France-5-day-itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paris
- Arrival: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY)
- Transportation: Take the RER B train from CDG to Gare du Nord, and then take a taxi or metro to your hotel
- Accommodation: Check-in to a hotel in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd arrondissement of Paris
- Places to go:
- Eiffel Tower ( Ticket price: €17 for adults, €8.50 for children)
- Champ de Mars park
- Arc de Triomphe (Ticket price: €12 for adults, free for children under 18)
- Things to know: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots
- Tips:
- Buy a Paris Museum Pass for priority access to many attractions
- Take advantage of the city’s bike-share program, Vélib’, to get around
Day 2: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
- Transportation: Take metro line 4 from Gare de l’Est to Barbès-Rochechouart, and then walk up the hill to the top
- Places to go:
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Ticket price: free, but donations welcome)
- Place du Tertre market
- Musée de Montmartre (Ticket price: €12 for adults, free for children under 18)
- Things to know: Be prepared for steep hills and stairs in this historic neighborhood
- Tips:
- Take a stroll along the Seine River for great views of the city
- Visit the nearby Père Lachaise Cemetery, famous for its beautiful gardens and historic graves
Day 3: Versailles
- Transportation: Take the RER C train from Pont Neuf to the Gare de Versailles-Château station
- Places to go:
- Palace of Versailles (Ticket price: €20 for adults, free for children under 18)
- Hall of Mirrors
- Gardens and fountains of the Royal Domain
- Things to know: Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the palace and gardens
- Tips:
- Buy a guided tour for priority access and in-depth information about the palace’s history and architecture
- Visit the nearby town of Versailles for shopping, dining, and exploring
Day 4: Reims and Champagne
- Transportation: Take the train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Reims (approximately 45 minutes)
- Places to go:
- Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Reims (Ticket price: €10 for adults, free for children under 18)
- Palace of Tau (Ticket price: €8.50 for adults, free for children under 18)
- Visit a champagne producer, such as Veuve Clicquot or Moët & Chandon
- Things to know: Reims is famous for its beautiful cathedral and delicious champagne
- Tips:
- Take a wine-tasting tour to learn about the production process and taste different types of champagne
- Visit the nearby village of Épernay, known for its beautiful views of the Marne River
Day 5: Return to Paris
- Transportation: Return to Paris by train from Reims (approximately 45 minutes)
- Places to go:
- Louvre Museum (Ticket price: €18 for adults, free for children under 18)
- Place des Vosges
- Take a stroll along the Seine River for great views of the city
- Things to know: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots
- Tips:
- Buy a Paris Museum Pass for priority access to many attractions
- Visit any last-minute sights or do some shopping before departing
Visa Requirements
- If you’re traveling from outside the EU, you may need a visa to enter France. Check with your local French embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
- Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can stay in France for up to 90 days without a visa.
Health and Safety
- Make sure you have valid health insurance before traveling to France
- Follow local guidelines and regulations regarding COVID-19 precautions
- Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others
Language
- French is the official language, but many Parisians speak some English. Consider learning a few basic phrases to help with communication.
- Download a translation app or bring a phrasebook for assistance.
Currency
- The Euro (€) is the official currency of France.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is still preferred at smaller shops and markets.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to France!