6 Days in Paris Itinerary & Best Tips by a Local

11/18/20

What to see in Paris in 6 days? With 6 days in Paris, you’ve got plenty of time to see all the very best attractions at a very relaxing pace, get lost in the lesser-known districts of Paris, and explore other places nearby on a day trip.

If you’re planning to spend 6 days in Paris, this guide will help you. Follow this 6 days in Paris itinerary step by step or simply use it as inspiration to create your own itinerary. Whatever you decide to do, we are sure you’re going to spend a wonderful 6-day trip to Paris.

‘There’s nowhere that life feels more eternal, your dimwit youth more important, than Paris’ – Charles Finch

Paris 6 day Itinerary – Our Proposal for Paris in 6 Days

What to do in Paris in 6 days? Here’s an overview of the perfect Paris 6 day itinerary.

• Day 1 in Paris – Ile de la Cité and the Marais
• Day 2 in Paris – Louvre Museum and the Historical Axis of Paris
• Day 3 in Paris – Saint Germain des Prés and the Latin Quarter
• Day 4 in Paris – Day trip to Versailles
• Day 5 in Paris – Montmartre, and Canal Saint-Martin /Bassin de la Villette
• Day 6 in Paris – Orsay Museum, Pont Alexandre iii, and the Eiffel Tower

As you can see from the above, this 6 days in Paris itinerary is made up of 5 days visiting the French capital and a day trip out of Paris (we suggest Versailles). To really maximize your 6 day trip to Paris, each day of this itinerary is based on exploring a particular area of Paris or two areas that are close by. This minimizes your walking time between attractions as well as transportation costs.

Another option you may like to consider is to follow our 5 days in Paris itinerary (4 days on-site + a day trip to Versailles) and use the extra day for another day trip out of Paris.

This 6-day Paris itinerary comes with 5 different maps, one for each day spent in Paris and with our suggested points of interest.

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6 Days in Paris, Day 1: Ile de La Cité and Le Marais

Notre Dame | Ile de la Cité | Hotel de Ville | Le Marais

Paris is crossed by the River Seine, which divides the city into the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The small island in the center of the river is called Ile de la Cité and it will be the starting point of this Paris 6-day itinerary.

Ile de la Cité has an important concentration of beautiful medieval buildings. This is because, in medieval times, Ile de la Cité was the heart of Paris. It is here that the first Royal Palace stood as well as the city’s main religious and institutional buildings. As such it is not surprising that some of the best places to visit in Paris in 6 days are located on Ile de la Cité.

Click here to view this 6 days in Paris map, day 1 on Google

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NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL (FROM OUTSIDE)

Start this 6 days in Paris itinerary, at Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris), a jewel of Gothic Architecture built between the 13th and the 15th centuries. Since the terrible fire in April 2019, the cathedral is closed to the public but you still can admire its beautiful façade and follow its reconstruction works (there are some information panels with pictures).

Before leaving Notre Dame, be sure to find the plaque on the ground which indicates France’s km 0 point. From here all French roads (including French roads overseas) are measured from this point.

EXPLORE OTHER SIGHTS ON ILE DE LA CITÉ

Ile de la Cité was home to the Kings of France before moving to the Louvre Palace and you can also find some vestiges of the Roman times on the isle. Whilst strolling around Ile de la Cité, don’t miss the following sites:

• The Sainte Chapelle for the most beautiful stained windows
• The Archaeological Crypt with its Roman remains
• The Conciergerie, formerly the King of France’s palace
• Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris

Then head to Square du Vert Galant, a beautiful garden at the tip of the island for a picnic watching the boats sailing by. If the weather is not good, there are a couple of small restaurants at Place Dauphine.

HOTEL DE VILLE

Now leave the Ile de la Cité through Pont d’Arcole to visit the Marais. This area of Paris is perfect for simply wandering the streets, admiring the gorgeous buildings you pass, and stopping in at various art galleries or cafés you find along the way.

Before exploring this area, take the time to admire the Hotel de Ville, the City’s town hall, which is home to the city’s local administration since 1357. The former building, however, was burnt down during the Paris Commune in 1871 and the current facade is designed in neo-renaissance style.

LE MARAIS

This 6-day Paris itinerary continues at Le Marais, one of the most beautiful areas in all of Paris which occupies part of Paris 3 and Paris 4. Le Marais is well known for its elegant mansions, gorgeous hotels, art galleries, and quaint little cafés.

