About Paris
Paris is the capital of France and its political, economic, and cultural center. Many functions in France are concentrated in Paris, and railways and roads have also developed radially around the capital, to the extent that one can say“all roads lead to Paris”.
The Seine flows through the heart of the city, and both banks are dotted with world-renowned buildings and cultural institutions such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower. The orderly broad boulevards and cohesive streetscapes that characterize Paris today were shaped by a major urban redevelopment carried out in the 19th century.
Paris is not defined solely by its famous tourist attractions. Neighborhoods with narrow lanes, café terraces, the bouquinistes along the Seine, markets, parks, and other everyday scenes are what create the city’s distinctive character. The city is made up of 20 arrondissements, and the streetscape and atmosphere vary greatly from one neighborhood to another.
In Japan, a fascination with Paris has long been cultivated through art, fashion, literature, and film. The gap between this idealized image and actual urban life gave rise to the term“Paris syndrome”, which became so well known. Paris has both the face of a glamorous tourist city and the reality of a major city where people live. It is this combination of both sides that makes Paris so interesting.
Tourist attractions in Paris
Here are the recommended attractions in Paris, presented as a ranking.
October 3, 2026 We checked each attraction’s official information.
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1PlaceLouvre Museum
The Louvre Museum houses an enormous collection of artworks, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, and is a “temple of beauty.” The architecture, where the former royal palace meets the glass pyramid, is also a highlight.The museum’s masterpieces, suggested route, opening hours, tickets, and access are explained in detail in the Louvre Museum article.
Louvre Museum: Highlights, opening hours, tickets, and access explainedThis guide covers the Louvre’s highlights, including the glass pyramid and masterpieces, as well as opening hours, tickets and access, based on official information and on-site research as of 2026 year 10 month.michikusatravel.com -
2PlaceEiffel Tower
Image: Gargarapalvin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris, is overwhelming when seen up close because of the solidity of its steel framework. In addition to viewing the city from the observation decks, it is also recommended to see the entire tower from the Champ de Mars or the Palais de Chaillot.The differences between the observation levels, opening hours, tickets, and access are explained in detail in the Eiffel Tower article.
Eiffel Tower: What to see, opening hours, tickets, and accessWe explain the Eiffel Tower’s observation decks, iron structure, and other highlights, along with opening hours, tickets, and access, based on official information and local research as of 2026 10.michikusatravel.com -
3PlaceNotre-Dame Cathedral
Image: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)This Gothic cathedral stands on the Île de la Cité. In addition to the rose window and twin towers on the west façade, the interior features bright stone walls and stained glass restored to view after the renovation.Highlights, visiting time, free reservations, and access are explained in detail in the Notre-Dame Cathedral article.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: Highlights, Visiting Hours, Reservations, and AccessThis guide covers Notre-Dame Cathedral’s west façade, rose window, gargoyles and other highlights, visiting hours, free reservations, and access, based on official information and local research as of 2026 year 10 month.michikusatravel.com -
4PlaceSainte-Chapelle
Image: Ninara / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)This chapel was built in the former royal palace on the Île de la Cité. When light shines through the stained glass covering the upper chapel’s walls, the entire building is enveloped in color.The lower and upper chapels, visiting time, tickets, and access are explained in detail in the Sainte-Chapelle article.
Sainte-Chapelle: Highlights, visiting hours, tickets and accessThis guide covers Sainte-Chapelle’s highlights, including its stained glass and upper and lower chapels, as well as visiting hours, tickets, and access, based on official information as of October 2026.michikusatravel.com -
5PlaceMusée d’Orsay
One of Paris’s leading museums alongside the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay has an outstanding collection of Impressionist works by artists such as Monet and Renoir. Its vast former railway station interior and great clock are also impressive.Masterpieces, opening hours, admission fees, and access are explained in detail in the Musée d’Orsay article.
Musée d’Orsay: highlights, opening hours, admission fees and accessThis guide covers highlights of the Musée d’Orsay, including its Impressionist works and iconic clock, along with opening hours, admission fees, and access, based on official information as of 2026, month 10.michikusatravel.com -
6PlaceArc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, often simply called the Arc de Triomphe, was built with Rome’s triumphal arches in mind. From the rooftop, you can look out over the grand avenues radiating from the monument.For details about the Arc de Triomphe’s highlights, opening hours, tickets, and more, see the article below.
