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08 Dec 2025
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Top-rated landmarks & activities in Paris

Paris Highlights: Art, History & Gardens

This short itinerary brings together Paris’s most iconic landmarks and cultural experiences: from the soaring Eiffel Tower and grand urban vistas at the Arc de Triomphe, to world-class museums such as the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay. Wander the historic Île de la Cité to see Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, climb Montmartre for the Sacré‑Cœur views, and stroll the peaceful Jardin du Luxembourg. For a royal contrast, explore the expansive grounds of the Palace of Versailles. The route mixes must-see attractions with relaxing green spaces and opportunities for fine dining and family-friendly activities, ideal for a flexible-budget traveler seeking culture, history, and leisurely discovery.


Recommended Activities

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    Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

    Iconic symbol of Paris offering unforgettable panoramic views from multiple viewing levels; an engineering landmark with historical significance, especially striking at night when illuminated. It’s ideal for photos, short museum exhibits about its construction, and nearby parks for picnics and relaxation.
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    Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)

    World’s largest art museum housing masterpieces across millennia, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Visiting provides deep cultural and historical context, exceptional galleries from ancient civilizations to Renaissance art, and a chance to explore one of Paris’s most architecturally rich buildings and courtyards.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Musée d'Orsay

    Housed in a grand former railway station, the museum holds the world’s premier collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and others. It offers a more intimate, focused experience than larger museums, excellent natural light in the galleries, and insight into 19th–early 20th-century art and society.
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    Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

    Masterpiece of French Gothic architecture with centuries of history, remarkable sculptural details and flying buttresses. Even after the 2019 fire, its facade, portals and surrounding Île de la Cité offer powerful historical and cultural context; visiting the site connects you to Paris’s medieval past and major events in French history.
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    Sainte-Chapelle

    Renowned for its extraordinary stained-glass windows that create an immersive jewel‑like interior, Sainte‑Chapelle is a supreme example of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. The chapel’s soaring glass panels depict biblical stories in vivid color—an unparalleled visual and spiritual experience in a compact, beautifully preserved setting.
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    Arc de Triomphe

    A monumental symbol of French national pride honoring those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Climb to the top for sweeping views along the Champs‑Élysées and across Paris’s grand urban axis; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame add solemn historical significance.
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    Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica

    Montmartre’s winding streets preserve the village-like atmosphere that inspired countless artists; it’s rich in bohemian history, galleries, and cafés. The Sacré‑Cœur Basilica crowns the hill with striking white domes and offers one of Paris’s best panoramic viewpoints. Together they combine artistic heritage, lively street life, and scenic overlooks ideal for photos and leisurely exploration.
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    Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) - grounds

    The vast formal gardens, fountains, groves and the Grand Canal showcase the peak of French baroque landscape design and courtly spectacle without necessarily entering the palace. Strolling the grounds reveals meticulously landscaped vistas, hidden pathways and monumental water features that convey the scale and power of the ancien régime—perfect for picnics, bike rides, and experiencing history outdoors.
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  • Originally a church turned secular mausoleum, the Panthéon houses the remains of France’s most distinguished figures (Voltaire, Rousseau, Curie, Hugo), making it a pilgrimage to national memory. Architecturally, its massive dome and neoclassical façade are impressive; inside, murals and the crypt tell France’s intellectual and political history, and the crypt’s atmosphere evokes reflection on the nation’s heritage.
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    Jardin du Luxembourg

    A beautifully maintained historic park combining formal French and English-style gardens, tree-lined promenades, flowerbeds, statues and a large octagonal pond—ideal for relaxing, people-watching, picnicking, and escaping the city bustle. The gardens also host cultural events, puppet shows for children, and views of the elegant Luxembourg Palace, offering a peaceful, family-friendly green space in the heart of Paris.
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Restaurants

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    Septime

    4.55
    $$$$

    Septime

    Contemporary seasonal tasting menus with creative vegetable-forward dishes; celebrated for its thoughtful wine pairings and modern Parisian dining experience.
    4.55
    $$$$
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    Le Chateaubriand

    4.3
    $$$$

    Le Chateaubriand

    Innovative fixed‑menu bistro that helped define modern French dining with bold flavors and a frequently changing tasting menu for adventurous food lovers.
    4.3
    $$$$
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    Le Cinq

    4.7
    $$$$

    Le Cinq

    Three‑Michelin‑starred fine dining at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, offering refined classic French cuisine, impeccable service, and an elegant setting for special occasions.
    4.7
    $$$$
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    Clamato

    4.4
    $$$$

    Clamato

    Casual seafood spot from the team behind Septime, known for fresh shellfish, small plates designed to share, and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
    4.4
    $$$$
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    L'Arpège

    4.1
    $$$$

    L'Arpège

    Renowned Michelin‑starred restaurant by Chef Alain Passard focusing on exceptional vegetable-driven haute cuisine sourced directly from his own gardens.
    4.1
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    Hôtel Le Meurice - Dorchester Collection

