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08/28/21
How to Spend a Week in Paris
Looking to spend a week in Paris? We can help! Check out our Paris itinerary for the best recommendations and tips on how to see the best of Paris in 7 days. This one-week in Paris itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors as it covers the key tourist attractions in Paris, plus a day trip.
Paris can be really daunting because there is literally so much to see and do. Sometimes this can be overwhelming, so it is good to have a plan. These are our recommendations for things to do for 7 days in Paris.
Paris 7 day Itinerary – Our Proposal for Paris in One Week
- 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 – The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés
- Day 4 in Paris – Day trip to Versailles
- Day 5 in Paris – Canal Saint-Martin /Bassin de la Villette and Montmartre
- Day 6 in Paris – Palais Royal, Opera, Grands Boulevards
- Day 7 in Paris – Orsay Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Seine River boat tour
Where to Stay in Paris
When it comes to where to stay in Paris, there is no one right answer; it very much depends on the sort of trip you are planning. Check out our suggestions on the best districts to stay in Paris, or browse the map here below.
How to Get Around Paris
How to Get to/from 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 |
Your hotel | 30-40 min | 60€ approx | 24/7 | |
Your hotel | 60 min | 25€ 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 |
Your hotel | 30-40 min | 50€ approx | 24/7 | |
Your hotel | 60 min | 15€ approx | 24/7 | |
Taxi ORY Airport | Your hotel | 30-40 min | 50€ approx | 24/7 |
Once you are in Paris, the easiest way to get around is via the metro. Check out this Metro of Paris guide, with all the information, different types of tickets, and our best tips.
Our Budget Tip for One Week in Paris
The Paris Museum Pass is one of the best deals you can find out there! If you want to visit Paris’ main attractions on a budget, look no further. Once purchased, the pass allows you to freely explore Paris without worrying about the costs of individual attractions! You can buy this pass for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days.
7 Days in Paris, Day 1 – Ile de la Cité and the Marais
On day 1 of this Paris itinerary 7 days you will be visiting:
- Notre Dame Cathedral (from outside)
- Sainte Chapelle
- Conciergerie
- Marché aux Fleurs
- Place Dauphine – Square du Vert Galant
- Place des Vosges
- Musée Carnevalet
DAY 1 – MORNING
You have arrived in Paris, and you are ready to explore! Where to begin? Start your trip exploring Ile de la Cité, the biggest island on the Seine River, and Paris’ beating heart.
In Medieval times, Ile de la Cité was the center of Paris, home to the royal palace and the main religious and institutional buildings. As such, you will find interesting medieval sites like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, or the Sainte Chapelle. It is simply not enough to see those landmarks from the outside – you need to be inside!
Follow the map and visit all the suggested sites or only the ones that interest you most. On the island’s western tip, the Square du Vert Galant is a good place for a quick picnic while watching the riverboats sail by.
DAY 1 – AFTERNOON
After the so much-needed lunch, cross the Seine River to the right bank through Pont Neuf, which is the oldest bridge in Paris. Then, you can take the metro line 1 from Châtelet to Saint Paul (2 stations) or walk along the quay to the east to Le Marais.
Le Marais, one of the most beautiful areas in all of Paris, well known for its elegant mansions, gorgeous hotels, art galleries, and quaint little cafés. Start the Marais walking tour from Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful royal squares in Paris and also the oldest. Then, be sure to visit the Village Saint Paul, and the Carnevalet Museum if you want to learn more about the history of Paris. Behind the museum, the tranquil Square George Caïn is the perfect place for a rest before dinner.
7 Days in Paris, Day 2 – Louvre Museum and the Historical Axis of Paris
On day 2 of this Paris in one week itinerary one week you will be visiting:
- Louvre Museum
- Tuileries Garden
- Place de la Concorde
- Pont Alexandre iii – Grand Palais – Petit Palais (from outside)
- Champs Elysées
- Arc de Triomphe
DAY 2 – MORNING
Start the day exploring the Louvre, the world’s best museum! Because there is so much to see, we recommend checking out this Louvre Museum guide to prepare for the visit. If you are not a fan of museums but still don’t want to miss one of Paris’ most iconic attractions, we tell you how to visit the Louvre in 2 hours or less.
