5 Days in Paris: Art, Food & the Seine

Day 1 explores the world's largest museum (Louvre), the Gothic Sainte-Chapelle, the newly-restored Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the literary landmark Shakespeare and Company, ending with dinner in the Latin Quarter.

Days 2 & 5 explore the Left Bank — the Musée d'Orsay's Impressionist masterpieces, iconic Saint-Germain cafés, the Panthéon, the Eiffel Tower summit, Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, and a sunset Seine cruise.

Day 3 takes you to Montmartre's hilltop Sacré-Cœur, the artists' square at Place du Tertre, the Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette's rooftop, and dinner at Rue Montorgueil.

Day 4 is a day trip to Versailles — the Palace's Hall of Mirrors and State Apartments, the formal gardens, the Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's hamlet, followed by dinner back in Paris.

The world's largest museum, home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. Book a timed-entry ticket online to bypass the main queue. Allow at least 3 hours to explore the Denon and Sully wings.

A stylish bistro directly across from the Louvre's Richelieu entrance. Known for its affordable lunch menu, excellent wine list, and cozy library-like atmosphere. Booking recommended.

A Gothic gem built by Louis IX, famous for its 15 breathtaking stained-glass windows that tower 15 meters high. Visit on a sunny day for the best light. Combined ticket with Conciergerie available.

France's most famous cathedral, reopened in 2024 after the devastating 2019 fire restoration. Admission is free. Admire the rebuilt spire, the grand organ, and the rose windows. Check entry time slots online.

The legendary English-language bookshop that has been a meeting place for writers since 1951. Browse the packed shelves, read the handwritten notes, and enjoy the cozy reading nook upstairs. Cash-only for some items.

The lively Place de la Contrescarpe area is packed with bistros. Try Le Petit Pontoise or Le Mistral for traditional French dishes like duck confit and steak frites. The streets buzz with students and musicians.

Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, this museum holds the world's largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces — Monet's water lilies, Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhône, Degas's dancers. Book timed tickets online.

One of Paris' most iconic cafés, once frequented by Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Hemingway. Order a croque-monsieur and café crème while people-watching on the famous red banquettes. Prices are premium — you're paying for history.

Paris' most beautiful public garden, laid out in 1612. Push the classic wooden sailboats on the Grand Bassin, admire the Medici Fountain grotto, and relax in the green chairs scattered around the grounds. Free entry.

The final resting place of France's greatest figures — Voltaire, Rousseau, Hugo, Zola, Curie, and more. The neoclassical dome and the Foucault pendulum inside are spectacular. Pay attention to the murals depicting the life of Saint Geneviève.

A legendary Art Deco brasserie dating to 1927, famous for its painted pillars, seafood platters, and bustling atmosphere. Great for groups — the platters of fruits de mer are meant to share. Book a table for the main hall experience.

The white-domed basilica perched atop Montmartre hill offers the best panoramic view of Paris. Free entry to the basilica; the dome climb (300 steps, €6) is worth it. Beware of bracelet scammers at the bottom of the stairs.

The artists' square where painters set up easels and sketch portraits. Wander the cobbled streets past the pink Maison Rose and the vineyard of Clos Montmartre. Perfect for souvenir sketches and café breaks.

A cozy Montmartre bistro serving hearty Southwestern French fare. Try the duck breast with honey or the cassoulet. The terrace on a quiet side street is lovely on a sunny afternoon.

Charles Garnier's masterpiece of Second Empire architecture, inspiration for The Phantom of the Opera. The Grand Staircase and the Chagall ceiling in the auditorium are breathtaking. Book a self-guided tour ticket in advance.

Free rooftop terrace with a stunning 360° view of Paris, including a close-up of the Opéra roof. Inside, the Art Nouveau stained-glass dome is a must-see. Great spot for photos without the Sacré-Cœur crowds.

A lively pedestrian market street lined with fromageries, bakeries, seafood bars, and bistros. Try L'Escargot Montorgueil for snails and classic French fare, or grab fresh oysters at one of the sidewalk stands.

Take the N or TER train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles-Chantiers (12 min). Alternatively, RER C from any Left Bank station to Versailles-Rive-Gauche (30 min). A round-trip ticket costs about €7. Validate your ticket at the machine before boarding.

The former seat of French royal power, built by Louis XIV. Book the Palace Passport ticket in advance to access the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and the gardens. Audio guide recommended. Arrive early to beat the crowds — the Hall of Mirrors gets packed by 11am.

Stroll the vast formal gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, with fountains, statues, and perfectly trimmed parterres. The Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette's hamlet (Hameau de la Reine) are a 20-min walk through the park — a peaceful escape from the palace crowds.

A charming bistro in the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower, run by chef Thierry Marx. The prix-fixe menu offers excellent value with seasonal French dishes. The wine list features natural and biodynamic options. Reserve ahead.

Paris' most iconic landmark. Book summit tickets online 2 months ahead — they sell out fast. The elevator to the summit (276m) gives unforgettable city views. On a clear day you can see up to 60km. Expect security screening and long queues even with pre-booked tickets.

A pedestrian market street full of food shops, fromageries, and cafés. Perfect for a relaxed lunch — grab a fresh baguette, cheese, and charcuterie for a picnic, or sit at Café du Marché for a plat du jour. The street is at its liveliest before 1pm.

Climb the 284 steps to the top of the Arc for one of the finest views down the Champs-Élysées. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier burns beneath the arch. Afterwards, stroll down the Champs-Élysées, stopping at Ladurée for macarons or the Grand Palais for its exhibitions.

A 1-hour Seine cruise at golden hour when the city lights begin to twinkle. See the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Louvre, and Orsay from the water. Vedettes du Pont Neuf and Bateaux Parisiens both offer audio-guided tours in multiple languages. Bring a light jacket — it gets cool on the water.

End the trip on the charming Île Saint-Louis, away from the crowds. Try La Tour d'Argent (Michelin-starred, book months ahead) or the more relaxed Le Flore en l'Île for French classics. The island's Berthillon ice cream is a must for dessert — the salted caramel is legendary.