Arch of Constantine: Highlights, opening hours, admission fees, and accessThis guide covers the rooftop views, sculptures, and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, along with opening hours, prices, ticket purchasing, and access, based on official information and local reporting as of 202610.michikusatravel.com -
7PlacePalais Garnier
Image: Peter Rivera / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)Known in Japan as the “Opera House,” Palais Garnier is famous as the setting of The Phantom of the Opera. It is now used mainly for ballet performances, while opera is primarily staged at the Opéra Bastille.
Even a theater tour lets you enjoy splendid interiors such as the grand staircase, the Grand Foyer, and Chagall’s ceiling paintings.Highlights, opening hours, admission tickets requiring online reservations, and access are explained in detail in the Palais Garnier article.
Palais Garnier: Highlights, opening hours, tickets, and accessBased on official information and on-site research as of 10 2026, we explain highlights such as the Grand Staircase, Grand Foyer, and auditorium, along with opening hours, tickets, and access.michikusatravel.com -
8PlaceMontmartre
Image: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)Montmartre is a hilly district in northern Paris made up of connected cobblestone slopes, stairways, and small squares. Beyond the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, you can explore the Place du Tertre, the area around Abbesses, and the streets where artists once lived.The district’s history and highlights, suggested time, and access are explained in detail in the Montmartre article.
Montmartre: Highlights, history, time needed, and accessThis guide covers Montmartre’s highlights, including the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Place du Tertre and hillside streets, along with walking routes, time needed and access, based on official information and local research as of 2026 10.michikusatravel.com -
9PlaceSacré-Cœur Basilica
Image: Superbass / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)This white basilica stands on the hill of Montmartre. Walk through the district where Picasso, Modigliani, and other artists based their work, then look out over Paris from the forecourt.The interior highlights, suggested time, and access are explained in detail in the Sacré-Cœur Basilica article.
Basilica of Sacré-Cœur: Highlights, visiting hours, visit duration, and accessWe explain the highlights of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, including its white dome, mosaics, and views, along with visiting hours, time required, and access, based on official information and local research as of 2026 10.michikusatravel.com -
10PlaceSeine River
The Seine and its surroundings are registered as a World Heritage Site under the name “Paris, Banks of the Seine.”
Bouquinistes with rows of green boxes continue along the Seine, where you can walk the riverbanks while browsing old books and prints.The World Heritage area, highlights of the bridges and riverbanks, suggested time, and access are explained in detail in the Seine River article.
Seine River: highlights, World Heritage sites, time needed, and accessBased on official information and local reporting as of 2026 10, this guide explains the highlights of the Banks of the Seine in Paris, a World Heritage site, including its bridges and historic scenery, as well as the time needed for a walk and how to get there.michikusatravel.com -
11PlaceChamps-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is a grand avenue extending about 2 kilometers from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. It is also known as “the most beautiful avenue in the world.”Highlights and walking information for the Champs-Élysées can be found on the official website of the Paris tourism office.
Champs-Élysées : histoire et secrets de la plus belle avenueHistoire, lieux culturels, shopping, accès : préparez votre visite sur les Champs-Élysées, de la Concorde à l’Arc d...parisjetaime.com -
12PlaceMusée de l’Orangerie
Image: Adrian Scottow / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)Known for Monet’s large decorative Water Lilies murals, the Musée de l’Orangerie stands at the western edge of the Tuileries Garden, between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde.The Water Lilies galleries, opening hours, tickets, and access are explained in detail in the Musée de l’Orangerie article.
Musée de l’Orangerie: Highlights, opening hours, tickets, and how to get thereThis guide covers highlights of the Musée de l’Orangerie, including Monet’s Water Lilies and the Paul Guillaume collection, as well as opening hours, tickets, and access, based on official information as of 2026 10.michikusatravel.com -
13PlaceCentre Pompidou
The building designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, with service pipes and circulation routes exposed on the exterior, is one of the landscapes symbolizing contemporary Paris. It is known for the collection and exhibitions of the National Museum of Modern Art, but during renovation of the main building, check the official website for the latest information on the neighboring Maison Pompidou and partner venues.
