The Ultimate Itinerary – Short Trip to Paris
Known as the City of Light, Paris is one city which has been widely written about. We have all romanticized Paris at some or other level partly due to the way it is portrayed in movies and books. However, when I visited Paris, it was nothing like I had imagined. It was’t the charming city of love I envisioned but a big bad-ass city just like London, NYC, Bangkok or Singapore. It was overwhelming to the senses, a delight on it’s own. First things first. Buy the The Paris Transport travel card for unlimited travel on the bus, metro, tramway and RER networks. For the most part, we used the trains for commute. It was the first time that just the three of us (Mom, myself and sister) were taking a trip together and my Mum couldn’t be prouder of her daughters for doing this. It was the second last week of May and the weather was perfect. 3 days are not enough to appreciate Paris in all it’s glory. But that’s all the time we had and here’s how we made the most of it!
Day 1 – Opera Palais Garnier & Eiffel Tower
Palais Garnier – Auditorium 
Palais Garnier – Grand Staircase 
Palais Garnier – Grand Foyer
A 19th-century masterpiece, Palais Garnier is one of the most beautiful Opera houses in the world. While we did not get a chance to watch a show, I had booked self guided tour tickets in advance online. It was a sight of opulence as soon as we entered the building. We were welcomed by a majestic grand staircase only ever seen in palaces or mansions. Next, we entered the Grand Foyer (Entrance Hall). The painted ceiling and the splendid chandeliers of this gilded entrance were enchanting to say the least. Till date, my mother claims it to be her favorite site of the entire trip. The auditorium with the largest stage in Europe is a symbol of elegance. The ceiling depicts scenes from Operas arranged by 14 famous composers. After getting out, we decided to grab some coffee. And Boy oh Boy, it was the fanciest Starbucks I have ever visited. It was unlike any cafe I am used to visiting in the US, more like a high tea in a grand room kind of a place.
Eiffel Tower 
Top of Eiffel Tower 
Top of Eiifel Tower
It was evening by then and almost time to climb up the Eiffel tower at sunset. Again, the booking was done way in advance. In fact because we had so much to do in such little time, the entire trip was meticulously planned. Eiffel tower needs no introduction. Ironically, the Symbol of Love was built to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. An architectural marvel, Eiffel Tower is the most visited (paid) monument in the world. We spent some time exploring the area surrounding the tower. After getting some gorgeous shots standing beneath the tower, across the Seine river and from the road, we joined the queue for entry into the elevator taking us up to the top of the tower.
We had a beer while waiting for our turn to enter. Yes, you can buy beer from street vendors but need to finish them before entry. They do sell champagne at the top but of course it’s expensive. The elevator was very crowded. I would have loved to hike up the stairs (another option available up to the 2nd level) but my Mom wasn’t comfortable doing it. The views from the top were marvelous! The orange hues of the setting sun added to the magical experience. I would recommend an alternative if you prefer views of the Eiffel tower itself from a high rise. Top of the ‘Arc De Triomphe‘ and ‘Tour Montparnasse‘ (second tallest skyscraper in Paris) are great options to get that perfect view of the Eiffel tower. Although the tower lights up every evening after sunset, the light show happens only in the first 5 minutes each hour..
Day 2 – Le Marais, Saint Chapelle, City Bus Tour & Lovre
Notre-Dame 
River Seine 
Saint Chapelle
Day 2 started early with breakfast in the Neighborhood of Le Marais. Known for it’s Jewish community, Marais is home to well known Kosher restaurants. We had a scrumptious meal at L’As du Fallafel and then strolled along the cobblestone streets soaking in every bit of culture and uniqueness this neighborhood has to offer. Age old bakeries take you back in time, crepe windows with chefs cooking crepes oozing with syrup right in front of you, thrift stores and art galleries line the narrow streets of this colorful neighborhood.
It was time to hit the first site on our itinerary, Saint Chapelle. The stained glass windows going up to the ceiling depicting 1113 scenes from Old and New Testament left me awe-struck. Known as a radiant Gothic gem, the royal chapel houses the most precious relics of Christendom. It is also home to the oldest wall painting in Paris city!
