Are you planning a 7-day trip to Paris and looking for the finest things to do? Look no further! That’s approximately the appropriate length of time to spend there, however, I could have spent months there in the end without feeling bored. I am confident that you will fall in love with it within a week.
I’ve put up a detailed 7-day itinerary that will allow you to see the finest of this wonderful city. So put on your beret and let’s discover the delights of Paris!
Things you'll find in this article
- 7 Days In Paris: The Best Itinerary
- Best Season to Visit Paris for 7 Days
- Day 1: Arrival at Paris and the Eiffel Tower
- Day 2: Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, and Nearby Attractions
- Day 3: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica
- Day 4: Ile de la Cité and Le Marais
- Day 5: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
- Day 6: The Versailles
- Day 7: Musée d’Orsay and Seine River Cruise
- Where to Stay in Paris for a 7 Days Trip?
7 Days In Paris: The Best Itinerary
RELATED READ:
- 1 Day in Paris Itinerary
- 2 Days in Paris Itinerary
- 3 Days In Paris Itinerary
- 4 Days in Paris Itinerary
- 5 Days in Paris Itinerary
- 6 Days in Paris Itinerary
Best Season to Visit Paris for 7 Days
A 7-day journey to this enthralling metropolis is a dream come true, but one important factor to consider is the season you arrive. Each season adds its own specific enchantment to Paris, adding to the experience in its own way.
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, seven days will give you plenty of time to explore the city’s biggest attractions, especially because several sites and museums are off limits on Mondays and Tuesdays, see lesser-known jewels, and even embark on a day excursion.
June to August, as well as September to October, are the finest months to visit Paris. Summer and fall both have their periods of highs and lows. Paris has nearly beautiful weather from June through August.
Day 1: Arrival at Paris and the Eiffel Tower
The Arrival
The excitement of discovering Paris, a city rich in history and culture, is almost palpable. After passing customs and retrieving your bags, proceed to your selected lodging to freshen up before seeing the city’s delights.
Make your way to one of the airport eateries for breakfast because you’ll need the energy for the exciting journey that awaits you.
The Eiffel Tower
Once you’ve settled down, travel directly to one of the world’s most renowned sites, the Eiffel Tower. Built for the World Expo in 1889, it is 324 meters tall and was France’s highest structure until 2004. At 276 meters, it is now Europe’s highest man-made observation platform.
As you move closer to the Eiffel Tower, its magnificence is even more impressive. The complex design and wrought-iron latticework stand out against the Parisian cityscape.
Keep in mind that tickets to view the Eiffel Tower must be purchased ahead. I suggest getting there early and staying for at least two hours.
Where to eat near the Eiffel Tower? People who adore French food will appreciate the Madame Brasserie, which serves superb French delicacies. Here’s a tip: if your budget permits, pay a bit more and get the tables directly near the window; it’s well worth it!
Champ de Mars
Tourists enjoy going to Champ de Mars on weekends or special occasions to have a picnic or simply spend time with their families.
You may take a leisurely stroll in the adjacent Champ de Mars, a lush green park that provides an excellent vantage point for admiring the spectacular edifice. Do you want to hear some good news? It’s completely free! I suggest spending only 3-4 hours of your time here.
Eiffel Tower Light Show
The Eiffel Tower becomes even more stunning when the sun sets over Paris. Stay until dark to see the enchantment of the Eiffel Tower’s spectacular light show.
Every evening, an hour after sunset, the tower is decked with hundreds of brilliant lights that shine against the night sky for around 10 minutes. It’s a very amazing experience, and it’s the ideal way to begin your Parisian vacation.
After the spectacular light display, you may dine at one of the surrounding restaurants on delectable French or Italian food.
If you want to eat Italian food for dinner, Chez Pippo, which is only a 4-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, is an excellent option. Pair your dinner with a nice French wine, and save room for dessert.
Day 2: Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, and Nearby Attractions
Louvre Museum
The Louvre houses about 500,000 items of art. 35,000 of them are on exhibit at any given moment. This wonderful museum is the most significant monument of France’s cultural impact over the centuries.
