7 Days in Paris: One Perfect Week in the City of Light
A realistic 7-day Paris itinerary that combines the big icons—Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, Versailles—with neighborhood wanderings, café time and local favorites like Belleville and Canal Saint-Martin. Designed for first-timers who want a full week in Paris without turning their trip into a checklist sprint.
"Planning a trip to Paris? April is when the best weather begins — perfect for long walks and exploring without the crowds. It's an ideal spot for a romantic getaway."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
7-Day Paris Itinerary at a Glance
Who This 7-Day Paris Itinerary Is For
This itinerary is for travelers with one full week in Paris who want to see the essentials—Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, Versailles—plus neighborhoods like Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin and Belleville that show off everyday Parisian life.
Expect 15–20k steps per day with built-in slow moments: market visits, café breaks, sunset views. If you're traveling with kids or prefer a gentler pace, you can easily drop a museum or swap a busy evening for an early night without breaking the itinerary.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Paris
Le Marais, Île de la Cité & Seine Evening Cruise
Ease into Paris with a walkable first day focused on Le Marais, Notre-Dame's island and a relaxed evening cruise.
Morning
Place des Vosges & Le Marais Backstreets
Place des Vosges is one of Paris's most beautiful squares, and the surrounding streets instantly give you that "I'm really in Paris" feeling.
How to Do It:
- • Begin at Place des Vosges, walk under the arcades and grab a quick coffee on the square.
- • Wander along Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and Rue Vieille du Temple for boutiques, bakeries and galleries.
- • Optional: pop into Musée Carnavalet (Paris history museum, often free) for an hour.
Tips
- → Avoid loading this morning with heavy sightseeing—treat it as orientation and recovery from your flight.
- → Take note of restaurants that look good; Le Marais is a great area to return to for dinner another night.
Afternoon
Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame Exterior
This is where medieval Paris began—cobbled streets, river views and close-up looks at Notre-Dame's restored façade.
How to Do It:
- • From Le Marais, cross the river to Île de la Cité and circle Notre-Dame for different viewpoints.
- • Walk to Square du Vert-Galant at the western tip of the island for a quieter spot by the water.
- • If open, briefly visit Sainte-Chapelle for its stained-glass chapel (book timed tickets in advance).
Tips
- → Notre-Dame's interior reopened in late 2024 and now uses timed free tickets with very heavy crowds. Check the cathedral's official site or Paris tourism board for the latest booking system and allow extra time for security.
- → Keep valuables close—crowded viewpoints can attract pickpockets.
Evening
Seine River Cruise
In 60–90 minutes you'll glide past many landmarks—Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Orsay—without walking another step.
How to Do It:
- • Choose a sunset or early night cruise departing near the Eiffel Tower or Pont Neuf.
- • Arrive 20–30 minutes early for an outdoor seat with good views.
- • Bring a light jacket, even in summer; it can be breezy on deck.
Tips
- → Skip overpriced on-board drinks; bring your own water or a small bottle of wine where allowed.
- → If it rains heavily, pick a covered boat with big windows; views are still great and you'll stay dry.
Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro & Champs-Élysées
Tick off the Eiffel Tower properly, then walk across to Trocadéro and up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
Morning
Eiffel Tower (Summit or 2nd Floor)
No matter how many photos you've seen, stepping onto the viewing platforms is still a goosebumps moment.
How to Do It:
- • Book official tickets 60 days ahead and choose a morning slot.
- • If summit tickets are sold out, opt for 2nd floor tickets or a small-group guided tour.
- • On your way down, walk through Champ de Mars for classic tower-backdrop photos.
Tips
- → Watch out for bracelet sellers and petition scammers around the base.
- → If you dislike heights, stay on the 2nd floor—views are still excellent.
Afternoon
Trocadéro & Arc de Triomphe
From Trocadéro you see the full tower and Champ de Mars; from the Arc's rooftop you see Paris radiate out in every direction.
How to Do It:
- • Walk over Pont d'Iéna to Trocadéro Gardens and climb the steps for photos.
