well, with trains for these both destinations leaving from Gare Montparnasse. As such, it made perfect sense to stay in the 6th arrondissement right near this station at the ibis Paris Gare Montparnasse Catalogne, allowing us to catch extra Z’s on 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!
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I opted for a standard room with separate beds, which entails 161 ft² of space in this next-generation ibis hotel. There’s shelving and a clothing rack to store your belongings. Enjoy a rain shower stocked with products, a 4K TV, and daily housekeeping.
While nothing was exceptionally outstanding, I was satisfied to have everything needed for a relaxing stay at such a reasonable price. Plus, we had a fair amount of space to move about without bumping into each other.
Downstairs a friendly bar serves snacks and drinks any time of day—I devoured Kir royal along with late night pizza. During the mornings in the surrounding seating area a breakfast buffet appears with a variety of fresh, quality products: baked goods including baguettes, a hot corner with scrambled eggs and smoked brisket, plus fruit, cold meat, and cheese. While I didn’t add on breakfast, I was very jealous each morning as the spread looked scrumptious!
Moxy Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
During our return from 2 days in Nice, we needed an additional night in Paris before flying home in the morning — making proximity to CDG a top priority. Luckily, the lifestyle Moxy Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is steps away from the free CDGVAL shuttle train with connections to terminals 1, 2, and 3, RER B, and the TGV station.
As such, Moxy is the best airport accommodation to ensure you easily catch your flight while enjoying a relaxing night beforehand—especially since rooms are equipped with soundproof windows so you can watch planes take off in peace. A free cocktail awaits you upon your arrival!
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A global, spunky chain, Moxy locations are intentionally designed with playful touches like foosball and board games alongside Instagrammable corners.
A pleasant change from the standard fixings found elsewhere, this eco-friendly hotel is on the pulse of what's trendy featuring unique rooms brimming with industrial style.
I enjoyed my single night in a Moxy twin sleeper with access to a fitness center, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, screencasting on the HD smart TV, bedside USB ports, and a sleek bathroom.
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 morning of this Paris in three days itinerary with a visit to the pastry wizard himself, Cédric Grolet. The most emblematic pastry chef of his generation, Cédric is frequently featured on social media breaking open buttery croissants and creating photorealistic fruit desserts!
However you’ve been introduced, any concoction from Cédric is sure to amaze, so there’s no better way to enjoy classic French pastry technique than by visiting Cédric Grolet Opéra, the chef’s first bakery-pastry shop.
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Booking a table reservation in the tea room is the best way to enjoy these treats, since you won’t have to grab your order and go. Instead, savor this croissant slowly with a hearty latte on the side rather than eating it out of a bag on the sidewalk. These reservations are in high demand, so last minute planning may result in your designated bakery day being booked, especially since this famous haunt closes on Mondays and Tuesdays.
If you visit Paris in a few days, place 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 just opened and already had to join a 50-person queue. A solid hour of waiting passed before we reached the front, so if you’re in a hurry and want your order ready on-demand during a designated time slot, 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. If you’re craving bread, you’ll have to stick it out in line. These flaky morsels sell out quickly every morning, so if you have your heart set on one arrive even before the 10:00 AM opening time!
Upon our arrival, we gleefully watched the faithful doorman call out his daily greetings. All the patrons in line clapped, and after a hungry hour of watching flower pastries skillfully prepared through the window we were the next group up when a stroke of luck occurred: rather than being walked us into the showroom it was revealed they had an open tea room reservation and invited us inside! This was the best possible news I could’ve received after failing to make a reservation in advance.
With this good fortune we ordered a mocha, latte, the last croissant of the morning, pain au chocolat, and flower baba. Soaked in rum and citrus fruits, this vanilla cream pastry was topped with apricots to create a tropical flavor permeating the melt-in-your-mouth fluffy cake.
