Five Days in Paris
Beauty is the reason people from all over the globe flock to Paris: You can feel it in the poetic charm of Montmartre’s cobbled streets at sunset. The haute couture that graces the boutiques of the Champs-Élysées. The breathtaking architecture that rises majestically from the Seine. The intimate cafés where history was written. Whether you’re a Parisian at heart returning to relive cherished memories or a first-time visitor eager to experience the magic for yourself, let us craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your desires.
Day 1: The Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés
5th and 6th Arrondissements
Stay
Upon landing at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, you’ll meet your driver and make the 40-minute drive to your accommodations for the week: the iconic Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, located in the heart of Paris, in the stylish Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. One of the most famous hotels on Paris’s Left Bank, the Lutetia blends elements of Art Nouveau and Art Deco and previously played host to distinguished guests like Pablo Picasso and James Joyce.
Do
Practice the art of le flâneur and wander the streets of the Latin Quarter. Pop into one of the neighborhood’s many excellent bookstores (like the world-famous Shakespeare and Company, across the Seine from Notre-Dame) or walk the rue Mouffetard, one of Paris’s most historic streets, stopping for fresh produce, cheese, and charcuterie at the farmers’ market along the way. Nature lovers will want to visit the Jardin des Plantes, a true hidden gem showcasing the biodiversity of our planet.
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Once the literary heart of Paris (its cafés were frequented by writers like Sartre and Hemingway), Saint-Germain-des-Prés has become a prominent artists’ hub. Spend the afternoon browsing galleries like the contemporary Galerie Dutko and Carré d’artistes and world-class museums like the Musée Delacroix and Musée Maillol.
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Eat and Drink
La Maison d’Isabelle won top honors for its signature all-butter croissants in 2018—and it continues to live up to its name. We recommend stopping by for one of the fresh-baked pain au chocolat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
For classic Parisian vibes, look no further than Bistroy Les Papilles, a bistro, grocery store, and wine cellar in one. Owner Bertrand Bluy offers a daily tasting menu for lunch and dinner inspired by regional ingredients.
Day 2: Versailles
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Do
Just 45 minutes by train or car, the Palace of Versailles is best known for the dazzling Hall of Mirrors (visit the château in the late afternoon, when the crowds will have dissipated). But there’s so much more to the UNESCO World Heritage site: Join a tour guide and explore the 2,000 acres of tree-lined paths and lush greenery by bike, making stops at both Le Petit Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s rustic hamlet.
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Eat and Drink
Step outside the palace grounds for a stroll through the Marché Notre-Dame, a centuries-old market established by Louis XIV. There you’ll find artisanal cheeses, fresh bread, fruits and vegetables, and other goods ideal for an afternoon picnic. Enjoy the spread near the Grand Canal, which runs through the gardens of Versailles.
For a feast that’s fit for royalty, try Ore, located on the first floor of the Dufour Pavilion at Versailles. It’s celebrated for its modern interpretations of French classics, courtesy of world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse.
Day 3: Le Marais
3rd and 4th Arrondissements
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Do
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Start the day with a post-breakfast stroll through Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, before the city once again buzzes with life. A prime example of 17th-century French Baroque architecture, the landmark features 36 identical townhouses. In the southwest corner of the square, you’ll find Victor Hugo’s former mansion, which was converted into a museum that pays homage to the author’s life.
While known for being one of Paris’s most historic neighborhoods, Le Marais is also one of the chicest. Wander the streets and discover stores like Merci, a concept boutique with a well-curated collection of clothing, accessories, and home goods; Nice Piece, a beloved vintage shop with haute couture garments; and Officine Universelle Buly, an old-school apothecary and café in one.
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Eat and Drink
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Visitors have been queuing for perfectly crunchy falafel and creamy hummus at L’As du Fallafel since 1979—and for good reason. Take your pita sandwich to go and find yourself a bench at the Jardin des Rosiers Joseph-Migneret or Square Charles-Victor Langlois.
Nestled on a quiet street between the Musée des Arts et Métiers and Centre Pompidou, Parcelles is the embodiment of a traditional French bistro. It’s where the locals go for culinary delights like pâté en croûte, pressed pork shank, and chocolate tart with caramelized pecans (and an excellent wine list, bien sûr).
Day 4: Champagne
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Although Paris offers endless opportunity for exploration and discovery, the Champagne region is more than worth the hour-and-a-half drive. Your adventure will start in Épernay, where you’ll tour Champagne houses including Moët & Chandon and Mercier. You’ll later drive to the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, a former Benedictine monastery that’s now the resting place of Dom Pérignon, and end your day in Reims—known unofficially as Champagne’s capital city and home to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
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Eat and Drink
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Before heading back to Paris, stop by the iconic Café du Palais, a Reims institution known for hearty, comforting foods in generous portions. You can’t go wrong with an order of duck confit with mushrooms, bacon, and potatoes, though you can also order salads and shareable charcuterie platters if that’s more your vibe.
For a bucket-list-worthy moment, indulge in langoustine royale and Brittany blue lobster at Assiette Champenoise, from three-Michelin-star chef Arnaud Lallement. Housed in a design-forward boutique hotel just outside Reims, the restaurant serves up world-class contemporary cuisine celebrating the region’s best ingredients.
Day 5: Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine and Canal Saint-Martin
Seine-Saint-Denis and 10th Arrondissement
Do
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Sprawling over 17 acres, Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen draws travelers and locals alike who are in search of one-of-a-kind gems—everything from 18th-century gilded mirrors to 1970s Yves Saint Laurent. Make a beeline for the Paul Bert Serpette and Biron markets and browse the rare antiques on offer.
Escape the crowds and venture to the vibrant neighborhood of Canal Saint-Martin, whose beating heart is a three-mile canal that serves as a stunning backdrop for picnicking and strolling. If you’re eager to give your feet a rest, explore Paris by water and take a boat ride on the canal—you’ll get to experience a series of locks and bridges while taking in some of Paris’s most famous monuments.
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Eat and Drink
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Take a break from your shopping (or contemplate a potential purchase) at Chez Arnaud, located at the entrance to Marché Biron at Saint-Ouen. There you can indulge in a crowd-pleasing selection of pizzas, burgers, and pastas.
Sardinian chef Simone Tondo crafts creative ingredient-driven dishes at his Italian bistro, Racines (located just south of the 10th arrondissement), where he draws inspiration from his grandmother’s recipes. Expect painstakingly prepared renditions of dishes like vitello tonnato and pork Milanese, along with an excellent selection of natural wines.