Perfect 4 Day Paris Itinerary for all seasons

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Our 4 day Paris itinerary was about falling in love with Paris – all over again. I love Paris and I fell in love with Paris even before we met and after having spent a few days – this love affair continues to grow.

Thomas Jefferson summed up my feelings about Paris. To quote, “A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life”. Truly, when we explored Paris, we found beauty in the old charming lanes, the abundance of history, and the everyday life in lovely neighborhoods, just straight out of postcards.

Our 4 days in Paris Itinerary were about getting lost in the city’s lanes, checking off the iconic landmarks, and bringing back tons of unforgettable memories. 

4 days in Paris: A 4 day Paris Itinerary for first time visitors & all seasons

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4 day Paris itinerary: Things to do in Paris in 4 days

• Day 1: Best of Paris, start at the Trocadero Gardens, visit the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysses, Arc de Triomphe, Grand/Petit Palais, and finish the day at the Louvre
• Day 2: More of Paris Highlights: Notre Dame Cathedral, Seine River, Latin Quarter, Pantheon, Catacombs, Seine River Cruise
• Day 3: Explore Parisian Neighborhoods. Montparnasse and/or Montmartre 
• Day 4: Take a day trip to Versailles (+ Giverny)

Planning for 4 days in Paris Itinerary

Arriving in Paris – Planning a trip to Paris

There are three airports in Paris France –  Charles de Gaulle International Airport, Orly Airport, and Beauvais-Tille Airport.

• Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the main airport in Paris and it is located about 45 minutes from the city center. You will most likely fly into this airport if traveling from North America or Asia. We arrived at the Charles de Gaulle airport and took the RER to reach the 15th arrondissement, where our hotel was. From the airport, you pay 10 Euros to take the RER train to multiple locations in the city. You will always see a HUGE line-up at the ticket counter, but trust me, the lines move very fast. If in a hurry, you can always book an airport shuttle or transfer
• Orly Airport is the second international airport in Paris and is around the same distance as the Charles de Gaulle (45 minutes from the city center). From Orly, you can either take a taxi or a shuttle bus. The shuttle buses leave every 15 minutes.
• Beauvais-Tille Airport is for budget airlines only (RyanAir and Wizz Air). It takes about 80 minutes to arrive at the city center from Beauvais-Tille Airport. There are 2 options to get to Paris from the airport – airport transfer buses (takes 80 minutes, tickets can be purchased at the terminal), by train (from the airport to the train station is 15 minutes by taxi and then the train takes another 80 minutes. Taxi fare is around 15 euros).

Paris Accommodation Guide – Paris Hotels

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (arr.) or boroughs. We narrowed down the areas to the best places to stay in Paris and have provided some hotel recommendations below.

Keep in mind, Paris is home to some of the finest and most luxurious hotels and it is well worth investing the money in a boutique hotel with great views.

Most of the luxury hotels are located near the city centre (1st and 8th arr.) There are also quaint Parisian neighborhoods (Montmartre, Marais, 11th arr.) that are well connected by Paris metro, which are great options to stay if you are looking for mid to budget range hotels and do not mind the distance from the city centre. Book your Paris hotels here.

Luxury – Paris Hotel Recommendations

• Hotel Plaza Athenee – Hotel Plaza Athenee is the highest rated 5-star hotel in Paris. This hotel is a historic luxury hotel, with a Dior spa, elegant interiors, and a cocktail bar. It is located in the 8th arr. close to city attractions.
  • Hotel Plaza Athenee has 154 rooms and 5- star restaurants on site. 
  • It was awarded the “Palace distinction” for being ONE of the finest luxury hotels in France.
  • Stay at this hotel for its history, luxurious and one of kind treatment, and of course Eiffel tower views!
  • Check rates and book your stay at Hotel Plaza Athenee
• Park Hyatt Paris Vendome – Park Hyatt Paris Vendome is a luxury hotel located on the 2nd arr.
  • One of the finest hotels in Paris, Park Hyatt Paris Vendome brings in stunning interiors, an in-house spa, and 3 restaurants including a Michelin star restaurant.
  • The prime location of this hotel steals the cake – Place Vendome, the Louvre, and Palais Opera Garnier are located just minutes away
  • Stay at this hotel to experience luxury, delicious breakfast at a convenient location.
  • Check rates and book your stay at Park Hyatt Paris Vendome

Mid Range – Paris Hotel Recommendations

• Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur – Located in Montmartre (18th arr.), Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur provides easy access to the charming Montmartre neighborhood, including the iconic landmarks – Moulin Rouge and the Sacre Coeur.
  • Metro station is easily accessible. Stay at this hotel for a romantic vacation, with access to sightseeing areas. Great value.
  • Check rates and book your stay Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur
• Hotel Eiffel Capitol is a 3-star hotel, located only 10 minutes away from the Eiffel tower.
  • The location of this hotel is perfect and convenient to view Paris attractions like Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Porte de Versailles Exhibition, and Dupleix Metro Station are just a few steps away.
  • Stay at this hotel for its convenient location and good value for money.
  • Check rates and book your stay at Hotel Eiffel Capitol
• Hotel iBis Issy Les Moulineaux Val Seine – This is where we stayed. The hotel is located in the 15th arrondissement.
  • Metro stations are located close by (Issy de Marie).
  • The hotel was located in a residential area, not as vintage as some of the other areas or hotels mentioned above. The rooms were spacious and clean. The staff was friendly too. There are a restaurant and bar on-site but had limited hours of operation
  • As we were out and about exploring all day long the hotel neighborhood didn’t bother us. The room rates were of good value.
  • Check room rates and book your stay  Hotel iBis Issy Les Moulineaux Val Seine 

Day 1 of 4 Day Paris Itinerary – Eiffel Tower, Trocadero Gardens, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum

The first day of 4 days in Paris Itinerary should include the BEST that Paris is known for. On this day, explore the Trocadero Gardens, then head to the stunning Eiffel Tower and more Paris tourist spots and finally finish the day at the Louvre.

