5 Days in Paris - A Food and Culture Adventure
Experience the City of Love: Paris.
22 April 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
As a tourist in Paris, one can experience an extensive variety of attractions, activities and delicacies. Tourists can visit the iconic Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles, as well as enjoy a delicious croissant and coffee in a French café. Exploring the city's charming streets and neighborhoods, tasting exceptional wine and cheese, strolling the banks of the Seine River, and watching the elegant Opera Garnier are just a few of the highlights one can expect in Paris.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into Hotel Saint-Marc, a chic boutique hotel in the 2nd arrondissement.
- Head to Montmartre for stunning views of Paris and to explore the quaint streets dotted with artists' ateliers.
- Visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a glimpse into Paris' spiritual side.
- Stop by Café des Deux Moulins, made famous by the film Amélie, for a coffee and croissant.
- Indulge in a delicious dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais, a classic Parisian bistro in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
- Start the day at the Louvre Museum, where you can spend hours admiring its vast collection of art.
- Wander through the historic Tuileries Garden towards the Musée d'Orsay to view the Impressionist masterpieces.
- Head to the Centre Pompidou, housing modern art exhibitions and the best panoramic views in town.
- Take a stroll along the Seine to the Île de la Cité, home to the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Dine at Le Grand Véfour, a Michelin-starred restaurant with ornate 18th-century décor.
- Indulge in a quintessential French breakfast at Angelina with their signature hot chocolate and croissants.
- Walk through the Marais neighborhood and explore vintage shops and galleries.
- Visit the Marché aux Fleurs, the oldest flower market in Paris, for a sensory overload.
- Visit the Eiffel Tower and take in the stunning city views from above.
- Enjoy dinner at Le Jules Verne, a restaurant on top of the Eiffel Tower with creative French cuisine.
- Start with a traditional breakfast of brioche and café au lait at Eric Kayser.
- Head to the Saint-Ouen Flea Market and explore the antiques and vintage finds.
- Stop by Marché des Enfants Rouges for a multicultural culinary experience in one of the city's oldest covered markets.
- Sample French wine and cheese at Les Caves du Louvre through their interactive tasting experience.
- Dine at Septime, a contemporary bistro with a creative seasonal menu.
- Take a morning stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens before it gets crowded.
- Visit the Palace of Versailles and spend hours exploring its grandeur and gardens.
- Unwind with a spa treatment at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, followed by high tea in their floral-filled courtyard.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at Le Grand Colbert, the famous brasserie where Diane Keaton filmed Something's Gotta Give.
- End with a glass of champagne on the iconic Pont des Arts bridge, watching the city's lights reflect on the Seine.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Paris by plane is to fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport, which is serviced by most major airlines. There are also direct flights to Orly Airport, which is closer to the city center.
Car
Driving to Paris from London is possible via the Channel Tunnel, but be aware of toll charges along the way. The journey takes around 6 hours depending on traffic.
Train
There are multiple train stations in Paris, but the best way to reach Paris by train would be to take the Eurostar from London St. Pancras International Station to Gare du Nord in Paris.
Boat
While it is technically possible to sail from London to Paris via the River Seine, it is not a practical means of transportation. Instead, consider taking a river cruise from another European city, such as Amsterdam or Budapest, that includes a stop in Paris.
Bus
Taking a bus from London to Paris is a popular option, with the best bus service being Flixbus. The journey takes around 7 hours and the bus will drop you off at Bercy Seine Bus Station in Paris.