Only a few minutes away was the Notre-Dame de Paris (meaning ‘Our Lady of Paris‘). We couldn’t go inside due to an unfortunate fire in the cathedral a month prior. However, we were able to appreciate the facade from outside and pray for timely restoration of the church.
Arc de Triomphe 
Streets of Paris 
Marais – Murciano Patisserie
One thing I observed while roaming around the city was the cafe culture. The chairs are positioned facing the street rather than facing each other. People watching is a quintessential Parisian pastime and can be seen throughout the city!
As much as we wanted to cover the entire city on foot, it wasn’t possible to do so in the available time frame. Hence, we decided to take the 2 hour city tour by bus departing from Notre-Dame (close to where we were). There are tickets being sold on the streets around the area so you can choose not to book this one advance. We were able to see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-ΓlysΓ©es, Place de la Concorde, MusΓ©e de l’ArmΓ©e (The Army Museum), Hotel Du Lovre, Academie Nationale De Musique, Gare d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre III bridge with it’s beautiful gilded Fames sculptures from the open roof seating of our bus.. After giving our feet some much needed rest, we charged up for the final destination of the day, The Louvre!
Parisian Cafe Scene 
MusΓ©e du Louvre 
Marais – Crepe Window
MusΓ©e du Louvre (Louvre Museum) is home to the most famous work of art in the world – The Mona Lisa. We had planned the museum visit on a Wednesday, as it stays open until 9:45 PM (Wed/Fri). On other days, it is open until 6 PM. Since we wanted to see the museum well lit after dark, it was the perfect opportunity to save it for last. The reservations had been made in advance and we got to spend a few hours in world’s largest museum. Although, we barely scratched the surface, it was one of the most memorable museum visits of my life! As expected, the museum was gorgeous inside and out. We were tired by the time we got home but this day had been fulfilling in every possible way.
Day 3 – Palace of Versailles & Montmartre
Palace of Versailles 
Palace of Versailles 
Palace of Versailles
Day 3 had two places on the agenda as both of them needed time and were an hour apart by train. Palace of Versailles, the former French royal residence is located in Versailles, 20 km away from Paris city center. We took a train to the closest station and booked an uber ride to the palace. The gold leaf gate, the hall of mirrors, rooms, galleries and the royal chapel were majestic and exquisite. We didn’t have enough time to visit the whole estate including the gardens so we only made reservations for the palace. But if you have time, do visit the musical fountain shows or the musical garden.
Montmartre 
SacrΓ©-CΕur 
Palace of Versailles
We took the train back and headed to Montmartre. After having a quick late lunch, we headed to the Montmartre Funicular which took us from the bottom of the hill up to SacrΓ©-CΕur, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. The ride lasts 1 minute and 30 seconds. (Be wary of pickpockets. We barely escaped an attempt, thanks to some sharp-eyed tourists who spotted the pickpocket and raised an alarm, scaring him away.) There were street artists performing outside the basilica. The panoramic views of the city were spectacular. After going back down hill, we explored the neighborhood and had some coffee at a street side cafe. If you get a chance, do visit Moulin Rouge cabaret, known as the birthplace of the modern form of the can-can dance.
We called it an early night as we had an early morning flight for Amsterdam the next day. Like they say, Paris is not a city, it’s an entire world! Until next time, Au Revoir..
38 Comments
roshni
The funicular looks really good!and would love to see moulin rouge
Lekha C.
Thank you! Hope you get a chance to visit soon..
Kelly
A city bus tour is always in order when only having a short time at a destination. I would need more than 3 days as I would want to explore more outside the city. I’m not a fan of museums so I would skip the Louvre and spend more time exploring more architectural….like Saint Chapelle. Its spectacular!
Lekha C.
Absolutely.. When visiting a big city like Paris or NYC, city bus tour is the way to go! Like you said, it’s better to have a curated list of places you like rather than trying to cover everything. It could get exhausting to say the least π
Lenore | The Nitty Gritty Travel OT
I recently visited Paris and visited a few of the places mentioned (the Louvre, and LβAs du Fallafel). I agree, 3 days isnβt enough to spend in Paris. Itβs such a beautiful city with plenty to do.
Lekha C.
Definitely going back the first chance I get π
Laurel
Very well written article. Makes me want to see Paris!