Before you start your day, it is worthwhile to check out a few ways to explore Paris.

On our trip to Paris, we utilized the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing tours to save time. These tours commence at the Trocadero gardens – so as long you arrive there, you can ride on one of these sightseeing buses for the day.

Grab a map (like the one added in this article) and then get down whenever you like to explore. These are not guided tours, it is more of a convenience in traveling from point A to B. Continue reading to find out what tourist spots you should cover. Click here to book your hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus tour.

Paris Pass to make the most of 4 days in Paris

Consider getting the Paris Pass for your trip. With the Paris Pass, you can get access to over 60 attractions in the city (including the Paris museum pass for 2 days/access and fast track entry), free public transportation, and also 1 day of hop-on and hop-off tour – mentioned above. The Paris Pass can be purchased for 2, 3, or 6 days. (There is no 4 day Paris Pass for purchase.)

We have highlighted some of the individual tours and entry fees for each tourist spot below as well. To save money on transport and get more of your four days in Paris, get the 3 day Paris Pass.

Purchase your Paris Pass here

Trocadero Gardens

Start your day at the Trocadero Gardens. Jardins du Trocadero is a garden and along with the Palais de Chaillot (which is built on a hilltop) provides excellent views of the Eiffel tower. This site (also the seat of a former palace) was named after the Battle of Trocadero, 1878.

Today, the Trocadero has 3 museums on-site, along with the gardens. The garden also has fountains called the Fountain of Warsaw, whose still waters create perfect reflections of the Eiffel tower.  Fountain of Warsaw is the largest fountains in Paris.

Most tours and sightseeing buses start at the Trocadero gardens. Trocadero is easily connected via Paris metro.

We arrived here at 7:30 am and the place was already filled with a lot of people. Still, it wasn’t too crowded. Entry to the gardens is completely free. We clicked some photos of the Trocadero Gardens and of course the Iron Lady. You can get awesome shots of the Eiffel Tower from here.

We also decided to have some breakfast at the Trocadero – watch the sun go up against the Eiffel Tower, whilst sipping some lattes, baguette Fromage, and croissants. There was a coffee and breakfast stall set up at the Trocadero, along with vendors selling Paris souvenirs.

Eiffel Tower – Check off Paris bucket list

Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel tower, once said, “I ought to be jealous of the tower. She is more famous than I am“. Referring to the Eiffel Tower, you might already know that the Tour Eiffel is an iconic symbol of France and romance.

It is the WORLD’S most-visited paid structure. Needless to say, you got to visit to see for yourself.

The Eiffel Tower was originally built as an entry gate to World Fair (Exposition), had nothing to do with romance actually.

If you compare the tower to some of the tallest buildings in the world, it is actually as tall as a skyscraper with 81 floors. However, the Eiffel is the tallest structure in the whole of Paris at 324 metres high, followed by the tallest skyscraper – Tour First (a commercial building) at 231 metres.

From the Trocadero when you make your way to the Eiffel Tower, you will find ample opportunities to capture and admire the stunning structure. The streets, trees, and the Carrousel de la Eiffel Tower (Eiffel Tour Carousel) makes for a charming, romanticized view.

To view the Eiffel tower closely, there is an entry fee, and depending on how close, under, or top you wish to go to the tower, the access fees are different. Technically to view the Eiffel or walk on the grounds is free, but to access the tower itself you pay a fee. Or you can stay in a hotel with an Eiffel tower view.

There are 3 floors of the Eiffel tower, where visitors are granted access.

• 1st floor – The 1st floor of the tower has a transparent glass floor.
• 2nd floor – 2nd floor provides you with mesmerizing views over Paris. View the sights of the Parisian iconic building like the Invalides, Notre Dame, Louvre, Grand Palais, and the Seine river. There are restaurants and souvenir shops located here as well. The second floor is most popular among tourists, also because of the romantic dining options. You can book your tickets online for the second floor.
• Summit –  With 2 lifts, you will be taken to the summit of the Eiffel tower at 273 metres high and you can see the whole of Paris below you. There are open-air and indoor viewing areas. There is a champagne bar, and a museum dedicated to Gustave Eiffel on the top floor. Book your summit tour of the Eiffel Tower.
• Esplanade – This is the ground level, from where you can see the tower soaring on top of you. The hydraulic lifts located at the basement on either side of the tower operate the lifts to take you to the tower floors and summit. Ticket counters, information desk, souvenirs stores, and other stores are located here.

Eiffel Tower Tips 

• If you wish to access the 2nd floor or the summit of the Eiffel Tower, give yourself enough time. 2-4 hours easily. Most online access tickets are for 90 to 120 minutes (2 hours) like this one, but Eiffel tower is notorious for LONG lines and wait times, even with a “skip the line” ticket. So give yourself time.
• The same applies to the Summit. Book your summit tour in advance.
• Whenever you book your ticket, choose a time slot and arrive 30 minutes ahead of time to line up and go through security checks.
• Booking tickets ahead of time will confirm your slot and save you money. You can also buy tickets at the tower, depending on availability, at individual costs.
• Eiffel Tower can also be accessed via stairs. Stair access tickets are only available at the tower, not sold online. You can only take the stairs up-to-the 2nd floor.
• A romantic dinner at the Eiffel tower is a GREAT way to celebrate Paris and you! Reserve your Eiffel tower dinner (or lunch) here.
• Safety: Eiffel Tower is a major attraction in Paris and there is heightened security in and around the structure. Be careful and aware of your surroundings. Travel light and don’t carry additional bags or cameras (or other flashy things).
• Hours: Eiffel Tower is open all year round. Depending on the season, there are different timings for the tower access.

