Classic Paris: Culture, History & Cuisine in the French Capital - 8 Days

Highlights

• Ascend the Eiffel Tower at sunset and see the lights of Paris laid out below
• Stroll through greenery and shaded paths at the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg
• Discover some of the world's most revered artistic works at the Musée du Louvre
• Channel your inner flâneur as you explore the artsy Latin Quarter with your guide
• Sample gourmet pastries and chocolates in lively Saint-Germain-des-Prés 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Explore the "City of Lights"

Welcome to France! Your flight lands in Paris, otherwise known as the "City of Lights." This thriving capital blends far-reaching history with modern vibes, featuring ancient architecture alongside chic cafés, world-class museums, and high-end shopping. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel, after which you're free to step out and see some of the sights.

Start your self-guided tour with a walk along the famed Seine River, or head to Canal Saint-Martin, a nearly 3-mile (4.6 km) canal that connects the Canal de l'Ourcq to the Seine. Here, you'll find art galleries and quiet parks, as well as cafes and shopping if you'd like to grab a bite. You can also visit Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a 61-acre (24.7 ha) green space nestled in the northeastern part of the city. Featuring an artificial lake, waterfall, and a miniature Roman temple, this is a great place to regroup after a long day of traveling.

Or, see the Arc de Triomphe, built to honor those who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. There are tours available of the interior rooms, as well as to the upper towers, where you'll find expansive city views. If you're looking for unusual art experiences, make your way to the Belleville district for miles of street art, or visit the Atelier des Lumières, a former foundry reinvented in a space of digital art that offers a striking immersive exhibition. Tonight, consider a hot-air balloon ride on the Ballon de Paris, a high-flying tour that takes you soaring 500 feet (150 m) above the city. 

Day 2: Electric Bike City Tour, Private Sunset Eiffel Tower Visit

Today begins with a guided excursion to some of Paris' lesser-known sites, all via electric bike. Meet your guide after breakfast and follow them through the city, traveling along the banks of the Seine and up to the lofty Montagne Sainte-Geneviève on your comfortable e-bike. Hear stories about Paris' monuments as you cruise through neighborhoods such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, uncovering romantic spots, quiet bridges, and trendy cafés. You'll find riding an electric bike easy and fun, as you can get a boost from the bike's engine if you tire. 

Later tonight, experience the iconic Eiffel Tower with a private sunset tour. Built by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World's Fair, this 1,049-foot (320 m) spire has stood the test of time, and now, no one could imagine Paris without it. Meet your guide, who will provide "skip the line" access tickets, and ascend to the second floor via elevator, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city. Continue to the summit for even better views, then walk down to the first floor while your guide shares more about the history of the tower.

Day 3: Discover the Palace of Versailles

Step back to the times of kings and queens today on a visit to the Palace and Park of Versailles. This former royal residence, once the hunting pavilion of Louis XIII, was transformed into an opulent and decadent testament to France's "Le Grand Siècle" (the Great Century) by Louis XIV. You'll have the opportunity to see some of the 2,300 rooms that make up the palace, as well as the surrounding gardens. 

Meet your private chauffeur for the drive to Versailles, where your expert guide will whisk you past the waiting queues for an exclusive private tour that showcases the opulent rooms of the king and queen, the Royal Chapel, the War Room, the Peace Room, the Hall of Mirrors, and more. End with a stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens, which were designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre and are considered the best example of French-style formal gardens in the world. Your driver will return you to Paris in the late afternoon, where the rest of your day is free. 

Day 4: Latin Quarter Walking Tour, Stroll the Jardin du Luxembourg

Walk in the footsteps of writers such as Hemingway and Fitzgerald on a guided tour of Paris' Latin Quarter. Otherwise known as the 5th arrondissement, this colorful neighborhood is home to the Sorbonne University, a haven for students, artists, and creators. Your guide will take you past sights such as the iconic Notre-Dame and the Pantheon, where Voltaire and Victor Hugo are buried.

Stroll past the university to see busy students racing from class to class, and be sure to stop by the famed Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a longtime meeting place for writers and intellectuals. Learn about the academic legacy of the university, and visit filming locations of some of your favorite movies, such as the 2004 romance, "Before Sunset." Your guide will also discuss the neighborhood's multilayered history, which includes roots in Ancient Rome.

