What to see in Paris in 3 days

Seeing Paris in 3 days is a difficult task. This majestic and elegant city requires more than a fleeting visit to truly appreciate what it has to offer. Having spent more than two weeks in the city, I can attest to the fact that to truly immerse yourself in all that Paris has to offer, you would need no less than 7 days . However, if 3 days is all the time you have available , fear not, as I have put together a guide that will ensure you savor the essence of Paris even if you are short on time.

This guide is designed to help you move around the city with ease, visiting the main places. While it is ambitious to attempt to capture the spirit of such a vast city in just 72 hours, this itinerary is designed to showcase the best of Paris , ensuring you have a very satisfying visit.

Follow this route, and you will not only pass through the heart of the city’s most fascinating landscapes, but you will also leave with a lingering impression of Paris that will call you back to its embrace time after time.

The post is very long, before getting to the day-by-day itinerary I wrote some recommendations, but if you are not interested (or have little time) and want to go directly to the itinerary click here.

To complete your planning, I recommend also reading the posts on the 27 places to see in Paris and where to sleep in Paris

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Read also: 19 First Class Day Trips from Paris

• Paris: sights, tips & favorite places
• 10 Things to See in Paris 2024

Some recommendations for seeing Paris in a few days

In order to follow this 3-day itinerary in Paris there are only a few recommendations I have to make:

• Since time is short and distances are large I recommend buying some entrance tickets in advance (for example entrance to the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles and Disney Park (if you plan to go there)
• Buy the public transport ticket booklet (10 trips) because you will use the metro and buses a lot. I didn’t find the day passes convenient because I organized my days by neighborhoods so the means of transport I took were a maximum of 2 per day. I also alternated, thanks to the beautiful days, the use of bicycles since Paris has many cycle paths.
• Try to sleep in central areas , I recommend reading the post on where to stay in Paris where you will find the best ones and some advice on where to stay.
• Paris Museum Pass – The following itinerary includes entry to numerous attractions. If you plan to visit them all, I recommend purchasing the Paris City Pass (starting from €75 for 2 days) which includes entry to many attractions (including the Louvre museum, Musee d’Orsay, Pompidou Center, the Arch of Triumph). 
• In the post on the 24 places to see in Paris I mention all those that are worth visiting, but consider that it would take at least a week to see them all. In this post I only mention those that due to time constraints you can realistically see with just 3 days available

Practical advice for visiting Paris

As always, before getting into the heart of the itinerary, I would like to give you some useful tips for trip planning. So how to get from the airports, how to get around the city, where to sleep and tickets to buy in advance to avoid long queues or, even worse, not finding available slots.

How to get from Paris airport to the center

Paris has three airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais. They are both distant but in particular Bevaous, which is where the low cost airlines land, is further away.

From Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Paris:

• Train (RER B): This is the cheapest and fastest option. The cost of the ticket is around €11.80 and the journey takes around 50 minutes.
• RoissyBus shuttle : The RoissyBus shuttle connects the airport with the Opera stop in Paris. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes. The ticket costs €16.60. Buses leave every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased directly on board.
• Taxi: A taxi from CDG to Paris can cost €50 to €70, depending on traffic, and takes around 45 minutes.

From Orly (ORY) to Paris:

• Train: This is the recommended route. You need to take the Orlyval shuttle to Antony RER station and from there take the train to Gare du Nord. The cost is €12.10 and the journey lasts from 45 to 60 minutes.
• Bus: Public bus 183 connects Orly airport to central Paris at a cost of €2, taking around an hour.
• Taxi: A taxi journey from Orly to Paris costs €32 (left bank of the Seine) or €37 (right bank of the Seine).

