Organised by the shape of a day rather than a list of monuments, because the difference between a good Paris trip and an exhausting one is how you group things.
The great museums
The Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and the Orangerie hold more than anyone can absorb in a week. One a day, half a day each.
- Louvre: pick two wings
- Orsay for the Impressionists
- Orangerie for the Water Lilies
- All use timed entry
Neighbourhoods on foot
Le Marais, Saint-Germain, Montmartre and the Canal Saint-Martin each make a good half day with no ticket required.
- Le Marais for food and galleries
- Montmartre early or late
- Saint-Germain's cafes
- Canal Saint-Martin on a Sunday
The landmarks
The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and the Arc de Triomphe. Sainte-Chapelle's glass is the one people are least prepared for.
- Sainte-Chapelle on a bright day
- Eiffel Tower booked ahead
- Arc de Triomphe rooftop
- Notre-Dame reopened 2024
Food and markets
Markets, bakeries, wine bars and a food scene that has moved well beyond the classics. A market morning beats a restaurant lunch.
- Rue Mouffetard and Bastille markets
- Book dinner ahead
- Lunch menus are far better value
- Bakery competition winners
Day trips
Versailles, Giverny, Champagne and Chartres are all comfortable day trips by train.
- Versailles: go early
- Giverny in the growing season
- Champagne from Gare de l'Est
- Chartres for the glass
Where this leads
Blog attracts, things to do informs, tours convert — in that order.