During your stroll around Le Marais, make sure you check out Place des Vosges, with its stunning architecture, and a beautiful central garden. We also recommend visiting the following sites:

• Carnevalet Museum, a beautiful private mansion turned into a museum showcasing the art and history of Paris.
• Centre Pompidou, for contemporary art lovers
• Village Saint-Paul, for its picturesque character in the middle of Paris
• Picasso Museum
• The Pletz, home to one of the most important Jewish communities in Paris.
• Cloître des Billettes, the only cloister from Middle Ages that we can still see in Paris
• Archives Nationales and Gardens

For the first dinner of your 6 days in Paris itinerary, you can stay at Le Marais. Le Marais has a good choice of restaurants and bistros so just choose the one that tempts you most.

6 Days in Paris, Day 2: Louvre Museum and the Historical Axis of Paris

Louvre Museum | Tuileries Garden | Place Vendôme | Concorde | Champs Elysées | Arc de Triomphe

Day 2 of this 6 days in Paris itinerary is all about exploring the sites along the Historical Axis of West Paris, from the Louvre Museum to the Arc de Triomphe. There will be a small detour to visit the elegant (and unmissable!) Place Vendôme.

Click here to view this 6 days in Paris map, day 2 on Google

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THE LOUVRE MUSEUM

Spend the morning visiting the Louvre Museum, the world’s best museum and a must of any trip to Paris. The Louvre was home to the French Kings until King Louis XIV moved the court to the Palace of Versailles.

While you visit Paris in 6 days, it is recommended that you spend around 2 hours here at the Louvre seeing the museum’s main artworks and the remains of the Louvre Palace. Have a look at our Louvre Museum Quick Guide to organize your time at the Louvre and get the most out of your visit.

THE TUILERIES GARDEN

From the Louvre take a short walk to the Tuileries Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. Here, you will find a couple of guinguettes selling drinks and quick eats for a lunch break.

The name of the garden comes from the tile factory (tuiles in French) which once stood where the gardens are now. Built in 1564 as the garden of the Tuileries Palace, this is the oldest (and one of the most beautiful) public gardens in Paris.

Stroll through the garden or – even better – join the Tuileries Garden Quest to learn more about this beautiful garden whilst having fun.

PLACE VENDÔME

From the Tuileries Gardens, leave through rue de Rivoli in the north and walk around 300m along rue Castiglione. Here you fill find Place Vendôme, considered to be one of the most elegant squares in Paris.

The Vendôme Column, right in the center of the square, was erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz. Around the column, the Hotel Ritz and luxury jewelry shops complete the decor.

PLACE DE LA CONCORDE AND CHAMPS ELYSÉES

Back to the Tuileries Garden, take the time to walk around Place de la Concorde. The current square was arranged in the 18th century to host an equestrian statue of King Louis XV to celebrate his recovery from a very bad illness. Years later, it was the witness of some of the most terrible chapters of the French Revolution, like the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette.

Don’t miss the Egyptian obelisk – the oldest monument in Paris – brought directly from Egypt! Today the obelisk is part of the biggest sundial in the city, you will find the marks on the pavement.

Now, walk along the Champs Elysées, the most famous avenue in Paris, and enjoy its atmosphere and window shops up to Arc de Triomphe.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon I to honor the Grande Armée, this triumphal arch 55m high is inspired by the arches of Roman times. It also houses the tomb of the unknown soldier whose flame is rekindled every evening.

Climb up to the top of Arc de Triomphe for a unique panorama of the Champs Élysées and beyond.

6 Days in Paris, Day 3: Saint-Germain-des-Prés & the Latin Quarter

Saint-Germain-des-Prés | Luxembourg Gardens | The Latin Quarter

Day 3 of this 6-day Paris itinerary will see you exploring the Seine’s Left Bank, more specifically the neighborhoods of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter.

Click here to view this 6 days in Paris map, day 3 on Google

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SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRES

Start with a coffee (+ people watching) in one of the neighborhood’s beautiful cafes, you will be spoilt for choice!

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Paris, very popular amongst tourists. It started out as a rural village in the 12th century that grew around the former Saint-Germain Abbey. 

After the second world war, this neighborhood became a common meeting place for intellectuals, and artists, who liked to discuss and debate in the beautiful cafes and bistros of the area. 

These days Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been deeply transformed due to the tourism industry and boutique hotels, art galleries and luxury shops have replaced the small printers, bookstores, and some cafes.

After the coffee, stroll around the neighborhood. We recommend visiting the following sites:

• Saint-Germain-de-Près Abbey
• Church of Saint-Sulpice
• Rimbaud’s poem “Bateau Ivre” painted on a wall near Saint-Sulpice

Once you’ve finished exploring Saint-Germain, take the short walk to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.