Maison Pompidou, ParisAu pied du chantier du Centre Pompidou, un lieu permanent pour s'informer sur l'histoire du Centre Pompidou, son ar...www.centrepompidou.fr -
14PlacePanthéon (Paris)
This Neoclassical building designed by Soufflot stands on Sainte-Geneviève Hill. Through its vast nave, Foucault’s pendulum, and crypt containing figures who shaped French history, you can experience both architecture and national memory.
Bienvenue au Panthéon - CMNSur la montagne Sainte-Geneviève à Paris, visitez le Panthéon, chef-d'œuvre de l'architecte Soufflot.www.paris-pantheon.fr -
15PlaceLes Invalides
This vast complex was built by Louis XIV for wounded and sick soldiers. Its orderly courtyards and golden dome shape Paris’s cityscape. Centered on the tomb of Napoleon 1 in the Dome Church, it offers a way to trace the history of architecture and the French state.
リンク先を開く（parisjetaime.com）parisjetaime.com -
16PlaceLuxembourg Gardens
Image: Rdevany / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)In front of the Luxembourg Palace are French formal gardens, an octagonal basin, and the Medici Fountain. It is an easy place to sit and rest during an itinerary that includes museums and churches.The garden’s highlights, opening hours, suggested time, and access are explained in detail in the Luxembourg Gardens article.
Luxembourg Gardens: Highlights, opening hours, time required and accessThis guide covers the French garden, Medici Fountain, statues and other highlights of the Luxembourg Gardens, along with opening hours, suggested visit length and access, based on official information as of 2026 10.michikusatravel.com -
17PlacePère Lachaise Cemetery
Stone tombs and mausoleums line the green slopes of this vast cemetery, one of the largest in Paris. You can walk among the graves of figures from many fields, including Chopin, Oscar Wilde, and Édith Piaf, amid a quiet historic landscape shaped by sculpture and architecture.
Bienvenue au cimetière du Père-LachaiseVous êtes sur la page officielle du cimetière du Père-Lachaise. Famille, concessionnaire, visiteur ou promeneur, re...www.paris.fr -
18PlaceLe Marais
This district retains medieval streets and 17th-century mansions, alongside the Place des Vosges, the Jewish Quarter, shops, and cafés. Rather than visiting only specific attractions, enjoy the architecture and the changing character of the neighborhood as you walk its lanes.
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19PlaceConciergerie
This historic building on the Île de la Cité preserves the great halls of a medieval royal palace and was used as a prison during the French Revolution. The Gothic Salle des Gens d’Armes and exhibits related to Marie Antoinette bring the eras of monarchy and revolution together.
Bienvenue à la Conciergerie - CMNDécouvrez ce palais médiéval royal devenu tribunal révolutionnaire et prison de Marie-Antoinette.www.paris-conciergerie.fr -
20PlaceTuileries Garden
This garden stretches from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, with sculptures, ponds, and tree-lined paths. A walk before or after the Musée de l’Orangerie makes it easy to visit the museums and gardens along the Right Bank of the Seine.
Les jardins - Un bol d’air frais au cœur de ParisLe Louvre, c’est aussi les jardins ! Retrouvez ici l’histoire des jardins, les activités pour les enfants et l’actu...www.louvre.fr
View ranks 21 and below (17 entries)
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21thPont Alexandre 3
It was built together with the Grand Palais and Petit Palais for the 1900 Paris World's Fair. Decorated with gilded statues and streetlamps, it also offers views toward the Eiffel Tower.リンク先を開く（parisjetaime.com）parisjetaime.com -
22thMusée Rodin
This museum displays works such as The Thinker and The Gates of Hell in a mansion and sculpture garden. You can enjoy the works and garden together, making it easy to include in a walk around Les Invalides. Check the following page for official opening information.
Accueil | Musée RodinLe musée Rodin est un musée assurant depuis 1919 la conservation et la diffusion de l’œuvre d’Auguste Rodin (1840-1...www.musee-rodin.fr -
23thPlace de la Concorde
The obelisk at the center of the square was brought from the Luxor Temple in Egypt and is also known as Cleopatra's Needle.