Simply said, this is the finest art collection you’ll ever view. Leonardo da Vinci, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and many other artists’ works await you in this remarkable and magnificent setting.
The primary Louvre entry is the Pei Pyramid entry. Visitors with passes, those holding a Paris Museum Pass or participation card, and even those without tickets should use this entry. Visitors with disabilities and staff members with priority access can also enter through this door.
In general, a regular visit to the Louvre Museum to acquire an overview of its holdings lasts between 2 and 3 hours on average.
Lunch at Café Richelieu
Eat supper at Café Richelieu, which is only a 7-minute walk from the Louvre Museum. This lovely café serves a variety of tasty French cuisine and pleasant beverages, and it provides the ideal setting for you to recover before continuing your trip.
Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries Gardens were named after the tile workshops that were once located on the location where Queen Catherine de Medici constructed the Palais des Tuileries.
A stroll across this garden takes about 35 minutes on average and is considered an easy path. The Tuileries Garden’s hours of operation change from season to season. Remember to double-check them before you arrive. All year long, admission is free.
For Parisians and visitors alike, the gardens that divide the Louvre from the Spot de la Concorde are a delightful spot for strolling and culture. I recommend that you spend 3-4 hours here.
As the sun begins to drop, continue your tour by visiting some local sights that enhance our Parisian experience.
Place de la Concorde
The beautiful Place de la Concorde is just a short walk from the Tuileries Garden. This historic square was previously the location of public death sentences during the French Revolution.
It is now ornamented with an old Egyptian obelisk and encircled by lovely fountains. Place de la Concorde is a large public area in Paris where many significant events in French history occurred. Try spending 1-2 hours of your visit here.
Finish your day on a high note with a delightful French lunch at L’Ecrin. The atmosphere is small, and every member of staff is welcoming and responsive to visitors’ needs.
Day 3: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Montmartre
Montmartre is one Parisian neighborhood that you can’t get enough of. Because of the numerous cobblestone streets, tiny small cafés left, right, and center, and genuine vintage boutiques where you may get lost for hours.
Your first destination will be Place du Tertre, where the ghosts of Picasso and Renoir have roamed. Artists are constantly painting caricatures as well as portraits for pedestrians in the area. Make your own sketch as a beautiful souvenir of this artistic refuge.
Then, proceed to the Sacré-Coeur Funicular, a pleasant cable car journey that will take you up the hill to the magnificent Sacré-Cur Basilica. The voyage provides breathtaking views of the city, and you’ll be surrounded by a mix of visitors and locals on their way to work.
It is one of Paris’s finest tourist locations, and it is simple to understand why once you arrive! I recommend that you spend 3-4 hours here.
Wondering where to eat lunch at Montmartre? Don’t worry, this place is host to a spectacular range of cuisines. La Bonne Franquette offers French and European and they also have vegetarian options.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Take in the breathtaking Sacré-Coeur Basilica, positioned atop Montmartre’s highest point. The breathtaking white domes and complex architecture will take your breath away.
Take time to appreciate the panoramic views of Paris that stretch out in front of you – a captivating combination of huge boulevards, lovely rooftops, and historic buildings.
Ornate mosaics and exquisite stained glass windows representing various biblical events embellish the inside. While there is no explicit dress code for entering the Sacré-Coeur, visitors are advised to dress appropriately.
This typically implies that shoulders must be covered, caps must be removed, and shorts, dresses, and skirts must have hems that fall below the knees.
Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge, as befitting a temple focused on music and dance, exhibited the abilities of the era’s most famous dancers. Finish your day with a delicious meal at Le Lamarck, which serves French and European cuisine.
Day 4: Ile de la Cité and Le Marais
Île de la Cité
Begin your day by visiting Île de la Cité, a historical island in the Seine River that is considered Paris’ birthplace. This little island is steeped in history and home to some of the city’s most revered attractions. I recommend getting there early to beat the crowds.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The breathtaking Notre Dame Cathedral is your first visit. The stunning Gothic building will take your breath away while you approach. Take your time admiring the elaborate façade, which has statues and gargoyles that appear to come to life.
