Paris, the city of lights, romance, and timeless beauty. I spent 6 nights discovering its famous
landmarks, indulging in great food, and taking memorable day trips to magical places
outside the city. Here’s my full itinerary, with all the details and impressions that made this
trip unforgettable.
Quick Travel Snapshots
Best time to visit: Late spring (May–June) or early fall (September) for pleasant weather
and fewer crowds.
How many days you need: At least 5–6 days to cover Paris and enjoy a couple of day trips.
Most inspiring: Walking through Monet’s Gardens and seeing the real-life water lilies and
bridge.
Best walk: Strolling the Tuileries Gardens from the Louvre toward the Eiffel Tower.
Favorite foodie moments: Lunch at Loulou with Eiffel Tower views, and dinner at
Madame Brasserie inside the tower.
Family fun: Spending the day at Disneyland Paris.
Magical moment: Sitting with a glass of wine in the park and watching the Eiffel Tower
sparkle every hour after sunset.
First impressions.
Arriving in Paris felt like stepping into a painting-elegant streets, grand arquitecture, and
that unmistakable Parisian energy everywhere. My very first stroll around Saint-Germain
was all about little cafes, people sipping wine, and the Seine shining nearby. It struck me
right away how art and beauty are woven into the everyday life of the city. Paris instantly felt
inspiring, romantic and alive.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Evening Stroll
There’s nothing like that first evening in Paris. After checking into my hotel, I walked around
the city to soak in the Parisian vibe. The Saint-Germain area is buzzing with life: narrow
streets lined with cafés, little boutiques, and terraces full of people enjoying wine or coffee.
It was the perfect, laid-back way to start the trip.
Day 2 – Versailles Day Trip
A full day was dedicated to the Palace of Versailles. The grandeur of the palace itself is
impressive, but the gardens are the true highlight. Endless pathways, ornate fountains, and
perfectly trimmed hedges stretch as far as you can see. I visited in summer, so everything
was green and full of life. Versailles is about a 45-minute train ride from Paris, and it’s worth
the journey if you love history, art, or just want to see how French royalty lived in unimaginable luxury.
Day 3 – Louvre & Eiffel Tower Dinner
The Louvre Museum is an icon in itself — not just for the Mona Lisa, but because every hall
feels like stepping into another era. I spent a few hours wandering and honestly, even that
wasn’t enough!
For lunch, I went to Loulou, a chic restaurant with a terrace that overlooks the gardens of
the Louvre and gives you a distant but dreamy view of the Eiffel Tower. A very Parisian
experience.
After lunch, I walked through the Tuileries Gardens, a peaceful park with statues, tree-lined
paths, and the Grand Basin where locals relax by the water.
Dinner was at Madame Brasserie, inside the Eiffel Tower. It felt surreal to sit at a table
suspended above the city, watching the lights come alive. Tip: with a reservation, you get access to the first floor of the tower. If you want to go to the higher levels, you need to buy additional tickets.
Later, I joined locals and travelers in the park below the Eiffel Tower to watch it sparkle at night. Every hour on the hour after sunset, the lights twinkle for about 5 minutes — an unforgettable moment with a glass of wine in hand.
Day 4 – Disneyland Paris
I wanted a fun change of pace, so I took the train to Disneyland Paris. It’s about 45 minutes
from central Paris and a magical experience. Classic Disney rides, parades, and that feeling
of stepping into childhood memories — all with a French twist. Even if you’ve been to
Disney elsewhere, this park has its own charm.
Day 5 – Monet’s Gardens & Paris Icons
This morning I joined a tour to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny. The ride through the French
countryside was beautiful on its own, but the real magic was in the gardens. Imagine
standing where Monet painted his water lilies, walking over the Japanese bridge, and seeing
the exact scenes that inspired his most famous works. It felt like stepping into a painting.
The tour took about 4.5 hours, so I was back in Paris by early afternoon.