- • Continue by metro or on foot along Avenue des Champs-Élysées toward the Arc de Triomphe.
- • Climb the Arc for 360° views, especially beautiful in late afternoon.
Tips
- → Use the underground passage to reach the Arc; never cross the roundabout surface traffic.
- → If queues are long, have one person queue while the other grabs takeaway coffees or snacks.
Evening
Bistro in the 7th or 8th Arrondissement
It's the perfect time to try steak-frites, duck confit or a simple plat du jour in a neighborhood restaurant.
How to Do It:
- • Avoid restaurants directly on the Champs-Élysées; look one or two streets back.
- • Book ahead for Friday/Saturday; mid-week is more flexible.
Tips
- → In France, sitting at a table means you're expected to order a drink or meal; bar seating is rarer.
- → Plan dessert at a separate pâtisserie if you prefer something lighter after dinner.
Louvre, Tuileries & Musée d'Orsay
Classic art day: Louvre in the morning, Tuileries break, Impressionists at Orsay in the afternoon.
Morning
Louvre Museum
From Mona Lisa to Winged Victory, the Louvre holds some of the world's most famous artworks.
How to Do It:
- • Pre-book timed entry and arrive 30–45 minutes early.
- • Enter via Carrousel du Louvre or Porte des Lions when available to dodge the longest pyramid queues.
- • Follow a highlights route (Mona Lisa → Italian Renaissance → Egyptian Antiquities → Greek/Roman sculpture).
Tips
- → Closed on Tuesdays; swap days if necessary.
- → Wear layers—air-conditioning and body heat can make rooms feel warm or cool unpredictably.
Afternoon
Jardin des Tuileries
A perfect place to sit, decompress and people-watch between big museums.
How to Do It:
- • Grab a quick lunch or takeaway sandwich near the Louvre.
- • Stroll through Jardin des Tuileries and rest by one of the ponds.
Tips
- → Use this time to check your Orsay ticket and entry time, and adjust if you're running behind.
- → If the weather is bad, shorten the garden time and head straight to Orsay.
Musée d'Orsay
An old Beaux-Arts train station converted into a museum of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art (Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh).
How to Do It:
- • Cross the river to Musée d'Orsay; pre-book tickets to skip the worst queues.
- • Start on the upper floors with the Impressionists and work your way down.
- • Finish at the giant clock window with views back toward the Louvre.
Tips
- → Closed on Mondays; check evening opening days for a quieter visit.
- → If you're tired, focus on the Impressionist floor and skip smaller side rooms.
Evening
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
This is your cozy café / wine bar evening—perfect after a big museum day.
How to Do It:
- • Wander around Saint-Germain; pick a bistro or wine bar that feels relaxed rather than touristy.
- • Book ahead if it's a Friday or Saturday night.
Tips
- → Avoid places aggressively calling you in; that's rarely a good sign in Paris.
- → If you want dessert, split one or two instead of each ordering a full course—French portions can be rich.
Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur & Optional Cabaret
Head up to Montmartre for village vibes and city views; finish the night with a cabaret if that fits your style.
Morning
Sacré-Cœur Basilica & Montmartre Backstreets
One of Paris's best viewpoints plus lanes that still feel like a separate hilltop village.
How to Do It:
- • Take the metro to Abbesses or Anvers and walk up (or ride the funicular).
- • Explore the basilica interior (free) and terrace, then wander streets like Rue des Saules and Rue Norvins.
- • Optional stop at Musée de Montmartre if you love art history.
Tips
- → Skip the tourist-trap portrait stands in the most crowded squares unless you really want one.
- → Wear comfortable shoes—Montmartre's cobblestones and hills can be tough on ankles.
Afternoon
Flexible Afternoon
By mid-week, everyone's energy levels are different. A flexible block prevents burnout.
How to Do It:
- • Head back toward central Paris for shopping in Le Marais or near Opéra / Galeries Lafayette.