I had been a Cédric fan for years at this point, so getting picked out of line to try his creations for the first time inside was truly a dream come true — and now I can confirm, these treats taste 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, 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 of the famous Monet and Van Gogh originals found inside. Within Monet’s featured repertoire, Le Bassin Aux Nymphéas stands out as one of the Water Lily highlights depicting the beloved Giverny countryside which Monet immortalized over a 30-year period.
When it comes to Van Gogh, La Nuit Étoilée or Starry Night Over the Rhône can’t be missed. This is one of three paintings depicting the starry sky he produced within a single month. Keep an eye out for his Autoportrait, one taut and angular self-portrait out of the forty-three introspective canvases painted over his lifetime.
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Alongside these world-renowned artists find the works of Édouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and Paul Cézanne.
Unlike interpretive modern art, I found the soft pastel strokes and wavering lines of these Impressionist works to resonate quite easily, as the beauty and advanced technique demonstrated in each piece was self-evident. In addition to the art, a pleasant view overlooking the city is granted through the large clock face which 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 €16 tickets for a particular time slot online to avoid waiting at the box office, especially during the peak season. Otherwise, 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 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 complimenting the face, mouth, and body. These aromatic concoctions embody the ancestral expertise and hygienic beauty routines which 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 the city’s atmosphere from more than two hundred years ago, and as the cherry on top walk out with tributes to the world’s beauty heritage built on the teachings of ancient recipes.
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I discovered this brand on TikTok, as the personalized offerings with initial engravings 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.
I was underwhelmed by my experience, however I’m attributing this lackluster feeling to the fact that I visited the shop shortly after the TikTok phenomenon highlighting Buly started. Online reviews noted how intimately personalized the experience is, with a dedicated employee walking each customer through the offerings as they tailor product recommendations to your beauty routine.
I, on the other hand, was quickly shuffled through and spent 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 balm itself is a standard offering, and what you customize are the colors of the outer casing, inlaid leather, and pouch.
This was fine, but for €40 I was disappointed to find very few color choices left, and only then realized I needed to order this personalized product in-store before coming back to pick it up later in the week. I was flustered so I went through with the purchase, but my resulting lip balm not worth anywhere near that price, and the sales experience left me disappointed overall.
All that said, the interior is truly beautiful and the eye candy lining the shelves is absolutely worth seeing in person. Visit during an off-time, perhaps closer to opening or closing.
In the end, I left Buly with quite beautiful packaging and a dry body oil, hand cream sample, and set of perfumed match cards to go alongside my 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 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 leading existentialist philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir are said to have written their seminal works at this very spot. The café’s artistic connection has withstood the test of time, and today the Prix de Flore literary awards occur here annually.
A classic Art Deco interior with red leather seats contrasts the distinct green and gold color scheme reflected in the mirrored walls which enlarge the space. This historic spot oozes nostalgic charm while connecting you with the city’s rich cultural history in a place where ideas and artistic expression have flourished for centuries. The café is open daily from 7:30 AM - 1:30 AM and doesn’t take reservations, but we easily got seated without a wait around 4:00 PM on a spring Saturday.
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Sitting on the newspaper-covered table were the scrumptious morsels I ordered to snack on during a late lunch. I requested my favorite French sandwich, here called a Le Flore but in practice this is 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 came with a side of whipped cream to top the drink with.
Unlike the rich chocolate flavor I tasted within Angelina’s thick version of this Paris speciality, I found Café de Flore’s version to be lighter — if you don’t want to be overpowered by sickly sweet cocoa, this variety will likely be your preference.
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 sits Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th century royal chapel built by King Louis IX to symbolize the divine right of the French monarchy. Originally designed to house his holy collection of Passion relics—including the Crown of Thorns—today it has expanded capabilities as a classical music venue.
A masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, Sainte-Chapelle exemplifies 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.
The grandeur of this religious relic can be viewed daily from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM for €13. Final admission occurs 30 minutes before closing. Priority access is only given to visitors with a time slot reservation, so be sure to avoid any difficulties by booking online in advance.
