EXPLORING PARIS
Paris has an inexhaustible wealth of things to see and do. Here are some ideas for how to make the most of your time. The city is relatively compact, so you should be able to do most of your sightseeing on foot, and you’re never far from a metro station.
Two Days in Paris
Day 1
Cross Pont Neuf over the Seine River to the Ile de la Cité and view the cathedral of Notre-Dame, partially damaged by fire in April 2019, or visit lovely Sainte-Chapelle. Continue south into the lively Latin Quarter and pause for lunch in a classic Left Bank bistro.
Meander through stylish St-Germain-des-Prés to the Musée d’Orsay and admire its spectacular collection of Impressionist paintings. From here it’s a short walk to Hôtel des Invalides and the majestic Eiffel Tower, stunningly lit up at night.
Musée d’Orsay is housed in a former railroad station.
Day 2
Take in the views from atop the Arc de Triomphe, then stroll the Avenue des Champs-Elysées and Jardin des Tuileries to the Musée du Louvre.
Explore the hip Marais, stopping en route at the Centre Georges Pompidou. Take a metro to Montmartre and walk up to Sacré-Coeur for panoramic sunset views.
The white basilica of Sacré-Coeur is the second-highest viewpoint in Paris.
Four Days in Paris
Day 1
Visit Montmartre’s Sacré-Coeur, then head down through Pigalle to Opéra National de Paris Garnier (Pl de l’Opéra) and elegant Place Vendôme.
Montmartre’s leafy Place du Tertre is always crowded with artists at their easels or selling their work.
Wander through the Jardin des Tuileries and visit Monet’s exquisite Water Lilies at the Orangerie (Jardin des Tuileries). Then stroll along the Avenue des Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
Day 2
Discover modern art at the Centre Georges Pompidou, then explore the 18th-century art collection at Musée Cognac-Jay (8 Rue Elzévir). Enjoy a bistro lunch on Place des Vosges.
Check out the Marais district, then Ile St-Louis. Pass by Notre-Dame, before enjoying a concert at Sainte-Chapelle.
Day 3
Take a boat trip along the Seine River before a visit to the great Impressionists at the Musée d’Orsay.
Pay your respects to Napoleon at Hôtel des Invalides and then head to the Eiffel Tower.
Day 4
You’ll have time to see all the star exhibits of the Musée du Louvre before heading off for lunch in the Latin Quarter.
Visit France’s great and good at the Panthéon, explore the lovely Jardin des Plantes and end the day with live jazz at Caveau de la Huchette (5 Rue de la Huchette).
