4 Days in Paris:  A Perfect Paris Itinerary for First Timers

Are you planning your first trip to Paris, France?  With so many incredible things to do and see in Paris, you’re probably wondering how to start creating your 4 days in Paris itinerary.

Well, you’ve come to the right place!  Paris is my absolute favorite travel destination, with ten trips (and counting). 

I’m here to help you plan the perfect 4 day Paris itinerary.  Feel free to customize it to match your travel style.  No matter what, you’re sure to have an amazing first trip to Paris, and make major inroads into your France travel bucket list!

Ready for some epic Paris sightseeing?  Lace up your shoes and let’s go!

4 days in Paris

• Day 1: Iconic Monuments: Seine River Cruise, Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler, Hotel des Invalides, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe
• Day 2: Museums and Montmartre: Louvre, Musee d Orsay, Jardin des Tuileries, Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur
• Day 3: Île de la Cité & Luxembourg Garden: Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, Luxembourg Gardens
• Day 4: Take a Day Trip to Versailles, Lyon or Reims

Day 1:  Iconic Monuments

On your first day in Paris, you’re going to be excited.  You’ll want to see everything! 

I’ve designed your day 1 itinerary to hit many of the top attractions in the City of Light.  After all, these iconic monuments are some of the best reasons to visit Paris!

Day 1 involves the most walking, nearly 7 km in total.  Be sure to take a lot of breaks (cafés are handy) or use public transportation for longer distances to make sure you pace yourself.

Seine River Cruise

The best way to get oriented in Paris is to start your trip with a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River. 

There are a surprising number of iconic Paris attractions lining the banks of the Seine.

You’ll see the Eiffel Tower, pass under the elaborate Pont Alexandre III, and admire the Gothic architecture of Notre Dame as you circle the islands in the Seine.

Several tour companies offer sightseeing Seine cruises; choose the one that works best for you.  I’d recommend the Bateaux Parisiens, just because their dock is at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, where you’re heading next!

Eiffel Tower

No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower.  The Eiffel Tower is not only one of the most famous landmarks in Paris, but one of the most famous landmarks in France.  

For the best views, head over to the Jardin du Trocadéro – it’s just across the Seine from the Tower.  The waters of the fountain add a splash to your Eiffel Tower pictures!

Next, cross the river to admire the Tower up close.  It may surprise you that this incredible structure was intended to be temporary! 

If you want to ascend the tower, it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance – particularly if you’re visiting in the busy summer months. 

Rue Cler

Halfway between the Eiffel Tower and the Hôtel des Invalides is Rue Cler.  Rue Cler is one of the best market streets in Paris, and this neighborhood is my favorite place to stay when I visit Paris.

Rue Cler is a great place to stop for a break.  It’s lined with colorful cafés and shops where you can buy cheese, fresh produce, gelato, and more.  For a quick bite, enjoy a crêpe or some decadent French pastries.

Hôtel des Invalides

The Hôtel des Invalides is one of the most striking buildings in Paris, particularly on a bright day when the sun shines off the gilded dome.

The Hôtel des Invalides houses various military museums and is also the site of Napoleon’s tomb.  If you’re a fan of military history, you’ll want to take some time to visit the museums.  We particularly enjoyed the miniature models of fortresses.

Tip:  for the best views, walk to the back (south) side of the Hôtel des Invalides.

Champs-Élysées

Next, head north towards the Champs-Élysées. While there are several bridges crossing the Seine, you’ll want to cross via the Pont Alexandre III.

Pont Alexandre III is the most beautiful bridge in Paris.  Take a moment to admire the Beaux-Arts décor with its elaborate lamps and golden statues.

The Champs-Élysées is the most famous street in Paris, stretching from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.  It’s lined with myriad high-end stores, where you can shop to your heart’s content.  Stop by Ladurée or Pierre Hermé for some mouthwatering macarons!

Arc de Triomphe

End your first day in Paris at the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most recognizable Parisian monuments.  It was commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate French military victories and is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Cross under the road, and climb to the top of the monument.  From here, you’ll enjoy amazing views of the Eiffel Tower.  And if you visit at night, you can see the Tower put on its sparkling lights show!

Day 2:  Museums & Montmartre

Your second day in Paris will focus on visiting one of the most famous museums in Paris, and then end the day in Montmartre.

The Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are both amazing museums, so pick which one is best for you.  (You certainly can’t visit both on the same day!)  It’s a good idea to purchase your museum tickets in advance to save time.

Day 2 involves less city walking (only 3-4 km), but you’ll be doing a lot of walking in the museum, which will add up.

Louvre

The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris.   Its collections hold nearly 500,000 pieces of art! 

If you choose to visit the Louvre, do a little homework in advance to identify your ‘must-see’ artworks.  Plan your route to see those pieces first, and then you can browse the vast collection until you run out of steam.

Some of the most famous art at the Louvre include paintings such as the Mona Lisa and Liberty Leading the People, and gorgeous sculptures including the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Musée d’Orsay

If you’re a fan of Impressionist art, then you may want to visit the Musée d’Orsay instead.  This museum boasts the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world!

This museum is housed inside a former train station, the Gare d’Orsay, with its signature clock.  The bright and spacious halls of the Beaux-Arts train station provide a gorgeous display space for its sculpture gallery.

The Musée d’Orsay features pieces by artists such as van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Degas, and Renoir. 

