Paris in a Week: The Only 7 Days in Paris Itinerary You’ll Ever Need

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Paris in a week is kind of the perfect amount of time to see the city. It leaves plenty of time to discover both the main attractions like the Louvre and even enjoy smaller, hidden gems like a picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

As someone who has lived in France and has visited Paris on many occasions, I can honestly say a visit to the City of Lights never gets old. In fact, I fall in love a bit more each and every time. 

No matter how many times I visit, there are still more things to do and museums to see than I can ever dream of. So, it makes sense that coming up with the perfect Paris itinerary in 7 days can be a bit of a challenge. 

However, I have managed the perfect Paris for a week plan that includes a mix of museums, food, culture, and perhaps a day trip! So, if you’re lucky enough to be able to spend a week in Paris, then this is the ultimate 7 days in Paris itinerary you’ll ever need.

I also have it laid out from Sunday-Saturday. Therefore, if you end up starting your seven nights in Paris on a Tuesday, then jump there and go Tuesday-Monday, for example! Of course, you may have to alter things a bit depending on when you arrive/depart too. 

Alright, now let’s plot your dream Paris one-week itinerary. 

Paris in a Week Itinerary Overview

For a quick overview of how to spend a week trip to Paris, check out this bulleted list. For more detailed information, keep on reading! 

Day 1 (Sunday):

• Arrive and check-in
• Arc de Triomphe
• Eiffel Tower
• Dinner near Eiffel Tower

Day 2 (Monday):

• Carette for breakfast
• Explore Marche aux Puces de Saint Ouen
• Picnic at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
• Visit Canal Saint-Martin for dinner

Day 3 (Tuesday):

• Angelina for breakfast
• Jardin des Tuileries
• Visit Musee d’Orsay
• Barthelemy Cheese
• Grande Epicerie
• Picnic at Luxembourg Gardens
• Dinner at Le Pre Aux Clercs

Day 4 (Wednesday):

• Grab croissants at La Maison d’Isabelle
• Day Trip of Your Choice
• Dinner at La Jacobine
• Drinks at Castor Club

Day 5 (Thursday):

• Brunch at Hardware Societe
• Explore Montmartre
• Catacombs Evening Tour
• Dinner at Le Vieux Bistro

Day 6 (Friday):

• Ile Saint-Louis
• Visit Notre Dame & Sainte-Chapelle
• L’As Du Fallafel for lunch
• Louvre Evening Tour

Day 7 (Saturday):

• Breakfast at Les Deux Magots
• Explore Abbey de Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Explore the sculptures at Musee Rodin
• Visit Musee de l’Orangerie
• Take a food tour of Le Marais
• End at a fun wine bar

The Only 7 Days in Paris Itinerary You’ll Ever Need

When I tell you how much time and effort went into making this Paris 7 days itinerary, you’d be amazed! I meticulously arranged everything by location (as best as I could), places to eat/drink, hidden gems, must-see spots for first-timers, and making sure each day matched up with being open. 

This is all so you can literally copy this itinerary and enjoy Paris on your own! So let’s talk about what to see in Paris in 7 days!

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrive, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower

We aren’t messing around here. On day one, we’re covering some pretty epic sites. However, I didn’t want to put too many things on your first day as you are arriving after all. 

You may just be coming in from elsewhere in Europe, or you may be flying in from the US on a red-eye. Either way, the first day isn’t meant to be too chaotic because you’ll likely want to go to bed early tonight and wake up on Paris time. 

Now, most red-eye flights tend to arrive in Paris in the morning, as do many trains. So you’ll arrive and make your way to your hotel. 

As far as which hotel to stay in, that is really up to you. You’re staying long enough in Paris to get a great feel of the city, so you don’t necessarily have to be near the 1st arrondissement which many sites are close to. 

I have a whole blog post about where to stay in Paris, and I’ll touch on some hotels below. A couple of great ones include the Hotel des Arts Montmartre or the Hotel Au Manoir Saint Germain des Pres. 

So drop off your bags, freshen up, and head to the Arc de Triomphe. Located on the Champs-Elysees, this giant arch is in the center of a gigantic traffic circle. Word to the wise, do NOT try to cross the street. Instead, there are tunnels where you can access the arch. 

