3 Days in Paris Itinerary: The Perfect Long Weekend Plan to See the Highlights

From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the opulent halls of Versailles Palace, this 3 days Paris travel itinerary delivers the ultimate Parisian experience.

Our 3 days Paris itinerary combines must-see landmarks with authentic local experiences and royal grandeur.

Quick Overview of Visiting Paris in 3 Days

Here’s your perfect 3 day adventure through Paris’s most captivating districts and France’s most famous palace:

• Day 1: Arrive and explore Paris icons (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Seine River)
• Day 2: Discover Montmartre, Notre-Dame area, Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
• Day 3: Palace & Gardens Day – Versailles day trip adventure

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Where We Recommend You Stay

For the ultimate Paris experience, we recommend staying in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement).

Staying in Saint-Germain-des-Prés Benefits:

• Walking distance to the Louvre and Notre-Dame
• Excellent café culture and literary history
• Easy Metro connections to all major sights

Hotel Recommendations:

1. Luxury: Hôtel D’Aubusson – Described as an elegant 17th-century mansion with period furnishings and refined Parisian sophistication. Check prices here.

2. Midrange: Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche – Positioned as a charming boutique hotel with modern comfort and classic Parisian style. Check prices here.

3. Budget: Grand Hôtel de L’Univers Saint-Germain – Highlighted as excellent value with clean, comfortable rooms in an authentic Left Bank location. Check prices here.

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The Complete 3 Days in Paris Itinerary

Let’s dive into the perfect 3 day itinerary to experience the best of Paris’s stunning attractions and royal heritage.

Day 1: Arrive in Paris & Iconic Landmarks

Your Parisian adventure begins with the city’s most famous landmarks.

Today you will visit:

• Eiffel Tower,
• Seine River,
• Louvre, and the
• Tuileries Garden

How to get around today:

• Depending on where you are staying you might have to take the Metro to Trocadéro station.
• The rest of your day is on foot, you will walk a total of around 10 kilometers today.

Morning: Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro

Start your day early to beat the crowds and capture that perfect Instagram shot.

1. Begin at Trocadéro:

• Take the Metro to Trocadéro station for the best panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower.
• This elevated viewpoint offers stunning photo opportunities, especially in the soft morning light.

2. Eiffel Tower Visit:

• Enjoy a short 15 minute walk from the station, cross Pont de Bir-Hakeim (bridge) to reach the tower itself.
• Book entry tickets in advance to avoid lengthy queues – secure your Eiffel Tower tickets here.

3. Seine River Walk:

After your tower visit, stroll along the Seine toward Pont Alexandre III (25-minute scenic walk), one of Paris’s most ornate bridges.

Lunch: Breizh Café SB

For a modern take on French classics, enjoy the 35 minute stroll to Breizh Café SB (109 Rue Saint-Honoré) for exceptional crêpes and galettes.

Afternoon: Louvre Museum & Tuileries Garden

4. Louvre Museum:

• The world’s largest art museum deserves at least 3 hours of your time.
• Book timed-entry tickets online in advance here
• Important: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.

Must-see highlights:

• Mona Lisa (Denon Wing, Room 711)
• Venus de Milo (Sully Wing, Ground Floor)
• Winged Victory of Samothrace (Denon Wing, Staircase)

5. Tuileries Garden:

After the Louvre, decompress with a peaceful stroll through these formal French gardens. The tree-lined pathways lead to Place de la Concorde.

6. Place Vendôme:

If time permits, admire the elegant jewelry boutiques and Napoleonic column in this prestigious square.

Evening: Seine River Cruise

As the sun sets, experience Paris from the water with a Seine River cruise.

Cruise Options:

• Standard cruise (1 hour): – Book your cruise here
• Dinner cruise (1.75 hours): – Book your cruise here

Dinner: L’Ami Jean

Traditional Basque bistro known for generous portions and convivial atmosphere.

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Day 2: Montmartre Magic & Central Paris

Today reveals Paris’s artistic soul and historic heart, from the bohemian streets of Montmartre to the grand boulevards of central Paris.

Today you will visit:

• Montmartre
• Sacré-Cœur
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Sainte-Chapelle (Optional)
• Luxembourg Gardens
• Arc de Triomphe
• Champs-Élysées

How to get around today:

• Today you will have a combination of moving from one place to the next via metro and also on foot.

Morning: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Take Metro Line 12 to Pigalle or the funicular from Anvers station to reach Montmartre’s summit.

1. Sacré-Cœur Basilica:

• This Romano-Byzantine masterpiece offers panoramic views over Paris.
• Admission to the basilica is free; dome access costs €8.
• Book your Montmartre walking tour with Sacré-Cœur for the full experience.

2. Montmartre Village Streets:

Wander the cobblestone streets that once inspired Picasso, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec.

Visit:

• Place du Tertre: Watch portrait artists at work
• Moulin Rouge exterior: The famous cabaret’s iconic red windmill

From Moulin Rouge, walk 2 minutes to Blanche metro station. Take Metro Line 2 towards Nation for about 15-20 minutes to Châtelet station.

Lunch: Le Petit Châtelet

This cozy family-run restaurant has been passed from father to son for four generations, located close to Notre-Dame.

Afternoon: Central Paris Historic Heart

4. Notre-Dame Cathedral:

• The iconic Gothic cathedral features stunning restored interiors with brilliant white walls and colorful stained glass.
• Book your 1 hour guided tour (that includes skip-the-line entrance tickets) online here

5. Sainte-Chapelle (Optional If You Have Time):

• This 13th-century royal chapel houses some of the most stunning stained glass windows in the world.
• Purchase your Sainte-Chapelle skip-the-line tickets here to avoid the queues.

