Paris 7 Days Travel Guide
7 Days in Paris
A Complete Guide to the City of Light
Paris, the capital of France, is a city that needs no introduction. Known worldwide as the “City of Light” (La Ville Lumière), Paris has captivated travelers for centuries with its unparalleled blend of art, culture, history, and romance. From the iconic silhouette of the Eiffel Tower piercing the sky to the intimate charm of cobblestone streets in Montmartre, Paris offers an experience that transcends mere tourism and becomes a journey into the very essence of European civilization.
Understanding Paris: The City’s Character
Paris is a city of contrasts and harmonies. Spanning both banks of the Seine River, which gracefully winds through its heart, Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts) that spiral outward from the center like a snail’s shell. Each arrondissement has its own distinct personality, from the bohemian atmosphere of the Marais to the sophisticated elegance of the 8th arrondissement along the Champs-Élysées.
The city’s architecture is a living museum spanning centuries. Haussmanian buildings with their distinctive cream-colored limestone facades, wrought-iron balconies, and uniformly aligned windows create the quintessential Parisian streetscape. These 19th-century structures, commissioned by Baron Haussmann during Napoleon III’s reign, give Paris its cohesive and instantly recognizable aesthetic. Yet interwoven with this classic beauty are medieval churches, Belle Époque monuments, and daring modern structures that demonstrate Paris’s continuous evolution.
Parisians themselves are known for their appreciation of art, literature, philosophy, and the finer things in life. The café culture is not merely about coffee; it’s a social institution where people gather to discuss ideas, read, write, or simply watch the world go by. The French concept of “flânerie” – the art of leisurely strolling without apparent purpose – is best practiced in Paris, where every corner reveals something worth contemplating.
The city’s museums house some of humanity’s greatest artistic achievements. Its culinary scene ranges from humble bistros serving perfect traditional dishes to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomic innovation. Its gardens and parks provide green oases of tranquility amidst urban energy. Paris is also a city of seasons, each bringing its own charm: spring’s blooming chestnuts, summer’s long twilights, autumn’s golden leaves, and winter’s cozy café warmth.
Day 1: The Iconic Heart of Paris
Begin your Parisian adventure in the most emblematic way possible: at the Eiffel Tower. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and watch as the iron lattice structure catches the morning light. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, this 330-meter tower was initially criticized by Parisian intellectuals but has become the world’s most recognizable monument. Take the elevator to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city spreading out beneath you like a living map.
After descending, walk through the Champ de Mars, the long garden stretching from the tower’s base. Continue toward the Trocadéro across the Seine, where you’ll find the best photo opportunities of the Eiffel Tower framed by the Trocadéro fountains and gardens.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Champs-Élysées, arguably the world’s most famous avenue. This broad boulevard stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, lined with luxury boutiques, cafés, and theaters. The Arc de Triomphe itself, commissioned by Napoleon to honor his Grande Armée, stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, from which twelve avenues radiate like a star. Climb to its viewing platform for another stunning perspective of Paris’s carefully planned symmetry.
End your first day with a sunset cruise along the Seine. The river has been Paris’s lifeline for over two millennia, and seeing the city from the water offers a unique perspective. As you glide past illuminated monuments, you’ll understand why Paris earned its luminous nickname.
Day 2: Art and Culture at the Louvre
Dedicate your second day to the Louvre Museum, the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in itself. The former royal palace houses approximately 380,000 objects and displays 35,000 works of art across 72,735 square meters. To put this in perspective, if you spent just 30 seconds viewing each piece, it would take over 100 days to see everything.
Enter through the iconic glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei, which has become as much a part of the Louvre’s identity as its classical architecture. Begin with the must-sees: Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic “Mona Lisa,” the graceful “Venus de Milo,” and the dynamic “Winged Victory of Samothrace.” However, don’t limit yourself to these famous works. The Louvre’s Egyptian antiquities, Dutch Masters, French paintings, and decorative arts collections are equally magnificent.
The museum’s former identity as a royal palace is evident in the opulent apartments and halls. The Apollo Gallery, with its dazzling ceiling paintings and the French Crown Jewels, exemplifies the grandeur of French monarchy. The medieval foundations of the original fortress can still be seen in the museum’s basement, creating a fascinating archaeological layer beneath the art.
