Your 7-Day Paris Couples Itinerary: Musee du Louvre & Eiffel Tower
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle · Eiffel Tower · Champ de Mars · Musée d'Orsay · Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris · Marché des Enfants Rouges
Part one
Is this trip for you?
Paris provides a density of art, culinary history, and neighborhood character that Rome lacks in its more scattered ruins and aggressive transit. Where Rome focuses on ancient sprawl, Paris centers on the evolution of urban life, from the 19th-century boulevards to the distinct village atmosphere of the 18th. It is built for long art-filled days and late cafe evenings over high-energy monument hopping.
Your itinerary covers 5 must-have experiences
Iconic Landmarks
✓ Day 1: Eiffel Tower
World-Class Museums
✓ Day 2: Musee d'Orsay
A Gastronomic Market Hall Tasting Tour
✓ Day 2: Marche des Enfants Rouges
Classic Parisian Neighborhood Strolls
✓ Day 3: Montmartre
Riverside Cruises
✓ Day 6: Bateaux-Mouches
📅 Best Time to Visit
Visit in May, June, or September for mild weather and manageable crowds. Avoid August if you want a local experience, as many residents leave for holiday and smaller shops close. Temperatures usually range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius during these months.
Part two
The plan, day by day
The seven days follow a deliberate geographic arc, beginning in the formal 7th and 8th to establish the classic scale before pushing north into the hilltop streets of the 18th. Mid-week focuses on the historic heart to anchor the trip in the oldest parts of the city. We save the 10th and 19th for the end to trade monument density for the quieter, water-focused rhythm of the Canal Saint-Martin, which acts as a gentle wind-down before your departure.
This itinerary prioritizes high-density cultural hubs and the evolution of urban arrondissements over peripheral excursions. You will miss the sprawling palace grounds of Versailles and the deep forest paths of the Bois de Boulogne, which demand half-days that would break the rhythm of your neighborhood explorations. This structure is for the traveler who wants to know the city texture intimately; it is the wrong choice if your goal is checking off major national monuments outside the city limits.
Extend your stay by two days to include a dedicated trip to Giverny. You can walk through Monet's gardens when the wisteria hits the peak of its season, offering a sensory contrast to the stone-heavy heart of Paris.
No cultural experiences (traditions, festivals, ethnic neighborhoods) were included
- Morning
08:00 AM - Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)· 2 hrs
USD 60 (~EUR 55)Arrive at terminal. Take RER B train to Gare du Nord (~35 min, $12), then metro to city center. Alternatively, taxi directly to central area (~60 min, $60).
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Quiche Lorraine in the 7th arrondissement· 1 hr
USD 10 (~EUR 9)Quiche LorraineEnjoy a warm slice of traditional egg and bacon custard tart at a local bakery near the Seine.
Typical $6–10 - 🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Eiffel Tower· 3 hrs
USD 30 (~EUR 28) - Evening🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
05:30 PM - Champ de Mars· 1 hr 30 min
FREE 07:30 PM - Dinner: Steak Frites in the 7th arrondissement· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~EUR 23)Steak FritesClassic pan-seared beef with crispy shoestring fries at a lively neighborhood brasserie.
Typical $18–28
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
This historic district is perfectly placed between the major museums and the river, offering a quintessentially Parisian atmosphere for your first nights.
- Morning⚠️ Closed on Monday🕐 Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:30 AM - Musée d'Orsay· 3 hrs
USD 16 (~EUR 15) - Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Salad Nicoise in Saint-Germain-des-Pres· 1 hr
USD 18 (~EUR 17)Salad NicoiseEnjoy a fresh, classic salad featuring tuna and hard-boiled eggs in a charming street-side cafe setting.
Typical $12–20 - 🕐 Monday: 7:50 AM – 7:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:50 AM – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:50 AM – 7:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris· 1 hr 30 min
FREE - ⚠️ Closed on Monday🕐 Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM; Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
04:00 PM - Marché des Enfants Rouges· 1 hr
FREE - Evening🕐 Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:45 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:45 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:45 PMConfirm hours on Maps
05:30 PM - Vedettes du Pont Neuf· 1 hr 30 min
USD 15 (~EUR 14) 07:30 PM - Dinner: Pot-au-feu in Le Marais· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~EUR 23)Pot-au-feuSavor a traditional slow-cooked beef stew in a historic bistro within the heart of the Marais district.
