Paris: The City of Light

You land in Paris and the adventure begins. After collecting your luggage, getting to the center is easy via RER B (about 50 min from CDG).

Stroll through Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, and stop by Notre-Dame to see the restoration progress. Wander through Le Marais, where every corner hides a boulangerie or art gallery.

Tip: Buy the Navigo Decouverte weekly pass if you arrive on Monday; you'll get unlimited metro & RER for ~30 EUR.

Book your Louvre timed entry in advance. Without a reservation, the queue can exceed 2 hours. Allow at least 3 hours: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory are must-sees, but the Islamic Art wing is a hidden gem.

Afterwards, stroll through the Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde. If the weather is good, perfect for a terrace coffee.

Tip: On Wednesdays and Fridays the Louvre stays open until 9:45 PM; the evening visit is calmer and more atmospheric.

Today is the icon: the Eiffel Tower. If you're going to the top, book weeks in advance (slots sell out fast). The second floor has the best views for photos without glass.

Walk down through the Champ de Mars and cross the bridge to Trocadero for the classic photo. Continue along the Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe; the climb is worth it at sunset.

Tip: Bring a picnic to the Champ de Mars: a baguette, cheese and a bottle of wine. It's the most Parisian experience you can have.

Head up to Montmartre early, before the crowds arrive. The Sacre-Coeur basilica offers 360-degree views of Paris from its dome.

Explore Place du Tertre where painters and portrait artists work outdoors. Wind down through alleys to the Moulin Rouge (the exterior photo is free). This neighborhood is perfect for wandering without a map.

Tip: Try a Nutella crepe at the creperies on Rue Lepic; the most authentic ones are away from the main square.

Last day in Paris. Spend the morning at the Musee d'Orsay, the cathedral of Impressionism: Monet, Renoir, Degas and Van Gogh await. The building, a former train station, is a work of art itself.

Then stroll through Saint-Germain-des-Pres: Shakespeare & Company bookshop, Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots are must-stops. Last macaron at Laduree before saying goodbye.

Tip: The Paris Museum Pass (2 days) covers Orsay, Louvre and 50+ other museums. If you didn't buy it earlier, Orsay alone is worth the 2-3 hours.