DAY 2 – AFTERNOON
After visiting the Louvre, head outdoors for a stroll through the Tuileries Garden. While you just can walk down the main lane, perhaps with a quick stop at one of the cafes, we recommend this fun treasure hunt (self-guided) to learn the history of the oldest garden in Paris.
At the other side of the Tuileries Garden, there’s Place de la Concorde, 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 Luxor obelisk – the oldest monument in Paris – brought directly from Egypt!
Now, walk along the Champs Elysées, the most famous avenue in Paris, and enjoy its atmosphere and window shops, perhaps with a short detour to admire the architecture of Grand Palais and Petit Palais from outside and the iconic Alexandre III Bridge.
To end day 2 perfectly, why not climb up to the top of Arc de Triomphe for one of the best Eiffel Tower views. Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon I to honor the Grande Armée, this triumphal arch 55m high is inspired by the arches of Roman times.
Our dinner recommendations
7 Days in Paris, Day 3 – The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés
On day 3 of this one week in Paris itinerary you will be visiting:
- Saint-Germain-des-Près Abbey
- Saint Sulpice Church
- Luxembourg Gardens
- Panthéon
- Arènes de Lutèce
- Jardin des Plantes
DAY 3 – MORNING
Day 3 of this Paris 7-day itinerary will see you exploring the Seine’s left bank. Start with a coffee at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris. Before the 12th century, it was a rural village outside Paris built around the former Saint-Germain Abbey.
Stroll around the neighborhood, visiting the suggested points of interest. On the way, you will see many fancy cafes, art galleries, luxury shops, and boutique hotels.
When you are done exploring Saint Germain, you will be within walking distance of the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.
The Luxembourg Gardens were commissioned by Queen Marie de Médicis (the widow of King Henri IV) in 1612. Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, where the Queen was born, the gardens surround the Luxembourg Palace, today home to the French Senate.
Enjoy 23 hectares of pure bliss! If the weather is good, consider a picnic in the park or this fun treasure hunt.
DAY 3 – AFTERNOON
The Latin Quarter is set east of Luxembourg Gardens. While it is known as the center of university life in Paris, it’s also where the Roman Paris-Lutetia was born in IC AD. You can view the Roman Baths (from outside) at Boulevard Saint Michel and visit the Arènes de Lutèce – the Roman amphitheater.
The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring this area, with an interesting combination of historical sites, lively streets and squares, small bookstores, and independent cinemas proposing auteur films. Whilst strolling around the Latin Quarter, don’t miss the street food Rue Mouffetard, the lively Place de la Contrescarpe, the Jardin des Plantes and the visit to the Panthéon, with the tombs of the most notable citizens of France.
7 Days in Paris, Day 4 – Day trip to Versailles
On day 4 of this Paris in a week itinerary you will be visiting:
- Palace of Versailles
- The Trianons and the Queen’s Hamlet
- The Gardens of Versailles
When you have a week in Paris, you don’t have an excuse not to visit the famous Versailles Palace!
Versailles Palace is one of the royal castles near Paris and one of the most beautiful castles in France. Built in baroque style, Versailles was home to three French Kings and their families (King Louis XIV, King Louis XV, and King Louis XVI) until the French Revolution.
If you are truly interested in learning about Versailles history, take this guided tour that includes transportation to/from Paris. If you prefer a self-guided visit instead, check out this quick Versailles Guide with our best tips.
From April to the end of October, the Gardens of Versailles host beautiful shows, with music, costumes, and the fountains of Versailles running. There’s an entrance fee to visit these shows, but it is totally worth it!
