Travel Guide to Paris: 4-Day Itinerary
Paris, the historic city in the Île-de-France region, is a captivating destination where its impressive architectural heritage seamlessly blends with the relaxed atmosphere of French life. Famous for the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers much more than this iconic structure. Its picturesque streets, vibrant markets, and medieval buildings brimming with history will provide you with an authentic and unforgettable experience in the heart of France. Every corner of this city reveals the charm and elegance unique to Paris, inviting you to explore and enjoy all it has to offer.
Travel Guide
Paris
Paris, the historic city in the Île-de-France region, is a captivating destination where its impressive architectural heritage seamlessly blends with the relaxed atmosphere of French life. Famous for the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers much more than this iconic structure. Its picturesque streets, vibrant markets, and medieval buildings brimming with history will provide you with an authentic and unforgettable experience in the heart of France. Every corner of this city reveals the charm and elegance unique to Paris, inviting you to explore and enjoy all it has to offer.
Itinerary for Paris (4 days)
Welcome to Paris, a charming city that will captivate you with its rich history, impressive architecture, and authentic Parisian atmosphere!
This comprehensive travel guide will lead you through the most interesting attractions in Paris, offering you an authentic and memorable experience. Get ready to explore vibrant markets, historic buildings, culinary delights, and stunning landscapes.
The proposed itinerary is the result of my personal experience, providing you with 100% original information and useful recommendations to help you make the most of your stay in Paris.
Our 4-Day Itinerary in Paris and Surroundings
Day 1
Arrival and Transport
At 8:25 AM, we landed at Beauvais-Tille Airport. From here, we took the Navette Beauvais – Aerobus, which dropped us off near the Porte Maillot metro station.
At Porte Maillot, we purchased the weekly metro passes, Navigo Weekly Ticket – Navigo Decouverte Travel Card, which gave us unlimited access to Paris public transport.
After getting our passes, we headed to our hotel to check in and drop off our luggage.
Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)
At 1:30 PM, we had our online tickets ready for the Louvre Museum. We spent about 4 hours exploring one of the largest and most famous museums in the world.
History: The Louvre was originally a fortress built in the 12th century by Philip II. It was transformed into a royal palace in the 16th century and became a museum in 1793 during the French Revolution.
Main Attractions: Mona Lisa (La Joconde), Venus de Milo, Nike of Samothrace, Napoleon III Apartments, and sections dedicated to Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Islamic art.
Galerie Patrick Fourtin – Emily’s Office from “Emily in Paris”
After visiting the Louvre, we headed to Galerie Patrick Fourtin, located at 9 Rue des Bons Enfants. This gallery is known for being the fictional office of Emily from the TV series “Emily in Paris.”
Context: “Emily in Paris” is an American television series that has become very popular for its picturesque Parisian settings and its depiction of life in Paris.
Domaine Nationale du Palais Royal – Jardin du Palais Royal and The Colonnes de Buren
Our next stop was Domaine Nationale du Palais Royal, which includes Jardin du Palais Royal and the art installation The Colonnes de Buren.
History: Palais Royal was built in 1633 by Cardinal Richelieu. After his death, the palace became the property of King Louis XIII. The gardens feature the famous black-and-white columns created by artist Daniel Buren in 1986.
Attractions: Beautifully landscaped gardens, artistic columns, elegant arcades, and numerous cafes and boutiques surrounding the gardens.
Jardin des Tuileries
Our last destination of the day was a walk in Jardin des Tuileries, located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
History: These gardens were created in 1564 by Catherine de Medici as the gardens of the Tuileries Palace. They were opened to the public in 1667 and have become a popular recreation spot for Parisians and tourists alike.
Attractions: The central pond, numerous statues and sculptures, the Orangerie Museum (which houses works by Monet), and pleasant walks through the well-maintained gardens.
Day 2
Breakfast at Caffe Botteli
We started the day with a delicious breakfast at Caffe Botteli, where a menu costs 12 euros. The cozy atmosphere and good food energized us for the full day of adventures ahead.
Eiffel Tower
Our first stop was, of course, the Eiffel Tower. We spent time admiring this iconic structure from various locations:
- 228 Rue de L’Universite: This is one of the most picturesque spots to photograph the Eiffel Tower, offering a clear and unobstructed view.
- Pont d’Iéna and Port Debilly Eiffel Tower Lookout: We walked along Pont d’Iéna, passing by Port Debilly, a perfect spot for taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower.