It is a wonderful sight to see the Eiffel tower shining bright at night.

Did you know that the Eiffel Tower has a furnished apartment? Gustave Eiffel built the apartment/office for himself – third floor. You can take a peek at it while on your way to the Summit.

Champs-Élysées

From the Eiffel Tower, make your way to another Parisian popular spot – Champs-Élysées. Champs Elysees is a stretch of lane extending from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde.

Take a quick stroll and admire the gardens and vintage buildings. Champs Elysees is popular as a shopping street as well.

The most Instagrammable Laduree store and one of the largest Louis Vuitton stores are located here. Shop or window shop here and grab a bite to eat before heading to the Arc de Triomphe.

We went in to the Laduree store here to try out some macaroons and get souvenirs back home. The place was packed – took us almost 15 – 20 minutes to get our macaroons. But they were DELICIOUS.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (or Arc de Triomphe) is a stunning neoclassical archway located at the west end of Champs Elysees. The construction of the archway was ordered by Napoleon to honor the brave hearts from the Napoleonic wars and the French Revolution. Today it attracts tourists from all over the world.

Visiting Tips for Arc de Triomphe – 4 day Paris Itinerary 

• From the west end of Champs Elysees, you can see or view the Arc de Triomphe. In between Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe are busy roundabout and heavy traffic.
• Pro tip: Do not attempt to cross the road. There is an underground pedway available to access the archway.
• If you are taking pictures from Champs Elysees (like we did – guilty), look out for oncoming traffic and stay on the walkway.
• That area is super crowded with people and street artists – be careful and stay alert. Careful with your belongings.
• You can access the top of the archway, to get some breathtaking views of Paris.
• For less than $15 USD, you can capture some amazing views. Book your rooftop access tickets here. 

Grand Palais/Petit Palais

From the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees, head to Grand Palais. Grand Palais des Champs-Elysees or the Great Palace is a large historic site, an exhibition hall, and a museum.

If you are not interested in exploring the museum displays, we would still recommend visiting the complex and admiring the beautiful architecture. The Grand Palais is open every day except Tuesday and an entry fee costs about 15 euros.

Close to the Grand Palais, is a smaller art museum – Petit Palais. Petit Palais is less crowded than the Great Palace. You should be able to explore the museum in an hour or so. There is a statue of Sir Winston Churchill located at the Petit Palais grounds.

Both Grand and Petit Palais were built as part of the 1900 Universal Exposition. Another stunning structure built during this exhibition was the beautiful Pont Alexandre III (bridge) built over the river Seine. The Pont Alexandre iii is located close to the Grand Palais, so definitely stop by to admire the bridge architecture.

Opera House/ Palais Garnier

Paris’s Opera House or the Palais Garnier is the State Opera and the seat of Paris Opera Ballet. The stunning Opéra Garnier was built by Charles Garnier by winning the opera house design competition.

The Opera House is beautiful to look at. And we have heard and seen amazing (and luxurious) details of the interiors. You can book a 90 minute guided tour of the Opéra Garnier.

The Louvre Museum

We finished our first day of 4 days in Paris Itinerary by visiting the Louvre Museum. There are many ways to spend an evening in Paris, we chose to spend it at the Louvre. Arrive late afternoon before the museum closes and explore the art displays.

It takes 2-3 hours to completely enjoy and explore the Louvre, so give yourself enough time.

But stay there until the end when the museum closes to see the lights on the pyramid, capture images and then head to the Arc de Triomphe Carrousel to take a stroll.

From the Arc de Triomphe Carrousel, you will see the Eiffel Tower illuminated in all of the night’s glory.

The Louvre Palace originally served as the royal residence of the French monarchy. This is where the WORLD FAMOUS Louvre museum is housed. Louvre museum opened its doors in the late 18th century, with royal exhibitions.

Over the years, the Louvre complex and the museum displays grew in size. When the Palace of Versailles was built by Louis IX, the Louvre no longer served as a prime royal residence.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Monalisa is displayed at the Louvre museum, along with more than 350,000 other historical and art items. The Louvre is the world’s MOST visited museum. If you are an art museum lover, then plan for a 2-3 hour stay here.

The historical elements of the displayed items and the structure come from the royal family (Louvre Palace), the painters, and art history.

Book a comprehensive 3 hour tour of the Louvre

Don’t forget to spend some time at the Arc de Triomphe Carrousel after to watch the Eiffel Tower glowing in the night lights. There are a lot of restaurants and cafes by the Louvre museum for dinner.

If you are uninterested in entering the Louvre, then head to the Palais Royal instead. 

Domaine National du Palais Royal

The Palais-Royal is a former royal palace located opposite the Louvre. If you are looking for Instagrammble spots in Paris, then don’t miss the columns at Palais Royal (just like the pyramid at the Louvre – this is a must for your Paris photos!)

This palace site dates back to the 16th century and it represents one of the most beautiful remnants of historical architecture in the city, complemented with a breathtaking garden. Palais Royal grounds are open until 10:30 pm (and 08:30 pm during the off-season). 

Pro Tip: If the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum are your prime sightseeing items, allot 3 hours for each (summit access, guided tour, etc). Trocadero, Champs Elysees (no shopping), and the Arc de Triomphe (including tower access) will not take a lot of time.

You can explore the Opera House, Grand Palais/Petit Palais from the outside – as they are in the same vicinity. But in dept exploration might be too tight for a day, but not impossible.