7. Luxembourg Gardens:

• End your afternoon in these magnificent gardens, perfect for people-watching while relaxing by the Medici Fountain.
• The walk from the chapel to the gardens is only around 20 minutes.

Early Evening/Late Afternoon: Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Take RER B from Luxembourg station to Châtelet-Les Halles, then transfer to RER A toward Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (25 minutes total).

The station exits directly underneath the Arc de Triomphe.

8. Arc de Triomphe:

• Climb the 284 steps for views down the Champs-Élysées. The view encompasses twelve radiating avenues in perfect symmetry.
• Book your Arc de Triomphe tickets online here.

9. Champs-Élysées:

Stroll down this famous avenue for window shopping or visit Ladurée for their legendary macarons.

Dinner: L’Ami Jean

Traditional Basque bistro known for generous portions and convivial atmosphere.

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Day 3: Palace & Gardens Day – Versailles Adventure

Your final day explores the opulent Palace of Versailles, the ultimate symbol of French royal grandeur.

Take RER C5 train from Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or other central stations to “Versailles Château – Rive Gauche” (40 minutes).

Alternatively, book a guided tour from Paris for stress-free transport and expert commentary.

Morning: Palace of Versailles

Leave Paris by 9:00 AM to make the most of your Versailles experience and beat the afternoon crowds that descend on this royal wonder.

1. Palace of Versailles:

The ultimate symbol of absolute monarchy, this 17th-century masterpiece houses 2,300 rooms within its magnificent walls.

Book skip-the-line tickets in advance – secure your Versailles Palace tickets here to avoid the notorious queues that can stretch for hours during peak season.

Visit:

• Hall of Mirrors: The palace’s crown jewel with 17 mirror-clad arches where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.
• King’s Grand Apartments: Lavishly decorated state rooms where Louis XIV held court.
• Queen’s Apartments: Marie Antoinette’s private chambers, including her public birthing bedroom.
• Royal Chapel: This stunning two-story baroque chapel features intricate ceiling frescoes and is where the royal family attended daily mass.

Lunch: La Petite Venise

Located within the palace grounds near the Grand Canal, this charming restaurant offers traditional French cuisine in a historic setting.

Afternoon: Versailles Gardens & Marie Antoinette’s Estate

• Versailles Gardens: These 800-hectare formal gardens showcase the pinnacle of French landscape architecture with geometric patterns and manicured lawns.
• Grand Canal: This 1.7-kilometer cross-shaped waterway hosted royal boat parties with Venetian gondoliers imported by Louis XIV.

• Marie Antoinette’s Estate: The Queen’s Hamlet, a charming mock village where Marie Antoinette escaped court life to play peasant.
• Grand Trianon: Napoleon’s favorite pink marble retreat offering intimate rooms and a personal perspective on royal history.
• Musical Fountains: Weekends from April to October feature classical music with dancing fountains recreating royal garden parties.

Evening: Return to Paris

Depart Versailles by 5:30 PM to arrive in Paris by 7:00 PM for your final Parisian dinner experience.

Dinner: Le Procope or Ze Kitchen Galerie

• Le Procope: The oldest café in Paris (founded 1686), where Voltaire consumed 40 cups of coffee daily. Traditional French cuisine in original 18th-century décor.
• Ze Kitchen Galerie: Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative French cuisine with Asian influences and open kitchen presentation.

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Airport Suggestions: Arrival and Transportation

Here is everything you need to know about how to get from the Paris airport to the city.

Charles de Gaulle Airport:

Main international hub with direct flights from most cities worldwide

• To City Center: RER B train or Roissybus
• Airport Express: Le Bus Direct to Opera/Etoile
• Private Transfer: Door-to-door service with professional driver – book your private CDG transfer here

Orly Airport:

Closer to city center, mainly European and domestic flights

• To City Center: Take the Orlyval shuttle from Orly Airport to Antony station, and transfer to RER B train or take the Orlybus.
• Private Transfer: Door-to-door service with professional driver (30-45 minutes) – book your private Orly transfer here

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How to Get Around Paris

Wondering how to get around Paris? Here is the best options for tourists.

1. Metro (Recommended):

• Purchase a Navigo Easy card for convenient tap-and-go travel
• Lines 1, 4, 6, 9, and 14 serve most tourist attractions

2. Walking:

• Many attractions are within walking distance of each other
• Perfect for discovering hidden gems and authentic Parisian streets

3. Taxi/Uber:

• Convenient for late evening returns or when carrying shopping
• Expect higher prices during peak hours

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Paris Museum Pass Benefits

The Paris Museum Pass (€90 for 2 days) includes:

• Skip-the-line access to over 60 attractions
• Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and Sainte-Chapelle included
• Significant time savings during peak season

Purchase your Paris Museum Pass here to maximize your sightseeing efficiency.

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Final Thoughts on Our 3 Days in Paris Itinerary

From the artistic heights of Montmartre to the opulent halls of Versailles, you’ll experience Paris’s finest attractions.

Discover the charming neighborhoods and royal heritage that make this city so captivating.

For more insider tips, check out:

• What you wish someone had told you before visiting Paris,
• 2 Days in Paris Itinerary, and
• Best Day Trips from Paris.

Find more Paris travel inspiration and tips on our France travel blog articles.