Table of contents
- Day 1: Cultural and historical immersion
- Day 2: a day synonymous with discovering the Grand Boulevards and Montmartre
- Day 3: Immerse yourself in modern Parisian nature!
What if you wanted to discover the City of Light in record time? Why not plunge into the heart of Paris? Every street corner has a fascinating story to tell. When you set foot in this iconic city, you’ll have the chance to explore neighborhoods with character, marvel at historic monuments, and be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this legendary metropolis.
Need a little help organizing your stay in France ? Here’s a detailed program to ensure you don’t miss a thing and discover all the hidden treasures of Paris in just three days.
Day 1: Cultural and historical immersion
1ʳᵉ activity: the Musée d’Orsay
In my opinion, there’s nothing better than starting your first day in Paris with a total immersion in art! To do this, what better than to visit the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former railway station, it boasts an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
If you’re a painting enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! You can lose yourself for long minutes in masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir. The building’s magnificent architecture and vast, light-filled halls will also add to your experience.
How to get there ?
The Musée d’Orsay is located on the left bank of the Seine, at 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur. The museum is easily accessible by public transport. Take the RER C and get off at Musée d’Orsay station. You can also take bus routes 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84 and 94. They all stop nearby.
How long should I allow?
For an in-depth visit to Orsay, you should allow between 2 and 3 hours. You’ll be able to lose yourself in the galleries and enjoy your favorite works without feeling rushed.
How to book and how much does it cost?
Tickets can be purchased directly online from the Musée d’Orsay’s official website. Admission is €14 for adults and free for under-18s. As the museum is always busy, I strongly advise you to reserve your tickets to avoid queuing.
Where to eat?
Musée d’Orsay Restaurant: Located right inside the Musée d’Orsay, this elegant restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the Seine. Enjoy classic French cuisine in magnificent surroundings.
1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
After feasting your eyes on the Musée d’Orsay, why not head to Le Marais. Known for its cobbled streets, elegant boutiques and numerous private mansions, this historic district is a vibrant place that will give you a unique experience of Paris. Don’t miss a visit to the Place des Vosges, which in my opinion is one of the capital’s most beautiful squares. And if you’ve got any energy left, a stroll through the Jardin des Archives Nationales should be just the thing to end your day on a high note!
How do I get there?
Getting to the Marais is easy. You can take line 1 to Saint-Paul station or line 8 and get off at Chemin Vert. If you’re traveling by bus, lines 29, 69 and 96 serve the district.
How long will it take?
The Marais has plenty to offer.It would therefore be an illusion to think that you’ll be able to complete your visit in less than 2 hours!
How do I book and how much does it cost?
Visiting the Marais is free of charge, and no reservations are required.However, should you wish to learn more about the history of the district, you can opt for a guided tour.Prices vary, but you should expect to pay around €20 per person for a 2-hour tour.
And in the evening?
Discover Paris from another angle with a romantic cruise on the Seine.You’ll pass the city’s emblematic monuments, illuminated at night.
Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris
Where to dine in the evening?
Le Train Bleu: Located in the Gare de Lyon, this historic restaurant offers a unique culinary experience with its Belle Époque decor and refined French cuisine.
Place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris
Day 2: a day synonymous with discovering the Grand Boulevards and Montmartre
1ʳᵉ activity: Galeries Lafayette
A morning of shopping is always good for morale!Galeries Lafayette is sure to meet the expectations of even the most demanding window-shopping addicts. Galeries Lafayette is one of the most famous department stores in Paris.Once inside its walls, take a few moments to admire the magnificent glass dome.
Then explore the many luxury boutiques.If you like, the Opéra Garnier is not far away.If you feel like it, push on over to this architectural masterpiece, where you’ll have the chance to admire its sumptuous decorations and perhaps even attend a performance.
How do I get there?
Both Galeries Lafayette and the Opéra Garnier are located on Boulevard Haussmann.You can hop on metro line 7 or 9 and get off at Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette.Buses 20, 21, 27, 29, 42, 68 and 81 also serve the area.
How long will it take?
If you’re planning to redo all or part of your wardrobe during your stay in Paris, you’ll need a good 3 hours to satisfy your shopping desires.You’ll also have time to visit the Opéra and take some great photos.
How to book and how much does it cost?
As you probably know, admission to Galeries Lafayette is already free.To visit the Opéra Garnier, tickets can be purchased online or on site.Prices vary according to the visit, but you should expect to pay around €14 for a self-guided tour.