From Beauvais (BVA) to Paris:

• Train: I don’t recommend it but I had to do it because I was in Paris when the city was blocked by farmers so I was afraid that I would get stuck on the shuttle. From Beauvais airport you can take the bus (€1) or a taxi (€15) to Beauvais train station from which you can take a regional TER train to Gare du Nord station in Paris . The cost of the train is €17 and the total journey takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
• Bus: The shuttle service from Beauvais airport has no fixed timetable but is scheduled according to the arrival time of the flights. The journey takes approximately 75 minutes and the ticket cost is €16.90. The bus will drop you off at Porte Maillot in Paris, close to the RER (line C) and metro (line 1) stations.
• Taxi: The taxi option is the most expensive (over €170) and the journey takes 60 to 90 minutes.

How to get around Paris

Getting around Paris is fast and very practical thanks to the excellent and widespread public transport service. You can choose between different means:

• The Metro: The Parisian metro network has 14 lines covering 214 kilometers of routes, it is certainly the fastest and most immediate means of transport and really covers the whole city.
• The RER railway system : The train crosses the city with some strategic stops (for example I was in the Latin Quarter at the Austerlitz stop and I found the train which connected directly to the Eiffel Tower very convenient). This same train also connects the center of Paris with the various airports and Disneyland Paris.
• Buses: City buses are quite comfortable. At the stops there are panels indicating the minutes of waiting for the next one. At peak times they can be quite busy but they come by frequently.
• The Montmartre funicular – If you go to Montmartre and don’t want to climb stairs you can take the Montmartre funicular. The journey is paid with your public transport card.
• Trams were reintroduced in the 1990s, you don’t see them much in the center but more in the peripheral areas .
• Cycling – Paris also has an exceptional network of cycle paths and numerous bike sharing operators operate in the city. I used it a lot, I got the 30-day €10 pass which allowed me to pay €1 for bike unlocking and 30 minutes (then you go back to paying per minute). Perfect for short routes.

Accessibility of public transport in Paris

Since my father now has limited mobility following the accident, wherever he goes the accessibility of public transport is something I notice first and foremost. This also happened in Paris where most of the metro stations are not accessible to people with walking difficulties (those in wheelchairs or simply those who cannot walk too far and climb too many stairs).

Most stations lack escalators and elevators , but there are plenty of stairs. Making movement on the subway complicated for those with limited mobility. If you fall into this group of people, the best solution is to take the buses and almost completely avoid the subways. Paris is trying to make some stations accessible but there is still a long way to go.

• RER A : Auber, Bry-sur-Marne, Bures-sur-Yvette, Bussy-Saint-Georges, Champigny, Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, Châtelet-Les Halles, Chatou-Croissy, Fontenay-sous-Bois.
• RER B: Antony, Arceuil Cachan, Bagneux, Bourg-la-Reine, Cité Universitaire, Denfert-Rochereau, Fontaine Michalon, Fontenay-aux-Roses.
• Metro Linea 14 : Châtelet, Bercy, Cour Saint-Emilion and Bibliotheque Francois Mitterand.
• Metro Line 1 and 2 : Barbes-Rochechouart on Line 2, Esplanade de La Défense on Line 1.

You can also calculate the route on the official website by selecting “Itineraries accessible for persons with reduced mobility”. As per the image below

Where to sleep in Paris

Especially if you have a few days available, the area in which to stay in Paris becomes essential. Paris has a very efficient public transport system, but it is still a very large city, so sleeping in one of the central districts , those along the Seine, allows you to move around without wasting too much time.

I wrote a detailed post on where to stay in Paris where you can find references from neighborhood to neighborhood. In this case I limit myself to recommending a couple of facilities in excellent and very central locations.

• Swamps –
• Latin neighborhood –
• Torre Eiffel –
• Saint Germaine –

TIP
Paris is a very popular destination where sleeping is quite expensive. I recommend booking well in advance to get better prices and above all more options. If you are unsure, book multiple (cancellable) accommodations and then keep the one you think is the best .

When to go to Paris – The best time

Paris is always Paris , with the heat and the cold, with the good and bad weather. However, not all seasons are the same and each has its pros and cons.

