Paris

Follow us on a 4 day adventure to the city of lights. From leisurely strolls along the Seine, to marveling at iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, sipping coffee at charming cafés, viewing world-class art at the Louvre Museum, visiting history at Versailles, or savoring incredible cuisine, Paris is a place that captures your heart and never lets go.

To see other itineraries that include Paris check out: France/Italy/Greece & Southern France.

Day 1

Our Paris adventure began with check-in at the elegant Hotel Abbaye, a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Paris, just steps away from charming cobblestone streets and quaint cafés. The hotel’s warm ambiance and classic Parisian style immediately made us feel right at home.

After settling in, we set out for a Sandemans New Europe Free Tour of Paris. This engaging walking tour offered a wonderful introduction to the city's rich history, from the medieval wonders of the Île de la Cité to the stunning architecture of the Louvre and the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral. As we strolled through the city’s iconic streets, our guide brought the stories of Paris to life, sharing intriguing anecdotes and little-known facts about the city's vibrant past and present. It was a fantastic way to see many of Paris’s highlights while taking in the bustling energy of the city.

That evening, we headed to Le Grand Colbert for dinner, where we enjoyed a classic French meal in a beautifully elegant setting, made famous by the movie "Something’s Gotta Give." We savored a classic French dinner, featuring dishes like perfectly cooked duck confit and rich crème brûlée. As we dined, we couldn’t help but feel like we had stepped back into a more elegant era. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Paris.

Itinerary:

Hotel: Hotel Abbaye

Reviews: Trip Advisor

Sandemans New Europe Free Tour of Paris

Dinner: Le Grand Colbert (featured in the movie “Somethings GottaGive” with Diane Keaton)

Reviews: TripAdvisor

Day 2

Itinerary:

After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we set out to really explore in the magic of Paris. Our first stop was the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg, just a short walk from our hotel. We wandered along the tree-lined paths, pausing to admire the Palais du Luxembourg, and watched as Parisians enjoyed their morning strolls or read by the tranquil pond.

From there, we made our way to the iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. Its Gothic architecture was breathtaking up close, and the intricate details of the stone carvings left us in awe. Nearby, we visited Sainte-Chapelle, a hidden gem that dazzled us with its magnificent stained-glass windows, bathing the interior in a kaleidoscope of colors. It felt like stepping into a jewelled box.

Next, we headed to the world-renowned Louvre Museum. We spent a few hours exploring its vast collection, from the mysterious smile of the Mona Lisa to the stunning beauty of the Venus de Milo, and my favorite Winged Victory.

After our cultural dive, we took to the bustling Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Known for its luxury boutiques and charming cafés, the Champs-Élysées offered some of the best shopping in the world. We took our time browsing high-end stores and indulged in a bit of Parisian retail therapy before making our way to the Arc de Triomphe. Climbing to the top rewarded us with a panoramic view of Paris, with the city stretching out beneath us in all directions.

Our last stop was the iconic Eiffel Tower. The tower was magnificent, both as a symbol of Paris and as a marvel of engineering.

For dinner, we were fortunate to have scored a reservation at Le Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant located inside the Eiffel Tower itself. Dining with a view of Paris illuminated at night was a truly unforgettable experience. The elegant dishes, paired with the dazzling lights of the city below, made it the perfect way to end a day filled with the best of Parisian sights and flavors.

Dinner: We were lucky enough to score a reservation at Le Jules Verne located

in the Eiffel Tower!

Reviews: TripAdvisor

Day 3

Day 3 of our Parisian adventure took us beyond the city’s borders for a taste of royal splendor. We caught the train from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles-Chantiers, excited to explore the opulent world of the French monarchy. At the Palace of Versailles, we elected to take the full tour, complete with a passport ticket that granted us access to the Hall of Mirrors, the lavish royal apartments, and the stunning palace gardens. Strolling through the intricately designed halls, we could almost hear the echoes of the grand parties and political intrigue that once filled these rooms.

Midway through our tour, we enjoyed a gourmet lunch right on the palace grounds—a delightful break surrounded by the elegance of Versailles. The peaceful garden setting and delicious French cuisine made it a meal to remember, providing the perfect recharge before heading back to Paris.

In the afternoon, we returned by train and made our way to Montmartre, the historic, bohemian heart of Paris. There, we joined a Montmartre Walking Tour, winding through its narrow, cobbled streets, past the charming cafés, art studios, and iconic landmarks like the Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched atop the hill. The tour’s stories of artists like Picasso and Van Gogh brought the area’s vibrant past to life, and the panoramic views over Paris were simply breathtaking.

That evening, we immersed ourselves in classic Parisian nightlife with a cabaret show at the legendary Moulin Rouge. The dazzling costumes, lively choreography, and the electric atmosphere made for an unforgettable experience.

The evening didn’t end there—after the show, we headed to La Table de Colette for a late-night dinner. The intimate atmosphere and refined dishes were the perfect way to unwind after a day filled with history, art, and the timeless allure of Paris.

Itinerary:

We took the train from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles-Chantiers. See RailEurope for schedules.

Versailles Palace tour and lunch (passport + gourmet break)

Reviews: TripAdvisor

Return by train to Paris

Head to Montmartre for the Montmartre Walking Tour.

See a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge

Reviews: TripAdvisor

Dinner: La Table de Colette

Reviews: TripAdvisor

Day 4

Day 4 took us on a journey into the heart of Champagne country. We boarded a train from Paris Montparnasse Station to the city of Reims. Upon arriving, our first stop was the renowned Ruinart Cellars, one of the oldest Champagne houses in the world. The tour led us deep underground into the chalky, cool tunnels where the famous Ruinart bottles are aged. These ancient caves, carved from the region's distinctive chalk, exuded a unique atmosphere filled with the earthy aroma of aging wine, and as we explored the dimly lit passages, we learned about the intricate process of Champagne-making, followed by a tasting that brought out the rich flavors and delicate bubbles of their signature cuvées.

With a bit of a Champagne glow, we headed to Brasserie Le Jardin for lunch. Nestled within the beautiful Les Crayèresestate, this charming brasserie offered a menu that perfectly balanced traditional French flavors with a modern twist. Enjoying fresh, local dishes while surrounded by lush greenery felt like a true escape into the countryside.

After lunch, we spent the afternoon strolling through the historic streets of Reims, taking in the blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. We visited the Abbey and Basilica of Saint-Remi, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that houses centuries of history within its walls. We also explored the city’s Cryptoporticus Tunnels, ancient Roman galleries that revealed the hidden layers of Reims' storied past. Walking through these underground passages felt like stepping back in time.

As the day came to an end, we caught the train back to Paris, eager for a final evening in the City of Light. That night, we embarked on a sunset dinner cruise along the River Seine. The gentle glow of the setting sun painted the city in warm hues as we drifted past illuminated landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. Over a delicious meal paired with French wine, we watched as the city transformed under the night sky, the reflections of Parisian lights shimmering on the water. It was a perfect, magical way to cap off our day and savor our last night in Paris.