It's no wonder why Paris is the most popular capital city destinations in the world—it's got soemthing for everyone. This is PART 2 of the jam-packed 10 day itinerary for people making their first trip to this magical city.
If you haven't checked out one of our itineraries before, do note that they are jam-packed. My husband and I love to take advantage of every moment we get to spend in a new place and see as much as possible just in case we don't get back.
Check out PART 1 : DAYS 1-5 of the Paris Itinerary here!
LA RIVE GAUCHE
La Rive Guache or “the left bank” is the southern bank of the Seine, the Paris of writers, philosphers, and intellectuals over the centuries.
The monuments and attractions found on the left bank are carefully preserved, surrounded by generally quieter posh, affluent neighborhoods.
Think of the Paris of an earlier era—think Midnight in Paris. Most the movie scenes were filmed in Rive Gauche neighborhoods like St. Germain.
9 A.M. — Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or along the way!
10 A.M. — Make your way to the classiest neighborhood in Paris, St. Germain. This neighborhood is a hub for chic shops, galleries, and historical sights. St. Germain may have once been the literary heart of Paris (hence the movie), but it also has a foodie heart.
11. A.M. — Enjoy a 3 to 3 1/2 St. Germain Food Tour by Secret Food Tours Paris where an English-speaking local guide will take you to visit a local cafe, pâtisserie, boulangerie, marché, chocolaterie, and more, of course with tastings along the way!
2:45 P.M. — Now your turn to explore. When you’re satisfied make you way south to the Garden du Luxembourg.
4:30 P.M. — Located in the 6th arrondissement, Jardin du Luxembourg features lovely lawns, tree-lined promenades, rich flowerbeds, the Medici Fountain (built in 1620), and a grand circular basin in which you can rent model sailboats to sail across water. A quiet escape from the bustle of the city. Perhaps grab a snack, unwind with a picnic, and enjoy some people watching in this French-Latin-inspired green space.
7 P.M. — Did you know that in tunnels under the streets of Paris rest more than 6 million Parisians’ bones? Yes, it’s time to walk through the catacombs. Paris found its cemeteries overflowing by the 17th century so over 12 years roughly 6 million corpses were relocated to the 13th century tunnels beneath the city.
There is short exhibition upon entry and all must pass below the inscription Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la mort! (Stop! This is the empire of death!) on the doorway to the ossuary. Creepy, right? :) Bones line the walls, some even arranges in patterns, and many grouped by the cemetery from which they came. Enter if you dare…
9:30 P.M. — La Rive Gauche is scattered with fabulous restaurants of all ethnicities and price range so grab dinner whatever appeals to you.
*Remember to book your food tour and catacombs tour well in advance for the widest selection of availability. The catacombs are open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Butter. Butter. Butter.
Do you know the three secrets to French cuisine? Butter. Butter. Butter.
So not so great for someone with a dairy-allergy, but D’licious for everyone else! French pastry chefs are renown around the world for their skills, and by now you’ve probably noticed a pâtisserie and boulangerie on almost every corner of the city. Let’s try our hand at some French classics.
8:30 A.M. — Grab breakfast and make your way over to La Cuisine (80 Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris).
9:30 A.M. — (or morning backing class) at La Cuisine Paris Baking Class. We took the Le Croissant & Breakfast Pastries class and learned to prepare traditional croissants, pain au chocolat, pain au raisin, and more. Everything you make you get to eat!!!
1 P.M. — Take a short walk and enjoy a casual lunch at Hank Pizza (18 Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris, France) or Hank Burger (55 rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, France).
2 P.M. — Welcome to La Marais! If you ate at or around either Hank restaurants then you are in the medieval bar-, restaurant-, hotel-, boutique-, and gallery-lined laneways of the La Marais neighborhood. Spend the afternoon strolling the streets and stopping wherever and whenever you want.
Be sure to go by Le Marché des Enfants rouges, the oldest market in Paris dating back to the early 1600s.
6 P.M. — Head back to the hotel to freshen up and relax a bit before this evening.
8: 30 P.M. — Enjoy dinner at the traditional French brasserie, Chez André (12 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris, France) or for a more causal dinner try Miss Kô (51 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France). Both are close the Le Crazy Horse de Paris.
11 P.M. — Let’s go to the Parisian cabaret—Le Crazy Horse de Paris! For an evening of glamour, glitz, and risqué showgirls!
Note: There are usual two shows nightly—one at 8:30 p.m. and one at 11 p.m. so adjust accordingly if you’d rather attend the earlier performance.
CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES
This French classical style palace was inspired by baroque Italian villas and was the principal royal residence of France between 1682 to1789. Construction began with King Louis XIV and several well-known members of French nobility like Louis XV and his mistresses Madame de Pompadour and later Madame du Barry, then Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette, occupied the Palace until the French Revolution.