Later, I visited the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’s great symbols. Standing at the top of the
Champs-Élysées, it offers not only incredible architecture but also one of the best panoramic
views of Paris if you climb to the rooftop. From there, I headed to Galleries Lafayette, Paris’s most famous department store. Beyond the shopping, the rooftop terrace is a hidden gem with breathtaking views of the city skyline — and it’s free to access!
Day 6 – Palais Garnier & Montmartre
My last day began with the Palais Garnier, the Paris Opera House. It’s a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture, with golden chandeliers, marble staircases, and grand ceilings that make you feel like royalty.
In the afternoon, I explored Montmartre, the artistic heart of Paris. Narrow cobblestone streets filled with little cafés, art studios, and boutiques lead up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
From the steps, you get a sweeping view of Paris, and it’s the kind of spot that makes you stop and take it all in. Montmartre’s bohemian charm was the perfect way to close out the trip.
The Vibes
For me, Paris was above all an art inspiration city. I felt surrounded by creativity — in the
paintings at the Louvre, the colors of Monet’s gardens, the design of the Opera Garnier, and
even the energy of Montmartre’s streets. Paris didn’t just feel romantic, it felt like living
inside a canvas, full of elegance, history, and imagination.
Quick Tips
Transport: Metro and trains are fast and reliable. Consider passes if you’ll be riding daily.
Eiffel Tower dining: Dinner reservations include access to the first floor, but not higher
levels — buy tickets if you want to go up.
Versailles: Buy tickets in advance here. The gardens are massive, wear comfortable shoes and check the visitor rules.
Disneyland Paris: About 45 minutes by train from central Paris.
Galleries Lafayette rooftop: Free and offers stunning views.
Scam alert: Watch out for the bike taxis near the Eiffel Tower. Prices are per minute, not
per ride — I ended up with a €200 bill for a short trip.
Safety tip: Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas (Louvre, Eiffel Tower, metro). At
night near the Eiffel Tower park, be aware of people wandering around who might act
aggressive or unstable.
Vista Finds (My Favorites)
Monet’s Gardens: A peaceful and colorful world of art come alive.
La Maison Rose, Montmartre. This iconic pink café has been a favorite artists for over a
century. This café was frequented by Picasso and Utrillo, and many other artists. Today, La
Maison Rose remains a symbol of the neighborhoods bohemian charm.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at Citadines Apart’hotel Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris. It wasn’t luxurious, but the
two-room suite worked perfectly for our family. The best part was the location — right in the
lively Saint-Germain neighborhood, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and an easy walk to
the Seine and train station.
Food and drinks
LouLou- A Chic lunch spot next to the Louvre with a terrace that looks out onto the
gardens and even the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Stylish, delicious, and very Parisian.
Madame Brasserie (Eiffel Tower)- Dining inside the Eiffel Tower is a once-in-a-lifetime
experience. The food is modern French cuisine, but the real highlight is the atmosphere
and the view.
Cafes in Saint-German-from morning croissants to evening glasses of wine, this
neighborhood is full of lively cafes where you can sit outside and people watch.
Patisseries & Bakeries-Don’t miss trying classic French pastries, like croissants, eclairs or
macarons from any local bakery. Even the “ordinary” bakeries in Paris feel extraordinary.
Final Thoughts
Paris is everything you imagine romantic, historic, glamorous and yet it still surprises
you. In six days, I felt like I got to experience both its timeless icons and its softer, more
intimate corners. From royal gardens to Monet’s flowers, from Disney magic to Montmartre
charm, this trip reminded me why Paris is one of the most beloved cities in the world.
Note; these recommendations are based on my personal experiences during my trip.
Prices, opening hours and conditions may change, so always check official websites or
local sources before your visit. Don’t forget to stay aware of safety guidelines. Local
regulations, and seasonal weather when planning your trip.
Connect with me on Instagram @vistabyilse I’d love to hear about your Paris
experience!