I simply viewed the chapel’s exterior before admiring the quaint Place Louis Lépine flower market. A few steps from Sainte-Chapelle down Rue de Lutéce, Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II is a romantic open-air market where multiple vendors sell flowers, plants, quirky crafts, and even live birds on Sundays!
Strolling through these greenhouses dating back to 1808 served as a nice break during a long day of sightseeing, and randomly stumbling upon this endearing local spot gave me a better sense of the daily happenings of modern Parisians!
Notre-Dame
Walk 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 know 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 the home of a hunchback!
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is recognized as a fine example of French Gothic architecture with flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, gargoyles, and 3 large rose windows. After a catastrophic fire in April 2019, renovations are now complete and tourists can once again view the interior for free from 8:15 AM - 7:00 PM with a timed reservation.
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 the Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross, and one of the Holy Nails.
Snack - Berthillon
A famous ice cream shop is conveniently located on the isle next door. Walk 8 minutes to Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis to enjoy ice cream, sorbet, and pastries in the quaint wood-paneled tea room. Enjoy these sweet treats from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday.
On this street sits both a dine-in location and grab and go counter, so don’t be discouraged if you arrive and spot a lengthy queue outside the storefronts. The to-go counter is quite efficient at getting patrons out the door, and regardless of how you enjoy this tasty treat you’ll be served the same scoops either way!
I tried the divine raspberry with rose sorbet while my travel companion enjoyed a classic stracciatella sweet treat!
Shakespeare and Company
Track 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’re paying attention, yes—these are the same “lost generation” writers who dined 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 wait to get inside but don’t let that scare you away from indulging in this peaceful escape.
Photos aren’t allowed 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?
If the line looks intimidating and you don’t have time to wait, check out the bouquinistes, or green bookseller riverside stands lining the Seine instead! A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 900 book boxes house rare and used novels, posters, modern illustrations, and other printed materials 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)
After a quick power nap prepare for the rest of the evening with your best funky fondue ‘fit.
Head to the 18th arrondissement for fondue at the infamous Le Refuge des Fondus, a cult-favorite in the heart of Montmartre. With two timed seatings beginning at 7:15 PM and 9:45 PM, wait outside with your fellow diners before being let into the compact establishment.
It’s so tiny that you’ll have to climb onto a chair and over the table you’ll be eating on to get into seats against the graffiti-covered wall. This tradition led to many wine glasses spilled over the years, which means today you’ll enjoy your beverage of choice in a baby bottle instead!
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The meal begins with a shot of Kir paired with amuses-bouches, entailing a plate of cheese, cured meat, olives, and pickles. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with the patrons around you, you’ll likely start chatting over this first shot of Kir, which is soon followed by white or red wine, beer, or a soft drink in your baby bottle.
The main highlight begins when the fondue arrives, which could be beef and potatoes with four homemade sauces or bread and a mix of melted cheese depending on your preference. I 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 bottle refills as you see fit, and for the final course enjoy meringue floating on crème anglaise, cheese, or chocolate mousse. The obvious choice here is the mousse, and I can confirm it’s a dreamy, luscious dessert that has a perfect airy and creamy texture.
All this comes out to a mere €31, and besides that price being an absolute steal for the experience, you never know who you’ll sit next to. For 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 morning of this three days in Paris itinerary brunching at Angelina, a Parisian institution for over 120 years. Inside the Belle Époque tea room embrace the French art of living digging into delicate pastries like a millefeuille, chocolate eclair, or the house-favorite Mont-Blanc.
Each creation is carefully prepared with the finest ingredients to guarantee exceptional taste, and the beautifully decorated treats are as much eye candy as they are sweet tooth satisfiers. Founded as an ultimate temple of gourmet food, 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, I easily grabbed a table at their Tuileries location around 9:45 AM on a spring Monday.