Place de la Concorde is also known as the site where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed during the French Revolution.リンク先を開く（parisjetaime.com）parisjetaime.com -
24thMoulin Rouge
This cabaret in Pigalle, at the southern foot of Montmartre, is known for its red windmill. If you plan to attend a show, check the official website for age requirements, dress code, start time, and rules on photography and baggage.
Le Moulin RougeLumière, musique, on clique !www.moulinrouge.fr -
25thArmy Museum
Located at Les Invalides, this museum traces French military history from antiquity to the present through armor, weapons, uniforms, models, and other exhibits. Separate from the architectural value of the complex itself, it is worth visiting for its vast collection of original artifacts and period-based displays.
AccueilLe site officiel du musée de l'Armée - Hôtel National des Invalides. Retrouvez toutes les informations, horaires, t...www.musee-armee.fr -
26thMusée Picasso Paris
Using the historic Hôtel Salé in the Marais, this national museum presents an extensive collection of Picasso's paintings, sculptures, drawings, and documents. Alongside works spanning different periods of his career, the contrast with the richly decorated mansion interiors is also a highlight.
Musée national Picasso‑Paris | Musée Picasso ParisInformation : L’ascenseur permettant d’accéder au 3ᵉ étage de la collection est actuellement indisponible ; ce nive...www.museepicassoparis.fr -
27thMusée du quai Branly
Designed by Jean Nouvel, this museum explores the cultures and art of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and North and South America. Its permanent collection in dark galleries, riverside garden along the Seine, and green-covered exterior walls create a distinctive museum experience.
AccueilDescription mots-clés Frenchwww.quaibranly.fr -
28thÎle de la Cité
Image: DXR / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)This island in the middle of the Seine is easy to explore on foot and offers a way to trace Paris's origins. Walking from Notre-Dame Cathedral in the east to Pont Neuf in the west, you pass a succession of medieval religious buildings, former royal palace remains, and riverside scenery, while comparing the streetscapes on the Right and Left Banks.
The island's history, highlights, suggested time, and access are explained in detail in the Île de la Cité article.
Île de la Cité: Sights, History, Visit Duration, and AccessA guide to attractions such as Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle and Pont Neuf, including walking routes, time required and access, based on official information and on-site reporting as of 2026 10.michikusatravel.com -
29thSaint-Germain-des-Prés district
This Left Bank district along the Seine is centered on Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church and lined with long-established cafés, bookshops, and galleries. Walking from Boulevard Saint-Germain toward the Luxembourg Gardens takes you through streetscapes closely associated with literature and art.
Tourist information for the district is available on the official website of the Paris tourism office.
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30thFondation Louis Vuitton
This contemporary art museum, designed by Frank Gehry, stands beside the Bois de Boulogne. Its glass shell, reminiscent of a sailing ship, views from stepped terraces, and temporary contemporary art exhibitions combine into a single experience.
リンク先を開く（fondationlouisvuitton.fr）www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr -
31thParis City Hall
This city hall stands across from Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Right Bank of the Seine. Seasonal events are held in the square, and an ice rink is sometimes installed there in winter.
L'Hôtel de Ville : visites, expositions, location des salonsBien que situé au cœur de la capitale, l’Hôtel de Ville reste pour la plupart des Parisiens un bâtiment à découvrir...www.paris.fr -
32thLa Madeleine
This neoclassical building is striking for its Corinthian columns, which evoke an ancient Greek temple. It is a Catholic church dedicated to Mary Magdalene and references classical architecture in a different way from the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe.
Mary Magdalene is called “Sainte Marie Madeleine” in French. The madeleine pastry is widely thought to have been named after a woman of the same name and has no direct connection to the church.Check the official website for the latest information on worship services and visits.
Sainte Marie-Madeleine à Paris – Paroisse catholique à Parislamadeleineparis.fr -
33thPont des Arts
Pont des Arts, spanning the Seine between the Louvre and the Institut de France, is a pedestrian bridge known for its distinctive wooden decking.