Day 2 of 4 days in Paris Itinerary – Notre Dame Cathedral, Seine River, Latin Quarter, Pantheon, Catacombs, Seine River Cruise

Day 2 of your 4 days in Paris Itinerary is filled with more sightseeing and experiences. Today we will cover some of the other popular Paris tourist landmarks. So, let’s kick start day 2 of Paris Itinerary with a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral and Saint Chapelle.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is a beautiful Catholic church located in Paris’s 4th arrondissement neighborhood. It is considered one of the finest Gothic architectural landmarks and its beautiful architecture is characterized by stained glass windows, statues, and bells.

The Notre Dame Cathedral was built between the 12-14th centuries as the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. It is a living museum and masses are held regularly.

Note: Due to the devastating fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019, the cathedral is currently closed until further notice. Restoration work is currently going on, with hopes of re-opening Notre Dame in 2024 for the Summer Olympics. 

You can still view Notre Dame from outside, and take pictures. 

Seine River

By now, you must have realized that there is a river that flows through Paris and has been a significant contributor to French history. The word Seine is derived from the Latin word Sequena – the goddess of the river.

The earliest mention of the Seine river is from the 800s. Since then the Seine has witnessed Olympic games, murders and massacres (Algerian Paris massacre 1961), trades and commercial activity, and history and literature on its river banks.

There are over 35 bridges built over the river Seine – some are more stunning than the others and some historical and some very functional.

Just like the Pont Alexander III (we saw yesterday), the Pont Neuf (or the New Bridge) is another popular bridge attraction. The river flows throughout the city of Paris, so you will see different versions and stories of the Seine.

Île de la Cité and Sainte Chapelle

The Seine river area, close to the Notre Dame Cathedral is worth exploring. Île de la Cité is a natural island in the River Seine – this is where medieval Paris was founded. If you take a walk across from the cathedral, you will be able to view it.

The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel built in the Gothic style in the 13^th century. The floor-to-roof glass interiors are absolutely gorgeous. This church is located within the Palais de la Cite.

The artsy stained glass interiors of Sainte Chapelle have become a curiosity of many travelers. Although a smaller church than the mighty Notre Dame, Saint Chapelle has a strong fan following, and the lineup to get there can be quite crazy. Here are the entry tickets

Pro Tip: Try to arrive here first thing in the morning and then head to the Notre Dame Cathedral, preferably 10-15 minutes before the gates open.  

Continue walking to see some green colored bookstalls. The Seine has been also popularly described as the “river between 2 bookshelves”. The Bouquinistes of Paris (aka the green bookstalls) sell used and antiquarian books along the banks of the River Seine. These stalls have been located here since the 16th century.

Latin Quarter

Home to the Paris Sorbonne University, the Latin Quarter, in the 5th (and part of 6th) arrondissement is filled with multi-cuisine cafes, bars, and student areas. This is a perfect lunch stop for the day.

The history of the Latin Quarter dates back to 52 BC, and had been a centre of education and learning for centuries.

Latin Quarter is on the left bank of the Seine river. Start your exploration by taking a stroll along with the Quai St Michel. You will see some book stores (famed Shakespeare and Co) and restaurants along the banks.

Explore the vintage buildings, lanes, and the Sorbonne University area, before setting down for a good lunch. After lunch, explore the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) which is located on the cusp of the 5th and the 6th arrondissement (in the artsy Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood).

The Luxembourg Gardens are popular for their lawns, beautiful flower beds, and the picturesque Medici Fountain.

To make the most of your time, you can also take a 2 hour guided tour of the Latin Quarter, which covers all of the above-mentioned areas, including the Pantheon and the Musée d’Orsay (art museum).

Explore the guided tour of Latin Quarter here.

Musee d’Orsay

Musee d’Orsay is one of the popular museums in Paris. It is home to the largest Impressionist and post Impressionist masterpieces in the world. The museum pass will come in handy here.

Pantheon

The Pantheon, from a distance, looks like a city hall, but it is was originally a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, patron saint of Paris. Today it is the burial ground of some of Paris’s famous personalities. Admire the architecture of this building, built in neo-classical style.

Catacombs of Paris

The catacombs of Paris are slowly becoming a popular tourist attraction, but we do understand not everybody might want to visit this on their first trip to Paris. It is, however, good to know.

The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries (a room where bones of dead people are kept) in the 14th arrondissement – Montparnasse neighborhood.

Catacombs house the remains of more than six million people in a small part of a tunnel network.

The reason for building this ossuary is not very “grave” as it might seem. In the late 18th century, many cemeteries (holy Saint Innocents) were falling apart and there was an urgent need to dispose of the dead bodies.

As part of town planning, the remains were moved to a mine shaft. Years went by and this place was almost forgotten until excavations were done. The streets of the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower and beyond form a part of this dark tunnel.

From Pantheon to the Catacombs of Paris, it is a 6-minute drive or a 25-minute walk. You can explore the catacombs only with a guided tour. This guided tour here is for small groups only. It is for 2 hours. The inside of the tunnels are dark, uneven, and could be claustrophobic (and sometimes dark and chilly, also eerie).

Seine River Cruise

We hope you have some energy for one last item of your Day 2 Paris Itinerary. Whether you visit the Catacombs or not, this SEINE river cruise should not be MISSED. We have taken quite a few day and evening (sightseeing) cruises and we loved them all.

With the Seine River Cruises, ranging from 1 hour to 2.5 hours, you can capture and see MOST of Paris’s iconic landmarks, whilst sailing on the Seine. Bateaux Parisiens is the starting point for the Seine River Cruise and it is FREE with the Paris Pass.