- Avenue de Camoens: This is another popular location for fans of the series “Emily in Paris.” Here, we had the chance to see the Eiffel Tower in a romantic and picturesque setting.
- Trocadéro: With its beautiful gardens and wide esplanade, Trocadéro probably offers the best view of the Eiffel Tower.
Sacré-Cœur
Our next destination was the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, situated on the Montmartre hill.
- History: Construction of the basilica began in 1875 and was completed in 1914. It is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and was built as an expiation for the national sins of France following the Franco-Prussian War.
- Attractions: The impressive interior, panoramic views of Paris from the hill, and the spiritual atmosphere.
La Maison Rose
We continued exploring Montmartre with a visit to La Maison Rose, a picturesque and colorful restaurant-café, also known for being frequented by Picasso.
Montmartre and The Wall of Love
We explored Montmartre, an artistic and bohemian neighborhood. We stopped at Le Mur des Je t’aime (The Wall of Love), where “I love you” is written in over 250 languages.
- History: The wall was created by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito in 2000 and is located in Place des Abbesses.
Moulin Rouge
We passed by the famous Moulin Rouge, the iconic cabaret that opened in 1889 and is renowned for its can-can shows and vibrant atmosphere.
Lunch at Au Coeur Du Marais Restaurant
After this stroll, we stopped at Restaurant Au Coeur Du Marais, where we tried the famous French onion soup and escargot. Although they didn’t completely impress us, it was a unique culinary experience.
Notre-Dame de Paris
Next, we headed to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is still under renovation following the devastating fire in 2019.
- History: Constructed between 1163 and 1345, Notre-Dame is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. The ongoing renovations aim to restore this historic emblem to its former glory.
Pont Alexandre III și Champs-Élysées
We took a stroll along Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, adorned with elaborate decorations and offering views of the Grand Palais and Petit Palais. From Place de la Concorde, we began our walk along the famous Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
- History: The Champs-Élysées, considered the most beautiful avenue in the world, is filled with shops, cafes, and theaters. The Arc de Triomphe, built in 1806 by order of Napoleon Bonaparte, commemorates the victories of the French army.
Ladurée Paris
After a full day of walking, we stopped at Ladurée Paris on the Champs-Élysées to try the famous macarons. These delicate sweets were a perfect treat after a day of exploring.
Eiffel Tower Illuminated
In the evening, we aimed to experience the Eiffel Tower’s nighttime illumination. We chose Pont de Bir-Hakeim as our vantage point, which offers an excellent view of the tower’s sparkling lights against the Parisian skyline. The Eiffel Tower’s light show begins at dusk and continues every hour until late at night, creating a magical spectacle with its shimmering lights and glittering effects. This moment captured the beauty and romance of Paris in a truly unforgettable way.
Day 3: Disneyland Paris
On the third day, we set out early to head to Disneyland Paris, aiming to arrive right at opening time to avoid long lines at the attractions. The journey from our hotel in the Ménilmontant area to Disneyland Paris took about 50 minutes. We took the metro to Nation station and then switched to the RER Line A4, which goes directly to Disneyland Paris. We purchased our tickets online from Booking.com at a price of €78 each.
Most Famous Tourist Attractions
- Sleeping Beauty Castle
The iconic centerpiece of the park, this charming castle is perfect for photos and offers a stunning view.
Wait Time: 0-10 minutes (it’s not an attraction itself but a central landmark). - Pirates of the Caribbean
A captivating boat ride through a world of pirates and hidden treasures.
Wait Time: 20-45 minutes. - Big Thunder Mountain
A spectacular western-style roller coaster, ideal for thrill-seekers.
Wait Time: 30-60 minutes. - It’s a Small World
A peaceful boat ride through a miniature world, full of colors and songs.
Wait Time: 10-25 minutes. - Space Mountain: Mission 2
A futuristic roller coaster packed with adrenaline in the darkness of outer space.
Wait Time: 30-60 minutes. - Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
A 3D experience set in the Star Wars universe, perfect for fans of the series.
Wait Time: 20-45 minutes. - Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
An interactive ride where you can shoot lasers to earn points and save the universe alongside Buzz Lightyear.
Wait Time: 15-40 minutes. - Dining Options at Disneyland Paris
- Agrabah Café
Offers dishes with Oriental influences in a fairy-tale setting inspired by “Aladdin.”