- • Alternatively, visit a smaller museum such as Musée Rodin or Musée de l'Orangerie if you skipped it earlier.
Tips
- → Build in at least one sit-down café break—Paris is as much about soaking up atmosphere as "doing" things.
- → Keep this afternoon lighter if you're planning a late cabaret show.
Evening
Moulin Rouge or Alternative Cabaret
If you've ever been curious about Paris cabaret, this is the night to lean into it.
How to Do It:
- • Book tickets to Moulin Rouge, Crazy Horse or another cabaret well in advance.
- • Plan a light, early dinner nearby before the show; performances are long.
- • If cabaret isn't your thing, opt for a cozy wine bar evening instead.
Tips
- → Check dress codes—smart-casual is usually fine but avoid overly casual outfits.
- → Expect tourist pricing; treat it as a one-time experience rather than a value play.
Versailles Day Trip
Trade the city for royal extravagance at the Palace of Versailles and its gardens.
Morning
Palace of Versailles
Hall of Mirrors, grand apartments and manicured gardens show royal France at full volume.
How to Do It:
- • Take RER C to "Versailles Château – Rive Gauche" (~45 minutes).
- • Book skip-the-line palace tickets or a guided tour.
- • Tour the palace first, then head out to the gardens.
Tips
- → Avoid Mondays (palace closed) and check for strike days or special closures.
- → Arrive early to beat tour groups in the Hall of Mirrors.
Afternoon
Versailles Gardens & Return
The formal gardens and lakes are as much a highlight as the palace interior.
How to Do It:
- • Rent a bike, golf cart or just walk sections of the gardens near the palace.
- • If open, visit the Trianon palaces and Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet.
- • Return to Paris mid-afternoon to avoid the worst commuter crowds.
Tips
- → Bring water and sun protection in warm months; shade is limited in the formal gardens.
- → Check whether musical fountain shows are running during your visit—they can affect ticketing and routes.
Evening
Neighborhood Dinner
You'll likely be tired; a simple dinner close to your accommodation is ideal.
How to Do It:
- • Choose a restaurant within a 10–15 minute walk of your hotel/Airbnb.
- • Consider an earlier night so you're fresh for neighborhoods on Day 6.
Tips
- → If you have an early airport transfer on Day 8 (post-trip), confirm details now.
- → Use this night to do any laundry or repacking needed.
Canal Saint-Martin, Belleville & Père Lachaise
Go beyond the core tourist zone: creative neighborhoods, street art and a famous cemetery.
Morning
Canal Saint-Martin Walk
Locked bridges, leafy banks and independent shops show a different side of Paris.
How to Do It:
- • Start at République or Jacques Bonsergent and walk along the canal toward Jaurès.
- • Stop for coffee and a pastry at a canal-side café.
- • Pop into boutiques or bookshops that catch your eye.
Tips
- → This area feels very local; dress casually and avoid blocking narrow paths.
- → If it's raining heavily, swap this for covered passages (Passage Brady, Passage du Prado) or a long café hang in the 10th.
Afternoon
Belleville Viewpoints & Street Art
Belleville is known for its mix of communities, food and street art, plus hilltop views back toward central Paris.
How to Do It:
- • Take the metro to Belleville.
- • Walk through Parc de Belleville for panoramic views and explore surrounding streets for murals and cafés.
Tips
- → Belleville is safe but more "real" and gritty than central arrondissements—keep normal big-city awareness.
- → If street art is a passion, consider a guided walking tour.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Final resting place of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf and many others in a quietly beautiful hilltop cemetery.
How to Do It:
- • Enter near Père Lachaise metro and pick up or download a simple map of famous graves.
- • Spend 60–90 minutes wandering, then exit toward a nearby metro stop.
Tips
- → Wear comfortable shoes—paths can be steep and uneven.
- → Keep voices low; locals visit graves here as a real cemetery, not just a tourist spot.
Evening
Dinner in the 10th/11th Arrondissement
These neighborhoods are full of bars and small restaurants with more locals than tourists.
