giro

France · 3-day itinerary

3 days in Paris

Boulevards, bistros and the world's great museums. Here's a 3-day plan that clusters each day by neighbourhood, with real times, so you walk less and see more.

Best: April to June, September and October About $330 per person a day (comfort)
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Day 1

Arrive & settle into Paris

  1. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    Arrive in Paris

    Check in at your stay in Le Marais (3rd/4th).

  2. 12:15 p.m. Lunch

  3. 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. · Le Marais

    Le Marais wander

    Medieval lanes, Place des Vosges, hidden courtyards and independent boutiques.

    Reviews

  4. 6:00 p.m. Dinner · Breakfast croissants from a neighbourhood boulangerie (look for 'Artisan Boulanger')

  5. 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. · 7th arrondissement · ~$57

    Eiffel Tower summit

    Ride to the top for the city panorama, then picnic on the Champ de Mars.

    The sparkle runs for five minutes on the hour after dark.

    Tickets Reviews

Day 2

Icons & culture

  1. 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. · 1st arrondissement · ~$36

    The Louvre

    See the Winged Victory, the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa, then lose the crowds in the Islamic Art wing.

    Use the Carrousel entrance and pre-book a timed slot.

    Tickets Reviews

  2. 12:45 p.m. Lunch

  3. 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. · Montmartre

    Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

    Climb the butte, watch the painters at Place du Tertre and catch the view from the basilica steps.

    Reviews

  4. 6:00 p.m. Dinner · A classic steak-frites at a Left Bank bistro

  5. 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. · Pont Neuf · ~$28

    Seine river cruise

    An hour gliding past Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

    Tickets Reviews

Day 3

Farewell, Paris

  1. 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. · 7th arrondissement · ~$26

    Musée d'Orsay

    Impressionist masterpieces in a Beaux-Arts railway station, including Monet, Degas and Van Gogh.

    Tickets Reviews

  2. 12:00 p.m. Lunch

  3. 1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

    Depart Paris

    Check out and head to the airport or station, allowing plenty of time.

  4. 7:00 p.m. Dinner · Falafel on Rue des Rosiers in the Marais

Where to stay in Paris

What to eat in Paris

  • Croissant

    Buttery, flaky and best before 10 a.m. from a bakery marked 'Artisan Boulanger'.

  • Steak frites

    The bistro classic: steak, sauce and a heap of thin fries.

  • French onion soup

    Slow-cooked onions under a lid of bread and melted Comté.

  • Croque monsieur

    Ham and béchamel toastie, the café lunch of choice.

  • Macaron

    Almond meringue sandwiches in every colour; a box makes a good gift.

  • Duck confit

    Duck leg cooked slowly in its own fat, with crisp potatoes.

Where locals send visitors

  • Bouillon Chartier $

    Belle Époque bouillon · Grands Boulevards (9th) · Best for dinner

    Classic French dishes at low prices in a dining hall open since 1896. No bookings; the queue moves fast.

    Reviews

  • L'As du Fallafel $

    Falafel · Le Marais (4th) · Best for lunch

    The Rue des Rosiers institution for falafel pita stuffed with aubergine. Closed Saturdays.

    Reviews

  • Breizh Café $$

    Crêperie · Le Marais (3rd) · Best for lunch · Reserve ahead

    Buckwheat galettes and Breton cider done properly.

    Reviews

  • Le Relais de l'Entrecôte $$

    Steak frites · Saint-Germain (6th) · Best for dinner

    One menu only: steak in its famous sauce with endless fries. No bookings.

    Reviews

  • Café de Flore $$$

    Historic café · Saint-Germain (6th) · Best for breakfast

    The literary café of Sartre and de Beauvoir. Pricey, but breakfast on the terrace is a Paris rite.

    Reviews

  • Du Pain et des Idées $

    Bakery · Canal Saint-Martin (10th) · Best for breakfast

    Famous for its pain des amis and pistachio escargot pastries. Closed weekends.

    Reviews

Heads-up: what to steer clear of

  • Scam: Around Sacré-Cœur and the Eiffel Tower, people push "friendship bracelets" onto your wrist or ask you to sign a petition, then demand money. Keep walking.
  • Pickpockets: Pickpockets work the Métro (especially line 1 and RER B from the airport), the Louvre and crowded viewpoints. Use a zipped bag worn in front.
  • Getting around: Take official taxis from the rank or an app. Taxis from CDG and Orly to central Paris charge a fixed fare; refuse anyone offering a ride inside the terminal.

Giro's notes, reviewed October 2026. Things change, so check current advice before you go: Government of Canada travel advisories .

Good to know

  • Most national museums are free on the first Sunday of some months — check before you go, and expect crowds.
  • Buy a Navigo Easy card for the Métro instead of paper tickets.
  • Many restaurants close Sunday and Monday; book dinner ahead on weekends.

Daily budget per person

Shoestring~$154
Comfort~$330
Luxury~$910

A shared double room, meals and local transport. Flights and tickets not included.

Make this Paris trip yours

Giro rebuilds this plan for your dates, your group and your budget. Swap stops, drag them between days, add your flights and hotel, and share it with everyone coming.

Plan this trip

Times and prices are estimates (prices in CAD at the latest ECB rate). Check opening hours before you go. Place descriptions and photos from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, credited on each photo. Giro may earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.