THE LUXEMBOURG GARDENS

The Luxembourg Gardens were commissioned by Queen Marie de Médicis (the widow of King Henri IV) in 1612 and they were inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, the Queen’s hometown. The gardens surround the Luxembourg Palace, and they are great to explore especially on sunny days.

Interesting things to see at Luxembourg Gardens include the pond in front of the Palace, the Médicis Fountain (considered one of the most romantic places in all of Paris), the Orangerie, the collection of sculptures of French Queens around the pond, a rose garden, and the greenhouses with an orchid collection. There’s also a playground for kids with a carousel.

Feeling hungry? Look for a beautiful spot for a sandwich on a bench or head to the Latin Quarter where there are plenty of restaurants and bistros.

THE LATIN QUARTER

The Latin Quarter is another popular area in Paris. While it is known as the center of university life in Paris, it’s also where the Roman City was born in IC AD.  It is believed that Lutetia’s Roman Forum, the center of religious and civil life during the Roman times, was located at current rue Soufflot while today’s rue Saint Jacques was the former Cardo Maximus and one of the two main streets in Roman times.

The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring this area, with an interesting combination of historical sights, lively squares, and streets, and plenty of cafés, small bookstores and independent cinemas proposing auteur films. Whilst strolling around the Latin Quarter, don’t miss the following sites:

• The Panthéon, with the tombs of the most notable citizens of France
• The Sorbonne University
• Cluny Museum, dedicated to Middle Ages
• Rue Mouffetard
• Place de la Contrescarpe
• Grande Mosquée de Paris
• Arènes de Lutèce, the Roman amphitheater (IAD)
• Jardin des Plantes, the main botanical garden in France
• Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, inside the Jardin des Plantes

NIGHT AT LE PARADIS LATIN

For the third night of this 6 days in Paris itinerary, we recommend a cabaret show with dinner at Le Paradis Latin, one of the top cabarets in Paris, and also the locals’ favorite. You can read more about their cabaret show here.

Alternatively, there are many small restaurants around Place de la Contrescarpe and rue Mouffetard.

6 Days in Paris, Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles

After three days of exploring Paris, it’s time to leave the city for a beautiful day in Versailles, west of Paris. Versailles is home to Château de Versailles, a jewel of French architecture and home to King Louis XIV, King Louis XV, and King Louis XVI until the French Revolution.

There’s a lot to see and do in Versailles so take the time to plan this day trip. To help with the organization, check out our Versailles Quick Guide which includes things like when to go, how to travel, what to see, and our best tips.

VERSAILLES PALACE AND GARDENS

The State of Versailles is spread out across more than 800 hectares, and it includes the Palace of Versailles and the Trianons.

The magnificent French-style Gardens of Versailles, around the Palace, are also interesting to see, with 200,000 trees, 50 fountains, and the Grand Canal, making it well worth a visit during your 6-day Paris itinerary.

6 Days in Paris, Day 5: Montmartre, Canal Saint-Martin & La Villette

One of the most pleasant things to do in Paris when the sun shines is a stroll around Montmartre or down the Parisian canals. Day 5 of this Paris in 6 days itinerary is going to cover both areas so forget museums and monuments for a day and put on your walking shoes.

Click here to view this 6 days in Paris map, day 5 on Google

MONTMARTRE

Day 5 starts exploring the neighborhood of Montmartre. Take the metro to the Anvers station (line 2) and then take rue Steinkerque up to Sacré Coeur.

For your stroll around Montmartre, we suggest following this Stories of Old Montmartre Walking Tour, starting from the Sacré Coeur, which explores the main sights of Montmartre whilst learning the history of this picturesque neighborhood.

If you want to go beyond the main sights, and you have the time, check out our Secret Map of Montmartre with our favorite spots off the beaten path.

For lunch, there are many boulangeries proposing sandwiches or quick eats to eat something on the go. If you prefer to take your time, check out the list of favorite restaurants in Montmartre.

BASSIN DE LA VILLETTE – CANAL SAINT-MARTIN

From Pigalle or Anvers metro stations, take the metro line 2 to Stalingrad for a stroll through the Bassin de la Villette or Canal Saint-Martin.

Where to go? Canal Saint-Martin is a cultural hub and one of the most popular places in Paris whilst Bassin de La Villette – Canal de l’Ourcq has a more local feeling, with more things to do along the canal.