The ideal seasons to plan a trip to Paris are spring and autumn . In these months the climate is favorable for tourist excursions and there are fewer visitors than in the summer months, which are typically busier. Below is a seasonal breakdown of what you can expect:

• WINTER : Winter in Paris can be particularly cold with average maximum temperatures ranging from 5 to 7°C and minimum temperatures remaining just above freezing. The prevalence of rain is slightly higher than in other seasons, recording an average of 8 days of rain per month in winter. The sky is often cloudy.
• SPRING : With the arrival of spring, the temperatures become more pleasant and the skies clearer. April is still a rather cool month, temperatures generally hover around 16 degrees. In May around 20.
• SUMMER : Summer brings with it heat and clear skies. The average maximum temperature is around 24°C, but during heat waves it can go up to 38°C. While it does not occur every year, it is an eventuality to consider and many facilities may not have air conditioning. It is the period with the highest number of visitors.
• AUTUMN: During autumn, the weather begins to cool and the chances of rain increase slightly compared to the summer months. October proves to be another lovely time to explore Paris, thanks to the cool weather and the first hints of autumn colours.

The best time: The best months to visit Paris are April and October, when the climate shows itself in all its splendor and the tourist masses have not yet reached their maximum peak.

What to see in Paris in 3 days – Recommended itinerary

This three-day itinerary in Paris allows you to visit all the main sites and attractions of the city. Of course, I suggest you use this as a guide, and add or remove items as needed.

I also advise you to check the opening times and days of each attraction . For example, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays , so depending on when you plan to go to Paris, you may have to rearrange your days to get everything in.

What to see in Paris – Arrival day

Today you will probably arrive around lunchtime and you may have the afternoon free. My advice is to explore the neighborhood you are staying in and start enjoying a bit of Parisian life. In the post on where to stay in Paris I mentioned the main ones. Grab a coffee in one of the city’s many bars and perhaps book a cruise on the Seine. A nice and relaxing way to enjoy the city from a privileged point of view.

Itinerary in Paris (Day 1): Eiffel Tower – Champ de Mars – Trocadero Square – Louvre Museum – Champs Elysee – Arc de Triomphe

The first day of the visit will cover some of the most famous places in Paris including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum. I recommend leaving early in the morning because the day will be very long. Consider dedicating at least 4 hours to the Louvre museum , and plan your visit carefully by selecting the rooms of interest to you in advance.

Torre Eiffel

Start your visit to Paris from the Eiffel Tower . There’s no better way to start your trip to Paris than with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Without a doubt this is the most emblematic symbol of Paris and its visit is a must.

Book your entrance and choose which floor to arrive on , first, second or the tip. Although the sunset is very beautiful, seeing the city in daylight is also wonderful and in truth the night view I recommend is elsewhere, as Paris at night with the Eiffel Tower lit up is stunning.

How to see the Eiffel Tower

There are several ways to enjoy the Eiffel Tower . First of all, you can admire the view of the tower from the Trocadero Gardens across the river, or from the Champ de Mars Gardens behind the Tower.

You can also go up inside the Eiffel Tower to one of the various floors, to get a panoramic view of the city. The experience of climbing the tower is worth doing but I don’t think that from here you have the most beautiful view of Paris (since the tower is missing). If this is your first visit to Paris , I highly recommend you go there. Book tickets in advance from the official website if you intend to climb the Eiffel Tower. Ticket lines here can be very long, and with a pre-booked ticket you can avoid the wait.

Climb the Eiffel Tower – Tips

Opening hours: From 9.30am to 11.00pm
Entrance fee: €18.80 by lift and €11.80 by stairs

Field of Mars

Before leaving the Eiffel Tower, stroll through the Champ de Mars, a large green space between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire that offers an unexpected green oasis in the heart of the city, although Paris has no shortage of huge and beautiful green spaces.

