4 Day Itinerary in Paris

First time visitors in Paris can find it difficult to plan a good trip itinerary, principally if there are just some days available for sightseeing in the city. The secret for a good itinerary is: less is more. Paris is a large city, offering lots of entertainment options that should be suitable to the duration of the visit. There is no point in a swift glimpse at lots of attractions that at the end won´t allow anyone to feel the “soul” of the city. Besides, just seeing the main attractions would require at least one week.

So, visitors with less time available than that, should pick some of the main attractions and give a chance to take a relaxed stroll in the parks, neighborhoods, sit in a nice café. There´s no need to see “everything”, after all, you´ll always have an “excuse” for coming back to the city.

Day 1

On your first day, start at the surroundings of Champs Elysée, one of the world´s most famous avenues. Take the metro to Charles de Gaulle Étoile Station, it´s exit is just beside Arc de Triomphe, one of the country´s landmarks, built in honor to Napoleon Bonaparte´s victories. Stroll down Champs Elysée, maybe stopping for a coffee or to shop. At the end you´ll find Place de la Concorde, with its huge Egyptian obelisk. Just ahead is the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, where you can enjoy the landscape, sit and relax before heading to the banks of the Seine. In Port de la Conferénce, just beside Pont de l´Alma you can take a boat ride on the Seine. The tour, besides being a pleasant scenic ride, also allows you to check some of the major monuments in the city, as the back of the Notre Dame Cathedral (which I personally think is more interesting than the front façade). To finish the day in a great way, be prepared to undertake picture postcard Eiffel Tower. Late afternoon is the best time to visit the tower, when the number of visitors is fewer. Ok, there´ll be some lines, but it´s totally worth waiting to have a breathtaking view of Paris.

Day 2

Start the second day visiting the Louvre Museum, one of the finest in the world. That is a particularly good idea on rainy days, which are very common in Paris. The Louvre is really very big, so if you do not have all daychoose one small section that you are more interested in and enjoy your visit! I spent half a day just visiting the Egyptian articles and, of course, I reserved a time to check Mona Lisa, but I have to say it is quite disappointing. The frame is really small and you have to fight – almost literally– to try to get close and take a photo.

Take the afternoon to explore the picturesque neighborhood of Montmartre, which has beautiful views of the city above, principally from the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur. The neighborhood is also home to the most famous cabaret in the world, the Moulin Rouge. The street where it is located is also very erotic, with lots of sex-shops. It´s quite an interesting place.

Day 3

On the third day you could explore the oldest area in the city, Ile de la Cité.

If you are interested in art, it´s worth taking a look at Musée d´Orsay. Then, head to Notre Dame Cathedral, the gothic cathedral which became famous worldwide after the romance “The hunchback of Notre Dame”. There you can take a tour through the towers of the church or just appreciate its architecture. Also check the beautiful Sainte-Chappelle, If you still have time in the morning.

In the afternoon, check the beautiful architecture of Latin Quarter, before heading to Jardin du Luxembourg, where you can relax.

Day 4

As I said before, the city offers a lot of attractions that could entertain any visitor for more than one week. It´s also worth taking a day trip to check the stunning gardens of Château de Versailles, built by Louis XIV, the “Sun King”, one of the greatest French Kings ever. In the Château, everything was made to look magnificent, grandeur, and opulent – reflecting the King´s personality.

Arriving there is not difficult. Although many recommend getting the RER suburban train, there´s also the possibility of heading to Montparnasse metro station, going to the upper floor, from where you can get the train to Versailles.