3 Days in Paris Itinerary: Perfect for First Time Visitors
Everyone has their own sentiments attached to the city of light, and it’s big enough to have something for everyone! This is my suggested itinerary for 3 days in Paris:
- I did a ten day trip with my friends to Paris, Normandy, and London. Here is how we saw most of the key sights in a short amount of time, and on a budget!
- While some say this city is “over-rated”, “too crowded” or that it’s simply “too touristy”, I’ll have to disagree. If you have any love and respect for history and the arts, Paris is a must-visit. I firmly believe everyone needs to see the city of love at least once!
- With my itinerary, you can learn how to best divide your time, being sure to hit all of the main or key sites (especially ideal for first time visitors!)
- If you only have three days to spend in Paris, this itinerary will definitely keep you busy, but will allow to truly maximize your time.
My Map of the Places You’ll Visit:
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Arrival: The River Seine & Eiffel Tower
Start things out strong by staying in a hotel close to the Eiffel Tower. The city is HUGE (consisting of 20 neighborhoods or arrondissements), but as long as you’re able to walk to a metro stop, you will be fine.
If you stay near the tower though, once you arrive, you can immediately explore the surrounding areas on foot. Just simply revel in the excitement of being there.
Pro Tip: Find some crepes, and have an impromptu picnic on the lawn in front of the tower! 🥖
⇒ Stay in the same hotel we did!
Hotel room view!
Around twilight, go to the River Seine and hop on a river cruise boat, or a Bateaux Mouche at Pont de l’Alma.
The boats run every 30 minutes until 9pm, and you can ride down the river to see several of Paris’ main sites. You can also book specialized tours with meals or champagne. 🥂
⇒ Book an evening dinner cruise with music on the Seine
Lodging: We stayed at Mercure Tour Eiffel Grenelle
Day 1: Montmartre, Gardens, & The Opera
Start out taking the metro to the artsy Montmartre district of town. We headed to the Moulin Rouge for some obligatory photos, but didn’t go inside.
If you return in the evening, you can see a risqué cabaret show and get the full effect! 🎭
Next, stroll in the fairytale-like Tuileries Garden, followed by the Jardins du Luxembourg. If you have time, you can then visit the Musee D’Orsay. 🌻
As a huge Broadway nerd, you MUST stop at the theater made famous from the Phantom of the Opera. In the book and the play, this is where the Phantom rows in his underground gondola: The Opera Garnier! 🎶
⇒ Get your tickets in advance to tour the inside!
Lodging: We stayed at the Mercure Tour Eiffel Grenelle
Day 2: Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, & Champs Elysees
Leave very early in the morning to the Palace of Versailles. The journey takes 45 minutes via metro, but it’s easy to do on your own.
This palace gets crowded, so when you reserve your tickets (book as far out as you can), it’s best to try and get an earlier time slot. 👑
⇒ Buy your Versailles ticket in advance- earlier slots are better!
I think you will spend a half day minimum at this exquisite Palace. It is fascinating to see the former quarters of the ill-fated royal family, walk the extensive gardens, and reflect on life at the Hall of Mirrors.
After your time at Versailles, go back into Paris, and stop at the Arc de Triomphe.
Pro Tip: Go under the road by the Arc to an entrance where you can go to the top. In my opinion, this view is better than the one from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
⇒ Save time, pre-book your Arc de Triomphe ticket!
Next, walk the posh high-end shopping district, the Avenue of Champs Élysées. I couldn’t afford anything, but it is fun to look! 😊
Afterwards, visit the Place de la Concorde. This is a famous public square that has been a key location for historical events in the city’s history, including the guillotine execution of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.
At night, get some gelato near the Notre Dame Cathedral, and walk the romantic river walk near the Île de la Cité. There are plenty of interesting catacomb tour options or ghost tours too!
⇒ Tour an underground crypt near Ile de la Cité at night! ☠️
Lodging: We stayed at the Mercure Tour Eiffel Grenelle
Day 3: The Louvre, & Notre Dame
On my trip, I started this day out going to the top of Eiffel Tower. It was a bit of a disappointment however. I suggest skipping that, and opting to go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe instead. It’s a much better view!
Next, it’s time to visit the world famous Louvre Museum. If you only go to one museum in your life, this should be it!
The collection and historical value of the pieces are incomparable. You could spend days here and still not be satisfied, so give yourself at minimum 4 hours. 🎨 Also no, the Mona Lisa will be nowhere near the most amazing piece of art you will see!
⇒ Buy your Louvre tickets in advance 🖌️
Next, go inside the 12th century Cathedral of Notre Dame. If possible, climb to the top of the Cathedral to see its famous gargoyles, stunning views, and Quasimodo’s abode!
With any additional time, there are loads of options. One idea is a Paris walking food tour, or a Montmartre wine tasting tour. 🍷
Lodging: We stayed at the Mercure Tour Eiffel Grenelle
Where to next?
In the morning, visit the Sacre Couer Basilica and a local outdoor market. Then, where you go.. is up to you!
At this point, we said au revoir to Paris, and took a train to the city of Rennes in the Brittany (Bretagne) region.
In Rennes, a tour guide met with us, and took us on a private tour to the medieval town of Dinan (straight out of Beauty and the Beast) where we had a city tour, and went to the local market.
Next, our tour took us to Mont St. Michel Monastery. This place is absolutely stunning, and a must-see!
We stayed the night in the town of Saint-Malo, and then spent another full day there. This city is one of my favorite memories of my trip to France!
I highly recommend this walled, medieval town rich in history and World War II era stories. If you haven’t, read the book All the Light We Cannot See before you visit.
Lodging in Paris:
During my times in Paris, I’ve stayed at the Hotel Eiffel Petit Louvre, and Mercure Grenelle. They both have a good location and are affordable.
Excursions from Paris:
Check here for Normandy excursion ideas. These are perfect for World War II history lovers!
We did a tour to Mont Saint-Michel. There are several that leave out of Bayeux, and even Paris.
We also did a half day visit to Saint-Malo, and then stayed there for more time after.
It’s possible to do each of these on separate days, but we actually took the train from Paris to Rennes, and then had a private tour to all three places, ending in Saint-Malo where we spent the night. It is pricy, but not too bad if you split with a group!
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The French Language:
Don’t be “that tourist”, and learn at least a few key phrases in French. I got away with only knowing the following, and it went pretty well for me as far as interactions with the locals:
- Hi- Bonjour or Salut
- How are you- Comment alez-vous?
- I’m good- Tres Bien
- Sorry- Désolé
- Excuse Me- Pardon
- How much is this? C’est combien?
- Thank you- Merci
- Goodbye- Au Revoir
- Where is … – Ou est…
- I would like… – Je voudrais …
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