Lekha C.
Thank you so much! I am glad it made you want to visit this gorgeous city..
ChildrenofWanderlust
Such a beautiful city so much to see. Great suggestions for a short trip.
Lekha C.
Thank you very much!
Alexandra Booze
I am dying to go back to Paris!! All of your photos look gorgeous too π
Lekha C.
Thank you so much! I hope things get better and we all get to travel soon.. π
Emma
Awesome itinerary! Paris has been on my list for so long and I can’t wait to finally get there soon, ill refer to this when I do!
Lekha C.
Thank you so much! I hope this blog helps you finalize your Itinerary.. π
Lynne Nieman
I love Paris! I actually spent a week there in late January of this year and it still isn’t enough time. There is so much to do. But you hit some highlights for sure. What a fun mother-daughters trip!
Lekha C.
Thank you! It was indeed a memorable trip. I definitely need to go back and spend more time!
Sharon
Ah, Paris! This is such a helpful post. Paris offers so much, and it’s hard to narrow down what to see in a short time. I hope to go back and revisit some places like the Eiffel Tower and add some new places to my itinerary, too!
Lekha C.
I couldnβt agree more. It was indeed difficult to choose places and leave some out. Such a gorgeous city!
Charlotte Lint
I can’t wait to visit Paris again once all of this is over!
Lekha C.
Ah tell me about it! Had to cancel my travel plans for London and Toronto.. Hoping to travel soon..
CHELSEA MESSINA
WOW! Your photos are incredible. Paris is on my bucket list, but I haven’t looked too much into it. The Saint Chapelle & Palace of Versailes are just BEAUTIFUL – thank you for sharing , I’m pinned/adding these to my trip!
Lekha C.
Thank you so much! I hope this blog helps you plan your trip.. You will definitely have a great time in this lovely city.
Holidays from Hels
Gorgeous pictures. You have really captured the colours and opulence of those palaces. I have booked a trip for June, but even if that doesn’t happen I’m really looking forward to going back and visiting some of these amazing places.
Lekha C.
Thank you so much! I hope we are all able to travel soon..
Josy a
I LOVE your photos!!
It’s always better to stay with your mum, but next time, I hope you get to walk up the Eiffel tower – it makes you so proud to look down from up there when you’ve made it up under your own steam!
I would looove to visit the Palace of Versailles. It’s the one place in Paris that I have never gotten around to visiting, but all the art and architechtures looks amaaazing.
Lekha C.
I absolutely agree with you, it would be an experience in itself climbing up a tower. never done that before π I am sure you will love the palace. Hope you get to visit it soon!
Wellness Travel Diaries
What a great idea to watch the sunset at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Seems like the perfect way to end Day 1 exploring the city! Iβve never been but Iβve always wanted to visit.
Lekha C.
It was indeed a good decision visiting it during the sunset! Sometimes, timing is really important π I hope you get to visit soon.
Sara
Ahhh I do love Paris! I have spent several long weekends in this amazing city. I love that your guide mentions the Palace of Versailles! Many seem to forget that itβs just a short train ride out of town. Great article!
Lekha C.
Thank you so much! The palace was a nice change from the hustle-and-bustle of the city π
Farrah
I haven’t been to Paris in a really long time, but it’s definitely an awesome place to visit! Looks like you were able to pack a good amount of activities in even though you didn’t stay long!
Lekha C.
That was definitely a challenge but with planning and research, we tried to make the most of it π
Tiana Bantis
Paris is amazing and you got to see so much! Makes me want to go back!
Lekha C.
I canβt wait to go back myself. Paris has the cheapest flights from Boston when compared to other European cities. I will jump at the next opportunity I get π
Anja
Oh, Paris is wonderful. I really like your itinerary, and it’s great for a first trip to Paris. It well deserved three or four days just to get a glimpse of it. I hope to visit again soon (not too far for me) and see some of its wonderful museums.
Lekha C.
I am sure youβll love the museums! Thank you so much.. π
Arielle Kurtze
I love Paris! You hit up all the great places to go for when you’re there for just a few days. Love your photos and thanks for sharing!
Lekha C.
Thank you so much! I am glad you liked them.. π