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| "Eiffel Tower" by Stephanie Broker |
Who doesn't want to visit Paris? Here's a detailed 14-day itinerary for Paris I looked up with Ai to see what places and events would make sense for us to visit, focusing on cultural experiences, historic sites, popular eateries, and staying within a $100-$300 daily budget. This assumes the budget is per person and covers accommodation, food, activities, and local transport. I'll prioritize free or low-cost activities while sprinkling in some splurges on key experiences.
Important Notes Before We Begin:
* Accommodation: I'm assuming you'll find a mix of budget-friendly hotels, hostels (if applicable), or Airbnb options averaging around $50-$100 per night. Booking in advance is crucial, especially during peak season. Consider areas like Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, or near Canal Saint-Martin for more affordable options. I always suggest looking at the locations for safety and security before heading to any place, whether overseas or to a different country. Never be blindsided without researching where you are going and any obstacles or high crime you may encounter. Sometimes it pays to stay at a Hotel that has high security in a good neighborhood, whether in your own country or abroad.
* Transportation: This itinerary relies heavily on walking and using the Paris Metro (Navigo Easy pass - rechargeable card). Avoid taxis unless absolutely necessary. A Navigo Easy pass is 2.10 euros and individual tickets are 2.10 euros each.
* Food: I'll suggest a mix of affordable options like bakeries, street food, and local restaurants. Picnics are your friend!
* Reservations: Book popular attractions and restaurants in advance, especially during peak season. Many museums offer online booking.
* Flexibility: This is a suggestion; feel free to adjust based on your interests and energy levels.
* Budget Breakdown (approximate per day):
* Accommodation: $50 - $100
* Food: $30 - $70
* Activities/Entrance Fees: $20 - $80
* Transportation: $5 - $10
Day 1: Arrival & Latin Quarter Charm
* Morning (Arrival):
* Arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airport. Take the RER B train (from CDG) or Orlybus/Orlyval (from ORY) to central Paris (Gare du Nord or Châtelet-Les Halles). These are the most cost-effective options.
* Check into your accommodation.
* Afternoon:
* Latin Quarter Exploration: Start with a walk through the Latin Quarter, the historic student district.
* Sorbonne University: Admire the Sorbonne's architecture from the outside.
* Pantheon: (Optional - €11.50) Visit the Pantheon, the final resting place of many famous French figures.
* Evening:
* Dinner: Find a crêpe stand in the Latin Quarter for a classic and affordable Parisian treat. Try Crêperie Genia (Rue Mouffetard) for savory and sweet options. (€10-€15)
* Evening Stroll: Walk along the Seine River and enjoy the atmosphere.
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks & Artistic Flair
* Morning:
* Île de la Cité: Visit the Île de la Cité, the heart of Paris.
* Sainte-Chapelle: (Optional - €11.50) Marvel at the stunning stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle. Book tickets in advance!
* Notre Dame Cathedral: (Exterior view only - Free) Admire the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral (still under reconstruction).
* Afternoon:
* Louvre Museum: (Pre-booked ticket essential - €17) Focus on key highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Go on a Wednesday or Friday evening for extended hours and fewer crowds.
* Tuileries Garden: Stroll through the Tuileries Garden, connecting the Louvre to Place de la Concorde.
* Evening:
* Dinner: Enjoy a picnic dinner in the Tuileries Garden or along the Seine. Pick up bread, cheese, and wine from a local supermarket or bakery. (€10-€20)
Day 3: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
* Morning:
* Montmartre: Take the Metro to Anvers station and walk up to Montmartre, the artists' district.
* Sacré-Cœur Basilica: (Free) Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic views of Paris.
* Place du Tertre: Watch artists at work in Place du Tertre. (This would be my favorite!)
* Afternoon:
* Musée de Montmartre: (Optional - €15) Learn about the history of Montmartre and see works by artists who lived there.
* Wander Montmartre's Streets: Explore the charming streets of Montmartre, including Rue de l'Abreuvoir (one of the most picturesque streets).
* Evening:
* Dinner: Find a traditional bistro in Montmartre. Le Consulat is a popular choice, but can be pricey. Look for smaller, less touristy options for better value. (€20-€35)
Day 4: Versailles (Day Trip)
* Full Day:
* Versailles: Take the RER C train to Versailles-Château-Rive Gauche station.
* Palace of Versailles: (Pre-booked ticket essential - €20-€27 depending on options) Explore the Palace of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors and the State Apartments.
* Gardens of Versailles: (Free, except during Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens - check schedule) Wander through the vast and beautiful Gardens of Versailles. Consider renting a bike to cover more ground.
* Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens.
* Evening:
* Dinner: Back in Paris, grab a quick and affordable falafel at L'As du Fallafel in Le Marais. (€10-€15)
Day 5: Museums & Canal Saint-Martin
* Morning:
* Musée d'Orsay: (Pre-booked ticket essential - €16) Visit the Musée d'Orsay, housed in a former train station, to see Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
* Afternoon:
* Canal Saint-Martin: Stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin, a trendy area with cafes and boutiques.
* Picnic by the Canal: Enjoy a picnic lunch by the canal.
* Evening:
* Dinner: Explore the restaurants around Canal Saint-Martin. Holybelly is a popular brunch spot that also serves dinner. (€20-€30)
Day 6: Le Marais & Jewish Quarter
* Morning:
* Le Marais: Explore Le Marais, a historic district with beautiful architecture and trendy shops.
