Paris itinerary — 1 days
Day 1 — Paris
3 stops · ≈ 9 h 35 minThe world's largest museum and a palace of French kings: from a medieval fortress to the Grand Louvre, from the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo. Some 35,000 works span Egyptian antiquities to Romanticism. I. M. Pei's glass pyramid in the Cour Napoléon is the main entrance; the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
The symbol of Paris and the world's most visited paid attraction. Built for the 1889 World's Fair to Gustave Eiffel's design and meant to stand for 20 years, it became an icon: 330 metres, three levels, 70 km of views in clear weather. Climbing the stairs to the second floor is an experience of its own; lifts carry you to the top.
The Arc de Triomphe at Place Charles de Gaulle, commissioned by Napoleon after Austerlitz and completed in 1836. Beneath the vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame; the walls list battles and 660 generals. The rooftop terrace has the best view of axial Paris, from the Louvre to La Défense.
Reserve
3If you have time left — worth it too.
Paris's most ornate and opulent bridge, arching gracefully across the Seine between the Grand Palais and Les Invalides. Built in Beaux-Arts style for the 1900 Exposition Universelle to celebrate the Franco-Russian alliance, it is named after Tsar Alexander III. The single-span steel bridge is adorned with four 17-metre pylons topped by gilded bronze statues of Pegasus, intricate Art Nouveau street lamps, cherubs, and river nymphs.
A garden laid out by Marie de' Medici in 1612 around the palace where the Senate now sits: French formality and English informality, the ivy-clad Medici fountain, an orangery and a bee apiary. Parisians play tennis and chess here, children sail toy boats on the octagonal basin — the ease that taught Europe's parks.
The white basilica crowning Montmartre, built 1875–1914 from travertine that turns almost blinding in the rain. Inside is one of France's largest apse mosaics and perpetual adoration — prayer before the sacrament has continued unbroken since 1885. Narrow steps lead to the dome, and the parvis gives you all of Paris.
- Learn a few basic French phrases for better interactions.
- Purchase a Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel on public transport.
- Beware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.