Paris in 5 Days

The relaxed first visit: the same geographic logic with real time to sit in gardens and cafés, plus two extra days that open up the Left Bank properly and Montmartre without haste. Book the Eiffel, Louvre and Sainte-Chapelle ahead; keep the rest flexible.

1Day 1

1jardins du TrocadéroThe opening shot, before 9 am.

2Eiffel TowerSummit on a booked slot, then a picnic lunch on Champ de Mars.

3Musée du quai BranlyA different world steps from the tower — two hours suffice.

4Pont Alexandre IIISunset finale on the gilded bridge.

2Day 2

1Louvre MuseumFirst morning slot; two wings, no more.

2Palais-RoyalRecovery coffee among the columns.

3Tuileries GardenThe royal axis, unhurried.

4Musée de l'OrangerieMonet's lilies to close the afternoon.

5Arc de TriompheThe arch rooftop for sunset and the tower lights.

3Day 3

1Notre-Dame de ParisFree app slot at opening.

2Sainte ChapelleWith the Conciergerie on the combined ticket.

3place des VosgesMarais opener: the square, then the free Hugo house.

4Musée CarnavaletThe whole story of Paris, free.

5Musée PicassoAfternoon, energy permitting — or trade it for the lane cafés.

4Day 4

1Musée d'OrsayAt opening; start on floor five.

2Musée RodinThe Thinker's garden for a quiet lunch.

3PantheonFoucault's pendulum and the crypt of the greats.

4Jardin du LuxembourgTwo green chairs and the Medici fountain — Paris's loveliest day-ender.

5Day 5

1Sacré-CœurEarly, before the crowds; funicular up.

2place du TertreThe painters, then village lanes to the Maison Rose.

3Catacombs of ParisAfternoon option 1: the Catacombs (book weeks ahead).

4Louis Vuitton FoundationAfternoon option 2: Gehry's architecture and the family garden.

5square Louise-MichelThe farewell sunset from the hillside terraces.