    4.5

    Hôtel Le Meurice - Dorchester Collection

    A luxurious, centrally located palace-style hotel near the Tuileries and the Louvre; renowned for elegant rooms, refined service, and a Michelin-starred restaurant—ideal for indulging in Parisian luxury after museum-filled days.
    4.5
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    Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

    4.5

    Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

    Modern upscale hotel within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine; offers contemporary rooms with views of the tower, practical family-friendly amenities, and easy access to major sights and river cruises.
    4.5
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    Le Bristol Paris - an Oetker Collection Hotel

    4.7

    Le Bristol Paris - an Oetker Collection Hotel

    Iconic five-star on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré known for its exquisite service, classic Parisian décor, beautiful courtyard garden and outstanding dining—a top choice for travelers seeking refined comfort near museums and shopping.
    4.7
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    Hôtel des Grands Boulevards

    4.45

    Hôtel des Grands Boulevards

    Boutique luxury hotel blending contemporary design with historic charm in the vibrant Grands Boulevards district; great for families and couples who want stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and easy metro access to Montmartre and the Opéra.
    4.45
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    Le Relais Montmartre

    4.7

    Le Relais Montmartre

    Charming, family-run hotel tucked in the heart of Montmartre, a short walk from Sacré‑Cœur; offers cozy rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and immediate access to the neighborhood’s artists’ squares, cafés and scenic viewpoints.
    4.7
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Montmartre - Moulin Rouge to Sacre Coeur. Small-Group, Free Tour

    Montmartre - Moulin Rouge to Sacre Coeur. Small-Group, Free Tour

    This Free Montmartre walking tour takes you to the nooks and crannies of the most bohemian, artistic district of Paris, the center of good-living in Paris .
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    Latin Quarter & Left Bank Tour. Small-Group Free Tour

    Latin Quarter & Left Bank Tour. Small-Group Free Tour

    Join a walking tour that takes you across the river towards the Latin Quarter - the left bank. See and explore one of the most authentic parts of Paris through winding streets filled with cafés.
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    35 votes, 72 comments. My husband and I will be on a 4-day 4-night Paris trip this October and as much as we want to visit all prime spots, we feel

    Is Versailles worth squeezing in a 4-day 4-night Paris trip?

    35 votes, 72 comments. My husband and I will be on a 4-day 4-night Paris trip this October and as much as we want to visit all prime spots, we feel

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    A community for Paris lovers and first-timers about travelling to the city, as a tourist or off the beaten path. Itinerary reviews, trip reports, advice from local and experie...

    First Time In Paris - 4 Day Itinerary Feedback

    A community for Paris lovers and first-timers about travelling to the city, as a tourist or off the beaten path. Itinerary reviews, trip reports, advice from local and experie...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi all! I'm going to Paris for the first time and was wondering what are some places I must visit on my trip, besides the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, champs-lyses/Galeries Lafay...

    First time in Paris itinerary review

    Hi all! I'm going to Paris for the first time and was wondering what are some places I must visit on my trip, besides the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, champs-lyses/Galeries Lafay...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    Walk around the square then continue West down to Jardin du Luxembourg. Check out the garden, the big building of the French senate, then exit North towards Odeon If you don&#...

    Itinerary help and questions

    Walk around the square then continue West down to Jardin du Luxembourg. Check out the garden, the big building of the French senate, then exit North towards Odeon If you don&#...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    Day 2: Versailles estate the whole day, also planning a picnic there if its not raining Day 3: catacombs, jardin du luxembourg, pantheon, jardin des plantes, grandes serres du...

    Recommendations for itinerary

    Day 2: Versailles estate the whole day, also planning a picnic there if its not raining Day 3: catacombs, jardin du luxembourg, pantheon, jardin des plantes, grandes serres du...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    That's walkable but you'll have to use the metro for Eiffel tower and Invalides and be at Place du Chatelet in time. It will all depend on the time you will spend in...

    First-time Paris itinerary review and suggestions for cold and short days

    That's walkable but you'll have to use the metro for Eiffel tower and Invalides and be at Place du Chatelet in time. It will all depend on the time you will spend in...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    Paris 4 day itinerary. Me and my boyfriend are planing a trip to Paris for next year, by the end of April. ... I would change Montmartre and Notre Dame. I would start with the...

    Paris 4 day itinerary

    Paris 4 day itinerary. Me and my boyfriend are planing a trip to Paris for next year, by the end of April. ... I would change Montmartre and Notre Dame. I would start with the...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    walk from Montmartre to the Tour Eiffel by a circuitous route that passes by Opera, Concorde, Madeleine and rue des Martyrs. ... 1 art museum (I would say muse d'Orsay no...

    Top 5 must-do in Paris for first-timers

    walk from Montmartre to the Tour Eiffel by a circuitous route that passes by Opera, Concorde, Madeleine and rue des Martyrs. ... 1 art museum (I would say muse d'Orsay no...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    Hello everyone! Im planning a trip to Paris in March and would love some help with my itinerary. Ill be arriving in Paris at 7:45 PM on a Wednesday

    Planning a 4-day trip to Paris: Itinerary help and suggestions!

