10 Days In Paris Itinerary: Exploring The City Of Love 2024
Do you truly want to discover the magic of Paris? Here is a guide that will do just that. It includes all the iconic sights, hidden gems, restaurants choices, nightlife, tour options and is crafted to maximize time to explore on your own.
With more than 30 years of traveling in France, Paris has a very special place in my heart. That’s why I made this 10 Days in Paris itinerary — to show you how incredible this city is.
This is a slower-travel guide that I arranged for you to spend each day in one area of Paris, minimizing travel time and maximizing your time to discover the city and even have a day trip to Versailles.
Most people spend a handful of days in the Paris, only checking out famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. But there’s a whole other side to the City of Lights.
Enjoy the beauty of slow travel in Paris with me and plan an amazing Paris 10-day itinerary.
Quick Paris Guide – Essentials
Below are resources and information for your 10 Days in Paris itinerary:
- Book Your Flight to Paris: SkyScanner
- Language: French but English is widely spoken
- Tipping – Not expected
- Taxis – G7 Book Online. TIP: There is a fixed price from the major airports to the Right and Left Bank in Paris. You can get the G7 APP in the APP store.
- Paris Museum Pass: 2, 4, 6 Day Passes delivered to your hotel
- Must pack: Good walking shoes
- Hotels: Booking.com
- Vacation Apartments: VRBO
👉 PRO TIP: Taxis are usually better than Uber in Paris. See my post on travel safety in Paris for a detailed overview.
10 Days In Paris Overview
Below is your itinerary for ten days in Paris. Each day is based in one area of the city to maximize your time and to experience authentic Paris.
We give lunch and dinner recommendations and sometimes breakfast. All are linked to a map with a google maps pin for your convenience. (For a list of additional restaurant options, check out my post on local and off-the-beaten-path Paris restaurants.)
These ten days hit all the major attractions, plus some hidden gems and time to discover on your own, with tour recommendations throughout.
One last tip: if you like wine and cheese, consider a Parisian wine and cheese tasting over lunch in the first couple of days. These are intimate, fun (and yummy) cultural experiences that people absolutely love. Enjoy!
➡️Day 1: St. Germain des Prés & Notre Dame
➡️Day 2: Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise
➡️Day 3: Montmartre & Sacre Coeur
➡️Day 4: Latin Quarter & The Louvre
➡️Day 5: Versailles Palace & Gardens
➡️Day 6: Champs-Elysées & Arc de Triomphe
➡️Day 7: The Marais District & The Bastille
➡️Day 8: Canal St. Martin & Parc des Buttes Chaumont
➡️Day 9: Catacombs & Père Lachaise Cemetery
➡️Day 10: Last Breakfast and Shopping
Paris Itinerary Day One: Saint Germain des Pres & Île de la Cité
On the first day of your 10-day Paris itinerary you will see famous sights and hidden gems on Île de la Cité and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
You can do this on your own with the guide below or choose a guided historical walking tour that includes entry to St. Chapelle.
Morning – Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame
Start the morning of your first day with Breakfast at Odette, a beautiful café tucked between buildings on a cobblestone street with views of Notre Dame.
👉 Culture Tip: Greeting your waiter with “Bonjour” and refraining from loud boisterous behavior is part of the etiquette expected in a Parisian cafe.
Shakespeare & Company – stop by one of the world’s most famous bookstores. Then Cross the Pont Saint-Michel to Île de la Cité, home to two of Paris’ most famous churches, Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame.
Sainte-Chapelle – visit this Gothic chapel from the 13th century with gorgeous stained glass windows. Visit here for an hour or so. Get tickets in advance HERE.
Next Notre Dame, but with a take a couple of detours to see a few more places:
- First, wander up Bd du Palais to see Tour de l’Horloge. This is the oldest clock in Paris, built in the 1300s!
- Next, cross the Pont au Change to the Hôtel de Ville, less than a 10-minute walk from the clock tower. The Hôtel de Ville is the city hall of Paris. While it’s not open to the public, this big, historical building is definitely worth seeing with 10 days in Paris.