Step inside when the cathedral’s doors are open to see the interior’s magnificence, which includes the majestic rose windows and the famed organ. I suggest spending 2-3 hours here.
Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle, a marvel of Gothic architecture, is just a short walk from Notre Dame. The beautiful stained glass windows portray biblical events and throw a captivating kaleidoscope of hues over the inside of this gorgeous church.
Looking for a place to have lunch near Sainte-Chapelle? Bistro des Augustins serves French and European food and is within a 6-minute walk from Sainte-Chapelle.
Make careful to tour both levels, since the higher chapel has the best views. I recommend that you spend at least 1-2 hours here.
Le Marais
Travel to the bustling Le Marais neighborhood after a morning immersed in history. This diverse area smoothly merges the old and the contemporary, with quaint tiny lanes lined with centuries-old buildings coexisting with fashionable boutiques, art galleries, and elegant cafés. It’s a haven for fashionistas and creative types.
Rue des Archives
The Rue des Archives represents one of the most visible instances of how the streets of Le Marais have successfully blended old and modern cultures.
The Rue des Archives exhibits the consequences of gentrification on Le Marais by housing several luxury boutiques such as Gucci beside old houses. I recommend that you spend 1-2 hours here.
Le Marais comes alive around midnight for those looking for additional nightlife. Investigate the hip clubs, cocktail lounges, and live music venues. From vintage jazz to techno sounds, the district has something for everyone.
Day 5: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
Let’s start your day off well with a delicious French breakfast. Savor freshly made croissants and a flawlessly prepared café au lait in a beautiful Parisian café. The lovely Parisian ambiance will set in as the fragrance of coffee and pastries wafts about you.
Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is a stunningly magnificent avenue, like something out of a postcard. This ancient road extends over 2 kilometers from Place de la Concorde to the grandiose Arc de Triomphe.
The diversity and range of stores along the Champs-Élysées will delight any shopper. Everyone will find something they enjoy. Prepare for a terrific shopping day. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry: there are lots of inexpensive ready-to-wear and sporting labels on the avenue.
If you enjoy watching movies, the Boulevard is lined with movie theaters. In reality, it is the boulevard in Paris with the most theaters, including ‘historic’ halls. Try spending 2-3 hours of your visit here.
Jardin des Champs-Élysées
Midday, escape the rush and bustle of the Champs-Élysées and enter the tranquil Jardin des Champs-Élysées. This magnificent garden, located at the lower end of the road, provides an ideal getaway from the city’s bustle.
Take a stroll through lush vegetation, aromatic flowers, and magnificent sculptures. Find a shady location to sit and have a picnic, or simply relax in this green haven. I recommend visiting this place for 1-2 hours before lunch.
Lunch at L’Orangerie
It’s time for a delicious meal! Savor traditional French meals at a historic Parisian brasserie.
L’Orangerie, which has one Michelin star, provides a fresh gastronomic experience in a bright atmosphere. The cuisine is light, well-balanced, and inventive, with a focus on plant- and fish-based meals as well as dairy products.
Arc de Triomphe
With our energy restored, it’s time for the day’s main attraction: the magnificent Arc de Triomphe. Return along the Champs-Élysées until you reach the magnificent monument.
As you stand in front of this magnificent arch, you can’t help but be struck by its magnificence and historical significance. The Arc de Triomphe, built to memorialize those who sacrificed themselves for France throughout the Napoleonic Wars, rises towering as a symbol of national pride. Spend at least 3-4 hours here.
Dinner at Cafe de Paris Friedland
Cafe de Paris Friedland is ideal for individuals who enjoy a mix of French, Bar, Cafe, and European cuisine. The meal and wine were both delicious! Even if it’s only for a coffee, wine, or dessert, you should definitely stop by.
Evening Stroll
After dinner, go for a leisurely evening stroll across the Seine or through Paris’ lovely streets. As the lights highlight the buildings, the city changes into a beautiful fantasy, creating a fascinating mood.
Take a minute to contemplate the beauty and wonder of this city that has grabbed the hearts of so many as the stars glitter above you.