You can take this cruise anytime (day or evening), it has a 1-day validity. Here is the one-hour sightseeing cruise information. We prefer doing this in the evening, so we reached there at 08:45 pm. Whatever time of day it is, bring a scarf or a light cardigan, as it could get chilly.

If you have not made any dinner plans, consider taking a Seine River dinner cruise for 2.5 hours. It is so romantic and will definitely make a great Paris memory.

Day 3 of 4 day Paris Itinerary – Montparnasse & Montmartre Tour – Sacre Coeur, streets and cafes, walking, Place du Tertre, Moulin Rouge

On your third day of 4 days in Paris Itinerary, split your time between 1 or 2 neighborhoods – get lost in their lanes, try out some local cafes and cuisines and just fall in LOVE!

We picked the Montmartre district to explore, with a quick stop at Montparnasse. Of course, there are other areas that you can visit too like – Marais or the Latin Quarter, but we hope you fall in love with Montmartre as we did.

Montparnasse

The Catacombs that you visited yesterday are located in the Montparnasse district – in the 14th arrondissement. The Montparnasse tower is the most popular attraction in the city. It is a must-visit to capture some of the stunning views of the city.

Montparnasse Tower

The Montparnasse Tower is a skyscraper in the district of the same name. The observation platform at the Montparnasse tower will give you amazing photo opportunities of the city. Now, this is, of course, different viewing the city from the Eiffel tower itself – as you won’t see the tower in it.

The Montparnasse tower will give you just that. There are 2 levels at the tower to take in the views – one is on the 56^th floor (with glass windows) and the rooftop observation terrace. Grab your tickets here

Pro tip: You can also visit the Montparnasse tower at night, for light views as well. The tower is located 5- 15 minutes away from the Catacombs. Because the evening Seine river was already covered, we suggest viewing a different perspective (maybe during spring and autumn for fall colors) in daylight. 

Head to the Montparnasse cemetery

Montparnasse cemetery is really a popular site in Paris. Now I will be a bit overwhelmed visiting the Catacombs and the cemetery on the same day and at night, so visit this during the day.

The Montparnasse Cemetery is actually very smoothing – perfect for a stroll (before heading for some crepes in town!). Many of the well-known French personalities including artist Jean-Paul Sartre is buried here.

Here you will also find some of the last remaining windmills in the city of Paris.

Crepes at Rue du Montparnasse

Your trip to Paris is not complete without trying out the best crepes in town and you will find those crepes on Rue du Montparnasse. No particular recommendation here – but just pick the café that appeals to you on this street and go crazy with crepes.

Now for the second half of the day, head to Montmarte. Montparnasse to Montmartre is 30 minutes by train.

Another pro tip: You can also go to Montmartre first and then Montparnasse if you wish to see the sunset from Montparnasse Tower.

What to do in the Montmartre neighborhood

Montmartre today is a popular Parisian neighborhood located in the 18th arrondissement. It is also an official historic district, meaning the city of Paris is trying to preserve much of the vintage and bohemian vibe of this neighborhood.

Before we explore Montmartre, it’s important to understand its history (and you know how MUCH we LOVE history). So Montmartre is the name of the hill that overlooks the district and it is also the name of the district itself.

Montmartre means “mount of mars” (in Roman. Frenchman call it the “mount of martyrs” and there is a reason why).

Until the late 19th century, Montmartre was not a part of the city of Paris nor was the stunning Sacre Coeur built. The village, as it was back then, was filled with gypsum miners and traders.

It had also witnessed French wars of Religion and Franco-Prussian wars, and the Germans had once upon a time also occupied the Montmartre hill (for bombardment. It’s a hill, so it worked for military expeditions).

Montmartre’s iconic landmark – Sacred Heart Basilica of Sacre Coeur was completed in 1919 and slowly this little village was filled with artists (painters, cabaret dancers, and the like) and cafes.

When you walk through the district, you will find cafes that were frequented by the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Pierre Brissaud, Raymond Duchamp-Villon, and more. These lanes are completely Insta-worthy and vintage-y.

You can easily reach Montmartre from the Paris metro

• Pigalle station (closest Sacré Coeur metro),
• Ansvers (near Sacré Coeur funicular and Place de tetre),
• Abbesses (right at the entrance of Montmartre neighborhood) and
• Blanche station (near Moulin Rouge) are some options to get to Montmarte.

Montmartre Walking Tour 

Once you are in Montmartre, you can spend the day exploring all the sightseeing spots. If you prefer taking a guided tour, here is a GREAT option. This recommended walking tour is a small group tour which starts from the Paris metro station and takes you to all the important sightseeing areas. Tour is for 2-3 hours, leaving you with plenty of time to relax, eat, and spend the day.

So here is what you should explore in Montmartre in 4 day Paris Itinerary.

Sacré Cœur

The Sacred Heart Basilica of Paris, known as Sacré Coeur is located on a hill in Montmartre. The basilica was built and opened in 1919. The entry to the basilica is completely free. To access the church towers/dome, there is a fee of 5 euros. This entry fee is worth it as you can get amazing views of the entire city from the top.

The basilica is open every day from 06:00 am to 10:30 pm. Try to arrive early for some photos or a light stroll by the basilica. Sacré Coeur is easily accessible by bus from one of the nearest Montmartre Paris Metro locations (Pigalle, Ansvers stations).

Cafes and Streets of Montmartre 

Sacré Coeur is definitely an iconic landmark, but the streets and quaint lanes of Montmartre are what will leave your heart wanting for more.

Take a walk from the metro station towards the Sacré Coeur or vice versa, you will see red-green cafes, old vintage buildings, souvenir stores, street art, and murals. These small lanes are also lined with con artists and pickpockets, so always be careful. Carry the basic items that you need and enjoy the neighborhood, eat, and drink to your heart’s content.