The name Champ de Mars derives from its origins. It was initially a military training camp dedicated to Mars , the Roman god of war. Today, it is a popular gathering place for Parisians and tourists alike who come to admire the Eiffel Tower up close, picnic on the grass, jog or simply relax under the city sky.

During the year, Champ de Mars becomes the scene of various events, including concerts, cultural events and national celebrations such as the famous fireworks display on 14 July , the French National Day.

Trocadero Square

Continuing the walk from Champ de Mars to Trocadero Square , you will come across one of the most fascinating walks in Paris.

Leave the tower behind, cross the Pont d’Iéna , an elegant bridge offering panoramic views of the Seine, and reach Trocadero Square by first strolling through the Jardins du Trocadero , another lovely green space with views of the Eiffel Tower.

The Trocadero, known officially as the Place du Trocadero et du 11 Novembre , is home to the Palais de Chaillot which in turn houses some of Paris’ important museums, including the Musée de l’Homme (Museum of Man) and the Musée national de la Marine (National Navy Museum).

But what makes the Trocadero an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Paris is, without a doubt, its extraordinary panoramic terrace . From here you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower (day and night).

Berges de Seine and Louvre Museum

Leave Trocadero Square to reach the Louvre Museum . The route to the Louvre can begin with a walk along the Seine River . This walk not only offers splendid views of the river itself but also allows you to appreciate some of the most characteristic bridges in Paris.

Crossing the Iéna bridge or Pont de l’Alma, you return to the left bank of the Seine, where the Berges de Seine pedestrian walkway is located. This area has been transformed to provide a relaxing and recreational space along the river, with places to sit, floating gardens and spaces dedicated to street art and temporary performances.

Passing the Musée d’Orsay (which you will visit tomorrow) you continue until you reach the suggestive Pont des Arts . Cross it and access the marvelous palace which houses the most famous (and in my opinion the most beautiful with the Vatican Museums in Rome) museum in the world: the Louvre Museum.

Before immersing yourself in the art and history that the Louvre Museum has to offer, just before lunchtime might be the ideal time for a gastronomic stop. Near the Louvre there are various cafés and restaurants offering the possibility of enjoying a quick meal or a picnic in the adjacent Jardin des Tuileries.

Visit the Louvre Museum

Entering the Louvre Museum, you immerse yourself in a journey through centuries of art and civilization. Since visiting the entire museum could take days, it is advisable to select in advance the sections or works you want to admire most .

The estimated time for the visit varies between 3 and 5 hours, sufficient to capture the essence of the Louvre, from Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to the majestic statue of the Venus de Milo and the stelae of the Code of Hammurabi. The museum is gigantic, before entering take a map where you can find all the sections and plan in advance the rooms you want to visit.

Place de la Concorde

After spending an afternoon exploring the wonders of the Musée du Louvre, the itinerary continues to one of the most significant urban spaces in Paris : Place de la Concorde . This historic square sits at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées, serving as a connection between the aesthetics of the formal gardens of the Jardin des Tuileries and the beginning of the magnificent boulevard.

Crossing the Jardin des Tuileries , a true oasis of greenery and art with its tree-lined avenues, statues and two fountains, you advance westwards until you reach the large Place de la Concorde , the second largest square in France and one one of the largest in Europe, renowned as much for its imposing scale as for its turbulent history.

Commissioned by Louis XV and designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, it was completed in 1772 and originally called “Place Louis XV” to house a statue of the king on horseback. However, during the French Revolution, the site was renamed “Place de la Révolution” , and the statue of the sovereign was replaced with the guillotine. Between 1793 and 1795, it was the scene of the execution of thousands of people, including Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and Robespierre.

In the center of the square is the Luxor Obelisk , an ancient Egyptian monument that dates back over 3,000 years and was gifted to France in 1829.

