7-Day Paris Itinerary

Paris is one my favorite cities to visit! I love being able to stroll along the Seine, exploring the culture, and visiting smaller surrounding villages. This past trip, we spent 7 days in and around Paris. This 7-day Paris itinerary summarizes our amazing trip (with links to each of the detailed posts) …

7-Day Paris Itinerary

This 7-day Paris itinerary highlights our amazing trip to Paris as a travel guide. We spent 4 days exploring downtown Paris, 1 day in Versailles, and 2 days in Fontainebleau.

Where we stayed in Paris

We stayed in the heart of Paris for five nights at this adorable boutique hotel – Bourgogne et Montana Hotel. It was on a quiet street between the Champs-Elysées & Tuileries Gardens. The spacious rooms were impeccably decorated in chic French decor. The staff was also super helpful in arranging dinners and offering tips for our stay.

Where we stayed in Fontainebleau

For our trip to Fontainebleau, we switched hotels to another adorable hotel – L’Aigle Noir. This hotel was also in a great location, right next door to the castle. The staff and rooms were also equally as perfect! The spacious rooms were decorated in modern French country decor which gave it a regal appearance.

What to pack

Falls in France can be on the cooler side, so I always pack layers so I’m never cold while exploring all day. For this latest trip, I packed a couple warm scarfs (including my new favorite Free People scarf that’s under $50!), a classic trench (love this Everlane classic!), and warm sweaters including this amazing Everylane cashmere sweater and this Vince cashmere sweater. These are perfect for layering for cooler days of fall in France.

Day 1: Arrival in Paris & Eiffel Tower

On our first day, we arrived in Paris in the early morning for a full day of exploring downtown Paris. If you missed the detailed day, click here.

After checking into our hotel, we strolled along the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower. After visiting the tower, we took a river boat cruise along the Seine before eating dinner overlooking the Eiffel Tower.

Day 2: Strolling along the Champs-Elysées

On our second day, we strolled along the Champs-Elysées and took in the art scene of Paris. If you missed the detailed day, click here.

Our first stop of the day was the Arc de Triomphe where we climbed the stairs to the top for amazing views of the city in the morning sun. We then continued down the Champs-Elysées to window shop and stop at the amazing cafes on the street for hot chocolate at Angelina’s and macrons at Laduree.

We then continued to the Tuileries Garden and explored the Musee de L’Orangerie. Our final stop of the day was the Louvre to explore some of the amazing art the city has to offer, including seeing the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. 

Day 3: Ile de la Cité

On our third day, we explored Ile de la Cité. If you missed the detailed day, click here.

Our first stop of the day was Notre Dame. With the tragic fire this summer, the cathedral was closed on our visit; however, we enjoyed the church from the outside walking around it and enjoying breakfast at a local crepe cafe. Our next stop was the Conciergerie prison and palace to learn more about the French Revolution.

Afterward, we walked around the island – stopping in cute little shops and tasting rose shaped ice cream. Our final stop of the day was to my favorite church in Europe, Sainte Chapelle Cathedral, for an string quarter concert among the sparkling stain glass. 

Day 4: Montmartre

On our fourth day, we explored the artist community of Montmartre. If you missed the detailed day, click here.

Our first stop of the day was the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. We started the day by climbing the steps of Montmartre toward the basilica which ended in a spectacular view of the city! After exploring the basilica, we headed for Place du Tertre, the main square in Montmartre where all the artists hang out. Our last stop of the day was at the flagship Galeries Lafayette department store. 

Day 5: Day trip from Paris to Versailles

On our fifth day, we took a day trip to Versailles. If you missed the detailed day, click here.

Our first stop of the day was the main palace for an audio tour of the staterooms. We then headed outside to explore the gardens and rented a row boat along Grand Canal. Next, we explored the king and queen’s private residence at the Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon Palaces. We ended the day at Marie Antoinette’s English Hamlet that was a working farm.

Day 6: Side trip to Fontainebleau

On our sixth day, we moved off the beaten path to Fontainebleau for our last remaining night in France. If you missed the detailed day, click here.

When we arrived in Fontainebleau, we checked into our hotel. Our first stop of the day, was visiting the famous Fontainebleau Chateau. Much quieter and less touristy than Versailles, we explored this for most of the day. We then went for a walk around the village and extensive forests surrounding the village. We ended the day at a multi-course local dinner.

Day 7: Morning in Fontainebleau & Departure from Paris

On our last day, we explored the Fontainebleau Chateau gardens before leaving for the Paris airport back home.

You may also like: The Ultimate Paris Travel Guide and Strolling the Champs-Elysées in Paris