Le Consulat – Le Consulat is a cafe in Montmartre that was frequented by popular artists in bygone days. Today, it is one of the most photographed pictures on Instagram.

La Maison Rose – Pretty pink and mint green colored restaurant, also very Instagram famous is located in Montmartre

Museums in Montmartre – Visit the Musée d’ Montmartre (learn about history and architecture of Montmartre), Musée de la Vie Romantiqe (artists and displays from the Romanticism era), Musée d’Art Naïf Max Fourny (museum of modern art), Musée de l’Erotisme (only for adults)

Rue de Steinkerque – The streets of Rue de Steinkerque are bustling with French souvenirs, T-shirts, and more. Best way to mingle and get lost in this neighborhood.

Place du Tertre 

Place du Tertre is a popular square in Montmartre. Rightly popular as the Montmartre artists square, this place has been an important seat of arts and art display since medieval times. Today you can find artists painting or selling their artwork. This square is lined with cafes and restaurants, perfect for a pit stop to try some macaroons or crepes.

Moulin Rouge Montmartre

Moulin Rouge is the FAMED cabaret in Paris France. Located near the Blanche metro station, this landmark with the iconic red windmills and lights is hard to miss.

The heritage of cabaret at the Moulin Rouge dates back to the late 1880 and was evolved from the popular can-can dance (very high energy, physically demanding dance to a seductive cabaret). The original building was destroyed was fire and later rebuilt.

Today it is a popular tourist attraction and if you did like to spend the evening with dinner and music-dance, head to Moulin Rouge. The shows and dinner at the Moulin Rouge get sold out often, so book in advance. Here is a highly recommended Moulin Rouge show (Féerie) with dinner options. 

Day 4 of 4 days in Paris Itinerary – Day Trips from Paris to Versailles (+ Giverny)  

On day 4 of your Paris Itinerary, head 20 kilometers southwest of the French capital to Versailles. 

There is a BIG reason why you should include a day tour to the Palace of Versailles. Actually, I will give you 2 reasons.

For one, the Palace of Versailles was not only the residence of the French monarchy – but also a symbol of political power shifts and luxury.

What was the Louvre Palace to the monarchy once, was now the Palace of Versailles, and later on, the Tuileries Palace became the royal residence of the French monarchs.

Visiting the Versailles Palace and learning about its history closes the loop on the missing piece that’s hidden in Versailles. The second reason why you should visit Versailles (and the reason why I wanted to visit), was to see where the Treaty of Versailles was signed.

As a modern history student, I studied about the Paris Peace Agreement and the Treaty of Versailles which concluded the First World War (with difficult terms for Germany), and REALLY wanted to see the room where the agreement was signed.

I did explore the place/room where the treaty was concluded and boy! the war ended by signing the treaty (in style?) at the luxurious Hall of Mirrors – the most STUNNING and expensive rooms of all.

We took a day tour from Paris to Versailles and we HIGHLY recommend you take a guided tour as well. The palace of Versailles is ONE of the busiest and most visited palaces in Europe.

We took an early tour (arrived at 08:30 am) and the palace complex was packed. We had to wait for our guide to get us the tickets to get into the Palace courtyard – without a guided tour, we would be waiting FOREVER.

Here is a guided tour that we recommend. It is a half-day tour, so you can return to Paris in the afternoon and spend the evening there or take a full day tour to Versailles and Giverny.

If you would like a private tour of Versailles, here is a great option. You will be arriving in Versailles in an AC car and will be provided with a guided tour of the palace and gardens.

Once you arrive and gain entry to the palace, you will be guided to different rooms. Your guide will provide you with a brief history of each room, the architecture, and other stories of the French royalty.

You will definitely hear about Louis IX and why he decided to move the royal residence to Versailles, how the palace was built and what led to the French Revolution, and the ousting of the monarchy from their beloved Versailles palace back to Paris.

When you explore the interiors of the palace, you will be in a small group of 5-7 people only, so ask questions and learn about French history.

After your guided tour of the palace, spend some time at the palace gardens (Jardins du Chateau de Versailles). They are beautifully curated and are awesome for taking photos.

There are washrooms located inside the palace and outside the gardens for patrons to use. The palace complex also has a café (we had some lattes and smores), gift and souvenir store inside.

At Versailles itself, you can also take wine tours or explore some lesser-known estates like the Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate.

Here is a full day tour of Versailles with palace guided tour and visit to the Estates and lunch

READ: Day trip to Versailles from Paris Guide

READ: More Day trip ideas from Paris  or embark on weekend trips from Paris

Paris Sightseeing Map – Paris 4 day Itinerary

When you open and zoom the map, you will find that almost all of the tourist attractions are located on either side of the Seine River. The left bank of the Seine is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, Latin Quarter, Montparnasse, and St Germain. 

Paris right bank has the Lourve, Champs Elysee, Arc de Triomphe, Marais, Montmartre (plus Sacre Coeur), along with Notre Dame Cathedral.

Is 4 days in Paris enough? How many days do you need in Paris?

We feel that four days in Paris is a good time to explore the city and take day trips. Of course, depending on your interests, you can visit all (or none) of the museums.

We think that the museums take the MOST time in Paris – due to line-ups and how grand the complexes are. So if this is your only trip to Paris for a while, try to hit the iconic symbols and pick 2-3 of your favorites for an in-depth exploration.

This 4 day Paris Itinerary is designed in a way that you can explore each day independently of each other. So you only have 1-2 days, pick Day 1 (best of Paris) and maybe Day 3 (Montmartre) or a day trip. Only three days in Paris – leave out the day trip.

If it’s only ONE day and this is your first visit, then for sure do Day 1. All these Paris tourist spots, by day, are located close to each other, so you can cover them easily in a day – as outlined.

