PARIS IN 4 DAYS

On my first trip to Paris, I didn’t truly appreciate all that it had to offer. I’m so glad I was able to come back and experience it with my husband over Valentines Day and my 28th birthday. It has soared to the top of my list of favorite cities and I can’t wait to visit again. While I had visited Paris before, we still did the main tourist attractions like the Louvre and a day trip to Versailles since it was B’s first time. This itinerary can be used for first-timers or even those on their 10th visit. And with 4 days in Paris, it allowed us to visit multiple neighborhoods and enjoy our time at a leisurely pace. If this is your first time in Paris, you may want to purchase the Paris City Pass to enjoy some savings and all the attractions of your choosing!

getting around paris

If you are looking to book a transfer from the airport to your hotel, a cheap and reliable way is to book a taxi in advance. This is the transfer service we used and we’ve never had any issues. It also costs the same or even a bit cheaper than a typical taxi or uber.

Paris is a very walkable city. In saying that, it’s very walkable within each arrondissement or neighborhood. For example, the Eiffel Tower is in arrondissement 7, but the Louvre is in arrondissement 1. You aren’t able to walk from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, but if you are in the neighborhood of the Louvre it’s easy to get around. For that reason, I recommend using one of Paris’s public transport systems like the subway, bus or Uber. We used Uber a lot and the subway. Both are inexpensive with the subway easily being the cheapest. Using the subway is just like any other metro system. You’ll need to purchase tickets in advance at a kiosk. Make sure to purchase t+ tickets so you can get around using any transfer modes in Paris (metro, bus, tram, etc.).

As I mentioned above, there are many ways to get around the city. If you’ll be staying in Paris for any longer that 4 days or want the convenience of a car, be sure to use the rentalcars.com search engine below. This is the website I use for car rentals and I always find the best price! I always recommend booking well in advance and with a reliable rental company like Hertz. The best part about using this search engine is they offer free cancellations on most bookings.

choosing which arrondissement to stay in

In total, there are 20 arrondissements in Paris and choosing which one to stay in was probably one of the hardest decisions I had to make. If it’s your first time in Paris, you’ll want to choose a neighborhood that is close to the tourist attractions you’ll be visiting like the 1st or 7th arrondissement. If you’ve been to Paris many times, you may choose a more local neighborhood like Le Marais in the 3rd or 4th arrondissement. Since you’ll only have 4 days in Paris, I recommend staying in the 7th arrondissement. It’s not only close to many attractions, but some of the best shopping, restaurants and you’ll be able to get around easily to other arrondissements.

paris, france covid-19 requirements

When my husband and I traveled to Paris in February 2022, there were still many COVID-19 requirements in place. Only those who have been fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine or those who have recovered from the virus were allowed to travel without any quarantine restrictions. Also, anyone visiting during that time had to be tested before arriving in the country. However, as of Feb. 12, 2022, those who are vaccinated no longer need to take a COVID test prior to departure.

Here are the current requirements needed to enter Paris:

• Certificate of full vaccination against the virus OR certificate of previous COVID infection
• Take a PCR or antigen test 48 hours prior to your flight (unless vaccinated)
• Fill out the passenger locator form

Another COVID-19 requirement in Paris is providing what they call a digital vaccine pass. You can only get the pass once you’ve arrived in Paris and will need it in order to enter bars, restaurants and museums. All you’ll need is your white CDC card and 36 euros. You can get a digital pass at participating pharmacies. Luckily, there are plenty of options in Paris for you to get one. The whole process takes about 15 minutes and you’ll receive a digital copy of your vaccine pass to use for the remainder of your trip.

Day 1

saint germain & Latin Quarter

A large part of where you start on your first day will depend on which arrondissement you choose to stay in. After you’ve arrived in Paris and had time to check in to your hotel (hotel recommendations below), it’s time to explore Paris! You’ll most likely only have about half a day so I don’t recommend booking any tours. Since we stayed in the 7th arrondissement, we used our first day to walk around the Saint Germain and Latin Quarter neighborhood.

RUE DE CLER

TOMB OF NAPOLEoN

Napoleon’s tomb is a monument at Les Invalides in Paris. Les Invalides is known for the monuments and museums it holds that all have to do with Paris’s military history, but what most people come for is Napoleons Tomb. Napoleon Bonaparte is known for leading France in the French Revolution and was the Emperor of France. Napoleon’s Tomb is free to enter (the museum is not) so if you have time, be sure to check it out.