So head over to the Arc de Triomphe and climb the stairs to the top to see one of the best views of Paris. This even has a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower! 

Now, the last time I visited Paris I was able to just purchase a ticket when I got there and didn’t have any line to wait in. However, it is always a good idea to purchase tickets in advance, especially if you’re going at a busy time of year. 

Visit the Eiffel Tower

While the view of the Arc de Triomphe is astounding from the bottom of it, I really think it’s worth climbing to the roof to enjoy the view. So it is 100% worth doing that experience! And what better way to check out Paris on day one than with a fantastic view?

Alright, after exploring the Arc de Triomphe, it is time to get up close and personal with the most iconic site in Paris: the Eiffel Tower. 

I recommend walking if you can, as you can spot some great places to view the tower including the Jardins du Trocadero, Pont d’lena, the Eiffel Tower Carousel, Champ de Mars garden, and even Rue de l’Universite. 

So take a stroll around the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the views.

Now, while I highly recommend going up the Arc de Triomphe for epic sights, I actually have never really been in the Eiffel Tower. It is my belief that the best views of Paris include the Eiffel Tower, and if you’re inside it, you don’t really get that view.

Now, this is of course your own choice, and if you want to go up the tower, definitely book tickets in advance. It is a super popular tourist attraction in Paris, and you don’t want to wait in line. 

Get timed entry skip-the-line tickets and take in Paris from the Eiffel Tower.

After exploring, I recommend having an easy dinner in the area, as you’ll likely want to go to bed afterward. I wouldn’t make dinner reservations on your first night, otherwise, you’ll feel rushed. 

So find a good cafe for dinner, enjoy the people-watching, and perhaps head back to the Eiffel Tower after dinner to see it lit up (if it is dark by then!). 

After that, I recommend going to bed and waking up on Paris time tomorrow.

Day 2 (Monday): Carette, Marche Aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and Canal Saint-Martin

I know what you’re thinking. Why is day 2 of this itinerary full of some pretty unique things to see and do for a first-timer in Paris and absolutely zero of the must-see sites?

Well, Monday is when a lot of the museums are closed. Usually, museums in Paris are closed either on Monday or Tuesday. So, with many museums closed this day, let’s dive into some local spots!

But first, you’re going to have a delightful breakfast at Carette. Maybe I just love hot chocolate, especially in Paris, but this itinerary is going to have some places to sample some of the best for yourself. 

While I’ll be writing my own take on who has the best hot chocolate, why not decide for yourself? With that being said, you’ll enjoy a lovely breakfast, with hot chocolate of course, at Carette over at Place des Vosges. 

Take in the vibes, and enjoy looking at Place des Vosges during your breakfast before you hop on the metro to your next destination.

Next Up: Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen & Canal Saint-Martin

After you’ve been fueled up, it is time to enjoy some antique shopping! One of my favorite places to explore in Paris has to be the Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. 

Also known as the Paris Flea Market, this place is super cool. There are streets and tucked-away alleys full of antiques from gorgeous Victorian chairs, and lush paintings, to even fine china. 

You could seriously spend hours exploring! The market feels like a fun museum of yesteryear. And, if you are in the market for something and have money, you can purchase some unique things! 

After the market, it is time to head to another more local spot, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. You’ll take the metro over here, and once you arrive, you’ll fall in love with this park too. 

What appears to be a fun oasis in the city, you’ll find anything from cafes and waterfalls to a bridge up to a stunning temple that is perched on a hill above the artificial lake.

Enjoy sitting on the grass or on a bench as you see runners going for their daily jog, ducks swimming in the pond, and plenty of gorgeous shade trees swaying in the wind. 

This is a great place to take a picnic, whether you want to purchase a sandwich at a nearby boulangerie or you stop in a grocery store to grab a few things. There are even some restaurants and a food stand in the park. 

After that, I recommend exploring the Canal Saint-Martin area. Popular amongst locals, there are tons of great bars and restaurants to explore here. 

It also has a canal with lovely viewpoints to wander around and take photos. 