You can easily tweak this itinerary to fit your needs. And can use it for all seasons – Paris summer or winter itinerary.

Paris Summer Itinerary

This 4 day Paris itinerary can be used as-is, for the summer months. We recommend taking breaks and staying hydrated in the summers. In the last couple of years, Paris has been suffering from heat waves in the summer.

If you are traveling around this time, carry a water bottle with you at all times, when you are out and about exploring.

Summers are busy, so expect long line-ups at museums and other sightseeing attractions. Purchase tickets ahead of time and choose to skip the lines or early mornings/late evening entries.

Paris Winter Itinerary

Winters in Paris are not crazy like it is in Canada or some parts of the USA. It is quite mild, probably will be beach weather for some traveling from northern Canada (ask my husband). Ok, so for most of us, winters in Paris will be cold, you can expect snow in December and January.

Wear warm clothes when you are exploring different neighborhoods. Paris is a great place to ring in New Year or Christmas celebrations, do festive shopping, and visit markets. Almost all of the attractions will be open during winters, probably fewer line-ups (as people are cold, and some are busy shopping).

MUST VISIT – 

• Vendome Column and the Rue de la Paix looks stunning in the winter – highly recommend visiting them.
• You can ice skate at the rink in front of Hotel de Ville (home of the Paris City Council)
• Shop or window shop at Champs Elysses – Faire du leche-vitine is a colorful French term for window shopping in Paris it literally means “to lick the glass”! LOL – Well, that’s what happens when festive shopping aka marketing is in full swing!

Adding the London United Kingdom to your trip to Paris

London to Paris is only 2 hours away via the high-speed Thalys train. So if you are in London, you can travel to Paris for the weekend. Use day 1-2 of this Paris itinerary. There are many tours from London offering a day trip as well. Check this day tour to London from Paris here.

From Paris – the same way. You can hop on a train and arrive in London to continue your travel saga there.

There are day tours from Paris to London and back. Both cities have a ton of things to see, but connectivity between the two is super-efficient and worth taking the time to explore.

Paris trip for two

Many travelers to Paris wish to celebrate something special in the city of love – an anniversary, proposal, or birthday. And yes there are TONS of things that you can do to make that trip special (other than going to Paris itself!)

• Start by booking a nice hotel – overlooking the Eiffel Tower or ones with vintage and romantic décor (bonus for couples spa and massage). Read our hotels guide to Paris here
• Take a photo session at your favorite stops in Paris.
• Go on a private guided tour of Paris.
• Take a romantic dinner – Seine River cruise with your sweetheart.
• Dinner on Eiffel tower floors.

For a romantic Paris trip for two, things don’t have to be super expensive. The couples tours mentioned above won’t break the bank and you can do one or combine 2-3 for a lavish stay. Hotels will probably take the most of your budget – so book ahead of time. Read: About Private Tours in Paris

A vacation to Paris – Common questions answered

If you planning to visit Paris often, like us, then choose some for this trip and some for the other trips and ensure you participate in a seasonal activity (for that month).

You can also do Paris in 2 days, by following day 1 and 2, which are the MUST visit sites, and leave out the day trips or neighborhood wanderings.

A day out in Paris – Is it possible to see Paris in a day?

We say any day traveling is a GREAT day, and Paris is no exception. You won’t be able to enter all the museums and palaces in a day in Paris. But here is what you can do –

• Choose any single day of this 4 day Paris itinerary as a stand-alone activity for the day. Day 1 is our personal favorite
• Or pick of your favorites items to do in-depth sightseeing like Eiffel tower – morning 08:00- 09:30 am, Louvre – afternoon 04:00 pm, and Seine river late evening like 09:30 pm, and the time in between use the hop on and hop off tour to see attractions from afar like the Arc de Triomphe, Montparnasse Tower, to name a few.
• Must read: One day in Paris itinerary

Read: The BEST Photography spots in Paris

Is Paris expensive?

The travel budget for Paris is similar to other touristy destinations in Europe. Depending on your departing city, your flight tickets and accommodation will occupy most of your budget. Food, tours, transport depends on personal preference.

We have highlighted different ways to explore in a short time like using the hop on and hop off tours or saving on transport – Paris Pass and the Museum pass.

Or you can go on a super strict budget and just view buildings from outside. But….. we think you should go and properly explore, just pick your favorites, you don’t have to do EVERYTHING.

Is the Paris Pass worth it? Sightseeing in Paris

A BIG YES! The Paris Pass is completely worth it. Everything we have mentioned in this post can be easily explored (and within budget) using the Paris Pass. Take a look at the Paris Pass here 

Note: This is different from the Paris City Pass. 

Using trains in Paris to reach different sites?

Paris Pass offers unlimited use of transportation within various zones in the city. Think about airport to hotel and return or a day tour meeting place, or dinning. You will save $$ on this

Wish to hit every sightseeing in the city?

Paris Pass has the hop on and hop off sightseeing bus included. Save $40

Want to check out a few of your favorite museums? Paris Pass includes a 2-day museum pass which offers free and skip the line tickets to museums. The 2-day museum pass is $30, you can plan your sightseeing and museum visits accordingly (as per this itinerary – it is day 1 & 2). Museum pass is also available in a 4-day option. Buy it here 

Paris Travel Tips – 4 days in Paris Itinerary

How to plan a trip to Paris  – a travel guide and essential tips to get you started for your 4 days in Paris Itinerary,

Travel Documents – France Tourist Visa

France is located in Europe, and it is part of the Schengen agreement. If you require a visa to travel to the 28 Schengen countries, then you will need to apply for France travel visa/Schengen travel visa before arrival. Learn more about the Schengen Visa process.