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Enjoying a summer papillote as my breakfast treat, I couldn’t visit Angelina without tasting their old fashioned hot chocolate served since Anton Rumpelmayer founded the first location in 1903. Its secret recipe has remained unchanged for years while generations of epicureans flocked to taste the best of French pastry.
Three African cocoas from Niger, Ghana and the Ivory Coast are perfectly blended to balance the bitter and fruity notes of this regional bean. Uniting these exotic tastes 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. Drink it quickly while it’s hot and creamy; the drink congeals after cooling down.
Louvre
Adjacent to the Tuileries Garden is the Musée du Louvre, housing 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.
Arrive before your time slot to actually reach the museum at the time designated on your €22 ticket. Enter the infamous glass pyramid then descend into the center of the museum, from which the many exhibits sprawl outwards in three wings.
Begin on the ground floor of the Denon wing to admire Roman antiquities and European sculptures like marble statues and greco columns, most notably The Dying Slave chiseled by Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo. From there ascend up a level to halls filled with exquisite paintings from the United States and Europe — including Miss Mona Lisa herself.
This is 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 the largest crowd is found. It’s often easier to zoom in and look at her coy smile painted by Leonardo da Vinci through your phone rather than wade through her mob of admirers, but with patient determination you’ll eventually make it to the front rope.
At the end of this hall is 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 Renaissance murals decorating the ceiling.
At this point I 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, pass through the underground shopping mall, Carrousel du Louvre. Besides offering a fine selection of stores, this particular path includes my absolute favorite manufacturer of the best French pastry known to man — macarons from Ladurée.
There’s no better consistently exceptional macarons than the range of uniquely classic and seasonal flavors served by this establishment. Whether you find comfort in basic vanilla and chocolate morsels or seek more excitement from adventurous Marie-Antoinette tea and blackcurrant violet specialties, every single crumb from these sandwiches is sure to delight.
I’m passionate about Ladurée’s macarons and treat myself to a few every time I stumble upon their locations. The shell is always firm to hold yet soft and crumbly once bitten, while the inner cream offers just the right amount of cool sweetness to inspire your palette.
I prefer almond macaron shells filled with rose petal butter cream. If you’re not sure what to get, this rose flavor is a good place to start. After working up an appetite walking through the many halls of the Louvre, it would be a crime to walk by without stopping for at least one macaron.
Jardin des Tuileries
Exiting the Louvre will bring you directly onto the Jardin des Tuileries. The meticulously manicured lawns, elegant tree-lined avenues, and 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 the winding paths or embrace the present moment by taking a quiet seat in the publicly available chairs around the seasonal flower beds and water features.
One of André Le Nôtre’s most famous works, the 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 pond reflections. An exhibition of true mastery in garden design, this popular gathering place offers a serene escape for all in the heart of the city.
Champs-Élysées
Walk through the garden directly down Avenue des Champs-Élysées, ‘the world’s most beautiful avenue’. Find familiar designer and global brands, including the Louis Vuitton flagship.
If you only make one stop, it should be the Galeries Lafayette. Across four floors within this luminous Art Deco building is a luxurious shopping experience with offerings across fashion, home goods, accessories, and fine foods in a curated showcase of high-quality brands.
Each company is highlighted in a showpiece section; I was immediately drawn to the Ganni, Maje, and Chloé features, but the real highlight was a gift I secured at Atelier Amelot. Custom textiles are hung hot off the press here after being screen printed in the center of the ground floor. This is truly a one-of-a-kind street style souvenir to pick up and the tees are simple yet sophisticated!
For a quick bite, look no further than the delicatessen and restaurant counters in the basement. Bringing together the best of the current culinary scene, enjoy a glass of local wine at Yard or a savory potato berrichon from Maison Verot.
Arc de Triomphe
It takes 40 minutes in total to walk from the edge of the garden to the architectural marvel that is the Arc de Triomphe. This monument symbolizes French national pride, honoring those who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
As I discovered during my latest trip, you can ascend the monument for a panoramic view! Open daily from 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM, for €16 gain access to the monument and surrounding terrace — if you’re under 26 this experience is free!
