Short answer: Base in Paris, see the icons without rushing, add Versailles, and choose one well-matched day trip. You’ll get art, views, market time, and river moments—without burnout.

Who this is for: first-time visitors who want a realistic, crowd-smart plan with simple transport and a balanced pace.

Trip Snapshot (Why this route works)

• Base: 6–7 nights in Paris (one hotel, less packing)
• Core sights: Louvre or Orsay (pick one major), Sainte-Chapelle, Montmartre, Seine cruise
• Add-ons: Versailles (half–full day) + one day trip (Giverny/Champagne/Chartres)
• Best seasons: April–June, September–October

Day 1 — Arrival, Île de la Cité & Seine

• AM: Arrive, bag drop, gentle walk on the Île de la Cité (Notre-Dame exterior).
• Midday: Sainte-Chapelle (timed—stained glass wow).
• PM: Stroll the Latin Quarter; coffee on a quiet side street.
• Evening: Seine cruise at dusk for landmarks in lights.

Tip: Keep day one light; Paris rewards early nights and early starts.

Day 2 — Louvre Highlights & Covered Passages

• AM (booked): Louvre highlights route (2–3 hours).
• Lunch: Tuileries or Palais-Royal area.
• PM: Historic covered passages (e.g., Galerie Vivienne) and the Opéra area.
• Evening: Bistro dinner; aim for reservations on weekends.

Swap: If you’re more into Impressionism, do Musée d’Orsay today and shift Louvre to another day—or skip Louvre entirely.

Day 3 — Montmartre Mornings & Right Bank Afternoons

• AM: Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre backstreets (Rue Lepic, artists’ corner).
• Lunch: Simple crêpes or bakery picnic on the steps (tidy up—locals appreciate it).
• PM: Grands Boulevards shopping windows or Canal Saint-Martin walk.
• Evening: Sunset viewpoint (Trocadéro) for the Eiffel Tower glow.

Day 4 — Left Bank: Orsay, Saint-Germain & Luxembourg

• AM (booked): Musée d’Orsay highlights (Impressionists upstairs).
• Lunch: Saint-Germain-des-Prés café time.
• PM: Luxembourg Gardens stroll; peek into bookshops along Boulevard Saint-Germain.
• Evening: Wine bar or neighborhood bistro; keep it relaxed.

Day 5 — Versailles (Gardens First)

• AM (RER C): Arrive early; start with gardens and grounds to beat palace crowds.
• Late AM/PM: Palace of Versailles (timed), then the Estate of Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet if time allows.
• Evening: Back to Paris; casual dinner near your hotel.

Tip: Musical Fountains/Gardens days change ticketing—check the official calendar.

Day 6 — Choose Your Day Trip

• Giverny (Apr–Oct): Monet’s House & Gardens; pair with a Seine-side lunch (train to Vernon-Giverny).
• Reims/Epernay (Champagne): Cathedral + champagne cellars (TGV from Paris-Est; book tastings).
• Chartres: Stunning cathedral and old town (TER from Montparnasse).

Day 7 — Your Paris, Your Way

• AM: Neighborhood market (e.g., Marché d’Aligre) or a small museum (Rodin, Orangerie, Cluny).
• Lunch: Boulangerie picnic in a pocket park.
• PM: Last-minute shopping; linger on the bridges.
• Evening: Early dinner and a final riverfront walk.

Practicalities (Saving Time & Headspace)

Metro & Buses

• Navigo Easy: reloadable card; tap-in/tap-out convenience for visitors.
• Timing: avoid crush hours with luggage; keep bags in front/closed.

Dining Rhythm

• Dinner starts ~19:00–21:30; reservations recommended Thu–Sun.
• Tipping is small; round up or add a euro or two for kind service.

Money & Phones

• Cards widely accepted; carry small cash for markets.
• Consider an eSIM; save tickets and museum QRs offline.

What to Book in Advance

• Louvre or Orsay timed entry (pick on