I recommend wrapping up your evening in this area by grabbing a cocktail or two before heading to dinner at a place like Les Enfants Perdus.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Tuileries, Musee d’Orsay, Grande Epicerie, and Luxembourg Gardens

On Tuesday during your 7-day trip to Paris, you’ll have a mix of a museum, gardens, and some great foodie spots! 

To kick off Tuesday perfectly, let’s try yet another great breakfast spot that is also known for its epic hot chocolate: Angelina at Rue de Rivoli. 

Get here a bit earlier so you miss the crowds, but have a pastry or two and some hot chocolate to fuel up for the day’s adventures.

After breakfast, it is time to walk to one of Paris’s iconic museums, Musee d’Orsay. Known for its impressionist, post-impressionist, and other French artworks, this former train station-turned-museum is well worth a visit for first-timers.

I recommend walking here from Angelina so that you can wander through the Tuileries Gardens on the way! Enjoy the rows of trees, the lovely fountains and sculptures, and perhaps even spot some goats keeping the grass trimmed! 

It is a lovely place for a stroll after breakfast and on your way to Musee d’Orsay. Like many popular museums and attractions in Paris, I recommend getting a ticket in advance. 

Musee d’Orsay can be a bit crowded, and the ticket line can be long. So it is best to get tickets ahead of time to skip the line! 

Go Food Shopping!

After a lovely morning at Angelina and Musee d’Orsay, you may be hungry again. So, it is time to head to a few foodie spots to make another great picnic. 

From d’Orsay, walk over to one of the best cheese shops in Paris: Barthelemy. Even Ina Garten, a famous Food Network host, pays a visit here on every trip. 

The staff is really knowledgeable, and you can ask to sample some cheeses before making your selection. 

Once you’ve rounded up a couple of great cheeses, it is time to walk over to one of my favorite spots in Paris: La Grande Epicerie! 

This place is a giant food market with delis, pastry shops, a wine cellar, and many products for sale from all over France and the world!

La Grande Epicerie is a lovely spot to grab some drinks, some bread, and some accouterments for a delightful picnic. 

After that, it is time to head over to Jardin du Luxembourg. This large park is an idyllic picnic spot, where you can enjoy some sunshine and people-watch as you tuck into your tasty cheese and snacks while sitting in little green chairs. 

While you’re in the garden, be sure to check out the famous Fontaine Medicis as well as the exterior of the Luxembourg Palace, a smaller copy of the Statue of Liberty, and more. 

After your picnic, you can continue to explore this area of Paris, known as the 5th and 6th arrondissements. Near the gardens, you can wander over to the Pantheon, the Arenes de Lutece (a 1st-century Roman amphitheater), the Musee de Cluny (Museum of the Middle Ages), and even the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. 

There really is a lot to occupy your time in the afternoon here. You probably won’t have time to see it all, so pick a place or two to visit to enjoy the rest of the day. 

Then, for dinner, head to Le Pre Aux Clercs. This spot has some seriously tasty duck confit! 

Day 4 (Wednesday): Day Trip of Your Choice

If you plan to spend 1 week in Paris, then you’ll likely have plenty of time to take a day trip on one of those days. 

So, during your halfway point of the trip, why not use this day to explore more of France? 

But first, you may want to grab a croissant or pain au chocolat early in the morning at Maison d’Isabelle! 

While there are ample day trips you could take from Paris, including leaving France and seeing London or Bruges for a day, my favorite trips include a visit to Versailles or the Loire Valley.

Both are lovely places and if this is your first time in Paris, I highly recommend taking a bike tour of Versailles. This tour is fantastic as it leaves from Paris and you bike around Versailles, enabling you to see more of this place. 

You’ll get to stop by the local farmers market in the town of Versailles before exploring the gardens, the Petit Trianon, and Grand Trianon, have a picnic on the Grand Canal, and then you wrap up your day inside the Palace of Versailles itself. 

I highly recommend spending a full day visiting Versailles, and the bike tour really made it fun. So, if you want to stick closer to Paris, that is a great day trip option. 

I also really loved spending the day exploring iconic castles like Chateau de Chambord or Chateau de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley! This great Loire Valley tour includes visits to a couple of the famous castles and even a wine tasting. 