How to Do It:
- • Pick a bistro or wine bar around Oberkampf, Parmentier or Goncourt.
- • Try sharing a few small plates or stick to a classic starter-main-dessert structure.
Tips
- → Check opening days—many smaller places close Sunday/Monday.
- → If you're noise-sensitive, avoid the loudest cocktail bars and pick a quieter side street.
Latin Quarter, Luxembourg Gardens & Catacombs
Use your final day for classic Left Bank sights, green space and an underground adventure.
Morning
Latin Quarter Stroll
Bookshops, narrow lanes and cafés give the Latin Quarter a lively but cozy feel.
How to Do It:
- • Start near Panthéon or Place de la Contrescarpe.
- • Wander down Rue Mouffetard and connect toward Luxembourg Gardens.
Tips
- → Avoid only the most touristy restaurant strips; look one street over for better options.
- → Pop into an English-language bookshop like Shakespeare & Company if it fits your route.
Luxembourg Gardens
A favorite local park with palace views, statues and plenty of chairs to sink into.
How to Do It:
- • Walk through Jardin du Luxembourg at a slow pace, then claim a chair near the central basin.
- • Grab a light lunch at a nearby café or within the park if open.
Tips
- → This is a good time for group photos and one last slow moment before departure.
- → Keep an eye on kids around the fountains and busy paths.
Afternoon
Catacombs of Paris
A network of tunnels stacked with bones, created when central cemeteries were emptied in the 18th century.
How to Do It:
- • Book a timed ticket well in advance—walk-up tickets are limited or non-existent in high season.
- • Expect stairs and cool temperatures; bring a light layer.
- • If this isn't your thing, swap it for extra shopping or another museum instead.
Tips
- → Not suitable for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues.
- → The visit is self-guided but audio guides are available if you want more context.
Evening
Final Stroll & Farewell Meal
End your week where you felt most at home—Le Marais, Saint-Germain, the Latin Quarter or around Canal Saint-Martin.
How to Do It:
- • Book a restaurant you spotted earlier in the trip but didn't have time for.
- • Take a slow walk along the Seine after dinner to let the week sink in.
Tips
- → Double-check departure times and transfer plans before going to bed.
- → If you have an early flight, keep this evening shorter and closer to your accommodation.
Arrival & Departure: How to Integrate This 7-Day Itinerary
For a true 7-day Paris itinerary, aim for 7 full days on the ground—arrive the evening before Day 1 if possible, and depart the morning after Day 7.
Fly into Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). Take RER B + metro for the budget-friendly option, or a pre-booked transfer if you're arriving late, with kids, or carrying heavy luggage.
If you're combining Paris with the rest of France (Loire, Normandy, Provence, Riviera), consider flying into Paris, doing this week, and then taking a TGV train onward rather than multiple back-and-forth day trips.
Where to Stay for a Week in Paris
For a 7-day stay, you want a balance of central location, quiet at night and reasonable pricing. The best bases for this itinerary are Le Marais, Saint-Germain, the Latin Quarter, and parts of the 1st, 2nd and 7th arrondissements.
If you're watching your budget, look at the 10th/11th (around Canal Saint-Martin and Oberkampf) or the 9th (South Pigalle)—they're well connected by metro and give you better nightly rates than some postcard neighborhoods.
Try to stay within a 5–10 minute walk of a Metro line 1, 4, or 14 station if you can; these lines make it easier to reach most stops in this itinerary with minimal changes.
Avoid extremely cheap hotels far outside the center or with consistently poor reviews. Saving €20 per night isn't worth adding an hour of commuting every day or compromising on safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days too long for just Paris?
Should I add other French cities or stay in Paris?
Can I add more day trips to this itinerary?
Is this pace too slow? Should I add more sights per day?
How do I adapt this itinerary for kids or families?
Why you can trust this guide
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
Methodology: This guide combines historical climate data, current tourism patterns, and real traveler budgets to provide accurate, actionable recommendations for Paris.
Published: November 20, 2025
Updated: January 11, 2026
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