4 Days In Paris: The Best Itinerary

Welcome to the City of Love, Paris! Going to this picturesque city is like entering a romance novel.

With its renowned attractions, charming districts, and delectable cuisine, Paris promises an unforgettable experience.

Join me as I lead you through a four-day itinerary filled with hidden gems and must-see attractions that will enchant you.

4 Days In Paris: The Best Itinerary

RELATED READ:

• 1 Day in Paris Itinerary
• 2 Days in Paris Itinerary
• 3 Days In Paris Itinerary
• 5 Days in Paris Itinerary
• 6 Days in Paris Itinerary
• 7 Days in Paris Itinerary

Best Season to Explore Paris for 4 Days

This is an old cliche, but it’s true: Paris is lovely all year round. This lovely city constantly glows, whether decked out in brilliant Christmas decorations, garlanded in spring blooms, or gleaming beneath fall showers.

Summer is the busiest season for traveling, with people coming from every part of the globe to enjoy the city’s beautiful weather, festivals, and recreational pursuits. Although summer is your best bet for sunshine, you’ll have to deal with people.

The city should be avoided in August, as many Parisians escape the suffocating heat by heading to the beach or the mountains.

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Paris

We kick off our adventure by immersing ourselves in the heart of Paris. Start the day by visiting the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, where Gothic grandeur meets breathtaking architecture.

Notre Dame Cathedral

The Cathedral of Notre Dame is arguably most recognized for its connection to the tale of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, which has inspired several cartoons and films.

I recommend allotting 1-2 hours to visit Notre Dame, mainly to take in the spectacular stained glass windows. You may take photographs inside, but no flash or tripods are permitted.

Read More: Interesting Facts About Notre Dame De Paris

Le Marais

Following that, with only 16 minutes of walking from the Notre Dame Cathedral, you can stroll around the attractive streets of Le Marais, a historic neighborhood filled with tiny boutiques, museums, and attractive cafes.

Wanna go shopping? The Marais is a fantastic shopping district. Larger name stores line the Rue de Rivoli.

If you stay in the Rue Vieille du Temple neighborhood, you will find more unusual boutiques, ranging from bespoke perfumeries to charming stylish clothing stores.

I recommend spending at least 3 hours exploring Le Marais and trying to relax in its bustling atmosphere.

Don’t forget to dine at a good restaurant. Café Charlot is the ideal local brasserie for all of your dining needs.

Plan on having coffee and writing, seeing a buddy for lunch or an aperitif, and eating lunch. The waitresses are always kind, and the food is delicious.

Louvre Museum

Then, proceed to the renowned Louvre Museum, which houses hundreds of artworks, which include the enigmatic Mona Lisa. Enjoy the museum’s stunning grounds as well as the extensive inventory of art and sculpture.

The biggest painting in the Louvre Museum is Véronèse’s Les Noces de Cana, a six-meter-tall by ten-meter-wide canvas that spans one whole wall of the Louvre exhibit from ground to ceiling. It was originally designed to embellish the Venetian monastery’s refectory.

In general, a regular visit to the Louvre Museum to acquire an overview of its holdings lasts between 2 and 3 hours on average.

Read More: Louvre Museum: History And All The Things You Need To Know

Seine River

As the sun sets, drive 1 hour and 6 minutes to the Seine River for an intimate boat excursion. While enjoying a great dinner on board, take in the lit sights including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Pyramid.

At Bateaux Parisiens, I enjoyed the beautiful and sophisticated classic French food, freshly cooked on board each day using seasonal ingredients. A cuisine that emphasizes flavor and appreciation for the natural tastes of the foods utilized.

Every food served on our cruises is enhanced by excellent culinary expertise and beautiful presentation.

Seine

End the day with a stroll down the Seine, soaking in the allure of the city at night. With its magnificently lighted bridges, riverside attractions, and gorgeous reflections on the water’s surface, Seine Paris at night provides a mesmerizing ambiance.

Spend at least one to two and a half hours touring the area. The length of your Seine River trip is determined by the type of trip you select. You have the choice of taking a sightseeing cruise or an evening cruise.

Day 2: Montmartre and Hidden Gems

Day two brings us to Montmartre, a bohemian area noted for its creative legacy and breathtaking views.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Begin by seeing the renowned Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Explore the lovely streets dotted with colorful residences, art studios, and little cafés.