The Loire Valley tour gets back a bit later in the evening, just in time to take the metro over to La Jacobine in the Odeon area for one of the best meals you’ll have in Paris. Seriously, this place had a fantastic onion soup and boeuf bourguignon! 

And, if you’re up for it and want a post-dinner cocktail, definitely head to one of my favorite cocktail bars in Paris: Castor Club. 

Day 5 (Thursday): Brunch, Montmartre, Catacombs, and Fondue

On day 5 of your Paris itinerary in 7 days, you’re back in Paris for the day and get to explore one of the best neighborhoods as well as see Paris underground. 

To kick off the day, head to Hardware Societe for brunch in Montmartre. Get there when it opens, because this place doesn’t take reservations. There are plenty of great things to eat here as well as some lovely coffee drinks and brunch cocktails.

After a hearty brunch, explore the iconic neighborhood of Montmartre. The Sacre Coeur is just steps from the restaurant, and here you can take in some incredible views of the Paris skyline. 

Then, wander around some delightful galleries and cafes in the area, and learn about the history of this awesome neighborhood, including its cabaret history, at the Montmartre Museum. 

After that, be sure to spot Paris’s most beautiful street, Rue de l’Abreuvoir, take a photo at the Wall of Love and Moulin Rouge, and head down to the Musee de la Vie Romantique. 

This museum was the former home of Dutch-born painter Ary Scheffer. He hosted many soirees in his time, and the home is now a museum with pieces from George Sand’s literary works, paintings by Ary, art from his friends, and other lovely artworks. 

This is a lesser-known but incredible museum to visit. It is a smaller museum and doesn’t take long to enjoy, and afterward, you can have afternoon tea and a long lunch in the garden next to the house. 

Catacombs Tour Followed by Dinner

After exploring Montmartre for the better part of the day, I recommend spending the late afternoon/early evening going on a Catacombs tour. 

In the late 18th century, many skeletons were moved to the Catacombs after sanitation problems in the cemeteries. There are several miles of underground tunnels in the Catacombs, but visitors are only permitted to see a section. 

Book the 5 pm tour and discover the history of this darker side to Paris, and get some insights into this place. 

After this tour wraps up, head to dinner over at Rue Mouffetard. This street is full of great bars and restaurants, including one of my favorites, Le Vieux Bistro. 

Can’t get all the way to the Alps during your France trip? No problem! This restaurant has all the hearty alpine food you could want to try! 

While there are a lot of French specialties here you could get like duck confit, beef tartare, and beef steak with pepper sauce, the main reason to come here is the cheese.

We’re talking about the Fondue Savoyarde or the tasty raclette. Raclette is part of a cheese wheel heated up under a heat lamp and the melty cheese is scrapped over meats and veggies. 

It is a comfort food spot and definitely worth it for a great dinner. 

Day 6 (Friday): Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Le Marais, and Louvre at Night

I get it; you’re probably wondering when I was finally going to include the Louvre on this first-timer Paris in one-week itinerary. Totally understandable. The Louvre is definitely worth a visit to see the iconic Mona Lisa, Napoleon’s Apartments, and various iconic artworks. 

But, Fridays are special because they are open late and are less crowded. Hence why I waited so long to include it. 

But before the evening, it is time to explore more of central Paris. Start your morning by exploring a couple of the islands in the middle of the Seine River. Walk around the lovely Ile Saint-Louis, and perhaps enjoy breakfast at a cafe there like Le Flore en l’Ile. 

Then, you’ll want to walk over to Ile de la Cite to spot the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Now, as of writing this, it is still closed to the public. However, they are planning to reopen the cathedral later this year! So stay tuned.

If it is open by the time you visit, then it is definitely a great idea to go inside. This gothic cathedral is full of history, with its construction beginning back in 1163. 

Even if you can’t go inside, there are plenty of places to get a view of the cathedral while on the island. And then, for some of the most glorious stained glass windows, head to Sainte-Chappelle close by. 

It can sometimes be busy here, so buying tickets ahead of time is a good idea. But this chapel is no longer really a working chapel, but rather a place for people to marvel at the stunning stained glass windows. It is certainly worth a visit for first-timers too! 