* Place des Vosges: Visit Place des Vosges, one of the oldest planned squares in Paris.
* Musée Carnavalet: (Free) Learn about the history of Paris at the Musée Carnavalet.
* Afternoon:
* Jewish Quarter (Pletzl): Explore the Jewish Quarter, with its synagogues, kosher bakeries, and delis.
* Memorial de la Shoah: (Free) Visit the Holocaust Memorial.
* Evening:
* Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Jewish meal in the Jewish Quarter. Florence Kahn is a well-regarded deli. (€20-€35)
Day 7: Eiffel Tower & Champs-Élysées
* Morning:
* Eiffel Tower: (Pre-booked ticket essential - €18.10 to €29.40 depending on level) Visit the Eiffel Tower. Book your tickets well in advance to avoid long queues. Consider taking the stairs to the second level for a cheaper and more rewarding experience.
* Champ de Mars: Relax on the Champ de Mars, the park in front of the Eiffel Tower.
* Afternoon:
* Champs-Élysées: Walk along the Champs-Élysées, the famous avenue lined with shops and cafes.
* Arc de Triomphe: (Optional - €13) Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views.
* Evening:
* Dinner: Find a bistro near the Champs-Élysées (be prepared for higher prices). Alternatively, venture off the main avenue for more affordable options. (€25-€40)
Day 8: Parks & Museums
* Morning:
* Luxembourg Gardens: Relax and enjoy the Luxembourg Gardens, a beautiful park with fountains, statues, and a palace.
* Musée du Luxembourg: (Optional - €15) Visit the Musée du Luxembourg, which hosts temporary exhibitions.
* Afternoon:
* Rodin Museum: (Optional - €14) Admire the sculptures of Auguste Rodin, including "The Thinker" and "The Kiss."
* Les Invalides: (Optional - €15) Visit Les Invalides, a complex of military museums and monuments, including Napoleon's tomb.
* Evening:
* Dinner: Explore the restaurants in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. Try a classic French bistro for a traditional experience. (€25-€40)
Day 9: Day Trip to Giverny (Monet's Garden)
* Full Day:
* Giverny: Take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny. From Vernon, take a shuttle bus or walk to Giverny.
* Monet's Garden: (Pre-booked ticket essential - €13) Visit Claude Monet's house and gardens, including the famous water lily pond.
* Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny: (Optional - €8) Explore the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny.
* Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in Giverny.
* Evening:
* Dinner: Back in Paris, find a casual restaurant near your accommodation. (€15-€25)
Day 10: Hidden Gems & Local Markets
* Morning:
* Passages Couverts: Explore the covered passages of Paris, such as Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas.
* Marché des Enfants Rouges: Visit the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris, for lunch or snacks.
* Afternoon:
* Père Lachaise Cemetery: (Free) Visit Père Lachaise Cemetery, the final resting place of many famous figures, including Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde.
* Evening:
* Dinner: Enjoy a traditional French dinner at Bouillon Pigalle, known for its affordable prices. (€15-€25)
Day 11: Shopping & Relaxation
* Morning:
* Department Stores: Visit the famous department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, for window shopping or a splurge.
* Rooftop Views: Enjoy the free rooftop views from Galeries Lafayette.
* Afternoon:
* Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Relax in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a beautiful park with a temple, a lake, and waterfalls.
* Evening:
* Dinner: Have dinner at Pink Mamma, a popular Italian restaurant in Pigalle known for its Instagrammable decor. (€25-€40)
Day 12: Art & Culture
* Morning:
* Centre Pompidou: (Pre-booked ticket essential - €15) Visit the Centre Pompidou, a modern art museum with works by Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol.
* Afternoon:
* Picasso Museum: (Optional - €14) Explore the Picasso Museum, which houses a vast collection of Picasso's works.
* Evening:
* Dinner: Enjoy a meal at Breizh Café, known for its delicious crepes and ciders. (€20-€35)
Day 13: Last-Minute Souvenirs & Farewell Dinner
* Morning:
* Souvenir Shopping: Visit the shops along the Seine River or in Le Marais for last-minute souvenirs.
* Afternoon:
* Revisit Favorite Spot: Revisit your favorite spot in Paris for one last time.
* Evening:
* Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a special farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice. Consider splurge on a nicer restaurant for your last night. (€30-€50)
Day 14: Departure
* Morning:
* Enjoy a final Parisian breakfast at a local bakery.
* Depart from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airport.
Tips for Staying Within Budget:
* Free Activities: Take advantage of free activities like walking tours, visiting parks, and exploring neighborhoods.
* Museum Passes: Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass if you plan to visit many museums. However, carefully calculate if it's actually cheaper than paying individual entry fees.
* Picnics: Pack picnics for lunch and dinner to save money on restaurant meals.
* Happy Hour: Take advantage of happy hour deals for drinks and snacks.
* Free Walking Tours: Look for free walking tours (tip-based) to get an overview of the city.
* Water: Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at public fountains.
* Cook Your Own Meals: If you have access to a kitchen, cook some of your own meals.
* Travel During Off-Season: Travel during the off-season (October-April) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
This itinerary is a starting point. Customize it to your interests and enjoy your trip to Paris! Make sure to research ahead of time that there are no security issues or alerts at or around any place you plan to visit! Also, remember to book in advance, be flexible, and embrace the Parisian lifestyle. Bon voyage!
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