After leaving the Louvre, stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries, the elegant formal garden that stretches from the museum to the Place de la Concorde. This historic garden, created in the 16th century for Catherine de Medici, features geometrically arranged trees, fountains, and sculptures. It’s an ideal place to rest and process the artistic treasures you’ve just witnessed.
Day 3: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Venture to Montmartre, the hilltop neighborhood that has retained its village-like atmosphere despite being in the heart of a major metropolis. This area has been a haven for artists since the 19th century, when Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec lived and worked here, drawn by cheap rent and bohemian freedom.
Begin at the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, whose white Romano-Byzantine domes crown the Butte Montmartre at the highest point in Paris. Built between 1875 and 1914, this basilica offers spectacular views across the entire city. The interior features one of the world’s largest mosaics, depicting Christ with outstretched arms.
Descend the hill to explore Montmartre’s winding streets. The Place du Tertre, though touristy, still hosts artists selling their work and offering portraits. Nearby, you’ll find the historic Moulin de la Galette, one of the last remaining windmills in Paris, immortalized in Renoir’s paintings. The cabaret Moulin Rouge, with its iconic red windmill, represents the area’s Belle Époque entertainment legacy.
Don’t miss the “I Love You” wall (Le Mur des Je t’aime) in the Square Jehan Rictus, where “I love you” is written in 250 languages. The Musée de Montmartre provides insight into the neighborhood’s artistic history, while the surrounding gardens offer peaceful retreats.
For an authentic experience, have lunch at a traditional bistro on the Rue Lepic or Rue des Abbesses, where locals still outnumber tourists. The neighborhood’s market streets maintain the character of old Paris, with cheese shops, butchers, and bakeries that have served generations.
Day 4: Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Explore the intellectual and literary heart of Paris on the Left Bank. The Latin Quarter gets its name from the medieval university students who spoke Latin here. Start at the Panthéon, the neoclassical mausoleum containing the remains of distinguished French citizens including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas.
Walk down the Rue Soufflot to the Luxembourg Gardens, one of Paris’s most beloved parks. Created in 1612 by Marie de Medici, these gardens feature formal terraces, chestnut groves, and the beautiful Medici Fountain. Parisians come here to read, play chess, sail toy boats in the fountain, or simply relax in the iconic green chairs scattered throughout.
Continue to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the neighborhood that became the epicenter of Parisian intellectual life in the mid-20th century. The cafés Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore were frequented by existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, writers like Ernest Hemingway and James Baldwin, and artists like Picasso. While expensive today, having a coffee here is like sitting in a piece of literary history.
Visit the Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris’s oldest church, dating from the 6th century. The area is also known for its antique shops, art galleries, and designer boutiques. The Boulevard Saint-Germain itself is perfect for strolling and people-watching.
End the day at Shakespeare and Company, the legendary English-language bookshop near Notre-Dame. This literary institution has been a gathering place for writers since the 1920s and maintains a magical, slightly chaotic atmosphere with books stacked to the ceiling.
Day 5: Versailles
Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, located about 20 kilometers southwest of Paris. This UNESCO World Heritage site was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 until the French Revolution. The palace is a monument to absolute monarchy and represents the pinnacle of French classical architecture.
The State Apartments showcase the opulence of royal life, but the undisputed highlight is the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces). This 73-meter-long gallery features 357 mirrors reflecting light from seventeen arched windows overlooking the gardens. It was here that the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, ending World War I. The king’s and queen’s private apartments offer more intimate glimpses into royal life.
The Gardens of Versailles are equally impressive, covering 800 hectares designed by André Le Nôtre. Geometric flower beds, sculpted trees, fountains, and statues create an outdoor gallery that extends the palace’s magnificence into nature. During the Musical Fountains Show (held on specific dates), the fountains dance to Baroque music, recreating the splendor of royal garden parties.
Don’t overlook the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, smaller palaces within the grounds where royalty escaped court formality. Marie Antoinette’s Estate, including her rustic hamlet, reveals the queen’s desire for simpler pleasures away from palace protocol.
Allow a full day for Versailles. The palace opens at 9:00 AM, and arriving early helps avoid crowds. Bring comfortable shoes as you’ll walk several miles exploring the vast estate.
Day 6: Musée d’Orsay and Île de la Cité
Begin at the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station built for the 1900 World’s Fair. This museum holds the world’s finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. The building itself, with its grand clock and iron-and-glass architecture, is worth admiring.
