City trip Paris for beginners

Day 1: Departure and Paris sightseeing

After arriving at your hotel, it is time to start exploring the city. You start at Place de la Madeleine with one of the most famous sights in Paris and one of Paris' most famous churches. Make sure to step inside the church and take a moment to admire the organ and the beautiful art. You will stroll further to the renowned Place Vendôme which owes its fame to a number of famous residents such as Chopin, Ernest Hemingway and Chanel. A little further on is the Jardin des Tuileries on the banks of the Seine. Here you can rest on the many loungers with great views of various sights of the city. Passing through Place de la Concorde with its 3,200-year-old obelisk, you will head to Jardin des Champs-Elysées with numerous fountains and finally to the Palais de L'Elysée, the official residence of the French president.

Day 2: Visit the Arc de Triomphe, the Eifel Tower and the Moulin Rouge

Your day starts on Avenue des Champs Elysées, France's most beautiful and famous avenue with plenty of shops. You continue walking to Arc de Triomphe, one of the three largest triumphal arches in the world. A must-see during your first time in Paris is the Eiffel Tower, the 324-metre icon of the city. Make sure to book your ticket in advance online so you don't have to wait in the long queue. Also don't miss a visit to Hôtel des Invalides, an imposing building originally erected as a shelter for soldiers in need of help. This site is also home to a cathedral with an impressive gilded dome and Napoleon's mausoleum. All these activities are possible with a private guide too, which Caractère will be happy to arrange for you. End your day with an evening of music, dinner and the French cancan at the Moulin Rouge. Definitely book your tickets for this in advance.

Day 3: Le Louvre and the artists' district of Saint-Germain

You start the day with a visit to the world's largest museum, the Louvre. Besides the Mona Lisa, the Louvre holds many other masterpieces such as the Venus de Milo and other works of art by various painters and sculptors. In the afternoon, you'll continue your walk via Notre-Dame de Paris to the Panthéon and the Jardin de Luxembourg, an oasis of calm in the heart of Paris. You will end the day in the artists' quarter "Saint-Germain-des-Prés". The activities on this day can also be done with a private guide.

Day 4: Montmartre, shopping and going home

On your last day, you will visit Montmartre, once a village outside Paris. To this day, it has kept its village atmosphere and enjoys its fame as a painter's district because of the many famous painters who used to live and work here. Vincent van Gogh, Picasso, Johan Jongkind created several works here at the famous Place du Tertre, the square where artists are still active today. The most remarkable structure of this district is the large white basilica on top of the hill, the Sacre Coeur. After visiting this white pearl on the hill of Paris, it is time for shopping. After walking around Paris for a few days, you are sure to have discovered the most beautiful shopping streets. A day of shopping in the world's fashion capital is a must before returning home. With an extra suitcase full of goodies and memories, you will travel back home. Or extend your trip at your hotel or another region of your choice. We will be happy to help you with this.

Frequently asked questions about this city trip

What is the best way to get around in Paris?

Walking lets you see the most, but for longer distances you can take the metro. It quickly takes you from one neighbourhood to another without wasting time.

Do you need to book tickets in advance for attractions?

Yes, especially for the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. This way you avoid long queues and make the most of your day.

What does a typical day look like here?

You start slowly with a coffee and croissant, explore one or two neighbourhoods and stop for lunch on a terrace. In the afternoon you visit a museum or landmark, and in the evening you sit down in a bistro.