A Dreamy 4-Day Itinerary for Paris

Paris is one of my favorite places to visit and I am so grateful for my recent trip with my sisters. Visiting Paris takes you to iconic locations and enchanting cafes. From the Eiffel Tower, where you can relax on the lawn and enjoy the views, to the Louvre Museum, housing centuries of artistic masterpieces. As you explore the charming streets, be sure to take advantage of the city’s vibrant cafe culture. From the historic Café de Flore to the picturesque Le Consulat Café in Montmartre, these cafés offer the perfect setting to sip on a café au lait or enjoy delicious pastries. In Paris, each iconic landmark and every cafe has a story to tell, adding to the magic of this unforgettable city, and I’m so excited to share my 4-day itinerary for a long weekend in Paris.

Day 1: The Eiffel Tower

Morning:

• Arrive in Paris and settle in at your hotel or Airbnb. Whether you choose to stay at a hotel or an Airbnb, both options can offer a great experience. Here are three hotels we highly recommend based on location, price, and amenities:
  • Hôtel du Sentier
  • Hotel Ares Eiffel
  • Castille Paris – Starhotels Collezione

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Café de Flore: Step into a time capsule and savor a delicious meal at this historic establishment, known for its Parisian charm. If you are a fan of the Netflix series Emily in Paris, you will recognize this cafe from scenes in the show. I highly recommend the Aperol spritz here!
• Pont Alexandre III: Capture Instagram-worthy photos of the Eiffel Tower from the magnificent Pont Alexandre III bridge. The intricate details and breathtaking views make for the perfect location to view the Eiffel Tower.
• Rue Cler: Often described as the best market street in Paris, you can explore the stalls offering fresh produce, artisanal delights, and local specialties. I recommend visiting Laduree, Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse, La Fromagerie, and Les Grandes Caves for picnic essentials.

Evening:

• Champ de Mars wine & cheese picnic: Find a cozy spot in Champ de Mars, near the Eiffel Tower to enjoy your cheese, wine, and sweets that you picked up at Rue Cler. Unwind, enjoy the stunning views, and indulge in a leisurely picnic as the sun sets over the city.

Day 2: Art, Architecture, and Iconic Landmarks

Morning:

• Breakfast at Le Café Marly: Start your day at Le Café Marly, nestled in the courtyard of the Louvre. Enjoy breakfast while reveling in the view of the Louvre Pyramid.
• Louvre: After filling up at breakfast, immerse yourself in the world’s largest art museum and historic monument with masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Afternoon:

• Palais-Royal: Adjacent to the Louvre, discover the Palais-Royal with its black and white striped columns.
• Jardin des Tuileries: Next, wander through the charming French gardens of Jardin des Tuileries. Admire the meticulously sculpted hedges, fountains, and flowerbeds as you enjoy a break from the busy city streets.
• Coffee and Pastry at Angelina’s: Now that you have worked up an appetite again, indulge in a well-deserved break at Angelina’s, a renowned tearoom. Sip on their famous hot chocolate and savor amazing pastries in an elegant interior.
• Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe: Take a leisurely walk along the world-famous Champs Elysees, lined with luxury boutiques and cafes. At the avenue’s end you will find the Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Evening:

• Drinks at Peninsula Rooftop: A short walk from the Arc de Triomphe, experience a magical evening at the rooftop bar of the Peninsula Hotel. Sip on cocktails while enjoying breathtaking views of the city’s skyline with a great view of the Eiffel Tower. This is a great location to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.
• Dinner at Hotel Costes: Nestled in the heart of Paris, Hotel Costes exudes timeless elegance and refined luxury. The people watching and cocktails here are as good as the food!