The collection includes works by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Gauguin. Highlights include Monet’s water lilies, Renoir’s “Bal du moulin de la Galette,” Van Gogh’s self-portraits and “Starry Night Over the Rhône,” and Whistler’s portrait of his mother. The museum also features sculpture, decorative arts, photography, and architectural drawings from 1848 to 1914.
After lunch, cross to the Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris where the city was founded over 2,000 years ago. Notre-Dame Cathedral, though currently under restoration following the 2019 fire, remains an architectural marvel of Gothic design. Even viewing its exterior reveals the intricacy of its flying buttresses, gargoyles, and rose windows.
Visit Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century Gothic chapel known for its stunning stained glass windows. On sunny days, the interior glows with colored light filtering through 1,113 square meters of medieval stained glass depicting biblical scenes. This architectural gem, built to house Christ’s Crown of Thorns, represents the pinnacle of Gothic achievement.
Explore the charming streets of Île Saint-Louis, the smaller island connected to Île de la Cité. This residential neighborhood maintains an old-world atmosphere with its 17th-century townhouses, boutiques, and the famous Berthillon ice cream shop.
Day 7: The Marais and Hidden Gems
Spend your final day discovering the Marais, one of Paris’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. This historic district escaped Haussmann’s renovations, preserving its medieval street plan and architecture. Today, it blends Jewish heritage, LGBTQ+ culture, trendy boutiques, and historic mansions (hôtels particuliers).
Start at the Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square, built in 1612. Its perfect symmetry and red-brick arcades create one of the city’s most beautiful spaces. Victor Hugo lived at number 6, now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
The Marais hosts several excellent museums. The Musée Carnavalet tells Paris’s history through art and artifacts housed in two beautiful mansions. The Musée Picasso contains the world’s largest collection of the artist’s work in his former studio. The Jewish Museum (Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme) explores Jewish culture and history.
Wander through the Rue des Rosiers, the heart of the Jewish Quarter, where traditional bakeries and falafel shops coexist with fashionable boutiques. The neighborhood’s narrow streets reward aimless exploration, revealing hidden courtyards, vintage shops, and contemporary art galleries.
Visit the Centre Pompidou, the controversial modern art museum with its inside-out architecture featuring exposed pipes and escalators. The museum houses Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art, and its rooftop terrace offers excellent city views.
End your week at the Canal Saint-Martin, where Parisians gather along the tree-lined waterway for picnics and drinks. This gentrified area represents contemporary Parisian life, with independent bookshops, craft beer bars, and relaxed restaurants frequented by locals.
Practical Information
Transportation: Paris has an excellent public transport system. The métro (subway) has 16 lines covering the city comprehensively. Buy a carnet of ten tickets or a multi-day Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel. The city is also very walkable, and walking between attractions often reveals unexpected treasures.
Dining: Reserve restaurants in advance, especially for dinner. Lunch is typically served from 12:00-14:30, dinner from 19:30 onwards. Bistros and brasseries are less formal than restaurants and don’t always require reservations. Always check if service is included (service compris) before tipping.
Shopping: Major department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps offer tax refunds for non-EU visitors. Markets like Marché d’Aligre and Rue Mouffetard provide authentic Parisian shopping experiences. Shops typically close on Sundays except in tourist areas.
Language: While many Parisians speak English, attempting a few French phrases is appreciated. “Bonjour” (hello), “S’il vous plaît” (please), “Merci” (thank you), and “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?) will take you far.
Safety: Paris is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in tourist areas and on public transport. Keep valuables secure and be aware of common scams targeting tourists.
Final Thoughts
Seven days in Paris provides a solid introduction to this magnificent city, but even a lifetime isn’t enough to exhaust its possibilities. Paris rewards both careful planning and spontaneous wandering. While hitting the major sights is important, some of your best memories may come from unexpected moments: a perfect croissant at a neighborhood bakery, accordion music drifting from a métro platform, the golden light of sunset on the Seine, or a conversation with a local who shares their favorite hidden corner of the city.
Paris is not a museum city frozen in time but a living, evolving metropolis that honors its past while embracing the future. Each visit reveals new layers, and the city will likely call you back to explore deeper. As Ernest Hemingway wrote, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
Bon voyage, and may Paris capture your heart as it has captured millions before you!