On the north side you can admire the two magnificent classical-style buildings that once housed the Hôtel de la Marine and the Hôtel de Crillon , the latter now transformed into a luxury hotel. Furthermore, the square is adorned with statues representing the cities of France and two monumental fountains, the Fontaine des Mers and the Fontaine des Fleuves, which symbolize the navy and river courses of France.

Champs-Élysées

Passing Place de la Concorde , the itinerary continues along one of the most famous and lively streets in the world, the Champs-Élysées . This iconic Paris boulevard extends for approximately two kilometers from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle, where the Arc de Triomphe is located.

Also known as “the most beautiful street in the world” , the Champs-Élysées is a symbol of elegance and prestige. This wide avenue, lined with plane trees, begins as an elegant strip of greenery with the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on its right, two neoclassical buildings that house museums and exhibition spaces. As you proceed west, the boulevard becomes more commercial, with high fashion shops, cinemas, theaters and cafes.

Arch of Triumph

Ending the day in Paris by reaching the Arc de Triomphe is a magnificent idea. Located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, on Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arch rises at the center of a star formed by the intersection of twelve grandiose avenues .

The Arc de Triomphe is recognized as a symbol of French national identity. Napoleon I ordered the construction of the arch in 1806, after his victory in the Battle of Austerlitz, to celebrate the military successes of the French armies. It took 30 years to complete.

Climb the Arc de Triomphe

I recommend going up the Arc de Triomphe because from the terrace you have one of the most beautiful views of Paris (especially at night).

From the terrace of the Arc de Triomphe you will see:

• The Champs-Élysées, with its vibrant mix of culture, commerce and beautiful architecture, stretching eastward.
• Place de la Concorde , the Tuileries Gardens, and the backdrop to the Musée du Louvre.
• To the north, the silhouette of the Sacré-Cœur of Montmartre stands proudly on the skyline.
• To the south, the Eiffel Tower , which arouses even more emotions at sunset, starting the wonderful evening light show.
• Towards the west, the perspective takes the gaze up to the La Défense district , with the Grande Arche framing the horizon.

How to Get to the Top of the Arc de Triomphe

Access to the Arc de Triomphe is from the lower side of the avenue de la Grande-Armée , through an underground passage that leads to the monument. You should be prepared to climb 284 steps , as the building does not have an elevator to the top (an elevator is only available for those with specific needs up to the halfway point). The ticket costs €16 

TIP
Make sure you are on the terrace just before sunset so you can see Paris in the light and in the dark when all the city lights come on.

Itinerary in Paris (day 2) – Ile de la Cite – Notre Dam – Sainte Chapelle – Embankment – Musee d’Orsay (or the Orangerie) – Montmarte and the Sacred Heart – Show at the Moulin Rouge

The second day in Paris from the islands of Paris, in particular from Ile de la City where the Notre Dam Cathedral and the Sainte Chapel are located.

Stroll along the Seine to reach the Orsay Museum where you can admire some of the most famous impressionist works in the world or the Orangery, it depends on your personal tastes. At the end of the visit, take public transport and reach the Abbesses metro station (here I recommend taking the lift to exit the metro because otherwise there are tons of stairs to climb!), and walk for just over 10 minutes to get to the foot of the Sacred Heart .

Visit the most romantic neighborhood in Paris , Montmarte and end the day in Pigalle with a show at the Moulin Rouge .

TIP – Moulin Rouge show
If you want to book the show at the Moulin Rouge tonight , book the show well in advance because tickets sell out very quickly.

Ile de la Cite: Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie

Start the day on Île de la Cité , one of the river islands of Paris (the other is Île de Saint Louis ), famous because despite its small size it hosts three extraordinary medieval treasures: – the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie . However this island is more than a treasure chest of wonders. This island is the cradle of Paris.

Its origins date back almost 2,300 years ago, when the Celtic Parisii tribe founded a small community here. Over the centuries, these lands have witnessed Roman conquerors, the reign of France’s first monarchs, the artistic feats of medieval and Renaissance master builders, and the turmoil of the French Revolution.