After your tour, head out on your own to the Luxembourg Gardens, inspired by the Florentine garden of Boboli and created on the initiative of Queen Marie de Médicis in 1612. Encompassing just over 60 acres (25 ha) the garden is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe and is divided into French and English sections, with more than 100 statues scattered throughout. It's also home to the Medici fountain, the Orangery, and the Davioud Pavilion.

Day 5: Self-Guided Visit to Notre-Dame, Musée du Louvre & Tuileries

After breakfast, take a self-guided tour of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, one of the city's most emblematic monuments. Built under the impetus of Bishop Maurice de Sully, its construction spans about two centuries, from 1163 to the mid-14th century. Since the fire of 2019, the cathedral has remained closed to the public as it undergoes a painstaking restoration process, but its triumphant reopening to the public is scheduled for December 2024. Until then, you'll still be able to walk in the public square in front of it, and the archaeological crypt, as well as the Pont au Double bridge, are also accessible. 

Spend the rest of the day immersed in the Louvre and Tuileries district, where you can take a deep dive into what are easily the world's most revered artistic works at the Musée du Louvre. Originally built as a fortress and then used as a royal residence, the Louvre was inaugurated as a museum in the late 1700s. See works that include the "Mona Lisa" and 'Venus de Milo," and marvel at masters such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Delacroix.

Stroll the adjacent Jardin du Tuileries for some fresh air, then continue to sites such as the Palais-Royal, where you'll find the Comédie Française theater and can walk through the palace's beautiful gardens. Visit the Orangerie Museum for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, or the Jeu de Paume Museum, which houses a collection of modern and postmodern photography. Walk under the arcades of the Rue de Rivoli, and don't forget to stop for a photo at the impressive Buren Columns art installation before returning to your hotel. 

Day 6: Free Day in Paris: Parisian Neighborhoods, Art & History

See more of Paris on your own today, taking advantage of the nearly endless historic sites, vibrant neighborhoods, and delicious food. Start with a visit to the Grande Mosquée de Paris, located in the 5th arrondissement and one of the largest mosques in France. Constructed in the 1920s, with architecture inspired by Morocco's el-Qaraouyyîn Mosque, the building includes a prayer room, a hammam, a restaurant, and a gift shop reminiscent of a traditional Arab souk (marketplace). 

Walk through the 13th arrondissement's bustling Place d'Italie, then make your way a few streets over to La Butte-Aux-Cailles, a tiny village packed with fun bars and restaurants. Explore Petite Ceinture, a disused railway line that runs for miles around the inner city, and if the weather is less than cooperative, descend to the Catacombs, an eerie, underground labyrinth that contains the remains of several million Parisians. Tonight, visit the Palais de Tokyo, a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art, and stop by the attached Le Monsieur Bleue for a drink or fine dining amid its Art Deco interiors.

Day 7: Pastries & Chocolates in Saint-Germain, Seine Dinner Cruise

Your last full day in Paris begins with a gourmet pastry and chocolate tour in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter, a vibrant neighborhood home to some of the city's most prominent chocolatiers, pâtissiers, and cheese makers. Meet your private guide and set out, exploring the winding passageways and streets, with stops for tastings of delicious handcrafted, chocolates, pastries, cheeses, and of course, wine!

Visit the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the city's oldest food market and a local favorite. See Parisians doing their daily shopping, and perhaps chat with the vendors yourself and sample their delicious wares. Along the way, your guide will share insight into the history and heritage associated with French cuisine, and you'll come away with a better understanding of the country's incredible gastronomy. 

This evening, enjoy the perfect punctuation to your travels—a dinner cruise on the Seine. Just before sunset, board your luxury vessel and meet your captain. Sip Champagne as you watch the cityscape pass by, taking in sights such as the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the grand Palais Garnier, enjoying a dinner of innovative cuisine based on fresh, seasonal products. Watch the sun drop and the city lights illuminate the shoreline, reflecting against the waters of the Seine as you spend a final night basking in the beauty of Paris.

Day 8: Depart Paris

Your eight-day Parisian escape draws to a close today. When the time comes, your driver will transfer you to the airport, where your departing flight awaits. Au revoir! 

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