- Finally, return across the bridge to see Île de la Cité’s crown jewel, Notre Dame.
NOTE: While Notre Dame isn’t open to the public right now (it’s still being repaired after the fire in 2019), you can still take photos.
👉 TOUR OPTION: Île de la Cité Guided Walking Tour – Notre Dame, Place Dauphine, St. Chapelle and more! 🥇 See and learn about the jewels of Île de la Cité easily, including guided tour of St. Chapelle. 2 hours.
Afternoon
Lunch: Le Petit Châtelet is great for local cuisine and amazing crème brûlée.
Next: Les Bouquinistes: Walk along the Seine from Île de la Cité to Saint-Germain-des-Prés to see Les Bouquinistes, aka the Booksellers, whose green stalls line the Seine River.
These green seller’s stalls have been there for centuries and a great place to pick up unique souvenirs from your 10-day Paris trip.
Next: Jardin de Luxembourg: Walk through Saint-Germain-des-Prés area to Jardin de Luxembourg; from Notre Dame, it’s a brisk 15-minute walk. Don’t miss the famous Medici Fountains.
👉 (See the first listing in our post, 29 Hidden Gems in Paris, for more things to see and do in Jardin de Luxembourg)
Evening
Dinner: Le Comptoir du Relais for authentic French cuisine near Jardin de Luxembourg.
Visit Montparnasse Tower with gorgeous views of the Eiffel Tower lit up by the night sky. – a 10-minute metro ride from the Odéon stop (by the restaurant).
- Hours: The tower is open until 11:30 pm in summer and 10:30 pm in winter.
Paris Itinerary Day Two – Eiffel Tower + Seine River Dinner Cruise
Today you will go to the top of Eiffel Tower, see Napoleon’s Tomb at Les Invalides, see the Eiffel Tower at sunset and end the day with a Seine River Cruise.
Morning
Breakfast: Café Caillou or a cafe near your hotel. Café Caillou is a sidewalk cafe near Champ de Mars, the park that leads up to the Eiffel Tower.
Champ de Mars to the Eiffel Tower. Walk along Champs de Mars – a great place for a picnic.
At the Eiffel Tower, take the elevator to the top floor for amazing views of Paris. To visit, there are different tickets available. You can take the stairs for a cheaper option or the elevator for 29,40€.
You can also pay extra to have a glass of champagne at the top, but it is a bit pricey.
Afternoon
Lunch: Dine at a brasserie restaurant that has views of the Eiffel Tower. There are a lot near the river, like Le Bistro Parisien.
Next: Hôtel des Invalides houses several museums, including the Army Museum. There are a lot of historic military artifacts here, including Napoleon’s famous hat. Plus, you can actually see Napoleon’s tomb within the Chapel of the Invalides.
Trocadero Gardens. Next, cross the Pont d’Iéna to Trocadero – here you views of the Eiffel Tower from a new perspective. Catch it at Golden Hour (the hour before sunset) just before going on the Seine River Cruise.
Evening
Seine Dinner Cruise: The dinner cruise is a grand excuse to eat some classic French dishes and to see Paris from another viewpoint at night. It’s magical with all the twinkling lights and this tour has just under a 5 star average with 5000 guests to date!
👉 TOUR OPTION: Book Your Seine River Dinner Cruise Here! 🚢
Next: Maybe end with a nightcap at a cozy bar overlooking the Seine. Find a spot near Port de l’Alma, as this is where the river cruise starts and ends.
Paris Itinerary Day Three – Montmartre
Spend your third day of your 10 days in Paris by exploring picturesque Montmartre. The neighborhood is full of artistic heritage, cobblestone streets, and a village feel with excellent nightlife.
👉 TOUR OPTIONS: 🥇 Hidden Montmartre Walking Tour . Check out this awesome small group tour. You’ll see iconic sights like the Moulin Rouge and Sacre Couer plus hidden gems and taste award-winning croissants..
Morning
Climb the tallest hill in Paris to see Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The stunning Catholic Church has some of the absolute best panoramic views of the city.
Next: Near Sacre Coeur, explore the artistic atmosphere of Place du Tertre. This is a famous plaza with artists working in plein air, art vendors, sidewalk cafes, and a small-town feel.
