Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Montmartre & Art
Morning Arrivée à Paris & installation à Montmartre
Arrive in Paris by train (Gare du Nord/Eurostar, Gare de Lyon/TGV) or by plane (CDG via RER B, ~35 min; Orly via OrlyVal + RER B, ~45 min). Head to your boutique hotel in Montmartre - the 18th arrondissement has charming addresses near the funicular or around Rue Lepic. Drop off your luggage, then enjoy a café crème on a Rue des Abbesses terrace to soak in the bohemian atmosphere of the painters' quarter before the afternoon.
Afternoon Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre & vignes de Montmartre
Climb the 300 steps (or take the funicular) to the Sacré-Cœur basilica for a 360° panoramic view of Paris. Then stroll through Place du Tertre among portrait artists, and walk down to the Clos Montmartre vineyard (the last working vineyard in Paris). Pass the Mur des Je t'aime at Square Jehan-Rictus before heading to dinner.
Evening Dîner au Moulin de la Galette
Dine at this historic restaurant immortalized by Renoir. Refined French cuisine in a 19th-century setting with garden.
Day 2 Le Marais & Culture
Morning Musée Picasso
Explore the world's largest collection of Picasso's works in the magnificent Hôtel Salé (17th century). Over 5,000 pieces spanning his entire career.
Afternoon Place des Vosges & Galeries
Stroll under the arcades of the oldest square in Paris (1612). Visit the Victor Hugo House (free), then explore the contemporary galleries and boutiques of Rue des Francs-Bourgeois.
Evening Apéro canal Saint-Martin
Join the Parisians for drinks by the Canal Saint-Martin. Laid-back atmosphere, iron footbridges, and swing bridge - straight out of an Amélie Poulain scene.
Day 3 Left Bank & Bohemia
Morning Musée d'Orsay
Admire the world's largest Impressionist collection in this former railway station. Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh - all under one spectacular glass roof.
Afternoon Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Explore the mythical district of existentialism: Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, Shakespeare and Company bookshop. Follow in the footsteps of Sartre, Beauvoir, and Hemingway.
Evening Jazz à Saint-Germain
Dive into the jazz atmosphere of Saint-Germain cellars. Le Duc des Lombards or Le Sunset/Sunside offer world-class concerts in an intimate setting.
Day 4 Offbeat & Gourmet Paris
Morning Marché d'Aligre
Immerse yourself in one of the most authentic markets in Paris: fruits, cheeses, spices, flowers. The adjacent flea market is a haven for vintage lovers.
Afternoon Promenade Plantée & Bercy Village
Walk along the Coulée Verte, this former railway line turned into an elevated garden (the inspiration for NYC's High Line). End at Bercy Village for shopping in former wine warehouses.
Evening Transfert vers l'aéroport ou la gare & départ
Head from Montmartre to your departure point. By metro, allow 30-40 min via Line 12 then RER B for CDG. The Roissybus from Opéra runs directly to CDG (€16.60, ~60 min). For Orly, Tram 7 + Metro 7 or Orlybus from Denfert-Rochereau. For train departures, Gare du Nord (Eurostar) is 15 min by metro from Abbesses, Gare de Lyon 25 min. Pre-book a VTC the day before for a stress-free direct transfer. Goodbye, City of Light, until your next bohemian getaway.