If you are a billionaire, or have a couple of (hundred) grand to spare… maybe check out my King of Wrath inspired Paris travel itinerary here.

But for us mere mortals who can’t afford a billionaire’s version of Paris, here is a 5 day itinerary of the City of Love. Whilst there are some similarities, if you’re not able to whisk off in your private jet at a moment’s notice, you’ll want to pack in as much as Paris has to offer during your time. I’ve tried to keep things varied so there’s something for everyone. 

Although you can’t schedule love, Paris itself breathes romance. Walking along the Seine, the European architecture, the cute bakeries, it’s a romance writer’s dream location. Is this not the perfect place to meet a lover or bring one you already have?

City breaks aren’t my usual vacation of choice – I prefer the outdoors with lots of adrenaline fuelled activities. HOWEVER. Paris is an exception to the rule. What other city would be?

So let’s get to it… 5 days in Paris:

Day One: – Paris Travel

Fly into Paris. Depending on what time you arrive (and your jet lag), take the evening to grab some food and enjoy the beautiful architecture lit up under the night sky. 

Day Two:

Today is going to be a busy sightseeing day. In the morning head to the Catacombs. This is an underground tunnel network that is estimated to hold the remains of more than 6 million people. The walk between the resting place of those buried here. Rumors have it that after midnight, the walls begin to speak. Like a siren to sailors, the walls will lure you deeper and deeper into the tunnels until you can’t find your way back out. 

If you make it out of the tunnels alive (just kidding!), head toward Notre Dame for an obligatory selfie and instagram post. 

After having lunch, head to the Louvre to find some of the most famous works of art in the world. If your Day Two is a Wednesday or Friday, there’s no need to rush, it’ll be open until 9.45pm. 

Personally, I’d love to see the Mona Lisa (duh), The Wedding at Cana, The Coronation of Napoleon, Liberty Leading the People and statues: Man pulling guts out of an animal and a Child wrestling a goose (yes, you read both those right). 

Day Three:

Brace yourself because today is an eating day. This food tour is aptly named The No Diet Club and I am HERE FOR IT. Fuck diets, fuck diet culture. French food is some of the best in the world so forget about any food rules whilst you’re here (and forever – seriously just ditch your food rules). 

You will be so satisfied after this, take a chilled afternoon and head to the famous Shakespeare & Company bookstore. Here you can find one of my favorite romance novels, King of Wrath by Ana Huang. The bookstore is featured in the book and you can find it in my King of Wrath inspired Paris itinerary.

After roaming the bookstore, head to an Art House Cinema, my choice would be a late 90s movie at Action Christine. If you’re sluggish after the food tour, use this as an opportunity to rest your legs after a morning of walking.

In the evening, you’ll be heading for dinner and a show at the world famous Moulin Rouge. It’s not just the windmills that will blow you away. Expect an evening of champagne and cabaret in the birthplace of the can-can. Be sure to dress up for this occasion as those not dressed appropriately will not be allowed inside.

Day Four:

For those who enjoy their history and escaping the city, take a day trip to Versailles, the former palace of French Kings and Queens. You can live out your Bridgerton/Jane Austen/Royal Princess fantasy for a day. Props to those who wear a long floaty dress and literally run down the corridor clutching your chest for dramatic effect. 

There are a few ways to do this trip. The cheapest would be to grab a train to Versaille, buy a ticket and wander the grounds yourself.

An alternative but more costly option, would be to get a tour that takes you from Paris, a guided tour of the grounds which goes into the history and significance of each place. You’ll then return to Paris. Depending on your budget, either would be a good option. They also have audio guides if you were looking at an alternative to a IRL guide. 

After a day in the fresh air, what better than to return to the city and head straight to the Eiffel Tower for dinner. You have Madame Brasserie on floor one; Le Jules Verne – a nod to the French science fiction novelist, on floor two and a Champagne Bar on floor three. Prices aren’t cheap (would you really believe they would be?) but from reviews and pictures, it really does appear to be eating art.

Day Five – Final Paris Travel Day:

If you have time, head out to indulge in a few more french pastries before heading to the airport.

There is so much to do in Paris. These 5 days really are just the highlights to squeeze in as much as possible during your stay. 

As always, here is the itinerary in spreadsheet format – Paris – 5 Days.