When you enter the Sacré-Coeur, you’ll see that the building is shaped like a Greek cross with four domes. This gorgeous location’s light and features will captivate you.

I suggest taking at least 2 hours for the Sacre Coeur. Be extra cautious when venturing outdoors and walking into the city, as pick-pockets abound. Do not go up or down the garden; instead, use the steps beside the lift or the lift.

Read More: Interesting Facts About Sacré-Coeur

Musée de Montmartre

Immerse yourself in the creative ambiance of the Musée de Montmartre, which shows the works of great artists including Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec, only a 2-minute walk from Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

This museum may not be as popular as others in Paris, but it is worth a visit. It is a tranquil environment with excellent garden spaces, away from the rush and activity of Painters Square but close to the Basilica.

Keep in mind that Montmartre is an elevated region with several steps connecting the lowest streets near Sacré-Coeur. Take it leisurely, maybe with a wine breather on the way.

The museum is open daily until 7 p.m. and I recommend spending 1 hour and 30 minutes in this lovely setting.

After exploring the lovely Musée de Montmartre, stop by La Maison Rose for a quick lunch. Located on a cobblestone road behind the magnificent Sacré-Coeur Basilica amid the maze of streets.

Cuisine with French and Italian elements. Lunch is served from noon to 4 p.m. It’s a lovely restaurant, and there will be plenty of photographers there.

Le Clos Montmartre

Wander around Le Clos Montmartre’s secret vineyard and have a glass of the region’s wine. Both white and red grape varietals are grown in the vineyard. Red wine is made from red grapes, whereas white grapes can be utilized to produce rosé wine.

The grapes in Montmartre were the only vineyard in Paris to have marbling on their leaves due to their exceptional location on a hillside receiving lots of natural light. I would recommend setting around 2 hours and 30 minutes for this task.

Galerie Montmartre

The red-fronted Galerie Montmartre is in the renowned and ideal position of Place du Tertre in Paris, France. The collection’s average visit time is roughly 45 minutes.

The gallery promotes an interdisciplinary program emphasizing contemporary art, covering sculpting and painting, and exhibits both new and recognized international artists.

Arman, Michel Bassompierre, François Bel, Stéphane Braud, and Gil Bruvel are among the artists represented. Arman produced unique sculptures out of collected waste, inspired by the Dada movement.

He began showing odd assortments of waste in glass boxes nicknamed “Poubelles” in the mid-twentieth century.

Pigalle District

Explore Paris’s dynamic nightlife in the bustling Pigalle area in the evening. This neighborhood is located near the Place Pigalle, directly below the Butte de Montmartre.

If you prefer to use the subway, take Line 2 to Pigalle and get off at the Pigalle stop.If you prefer to take the bus, take line 54 to the Pigalle bus station.

It is hard to visit Pigalle without seeing one of its spectacular shows. You’ll witness the stunning Moulin Rouge dancers in their sparkling and feathery attire.

Let the bohemian spirit of Montmartre captivate your senses. I would recommend spending 3-4 hours touring this district because there is so much to see.

To round up the day, go to Le Bouillon Pigalle for dinner. Really good classic French meals at a reasonable price. I would strongly advise making a reservation because it becomes packed in the evening.

Day 3: Versailles and Charming Gardens

Today, you’ll explore Paris’ rich side by visiting royal homes and magnificent gardens. Begin your day by seeing the famous Palace of Versailles, which is only a short train trip (less than 1 hour) from the city center.

Palace of Versailles

We begin with Versailles’ main gem, the majestic palace. A magnificent example of French traditional baroque and unquestionably an attraction not to be missed.

By downloading the app for free that contains all of the Versailles-related audio tours in 11 different languages, you may bypass the wait for the audio guide at the palace.

I certainly stayed in every room for 15-25 minutes, taking in all of the intriguing information presented in the audio guide and comparing it to what I observed.

To prevent surprises with the schedules, bear in mind that you will have to pass through a checkpoint at the time of admission.

Gardens of Versailles

The gardens, which comprise 2,000 acres of land and are filled with sculptures, rare flowers, and greenery, have been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site, so its perfectly groomed lawns and big fountains remain in good condition.

Plan your visit during the summer when water displays are done every evening. I recommend spending at least two hours in this garden to truly appreciate its splendor.

Grand Trianon

Another popular site in Versailles is the Grand Trianon. It is a miniature counterpart of the main palace that is located around the palace grounds. It is now available to the public, who may explore its numerous rooms packed with period art and antiquities.