Price Range: Moderate. - Plaza Gardens Restaurant
An all-you-can-eat buffet with a variety of international dishes.
Price Range: Moderate. - Auberge de Cendrillon
A luxury restaurant where you can meet Disney princesses. Offers refined dishes in a regal setting.
Price Range: High. - Cowboy Cookout Barbecue
A perfect spot for BBQ lovers, with ribs, burgers, and other Western-style delights.
Price Range: Moderate. - Casey’s Corner
A classic American fast-food spot, known for delicious hot dogs and fries.
Price Range: Affordable.
- Agrabah Café
Helpful Tip
To maximize your time at Disneyland Paris, we recommend using the official Disneyland Paris mobile app, which provides real-time information on wait times and show schedules. Also, consider the FastPass option, which allows you to reserve quick access to certain attractions, significantly reducing wait times.
In conclusion, our day at Disneyland Paris was filled with magic and adventure, giving us the chance to enjoy famous attractions, explore the Disney world, and create unforgettable memories.
Day 4: Following in the Footsteps of “Emily in Paris”
Recommended Restaurants in Paris
1. Le Jules Verne
- Address: Avenue Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris
- Description: Located on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with spectacular views of Paris.
- Specialties: Gourmet French cuisine.
2. L’Ambroisie
- Address: 9 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
- Description: A three-Michelin-starred restaurant, known for its refined dishes and elegant ambiance.
- Specialties: Classic French cuisine.
3. Le Comptoir du Relais
- Address: 9 Carrefour de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris
- Description: A popular bistro run by chef Yves Camdeborde, renowned for its traditional French dishes with a modern twist.
- Specialties: Coq au vin, foie gras.
4. Septime
- Address: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris
- Description: A one-Michelin-starred restaurant, known for its creative approach and seasonal menus.
- Specialties: Contemporary French cuisine.
5. Le Chateaubriand
- Address: 129 Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris
- Description: A modern bistro, ranked among the world’s best 50 restaurants, offering inventive tasting menus.
- Specialties: Innovative French cuisine.
6. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
- Address: 5 Rue de Montalembert, 75007 Paris
- Description: A two-Michelin-starred restaurant, offering sophisticated dishes in a modern and elegant setting.
- Specialties: Foie gras, purée de pommes de terre (mashed potatoes).
7. Chez L’Ami Jean
- Address: 27 Rue Malar, 75007 Paris
- Description: A traditional bistro, known for its convivial atmosphere and authentic dishes.
- Specialties: Foie gras risotto, roasted duck.
8. Le Cinq
- Address: 31 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris
- Description: The restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, with three Michelin stars, offering a luxurious dining experience.
- Specialties: High-class French cuisine.
9. Frenchie
- Address: 5-6 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris
- Description: A small and intimate restaurant, run by chef Grégory Marchand, known for its innovative dishes.
- Specialties: Modern and creative cuisine.
10. Le Train Bleu
- Address: Gare de Lyon, Place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris
- Description: An iconic restaurant located in Gare de Lyon, known for its sumptuous decor and traditional French dishes.
- Specialties: Gigot d’agneau (leg of lamb), lobster.
When to Visit Paris?
The ideal time to visit Paris depends on your preferences regarding weather and tourist crowd levels. Generally, the best months to travel to Paris are:
Spring and Autumn: March to May and September to November
- These months offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies, ideal for exploring the city and its attractions. The climate is moderate, with no extreme temperatures, making walks through parks, squares, and visits to monuments more enjoyable.
Summer: June to August
- Summer brings higher temperatures, especially in July and August. The days are long, and the sun shines brightly, making it the perfect time to enjoy walks along the Seine and outdoor activities. This season is also the busiest, so it’s wise to consider booking accommodation and tickets to attractions in advance.
Winter: December to February
- Winter in Paris is mild, with lower average temperatures and the possibility of rain. However, the city remains an attractive destination during this season due to its quieter atmosphere and lack of tourist crowds. Additionally, accommodation and tourist activity rates can be more affordable. The Christmas lights and decorations also add a special charm to the city.
Choosing the right time to visit Paris depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you want to have in this iconic city.
Flight
To get to Paris, you can choose to fly with various airlines operating on the Bucharest – Paris route, such as Air France, Tarom, Ryanair, or WizzAir, with direct flights lasting approximately 3 hours. Low-cost airlines like Ryanair and WizzAir land at Beauvais Airport, which is farther from the city but offers transfer options to central Paris. Platforms like Skyscanner can help you find all flight options from any corner of the world, giving you the flexibility to choose the best options for your trip. Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports are well connected to the city center, facilitating quick and convenient transfers.
