Our perfect paris itinerary 🇫🇷 ✨
For those of you who asked about the itinerary from our recent Paris Adventure. This is what we actually did, vs. what was originally planned. #parisitinerary #paris #travel Paris
When I was mapping out our Paris adventure, one of the biggest considerations was definitely the time difference, especially coming from a different continent! Paris operates on GMT+1 (Central European Time), which meant for our December 30th arrival, adjusting to the new schedule was crucial. Those early morning hours can be tough, and while our itinerary mentioned a 4 AM GMT+1 query, I've found that combating jet lag effectively makes all the difference. My go-to strategy? Hydrate like crazy on the flight, try to shift your sleep cycle a few days beforehand, and most importantly, once you land, immerse yourself in the local time. Even if you're feeling groggy, resist the urge to nap for too long during the day. Instead, take a refreshing walk to a nearby café, perhaps close to the Marriott Champs-Élysées, for a strong coffee and some sunlight exposure. This really helps to reset your internal clock and get you ready for exploring places like Sephora or the grand Galleries Lafayette! Our 8-day itinerary was packed with incredible experiences, from the Bustronome dinner to exploring the Louvre and Musee D'Orsay. But if you're fortunate enough to have 10 days in Paris, you have even more flexibility to deepen your exploration or slow down the pace. For instance, instead of trying to see multiple major museums in one day, you could dedicate an entire morning to the Dior Museum and Café Dior, followed by a relaxed afternoon at Centre Pompidou. Or, spend more time wandering through the charming streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, popping into boutiques like Sandro, and enjoying extended breaks at a local spot like Cafe Louise. Another fantastic way to utilize those extra two days is to venture further afield or simply indulge in more Parisian leisure. While our trip included memorable excursions to Versailles and Fontainebleau, you could consider another day trip – perhaps to the Champagne region for a tasting, or to the stunning Giverny (seasonal, of course) if art and gardens are your passion. Alternatively, within the city, you could focus on areas we only briefly touched upon, like really diving into the rich history around Les Halles Cathedral or enjoying more culinary delights. Imagine another unforgettable dinner at Au Pied de Cochon or trying a different high-end experience like Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse. When crafting your own itinerary, remember to prioritize your must-sees and group attractions geographically. We found the Rive Droite and Rive Gauche distinction helpful for planning our daily routes, making sure we weren't crisscrossing the city unnecessarily. Always factor in travel time between sites, and definitely pre-book popular attractions like the Louvre, the Dior Museum, and unique experiences like the O Chateau Cheese Tasting or a Seine River Cruise to avoid long queues. Leaving a little room for spontaneity is also key – sometimes the best memories are made by simply stumbling upon a hidden gem or lingering longer in a beautiful park like the Tuileries Market area. Happy planning, and I hope your Paris trip is as magical as ours!