Day 3: Exploring Montmartre and Delicious Treats

Morning:

• Breakfast at Carette: Begin your day with breakfast at Carette. This charming Parisian café offers a variety of pastries, croissants, and freshly brewed coffee to energize you for the day ahead. Carette is located across the street from the Trocadéro, which offers great views of the Eiffel Tower and there are no crowds in the early morning.
• Maison Fleuret Macarons Class: I absolutely LOVED this experience and highly recommend. They offer macarons and croissant baking classes with the opportunity to learn the secrets behind these delicate treats and try your hand at creating your own.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Pink Mama: Jump on the metro or call and Uber and head to lunch at Pink Mama, a trendy restaurant known for its vibrant ambiance and scrumptious Italian cuisine. I was not able to get a reservation online, but we showed up just after opening and did not need to wait long for a table.
• Walk past Moulin Rouge: From lunch, stroll past the iconic Moulin Rouge, the birthplace of the can-can dance. Admire the vibrant red windmill and soak in the atmosphere of the Pigalle neighborhood. We didn’t have time to see a show, but I hope to on my next trip.
• Walk around Montmartre: Explore the picturesque neighborhood of Montmartre. Walk through its charming streets, lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Don’t miss the iconic landmarks such as the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Place du Tertre and cafés such as, Café des Deux Moulins, Le Consulat Café, and La Maison Rose.

Evening:

• Boat Cruise: We’ve done two boat cruises and absolutely loved both. Here are our recommendations:
  • Champagne Cruise: This was another favorite from our trip! Experience the magic of Paris from the water with a champagne cruise along the Seine River. Admire the landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, as you toast to the beauty of the city.
  • Le Bateau Français: Picture this: a glass of champagne in your hand and Paris in front of you as you enjoy a private cruise along the Seine through the heart of Paris and the must-see’s, including the Eiffel Rower and Notre Dame. This is a great option if you’re looking to celebrate a special milestone or just treat yourself to an unforgettable experience.
• Dinner at La Fontaine de Mars: This was my favorite meal in Paris! From the moment we walked up to the beautiful exterior to the last bite of dessert, we loved every second of this experience. Located a few steps away from the Eiffel Tower, this is a great option if you are in that neighborhood.

Day 4: A Day of Gardens and Palaces

Morning:

• Jardin du Luxembourg: Start your day by finding a chair and relaxing at the Jardin du Luxembourg. Located in the heart of Paris, this expansive park offers lush greenery, picturesque gardens, and elegant statues.

Afternoon:

• Visit to Versailles: Embark on an afternoon trip to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, located just outside of Paris. Explore the opulent halls, intricately designed gardens, and awe-inspiring architecture that make this UNESCO World Heritage site a true marvel.

Evening:

• Dinner at Chez Janou: After a day of exploring Versailles, return to Paris. and end your day with an incredible Parisian dining experience at Chez Janou. Their legendary chocolate mousse—served from a giant bowl—is an absolute dream. The dessert gets all the hype, but the entrees are just as incredible. Plus, the staff made us feel right at home, even helping us navigate their French-only menu. We recommend asking your hotel concierge to book a table, as there is always a long wait.

Travel Tips

• Language: While many Parisians speak English, it’s helpful to learn a few basic French phrases as a courtesy. Greetings like “Bonjour” (Hello) and “Merci” (Thank you) can go a long way in creating a positive interaction.
• Currency: The official currency in France is the Euro (€). Ensure you have some Euros on hand for small purchases and places that may not accept cards. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawal, and credit/debit cards are accepted in most establishments.
• Transportation: Uber is a convenient option for getting around Paris, but it was not reliable while we were there. We had trouble finding an Uber and taxi on several occasions. Paris has a great metro system that is efficient and cost-effective for navigating the city and I recommend this option whenever possible.
• Plan Ahead: Paris is home to world-renowned museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. To avoid long queues, consider purchasing tickets online in advance or visiting during less crowded times. Also, check if any museums offer free entry on specific days.
• Tipping: In France, service charges are generally included in the bill. However, it’s common to leave a small additional tip, such as rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for exceptional service. Verify if a service charge is already included before tipping.

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– Karen