Transport from Paris Airports to the City Center
Paris has three main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais (BVA). Here are the transport options to reach central Paris from each airport:
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Train:
- RER B: Connects the airport to Gare du Nord and other central stations in about 30-40 minutes.
- Cost: Approximately €11.40.
Bus:
- Roissybus: Direct connections to Opéra in central Paris in about 60 minutes.
- Cost: Approximately €12.
- Bus Direct: Premium service to various locations in Paris, including Champs-Élysées and Gare Montparnasse.
- Cost: Approximately €18.
Taxi:
- Availability: Taxis are regularly available in front of the terminals.
- Travel Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: Approximately €50-60.
Uber:
- Ride-Hailing Services: Available for booking via the app.
- Cost: Approximately €45-60, depending on destination and demand.
Rental Car:
- Car Rental Services: Available at the arrival terminals.
- Booking: Recommended to book in advance.
Orly Airport (ORY)
Train:
- Orlyval + RER B: Orlyval (automated shuttle) to Antony station, where you can take RER B to central Paris.
- Cost: Approximately €12.10.
- Travel Time: About 35-45 minutes.
Bus:
- Orlybus: Direct connections to Place Denfert-Rochereau in central Paris in about 30 minutes.
- Cost: Approximately €9.50.
- Bus Direct: Premium service to various locations in Paris, including Champs-Élysées and Gare Montparnasse.
- Cost: Approximately €12.
Tram + Metro:
- Tram T7: From the airport to Villejuif-Louis Aragon station, where you can take Metro Line 7 to central Paris.
- Cost: Approximately €1.90.
- Travel Time: About 45-60 minutes.
Taxi:
- Availability: Taxis are regularly available in front of the terminals.
- Travel Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: Approximately €30-35.
Uber:
- Ride-Hailing Services: Available for booking via the app.
- Cost: Approximately €30-35, depending on destination and demand.
Rental Car:
- Car Rental Services: Available at the arrival terminals.
- Booking: Recommended to book in advance.
Beauvais Airport (BVA)
Bus:
- Beauvais Airport Shuttle: Direct connection between Beauvais Airport and Porte Maillot in Paris. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets can be purchased online or at the shuttle service ticket office at the airport.
- FlixBus: Another bus option providing connections between Beauvais Airport and central Paris (Porte Maillot). Journey time is similar to the Beauvais Airport Shuttle, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tickets can be bought online or at the airport ticket office.
Train:
- Beauvais Train Station: Take a bus or taxi from the airport to Beauvais Train Station, from where you can take a train to Gare du Nord in Paris.
- Cost: Approximately €15-20 for the train.
- Travel Time: About 1.5 hours, depending on connections.
Taxi:
- Availability: Taxis are regularly available in front of the arrivals terminal.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic.
- Cost: Approximately €150-200.
Uber:
- Ride-Hailing Services: Available for booking via the app.
- Cost: Approximately €150-200, depending on destination and demand.
Rental Car:
- Car Rental Services: Available at the arrivals terminal.
- Booking: Recommended to book in advance.
These options offer the necessary flexibility to organize your trip comfortably and efficiently in Paris and the surrounding region.
Currency and Exchange
The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR), and currency exchange can be easily done at airports, banks, and exchange offices. Card payments are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and cafes. On our trip, we primarily used Revolut cards for convenience and accessibility.
Getting Around Paris
Walking
Paris is a compact city, and many visitors prefer to explore the main attractions on foot. This was also our option, allowing us to quickly reach key points of interest.
Metro
The Paris Metro (Métro) is one of the most efficient and popular ways to get around the city. The metro network is well-developed and covers most central and suburban areas of the city, facilitating access to main tourist attractions and neighborhoods.
Lines and Stations:
- Network: Paris has 16 metro lines numbered 1 to 14, plus two automatic lines (L1 and L14). The lines are marked with different colors on the network map.
- Stations: There are over 300 metro stations in Paris, each serving various neighborhoods and points of interest.
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: Approximately 05:30 – 00:30.
- Saturday: Approximately 05:30 – 01:30.
- Sunday and Holidays: Approximately 05:30 – 00:30.
