Paris Itinerary: 18,000 Steps Per Day
Day 1: Off to Paris
Travel from your hometown to Paris. This will probably be an overnight flight if you're from the US.
Day 2: Arrive in Paris and time to explore
I recommend booking your airport transfer for a smooth and worry-free arrival. I arranged and paid for mine through Booking.com, and the driver texted me upon arrival with clear instructions on where to meet. He even had a sign with my name on it—super easy!
We were dropped off at Hotel Duquesne Eiffel, 23 Av. Duquesne, 75007 Paris. For our first night's stay, I specifically chose this hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower, and it turned out to be an absolutely incredible experience. Make sure you book the premier room for the best views of the Eiffel Tower.
Eiffel Tower and breakfast at Kozy Bosquet
The Eiffel Tower was just a 20-minute walk from our hotel, so after dropping off our bags, we headed straight there. We strolled around the grounds before walking to Kozy Bosquet Paris 7 for breakfast. Kozy serves brunch all week, and it was the perfect spot for a hearty meal and a strong espresso.
Cross Seine River and walk to Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
After breakfast, we crossed over to the other side of the river and made our way toward the Champs-Élysées, where we did some shopping. Despite feeling the effects of jet lag, walking and taking in the city's vibrant atmosphere was the best remedy. The beauty of the city, from the Louis Vuitton flagship store that resembles a giant LV bag to the iconic Arc de Triomphe, was truly inspiring.
Walk back to the hotel
We ate a quick bite and then returned to the hotel. By the time we'd wandered between the Eiffel Tower, Kozy, the Champs-Élysées, and the charming side streets, we had already racked up around 10,000 steps.
The most enjoyable part of the walk was the countless Parisian cafés we passed, each with unique chairs, colorful awnings, and tiny round tables—a truly delightful sight.
These walks allowed us to explore Paris and its neighborhoods more, from the 7th to the 8th Arrondissement. It was such a wonderful experience.
Check-in at the hotel and dinner at Rue Cler
We checked in at the hotel at 3 pm and briefly rested before heading out to explore the 7th Arrondissement of Paris. Our destination was Rue Cler, one of the city's best market streets. You can soak in the local atmosphere here—check out the boulangeries, cafes, restaurants, and specialty shops.
After an early dinner at a tiny cafe at Rue Cler, we returned to our hotel to enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower from our small private balcony. As night fell, the Eiffel Tower lit up, and at 10 pm, it began its five-minute sparkle, which repeated every hour until 1 am. It was definitely worth the extra cost to watch this magical sight.
Day 3: The Louvre, the lunch, and the historic Galeries Lafayette
We started our day with an early morning walk around the neighborhood, followed by breakfast in our room and taking in the morning view of the Eiffel Tower.
I really enjoyed this 7th arrondissement neighborhood, especially the different cafes, small streets, and relaxed feel. Breakfast was included with our stay.
Afterward, we took an Uber to Le Grand InterContinental Hotel, where we stayed for four nights. This hotel is conveniently located near the Louvre (16 minutes walk) and Galeries Lafayette (10 minutes walk), making it easy for us to explore the city without worrying about long commutes.
We dropped our bags with the concierge and walked to the Louvre to purchase our annual membership card, the Amis du Louvre card. This membership is great if you plan to visit the museum multiple times and want to avoid long lines. More information is in the tips section of this itinerary.
The escargot and Musée Eugène Delacroix
After a quick visit to the Louvre, we walked to the 6th Arrondissement for lunch at Le Pré Aux Clercs, a delightful spot known for its escargot and duck confit. The unique flavors and charming ambiance made this a memorable dining experience.
Post-lunch, we walked to the Musée Eugène Delacroix to visit the home of the renowned painter Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863). Our Louvre annual pass also included entry to the Musée Eugène Delacroix. It was the painter's apartment and studio from 1857 to 1863.
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
After a day of art and history, we were ready for some retail therapy. We checked into our hotel and enjoyed our welcome drink in the beautiful La Verrière Restaurant, a winter garden-style restaurant.
Then, we headed out to Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, one of Paris's most historic shopping destinations. The mall features a curated selection of niche and luxury brands, and the rooftop offers stunning views of Paris. We spent the evening browsing the latest fashion and enjoying the panoramic views from the rooftop.
The mall's rooftop offers stunning views of Paris and is free to access, so we went up and took in the breathtaking scenery.
Be sure to visit the glass Coupole, which rises to a height of 43 meters and is visible across the city. This majestic Art Nouveau steel and glass structure is the iconic symbol of the mall. Tours are available but require advance booking. While you're there, don't miss the chance to book a time for the glass walk at the Coupole—it's the perfect spot for photographs.
More information is in the tips section. If you're interested in Parisian-branded goods, this mall is the ideal place to shop—it offers everything under one roof. We were at the mall until it closed at 8 pm. I walked towards Printemps Haussmann, another mall in the area, but it was closed. So, we went back to the hotel and had dinner there.
Day 4: The Louvre and French Food
With our annual pass, coffee, and croissants, we enter through the Richelieu Passageway at the Richelieu wing (north, parallel to Rue de Rivoli), mainly reserved for members and tour groups.
If seeing the Mona Lisa is a priority, make it your first stop by heading to the Salle des États on the first floor of the Denon wing—be prepared for a bit of a walk.
French dining experience
There might be a long line waiting to be seated when you visit, but the servers are very efficient in this crowded and tight restaurant. The line moves fast. The servers are also like moms and grandmas, happily feeding the guests with their delicious food and even offering second helpings. What a unique experience this restaurant provided!