Looking east from the bridge, you can see the Île de la Cité. The walk can also be combined with a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral or Sainte-Chapelle.リンク先を開く（parisjetaime.com）parisjetaime.com -
34thPalais de Chaillot
Facing Trocadéro Square, this is one of the best-known viewpoints for a direct view of the Eiffel Tower. It houses museums of architecture and cultural heritage, offering opportunities to experience architecture and culture as well as the view. Check the following page for official information.
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35thChapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
This chapel on Rue du Bac is known as the origin of the Miraculous Medal. As it remains a place of prayer, please view it quietly during services and check the official website for opening hours and group visits.
https://www.chapellenotredamedelamedaillemiraculeuse.com/www.chapellenotredamedelamedaillemiraculeuse.com -
36thGaleries Lafayette Haussmann flagship store
The flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann is worth visiting not only for shopping but also for its Art Nouveau-style dome. Its Christmas displays have become a seasonal Paris tradition.
The free rooftop terrace overlooks the Paris cityscape, including the nearby Palais Garnier.The dome and rooftop, opening hours, visit duration, and access are explained in detail in the article about the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann flagship store.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: What to see, opening hours, time required and how to get thereThis guide covers highlights of the flagship Galeries Lafayette store, including its cupola and rooftop terrace, as well as opening hours, time required and access, based on official information and an on-site visit as of 2026 10.michikusatravel.com -
37thSaint-Augustin Church
Saint-Augustin Church was built during the major redesign of Paris in the 19th century. Its iron-frame structure and large dome are distinctive, while its unusual exterior combines several styles, including Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. Check the official website for the latest information on services and visits.
Paroisse Saint Augustin | Saintaugustinwww.saintaugustin.net
Parisian Cuisine
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
Parisian specialties
- Baguette: an elongated bread with a fragrant, crisp crust and soft interior. Enjoy it for breakfast or in a sandwich.
- Croque monsieur: a sandwich made with sliced bread, ham and béchamel sauce, topped with cheese and baked.
- Croissant: a viennoiserie enjoyed for its buttery flavor and layered pastry.
- Macaron: a confection made with 2 almond shells and a sweet filling in a variety of flavors.
By exploring bakeries, pâtisseries, cafés, and bistros, you can discover the culinary delights of Paris even during a short stay.
Famous Paris establishments
Please check the opening hours and reservation procedures in the official information before your visit.
Bouillon Chartier
This bouillon was founded in 1896. Enjoy traditional French cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Official website
Café de Flore
This café was frequented by Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, and its official history states that Sartre wrote inside the café.
It is also known as the place where Apollinaire and André Salmon used the first floor as an editorial office and worked on the magazine Les Soirées de Paris.
Official website
Transportation in Paris
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
Central Paris is easy to explore by combining the Metro with walking, while the RER, trains, and airport transport can be used as needed for trips to the surrounding area and airports.
Metro・RER・Buses
This is a platform in the Paris Metro. In London, the subway is called the "Underground," in New York the "Subway," and in Paris the "Metro." The term "Metro" is widely used around the world for subways and light rail, and Tokyo has adopted it as well.
The metro, RER, buses, and trams are interconnected, so change services according to your destination. As services may change because of construction work or on weekends, check the official network map and service information before setting out.
Railway
Long-distance train departure and arrival stations are divided according to destination. Gare de Lyon mainly serves southeastern France, Gare du Nord serves northern France as well as international routes to London, Belgium, and elsewhere, while Gare de l’Est is the main hub for eastern France and Germany. When booking a train, always check the departure and arrival stations.
Gare de Lyon
Gare de Lyon is not in Lyon; it isa station for trains heading toward southeastern France and LyonIt is like naming Tokyo Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen “Osaka Station,” for example.
North Station
Gare du Nord is one of Paris’s major terminal stations, serving international trains such as the Eurostar.
East Station
Gare de l’Est is a terminal station served by TGV and ICE trains to eastern France, including Strasbourg, and to Germany, including Frankfurt and Stuttgart. It is about a 10-minute walk from Gare du Nord.