Afternoon
Lunch: Try savory crepes at La Crêperie Mon Ami. It’s known as one of best places for crepes in Paris.
Next: Visit the Musée de Montmartre to learn about the neighborhood’s history. It is one of the more intimate museums in Paris with a lot to offer: an art gallery, gardens dedicated to Renoir, and a cafe and overlooks Montmartre’s only remaining vineyard.
Evening
Dinner: Dine at Le Moulin de la Galette, a historic French restaurant with a charming atmosphere. It’s just around the corner from the museum.
Finish the night with a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge for a quintessential Parisian experience.
👉 LOCAL EXPERIENCE: If you’prefer more special local experience in Paris (as Moulin Rouge can be touristy), check out Lapin Agile. It’s the oldest cabaret in Paris dedicated to folk music with singers walking among the guests and the crowd singing along.
Paris Itinerary Day Four – Latin Quarter + The Louvre
Explore the Latin Quarter on the 4th day of your 10 days in Paris itinerary. This is the 5th arrondissement and is home to the historic Sorbonne University, which dates back to the Middle Ages.
Morning
After breakfast, take the metro or walk to the Latin Quarter where you will visit Sorbonne University, which opened in 1257.
You will have already seen a small portion of the Latin Quarter by now if you had breakfast at Odette on day 1 and visited Shakespeare & Company.
However, this historic neighborhood has a lot to see so I broke it up into two days.
👉 PRO TIP: I highly recommend this intimate Latin Quarter walking tour. A guide takes you to La Sorbonne and Pantheon, Isle de la Cite, Jardin de Luxembourg, Notre Dame and more! It’s a great overview of major sights plus hidden gems in three areas of Paris! 2.5 hours.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Small Group Latin Quarter Walking Tour! 🥇
Lunch: Try lunch at Au P’tit Grec. This spot is famous for its amazing crepes.
Afternoon
Take a walk through Tuileries Garden, which has been around since the 17th century. It will lead right up to the Louvre.
You can also see Musée de l’Orangerie located in the park, a famous Impressionism art museum home to massive paintings of the Water Lilies by Monet. It’s a captivating experience plus the museum is small so visiting won’t take much time.
Next: Explore The Louvre. You’ll know it by the iconic glass pyramid outside of the building. It’s the most visited museum in Europe and there’s tons to see, including the Mona Lisa.
👉 TOUR OPTION: 🎨 Skip the Line Masterpieces of the Louvre Tour. The Louvre is massive and I recommend getting a guided tour to minimize overwhelm.
Evening
Dinner: Dine at the oldest cafe in Paris, Le Procope, frequented by famous intellectuals and complete with vintage decor and excellent cuisine.
Check the calendar here to attend a classical concert at the stunning Sainte-Chapelle OR go to the famous Caveau de la Huchette jazz club. It’s historic and lively with lots of dancing.
Paris Itinerary Day Five – Versailles
👉 PRO TIP: To avoid big crowds, visit the palace on Wednesday or Thursday. Weekends and Tuesdays are the busiest. Or visit after 3 pm, when most tours are finished. It is closed on Mondays.
Morning
Take the RER C train from Paris to Versailles. It’s around 7,3€ for a round trip ticket and takes just under 40 minutes each way.
From there, you’ll be able to see The Palace with all of its opulent halls and gardens. See my guide on visiting Versailles for more information.
Afternoon
Lunch: Have a picnic lunch at the Palace gardens. You can grab some great food from Notre Dame Market near the palace.
Afterward, you could rent a bike or a rowboat to explore the garden’s Grand Canal.
Next: Visit the Petit Trianon château and the Queen’s Hamlet for a glimpse into royal life in 18th-century France.
👉 TOUR OPTIONS: 🏰 Tours of Versailles Palace and Gardens. These are good tour options to minimize overwhelm from crowd and learn more in-depth history and tidbits of the lives of French royalty..
Evening
Return to Paris and dine at a restaurant of your choosing. Afterward, take a walk along the Seine River at night. Those twinkling lights don’t get old.
