10 Days Paris Itinerary: What to See, Eat & Stay
Day 1: Arrival
Since we arrived after 9pm at CDG airport, we decided to stay at the nearby Holiday Inn Express Hotel which was within walking distance. It was a simple basic hotel sufficient for us to rest and rejuvenate for the next day. Breakfast was surprisingly good!
Day 2: Exploring Paris
After breakfast, we hopped on an Uber and checked into our hotel for the next 5 nights. Hotel Adèle & Jules is a luxury boutique hotel located in Paris near the Opéra Garnier, the Grands Boulevards and the Musée Grévin. We asked in advance for a room with balcony to enjoy the views and fresh air. The hotel's location is good and close to many restaurants and grocery shops.
Since we were early, we left our luggage at the concierge and proceeded to explore Latin Quarter, Ile de la Cite, Tuileries Garden and The Louvre.
We then had lunch at La Comete which was nearby our hotel. This is a place where locals go. The food quality and price are exceptional. Highly recommend this place.
Before we head back to the hotel, we walked off our lunch to Galeries Lafayette which is the largest shopping centre in Europe. We proceeded to the rooftop for the most beautiful view of Paris city overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The entrance is complimentary.
Day 3: Siene River Cruise
The Siene River lunch cruise is a must do for first timers in Paris. It is a wonderful way to experience Paris from the water while enjoying a gourmet meal. These cruises typically take you along the iconic river, providing breathtaking views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and Musée d'Orsay.
Tip: Opt for the table close to the windows for the best uninterrupted views. We couldn't finish our bottle of wine and they allowed us to take home.
After that we walked the Champs Elysees and marvel at the Arc de Triomphe
Day 4: Palace of Versailles
Day 4 is about exploring the famous Chateau de Versailles. We took a train from Paris to Versailles which is about 40mins and walked from the train station to the entrance in about 15mins. Note that the place is closed on Mondays, so plan ahead.
Tip: Go for the buggy ride. It was a fun and enjoyable experience!
For lunch, we enjoyed the traditional french cuisine served at La Flotille. It has a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the lake.
Day 5: Musee d'Orsay
The next day we explored Musee d'Orsay, one of Paris's most renowned museums, located along the banks of the Seine River, housed in a former railway station, the Gare d'Orsay. It's known for its impressive collection of art from the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist eras, showcasing masterpieces by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Cézanne, and many others.
We stumbled upon its beautiful restaurant Restaurant du Musee d'Orsay and decided to give it a try. The restaurant doesn't accept reservations and only accessible to those with tickets to the museum. Take a look at the impressive restaurant from my YouTube link below.
Afterwards we explored the Luxemburg gardens, Saint Germain and head to Montparnasse.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the most historic and charming neighborhoods in Paris, located in the 6th arrondissement on the Left Bank of the Seine. Known for its intellectual, artistic, and literary heritage, the area has been home to writers, philosophers, and artists for centuries.
Montparnasse is a vibrant neighborhood in Paris, historically known as a hub for artists, intellectuals, and writers, particularly in the early 20th century. It lies in the 14th arrondissement, south of the Seine River, and offers a unique blend of historic charm and modernity.
The reason we arrive here is to have dinner at one of the most iconic and legendary restaurants in Paris - La Coupole.
You have got to try its fresh seafood platter, french onion soup and creme brulee. Watch our dining experience from the YouTube link below.
Day 6: Montmartre
Montmartre is one of Paris's most beloved and historic neighborhoods, located in the 18th arrondissement on a hill overlooking the city. Famous for its artistic heritage, stunning views, and vibrant atmosphere, Montmartre offers a unique glimpse into Parisian life.
For lunch, we had the opportunity to dine at the iconic pink house La Maison Rose. We were lucky enough to grab a seat at this place without a reservation.
On the way back, you will pass one of the world’s most iconic cabarets, located at the foot of Montmartre. Known for its red windmill on the roof and lively shows, the Moulin Rouge has been synonymous with entertainment, glamour, and Parisian nightlife since its founding in 1889.
Day 7-8: Epernay, Champagne
The next day, we made our way to the world famous Champagne region, Epernay. Épernay is a charming town in the heart of France's Champagne region and is widely considered the capital of Champagne. Located about 130 kilometers (80 miles) northeast of Paris, Épernay is known for its prestigious Champagne houses, beautiful vineyards, and the iconic Avenue de Champagne. We took a train from Paris to Epernay which took about 2 hours.
Upon arrival, we made our way to our hotel which is within walking distance from the train station and steps away from the Avenue de Champagne.
Our first stop after checking in is of course to sample some champagne at lunch. Just a short walk, there is a happening place which was packed with people, and we weren't dissapointed.
Having tasted our first sip of champagne, we joined the tour of Moet & Chandon, visiting the caves and learning about the champagne making process. The tour concluded with a tasting of their brut reserve and rose champagnes.
You can watch our tour from the link below.
After the tour, we walked a few blocks to the Perrier Jouet champagne house, where they have a nice garden cafe to enjoy food with their champagne.
We wanted to have a chance to try the tethered balloon experience but too bad the weather was too windy and the flights were called off. So check this out the next time you are there.
You can watch all our experiences from the link below.
Day 9-10: Eiffel Tower, Paris
We concluded our stay in Paris mesmerized by one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and a symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. We checked into Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel Hotel, which has the most incredible views of Eiffel Tower from the balcony.
We watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the evening upon sundown and marvel at how lucky we are to enjoy such incredible views. The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes at the beginning of every hour from dusk until 11 PM. It was a magical sight, and to watch it from the comfort of our hotel balcony is a blessing.
Being our last day, we had to splurge and enjoy dining with some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. This place and the food was superb and worth the price we paid.
Check out my video of the restaurant below.
A short walk away, there is a favourite spot for picnics overlooking the Eiffel Tower which is the Champ de Mars. We didn't have a chance to do that but we are sure to do it the next time we're back.
Before we ended our trip, we took the opportunity to have a casual photoshoot at the Trocadero overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The photographer is a fellow Malaysian based in Paris and definitely did a professional job. I'll put a link to his IG below.
If you're in awe and can't get enough of the Eiffel Tower, check out the list below for the 10 places to get the best Eiffel Tower views.
That's all, hope you enjoy your trip to Paris. Au Revoir!
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