Then, you’ve got plenty of time between now and when your 6:45 pm tour of the Louvre starts, so I recommend taking a stroll along the Seine for a bit, and then heading to Le Marais for lunch. 

This neighborhood has tons of great shopping, restaurants, and more. Previously known as the Jewish quarter in Paris, here you can go to the best falafel shop: L’As Du Fallafel. Don’t be intimidated if the line looks long, it moves fairly quickly. 

Then, you can take time to explore the area and stop into places like the Picasso Museum, the Anne Frank Garden, and the Jewish Art and History Museum, or hit up some great places for vintage clothing. 

This will take up a good chunk of the afternoon, and afterward you’ll want to head over to the Louvre. 

But before you go to the Louvre, be sure to stop by the Palais Royale for the Colonnes de Buren. These are the famous black-and-white columns you see people taking photos on (myself included). Snap a few photos here before taking more pictures in front of the Louvre pyramid. 

The Louvre is easily the most popular museum to visit in Paris. It isn’t uncommon to see huge lines to get in. If you don’t end up choosing to go for this evening tour, I highly recommend buying tickets in advance. You get to skip the line and go through a separate entrance to avoid waiting to get in. 

However, if you’re in Paris for 7 days, then definitely go on a Friday evening tour of the Louvre at its most peaceful time. This amazing tour goes from 6:45-9:45 pm and dives deep into some of the best things to see at the Louvre. Plus, it includes a skip-the-line-ticket and an expert guide who will give you a lot of context behind this amazing art museum. 

Day 7 (Saturday): Saint Germain, Musee de l’Orangerie, Musee Rodin, a Food Tour, and a Wine Bar

Go out with a bang on day 7 or your Paris in-a-week itinerary! Here, you’ll explore some great neighborhoods, and museums, and even enjoy some delicious wine at a French wine bar. 

Start out at one of my favorite breakfast spots: Les Deux Magots. Known for the likes of Hemingway and Picasso, this historic cafe in Saint Germain has some of the best hot chocolate. 

And while this place is open all day, I really enjoy it during breakfast, especially around 8 am. That is because this place is packed by late morning; famous cafes have that effect after all. But in the early morning hours, it is quiet. 

You can pick a nice seat outside and people-watch as you enjoy breakfast with some coffee and hot chocolate. 

Then, after breakfast, I recommend visiting the Abbey de Saint Germain des Pres which is just across the street from Les Deux Magots. This is my favorite church in Paris. It is also not crowded to visit, and I love the starry ceiling and pretty frescos. 

It doesn’t take long to visit, so you can enjoy that before walking around Saint Germain to grab some macarons at Laduree. 

I think that the macarons at Laduree aren’t the best in Paris (check out Edwart Chocolatier in the Marais for that), but it is definitely worth trying. Oh, and their pistachio croissant is 100% worth getting. 

Then, to wrap up your morning, walk over to the Rodin Museum. This place is full of fantastic sculptures from the artist, including The Thinker. There is both an interior and exterior to the museum, so be sure to check out the inside part before visiting the sculpture garden outside.

It feels as if you’re in a calm, quiet place in the middle of the city when you explore the flower garden with beautiful statues, a bubbling fountain, and even ducks swimming in the fountain. 

Next up, I recommend heading over to Musee de l’Orangerie. This museum is on the other side of the Tuileries from the Louvre. Musee de l’Orangerie is most famous for being home to Monet’s giant Water Lilies. This is where you can see two rooms that are solely dedicated to his wall-spanning paintings of the water lilies from his home in Giverny. 

Aside from the Monet pieces, this smaller museum has other great works from impressionists and post-impressionists as well as a rotating temporary exhibit. I love Musee de l’Orangerie and usually visit every time I’m in Paris. 

After your time at Musee de l’Orangerie, you can walk around the Tuileries and along the Seine as you make your way to the Le Marais neighborhood for a food tour!

Le Marais is such a great foodie spot in the city, so it makes sense to take a food tour there. 

This Le Marais food tour is excellent and includes stops at a bakery, a chocolatier, a French restaurant, a winemaker, a street food vendor, and more. 

This is a great way to spend an afternoon. Snack on delightful tastes of French food and sip some robust wines. 