284 steps take you to the top, from which there’s an elevated look over the delightful gardens and city streets you just traversed. When examining the arc, the names of 558 generals and 102 notable military figures are inscribed, with underlines indicating those who died in battle.
Seine River Cruise
Wind down the afternoon with a relaxing river cruise passing 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 Seine cruises, Bateaux Mouches.
Offering a one-hour cruise across a fleet of 6 boats which can be enjoyed whenever the moment is right, there’s no need to book a specific time slot in advance. With commentated tours, lunch on the water, and romantic dinner options, there’s a cruise for everyone.
Uncover the historic heart of the city from the water, as the tour commentary teaches a bit of history about landmarks many simply admire for their beauty. 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 someone has limited walking mobility.
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For only €16 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. Additional departures are offered 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, the cruise lasts 70 minutes complete with guided commentary across a range of languages — I recall hearing 4 or 5 different tongues!
Pro Tip:
Enjoy a little beverage or snack during the cruise from vending machines and street food stands outside the dock, along with restrooms that require 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 different part of town, this next stop is near the restaurant from last night! Overlooking the city atop Montemartre is Sacré-Cœur, an elevated Romano-Byzantine church surrounded by railings adorned with thousands of love locks.
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. This major Catholic pilgrimage site holds a perpetual adoration of the blessed sacrament in which the eucharist is continually displayed.
The white travertine exterior sets the basilica apart from predominantly Gothic and Romanesque churches in Paris, while the silhouette of its large domes is recognizable worldwide. This clever construction material ensures it remains white by exuding calcite while aging and in the presence of pollution.
Inside is one of the world's heaviest bells—the 19-ton Savoyarde—plus a panoramic viewpoint overlooking of Paris with 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 there’s typically a wait to enter the sanctuary. Patience is 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
Take a 5 minute walk down Rue Norvins to vibrant Montmartre, the bohemian district of Paris. In the central Place du Tertre older gentlemen sit at their easels, crafting their next work while displaying a repertoire of masterpieces for sale.
This open plaza serves as the heart and home of local artisans—if you collect unique paintings from your travels, Montmartre is the place to be. 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 terrace until a piece catches your eye or watch a local favorite play the accordion while his loyal cat sits perched atop the instrument!
In the surrounding area 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.
Catch a show at Moulin Rouge, or if you can’t secure a reservation at La Maison Rose as described below, my next favorite bistro is Au Cadet de Gascogne!
Dinner - La Maison Rose
Wind down with a rewarding dinner at La Maison Rose. The pink, ivy-covered exterior of 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 been depicted in the paintings of notable artists who lived in Montmartre, with famous patrons like Pablo Picasso, Maurice Utrillo, and Gertrude Stein. Today it continues to operate as a local café, serving lunch, tea time, and dinner from 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday.
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I enjoyed a cozy lunch on a rainy day inside the upper floor, in which I was served my choice of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert.
I started 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 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.
If your appetite is smaller, opt for the cheaper lunch set menu or choose an appetizer or dessert to go with your main dish rather than ordering both. Taste 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)
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Cap off your last day in Paris with a trip to arguably the most famous palace in the world, which is a convenient 13 minute train ride from Gare Montparnasse.
Once in the town of Versailles, consider taking the leisurely 25 minute walk from the station through the quaint town and up to the palace gates.
If your timed entry slot is approaching, 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 to the Préfecture stop.
Walk down the sidewalk and up to the entrance after hopping on the bus saved a bit of time as opposed to walking the whole way. Once the ornate golden gates are in sight, you’ll soon enter the Palace of Versailles!
Last but not least, visiting the Palace of Versailles is a must when considering what to do in Paris for three days. This gargantuan castle served as the royal residence and seat of political power in France under King Louis XIV until the French Revolution in 1789.
Over-the-top opulence cemented this Baroque 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!
