The Louvre, Orsay and Notre-Dame, with time for the Marais, Saint-Germain and Montmartre in between.
This journey balances the great museums and monuments with the everyday pleasures of Paris: market streets, café terraces and walks along the Seine. Each day focuses on one part of the city, so there is more time looking and less time travelling.
Higher tiers add Versailles, Monet's garden at Giverny and a day among the Champagne houses.
Day by day
Day 1Arrival in Paris
Transfer to your hotel and take an early evening walk along the Seine from the Pont Neuf.
Day 2Île de la Cité & the Marais
Visit Notre-Dame and the stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle, then cross to the Marais and the Place des Vosges.
Day 3The Louvre & the Grand Axis
A morning at the Louvre, then walk through the Tuileries and up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
Day 4The Left Bank
The Impressionists at the Musée d'Orsay, lunch in Saint-Germain and the Luxembourg Gardens; the Eiffel Tower in the evening.
Day 5Montmartre & Departure
A morning in the lanes of Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, then transfer to the airport or station.
Practical information
Paris is best explored on foot and by Métro; expect 10–15 km of walking on some days. France uses the euro and is in the Schengen Area; non-EU visitors should check current Schengen entry requirements, including EES and ETIAS.