Luxemborg Gardens

From Napolean’s Tomb, you’ll pass a few Pierre Herme’s and when I say it’s a must stop for their macaron’s — I mean it! Yes, Laduree gets a lot of hype but I think Pierre Herme takes the cake. After a pit stop for macarons, head to the Luxemborg Gardens to spend a long afternoon walking around the expansive gardens and enjoying some Pierre Herme macarons. When we visited Paris in February, the gardens were unfortunately non-existent but with such a beautiful day there were still so many people out enjoying the park. This area definitely makes for great people watching and would be the perfect spot to enjoy a lunch in the spring or summer.

CAFE DE FLORE & LEs Deux MAGOTS

After spending some time at the gardens, you should head north towards two of the most famous cafe’s in Paris. Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots are not only rivaling cafes in this area, but they are right across the street from each other. Cafe de Flore is one of the oldest cafes in Paris and gets it prestige from famous regular patrons like Picasso. Les Deux Magots is equally as prestigious but for the famous writers who would flock to its tables like Ernest Hemingway. On our trip, we had a chance to eat breakfast at Cafe de Flore and loved it. If you have the chance, try out both and choose your favorite.

seine river & Pont des Arts Bridge

The Seine River runs through the heart of Paris and you’ll be seeing a lot of it if you plan on walking throughout Paris. If you are spending your 4 days in Paris like us, the first time you’ll see the river outside of a car is at Pont des Arts bridge. Fun fact, the Seine River still supplies nearly 50% of the water used in Paris. Many people recommend doing a boat tour along the Seine River which allows you to see a lot of the city without walking. Also, they offer a night cruise with dinner that have come highly recommended.

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL

It doesn’t matter if it’s 1 day or 4 days in Paris, visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral is at the top of everyone’s list in Paris. It’s actually the most visited tourist attraction in Paris. Unfortunately, the Cathedral itself has been closed to the public ever since the devastating fire in 2019. However, you can still see most of the outside of the cathedral. They plan to reopen to the public in 2024!

shakespeare & company

One of the last stops in the Saint Germain neighborhood is Shakespeare & Company. Like most things in Paris, this little bookstore is full of history. It’s one of the most famous bookstores in the world and has been home to many aspiring artists and writers over the years.

EIFFEL TOWER

If you are anything like me, chances are you’ll see the Eiffel tower more than once on your 4 days in Paris. Since our hotel was so close to the Eiffel Tower, we decided to head there before dinner. It was right before sunset and the crowds were thinning for the night. It was one of the best times to actually see this beauty. We took these pictures right at Champs de Mars which is the most touristy and well known spot to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower.

If it’s on your bucket list, you can even go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. If you purchase the GoCity All-Inclusive pass, a guided climb is included in your ticket! While I did do this on my first visit to Paris, it’s not something I recommend and honestly, it’s a bit overrated. However, I am also saying that after I’ve already done it so to each their own.

Day 2

Sunrise at the Eiffel Tower

I knew going into this trip, I wanted to get up early one day and watch the sunrise over the Eiffel Tower. And, let me tell you it’s truly magical to see. When we did this, we only ran into one other couple doing the same thing and it was special to enjoy that time just soaking in the quiet morning. We grabbed a to-go coffee from our hotel and were able to enjoy the view before the rest of the city woke up. You can get this view by heading to Place du Trocadero. On your way to Place du Trocadero, you’ll pass through the park and Pont d’lena which will allow you to take some up close pictures of the Eiffel Tower.

MONTMARTrE

Day 2 is all about exploring Montmartre — one of the prettiest neighborhoods you’ll see on your 4 days in Paris. I could have spent hours walking around this part of Paris. Nearly every street corner was photogenic or picturesque. If I lived in Paris, this is definitely where I would want to end up. Below is the exact route we took to explore the neighborhood. Montmartre is quite literally a hill so be prepared to climb in this area.

MOULIN ROUGE

Well, the most touristy thing you’ll see in Montmartre is Moulin Rouge and it happens to be one of the most packed places because it’s so iconic. It’s home to the can-can and most people try to see a show here at night. However, I’ve heard Lido has a better performance and is overall less touristy. And, if you’re up for it, I’ve heard Crazy Horse is a good time.