Day 6: The Versailles
Château de Versailles
After a substantial French breakfast at your accommodation, we’ll board a train from Paris to the magnificent Château of Versailles.
From 1682 till the French Revolution, the palace functioned as the political headquarters of the French monarchy and is an icon of royal elegance to this day.
The core of the Versailles Estate is the Château de Versailles. The Palace of Versailles, one of France’s most magnificent castles, comprises two stories, the garden floor and the first floor, with a total of 2,300 rooms. Try spending 2-3 hours of your visit here.
Gardens of Versailles
The Versailles Gardens encircle the Château on three sides and are embellished with fountains, channels, sculptures, colonnades, and there’s even an obelisk.
They present lovely music and water displays from April through October, and admission is charged. From November to March, entry is free, however, some grooves are blocked. I recommend spending 2-3 hours here if you want to learn more about these beautiful gardens.
Ore Ducasse
There is an inviting atmosphere for everyone, with a special “Princess & Princesses” selection for the smallest guests, and a nutritious, appetizing sandwich with roast fowl, courgette, eggplant, and basil for those in a hurry.
Early risers are also welcome for a full breakfast, which is ideal for those who want to be the first to arrive at the palace in the morning.
The Estate of Trianon
Continue your journey in the afternoon by visiting the Estate of Trianon, a secluded royal retreat apart from the grandeur and formality of the main palace.
The Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon pavilions, the Queen’s Hamlet, and several decorative gardens are all located on the Estate of Trianon.
Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet, a lovely village-like refuge that the queen utilized to escape the rigors of court life lies adjacent to the Petit Trianon. I recommend that you spend 3-4 hours here.
Versailles Fountains Night Show
Throughout the Fountains Night Show, the Versailles Gardens are turned into a stunning visual and musical spectacle.
Stroll around the grounds, which have been attractively lighted, with fountains and grooves showing water to the sound of music.
After your stroll, dine at a wonderful restaurant such as Gordon Ramsay au Trianon, which serves French, European, and International cuisines that you will undoubtedly like.
Day 7: Musée d’Orsay and Seine River Cruise
As the final day of our 7-day Parisian tour approaches, embark on a voyage to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural past, beginning with a visit to the Musée d’Orsay and ending with a tranquil Seine River Cruise.
Musée d’Orsay
The museum, a significant center for Western art, houses a remarkable collection of paintings, photos, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning from the mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth century.
The paintings of the Orsay Museum were made by some of the world’s finest painters, including Vincent Van Gogh, Edouard Manet, Georges Lemmen, Edgar Degas, Gustave Moreau, Pissarro, and Renoir.
On the first Sunday of each month, all visitors are admitted free of charge to the museum. I recommend that you spend at least 2-3 hours here.
Lunch at Les Climats
As you lose yourself in the splendor of art, the morning slips away, and before we realize it, our tummies indicate that it’s time for a French gastronomic adventure.
At Les Climats, enjoy a lovely meal of classic French cuisine complemented by a glass of great wine.
The Seine River Cruise
After you’ve satiated your hunger, make your way to the Seine River, where a relaxing sail over its tranquil waters awaits you. The Seine River runs through the heart of Paris, and a river cruise provides a unique perspective of the city’s most famous buildings.
As you board the boat, you’ll be in the ideal position to observe the Eiffel Tower, which stands towering and grand against the Parisian cityscape.
The boat slowly cruises down the Seine, showing the Louvre Museum and the city’s lovely bridges.
The educated onboard guide tells intriguing anecdotes and historical facts about each monument, increasing your experience and deepening your relationship with this charming city.
On your final night in Paris, dine at Boutary, one of the most well-known restaurants along the Seine River. You’ll enjoy a fantastic meal on your final night in Paris. The service was attentive, pleasant, and accommodating to your dietary requirements.
Where to Stay in Paris for a 7 Days Trip?
With a 7-day vacation planned, selecting the best place to stay in Paris is critical to making the most of your visit. Zoku Paris is an ecological aparthotel in Paris, 3.1 kilometers from the Arc de Triomphe.
This motel has a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and an elevator, as well as free WiFi throughout the property. The price begins at $146.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.