In addition to the three best-known medieval jewels, this island is also home to a popular flower market, from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 6pm, and on Sunday the market is the bird market, which has animated the area since the beginning of 19th century, a World War II memorial , an archaeological site that reveals the various layers of Parisian history and a delightful little square surrounded by elegant buildings.

Our Lady

Even if it is not accessible at the moment, given that it is under renovation due to the 2019 fire, a visit to the Ile de la cite cannot miss a stop at the Notre Dame cathedral , an excellent example of Gothic architecture, or rather of this he anticipated it since it took 3 centuries to finish it. A sort of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona whose construction seems to never come to an end.

Its design exhibits a combination of French Gothic, Renaissance and Naturalist styles. In addition to its sublime architecture, its importance in history makes it a very special cathedral. Joan of Arc was beatified here by Pope Pius X in 1909.

At the time of my visit it seemed that there was a long way to go before it could be reopened to the public but according to what the tourism office says the cathedral will reopen to the public on 8 December 2024, exactly 5 years after the fire.

Concierge

One of the best preserved treasures of Paris is certainly the Conciergerie, a World Heritage Gothic palace. The Palace is grand and gigantic, but what makes it even more fascinating is its history.

The palace was built in the 6th century at the behest of Clovis, the first monarch of France, to be the “Palace of the City”. But its fame is due to the fact that it became the court and prison of the French Revolution. Here Marie Antoinette spent her last moments before dying under the blades of the guillotine.

Holy Chapel

The Sainte Chapelle is another masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a testimony to medieval craftsmanship. Built in the mid-13th century on a commission from King Louis IX, it was designed to house a collection of precious relics, including the Crown of Thorns , believed to have been worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.

However, what makes the Sainte Chapelle unique and majestic are certainly its windows which make up approximately 80% of its walls. These 15 impressive 50-foot-tall windows display detailed scenes from religious history, transforming the chapel into a vibrant spectacle of light and color. The upper and lower chapels, distinguished by their function and design, were meticulously restored in the 19th century, preserving their breathtaking beauty for future generations

Lungosenna

Walking along the banks of the Seine in Paris means immersing yourself in a living stream of history, an urban trace of the city that runs parallel to the river, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

From the Île de la Cité, the ancient heart of the capital, the path takes passers-by through the quai de la Mégisserie , where you will find the iconic bouquinistes setting up their used book stalls.

Continuing, you reach the Quai du Louvre and the Quai François Mitterrand . Crossing the Pont des Arts, which offers a spectacular view of the city, you reach Quai Anatole France . Along this bank it is possible to admire the majestic Institute de France, the historic Monnaie de Paris and, not far away, the Musée d’Orsay , custodian of an extraordinary collection of impressionist art, and the lesser-known but fascinating Museum of the Legion of Honor .

Musee D’Orsay

We arrived at the Orsay Museum , which in addition to exhibiting some of the most important works by Impressionist artists, covering the period from 1848 to 1914, is located in a structure that alone deserves to be visited.

The museum is located in a former railway station and displays some of the most representative and famous works of the impressionist and post-impressionist movement . Among the most famous works you will find “Luncheon on the Grass” by Édouard Manet, “Bal du moulin de la Galette” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and “Starry Night Over the Rhone” and “The Hospital Bed at Arles” by Vincent van Gogh.

The Museum is quite large, it will take a couple of hours to visit it. I recommend paying for the audio guide.

TICKETS FOR THE ORSAY MUSEUM
Opening hours: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 6pm. The museum is closed on Mondays
Tickets: The ticket costs €14 if purchased at the entrance or €16 if purchased online ( but allows you to skip the queue). If you travel in high season I recommend paying a little more to enter earlier.