Le Moulin de Galette

From Moulin Rouge, you’re going to start to climb. Le Mouline de Galette is where the famous windmill sits and it is actually a symbol of the city appearing in many famous paintings like Picasso and Van Gogh.

Villa Leandre

Once you’ve climbed to the top of Montmartre to see the windmill, you’re going to go a bit out of your way to see one of the cutest streets in Paris — Villa Leandre. It’s actually an English inspired art-deco street. Right on the corner of the street is a nice little cafe where you can stop for an espresso before heading out to see the rest of Montmartre.

Rue l’Abreuvoir

Another unmissable street in Paris is Rue l’Abreuvoir. Here you’ll climb uphill for a bit until you reach what every instagrammer is posting about while in Paris— La Maison Rose. It’s a cute little pink cafe that stands out from the rest of the street and is packed with people waiting to take a picture by it. The rest of the street is very quiet making it great for a stroll.

Le Consulat

Once you get past La Maison Rose and head towards Le Consulat, you’ll notice the streets start to get a bit more crowded. This is because you’re getting close to the crown jewel of Montmartre, Sacred Heart Basilica. On your way, you’ll pass some shopping and cafes. One of them being the famous Le Consulat. I know, I know. Another famous cafe, but this one gets its fame from having some of the best mulled wine and hosting some famous names like Picasso and Van Gogh.

Place du tertre

This area of Montmartre has my heart. Place du Tertre is a square dedicated to sketch artists waiting to draw your portrait. When we visited, I was able to find the same man who had drawn my portrait on my first trip to Paris. It was amazing to see that he was still there drawing the portraits of others long after I had left Paris. And, I’m sure he’ll continue to do it long after I have left this time around. That is something I love about Paris. The city is full of so much history in the art and writing world and it shows through in little ways like this square.

Sacred Heart Basilica

What most come to the Montmartre area for is Sacred Heart Basilica or Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It sits at the very top of the Montmartre hill and is truly beautiful to see. It’s a Roman Catholic church and considered a political and cultural monument due to the events leading up to its construction. It’s also the highest point in the city giving you an epic view of Paris.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE & CHAMPS ELYSEEs

After a day of walking around Montmartre, you may choose to take a break before dinner. But, if you are up for some shopping then head over to the 8th arrondissement for the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees. You can actually go to the top of the Arc de Triopmhe for a small fee which will give you a great view of the Eiffel Tower. From there, head to the infamous shopping street — Champs Elysees.

Here you’ll find a ton of designer shopping as well as many commercialized shops. Be sure to check out Galeries Lafayette, one of the largest department stores in Europe if you have time. In this area, it will be harder to find local boutique shopping so head to Le Marais if you are looking for local products.

POINT ALEXANDRE III FOR SUNSET

It just so happens if you’ve planned out your 4 days in Paris similarly, you’ll not only be seeing sunrise in an iconic spot, but also sunset in an equally iconic area. Unfortunately on the day we chose to see the sunset, it was too cloudy, but Point Alexandre III is still such a pretty spot to take a bottle of champagne and enjoy while the sun goes down. You’ll get to experience the “city of lights” just as the lights are coming on.

Day 3

PALAIS-ROYAL

On the third day of your 4 days in Paris, it’s going to be all about the Louvre. Begin your day by heading to a lesser known spot called Palais-Royal. This former royal palace is right across the street from the Louvre and in its center is an art exhibit. The art exhibit and the gardens within the Palais-Royal are free to the public which makes for a great way to spend your morning.

LOUVRE

There is so much to say about the largest museum in the world. I’ve even thought about dedicating a post to it for the sole fact that you can spend all day inside the Louvre and still not see all of it. If you want to see all of the highlights, I recommend using a tour guide when you go so you can have someone steer you in the right direction and give you a better understanding of what you are looking at.

