Paris itineraries

Classic Paris in a Day

Start on the Île de la Cité and work west along the river: Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower. For a first visit when you want the big names in one go.

Sleep in the Marais, Cross to the Left Bank

Day one is Marais lanes and the canal; day two crosses the river for the Luxembourg Gardens and the Orsay. Neighbourhoods over landmarks.

Three Days from Saint-Germain

Base yourself at Saint-Michel: Montmartre and the Opéra on day one, Versailles and an Eiffel Tower evening on day two, the botanical garden to Père Lachaise on day three. A different Paris each day.

Festivals & seasons

• 2 — Chinese New Year Parade, 13th arrondissement
• 4 — Cherry blossom and spring flowers
• 5 — Roland-Garros (French Open)
• 6 — Nuit Blanche
• 6 — Fête de la Musique
• 7 — Bastille Day
• 7 — Paris Plages
• 7 — Tour de France final stage
• 8 — August: holidays and heat
• 9 — European Heritage Days
• 10 — Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre
• 11 — Christmas markets and Champs-Élysées lights

Souvenirs

• Mariage Frères tea (Marco Polo)
• Monoprix tote bags
• Bordier butter
• Pharmacy skincare (Botot, Filorga, Avène)
• Bouquiniste prints and postcards
• Macarons
• Peugeot pepper mill, Gien plates
• Ritz Paris bear keyring