Montmarte and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

After visiting the museum, head to the M12 metro (Solferino stop) and reach Montmarte (Abbesses stop). From here, walking for 12 minutes, you can take the stairs or take the funicular ( here on the map ) and you will arrive at the panoramic terrace right at the foot of the Sacred Heart.

Visit the Bailica del Sacro Cuore , entry is free but if you want to climb the dome you have to pay a ticket. After the visit, enter the heart of Montmartre which has the charm of a small French village. It doesn’t feel like being in gigantic Paris. From the top of the hill begin the descent towards Pigalle. In doing so, here are some places that you must not miss in Montmartre:

• Place du Tertre: This square is located a few steps from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and is considered the beating artistic heart of the neighborhood. This small square is surrounded by restaurants and bistros, but is most famous for its painters and portraitists who put their canvases on display every day. Once frequented by artists of the caliber of Picasso and Utrillo, today this square retains a bohemian atmosphere.
• Maison Rose: La Maison Rose, with its unmistakable pink painted façade, is a small restaurant located on the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue des Saules. This enchanting place is a real institution in Montmartre and has served as the backdrop for numerous works of art. Famous for having been the meeting point of artists and poets , today it continues to attract visitors from all over the world, offering them a menu that mixes tradition and innovation in a welcoming atmosphere rich in history. The place is always crowded, it is advisable to book.
• Au Lapin Agile: A few steps from the Maison rose is Le Lapin Agile, a historic cabaret venue in the neighborhood. This tavern, whose exterior walls are orange, was once the heart of Montmartre’s lively art scene. Musicians, poets and artists have performed in its rooms, and it has been a meeting place for artists such as Picasso and Modigliani. Even today, Le Lapin Agile offers performances in an environment that maintains the charm and atmosphere of the Belle Époque.
• Café des Deux Moulins: This café became famous thanks to the film “Amélie” , in which it was the protagonist’s workplace. The Café des Deux Moulins takes its name from the two mills of Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge and the Moulin de la Galette. The café maintains its authenticity and offers a pleasant space to enjoy traditional French meals and observe the daily life of this artistic neighborhood.

At this link you will find the map with all the places of interest to visit in Montmartre.

Pigalle ed il Moulin Rouge

You have left the quiet neighborhood of Montmartre and have catapulted yourself into the lively Boulevard de Clichy of Pigalle, once the Red Light district of Paris, where there is still no shortage of various sex shops and clubs for adults.

In Pigalle there is the famous Moulin Rouge, a historic venue founded in 1889 initially to be a sanctuary for music and dance and then transformed into the place where Parisian men let themselves be enchanted by the CanCan dancers. One thing you may not know is that among the figures who ran the place was Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who immortalized numerous scenes and performances from the Moulin Rouge in his wonderful works.

The Moulin Rouge is still a venue where shows are held twice a day. It’s definitely a tourist experience (and quite expensive too) but worth doing to take a step back in time.

Tickets for the Moulin Rouge

Two shows take place every evening at the Moulin Rouge. The first starts at 9pm and the second at 11pm. Tickets for the 11pm show cost less than the 9pm show.

There are several tickets on sale:

• Show + dinner at 7pm (the show starts at 9pm) – From €235 per person
• 9pm show only – From €155 per person
• 11pm show only – From €115 per person

What to see in Paris – Day 3 – Versailles Castle (+ other places of your choice in Paris in the afternoon) or Disneyland Paris (all day)

And here we are on the third day in Paris. You have visited the bulk of the city. Generally on this day, to complete the picture with something different I recommend dedicating the day to the palace of Versailles or Disneyland Paris. The choice is yours. I really like both so it’s hard to choose.

An initial skimming is best done based on how much you want to spend. In fact, if visiting the Palace of Versaille is quite cheap, you only need the train ticket which costs €7, and the entrance to the palace which costs €21, things are different for Disneyland where the entrance fee alone starts from around €85.