A fun thing to do at Bassin de la Villette is to sail an electric boat along the canal (no license required), perhaps with a bottle of rosé wine onboard.

For dinner, both areas have some bar-restaurants for a casual dinner in the neighborhood.

6 Days in Paris, Day 6: Paris 8 and Paris 7

Orsay Museum | Alexander iii Bridge| Grand Palais & Petit Palais | Eiffel Tower | Seine River Cruise

On the 6th and final day of this Paris itinerary, you’ll take a closer look at some of the famous landmarks in the city, as well as spending some time admiring the brilliant architecture of the city’s buildings.

Click here to view this 6 days in Paris map, day 6 on Google

ORSAY MUSEUM

Start early in the morning with a visit to the Orsay Museum. This beautiful and interesting museum is set in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station which was built between 1898 and 1900.

The Orsay Museum holds mainly French art from the period 1848 to 1914 and includes artworks of Van Gogh, Gauguin, and the Impressionists. Even if you’re not into art galleries, a visit here is well worth it, just to see the train station which looks like a palace!

Click here to buy your Orsay Museum skip-the-line tickets

ALEXANDER III BRIDGE

After visiting Orsay, follow the Seine River to the west, to the Alexander iii Bridge. Built between 1896 and 1900, the Alexander iii bridge is said to be the most romantic bridge in all of Paris and it features Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and winged horses at either end.

As you walk across it, you’ll have brilliant views of the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the other side.

Even if day 6 is dedicated to the 7th district of Paris, both buildings deserve a little detour to the Seine’s Right bank.

GRAND PALAIS AND PETIT PALAIS

From the Alexandre iii Bridge, continue onto Grand Palais and Petit Palais to admire these two impressive buildings constructed for the World’s Fair of 1900.

The Grand Palais (on the left) is a large site that houses an exhibition hall and museum, recognizable by its large glass dome. Just in front of the Grand Palais is the Petit Palais, housing the City of Paris Museum of Fine Art.

If you did not have lunch yet, the Petit Palais is free to enter and it has a beautiful garden with a café perfect for enjoying a set menu or tea + cakes surrounded by beautiful decor.

THE EIFFEL TOWER

We have kept the Eiffel Tower for the last moment of this 6 days in Paris itinerary. Climb up to the Eiffel Tower to learn more about France’s most iconic monument and for an awesome view of Paris from above.

The Eiffel Tower lits up at night and it is truly magical. Did you know that while the Eiffel Tower is lit up, it sparkles for the first five minutes of every hour?

Remember to book your Eiffel Tower tickets well in advance! With only 6 days in Paris, it’s important to secure the date and time slot as soon as possible. The Eiffel Tower sells online tickets only 3 months in advance but with Get Your Guide you can secure your online tickets even earlier.

SEINE RIVER DINNER CRUISE

After your Eiffel Tower experience, what better way to finish off your Paris in 6 days in Paris than taking a dinner cruise down the River Seine. During this cruise, you will see many of the most famous Paris landmarks, magically illuminated, including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, and more.

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How to Get from and to the Airports of Paris

OPTION	TO	DURATION	PRICE	HOURS
Train Paris CDG Airport	Gare du Nord or Châtelet	30-40 min	10,3€	4.50 am – 11.50 pm
Welcome Pickups CDG Airport (Private transfer)	Your hotel	30-40 min	60€ approx	24/7
CDG Airport Shared transfer	Your hotel	60 min	18.75€ approx	24/7
Taxi CDG Airport	Your hotel	30-40 min	60€ approx	24/7
Orly Bus Paris ORY Airport	Denfert- Rochereau	30-40 min	9.5€	6 am – 0.30 am
Welcome Pickups ORY Airport (Private transfer)	Your hotel	30-40 min	50€ approx	24/7
ORY Airport Shared transfer	Your hotel	60 min	18.75€ approx	24/7
Taxi ORY Airport	Your hotel	30-40 min	50€ approx	24/7

Where to Sleep in Paris for 6 Days

Haven’t decided where to stay during your 6 days in Paris yet? Check out our hotel suggestions perfect for your 6-day Paris itinerary.

And there you have it a comprehensive Paris 6-day itinerary for your trip to Paris. Follow this 6 days in Paris itinerary step by step or change it up to suit your own individual preferences.

Click here to read more Paris Itineraries

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Have a look at our other Paris Itineraries

• 1 day in Paris Itinerary
• 2 days in Paris Itinerary
• 3 days in Paris Itinerary
• 4 days in Paris Itinerary
• 5 days in Pais itinerary

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