Neighborhood walks, groceries, and more
After lunch, we headed back to the hotel via Place des Pyramids and Ritz Paris. After a refreshing rest at the hotel, we ventured out to Lafayette Maison and Gourmet for some delicious baked goods, fresh fruits, and drinks. This place is a delightful spot to explore French groceries, delicatessens, wine shops, and everyday foods—definitely worth a visit!
Note: We usually stop at a Monoprix supermarket to pick up bottled water and snacks.
Day 5: Walking along the Seine River, Latin Quarter, Le Marais
We planned to visit the Louvre early in the morning after enjoying coffee and croissants, but the museum was unexpectedly closed until 11 am without any explanation. That shows we have to be flexible with our schedule.
So, we moved our plans forward and started strolling along the Seine River, passing Pont Neuf and the green boxes known as les Bouquinistes de Paris.
Shakespeare and Company bookstore and Latin Quarter
Continued to Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité, eventually reaching Notre Dame. From there, we turned right to visit the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a must-visit for book lovers.
The store opens at 10 am, and you can grab a coffee at the adjacent café while waiting in line. The store opens promptly at 10, and no photos are allowed inside. If you purchase a book, you can have it stamped with their logo, "Shakespeare and Company Kilometer Zero Paris."
Founded by American George Whitman at 37 rue de la Bûcherie, it is located at Kilometer Zero, where all French roads begin. The building was initially used as a monastery in the 17th-century monastery La Maison du Mustier.
After our visit and an espresso at the café (remember to use the bathroom if needed), we explored the Latin Quarter of Paris further.
The Abbey Bookshop, tucked away in the Latin Quarter, is just a short walk from Shakespeare and Company. This English-language bookstore has been vital to Paris's English book scene since its opening in the 1990s. The Latin Quarter is also the 5th Arrondissement of Paris. While in the area, check out the famous South Korean Paris Baguette. Yes, they have one there too!
Le Marais
From the Latin Quarter, we crossed the Seine and made our way to Le Marais, heading towards the Maison de Victor Hugo, located in the author's former apartments on the Place des Vosges in the 4th Arrondissement. Place des Vosges, originally known as Place Royale, is the oldest planned square in Paris.
After all that walking, you're bound to be hungry. Fortunately, Le Marais offers a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy a glass of wine and excellent French cuisine and indulge in some people-watching.
Next up was a mix of window and actual shopping in Le Marais. From there, you can Uber back to your hotel or keep walking, as we did. Along the way, we passed the Centre Pompidou, restaurants, shops, cafés, bakeries, and locals going about their day until we stumbled upon the Bibliothèque Nationale de France - Richelieu, the National Library of France. The Oval Room (Salle Ovale) is absolutely stunning.
We finally arrived back at our hotel at 3:30 p.m. We rested, and next up was the Louvre. By now, we had already walked 20,000 steps in a day.
After an hour of rest at the hotel, we used our annual pass to visit the Louvre for the third time. There were no lines at the Richelieu entrance, so we went straight in and stayed until closing time, 6 pm.
To Montmartre or back to the Louvre
Since our focus was the Louvre, we returned there in the evening. However, consider replacing this evening itinerary with a trip to Montmartre. Take the metro or an Uber to get there.The Louvre stays open until 9 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
After our visit, we stopped at Café Marly by the Louvre's pyramid for a drink and a light meal. I highly recommend this spot for its stunning view of the pyramid, perfect for unwinding after a long day of walking.
We enjoyed the view from our outdoor seats before heading to the open-air arched passageway for the famous dessert, the signature Beaumarly strawberries pavlova. Then, it was back to the ho
Day 6: Musée d'Orsay
It rained on Day 6, and we used Bolt (an alternative to Uber) to the museum. The Musée d'Orsay in Paris is a more friendly alternative to the Louvre—smaller and perfect for a day visit. This renowned museum, housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station from the late 19th century, opened in 1986 and offers an extensive collection of French art from 1848 to 1914.
The museum offers both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy iconic Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by artists like Van Gogh, Degas, and Monet.
The building is an industrial architectural gem featuring a grand clock and a glass roof. We explored the entire day, stopping for lunch at the museum's Cafe Campana.
Two dining options are inside: Cafe Campana and Cafe de la Gare. By 4:30 pm, we had seen enough and returned to the hotel.
Printemps Haussmann
Next, we had a quick look around Printemps Haussmann. Surprisingly, this mall also has a rooftop accessible to the public, but there weren’t many people there. Take the escalator to the 9th floor.
Fun fact: Printemps has the oldest escalators in a Parisian mall.
You can get a tax refund for purchases above 100 euros. The tax refund center at Printemps is located at the lowest level of the mall. A tax refund center is also available at the Galleries. Information is in the tips section.
And finally, we indulged in delicious crepes from a street vendor at Passage du Havre. You simply can't leave Paris without tasting a Nutella crepe.
Day 7: Au Revoir
Time to leave Paris.
Travel tips and links to useful sites:
Louvre membership:
The Louvre offers several types of memberships through the Amis du Louvre (Friends of the Louvre) program. The cheapest for those under 30 is 30 euros, an individual adult is 80 euros, and two adults are 120 euros. With the duo membership (two adults), you can bring another person at any time.
https://www.louvre.fr/en/support-the-louvre
Tours of Galeries Lafayette:
https://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/events/guided-heritage-tour/
Glass walk time slot:
My daughter was able to get us a time slot when we were at the mall.
https://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/events/glasswalk/
Tax refund for your purchases over 100 euros:
https://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/tax-refunds/
Lafayette Maison and Gourmet:
https://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/gourmet-and-maison-under-one-roof/
Read about the architecture of BnF Bibliothèque Nationale de France:
https://www.elledecor.com/it/best-of/a43250641/paris-renovation-bnf-bibliotheque-nationale-de-france/
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