Typical $20–35
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
This classic left-bank neighborhood offers a quintessential Parisian atmosphere with easy access to museums and the river for evening walks.
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Sandwich in Montmartre· 1 hr
USD 8 (~EUR 7)SandwichPick up a fresh jambon-beurre from a local boulangerie and enjoy it on a bench overlooking the city.
Typical $4–8 - Closes 6 PM · 3.5h here⚠️ Closed on Monday🕐 Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:30 PM - Museum of Romantic Life· 1 hr 30 min
FREE - Evening🕐 Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
05:00 PM - Atelier des Lumières· 1 hr 30 min
USD 17 (~EUR 16) 07:30 PM - Dinner: Tarte Tatin in the 11th arrondissement· 1 hr 30 min
USD 30 (~EUR 28)Tarte TatinSavor a traditional bistro dinner in the lively 11th, ending with a warm, caramelized apple tart.
Typical $7–12
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
This historic district remains perfectly situated for easy access to the Left Bank sites and offers a classic Parisian atmosphere.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
10:00 AM - Musée Jacquemart-André· 2 hrs
USD 17 (~EUR 16) - Afternoon
12:15 PM - Lunch: Croque Monsieur in the 8th arrondissement· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EUR 14)Croque MonsieurClassic Parisian ham and cheese sandwich toasted to perfection at a local bistro.
- ⚠️ Closed on Monday🕐 Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Petit Palais· 1 hr 30 min
FREE - 🕐 Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
04:30 PM - Arc de Triomphe· 1 hr 30 min
USD 13 (~EUR 12) - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Coq au Vin in the 1st arrondissement· 1 hr
USD 25 (~EUR 23)Coq au VinBraised chicken in red wine served in a cozy setting in the heart of the capital.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
This neighborhood offers unmatched walkability to historic landmarks, quintessential cafes, and vibrant art galleries in a romantic, classic Parisian atmosphere.
- Morning⚠️ Closed on Monday🕐 Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
10:00 AM - Carnavalet Museum· 2 hrs
FREE - Afternoon
12:15 PM - Lunch: Falafel in Le Marais· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EUR 14) - 🕐 Monday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
01:30 PM - Jardin des Plantes· 1 hr 30 min
FREE 03:30 PM - Stroll through Square du Vert-Galant· 1 hr 30 min
FREE
A peaceful park located at the western tip of the Ile de la Cite, offering beautiful views of the Seine.
- Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: French Onion Soup in Le Marais· 1 hr 30 min
USD 35 (~EUR 32)French Onion SoupSavory bowl of classic onion soup with melted gruyere in a cozy neighborhood bistro.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Central location with classic Parisian atmosphere and easy walkability to major sites.
- Morning
10:00 AM - Musee Rodin· 3 hrs
USD 15 (~EUR 14)
Douglas O'Brien from Canada (CC BY-SA 2.0Explore the beautiful sculpture garden and mansion housing the masterpieces of Auguste Rodin in his former residence.
- Afternoon
01:00 PM - Lunch: Quiche Lorraine in Saint-Germain-des-Pres· 1 hr
USD 18 (~EUR 17)Quiche LorraineEnjoy a classic savory tart in one of the historic cafes of the Left Bank.
Typical $6–10 - 🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:45 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:45 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:45 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Église Saint-Sulpice· 1 hr 30 min
FREE - 🕐 Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
04:00 PM - Bateaux-Mouches· 1 hr 30 min
USD 15 (~EUR 14) - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Beef Bourguignon in the Latin Quarter· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~EUR 23)Beef BourguignonWarm up with a hearty, slow-cooked beef stew in a traditional bistro setting.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Stays central to major cultural sites and offers a classic Parisian atmosphere.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:30 AM - Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise· 2 hrs
FREE - Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Trippa alla Romana in the 11th arrondissement· 1 hr
USD 22 (~EUR 20)Trippa alla RomanaSample a classic slow-cooked stew at a vibrant bistro tucked into a quiet corner of the 11th.