7 Days in Paris, Day 5 – Northern Paris
On day 5 of this Paris in one week itinerary one week you will be visiting:
- Canal Saint-Martin
- Bassin de la Villette
- Montmartre – Sacré Cœur
- Moulin Rouge
DAY 5 – MORNING
One week in Paris truly gives you time to explore the lesser-known neighborhoods! This beautiful and trendy part of town is the place to be. It may lack museums and monuments but don’t worry; there’s just as much to do and see.
Canal Saint-Martin is a cultural hub and one of the most popular places in Paris, with cute cafés and vintage shops along its quays. 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 boating license required), perhaps with a bottle of rosé wine onboard.
DAY 5 – AFTERNOON
After visiting this area, take the metro at Stalingrad to the Anvers station (line 2) to explore the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre.
For your visit to Montmartre, we suggest following this self-guided 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, check out our Secret Map of Montmartre with our favorite spots off the beaten path.
To end day 5 perfectly, enjoy a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, one of the most famous cabarets in Paris. Expect an entertaining show of music and dance and the famous French can-can.
7 Days in Paris, Day 6 – Palais Royal, Opera, Grands Boulevards
On day 6 of this Paris 1 week itinerary you will be visiting:
- Gardens of Palais Royal
- Galerie Vivienne – Galerie Colbert
- Place Vendôme
- Opéra Garnier
- Galeries Lafayette
DAY 6 – MORNING
By day 6, you are probably thinking, how much more is there to do in Paris? Well, you yet have amazing things ahead of you!
Start the day at the Gardens of Palais Royal. Commissioned by Cardinal Richelieu in 1633, the Palais Royal housed royal families until the Palace of Versailles was built. Prestigious and peaceful, the gardens are surrounded by beautiful magnolia trees and classic sculptures. You can see the famous 260 black and white striped Buren Columns in the courtyard near the garden.
North of Palais Royal, you will find two of the most beautiful covered passages in Paris: Galerie Vivienne and Galerie Colbert. Built in the 19th century, these arcades covered with glass roofs, are a typically Parisian architectural feature and they house vintage shops, tearooms, and restaurants.
Walk west to Place Vendôme, one of the most elegant squares in Paris. Dominated by the Vendôme Column, crowned by Napoleon I’s statue, it is home to the Hotel Ritz Paris and luxury shops.
DAY 6 – AFTERNOON
In the afternoon, visit the Opéra Garnier with this guided tour in English. Designed by Charles Garnier, this building is a masterpiece of 19th-century theatrical architecture.
Later, stroll through the Grands Boulevards for some shopping. This area of Paris is part of the major renovation works commissioned by Emperor Napoléon III and carried out by Baron Haussman. The works included the demolition of medieval neighborhoods considered overcrowded and healthy.
The perfect way to end this day is by visiting Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop bar, from where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Paris.
Our dinner recommendations
7 Days in Paris, Day 7 – Orsay Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Seine Cruise
On day 7 of this Paris itinerary 7 days you will be visiting:
DAY 7 – MORNING
Day 7 of this week in Paris itinerary may be the last but it is definitely not the least!
Another favorite to visit is the Orsay Museum. Set in a former train station, 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 stunning train station, a jewel of Art Déco architecture! Plan on being there for about 2 hours.
Head to Champ de Mars to visit Paris’ most iconic monument: the Eiffel Tower! If you haven’t had lunch yet, Champ de Mars is one of the best spots for a picnic in Paris.
DAY 7 – AFTERNOON
Climb up to the top of the Eiffel Tower to learn more about its history and for amazing views of Paris. Depending on the time, you may want to consider one of these activities near the Eiffel Tower before heading to the pier for your Seine River Cruise.
After your Eiffel Tower experience, what better way to finish off this week in Paris than taking a cruise down the River Seine. Enjoy a different perspective of Paris from the water. A great boat tour with dinner we recommend is the one with Bateaux Parisiens. Enjoy a delicious bistro menu while admiring the most famous Paris landmarks, magically illuminated.
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
- 6 days in Paris Itinerary
Click here to read more Paris Itineraries
