How to Spend 7 Days in Paris? – 7 Day Itinerary
Paris, the City of Light, was always a dream destination for me. With its world-renowned landmarks, charming cafés, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, there is no shortage of things to do. Spending a week in Paris allowed me to see the main attractions at a comfortable pace while also discovering a few hidden gems. This seven-day itinerary captures my incredible journey through the French capital.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Iconic Landmarks
I arrived in Paris via the Eurostar from London, pulling into Gare du Nord after a smooth and comfortable journey. From there, I took a taxi to my hotel, Hotel Montfleuri, which is conveniently located near the Arc de Triomphe. I got there a little too early to check into my room, so I left my bags with the reception and decided to explore the surrounding area while I waited.
With about two hours to spare, I wandered through the 17th arrondissement, a charming district filled with elegant Haussmann-style buildings, quaint cafés, and peaceful residential streets. It was the perfect way to ease into the Parisian atmosphere, and I even stopped at a small café for a quick coffee. Once my room was ready, I headed back to the hotel, freshened up, and prepared to properly start my adventure.
I kicked things off with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Seeing it up close was surreal, and I opted to take the elevator to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. From there, I took a leisurely walk along the Seine, passing the stunning architecture of the Hôtel des Invalides before making my way to the Champs-Élysées. Strolling down this famous avenue, I passed luxury boutiques, lively cafés, and bustling crowds before finally reaching the magnificent Arc de Triomphe. Since I was staying nearby, I decided to climb to the top just in time for sunset, where I was rewarded with a spectacular view over the city. However, it is recommended to get tickets to the Arc de Triomphe in advance.
Day 2: The Artistic Heart of Paris – The Louvre and Montmartre
I dedicated my second day to the artistic wonders of Paris. I started the morning at the Louvre Museum, home to thousands of masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Knowing it was impossible to see everything in one visit, I planned ahead and focused on the exhibits that interested me the most. After immersing myself in art, I headed to Montmartre, the historic artists’ quarter. Wandering through its charming streets, I visited Place du Tertre, where local artists displayed their work, and explored the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which offered a fantastic view of Paris from its hilltop location.
Day 3: A Day in the Latin Quarter and Notre-Dame
The third day was perfect for exploring the lively and historic Latin Quarter. I started with a visit to the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore before heading to the impressive Notre-Dame Cathedral. Afterwards, I took some time to explore the Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, two picturesque islands on the Seine. In the afternoon, I visited the Panthéon and took a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Day 4: A Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles
On my fourth day, I took a short train ride to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. The opulent palace, once home to French royalty, is famous for its Hall of Mirrors, extravagant gardens, and lavishly decorated rooms. I spent the day exploring the grandeur of the palace and strolling through the vast gardens, where I also visited the charming Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet, a rustic retreat built for Marie Antoinette.
Day 5: Modern Paris – La Défense and the Seine River Cruise
After experiencing the historic side of Paris, I decided to explore its modern counterpart. I began in La Défense, the city’s business district, where I admired contemporary skyscrapers and the striking Grande Arche. Later in the day, I returned to the heart of the city for a relaxing Seine River cruise. It was one of the best ways to take in the beauty of Paris from a different perspective. Opting for an evening cruise, I watched as the city lit up, with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame glowing in the darkness.
Day 6: The Charm of the Marais and Opéra Garnier
I spent my sixth day in the trendy Marais district, known for its historic mansions, chic boutiques, and bustling cafés. I began at the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, before exploring the nearby Musée Picasso. Continuing my stroll through the atmospheric streets, I stopped at local bakeries and shops along the way. In the afternoon, I made my way to the Opéra Garnier, one of the most stunning opera houses in the world. If time had allowed, I would have loved to watch a ballet or opera performance to end the day in true Parisian style.
Day 7: A Not So Relaxed Farewell
The day before I was meant to leave, I got food poisoning from eating at Five Guys (never eaten there again), which meant I was awake all night vomiting and feeling absolutely terrible. As soon as the morning of Day 7 arrived, I went straight to the local pharmacy to get some medicine to help with my migraines and nausea. I was still feeling weak and exhausted, so I asked the hotel if I could check out a little later than the scheduled 10 a.m. checkout time. Unfortunately, they couldn’t accommodated my request, so I had to leave at 10am to start heading to the train station.
When it was time to leave, I took a taxi back to Gare du Nord, sipping on water and trying to stay hydrated as much as possible so that I don’t faint on last day in Paris with all my bags. The moment I boarded the Eurostar back to London, I fell asleep almost instantly and slept the entire journey. It definitely wasn’t the best way to end my trip, but despite the unfortunate last day, every other moment in Paris had been truly magical.
This itinerary allowed me to experience the best of Paris, from its historical and artistic treasures to its modern and vibrant districts. With a mix of famous landmarks, cultural experiences, and leisurely strolls, my seven days in Paris were both enriching and unforgettable.