Another thing that might help you choose between the two places is whether or not you want to use the afternoon in Paris to see other places that you didn’t manage to visit in the first two days, such as the Pompidou Center and Les Marais. In fact, the visit to Versailles can be completed in about 3/4 hours, so if you leave early in the morning you will be able to return to Paris in the early afternoon. If you opt for Disneyland Paris it will take all day leaving you with no time to do anything else (and you will still be very tired).

The Castle of Versailles

Located on the outskirts of Paris, the royal castle of Versailles is a symbol of royal elegance, known for its eventful history but also for its grandeur and beautiful gardens.

In 1682 , King Louis It was precisely in its famous Hall of Mirrors that the Treaty of Versailles was signed, putting an end to the First World War.

A visit to Versailles offers the opportunity to explore the palace and get lost in its magnificent gardens (they are so large that there is even a small train for a fee).

The duration of the visit is up to you. Those who have little time can quickly visit the palace and part of the gardens in 3-4 hours . If you want to visit the entire complex it could take half a day.

You can therefore choose to dedicate the whole day to Versailles or reserve just the morning and then explore other Parisian treasures in the afternoon.

How to visit the Castle of Versailles

The palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday).
Hours: The palace opens from 9:00 to 17:30. The gardens and park are accessible every day and entry is free.
Ticket: The cost for a visit to the palace is €21, to which €28.50 can be added to also access the gardens and attend the Musical Fountains shows. 

To get to Versailles from Paris, you need to take the RER C. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Since Versailles is outside the city you have to buy a separate ticket because Paris transport cards are not valid.

If you have chosen Versailles… some places to visit in the afternoon

Having returned from Versailles in the afternoon, Paris still offers multiple possibilities to enrich your day. Here are some tips and tricks to choose from.

Pompidou Center

My advice as the first thing to visit among those I mention is to go to the Center Pompidou, whose gigantic structure surrounded by the rooftops of Paris is an attraction in itself.

This building also houses one of the richest modern art museums in the world . However, if you are tired of visiting museums and are not interested in accessing the exhibition, I still recommend paying the €5 ticket to go up, via the escalators wrapped in glass tubes, to the panoramic terrace where the visit to Paris is simply spectacular.

You are also in the most beautiful and lively neighborhood of Paris, in my opinion, Les Marais, here you will find many restaurants. If you have never tried Tunisian cuisine I recommend you try it at the small but really excellent place: Lella Baya .

Torre Montparnasse

If you want to greet Paris with one of the most beautiful views from above, head to the Montparnasse Tower , which offers two fascinating points of view: the 56th floor, completely surrounded by windows, and the roof terrace, wrapped in glass panels, with strategic openings for photography enthusiasts.

This huge and almost out of place building in the heart of Paris, even quite ugly, guarantees an area view of the city that is practically unbeatable. Entrance is paid (€18) and must be booked in advance. 

The Catacombs of Paris

For those looking for something different, the Catacombs of Paris offer a unique and unordinary experience. In fact, you can take part in a tour of the maze of underground tunnels enriched by the bones of six million Parisians.

Given the long queues, often up to three hours, it is advisable to book your ticket in advance (€29) or opt for a tour with priority access.
The catacombs are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.45am to 8.30pm (last entry at 7.30pm). I recommend visiting them in the last two hours of opening, to avoid the crowds.

Disneyland Paris

If you instead choose to spend the day at Dineyland Paris, be prepared for a long day of very fun games, and sometimes very long queues, to conclude with the fireworks and light show at the end.

Disneyland Paris is made up of two parks: Walt Disney Studios and Disney Park . You can buy a ticket for both parks or just for 1. My advice is to visit both also because some days mainly designed for adults are found in the Studios park which however is smaller than Disney Park and lacks the magic of the Disney world which, especially if you have never been there, you will want to see.

In the guide to organizing your day at Disneyland Paris you will find all the information you need to buy tickets, how to choose the attractions and also some tips to avoid long queues when possible.

Read also: The most beautiful photo spots in Paris

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