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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 windows and chandeliers, showcasing the emphasis on elaborate symmetry woven throughout 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 top artisans during this golden age of French culture. With cultural significance influencing palace architecture and garden design worldwide, the palace has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
Lavish rooms demonstrate the grandeur of French history and culture. The King’s Grand Apartments include richly decorated spaces like 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 including the Queen’s Bedchamber, which was used by ladies such as Marie Antoinette. Providing insight into daily French court life, the stunning artwork, tapestries, and furnishings covering every inch of this beautiful home convey the extravagance of the Sun King’s reign.
With an overwhelming amount of ticket options on the Versailles website, opt for the standard all-access €32 passport ticket to get the best bang for your buck.
Included is a tour of the whole estate which encompasses the Palace, temporary exhibitions, Estate of Trianon, Gallery of Coaches, Gardens, and the Park. You could buy individual tickets for each attraction, but if you’re already heading outside Paris you might as well see them all!
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This is an experience you MUST book online in advance. Securing a ticket grants a designated entry time to the palace, and from there can explore the other attractions at your leisure. If you don’t book a timed ticket in advance, you probably won’t be able to enter the palace.
I planned to meet a friend here who happened to visit France during the same time, but her group failed to purchase tickets online. 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. Heed my warning and book tickets online to enter the palace within the half hour following your reservation time.
To make the most of the estate during high season 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
Arrive early and tour the park and gardens before entering the palace, then explore the Estate of Trianon and Gallery of Coaches after lunch. Avoid visiting on Mondays. The last admission to most attractions occurs at 6:00 PM with the respective ticket office closing at 5:45 PM.
Lunch - Grand Café d’Orléans
After strolling the palace to your heart’s content, grab food before exploring the rest of the landscape, since fountain show and musical garden days forbid re-entry to the gardens.
Grand Café d’Orléans is the one of two walk-in lunch options inside the palace. Munch on sandwiches and pre-made desserts purchased at the counter and enjoyed in the adjoining series of contemporary lounges. This is a no frills way to grab a bite before continuing on.
Angelina is the other option, which is another location of the same French chain described above offering sweet pastry and savory menu items all day long. This is the place for another steaming cup of their scrumptious hot chocolate!
For a more kingly meal than a simple baguette sandwich, make reservations in advance at Ore. Elegant Ore is a contemporary French café overlooking the Royal Courtyard. Dig into breakfast or a set menu lunch for €40 and €80 respectively, which includes a ticket to enter just the palace within the total.
Gardens of Versailles
After lunch, peruse the Gardens of Versailles and adjacent royal Park. Designed by one of the most famous landscape architects in history—André Le Nôtre—the gardens are 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.
Commissioned by Louis XIV, the gardens were one aspect of his grand plan to transform Versailles into the epicenter of French power, flaunting the absolute monarchy which in theory controlled even nature. European palaces and estates have since incorporated stylistic elements of Versailles' layout, making it a model for formal gardens across the continent.
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Splitting the center 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.
While the gardens are typically free, these featured days require a paid ticket which is conveniently covered by the passport option! These concerts set water to the rhythm of Baroque music and are one of the many performances which keep the spirit of the estate’s historic role as an arts center alive.
A variety of transit options are available to explore the 800 hectares of 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 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, zip around in an electric golf cart for €42/hour, row boats down the Grand Canal for €20/hour, or ride a bike through the park for €10/hour.
Grand Trianon
Continue through the palace grounds to the Estate of Trianon comprising two main palaces, the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet. This personal glimpse into the lives of French royalty preserves the 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 my visit, an exhibition dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte’s commission for imperial silks to refurbish the palace was on display, as he also retired to this residence during his reign.
The charming pink "Marble Trianon” was designed using a harmonious blend of marble and porphyry, while classic French architecture builds upon this foundation with elegant colonnades, expansive windows, and formal parterres in the manicured garden behind the estate.
The best view of this harmonious blend between indoor and outdoor spaces is seen when walking through the covered peristyle which connects the two main wings of the Grand Trianon.
