5-Day France Travel Itinerary — Paris, Versailles & Beyond
Duration
5 Days
Budget Range
€80/day – €300+/day
Country
France
Best Time
April–June · September–October
Overview
France is the world's most visited country, drawing over 90 million tourists per year. In 5 days you can experience the grandeur of Paris — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame — plus a day at the Palace of Versailles and a glimpse of the French countryside.
Paris is simply unlike any other city — world-class art, architecture, cuisine, and fashion all in one place. France also offers excellent rail connections to Versailles, Normandy, and the Loire Valley, making day trips effortless.
Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paris — Eiffel Tower & Seine
10:00 — Arrive & Check In
Take RER B from Charles de Gaulle or Orly Express to city centre. Check in and freshen up.
€11.80 RER14:00 — Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars
Book the summit lift in advance. Picnic on Champ de Mars below the tower — a quintessential Paris experience.
€29.40 summit ticket19:30 — Seine River Cruise
A Bateaux Mouches 90-minute dinner cruise shows you illuminated Paris from the water.
€15–55Hotel
Hôtel des Arts Montmartre or Ibis Styles Paris Gare du Nord
Restaurant
Le Procope (oldest restaurant in Paris) or any Brasserie near hotel
Transport
RER B from CDG Airport to Paris (~35 min, €11.80)
Est. Budget
€120–180
Day 2: The Louvre, Tuileries & Marais
09:00 — The Louvre Museum
World's largest art museum. Arrive at opening to see the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory without massive crowds.
€17 (free first Sunday of month)13:30 — Tuileries Garden & Place de la Concorde
Walk through the beautiful formal garden toward Place de la Concorde and the beginning of the Champs-Élysées.
Tip: Rent a chair by the fountain for a Parisian break
17:00 — Le Marais District
Paris's trendiest neighbourhood — Place des Vosges (oldest planned square in Paris), art galleries, and the Jewish Quarter.
Free to exploreHotel
Same hotel
Restaurant
Café Marly (inside the Louvre) or L'As du Fallafel in Le Marais
Transport
Metro Line 1
Est. Budget
€80–120
Day 3: Versailles Day Trip
08:30 — Palace of Versailles — Grand Appartements
Louis XIV's palace of 700 rooms. The Hall of Mirrors is unmissable. Arrive early — peak season queues are 2+ hours.
€18 palace ticket (€25 with gardens fountains)13:00 — Versailles Gardens & Trianon Palaces
The 800-hectare gardens are free to walk. Rent a golf cart or bike to reach the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette's hamlet.
Tip: Musical Fountain Shows run Tue & Sat Apr–Oct
17:30 — Return to Paris
Early evening back in Paris. Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés — try Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots for the literary atmosphere.
Hotel
Same hotel
Restaurant
Lunch at Angelina Versailles, dinner back in Paris
Transport
RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche (€7.20 return, 35 min)
Est. Budget
€60–90
Day 4: Notre-Dame, Île de la Cité & Montmartre
09:00 — Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior)
The cathedral is under reconstruction after the 2019 fire and reopened in December 2024. Free to enter the restored interior.
Free12:00 — Île Saint-Louis & Latin Quarter
Stroll the romantic island for ice cream from Berthillon, then explore the Sorbonne university district and Shakespeare and Company bookshop.
€3 for ice cream16:00 — Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Climb to the white domed basilica for panoramic views over Paris. Explore the artist village of Place du Tertre at dusk.
Tip: Take the funicular (€1.73) to avoid the steep stairs
Hotel
Same hotel
Restaurant
Breakfast at local boulangerie, dinner at Le Coq Rico (Montmartre)
Transport
Metro Lines 4 & 12
Est. Budget
€70–100
Day 5: Musée d'Orsay, Shopping & Departure
09:00 — Musée d'Orsay
The world's finest Impressionist collection: Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas. Located in a converted 19th-century railway station.
€1612:00 — Final Shopping — Rue de Rivoli & Galeries Lafayette
Last chance for French souvenirs, perfume, luxury goods, and fashion. Claim your VAT refund at the airport for purchases over €100.01.
Tip: Galeries Lafayette rooftop has a free panoramic view of Paris
14:00 — Departure
Allow 3 hours for CDG airport. Take RER B from Châtelet or Gare du Nord. Bon voyage!
Hotel
Check out
Restaurant
Last croissant from Eric Kayser bakery
Transport
RER to airport from Gare du Nord or Châtelet
Est. Budget
€50–80
Expert Travel Tips
Validate your Metro ticket every time — inspectors are strict
Most museums are free on the first Sunday of each month
Book the Eiffel Tower summit tickets online weeks in advance
Paris Museum Pass covers 50+ attractions and skips most queues
Learn a few French phrases — locals appreciate the effort
Watch for pickpockets near the Eiffel Tower and on the Metro
Many restaurants don't open for dinner before 7pm
Packing List
Visa Planning Notes
France is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of 62+ countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Others must apply for a Schengen visa through the French embassy or consulate in their country of residence. The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults. This itinerary is provided as a travel planning sample and does not guarantee visa approval. Always verify requirements at france-visas.gouv.fr.
Check your visa eligibilityFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit France?
France is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of 62+ countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, including the UK (post-Brexit), USA, Canada, and Australia. Others require a Schengen visa (€80). Check france-visas.gouv.fr for current requirements based on your nationality.
Is 5 days enough for France?
5 days is enough for a comprehensive Paris experience and a Versailles day trip. To include the French Riviera, Loire Valley, or Normandy, plan 8–10 days minimum.
How much does a Paris trip cost?
A mid-range budget is approximately €700–900 for 5 days excluding flights — roughly €150/day covering accommodation, meals, transport, and attractions.
What is the best way to get around Paris?
The Metro is the fastest and cheapest option (€1.73/ride). Walking is recommended in central areas. Avoid driving — parking and traffic are nightmarish.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
April–June for mild weather and fewer crowds. September–October for golden light and quieter museums. Avoid August when many Parisians leave and some restaurants close.
Is Paris safe?
Paris is generally safe for tourists. Be alert for pickpockets near major attractions, especially the Eiffel Tower and on crowded Metro lines. Keep valuables secure.
Can I use this itinerary for a Schengen visa application?
This is a sample travel plan intended for inspiration and planning. For a Schengen visa application, you'll also need confirmed hotel bookings, return flight reservations, travel insurance (min €30,000 coverage), and bank statements. Visa decisions are made solely by the embassy.
What language is spoken in France?
French is the official language. In Paris, most tourist-area staff speak English. Learning basic French phrases (bonjour, merci, s'il vous plaît) is appreciated.
What currency does France use?
France uses the Euro (€). Card payments are widely accepted everywhere including small shops and cafes.
How do I get from Paris CDG Airport to the city centre?
RER B train is cheapest (€11.80, 25–35 min). Uber/Bolt are convenient (€35–55). Taxis are fixed rate: €50 to Right Bank, €60 to Left Bank.
Official Resources
Travel Budget
Per person per day, excluding international flights
Weather
Spring (15–20°C) and Autumn (12–18°C) are ideal. Summers can be hot (25–35°C). Winters are mild but grey (5–10°C).
Getting Around
The Paris Metro is comprehensive and cheap (€1.73/ride or €30.75 for a weekly pass). The RER connects to Versailles (€7.20 return, 35 min). Uber and Bolt work well for airport transfers.
Written By
Sophie Laurent
Reviewed by Travel Router Editorial Team
Updated: July 2025
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