Paris in Three: Classic Sights, Riverside Strolls & Montmartre Magic
Timings are paced for two adults using public transit with moderate walking. Reserve popular restaurants and evening jazz clubs in advance where possible.
Practical Tips
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Packing Tips:
- Travel light: cobblestones and stairs are common — comfortable walking shoes are essential.
- Layer: mornings can be cool while afternoons warm in spring/summer; windproof layer for Seine breeze.
- Carry a small reusable bag for market or bakery purchases.
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Transit & Money:
- Buy a carnet of single metro tickets or a multi-day pass depending on journeys; validate every ride.
- Have a contactless card or small cash for markets and smaller cafés.
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Safety & Comfort:
- Watch personal items in crowded tourist zones (metro stops, major attractions).
- Keep water and a map app handy; some streets are narrow and signage can be subtle.
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Cultural Notes:
- Greet with “Bonjour” when entering small shops or cafés; a polite opener goes far.
- Meal times: lunch commonly 12:00–14:00, dinner 19:00–22:00; reservations recommended for popular bistros.
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Practical Extras:
- Many museums have security checks and coat/large-bag restrictions—travel light during museum days.
- Sunday hours vary—plan museum visits and shops accordingly.
Luxembourg Gardens
Musée d'Orsay
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Montmartre
Louvre Museum
Day 1 — Morning: Arrival and Left-Bank Wake-up
Begin in Saint-Germain-des-Prés where Paris eases you in: coffee at a classic café, a slow stroll past literary haunts and art galleries. Cross the Seine toward Île de la Cité to feel the medieval heart of Paris — narrow streets, the whisper of history and the hush of Notre-Dame's façade (view from the outside; interior access may vary). The morning is about settling into rhythm: slow, observational, appreciative.
Day 1 — Afternoon: Louvre & Tuileries Moment
After a relaxed lunch, head to the Louvre for a curated highlight visit — pick a few wings (Denon for the Mona Lisa and Italian masters; Richelieu for French sculpture). Exit into the Tuileries Gardens for a restorative walk, a carousel sighting, and people-watching on a bench with chestnut trees and sculpted lawns.
Day 1 — Evening: Seine & Classic Bistro
As dusk falls, take a short metro or scenic riverside walk to the Left Bank for dinner at a well-regarded bistro. Finish the evening with a gentle Seine cruise or riverside promenade — the city lights and bridges create a timeless Parisian tableau.
Day 2 — Morning: Musée d'Orsay & Saint-Germain Stroll
Start at Musée d'Orsay to enjoy Impressionist masterpieces in a converted beaux-arts train station; the museum’s light and views of the Seine make mornings luminous. After the museum, wander Rue de Seine and the small antique and bookshops of Saint-Germain, punctuated by patisseries and fleuristes.
Day 2 — Afternoon: Latin Quarter & Panthéon
Cross into the Latin Quarter for a leisurely lunch and explore narrow lanes, the Sorbonne façade, and the Panthéon area. If you like gardens, visit the Luxembourg Gardens for a classic Paris picnic atmosphere — sail a wooden boat in the pond, or relax beneath chestnut trees.
Day 2 — Evening: Latin Quarter Dining & Jazz
Dine in the Latin Quarter or return toward the river for dinner. For nightlife, consider an intimate jazz club in the Saint-Germain or Latin Quarter area for a late-but-local Parisian vibe.
Day 3 — Morning: Montmartre Ascent
Take the metro to Montmartre and begin at the foot of the hill. Move through the village lanes toward the Sacré-Cœur basilica; pause at charming squares, watch artists at work on Place du Tertre, and enjoy the hilltop panorama of Paris.
Day 3 — Afternoon: Pigalle or Shopping & Atelier Finds
Descend toward Pigalle for a contrast — vintage shops and contemporary galleries — or choose curated shopping on Boulevard Haussmann if you prefer department-store flagship experiences. Conclude the afternoon with a pastry and a last slow coffee.
Day 3 — Evening: Farewell Dinner with View
For a memorable final dinner, choose a restaurant with a view or a refined modern bistro. After dinner, make a short evening walk to a photo spot (Eiffel Tower viewpoint or an elevated Montmartre alley) for a last-night snapshot of Paris' luminous skyline.
Insights & tone This itinerary balances iconic highlights with neighborhood breathing room: less sprinting, more savoring. Using public transit (metro + short walks) keeps travel efficient; evenings are intentionally mellow so you feel like a visitor who could almost live here. Expect classic cobblestones, café rhythms, and frequent opportunities to pause for pâtisserie, portrait shots, or an impromptu gallery stop.