Petit Trianon
A short ride away via the little train lies the Petit Trianon, most famously associated with Queen Marie Antoinette who used it as her personal refuge. Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, it was given to Marie 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 refined Neoclassical architecture with a more intimate design than found elsewhere on the grand estate. This elegant design reflects Marie Antoinette’s taste, with light airy rooms painted sea foam green and decorative details like naturalistic English gardens surrounding the property.
North of the Petit Trianon is 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, this crescent formation of charming cottages, a mill, 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 formal court required.
When examining this play space alongside the furnishings of the Petit Trianon, these historical artifacts provide insight into Marie Antoinette’s desire for a simpler, pastoral life. This aspiration 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)
Head home from the palace then take a much-needed nap before dinner. When you’re ready, dine at Le Christine to taste the most delicious French cuisine highlighted in the Michelin Guide’s 6th arrondissement lineup, which is a French company itself!
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 avenue of Rue Christine.
Inside, you’ll 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.
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Open daily from 6:00 - 10:00 PM, 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 set dinner, 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 was a sliced breast of confit veal topped with broccoli purée and florets, blanquette emulsion, orange zest, and sage. I was really entertained by this second plate of emulsion. I also must note I truly detest vegetables—usually including artichokes, peas, and broccoli which were featured in the previous three dishes—but they were prepared in such a delectable manner I licked my plate clean!
My final and favorite dish—dessert of course!—entailed gianduja ganache, Grand Marnier mousse, coffee and vanilla ice cream, with cocoa nibs as the finishing touch. A picture speaks a thousand words, since my fifth dish looked like a large, deconstructed s’more, you can imagine how delicious it tasted!
Pro Tip:
If you stay at the Relais Christine hotel next door, you can order these fine dining plates from Le Christine directly to your room!
For an even bigger splurge on a true Michelin star, check out Mavrommatis in the 5th.
If you’re craving casual dining instead after a day away, MoSugo is a comfort food café just down the street from the ibis Montparnasse Catalogne. Dig into crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, or burgers with innovative elevations like pretzel buns and miso mayonnaise.
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 this Paris three day itinerary, it wouldn’t be right to leave 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 visitors must wait in line and go through a security checkpoint to enter the designated Eiffel Tower area. Once inside, climb or take an elevator to the second floor or summit, depending on how high you want to venture.
Either way you’re here to admire this architectural marvel from the ground, so avoid the hassle by entering the open-access public park through any green space in front of the tower.
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The monument was originally constructed for the 1889 World's Fair held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. This groundbreaking 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 New York Chrysler Building in 1930.
While the initially controversial design was considered an eyesore, functionally it was used in the early days of radio transmission during World War I to broadcast signals. Gustave Eiffel himself also used the structure to conduct wind resistance experiments.
The most spectacular feature—and what you’re here for today— is the sparkling light show which begins 10 minutes after the sky darkens, usually around sunset.
During my July 2024 visit, sunset technically occurred at 9:52 PM but the light show didn’t start until 10:00 PM. Look up sunset times for the dates of your trip in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly!