👉 TOUR OPTION: Try a 😎Tour of Paris by Night! I took taxi tour of Paris by night and it is one my favorite experiences ther. Also there are 👻 Paris Ghost Tours for anyone who loves spooky stories and walking Paris by night.
Paris Nightlife: Consider getting drinks at one of Paris’ cool speakeasies, elegant throwback hidden bars that evoke the prohibition era.
Paris Itinerary Day Six – Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
Now over halfway through your Paris 10-day itinerary, it’s time to visit more must-see sites in the city centre.
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a sidewalk cafe. Today is more relaxed, so embrace slow travel moments.
When you’re ready, head for Arc de Triomphe. Lines can get long, so I recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket to maximize your time in Paris.
Conveniently, the arch is located on Paris’ most famous road, Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
Next: Champs-Élysées. You can spend the afternoon walking down the Champs-Élysées, exploring the famous shopping areas, stopping by the obelisk at Place de la Concorde, and exploring the Jardin des Tuileries.
Lunch: Lunch at Ladurée, known for its exquisite pastries, macarons and some of the best hot chocolate in Paris.
Afternoon
👉 TIP: The Champs-Élysées is famous for luxury fashion shops and there landmarks also. It is busy! It will take about an hour of leisurely walking. At the other end, the Place de la Concorde and Jardin des Tuileries are beautiful and more peaceful – plus the most famous hot chocolate in Paris is right there at Angelina’s.
Evening
Dinner: Indulge fine dining in a historic setting at the restaurant Laurent located on the edge of the Jardin des Champs-Élysées.
Paris Itinerary Day Seven – Le Marais
Now get to know Le Marais, Paris’s hip neighborhood full of art galleries, cool bars, and boutiques in the 4th arrondissement.
Morning
Explore trendy boutiques and art galleries. Some recommendations are The Broken Arm, which has a curated selection of designer clothing, or Roseanna, which has an edgy meets romantic style.
Next: Visit the Musée Carnavalet (one of the smaller museums in Paris) to learn about the history of Paris, set within 2 mansions.
Afternoon
Lunch: L’As du Fallafel. Perhaps the most famous falafel joint in Western Europe, L’As du Fallafel has a cult following and is definitely worth experiencing when you have 10 days in Paris.
Next: Explore the Place de la Bastille, the former site of the Bastille Prison, and Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris. Here you can often see people playing French boules (petanque).
👉 Fun Tour: 🥇 Click here to Learn to play Petanque! (French Boules game). You will learn to play French boules for a fun and relaxed afternoon in Le Marais, with a glass of wine!
Evening
Dine at Les Chouettes, a stylish art deco restaurant housed in a converted 19th-century building. They also have excellent cocktails and creative dishes.
Nightlife: Consider drinks at Serpent a Plume, (at Place des Vosges) or another speakeasy in Paris: friendly and cozy bars that evoke the prohibition era.
Paris Itinerary Day 8 – Canal-Saint Martin –
Enjoy a day of calmness as you explore the Canal-Saint Martin area, a beautiful area for slow travel in Paris. It connects to the river and is a relaxing and more off-the-beaten-path Paris experience.
Morning
Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin and enjoy coffee and pastries at one of the charming cafes along the canal.
Afternoon
Take the metro to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and admire the views from the Temple de la Sibylle.
You will find a suspension bridge, waterfall, and caves and can wander the winding tree-lined paths. The cafe/bar Rosa Bonheur looks like a huge house surrounded by trees and is a good place for refreshments after a walk in the park.
This parik is one of my favorite off-the-beaten-path places in Paris.
It is built on a quarry and is somewhat hilly with stunning views of Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, and great for an almost wild nature experience in the city.
Evening
Dine at Chez Prune, a popular bistro by the canal known for its casual atmosphere and classic menu. OR – Try this unique and historic Barge dinner cruise on the canals:
Next: Take a unique Barge dinner cruise along the Canal Saint-Martin for a unique and historical experience on a traditional barge. This is a lot different from a Seine River cruise, including dinner and music.
👉 Get Times and Tickets for “Guignette” Barge Dinner Cruise on Canal St. Martin Here!
