One week in Paris – What to do, and what to see

– Start your 1st day going to Châtelet (you can take the bus 72 to appreciate Paris cityscapes). From there, border Seine’s embankments either to Hôtel de Ville and Île Saint-Louis (Town Hall and Saint-Louis Island – about 20 mn walking) or to Place de la Concorde (about 1 h walking).

– Bordering the Seine and its several bridges, you will discover a matchless atmosphere and architecture. Don’t forget to do a detour to Île de la Cité (Cité Island) to see Notre-Dame de Paris. The best hour to visit it is at its opening time. More informations.

– From la Concorde or Hôtel de Ville, go rue de Rivoli, one of the biggest shopping main road of Paris.

– For lunch, go to Montorgueil (Behind les Halles neighbourhood). This pedestrian zone is full of pubs and restaurants in addition to be a shopping centre where famous brands are close to creator shops.

– To take a rest, go then to Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden), wonderful public garden built in the 19^th century.

– Finish up your day visiting le Louvre Museum. Allow 2 or 3 hours for a complete visit of at least one wing.

– After this first day, you are now ready to learn more about Paris and its history. Go to the Marais (Metro Saint-Paul, L 1) and visit Carnavalet Musem (Musée Carnavalet) dedicated to Paris History.

– Next, stroll up the Marais district, from the wonderful Place des Vosges to rue des Rosiers. You will see 17th and 18th wonderful private mansions, and a lot of creator shops. Mixing culture and shopping, what more could you ask for ?

– Go next to the Latin Quarter (Latin area). This name comes from the Middle Ages, when courses were only taught in Latin.Visit the Jardin des Plantes (botanical garden), beautiful garden where world’s variety of plants can be admire. 

– Continue toward Grande Mosquée de Paris (Great Mosque of Paris) and Monge area, student and university district of Paris. Do not either miss to visit the Arénes de Lutèce, last remain in Paris of Gallo-Roman era.

– If you feel brave enough, visit the Arab World Institute (Institut du monde Arabe), museum dedicated to arab civilization, renovated in 2012.

– The best way to discover paris districts is to walk through. Devote then your third day to stroll around the city.

– Talking about Paris villages, we obviously think about Montmartre. To enjoy the atmosphere, go there early in the morning (8 – 9 a.m). After, some places as Place du Tertre are taken by storm and loose their charm.

– If you wish for learning about history of Montmartre, go to Musée de Montmartre, housed in one of the oldest building of the mound. Otherwise, you can visit Dali Museum. 

– Next, go down toward Pigalle area to discover « New-Athens » neighbourhood (9^th arrondissement). Here have lived a lot of artists and writers during the 19th century. Head for rue des Martyrs, main area of this “village” of Paris.

– Go then to the south of Paris and visit the village of la Butte aux Cailles. Less known than Montmartre, this mound is very  authentic and kept its charm. In the evening, take a drink rue de la Butte aux Cailles.  

– Go early to the Tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower) to avoid the huge queue.

– Next, head for Trocadéro area, in front of the Eiffel Tower. From there is one of the greatest views of Paris. Also notice that a lot of buildings have been built during 1878, 1900 and 1937 World’s fairs. An interesting area if you like architecture.

– There is a lot to see and to do at the Tracadéro. You can choose to visit one of the several museums (Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine, Musée d’art moderne de la ville de Paris, Musée Guimet, Musée de la Marine, etc…) or just stroll up the neighborhood to appreciate the beautiful architecture.

– Next, head for Passy and la Muette area, one of the chicest neighbourhood of Paris. You will discover a bourgeois population and atmosphere (see our walk in the 16th arrondissement). Rue de Passy is also a shopping main road, filled with famous brands.   

– Go then down toward Seine’s embankments and finish your day walking through l’Allée des Cygnes (Swans path), a pedestrian strip of land in the middle of the Seine.

– After Paris Bourgeois, it’s only natural to visit the « working-class » districts of the city. First, head for République (Métro République, Lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11)

– From there, walk as far as Belleville area (find out a walk itinerary here). You will first pass by the Canal Saint-Martin and its chilled-out atmosphere, then Belleville, where are melted every populations of Paris.

– Boulevard de Belleville, you will also find a lot of pleasant bars and restaurants.

– Go then to Bastille (Métro Bastille, Lines 1, 5 & 8). Start with a walk through « la Coulée verte » (also called “Promenade Plantée”, 4km of greenery crossing the 12th arrondissement of Paris)

– Go then rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine to discover its several hidden passages and courtyards. This street was the most important trading street of Paris until the 20th century.

– Come back to Bastille when the evening comes and have a drink rue de Lappe or rue de la Roquette. Good time guaranteed!

– As you may have seen, 6 days is not even enough to discover Paris… Here is a not-to-be-missed list to keep your last day busy according to your desire… and the weather!

– Museums : Musée d’Orsay for its extraordinary collection. Le Palais de la Découverte or la Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, ideals for a visit with children.

– Monuments : Visit the Opera Garnier, one of the world’s greatest Opéra.

– Public Gardens : Monceau Park in the 17th district, the Buttes-Chaumont, or Montsouris Park, in the south of the City. This park faces the Cité Internationale Universitaire, a beautiful and huge campus.

– Do not miss the Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) and its 360° view of Paris, or the covered passages which will bring you to the 19th century.