Ticket Types and Passes:
Single Tickets:
- Ticket t+: Standard ticket for a single journey within Paris. Allows transfers between metro lines and other public transport (buses, trams) within 90 minutes.
- Cost: Approximately €2.10 per ticket.
Weekly and Monthly Passes:
Paris Visite:
- Tourist Pass: Offers unlimited access to metro, buses, and trams in certain zones (1-3 or 1-5) for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. Ideal for tourists.
- Cost: Starting from €12.30 for 1 day in zone 1-3, up to €65.80 for 5 days in zone 1-5.
Navigo Découverte:
- Weekly or Monthly Pass: Offers unlimited access to metro, buses, trams, and RER in the selected zone. Requires a photo and the Navigo ID card.
- Cost: Approximately €22.80 per week and €75.20 per month for zone 1-5.
Orange Card:
- Monthly Pass: Offers unlimited access to metro, buses, and trams. Replaced by Navigo Découverte but still available in some places.
- Cost: Approximately €75.20 for zone 1-5.
Tourist Passes:
Paris Pass:
- Includes: Transport public tickets (metro, buses, trams) and access to various tourist attractions. A good option for tourists who want to visit many tourist sites.
- Cost: Starting from approximately €130 for 2 days.
Purchasing Tickets and Passes:
Purchase Locations:
- Vending Machines: Available in all metro and RER stations. Accept bank cards and cash.
- Ticket Offices: Buy tickets and passes at major station ticket offices, where additional information is available.
- Online: Tickets and passes can be purchased online through official websites and public transport apps.
- Newsstands: Some newsstands and ticket sales points in the city offer tickets and passes for public transport.
Useful Apps:
- RATP: Official app of the Paris Transport Network, offering real-time information on schedules and routes.
- Citymapper: Useful app for route planning and city navigation using various modes of transport.
Navigo Weekly Ticket
What is Navigo Weekly Ticket?
- Description: A weekly transport card that allows unlimited travel on the Paris public transport network and the Île-de-France region.
Covered Areas:
- Travel Zones: The card usually covers zones 1-5, which include central Paris and distant suburbs. Check the coverage accuracy on the Île-de-France Mobilités website for your travel zone.
Price:
- Cost: Around €30-35 per week, depending on the covered zone and tariff updates. The exact price may vary, so it is good to check the current price on the Île-de-France Mobilités website.
How to Buy:
Online:
- Île-de-France Mobilités: You can buy and recharge the Navigo Weekly Ticket online from the Île-de-France Mobilités website. Authentication and following purchase steps are required.
Metro and RER Stations:
- Card Purchase: The Navigo card can be bought from ticket machines and information desks at metro and RER stations.
Convenience Stores:
- Availability: Some convenience stores and public transport service centers sell and recharge Navigo cards.
How to Use:
Activation:
- Requirement: The card must be activated for the desired week. Usually, activation is done at points of sale or machines.
- Usage: The Navigo card is used through a contactless validation system at the entrances and exits of metro stations, buses, and RER.
Benefits:
- Unlimited Travel: Allows unlimited travel in the covered area during the card’s validity.
- Savings: More economical for those who travel frequently during the week compared to single-journey tickets.
Note:
- Validity: The Navigo Weekly Ticket is valid from Monday to Sunday, regardless of the purchase date.
- Personalization: Some Navigo cards may be personalized with a photo, so carrying a small photo may be useful when purchasing.
Bicycles
Another popular option for getting around Paris is renting bicycles, offering flexibility and quick access to various locations in the city. There are several services available:
Vélib’ Métropole:
- Network: The public bike-sharing system with stations spread throughout the city.
- Types of bikes: Standard and electric bikes.
- Cost: Affordable rates with options for daily, weekly, or annual subscriptions.
Electric and rental bikes:
- Services: Companies like Lime, Jump (by Uber), and Dott offer electric bikes that are easy to find and rent via mobile apps.
- Cost: Pay-per-minute rates, usually between €0.15 and €0.20 per minute, plus an unlocking fee.
Food
Conclusion
This detailed itinerary will provide you with a fascinating experience in Paris, combining the exploration of historical, gastronomic, and cultural attractions of the French capital. Each day is carefully planned to help you make the most of your time in this iconic city. Keep in mind that the prices mentioned in the guide may vary depending on the tourist season and the accommodation and activities chosen. It is recommended to check for updates and prepare for any necessary adjustments. Enjoy the vibrant exploration and discovery of Paris, a city full of elegance and history!
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