Fun Fact: The interior decoration was contracted to Charles Le Brun, the court painter for Louis XIV, who declared him "the greatest French artist of all time,” and his team of sculptors and painters. Why is this amusing? Well my husband’s name is Charles LeBraun so it was funny seeing his (almost) name on the walls of this historic palace. :)
Especially if you have never been to Paris or used their trains, I’d recommend a tour that begins in Paris for peace of mind and ease of travel.
We had a fabulous time with Fat Tire Tours, and loved their Versailles Chateau & Garden Tour. The price includes a round-trip train tickets from Paris, skip-the-line entry to the Palace of Versailles and Royal Gardens, an audio guide for the Palace, and in-person guide for the gardens.
Without the skip-the-line tickets, you’ll find yourself waiting in a lengthy queue outside the palace gates. You’ll see what I’m talking about when you arrive.
NOTE: Make sure to use information directly from your guide as details may have changed since we did it.
8 A.M. — Grab a quick yet filling breakfast and head to your tour. I’d also recommend grabbing a snack or two in case you get hungry. I’m always hungry so this goes without reminding. :)
8:45 A.M. — Meet your guide opposite Café Regalia next to the métro station is Javel-André Citroën.
9 A.M. — Follow you guide to the train and you’re on your way. Your guide will give you a brief history and rundown during your ride.
10 A.M. — Arrive Versailles and enjoy your tour.
Note: You don’t have to return to Paris when the guide leaves, your return train ticket will still work so spend as much time as you like at the palace.
6 P.M. — Arrive back in Paris.
7 P.M. — Time for some din-nah! We didn’t get the chance, but Au Bon Accueil (14 rue de Monttessuy, 75007 Paris) was recommended a couple time to us.
8 P.M. — Head back to the hotel or try one of the optional evening activities (in the “Other” section on this page).
FREE DAY
Every itinerary need a free day. A chance to do whatever you may have missed, explore something new you discovered, or pick up those last minute gifts.
If you’re not sure what to do, I’d recommend grabbing brunch at a cafe with outdoor seating and perhaps exploring another Rive Gauche neighborhood, Montparnasse.
When you were visiting the catacombs, you were on the edge of the neighborhood Montparnasse in the 14th arrondissement. Many artists and intellectuals like Picasso, Cézanne, and Hemingway settled in this more affordable, centrally located neighborhood, establishing the creative atmosphere during the “Roaring Twenties!” The streets are lined with quaint shops, cozy cafes, and brasseries. A relaxing way to spend your last full day in Paris!
AU REVOIR!
Depending what time your flight departs, you may need to adjust the plan.
9 A.M. — Enjoy your last breakfast in Paris. Don’t forget to stock up on croissants!
11 A.M. — Check out of your hotel and head to the airport shortly after.
It’s recommend to arrive at the airport 2.5 - 3 hours prior to your departure time, and you must be checked in at least 60 minutes before departure.
2:30 P.M. — Depart France.
À bientôt! (See you soon!)
OPTIONAL EVENING ACTIVITIES
Enjoy a Cabaret Show For a kitschy fun evening out, check out a Parisian cabaret—Colorful, avant-garde performers, French cancans, Vegas glitz, and lots of skin…oh la la! The most iconic, The Moulin Rouge, birthplace of the can can, but the bohemian performances of old have been replaced with a well orchestrated variety show, dinner theater.
We actually love burlesque and attend several shows throughout a regular year so we are a bit more judgmental than most. We did have a fabulous time at The Crazy Horse Paris. The show was a bit racier, but we saw several unique routines and use of technology different from anything we had previously seen.
Another option would be Lido de Paris. Just make sure to purchase tickets in advance.
Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder?! For someone who gets scared easily I have done a surprising number of nighttime ghost and legend tour, and well Paris’ spotted history is full of secrets, ghost stories, conspiracies, assassinations, and more. For a different, darker side of the City of Lights, look into the Ghost and Mystery Night Walking Tour of Paris.
Marvel at La Ville-Lumière (The City of Lights) For a relaxing, laid-back evening hop on a bateau for a cruise down the Seine. This important waterway will give you a different perspective and get you up close to many major landmarks and bridges as you drift along.
There are also dinner cruises if you want to combine two activities.
Get Your Culture On! How does an evening at the opera sound? Check the schedule at the Belle-Belle-Époque style Palais Garnier. If the opera is not for you, the venue also hosts ballet, concerts, and other performances throughout the year.
Take a Moonlit Stroll Around Paris Ever see Midnight in Paris? There’s something so enchanting about strolling through the historic Parisian streets at nightfall. I’d recommend strolling around the Ile de la Cité, Pont Neuf, and the Pont des Arts, specifically checking out the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Of course, be vigilant and stay safe.