This golden, twinkling spectacle lasts 5 minutes and repeats every hour from sundown until 1:00 AM during the off-season and 2:00 AM in the summer. 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 3 day in Paris itinerary totaled $1,239.40, costing me $413.13/day as a recent graduate:
Transportation
€2.22 - metro from Gare Montparnasse to the Musée d'Orsay
€15.25 - taxi from our ibis lodging to Angelina, split amongst two people
€29.00 - roundtrip taxi from our ibis lodging to Sacré-Cœur, split amongst two people
€8.86 - roundtrip train to and from the Palace of Versailles
€9.00 - little train ticket to get around the Palace of Versailles
€34.53 - roundtrip taxi from our ibis lodging to Le Relais de l'Entrecôte, split amongst two people
Food and Drink
$39.61 - rum flower baba, croissant, latte, and sparkling water from Cédric Grolet Opéra
$31.40 - croque monsieur and dark hot chocolate from Café de Flore
$31.22 - fondue course from Le Refuge des Fondus
$27.40 - cappuccino, papillote, and hot chocolate from Angelina
$13.38 - berrichon and Coca-Cola from the Galeries Lafayette food court on Champs-Élysées
$29.97 - appetizer and entrée set menu from La Maison Rose
$11.70 - latte and cookie from Starbucks
$9.19 - two waters and Coca-Cola at the train station
€11.80 - ham, butter, and Emmental baguette sandwich plus Coca-Cola from the Grand Café d’Orléans
$76.42 - five-course Michelin guide tasting menu from Le Christine
Activities
$17.34 - entry to the Musée d'Orsay
$23.83 - entry to the Louvre
$16.25 - Bateaux Mouches Seine river cruise
$34.66 - passport entry to the Palace of Versailles
Souvenirs
€40 - black Baume des Muses from Officine Universelle Buly 1803
$464.58 - designer Arte sweater and Atelier Amelot tee from the Galeries Lafayette on Champs-Élysées
$6.00 - macaron from Ladurée
Lodging
$244.86 - three nights in the ibis Paris Gare Montparnasse Catalogne, split amongst two people
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 had planned to make these expensive purchases in advance so I’m keeping those line items in there. Otherwise, I did pretty well exploring the city for all it’s worth without spending my life’s savings along the way—which inevitably could happen in Paris!
On a tighter budget, avoid stepping into the Galeries Lafayette altogether since their offerings are very tempting, and you can definitely go without the Universelle Buly lip balm. We taxied frequently since my mother wasn’t comfortable with the metro, which inherently increased our overall expenses. That said, the museum and tour ticket prices were quite reasonable, and the high-quality set course meals were incredibly worthwhile for the amount of food we ate!
What to Wear in Paris?
Paris fashion screams sophistication, and class — embody haute couture like you’re walking in Fashion Week. Less is more and elegance is all in the details. Whether you’re strolling along the Seine or enjoying a cappuccino 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 easily transition from daytime sightseeing to evening dining, embodying the versatility Parisians are known for. Choosing neutral colors 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 mysterious glamour. Achieve a balanced and refined appearance without 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, and staple tanks
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
Discover where I purchased my pictured pieces with curated Paris spring outfit inspiration to help you pack your own romantic travel wardrobe!
Does Paris Deserve a Second Chance?
Now that I’ve had more than a rushed 6 hours visiting Paris during a transportation strike (find my 24-hours in Paris guide here!), I can most definitely say 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 visit, but even after spending 4 days there myself it hasn’t done much to sway my opinion of France as a destination in general.
While the art and opulent allure of Paris is quite charming, it’s hard to overlook the general grime of many public facilities. This well-known phenomena of the “Paris Effect” was so shocking for my mother as her first glimpse into Europe that we had to swear off the subway altogether!
That’s not to say these downsides negate all the wonderful things Paris has to offer, but after seeing the general order and cleanliness in Tokyo—the largest city on Earth—I no longer accept that cities are bound to be dirty! The surrounding environment does speak to the inherent French culture you’ll observe, as these revolutionaries are known for their nefarious plots like scheming to poop in the Seine after the mayor announced she’d be swimming in it!
Grit and grime aside, I ended up in Paris during a pretty frigid climate, packing only sundresses and light jackets for an end-of-April trip when everyone else 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, but alas I’ll have to wait until my next trip over!
My final musing speaks to the sprawling arrondissements, which in practice require a significant amount of time spent on foot, in a taxi, or on the metro. While sightseeing in any big city requires back and forth, I feel I would enjoy Paris more when puttering around a single area and taking in the overall ambiance at a relaxed pace. I can do so now that I have seen the notable sights a first-time visitor wants on their agenda, but it seems that’s where the real magic of Paris lies and why so many of my peers come 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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Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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