7 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary (2026 Guide)

Seven days in Paris is ideal for first-time visitors who want a complete classic experience, including major landmarks, museum icons, and famous neighborhoods with realistic pacing. This itinerary also adds two day-trip options that fit a full-week plan.

Quick Summary Box 📅

• Ideal for: First-time visitors spending one full week in Paris
• Pace: Balanced with two day-trip style days
• Budget level: Medium to high
• Best area to stay: 1st arrondissement, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Latin Quarter
• Transport tips: Use Metro and RER for efficient long moves and walk neighborhood loops

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Eiffel Tower and Seine Essentials 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Eiffel Tower.
• Champ de Mars.
• Trocadéro viewpoints.

Lunch 🍽️

• Café de l'Homme area options.

Afternoon 🌇

• Seine River Cruise.
• Champs-Élysées.
• Arc de Triomphe.

Dinner 🍷

• Le Relais de l'Entrecote.

Evening 🌙

• Evening stroll in central Paris.

Day 2 - Louvre and Central Classics 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• The Louvre (timed entry).
• Palais Royal.

Lunch 🍽️

• Le Fumoir.

Afternoon 🌇

• Tuileries Garden.
• Place de la Concorde.
• Sainte-Chapelle.
• Île de la Cité walk.

Dinner 🍷

• Le Procope.

Evening 🌙

• Evening café time.

Day 3 - Notre-Dame Area and Left Bank 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior).
• Île Saint-Louis walk.
• Latin Quarter circuit.

Lunch 🍽️

• Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole area options.

Afternoon 🌇

• Luxembourg Gardens.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
• Panthéon.
• Bookshop circuit.

Dinner 🍷

• Le Comptoir du Relais.

Evening 🌙

• Evening café circuit.

Day 4 - Musee d'Orsay and Le Marais 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Musée d'Orsay.

Lunch 🍽️

• Les Antiquaires.

Afternoon 🌇

• Le Marais.
• Place des Vosges.
• Hôtel de Ville area.

Dinner 🍷

• Chez Janou.

Evening 🌙

• Evening walk and city lights.

Day 5 - Montmartre and Opera District 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Sacré-Cœur.
• Montmartre route.
• Place du Tertre.

Lunch 🍽️

• Bouillon Pigalle.

Afternoon 🌇

• Galeries Lafayette rooftop.
• Opéra area.
• Grands Boulevards architecture walk.

Dinner 🍷

• Brasserie Mollard.

Evening 🌙

• Night walk and city lights.

Day 6 - Versailles Day Trip 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Palace of Versailles.
• Versailles gardens.
• Trianon estate.

Lunch 🍽️

• Ore - Ducasse au Chateau de Versailles area options.

Afternoon 🌇

• Return to Paris for a relaxed afternoon.

Dinner 🍷

• Bofinger.

Evening 🌙

• Easy evening in central Paris.

Day 7 - Giverny Option and Neighborhood Finale 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Giverny and Monet's Gardens.
• Loire Valley day-trip option.

Lunch 🍽️

• Giverny village options or central Paris return lunch.

Afternoon 🌇

• Covered passages walk (2nd arrondissement).
• Canal Saint-Martin walk.

Dinner 🍷

• Le Train Bleu.

Evening 🌙

• Farewell city walk.

Where to Stay in Paris 🏨

• 1st arrondissement: Best central access for first-time plans; often most expensive.
• Le Marais: Great dining and atmosphere; lively in evenings.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Elegant, walkable, and classic; premium hotel rates.
• Latin Quarter: Practical and vibrant; room sizes may be smaller.
• Montmartre: Scenic and character-rich; longer Metro rides for some landmarks.
• Budget guidance: Prioritize Metro access and compare shoulder-zone hotels for better value.

Getting Around Paris 🚇

• Metro and RER are the main transport tools for sightseeing and day trips.
• Navigo pass can be cost-effective for frequent daily rides.
• Paris is very walkable within neighborhoods; combine walking with Metro for efficiency.
• Airport overview: CDG via RER B and transfer options; Orly via Metro Line 14, Orlyval connections, or bus options.

FAQ 💡

Is 7 days too much for Paris?

No. One week is ideal for iconic attractions plus Versailles and an optional Giverny or Loire day.

What is the best month to visit Paris?

May, June, September, and early October are usually best for weather and walking conditions.

Is Paris expensive?

Paris can be expensive, but booking early and planning by area helps manage costs.

Is Paris walkable?

Yes. Paris is walkable in most districts, with Metro for efficient cross-city movement.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Paris?

1st arrondissement, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Latin Quarter are strong first-time bases.

Should I buy a Navigo pass?

If you expect multiple rides daily, a Navigo option can be practical and cost-effective.

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