I recommend booking either the 2:30 pm or 3:30 pm afternoon tours so that you have plenty of time to enjoy the museums in the morning. 

These tours wrap up around 6 or 7 pm, respectively, which gives you time to enjoy a wine bar to end your time in Paris. 

I absolutely love Les Juveniles. This place has great food too if you’re still hungry post-tour, but they have an excellent selection of wines. So perhaps order some snacks to share and split a bottle of wine on your last evening in Paris. 

After that, it is time to say goodbye to this magical city. I will say that after seeing Paris in a week, you’ve definitely experienced the highlights of the city! 

Are there tons more to see and do? Of course! You can never see it all. But this 7 days in Paris itinerary includes a mix of hidden gems and must-see tourist attractions that’ll leave you feeling like you’ve seen a lot of Paris. 

If You Have More Time in Paris

If you have even more than a week in Paris, then you can certainly explore deeper. You could spend another day or two visiting museums like the Musee Carnavalet (Paris History Museum), CLUNY Museum (Museum of the Middle Ages), Musee Gustave Moreau, the Palais Garnier, the Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Petit Palais, and more! 

There is also the option to take more day trips like to Mont St Michel, the Normandy D-Day Beaches, or even to Champagne for some bubbly! 

Seriously, there is always something to see and do in Paris and as a day trip! 

Other Tips For Visiting Paris

I have a whole guide on first-timer tips for visiting Paris, but here are some things to note:

• Reservations are always a good idea. Especially when it comes to dinner, try to make reservations if you can. Places like La Jacobine, Le Vieux Bistro, and Les Juveniles are small and practically require them. If you can’t book online, you can request your hotel to call and make reservations for you!

• Where to stay in Paris: Again, I have a detailed post on where to stay in Paris based on your travel style. That is a great place to start when it comes to narrowing down where to stay. But for those on a budget, I love Hotel des Arts Montmartre, mid-range check Au Manoir Saint Germain des Pres, and for luxury opt for Grand Hotel du Palais Royal. 

• Getting to Paris: This is easy, as you can either take a train to one of Paris’s many train stations if coming from nearby, or you can fly to either Charles de Gaulle Airport (which is the bigger airport with many intercontinental flights) or the Orly airport (for more discount European airlines). I check Skyscanner for the best flight prices!

From there, you can take a taxi, Uber, or the RER B train into the city from Charles de Gaulle. You can also take the Roissybus from the airport to downtown. From Orly, you can take a taxi, or Uber, or catch the Orlyval metro to the Antony Train station and then get the RER B. You can also take the Orlybus from the airport to downtown. 

• Getting around Paris: This is also easy. Many places are pretty walkable in Paris, but you can also take public transportation whether that be the metro or buses. There is also the option to use public bikes too. 

• Stay vigilant: Pickpockets and scammers are in a ton of touristy areas and even the metro. Be careful of all your things and perhaps get this anti-theft cross-body bag or this belt bag to carry in front of you. Always keep your hand on your bag or wallet while in crowded places. Also, never just throw your bag over the chair at restaurants. Just keep it on and in front at all times. 

• Best Time to Visit Paris: I have a whole post about the best time to visit Paris. I personally love spring! But this all depends on what you want to do! 
• It always helps to speak a little French. Here are the 17 most useful French phrases to know for your trip!

This is the best Paris-in-a-week itinerary including hidden gems, tips, where to eat, and more! I hope you enjoy Paris as much as I do, and that this itinerary helps you enjoy the City of Lights to its fullest extent! 

Would you visit Paris in a week? What would you most like to do? 

Want more Paris travel ideas? Check out these posts!

• Perfect 1-Day Paris Itinerary
• How to Spend 2 Days in Paris
• 3 Days in Paris
• How to Spend 4 Days in Paris
• Ultimate 5 Days in Paris
• Best Weekend Trips From Paris
• Romantic Things to do in Paris
• Ultimate Guide on How to Solo Travel in Paris
• Ultimate Paris Bucket List
• Visiting Paris in January
• Ultimate Paris 2024 Olympics Travel Guide
• Paris in the Fall Guide
• Things to Do in Paris in the Summer

Planning to see more of France? Check out these posts!

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