Arrive in Paris and settle into the rhythm of the city with an easy, unhurried first day. After your private transfer from Charles de Gaulle to your hotel, take the afternoon at leisure—this is the perfect time for a gentle walk, fresh air, and a little sunlight to help shake off jet lag. In the evening, begin your trip in classic Paris fashion with a Champagne river cruise along the Seine, passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks from the water. Insider tip: keep this day intentionally light. Paris is best enjoyed when you don’t try to “win” the first day after an overnight flight.

Start the day with one of Paris’ most unforgettable experiences: visiting the Eiffel Tower. Going in the morning helps set the tone for the trip and gives you those sweeping city views before the day gets too busy. In the afternoon, continue with a semi-private Louvre tour, which is the best way to experience the museum without feeling completely overwhelmed by its size and crowds. The Louvre can be intimidating on your own, so having a guide helps you focus on the major works, understand what you’re seeing, and leave feeling inspired rather than exhausted.

Spend the morning at the Musée d’Orsay, one of Paris’ most beautiful museums and a favorite for travelers who love art, architecture, and a slightly more manageable museum experience. The former train station setting is stunning, and the collection gives wonderful context to the artists and movements that shaped modern Paris. Later in the day, head to Le Marais for a small-group food and wine tour, which is a perfect way to experience Paris through its pastries, cheeses, wines, markets, and neighborhood streets. Insider tip: come hungry and wear comfortable shoes—this is the kind of day where the walking is part of the experience.

Spend the morning just outside the city at Versailles, one of the most impressive day trips from Paris and a must for first-time visitors who want a sense of French royal history, architecture, and grandeur. A guided tour is especially helpful here, since the palace and gardens can feel overwhelming without context, and having a timed entry keeps the experience much smoother. After returning to Paris, keep the afternoon intentionally open for rest, a café stop, or a slow walk before heading back out for the evening. Tonight, enjoy one of Paris’ iconic cabaret-style shows, such as Crazy Horse or Moulin Rouge—a glamorous, theatrical way to experience Paris after dark. Insider tip: Versailles is beautiful but tiring, so avoid overpacking this day. A quieter afternoon makes the evening feel much more special.

Use your final full day in Paris to slow down and enjoy the city without too much structure. This is the perfect time for a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens, a visit to L’Orangerie to see Monet’s Water Lilies, a wander through Montmartre, or a relaxed walk through Saint-Germain and Île de la Cité near Notre-Dame. I love leaving space on a Paris itinerary for exactly this kind of day, because some of the best memories come from finding a café, people-watching, browsing pastry shops, or walking along the Seine with no strict schedule. End the day with dinner at Girafe, a stylish Parisian restaurant near Trocadéro — a beautiful final-night choice with views and an atmosphere that feels very Parisian.