03:30 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREEReturn to the hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Pres to gather bags before the final departure.
04:30 PM - Depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)· 5 hrs
USD 50 (~EUR 46)Direct transfer and airport check-in process for the evening flight home.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
This historic district remains the most walkable base for accessing the city center and transit hubs throughout your final day.
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Customize this tripFreePart three
Food, shopping & festivals
Top 6 dishes to try
Sandwich
Paris

Quiche Lorraine
Paris

Tarte Tatin
Paris

Steak Frites
Paris
Pot-au-feu
Paris
Salad Nicoise
Paris
Markets & neighborhoods
Bustling, casual bistro culture where younger crowds congregate for relaxed afternoon meals.
Classic central French cafes overlooking the Seine, ideal for a quick midday stop.
Traditional bakeries and quick lunch spots including the famous falafel stands on rue des Rosiers.
Good to Know
Top 6 souvenirs
Savon de Marseille
Paris
📍 La Compagnie de Provence
French pharmacy skincare
Paris
Shop for brands like La Roche-Posay at half the home price.
📍 Citypharma in Saint-Germain-des-Pres
DeliPapier notebook
Paris
These iconic notebooks feature unique textures and high-quality paper rarely found elsewhere.
📍 Papeterie de la Rue Dante
Mariage Freres tea
Paris
Choose from hundreds of blends in elegant tins at their historic Le Marais shop.
📍 Mariage Freres, Rue du Bourg-Tibourg
Beret
Paris
📍 Le Beret Francais
Vintage French poster
Paris
📍 Bouquinistes along the Seine
Markets & districts
Independent designer fashion, vintage clothing, and specialty tea.
Narrow medieval streets packed with fashionable boutiques and busy weekend crowds.
High-end stationery, luxury lifestyle goods, and curated apothecary products.
Refined and intellectual with historic cafes and elegant storefronts.
Good to Know
Bastille Day
Fete Nationale
Jul 14
French National Day with military parade on Champs-Elysees and Eiffel Tower fireworks.
Tour de France
Jul 4
World's most famous cycling race crossing France, finishing on the Champs-Elysees.

Christmas
Noël
Dec 25
France's Christmas capital is Strasbourg, hosting Europe's oldest Christmas market (Christkindelsmärik) since 1570. Paris illuminates the Champs-Élysées and major boulevards. Réveillon — the Christmas Eve feast of foie gras, oysters and bûche de Noël — is the culinary centrepiece.

Fete de la Musique
Jun 21
Free music festival across all of France with concerts on every street corner.
Nuit Blanche
Oct 3
All-night art festival with free installations, performances, and open museums across Paris.
Part four
Costs & booking
- Total for a couple — 7 days mid-range trip, excludes international flights
- Accommodation assumes 1 shared room
- Rough estimates — actual prices vary by season and availability
Local Transport
Accommodation
AI estimated based on typical hotel costs
Food
Activities
Curious how this stacks up? See how trip costs compare across countries in our Trip Cost Index.
Moderate -- expect 100 USD per night for hotels and 50 USD per person daily for food. Tap water is safe; just ask for une carafe d eau at restaurants to skip paying for bottled water.
Skip single metro tickets and buy a Navigo Easy card for 2 EUR; load it with a carnets of 10 rides to save about 30 percent over individual fares.
Look for a prix fixe lunch menu in the 11th arrondissement for 20 to 25 EUR; it offers the same quality as dinner for half the price.
Book an evening river cruise on the Seine for 15 to 20 EUR; it is the best way to see the city lights without the crowds of a rooftop bar.
Avoid the Eiffel Tower summit queue by walking to the Trocadero gardens at sunrise; the view of the structure is better and entirely free.
Eiffel Tower summit ticketsDay 1
Book 2 months ahead -- Tickets release 60 days in advance at midnight CET on the official website; these sell out within minutes for prime time slots.
Musee d'Orsay timed entry ticketsDay 2
Book 1 month ahead -- While not strictly mandatory, booking ahead via the official museum website avoids 2-hour queues at the main entrance.
Atelier des Lumieres entry ticketsDay 3
Book 2 weeks ahead -- This popular immersive art space requires advance timed-entry booking online to guarantee access, as capacity is strictly limited.
