After arriving at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) Airport, head to your hotel in central Paris. From CDG, it usually takes about 45–60 minutes by taxi or around 1 hour via RER B train to reach areas like Champs-Élysées or the Louvre. From Orly, travel is slightly quicker, roughly 30–50 minutes depending on your transport choice. Once you’ve checked in and settled, take a short rest to recover from your journey. If you need personalized hotel recommendations—luxury, mid-range, or budget—feel free to contact me directly at support@thetravelroutes.com.
In the evening, start your Paris experience with a River Seine cruise. Sunset cruises are perfect for photography, and most central departure points are just 10–20 minutes from major hotels by taxi or metro. You can choose from budget-friendly cruises (~€15–€25 for 1 hour) or dinner cruises (~€60–€120) that include a meal and drinks.
Budget River Seine Cruise- Paris: 1-Hour Seine Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower
River Seine Cruise with Dinner- Paris: Romantic Cruise with 3-course Dinner on Seine River
After the cruise, take a leisurely stroll along the Champs-Élysées, which is about 2–3 km from the river cruise docks, roughly 10–15 minutes by taxi or a 20–25 minute walk. Enjoy the iconic avenue’s shops, cafés, and evening lights for a perfect first-night experience.
River Seine during sunset
To make the most of Day 1, consider this rough schedule:
Arrive and check in during the morning, rest in the afternoon, board your Seine River Cruise around 6 PM, and finish the evening with a walk along the Champs-Élysées.
Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, and if you plan to use public transport, a day metro pass (€12.40) can be convenient. Booking your Seine cruise in advance through your affiliate links will save time and ensure a smooth start to your Paris adventure.
Start Day 2 with a morning walking tour of central Paris, exploring neighborhoods like Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter, and Le Marais. This leisurely stroll allows you to see landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and Place de la Concorde while enjoying cafés and local architecture. Contact support@thetravelroutes.com for map link that covers all iconic spots.
After the walking tour, head to the Louvre Museum, about 15–25 minutes by metro or 10–20 minutes on foot from central areas. Spend 2–3 hours exploring world-famous masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to skip long lines.
Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket
In the afternoon, make your way to the Eiffel Tower, approximately 30 minutes by metro from the Louvre. You can choose summit access tickets or a dining experience at 58 Tour Eiffel. Sunset visits are particularly beautiful for photos. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along the Champ de Mars or relax at a nearby café.
Paris: Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with Optional Summit Access
Optional: The Palace of Versailles can be included in the afternoon if you prefer a half-day trip. Located about 40 minutes by train (RER C) from central Paris, visiting Versailles on Day 2 makes the day very tight, so it’s better as a separate optional day if your schedule allows.
Dedicate Day 3 to Disneyland Paris, located about 32 km east of central Paris, roughly 45–50 minutes by RER A train or taxi. Plan to leave your hotel early so you can reach the park by 8:30–9:00 AM, right before the gates open.
Spend your day exploring Main Street, Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland, enjoying a mix of rides, live shows, and character meet-and-greets. To make your visit smooth, consider purchasing your tickets in advance:
Budget Tickets: Standard day passes (~€62–€80)
Non-Budget Tickets: VIP or multi-day tickets (~€120–€200)
In the evening, stay back for the Disney Illuminations fireworks show, one of the park’s most magical highlights, typically starting around 9:30 PM depending on the season. After the fireworks, enjoy dinner at one of the themed restaurants inside the park — options like Captain Jack’s – Restaurant des Pirates or Auberge de Cendrillon offer unique dining experiences.
Once the park closes, head back to central Paris by RER A train or taxi (around 45–50 minutes). After a full day of fun and magic, unwind at your hotel and prepare for your next adventure.
Make sure to arrive early at Disneyland Paris! I enjoyed most rides without long lines and ended the day with the spectacular fireworks display.
Arriving early not only helps you avoid the morning rush at the entrance but also gives you extra time to enjoy popular rides before the crowds build up.
Tip: If you want to explore both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios in a single day, consider the 1-day 2-park ticket — it’s perfect for thrill-seekers and Disney fans who want to experience it all!
Disneyland Paris 1 Day 2 Park Tickets
If you have an extra day in Paris, make the most of it by exploring a mix of royal grandeur, local history, and bohemian charm. Day 4 is designed as an optional extension for travelers who want to experience Paris beyond its usual highlights.
Start your morning early and take the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche Station, which takes about 40–45 minutes. From the station, the Palace of Versailles is a short 10-minute walk. Spend 2–3 hours exploring the Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments, and the beautifully landscaped Gardens of Versailles. You can also rent a bike or golf cart inside the gardens to make the visit more relaxed.
To save time and skip queues, book your Palace of Versailles entry tickets online in advance (affiliate link).
Return to central Paris around 1:30–2:00 PM and have lunch at a local café before heading to Père Lachaise Cemetery, one of the city’s most peaceful and historically rich spots. It’s located in the 20th arrondissement, about 25 minutes by metro from the Eiffel Tower area. Wander through cobbled paths and visit the resting places of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Édith Piaf — a truly moving and reflective experience.
In the late afternoon, take the metro to Montmartre, known for its artistic atmosphere and stunning hilltop views. Join a Montmartre walking tour to explore highlights such as the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Place du Tertre, and the charming lanes lined with street artists and cafés. End your day watching the sunset from the steps of Sacré-Cœur — one of the best viewpoints in Paris.
For dinner, choose one of Montmartre’s cozy French bistros or enjoy a glass of wine while listening to live music. Return to your hotel by metro or taxi, wrapping up your Paris adventure on a relaxed and memorable note.
Start early: Versailles opens around 9:00 AM; arriving by 8:30 AM helps you beat the crowd.
Pre-book tickets: Secure your Versailles entry and Montmartre walking tour in advance.
Get a day pass: A Paris Visite Pass (€12–€14) covers metro and RER — perfect for a day of multiple stops.
Dress comfortably: You’ll walk a lot, especially at Versailles and Montmartre. Comfortable shoes are a must.
Photo ideas: Capture Versailles’ gardens, Montmartre streets, and the sunset from Sacré-Cœur for your travel album.