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My Ideal 3 Days In Paris

3 Days In Paris

I’ve been asked what I would do with 3 days in Paris and wanted to share it all with you as it might be different from other itineraries.

I am basing this on the fact I’ve been to Paris before and have seen all the major tourist attractions. If it’s your first time in Paris, then that’s a completely different agenda.

These 3 days are based on what I would do, what I want to see, where I want to eat, and which arrondissement I would stay.

Everyone’s definition of traveling to Paris is so different depending on your interests and what you want to see.

Maybe you’re an art lover and just want to go to museums, or you want to mostly shop, or you’re a foodie and want to eat your way around the city.

You can’t see everything in Paris in 3 days but that’s a great excuse why you need to go back. My advice is don’t try and pack it all in so much that you don’t enjoy yourself.

The best part about Paris to me is getting lost and wandering the streets because you never know where you will end up.

I don’t ever wake up with a huge itinerary in mind of what I am doing for the day. I may have one or two things planned and a specific area I want to go to but never a long list of things I must do.

Most days though, I start early, I can never sleep in Paris so I am always up and out the door by around 8, if not earlier.

Hopefully, my ideal 3 days in Paris can provide a little inspiration for your next getaway to the city of lights. Paris can definitely be done in 3 amazing and glorious days.

You can also see how I would plan a trip to Paris in this post here.

When I Would Go To Paris

There is never a bad time to go to Paris, but I would say Spring, April to June, and September to early November are the most ideal times for Paris.

The weather is amazing, the city isn’t full of tourists, and you can get some great airfare and hotel deals.

Where I Would Stay

For me, there is no better arrondissement than the 6th, which includes Saint-Germain-des-Prés, located on the left bank.

You can read all about my Saint-Germain-des-Prés guide and all my favorites in that area in this post.

A few hotels I’ve stayed in and ones on my wishlist for future visits are Hotel Récamier , Bonsoir Madame, and Relais Christine.

I also stayed at Hotel Mansart in the 1st arrondissement. The hotel is within walking distance of Place Vendôme and the Ritz Hotel right next door.

The 1st arrondissement is great for first-time visits to Paris. Hotel Mansart is perfect if you’re looking for a hotel with close access to The Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, and department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

Other Arrondissements To Stay In

  • The Marais (4th arrondissement), Trendy and Romantic
  • The Palais-Bourbon (7th arrondissement), Best Eiffel Tower Views
  • The Louvre (1st arrondissement), All the Touristy Things
  • Montmarte (18th arrondissement), Charming, Cobblestone Streets

Day 1- Saint Germain and the 1st

Starting The Day

Breakfast at Café de Flore in Saint Germain-des-Prés. I know this iconic café has somewhat of a mixed opinion. I personally love to start here with a café crème, croissant, and people-watch for a bit to get my day started.

After this, I would honestly just see where the day takes me, but here’s a list of places I ideally would go.

  • Luxembourg Gardens – My favorite park area in Paris for a bit of relaxing after a long day or in the morning for a bit of quiet.
  • Saint Germain has some amazing shopping and these are the stores I always visit in the area. Sézane, Maison Standard, Diptyque ( I try to buy a scent not available in the U.S.), and Officine Universelle Buly.
  • Walk across the bridge to the Louvre area, through the Tuileries, and make my way across to Place Vendôme.
  • Stop at the Ritz Comptoir for Madeline’s. You can’t go wrong with any of the flavors but my favorite is the Caramel, Chocolate, raspberry, and Passion.
  • After the Ritz, it’s time to head down to Rue St Honoré for a bit of shopping at some of my favorite French brands like ba&sh Paris, and Isabel Marant.
  • Lunch will be at Chez Georges, a classic French bistro, filled with locals during the lunch hour. Order the daily special, steak frites, or the boeuf bourguignon. You will want to make a reservation here and dress appropriately.
  • Musee d’ Orsay – My absolute favorite museum in Paris but that’s because I love Impressionism. I always make a visit here on every single trip. So inspirational and beautiful. I don’t stay long, maybe an hour or so but enough to take it all in.
  • Evening Champage at Les Deux Magots or Le Bonaparte. Try to sit at one of the front tables facing the street for amazing people-watching. These are not places for amazing food by any means but more my favorite places for drinks to start.
  • For dinner Le Voltaire which has incredible and classic French food. You will need to make a reservation and dress appropriately.
  • If I am not in the mood for something serious, then a picnic by the Seine is always an incredible way to do dinner. Grab a baguette, and cheese from Barthelemy , olives, a bottle of wine, or champagne (don’t forget you need a bottle opener), and head to the Seine. You don’t need a fancy picnic by any means.
  • To end the night, head to a bridge to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle.

