13-Day Paris Trip: Copy This Itinerary

Day 1 starts at the Louvre Museum at 9 AM - allow 4 hours for exploration. Take a 15-minute walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral by 1:30 PM (allow 1.5 hours). After visiting, stroll or take a 10-minute taxi to Sainte-Chapelle at 3:30 PM (allow 1 hour). Enjoy morning coffee at a nearby café and lunch near Notre-Dame to balance sightseeing with leisure.

Attractions

Louvre Museum

Home to thousands of works including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a must-see for art lovers.

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

This iconic Gothic cathedral known for its stunning architecture and history will take your breath away.

Sainte-Chapelle

Famous for its stunning stained-glass windows, Sainte-Chapelle is a hidden gem offering a glimpse into medieval Paris.

Day 2 starts at Musée d'Orsay at 9 AM - allow 3 hours to explore the Impressionist masterpieces. Take a 15-minute walk to Champs-Élysées by 12:30 PM (enjoy lunch at a local café). Spend 2 hours strolling down this iconic avenue. At 3 PM, walk 15 minutes to Arc de Triomphe for a 1-hour visit. Use taxis or public transit for longer trips, costing around €10 and taking 20 minutes.

Attractions

Musée d'Orsay

Housed in a former railway station, this museum showcases Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and more.

Champs-Élysées

This famous avenue is known for its theaters, cafés, and luxury shops, offering a quintessential Parisian experience.

Arc de Triomphe

This monumental arch honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Day 3 starts at Montmartre at 9 AM - allow 3 hours to explore. Walk 5 minutes to Basilique du Sacré-Cœur at 12:30 PM - enjoy views for 90 minutes. Next, take the RER C train from Gare Saint-Lazare to the Palace of Versailles at 2:30 PM - expect a 50-minute ride (~€7). Spend 4 hours at Versailles before concluding your day.

Attractions

Montmartre

Explore this charming district known for its bohemian atmosphere, artists, and the stunning Basilica of Sacré-Cœur.

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

This basilica offers amazing views of Paris from its dome and is a stunning example of Romano-Byzantine architecture.

Palace of Versailles

Experience the opulence of French royalty at Versailles, with its stunning gardens and lavish palace interiors.

Start Day 4 at Tuileries Garden at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to enjoy the park. Walk 10 minutes to Pont Alexandre III by 10:30 AM (30 mins). Then, take a 15-minute stroll to Le Marais, arriving around 11:30 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the charming neighborhood and its boutiques. Enjoy a balanced mix of leisure and culture throughout the day.

Attractions

Tuileries Garden

This beautiful garden offers a serene escape and stunning views of the Louvre and Palace of Concorde, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Pont Alexandre III

Regarded as the most ornate and extravagant bridge in Paris, it offers picturesque views along the Seine River.

Le Marais

Explore this historic district filled with trendy boutiques, cafés, and art galleries, showcasing a blend of culture and lifestyle.

Start at Rue Cler at 9 AM for 90 minutes of leisurely exploration. Take a 20-minute walk to Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, allowing 2 hours to wander among graves. Finally, travel 10 minutes via taxi (~€15) to the Panthéon, where you'll spend 90 minutes admiring its grandeur. All attractions are close to the city center, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable day.

Attractions

Rue Cler

This famous market street is a food lover's paradise, offering fresh produce, cheese, and gourmet goods as you stroll.

Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

This beautiful cemetery is the final resting place of famous figures like Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, offering a peaceful retreat.

Panthéon

This stunning neoclassical mausoleum contains the remains of many renowned French figures and features an impressive dome.

Start Day 6 at Canal Saint-Martin at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to enjoy the area's charm. Take a 10-minute taxi ride (~€15) to Conciergerie at 11:30 AM (allow 1 hour for exploration). Finally, travel 20 minutes via public transport (~€2) to Hôtel des Invalides at 1 PM - spend another 2 hours immersing yourself in history.

Attractions

Canal Saint-Martin

Perfect for a leisurely stroll, this scenic canal lined with trees is a popular spot for picnics and local life.

Conciergerie

Once a royal palace and later a prison during the Revolution, this site offers rich history and impressive Gothic architecture.

Hôtel des Invalides

Famous for its golden dome, Les Invalides is a complex of museums and monuments, including the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Day 7 starts at Jardin du Luxembourg at 9 AM - allow 60 minutes to enjoy the gardens. Travel by Metro Line 4 from Notre-Dame-des-Champs to Opera (15 mins, ~€2). Next, visit Palais Garnier at 10:30 AM for a 2-hour tour. Afterward, take a 10-minute walk to Musée de l'Orangerie for a 1:00 PM entry, allowing 90 minutes for exploration.

Attractions

Jardin du Luxembourg

A beautifully landscaped park featuring fountains, flowers, and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxing in the heart of Paris.