    Hello everyone! Im planning a trip to Paris in March and would love some help with my itinerary. Ill be arriving in Paris at 7:45 PM on a Wednesday

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    Other things from your itinerary The Seine night Cruise: I suggest the Bateaux Parisiens one as the seats are benches and not chairs so you can move around easily for the tour...

    Paris 4-5 day Itinerary

    Other things from your itinerary The Seine night Cruise: I suggest the Bateaux Parisiens one as the seats are benches and not chairs so you can move around easily for the tour...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    A community for Paris lovers and first-timers about travelling to the city, as a tourist or off the beaten path. Itinerary reviews, trip reports, advice from local and experie...

    Looking for suggestions for my 6-day Paris itinerary

    A community for Paris lovers and first-timers about travelling to the city, as a tourist or off the beaten path. Itinerary reviews, trip reports, advice from local and experie...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    Hello! I'm traveling to Paris for the first time this month and will spend about 3 full days in the city. I've pretty much finished my itinerary but

    3 day itinerary in Paris- tips + suggestions please!

    Hello! I'm traveling to Paris for the first time this month and will spend about 3 full days in the city. I've pretty much finished my itinerary but

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    It looks like you'll have plenty of time now to explore neighborhoods, my recommendations would be Canal Saint Martin and Belleville for a local relaxed experience and th...

    5 Full Day Itinerary Review/Activity Configuration

    It looks like you'll have plenty of time now to explore neighborhoods, my recommendations would be Canal Saint Martin and Belleville for a local relaxed experience and th...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    My SO and me will be in Paris in the end of June for the first time. We have always wanted to visit the city, but as the trip approaches we are kind of overwhelmed as there ar...

    Piece of advice for the first trip to Paris.

    My SO and me will be in Paris in the end of June for the first time. We have always wanted to visit the city, but as the trip approaches we are kind of overwhelmed as there ar...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    110 votes, 79 comments. Ive got a list as long as my arm of coffee shops and tourist attractions to visit in Paris, but if you could recommend just

    The absolute must-do/see in Paris?

    110 votes, 79 comments. Ive got a list as long as my arm of coffee shops and tourist attractions to visit in Paris, but if you could recommend just

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    Have you been to the top of the Tour Montparnasse (view on Eiffel Tower) and of the Pantheon ? Basilique du Sacr-Cur ? (I bet so) Muse de larme (les Invalides) If its in the s...

    Looking for suggestions as someone who's been to Paris and has seen the most common attractions.

    Have you been to the top of the Tour Montparnasse (view on Eiffel Tower) and of the Pantheon ? Basilique du Sacr-Cur ? (I bet so) Muse de larme (les Invalides) If its in the s...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide
  • Reddit Icon

    Itinerary reviews, trip reports, advice from local and experienced travellers, niche questions, and everything in between, in English or French. ... Hi everyone, my husband an...

    5 days in Paris (Rate my itinerary please)

    Itinerary reviews, trip reports, advice from local and experienced travellers, niche questions, and everything in between, in English or French. ... Hi everyone, my husband an...

    /r/ParisTravelGuide

Music for Your Journey

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    Édith Piaf - La Vie en rose

    Édith Piaf - La Vie en rose

    Évocative classic that captures Parisian romance and nostalgia—perfect for canal-side walks or evening views of the city lights.
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    Yves Montand - Sous le ciel de Paris

    Yves Montand - Sous le ciel de Paris

    A gentle, atmospheric tune that paints a musical portrait of life and scenes across Parisian streets.
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    Joe Dassin - Les Champs-Elysées

    Joe Dassin - Les Champs-Elysées

    Upbeat, singalong ode to one of Paris’s most famous avenues—great for strolling down grand boulevards or people-watching at cafés.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Claude Debussy - Claire de lune

    Claude Debussy - Claire de lune

    Debussy’s piano piece offers a serene, impressionistic mood ideal for museum reflection or sitting in a garden.
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    Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas

    Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas

    A deeply emotional chanson that lends introspective depth to twilight moments or contemplative pauses during the trip.
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    Charles Aznavour - La bohème

    Charles Aznavour - La bohème

    A nostalgic chanson celebrating the artistic life—resonant while exploring Montmartre’s winding streets and bohemian history.
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    Édith Piaf - Non, je ne regrette rien

    Édith Piaf - Non, je ne regrette rien

    An anthemic, defiant song about moving forward—energizing for transitions between sites or ending a memorable day.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Erik Satie - Gymnopédie No. 1

    Erik Satie - Gymnopédie No. 1

    Satie’s minimalist piano creates a calm, reflective atmosphere—well suited to quiet museum galleries or relaxing in Jardin du Luxembourg.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Camille - Le Festin

    Camille - Le Festin

    From the film Ratatouille, this warm, hopeful song pairs well with dining experiences and celebrates creativity and simple pleasures.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Zaz - Dans mon Paris - Version swing manouche

    Zaz - Dans mon Paris - Version swing manouche

    A lively, familiar melody in an accessible version that evokes joy and the celebratory spirit of Parisian promenades.
    Listen on Spotify
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