This was my second time visiting and I will say it’s just as overwhelming as I remember. Many people want to see all the iconic works of art that you do, which comes with a lot of lines and a lot of people.
My three tips for visiting the Louvre are:
+ purchase skip the line tickets in advance
+ get the earliest time slot available when you purchase
+ and, use the carousel entrance to get inside the louvre

Most people are unaware of the carousel entrance of the Louvre. When you take a look at the main entrance to the Louvre, you see a line that wraps around the pyramids. When my husband and I used the carousel entrance, we had zero wait time. This entrance will save you so much more time.

afternoon tea

Afternoon tea or “high tea” is something I really wanted to do while in Paris. They call it Le Goûter and it’s a sweets-focused tea time with pastries rather than a traditional English afternoon tea where you’ll have sandwiches. And, there is absolutely no other place that does afternoon tea better than the Ritz (Salon Proust). You can’t convince me otherwise. Okay, maybe you can. But, this was hands down one of my favorite experiences while in Paris.

While it is a pricey afternoon tea, they give you SO many pastries and desserts that you can’t possibly finish them all. Plus, the tea is phenomenal. You have so many different types to choose from. I went with a white lavender tea where the lavender bloomed right in the kettle. Amazing. You can make reservations here.

Day 4

Versailles

A large part of your day or all day (depending on which tour you choose) will be spent visiting Versailles. Visiting the Palace of Versailles has been on my bucket list for awhile because I’ve recently become obsessed with anything royal-related. I know, I know. You can blame The Crown for my obsession. Plus, add in the Marie Antoinette factor and I’m hooked.

We ultimately chose to do the half day trip to Versailles and while I loved it, I only wish we would have visited in the spring or summer. Since it was winter, we weren’t able to truly enjoy the gardens of Versailles. It was still beautiful to see how massive the estate was, but I know it would have been so much more beautiful in the warmer months.

GETTING TO Versailles

There are other ways to get to Versailles if you don’t want to book a trip with a tour guide, however I do recommend it since you’ll be able to get much more background and understand why Versailles is so significant in history. Versailles isn’t too far out from the city so you can take the RER train to Versailles or you can get there by the RATP bus. Once there, you’ll have to wait in line to purchase a ticket and then be able to enter the palace.

WINE TASTING

Depending on what type of day you’ve had, you may not have time to do anything else. Since we did the half day tour, we were able to fit in a wine tasting at O Chateau. It was incredible and I can’t recommend it enough. The wine tasting takes place in the former house of King Louis XVI’s mistress — so scandalous! But, that’s not why you should book it. You should book it because the sommelier was amazing and every single wine we tried was delicious. We took home a couple bottles because we loved it so much.

If you are in Paris any longer than 4 days then I recommend taking a visit to Champagne — the only region in the world were champagne is made. Champagne made in the U.S. or any other country is not technically champagne. This is definitely on my bucket list for my next visit. Here is one I would do if you are looking for a tour to Champagne.

I hope this 4 day itinerary to Paris helps you plan the perfect getaway in one of my favorite cities. As always, I am more than happy to help out with any questions you have. Just drop me a note below or reach out via Instagram.

WHERE TO STAY

Paris has a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to hotels or VRBO. It can be quite overwhelming. As I mentioned earlier, it is helpful to first figure out which arrondissement you want to stay in and work from there. We chose to stay at Hotel La Comtesse and couldn’t have been happier with our choice. Nearly every room here has a view of the Eiffel Tower and it’s in a perfect location.

Here are some of my favorite VRBO options:
+ Champ de Mars apartment
+ Louvre apartment
+ Eiffel Tower view apartment

For a luxurious experience in Paris there is no better place than the Ritz or Hotel Plaza Athenee. Some top of the line hotels with affordable prices are The Westin Paris – Vendome, Hotel de Jobo or Hotel Adele & Jules. You can also use the booking finder below to find a hotel within your budget and neighborhood.

WHERE TO EAT & drink in paris

Aside from Rome, Paris is one of my favorite cities for food. There are again, so many options to choose from. Don’t worry, though, I took the time (literally months) of searching for the best places to spend my time and money while in Paris and I can easily recommend all of the places below. If you have one night in Paris then you have to eat at L’Ami Jean. It’s a local vibe with an open kitchen and an incredible menu. For drinks, I have a few speakeasies listed, some wine bars and my favorite bar, Bar Hemingway.

As a reminder, after your 4 days in Paris, you’ll need to take a COVID-19 test 24 hours in advance of your arrival back into the United States (if that’s your home country). I have found the at-home COVID tests to be the absolute easiest way to do this while traveling.

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, which means when you purchase something using these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I link these companies because I have used them or truly recommend them based on their quality and the experience I had.

happy travels, liz stanford

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