How to Have a Magical 3 Days in Paris (Itinerary Included)

Is there anything more romantic than a weekend in Paris? Paris is known as the city of love, and once you walk along the Seine, it is easy to see why. If this is your first time in Paris, 3 days in Paris gives you just enough time to indulge in the best the city has to offer.

How to Have The Best 3 Days in Paris, France

When people think of the city of love, they often think of Paris. But you don’t have to be in love or in a relationship to appreciate this historic city.

All you need is 3 days in Paris to see what makes it so incredible.

This gives you enough time to see some of the most famous sites as long as you plan appropriately.

The key is breaking your trip into sections of the city that allow you to see sites that are in proximity to each other.

Use this 3-day Paris Itinerary so you know how to make the most of your short visit.

Notre Dame

This is one of the most spectacular cathedrals in France, and is filled with amazing details.

When you understand the Notre Dame Cathedral architecture and get to experience it in person, you will see why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is so beloved by the world.

Access to the cathedral is FREE to visit, but guided tours are recommended.

The benefit of a guided tour is that you are walked through with someone who is knowledgeable on all aspects of the site and can give you details on things you might not know to look for.

If you do choose to go on your own, you should book your visit days before your visit. This will allow you to skip the line.

Conciergerie

The original building was a Roman fortress and later served as a palace.

When the Kings of France abandoned the palace in the 14th century, it became a prison.

In fact, during the French Revolution, it was where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned.

Upon arrival, you will be able to view the Gothic Hall of the Men-at-Arms, the oldest part of the building, dating back to the early 14th century.

It has not changed since that time.

Also on this level, you will be able to see the kitchen where meals were once prepared for the Royal Family.

All that remains to let you know this was a kitchen are the four large stone fireplaces in each corner of the kitchen.

Take time to see The Girondins’ Chapel. This is the site where Marie Antoinette was held during the French Revolution.

Sainte Chapelle

This cathedral was constructed in the 13th century during the time of King Louis IX.

It was originally built to hold the precious relics that are now at Notre Dame. Like Notre Dame, it is French Gothic.

What makes this cathedral so magnificent is the stained glass inside.

It has the most extensive 13th-century stained glass collections anywhere, with nearly two-thirds of the stained glass being authentic!

The stained glass panes depict 1,113 Biblical scenes that tell the history of the world.

The monument is also free for all during European Heritage Days (the 3rd weekend of September) and the 1st Sunday of the month from January 1 to March 31 & from November 1 to December 31.

Orsay Museum

Located across the Seine from the Louvre & Tuileries Garden, the Orsay Museum is a must-see for lovers of French art.

The museum is located in what was once a train station and is one of the most beautiful museum spaces in Paris.

The museum has some of the most important pieces of French Impressionism, and you will find works from such notable artists as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, and Van Gogh.

There is just so much to see in this museum that you will want to give yourself several hours to explore!

Free Admission is also available to everyone on the first Sunday of the month.

l’Orangerie

If you are a fan of Monet, this is the museum for you!

This museum is dedicated to Impressionism and features the best collection of such art.

Here you will see Monet’s Water Lilies as you have never seen before, along with other masterpieces by such artists as Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse.

Free Admission for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month, with an obligatory reservation only.

Louvre

Sitting along the banks of the Seine is one of the most magnificent art galleries in the world, and this is where you will want to start your second day in Paris.

The is no ordinary museum. Not only is it one of the largest museums in the world, but it also houses nearly half a million objects!

The public only gets to see a mere fraction of what they have. Currently, there are about 35,000 pieces on display.

There is no way you can see EVERYTHING in the span of a few hours. 

In order to make sure you don’t miss your favorites, download a map of the museum to plan your time before you arrive.

Entrance is FREE the first Sunday of the month from October through March.

Tuileries Garden

Once the royal garden, this beautiful open space is just adjacent to the Louvre and the perfect spot to sit and enjoy all that is Paris.

Army Museum: Invalides and Napoleon’s Tomb

Les Invalides, more commonly known as Hôtel National des Invalides, was commissioned in 1670 by Louis XIV to provide housing and care for wounded soldiers.

Much later, when the veterans became too great in number, they were moved into other care facilities, and the complex was turned into a French War museum.

Part of the complex is the Dôme des Invalides.

It is the tallest church in Paris and easily recognizable with its large golden dome.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a triumphal arch in Paris, France. It stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, which was previously known as the Place de l’Étoile.

The monument stands as a symbol of French unity and victory over its enemies, having been built to commemorate Napoleon’s victories.

The arch also serves as a memorial to those who died during World War I, with an eternal flame burning underneath to honor an unknown soldier.

Visitors can climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe on a winding staircase to get a breathtaking view of the city.

From here, you can see landmarks like the Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, and Sacré Coeur, giving visitors a unique perspective on Paris.

Champs-Élysées

Those who want to take in some shopping during their 3 days in Paris should take a stroll down Champs-Élysées.

This tree-lined avenue has every shop under the sun, including boutiques and high-end fashion.

Eiffel Tower

Your weekend Paris itinerary is not complete without seeing one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower.

Tickets for the Eiffel Tower vary in price depending on which level you would like to climb to and how you would like to get there (stairs or elevator).

The first two levels have restaurants, and the top level has the highest observation deck in Paris.

Be sure to get your tickets to the Eiffel Tower in advance so you don’t spend ALL DAY waiting in line.

While you can go all the way to the top, views from the second level are amazing and way less expensive.

Day 3 in Paris Itinerary: Palace of Versailles or Disneyland Paris

Your last day in Paris should be spent in one of two places: The Palace of Versailles or Disneyland Paris.

Both of these are great options depending on how you want to spend your day.

Once you arrive at your stop at Versailles, you will find that the Palace of Versailles is only a 13-minute walk away. There are signs to guide your way.

Consider doing a guided tour of Versailles that will also allow you to see the beautiful gardens.

The A Line of the RER system ends at Marne-la-Valee station, which is right next to the front gates of Disney Village and the theme parks at Disneyland Paris.

There is even a baggage service where you can leave your luggage.

You can buy tickets at the Metro and RER Railway Station.

When you purchase your ticket, you will need to know what zone you are currently in and what zone you are going to Disneyland (Marne-la-Valee) station is in Zone 5.

A single one-way ticket from central Paris to Disneyland Paris costs approximately €8.

Trains to Disneyland Paris run every 15 minutes and the trip is just under 45 minutes.

If you are trying to decide if you can see both Disneyland Paris parks in one day, I would say that it is definitely possible if you plan on staying the entire day there!

We hope that you have a magical 3 days in Paris and can get the most out of your time there.

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