To appreciate the Grand Trianon, I recommend spending at least 2 to 3 hours there. You won’t have to worry about where to eat in Versailles because there are several wonderful eateries around.

Brasserie de la Girandole is a tranquil haven amid the shaded trees of Versailles Park. I liked their burgers and steaks, and you should as well!

Hall of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors in Versailles functioned as a daily meeting place for the emperor and queen, whose chambers were connected by a tunnel.

If you are traveling alone, I recommend spending 40 minutes to 60 minutes exploring the magnificent 240-foot hall of mirrors.

Le Petit Trianon

The Petit Trianon, located within the Grand Trianon’s park, was built almost a century following its predecessor. The Petit Trianon later served as a sanctuary for Monarch Marie Antoinette, who utilized it to escape her courtly obligations.

The Petit Trianon, which is flanked by four attractive and distinct gardens, is distinguished by its wooden design and massive marble columns.

The Petit Trianon is worth a visit since it provides insight into the private life of French monarchs away from the court. Allow at least 3 hours to thoroughly appreciate it.

The Royal Opera

The Royal Opera is located within the Palace of Versailles. If you enjoy music and architecture, the Royal Opera House is a must-see.

If you want to view the Opera House without going to a performance, you may join a guided VIP tour within the palace grounds, which offers access to locations that are normally off-limits, such as the Royal Chapel as well as Royal Quarters.

To appreciate the music and architectural elements of the Royal Opera, I recommend spending at least 90 minutes visiting it.

Finish your day with a combination of cuisine and art at Le Pincemin. It was a fantastic meal and one of the greatest restaurant visits I had on my trip.

Day 4: Seine River Banks and Cultural Treasures

On the final day of our trip, visit the cultural gems along the banks of the Seine River. Begin by visiting the Musée d’Orsay, which is situated in a wonderfully renovated Beaux-Arts train station.

Musée d’Orsay

The Orsay Museum, situated on the left side of the Seine, counts among Paris’s major museums. It is most renowned for its extensive inventory of impressionist works by Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, and other painters.

The Orsay Museum has around 6,000 works of art, approximately 3,000 of which are on permanent exhibit. I recommend that you spend between 2 and 4 hours on your stay.

I recommend going on a Wednesday or Friday if you want to go. During this period, there will be fewer people.

Read More: Interesting Facts about Musée d’Orsay

Latin Quarter

Cross the Seine to see the Latin Quarter, a literary and bohemian hotspot. Wander through the small ancient lanes and absorb the bustling ambiance of the area.

The Latin Quarter in Paris is a lovely region to visit. When you explore Paris, you are going to want to spend some time here. You’ll need at least 2-3 hours to thoroughly appreciate the area.

The Latin Quarter is at the heart of everything old and beautiful about Paris. With sidewalk cafés and grand buildings, it’s also vibrant and appealing.

Chez Gladines is a great place for a quick lunch. They specialize in Southwestern French cuisine with a Basque twist, so anticipate more dishes with duck. The restaurant provides a comfortable and casual atmosphere, as well as ample quantities.

Seine Bridges

As the Seine snakes through its course into the center of Paris, over a dozen bridges interconnect the river’s left and right banks.

Each has its distinct history and distinctive characteristics, but three, in particular, stand out: Pont Neuf, Pont Alexandre III, and Pont des Arts.

The bridges are best visited between 5 and 7 p.m. The end-to-end tour of the bridge takes around 2 hours.

Seine River Cruise

Finish your Parisian experience with a calm Seine river boat. While sipping champagne, take in architectural marvels like the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower from a new viewpoint. Allow the magnificence of Paris to bloom in front of you one last time.

Where to Stay in Paris

When planning your vacation to this lovely city, selecting the ideal place to stay is critical to making the most of your trip.

The Hidden Hotel is 450 meters away from the Arc de Triomphe in downtown Paris. It has trendy décor made from natural materials. The starting price is $226.42.

Conclusion

Paris, with its ageless beauty, rich history, as well as romantic charm, provides guests with a unique experience. This four-day itinerary gives you a look into the enchanted world of Paris, allowing you to discover hidden jewels as well as recognizable sites.

Prepare to be enchanted by the city’s beauty, art, and gastronomic pleasures, and to make memories to last a lifetime. Paris is beckoning, so take the plunge and let its enchantment envelop you.