Palais Garnier

This opulent opera house is a masterpiece of architecture and offers guided tours to explore its luxurious interiors.

Musée de l'Orangerie

Home to Monet's famous Water Lilies series, this museum is a serene and beautiful space for art lovers.

Day 1 starts at Promenade des Anglais at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to enjoy the views. Next, travel via a 10-minute bus ride (~€1.50) to Colline du Château at 11 AM, spending 2 hours exploring the park and vistas. Finally, take a short 15-minute walk to Old Nice at 1:30 PM - dedicate 3 hours to savor the charm and local cuisine.

Attractions

Promenade des Anglais

The quintessential symbol of Nice, this stunning waterfront promenade offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, perfect for leisurely walks or cycling.

Colline du Château

Explore the beautiful park and enjoy panoramic views of Nice and the coastline from the top. A hidden gem filled with history and natural beauty.

old nice

Wander through the narrow, colorful streets of Nice's charming Old Town, filled with local shops, markets, and cafes, embodying the essence of Niçois life.

Day 2 starts at Matisse Museum at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to appreciate the art. Travel to Colline du Château with a 15-minute walk along the Promenade des Anglais, arriving at 11 AM for 2 hours of exploration. Enjoy stunning views and relax in the park. Finally, head to Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice; a 20-minute walk will take you there by 1:30 PM - spend 1 hour admiring the architecture.

Attractions

Matisse Museum

Housed in a stunning villa, this museum displays an extensive collection of works by Henri Matisse, showcasing his evolution as an artist.

Colline du Château

Enjoy stunning views of Nice and the Promenade des Anglais from this elevated park, home to lush greenery and remnants of an ancient castle.

Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice

Marvel at the intricate architecture and stunning interior of this cathedral, one of the most beautiful examples of Russian architecture outside of Russia.

Day 1 starts at Vieux Lyon at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the picturesque streets. Travel by funicular (15 minutes, ~€2) to the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière for a 90-minute visit at 11:30 AM. After, head to Parc de la Tête d'Or, a 15-minute tram ride (~€2), for relaxation and leisure from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

Attractions

Vieux Lyon

Stroll through the charming Renaissance streets and discover captivating architecture, quaint cafes, and boutiques in Lyon's oldest district.

Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière

This stunning basilica offers breathtaking views of Lyon and features intricate mosaics and architecture, making it a must-see pilgrimage site.

Parc de la Tête d'Or

This expansive urban park features a beautiful lake, botanical garden, and zoo, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature for all visitors.

Day 2 starts at Musée des Confluences (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 3 hours to explore its exhibits. Take a 15-minute tram ride (~€2) to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse for lunch at 12:30 PM (allow 2 hours to enjoy the market). At 3 PM, take a 10-minute taxi (~€10) to Institut Lumière for a 1.5-hour visit to learn about cinema history.

Attractions

Musée des Confluences

A striking contemporary structure showcasing the natural sciences and anthropology, perfect for those seeking to expand their knowledge and indulge in stunning design.

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

An iconic food market that celebrates Lyon's culinary heritage, offering delicious local specialties and a fantastic atmosphere for food lovers.

Institut Lumière

This museum dedicated to the history of cinema, located in the Lumière family's former home, celebrates the birthplace of motion pictures.

Day 3 starts at Place des Terreaux at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to enjoy the fountain and nearby Palais des Beaux-Arts. Travel 15 minutes by metro Line A from Hôtel de Ville to Vieux Lyon to reach Théâtre Gallo Romain by 10:30 AM (entry ~€10). Spend 1.5 hours here, then walk 10 minutes to Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon at 12:30 PM - allow 3 hours to explore the collection.

Attractions

Place des Terreaux

This historic square features a stunning fountain and is surrounded by beautiful architecture, perfect for a leisurely stroll or people-watching.

Théâtre Gallo Romain

These remarkably preserved Roman theaters provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient Lyon and host various performances during summer.

Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon

One of the largest fine arts museums in France, it houses impressive collections from antiquity to the 20th century within a beautiful former Abbey.

Start Day 4 at La Croix-Rousse at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the vibrant neighborhood. Travel 10 minutes via tram (ticket ~€2) to Parc des Hauteurs, arriving around 11:30 AM for an hour of leisure. Finally, take a 13-minute walk to La Maison des Canuts by 1 PM - enjoy a 90-minute visit learning about Lyon's silk heritage.

Attractions

La Croix-Rousse

Known for its bohemian atmosphere, this hilltop neighborhood offers street art, local shops, and stunning views of the city below.

Parc des Hauteurs

Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Saône river while strolling through beautifully landscaped gardens.

La Maison des Canuts

Discover the history and art of silk weaving in Lyon, a city known for its silk industry.

13 days in Paris & Nice & Lyon, France: itinerary with Top attractions and Hidden Gems

Trip Highlights

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Attractions

Louvre Museum

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

Sainte-Chapelle

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13