Jardin des Tuileries

After your museum visit, take a break in the Jardin des Tuileries.  This beautiful park is located just west of the Louvre and across the Seine from the Musée d’Orsay. 

Stroll through the tree-lined walkways of the formal gardens, or pull up a chair and rest as you watch the sparkling waters in the fountains.  There are a few restaurants in the gardens and plenty of dining options in the blocks north of the Jardin des Tuileries.

Montmartre

Montmartre is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Paris, and you’ll notice its distinctive vibe.  Montmartre has always attracted artists, including notables such as Monet, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec. 

You’ll also notice that Montmartre is a hill – you’ll get a bit of a workout as you make your way through its cobblestoned lanes to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica.  (For an easier visit to Montmartre, take the funicular to the top!)

Take a moment to visit the “I Love You Wall” in the Square Jehan Rictus.  The phrase is written in hundreds of languages across this famed wall, and it can be tricky to find “I Love You” in your language!

Sacré-Cœur

The stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits atop the hill of Montmartre.   From this vantage point, you can enjoy some of the best views of Paris!

This iconic basilica is immediately recognizable for its unique architecture, three domes, and gleaming white exterior.  Be sure to tour the inside to see the artworks and the fabulous mosaics of this amazing religious monument.

It’s free to visit the basilica, but you will need to be appropriately dressed.  Note: there is a cost to visit the crypt or climb the dome.

Day 3: Île de la Cité & Luxembourg Garden

I’m a firm believer in not scheduling every moment of your trip!  You never know what will grab your attention and draw you in for a closer look. 

So, for your third day of 4 days in Paris, we’ll hit a few more of the city’s must-see attractions in the morning, and provide ‘free time’ for you to fill as you wish.

Maybe you want to spend the afternoon at a smaller museum like the Orangerie or the Musée Rodin.  Perhaps you’ve always wanted to see the Paris catacombs or to find famous grave sites at the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

If you’re a foodie, this is a great opportunity to take a Paris food tour or even a cooking class!  Or head over to the Galeries Lafayette or the Champs-Élysées for some shopping to find the perfect Paris souvenir.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Even though it is currently closed for renovations from the fire, the Notre Dame Cathedral is still one of my favorite Paris attractions. 

You will have been able to spot the cathedral during your Seine River cruise, but it is certainly worth visiting in person.  The cathedral is a magnificent example of French Gothic architecture, with its signature flying buttresses, two towers, stained-glass windows, and gargoyles.

The Cathedral of Notre Dame is scheduled to re-open in December 2024. You’ll have to plan another trip to Paris to climb to the top and get a good look at the carved creatures on the cathedral’s rooftops!

Sainte-Chapelle

The second main attraction on the Île de la Cité is Sainte-Chapelle, although it is often overlooked.   This chapel is renowned for its magnificent stained-glass windows and is just a 7-minute walk from Notre Dame.

There are 15 stained-glass windows in Sainte-Chapelle and, remarkably, over half of the glass is original to the chapel. 

The windows stand 15 meters tall, and they portray over 1000 scenes from the bible.  When the sun is shining, Sainte-Chapelle is truly an amazing sight!  (Check the weather forecast for your trip to Paris to pick which day you should visit!)

Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens are one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. As the largest garden space in the city, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature as you wander the pathways, view the flowers, and admire the statues. 

Some hidden gems to seek out include the gorgeous Medici Fountain – and see if you can find the small version of Bartholdi’s Statue of Liberty.

There are plenty of chairs and benches to relax in as you take in the beauty of the Luxembourg Gardens.  I love picking up goodies from local markets – a baguette, some cheese, some macarons – and having a picnic in the park.

Day 4:  Take a Day Trip

While Paris is incredible, many fantastic French destinations are just a short train ride away.  On your fourth day in Paris, why not take a day trip and see a bit more of France? Explore Versailles, Lyon or Reims for a great day trip!

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is certainly one of the easiest day trips from Paris.  Depending on your starting point, it’s less than an hour from Paris.  Just take the RER C, one of the regional express trains in the Paris area.

The Palace of Versailles is simply breathtaking.  It’s like stepping back in time as you walk through the fabulous Hall of Mirrors and visit the Trianon. 

The Gardens of Versailles are also spectacular, with manicured shrubbery, gorgeous statues, and dancing fountains.

Tip:  It’s free to see the gardens unless you visit during the special days of the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens.  You always need tickets to tour the Palace and other buildings of Versailles – be sure to get them in advance!

Day trip to Lyon

Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France.  Since it is only a 2-hour ride from Paris via the high-speed train, it is certainly worth taking a day trip to Lyon.

Lyon has something for everyone to enjoy, and you can see many of the city’s top attractions in just a day.

Start with the stunning hilltop Notre Dame Basilica and admire the panoramic city views. Stroll through historic Vieux Lyon with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and secret passageways. 

Foodies will want to visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, Lyon’s gourmet market.  Enjoy a hearty meal at a traditional Lyonnais bouchon or splurge on a fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Final Thoughts:

The hardest part about planning your first trip to Paris is wrapping your brain around the fact that you won’t be able to see everything during one trip. 

There are just too many things to do in Paris!  Even after ten trips to the City of Light, I still discover something new on every trip and hunt for those hidden gems.

As the saying goes, “Paris is always a good idea.”  And now you know the best way to spend four days in Paris for your first visit!

Bon Voyage!