Where to eat?
Café de la Paix: This iconic café near the Opéra Garnier offers traditional French cuisine in a luxurious, elegant setting.
5 Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
2ᵉ activity: treat yourself to a trip to Montmartre and the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
In the afternoon, take on Montmartre, the bohemian district of Paris.The more athletic can climb the 222 steps up to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.Others will be relieved to learn that the funicular will take them safely to the top.You’ll be treated to a magnificent panoramic view of the capital.
Afterwards, lose yourself in Montmartre’s picturesque alleyways, discover the Place du Tertre and its artists, and visit the Musée de Montmartre to learn more about the district’s artistic history.
How to get there ?
Montmartre is accessible via metro line 2.Get off at Anvers station.You can also hop on line 12 and stop at Abbesses station.
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How much time should I allow?
If I were you, I’d set aside 3 hours for this outing.You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the basilica, stroll around the neighborhood and visit the museum.
How do I book and how much does it cost?
The visit to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is completely free of charge.However, please check what you’re carrying, as security guards check handbags and backpacks before entry.Tickets for the Musée de Montmartre cost €12 for adults and €9 for students and senior citizens.However, they are free for children under 18.
And in the evening?
Show at the Moulin Rouge: Attend a show at the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret for an unforgettable evening.Admire the performances of cancan dancers in a festive atmosphere.What’s more, Les Ailes are brand new!
82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
Where to dine in the evening?
La Mascotte: Small, traditional Parisian bistro in Montmartre, offering fresh seafood dishes and a friendly atmosphere.
52 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 Paris
Day 3: Immerse yourself in modern Parisian nature!
1ʳᵉ activity: Centre Pompidou
Your last day in the capital should be a memorable one!A visit to the Centre Pompidou will give you the opportunity to forge some wonderful memories.Also known as Beaubourg, this center for modern and contemporary art is bound to impress you with its innovative architecture and world-class exhibitions. Passionate about the works of Pablo Picasso? You’ll be pleased to know that the Centre Pompidou houses an impressive collection dedicated to this artist, but also to Kandinsky, and many other major 20th-century artists.
How do I get there?
The center is located at 19 Rue Beaubourg, in the 4ᵉ arrondissement. You can reach it via metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14, or lines 11 and 3 from Rambuteau station.
How long will it take?
An in-depth visit to Pompidou takes around 2-3 hours. This is the time needed to appreciate the permanent and temporary exhibitions, and to enjoy the panoramic view from the roof.
How to book and at what price?
Please book well in advance to make sure you’ll be able to enjoy the premises.Fortunately, tickets for the Centre Beaubourg can be purchased online, which is a great help.If you’re treating yourself to this activity as a family, you’ll be pleased to know that only adults will pay the €14 entrance fee.Children will be admitted free of charge.
Where to eat?
Le Georges: Located at the top of the Centre Pompidou, Le Georges offers panoramic views over Paris and contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting.One of my favorite Parisian restaurants, it’s part of the Coste group.
Center Pompidou, 19 Rue Beaubourg, 75004 Paris (On the top floor, reservations are recommended).
2ᵉ activity: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
It would be a real shame not to end your Parisian program with a reconnection with nature after several days in the hustle and bustle of the capital.To do so, don’t forget to visit the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.For me, this is one of the most beautiful and largest parks in Paris.With its hills, waterfalls, suspension bridges and Sibylline temple, this little corner of paradise offers a real nature getaway in the heart of the city.It’s the ideal place to relax after three days of intensive sightseeing.
How to get there
Buttes-Chaumont is located in the 19ᵉ arrondissement.You can take metro line 7 bis to Buttes-Chaumont station or line 5 to Laumière station to reach them.Bus lines 26, 48 and 60 also serve the park.
How long will it take?
Depending on what you want to do there, you should allow at least 2 hours.That’s plenty of time for a stroll, a picnic or simply to relax and enjoy the scenery.
How to book and how much does it cost?
Admission to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is free and open all year round.
And in the evening?
Eiffel Tower night tour: End your stay with a night tour of the Eiffel Tower. Admire the illuminated city from the top of this iconic monument. Tickets can be purchased on site or online.
Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
Where to dine in the evening?
Le Jules Verne:This gourmet restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower offers refined French cuisine with a spectacular view of Paris. Perfect timing – this is where you’ll spend your last evening!
Tour Eiffel, Avenue Gustave Eiffel, 75007 ParisParis in 3 days: my full programme!