If you have a European Union passport, you won’t require a visa for France.

All the visa-exempt countries like the United States and Canada can travel to France and stay for 90 days without a visa, right now.

From 2023 onwards, all the Schengen nations require visa-exempt countries to apply for an ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorization System, which although not a visa, requires the US and Canadian passport holders to apply for an ETIAS (electronic travel authorization) to travel to France and other Schengen countries.

Unlike the Schengen visa, the ETIAS is pretty forward and very easy to get. Apply online and get the authorization in 24-48 hours.

Whether visa or ETIAS, ensure that your passport is valid for 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen zone.

Read: Most beautiful cities in France

Insurance for 4 days in Paris Itinerary

Insure your trip to France for unforeseen situations – including trip cancellation, lost and damaged bags, medical emergency, etc. Get your travel insurance quotes here

Language

The official language of France is French. Hotels, tour operators, stores, and restaurant service providers spoke both English and French.

On our Paris trip, we did interact with passers-by looking for directions, and all the people we spoke to were very friendly and helpful. Yes, they do speak French extensively, but they did understand English and they responded back in broken English.

One of them also used Google translate to respond back to us

Hint: Download Duolingo to learn a few common French phrases or words. Google Translate is a handy app as well. Not to forget, offline maps for directions.

What to pack for Paris? Packing for Paris outfits and essentials

For your trip to Paris, wear pretty dresses, clean-cut pants/jeans and of course the usual travel essentials. Read our guide to packing for Europe for all seasons 

• Carry your passport, documents in an RFID protected passport holder
• An anti-theft backpack or a stylish daypack when you are out and about in Paris
• Universal adapter and multi-port charging cables
• Get your medications (no jet-lag tablets) and cosmetics (sunscreen, light make up)
• For all seasons, carry an umbrella and a cardigan or a light trench coat
• Clothes to pack for 4 day Paris Itinerary 
  • Pack pants, skirts  (avoid shorts)
  • Tops and blouses (avoid jerseys and athletic wear)
  • Pretty dresses – long and short
  • Scarf (in-flight and for evenings)
  • Light trench coat and/or cardigan
  • Flat shoes, oxfords (avoid sports shoes)
  • Socks and underwear
• Things to avoid – Avoid flashy or expensive items on your travels.

What to wear in Paris?

Paris is the fashion capital and you can avoid looking like a tourist (to a certain extent. Don’t try too hard though).

Avoid clothes that are TOO loud (color or graphics). Wear clean-cut and mono-colored clothes. Carry flats, oxfords, or closed-toe shoes that are comfortable to wear and walk long distances. Here is our detailed guide to what to wear in Paris

• Spring (March to May)  – In addition to regular clothing, carry a raincoat or rain jacket
• Summer (June to August) – Good idea to carry a light (waterproof or water repellent) trench coat
• Fall (September to November) – Carry 1 warm peacoat or light coat. Cardigan and scarf is always handy
• Winter (December to February) – Boots, leggings, warm wool coat (outwear), beret, gloves, hat, long sleeve shirts, and sweater

Best time to visit Paris

The weather in Paris is similar to the rest of Europe. It is rainy most times of the year. Winters are not extreme (like winters in North America).

As you can see from above, the summer months are from June to August – this is a popular tourist season and things are crowded and busy. Wintertime is also a popular season to visit due to the Christmas and holiday events.

Fall is considered to be the BEST time to visit (in most countries) and Paris is no exception. Tourist places are less crowded and flights are cheaper. We visited Paris in the fall (late September). It did rain every now and then, but it was not too bad for exploring. Read our detailed guide on when is the best time to visit Paris, with a monthly feature

Budget – Trip to Paris Cost 4 day Paris itinerary

Our flights from Canada to Paris, France cost us about $665 USD and we booked our accommodation at a 3+ star hotel. Hotel room rates were $125 USD for each night (not in a central location). We did take tours and used the RER local transit via Paris Pass.

So on average for the day, we spent around 150 USD for the two of us. It is a good idea to budget for $100 USD per person per day for meals, museum entry, tours, and transit costs. Our day trip and hop-on and hop-off tour/Paris Pass were booked in advance and online.

Euros are the mode of exchange in France. So carry cash (in euros, in a limited amount) and credit cards to pay for expenses.

Food – what to eat in Paris? –  4 day Paris Itinerary Guide 

There are cheap things that you can eat in Paris and then there are lavish, expensive dinners to indulge in. We recommend that you do both. There will be days when you are tired and you just wish to eat “something” and go to bed. Get groceries then.

Try something from the small/local cafes – baguette, croissant, or lattes. A latte/coffee with a baguette will cost around 8 euros. If you can budget for that for 1-2 days, then it is a great way to experience the popular food in Paris.

Food tours (cheese and wine tasting tours like this one) are a great option if you wish to keep costs low, but still, experience food in Parisian style.

Another option is to book a dinner meal with the Seine river cruise which comes with a 3-course meal on a cruise and it is well worth the money. It is a romantic way to spend the evening and also to try out some French cuisines. VIP Michelin Food tours are also available in the French capital city.

We hope you enjoyed our ultimate 4 day Paris Itinerary. This was our first time in Paris France. We tried to make the MOST of our trip and covered these areas extensively. We have followed Day 1 and Day 2 spots in a sequence as they are located close to each other or are easily accessible. We did utilize the hop on and hop off tours and it allowed us to make the most of our time in Paris.

Additional Travel Resources – Europe Itinerary & Travel Guides

• Planning your trip to Europe – If this is your first-ever trip to Europe, consider reading our Europe 101 guide.
• Europe – Get our 27 Europe in one week itinerary samples
• France – Best places to visit in the South of France

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