Visiting Paris in one week gives you plenty of time to take in the city’s most iconic sights and experience the highlights of the French capital. From history and culture to strolls, shopping, and activities, here is a 7-day itinerary to help you discover Paris. From famous monuments to picturesque neighborhoods, each day promises its share of memorable discoveries and experiences.
Day 1: iconic Paris landmarks
Start your Paris journey by discovering some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Begin your visit on the Esplanade du Trocadéro, which offers a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, then walk down to the Champ de Mars to see the “Iron Lady” up close. If you wish, you can go up to the different levels of the tower to admire the panoramic views over the city. It is strongly recommended to book your tickets in advance.
End your first day with a dinner cruise on the Seine at sunset. This peaceful moment on the water allows you to experience Paris from a different perspective, bathed in the soft light of the setting sun while enjoying a delicious meal. Let yourself be captivated by the succession of bridges and monuments lining the river as you cruise aboard your restaurant barge. The reflections of the city lights on the water give this moment a special charm, as if time itself had paused.
Jour 2 : L’élégance et la culture
This second day invites you to wander through the galleries of the Louvre Museum, where every room holds legendary masterpieces. After your visit, take time for a walk through the Tuileries Garden, a peaceful green oasis perfect for relaxing, where sculptures and fountains blend elegantly into the urban landscape. Finish the day with a shopping session along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées leading up to the Arc de Triomphe. You can climb the steps of the Arc de Triomphe to reach its rooftop terrace and enjoy a panoramic view over the French capital.
Day 3: the bohemian spirit of Montmartre
Continue your discovery of Paris in the Montmartre district. Stroll through its winding streets and soak up its artistic atmosphere. On Place du Tertre, you can watch artists capturing the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit on canvas or sketching the faces of visitors.
The area is best known for the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, perched at the top of the hill and offering sweeping views over Paris. Nearby, you can pass by the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret in Pigalle, a true institution of Parisian nightlife, or visit the Opéra Garnier and attend a performance.
Day 4: culture and history
For art and culture enthusiasts, start your day at the Grand Palais, a prestigious exhibition venue set within a magnificent architectural landmark. Then head to Place de la Concorde before continuing on to Les Invalides, where you can learn more about the history of the French military. Continue with a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, whose impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art is sure to delight art lovers.
Day 5: Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter
Start the day by exploring the Île de la Cité, home to the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Crossing to the other side of the Seine, you will enter the Latin Quarter, long known as a hub for intellectual life, where you can discover the Panthéon and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Luxembourg Gardens. You can also stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, with its beautiful tropical greenhouse and calming atmosphere, or take a seat in a café for a relaxing break.
Day 6: the Marais district
Another emblematic district of the French capital, the Marais is one of the must-see areas if you are visiting Paris in one week. Place de la Bastille and its history, the National Picasso Museum, and the house of Victor Hugo are among the many attractions that contribute to the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage. Continue your visit at the Centre Pompidou, a major hub for modern and contemporary art, which hosts fascinating exhibitions throughout the year.
Day 7: exploring beyond Paris
Spending a week in Paris also gives you the opportunity to explore beyond the city, as the surrounding region is full of must-see destinations. For this final day, why not set off on an excursion to the Palace of Versailles? A symbol of French royal splendor, it offers a magnificent spectacle with its remarkable architecture and vast gardens.
Traveling with children? End your stay on a high note with a day of fun at Disneyland Paris.
You can also find out how to visit Paris in a weekend if you are stopping in the capital for a short stay. We provide a complete two-day itinerary to help you see as much as possible while still taking the time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Paris.