Paris Museum PassDay 1
Book 1 week ahead -- Purchase online and collect at a central office or airport; covers entry to the Musee d'Orsay, Carnavalet, and Arc de Triomphe.
Bateaux-Mouches dinner cruise reservationDay 6
Book 3 weeks ahead -- Popular evening cruises for dinner sell out quickly, especially during weekends and high tourist season.
Part five
Before you go
TGV high-speed rail; Paris Métro is extensive
Navigo Card (Paris)
Get a Navigo card for unlimited Paris transport. Book TGV tickets early for best prices.
- Load the Ile-de-France Mobilites app to manage your Navigo Easy pass and track Metro lines in real time.
- Avoid staying in northern suburbs like Saint-Denis or Bobigny to minimize safety risks and long commute times into the city center.
- Enter a cafe with a polite 'Bonjour' — failing to greet staff is considered rude and often leads to slower service.
- Use the Metro between 6am and 12:30am, but keep bags in front of you on line 1 or line 4 to avoid pickpockets.
- Book Louvre tickets online at the official museum website exactly 60 days in advance to skip the main queue.
- Walk the Canal Saint-Martin at 7pm on a Friday for a local atmosphere far from the tourist-heavy Eiffel Tower area.
- Carry a physical coin purse, as small bakeries often prefer cash for purchases under 10 EUR.
- Visit bookstores in the Latin Quarter on a rainy Tuesday; they remain open and offer a quiet escape from crowded museums.
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Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
Stay connected abroad
Get a local eSIM — no swapping physical SIMs
Visa & Entry Requirements
US, UK, Australian, and Canadian citizens can visit the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days. Indian nationals require a Schengen visa, which must be obtained through the French consulate. Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Charles de Gaulle Airport or any Orange boutique in Paris
📍 Airalo app online
Free Paris Wi-Fi is available in many city parks and gardens. Cafes provide access, usually after you purchase a coffee, though many now have strict time limits.
Local French SIM cards allow roaming across the EU, but ensure your phone is carrier-unlocked before arrival.
Electric Socket Guide(230V · 50Hz)
Socket Types
Two round pins (most of Europe, South America)
Two round pins + ground hole (France, Belgium)
Tipping Etiquette
Service included (service compris); round up for good service
Round up to nearest €1–2
€1–2 per bag
Safety & Travel Advisories
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
17
15
18
112 for European emergency number
Payments
Cash useful at markets and small cafés
Widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard)
Very common
Chip and PIN is standard. American Express less widely accepted.
Most Western tourists do not need a visa for stays under 90 days within the Schengen zone. Others must check their specific consulate requirements well in advance. Always confirm entry rules based on your own nationality.
Paris is safe for solo travelers, provided you stay aware of your bags in transit hubs. Stick to well-lit areas at night and avoid the northern suburbs. Treat it with the same caution you would any major world capital.
The Metro is the most efficient way to travel across Paris. Buy a Navigo Easy card and top it up at any station machine. Avoid driving, as parking is scarce and traffic is intense.
Tipping is not mandatory because service is included in your bill. If you feel the service was truly excellent, you can leave a small amount of change, but it is never expected.
Most museums are closed on either Monday or Tuesday. Always check the official website before heading out to avoid a wasted trip.
Tap water is perfectly safe and delicious in Paris. Bring a reusable bottle and fill it at the public Wallace fountains found throughout the city.
Most retail shops close by 7pm or 8pm and are typically closed on Sundays. Bakeries and cafes usually stay open later, but check local hours for specific neighborhoods.
You do not need to be fluent, but learning a few basic greetings like Bonjour and Merci will make your interactions much smoother. Most people in tourist zones speak English.
These 4 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
An Independent Art-House Cinema Experience
e.g., Le Champo, Studio 28
A Traditional French Culinary Workshop
e.g., La Cuisine Paris, Le Cordon Bleu
A Rooftop Cocktail Bar with Skyline Views
e.g., Hotel Dame des Arts Rooftop, Too TacTac Skybar
A Historic Jazz Club Performance
e.g., Le Caveau de la Huchette, Duc des Lombards
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