Curator’s statement
Paris is a work of art that needs much more than four days to explore. However, sometimes all you have is four days. This itinerary will highlight great things to do in Paris for a short period of time, while still being able to relax. Four days tends to be the optimal time to spend in a single city, and this itinerary can show you how to use your time most effectively in the City of Love.
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Day 1: Arrive in Paris
Booking through me will secure you an early check-in to your hotel, so no matter when you arrive, you will be able to head to the hotel, drop your bags off and begin your adventure. I recommend the Hotel La Fantaisie. It is an elegant hotel decorated with a garden-esque vibe. It is absolutely stunning, and affordable while still being luxurious. Relax for as long or as little as you like, then walk to one of the local churches for a traditional musical performance (Eglise Saint‐Ephrem — Main Hall typically has concerts on weekend nights).
Day 2: Explore around La Fantaisie
As you may be adjusting to jet lag, take this morning to explore the beauty, restaurants and grounds of the hotel. Once you are done with that, walk to one of the 4.5-star bakeries located near La Fantaisie.
UNION BOULANGERIE- Bakery, 4.8 stars and a five-minute walk
Patisserie Angelique & David - Pastries, 4.5 stars and a seven-minute walk
Gem la Pâtisserie Paris- Pastries, 4.9 stars and a twelve-minute walk
After you've spent the morning exploring the hotel and the area around it, take the Napoleon tour. Not only will you learn all about the life of the famous Napoleon, but you will also engage with historic sites in Paris led by a local guide.
After the tour is done, you'll have plenty of time to walk or catch a taxi to the river, wander around the Eiffel Tower, and of course, get some more pastries. You can even pair this tour with The Louvre, or other monumental Parisian sites you've been wanting to see.
Day 3: Versailles
Now that you are fully adjusted to Paris and have done a good amount of exploring and one tour, you're ready to take the full or half-day tour of Versailles. One of the most popular tours in Paris, so you definitely won't want to miss this. Versailles was the model of residence for over a century, and the Palace, Hall of Mirrors and grounds are a must-see. Having a tour guide allows you to get the most out of your experience and truly understand and absorb the importance and elegance of this monumental palace.
This tour can be done on foot, or you can opt for a bicycling tour.
After the tour, if finished, freshen up at your hotel before going out to grab a bite to eat or settle down for a meal at the hotel restaurant.
Day 4: Baking or Cooking Class
On your last day in Paris, I recommend taking a traditional Parisian baking or cooking class. This is my favorite thing to do wherever I go, as it really immerses you in the culture, and gives you something to take home and recreate to feel like you're in Paris again. This may be a macaroons class, or maybe even a soufflé class.
A hidden gem in Paris that many people miss out on is the markets, so if you can, check any of these out while exploring Paris!
Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves- Saturdays 7 AM -2 PM
Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen- Mondays 11 AM -5 PM
Les Puces de Montreuil- Saturday and Sunday- 7 AM - 7:30 PM
Day 5: Optional day at the markets
Enjoy your morning at La Cafe at the hotel, or at one of the many pastry shops nearby before heading off to a to a Parisian market. After strolling around the markets, head to The Luxembourg Gardens/The Jardin du Luxembourg to relax in the sunshine while playing a game a chess. If you prefer, bring a book, grab a croissant and relax on the grass (gardens/park is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris) One reason Paris is famous for chess is because King Henry III hosted one of the earliest tournaments in 1575.
Afterwards, you can take the 15-min walk from the park to Notre Dame Cathedral. Since a fire in 2019, the cathedral has been closed but the exterior architecture is still a sight to behold.
Saturday markets:
Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves. 7am-2pm Saturdays
2. Les Puces de Montreuil. 7am-7pm Saturdays.
(For convenience, it should be done Market 1 — Jardin Dux Luxembourg and Notre Dame — Market 2).
Need to know
There is so much to see and do in Paris and in France as a whole. I like to travel to each place for about four days, really taking in what each city has to offer. Though you may feel you want to and need to return to Paris again, these are my top recommendations to make your Parisian trip unforgettable. Recommendations and Itineraries can be adjusted and revised to a shorter or longer number of days and activities can be added and substituted for others.
Travel Advisor
Anna Reid
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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Explore the Big Island From Hilo: A Locals Point of View.