Paris Itinerary Day Nine: Catacombs of Paris + Père Lachaise (Belleville)
With 10 days in Paris, today is largely about exploring the eerier side of Paris’s best attractions. You’ll visit one of its most famous cemeteries and the legendary catacombs.
Morning
Explore the underground ossuaries at the Catacombs of Paris, home to the remains of more than 6 million people.
The place dates back to the later 18th century when there was a health crisis in Paris. Now, it has the depth of a 5-story building and is one of the most unique places to visit in Paris.
Afternoon
Lunch: Le Bistrot des Campagnes. Dine at this charming old-world French bistro. The whole place has a cozy feel with a great wine menu as well.
Next: Head to the train station and take the Vavin metro (Line 4) to Réaumur – Sébastopo. Change to Line 3 and get off at Père Lachaise. From here, you’ll be able to wander through the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, the world’s most visited necropolis.
The cemetery is home to notable figures like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Frédéric Chopin.
👉 Tour Option: Pere Lachaise walking tour with “The Great Sibylle! 👻
Evening
Go for dinner at La Bellevilloise, a cultural center with live music and events combined with a restaurant offering innovative cuisine.
Next: Have a nightcap at the Le Perchoir rooftop bar it’s the perfect place to catch amazing views of the Sacré-Cœur.
Paris Itinerary Day 10 – Last breakfast & shopping
With the last of your 10 days in Paris coming to a close, enjoy a final French breakfast at a Parisian cafe.
This can be a great way to reflect on your time in Paris, so feel free to bring your journal to write out some final thoughts about your time in Paris.
Depending on when your train or plane departure is, you might also have time to pick up a few last-minute souvenirs or visit any markets to bring home fresh cheese, white wine, macarons, or other treats.
Do a quick search for any local markets in the area of your hotel (there are many throughout the city) and see what you’d like to bring home from your time in Paris.
FAQ 10 Days in Paris
Below I have answered a few frequently asked questions about spending 10 days in Paris.
Is 10 days enough for Paris?
Yes, absolutely. 10 days in Paris is a good amount of time to leisurely see the iconic landmarks plus have free time to wander on your own and discover treasures off the beaten path.
How many days for Paris is enough?
You can enjoy Paris in a weekend or for two weeks. If you mainly want to see the famous sights and eat some good meals, a weekend in Paris is worth a visit. If you want to really explore and feel connected to the city more like a local, then I suggest 4 or 5 days minimum and 10 days is ideal as you can take a day trip to Versailles or another location.
What month is cheapest to go to Paris?
The months in the fall and late winter/early spring are the cheapest: October and November in fall and mid-January to mid-March in Spring.
Should I bring US dollars to Paris?
It is not necessary if you have a debit card and credit card. You can get Euros directly from most ATM’s and pay for most things with a credit or debit card. I do suggest bringing some US dollars as a backup, perhaps $50-100.
Where To Stay In Paris
I have been to Paris many times and have stayed in several parts of the city; I chose these high-quality hotels for charm and authenticity.
📍Luxury Option: Luxury Option: Hotel Recamier (St. Sulpice, St. Germain des Pres) Elegant, unique views of St. Sulpice, discreetly nestled behind trees, award-winning.
📍Mid-Range Option: Hôtel des Grandes Ecoles (Latin Quarter) Very peaceful with a unique country-house setting. Gardens; excellent location.
📍Budget Option: Port Royal Hotel (near Latin Quarter) Great location, complimentary WiFi, close to the metro, offers two types of rooms (one with shared bathroom and one with private bathroom), breakfast for an additional cost
Final Thoughts – Your 10 Days in Paris Itinerary
A 10 days in Paris itinerary allows you to really get to know the city beyond its most touristic areas. From its unique neighborhoods and vibrant parks to its eclectic live music venues and off-the-beaten-path treasures, Paris is one of a kind.
So, embrace the Paris lifestyle, of slow travel, sip coffee in a French bistro, and navigate the french capital like a local. Enjoy!
👉 Articles with helpful info for a 10 day trip to Paris:
Parisian Culture Guide for 2024
