Paris

Day Trips

Touch down in Paris and make your way to a charming boutique hotel near the Seine. Unpack leisurely and head out for a freshly baked croissant and café au lait at a local patisserie. Wander along the river banks to soak in the glittering views of Notre-Dame and the Île de la Cité.

Settle onto a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine, passing under historic bridges and admiring grand façades. Disembark near the Louvre and stroll through the Tuileries Garden, pausing by fountains and sculptures. Pop into a café terrace for a light lunch of salade niçoise or quiche Lorraine.

Dine at a classic bistro in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, sampling coq au vin or beef bourguignon. Afterward, take a twilight walk to the Pont des Arts and leave a symbolic padlock on the railings. End the night with an espresso in a candlelit café while listening to the distant hum of accordion music.

Arrive early at the Louvre to beat the crowds and marvel at the glass pyramid entrance. Begin with the Denon wing, where you can gaze upon the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory. Explore nearby Italian Renaissance masters before grabbing a coffee in the courtyard café.

Cross Rue de Rivoli to the Carnavalet Museum and discover the history of Paris through immersive exhibits. Enjoy a light lunch of jambon-beurre at a sidewalk café. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the Palais-Royal gardens and peeking into its hidden arcades.

Attend a classical music recital in a restored chapel or private mansion. Savor dinner at a Michelin-starred bistro, sampling innovative takes on classic French dishes. Conclude with a stroll past the illuminated Louvre façade, reflecting on centuries of art.

Climb the winding streets of Montmartre to reach the Sacré-Cœur basilica and enjoy panoramic city views. Explore the Place du Tertre, where local artists paint and sell their work. Pop into the Musée de Montmartre to learn about the neighborhood’s bohemian past.

Descend toward the Moulin Rouge and wander through the lively Pigalle district. Stop for a savory crêpe and a glass of cider at a traditional crêperie. Venture into hidden passageways to discover vintage shops and quirky galleries off the beaten track.

Book a cabaret show at the iconic Moulin Rouge or a jazz club beneath the gilded Belle Époque ceilings. Relish a three-course meal with champagne, embracing the festive spirit of Montmartre nightlife. Finish with a moonlit descent down the hill to savor the twinkling Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Rise early and head to the Eiffel Tower for priority access to the summit before the crowds build. Savor sweeping views of Paris rooftops and the Seine snaking through the city. Descend and take time to explore the tower’s gardens and photography spots.

Gather fresh baguettes, cheese, charcuterie, and fruit from a neighborhood market. Spread a blanket on the Champ de Mars for an alfresco picnic under the tower’s iron lattice. Lounge in the grass and watch children play, soaking up the quintessential Parisian park vibe.

Dine riverside at a trendy restaurant near the Eiffel Tower, sampling modern French fusion cuisine. After dinner, join the nightly light show as the tower sparkles on the hour. Cap off the evening with a leisurely stroll across the nearby river bridges.

Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of Le Marais and admire the elegant mansions of Place des Vosges. Pop into independent boutiques and vintage shops for unique treasures. Stop at a local bakery for a falafel sandwich or a flaky pastry.

Visit the Musée Picasso and lose yourself in the master’s vivid works. Continue on to the Maison de Victor Hugo at Place des Vosges for intimate insights into his life. Refuel with a casual lunch of tarte flambée at a rustic café.

Explore the vibrant Jewish Quarter on Rue des Rosiers and sample rugelach or homemade hummus. Dine in a warm, family-run restaurant specialising in Eastern European flavors. Enjoy post-dinner cocktails at a hidden speakeasy tucked away in a tucked-away courtyard.

Catch an early RER train to Versailles and arrive just as the palace gates open. Wander through the opulent State Apartments and marvel at the Hall of Mirrors. Learn about the daily life of Louis XIV in the grand King’s bedroom.

Stroll expansively through the formal gardens, admiring fountains and manicured flowerbeds. Rent a rowboat to glide along the Grand Canal and soak up the palace’s reflection. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at La Petite Venise, offering views of the Château from the water’s edge.

Return to Paris and refresh at your hotel before heading out again. Dine in a canal-side bistro in Saint-Lazare, sampling fresh fish or roasted poultry. Savor a decadent crème brûlée as you recall the glory of Versailles.

Begin at the Panthéon, gazing up at its vast dome and ornate interior. Wander through narrow streets lined with bookstores and cafés that have inspired generations of writers. Stop for a café crème and pain au chocolat at a legendary sidewalk terrace.

Visit the Shakespeare and Company bookstore for a literary pilgrimage. Cross to Notre-Dame’s façade to admire its Gothic sculptures and, if possible, climb the towers for gargoyle’s-eye views. Enjoy lunch on Île Saint-Louis with a rosé and fresh oysters.

Attend vespers at the restored Saint-Séverin church and be moved by medieval chant. Dine at a cozy bistro in the Quartier Latin, sampling boeuf bourguignon or ratatouille. Conclude with a nightcap in a tucked-away wine bar filled with locals.

Head to Musée d’Orsay to admire Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Degas in a grand former railway station. Take time to view the sweeping stained-glass clock and architectural details. Grab a brioche and cappuccino at the museum café overlooking the Seine.

Cross the river to explore the elegant boutiques and art galleries of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Pop into Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, historic haunts of intellectuals past and present. Enjoy a leisurely lunch of steak-frites or moules marinières in a classic Parisian brasserie.

Book a seat at a jazz club beneath vaulted ceilings for live music and intimate atmosphere. Indulge in artisanal cheeses and charcuterie accompanied by a glass of Bordeaux. Wander back along the river under lamplit bridges, savoring the night air.

Begin with a stroll along the tree-lined Canal Saint-Martin, watching barges glide under iron footbridges. Pop into indie cafés for aromatic single-origin coffee and freshly baked baguettes. Peek into quirky boutiques and local bakeries that line the water’s edge.

Cycle or walk eastward toward Belleville, a multicultural neighborhood known for its street art. Explore the colorful murals in Rue Denoyez and park benches overlooking the city. Refuel with a fusion lunch at a hip eatery serving everything from North African tajine to Vietnamese pho.

Climb to the Parc de Belleville for sunset views over Paris rooftops. Dine at a family-run bistro offering hearty regional fare like cassoulet. End the night at a rooftop bar with local DJs spinning electro and hip-hop tunes.

Wake early and roam the Marché Bastille or Marché d’Aligre, sampling fresh produce, cheeses, and charcuterie. Chat with vendors about seasonal specialties and discover rare regional delicacies. Sip a café noisette alongside a plate of ripe strawberries or artisanal bread.

Explore the covered passages of Paris, such as Galerie Vivienne and Passage Jouffroy, for vintage shops and antique bookstores. Stop for lunch at a counter-style rotisserie, savoring succulent roast chicken with pommes soufflées. Uncover hidden courtyards and mosaic-tiled floors as you wander.

Dine at a chef-driven restaurant that transforms local market finds into inventive tasting menus. Pair each course with thoughtfully selected natural wines. Cap off your final night with a digestif in a clandestine bar accessed through a secret doorway.