Day 2- Marias and Ill de la Cite

Starting The Day

I’ll start the day with breakfast at Café Saint Régis, on the corner of Saint-Louis en l´Île Street and in front of Saint-Louis Bridge.

Not only is this an incredibly picturesque café but it’s a great place for people-watching in the morning.

After breakfast and walking around the area a bit here’s where the day would lead.

  • Notre Dame is still sadly closed but you can walk over here and see the exterior.
  • Stroll through Place Dauphine, love this quaint and charming area.
  • Head over to the Marais for the afternoon.
  • Stopping at a few favorite stores in the Marais like MERCI and Bring Home France for little gifts. Honestly, I don’t shop a ton in the Marais but I love walking around and looking at all the little shops.
  • Walk over to Marche des Enfants Rouge, the oldest food market in Paris.
  • For lunch either Chez Julien, Carette, or Cafe Charlot. You can’t go wrong with any of these.
  • At some point during the day, I’ll head over to Place des Vosges and just sit and relax. This is another park I love in Paris.
  • Go to Aux Merveilleux de Fred for Meringues and Waffles. Might sound odd but seriously two of the most amazing dessert items I’ve ever eaten.
  • Dinner would be at Le Colimaçon– make a reservation.

Day 3 Montmarte

Starting The Day

Grab a Café Créme from a nearby café and Uber to the flea market. After the market, head to Montmartre for the afternoon for just a few hours. This area is always very busy so don’t stay too long, but it’s too charming to miss each time.

  • Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen flea market for a few hours.
  • Back to Montmartre to walk around for the afternoon.
  • Grab a pastry from Pain Pain.
  • Head up to the Sacré-Cœur to walk around.
  • Lunch back in the 9th at Pink Mamma, make a reservation.
  • After lunch walk to the Palais Garnier Opera House, such an incredibly beautiful building that you can also take a tour of inside.
  • Then shopping at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
  • Dinner at Lou Lou Paris. Depending on the time of year, try and sit on the terrace if it’s open.
  • One last glow of the Eiffel Tower before it’s time to leave.

After this trip, you go home and plan another one.

Again, this is specific to what I would do and what I would want to see. There’s never enough time in Paris, but these 3 days would definitely leave my heart full returning from the city of lights.

6 Comments

  1. Thank you, for all this wonderful information! And for all your research. I have been to Paris several times, but I am also inspired and excited by your
    Blog!
    Thank you,
    Norma

    1. Hi Norma,
      Thank you for reading and always happy to help provide information. Thank you so much for reading and have a great day!
      Noelani

  2. Goodness do you really know Paris? That schedule is almost impossible to achieve
    St Ouen- Montmartre –
    Galleries Lafayette in one day omg get your skates on ladies – impossible. Do your homework!,,

    1. Hi Ali,
      Lol. Well, I am pretty confident in how many times I’ve been to Paris. Although, every schedule is different. And, this is just for inspiration, obviously tailor to what you want to do. As I mentioned in the post, this is what I would do and it’s fluid right. You seem to know Paris also, so the best thing is to get lost and wander so this schedule definitely doesn’t have to be followed.
      Have a great day! Noelani

  3. Thank you for this information. While reading your 3 day Paris itinerary, I almost felt I was a visitor in this beautiful city.

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