Airport access
In Paris, choose your mode of transport according to your arrival airport and the station nearest your accommodation. The main options for reaching the city center are as follows.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- RER B：It connects the airport with Paris. “Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1” station serves Terminals 1 and 3, while “Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2–TGV” station serves Terminals 2A–2G.
- RoissyBus：The route to the Opéra district ended service on March 1, 2026. As alternatives, the operator lists RER B and, among others, express bus 9517 from Saint-Denis-Pleyel.
Orly Airport (ORY)
- Metro line 14:A straightforward way to travel from the airport to central Paris without changing trains.
- RER B＋Orlyval：At Antony station, change from RER B to the airport link Orlyval. This is a convenient route if you are heading along the RER B line.
- Tram T7:It connects the airport with the Villejuif area. It is an option for southern Paris, but reaching the city center requires a transfer.
Airport access ticket
- Fare:“Ticket Paris Région <> Aéroports” costs 14 euros each way at the standard fare from January 1, 2026.
- Eligible transport:Valid on the metro, RER, and rail services, including RER B to CDG, Metro Line 14 to Orly, and Orlyval.
- Transport not covered:It cannot be used on buses, trams, or similar services.
- Transfer conditions:Valid for transfers within 2 hours of the first validation without leaving the paid area. Return trips on the same line and breaks in the journey are not permitted.
Routes may change due to construction or service suspensions, so check the latest service information before departing.
This is Charles de Gaulle Airport. Along with London Heathrow and Frankfurt Airport, it is one of Europe's 3 major aviation hubs.
Suggested itinerary in Paris
This is a sample itinerary covering Paris’s main attractions in 3 days. With 4 days or more, you can plan your trip with greater flexibility.
Paris – Day 1
Open the same route in Google Maps
Paris’s main tourist attractions are concentrated along the Seine. Since the areas along the Seine allow for relatively flexible time management, I would like to spend day 1 deliberately visiting the slightly more distant Sacré-Cœur and Palais Garnier (the Opera House). The main route from Anvers station to Palais Garnier is about 2.9 km, or approximately 41 minutes, on foot and includes stairs in Montmartre.
Loading the map.
- ①Anvers station → ②Montmartre funicularCalculating the route in Google Maps
Exit Anvers station on Metro line 2, then follow Boulevard de Rochechouart, Rue de Steinkerque, and Place Saint-Pierre before climbing the stairs. The funicular is an alternative if you want to avoid the stairs.
- ②Montmartre funicular → ③Sacré-CœurCalculating the route in Google Maps
Follow the stairs on Rue Foyatier, then Rue Azais and Rue du Cardinal Guibert, to reach Sacré-Cœur.
- ③Sacré-Cœur → ④Place du TertreCalculating the route in Google Maps
Follow Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, Rue du Mont-Cenis, and Rue Norvins to Place du Tertre. After sightseeing, you might enjoy having tea here.
- ④Place du Tertre → ⑤Palais GarnierCalculating the route in Google Maps
This is a mostly downhill walking stretch via Place Pigalle, Rue Blanche, Place d'Estienne d'Orves, Rue de Mogador, Boulevard Haussmann, and Rue Scribe. You can walk downhill, stopping at cabarets such as the Moulin Rouge, or take Metro line 12 from Abbesses station to Saint-Lazare station. In addition to France’s national railway SNCF, Saint-Lazare is one of Paris’s major transport hubs, served by 5 metro lines.
⚠️ Visiting the Palais Garnier requires an online reservation, and tickets for the visit are not sold on site. Due to performance preparations, the auditorium may be unavailable to visitors on some days, and the areas open to the public may change, so check the information when booking. If a rehearsal or similar event prevents you from visiting, you can return to the Palais Garnier from day 2 onward. Including the Palais Garnier on day 1 makes it easier to adjust your plans from the following days. In that case, bring forward part of your sightseeing around the Seine to day 1, leaving more flexibility in your itinerary from day 2 onward.
Paris – Day 2
Open the same route in Google Maps
From day 2 onward, use the Museum Pass to explore the area around the Seine. The main route from Notre-Dame Cathedral to Place de la Concorde is approximately 3.2 km and takes about 44 minutes on foot.
Loading the map.
- ①Notre-Dame Cathedral → ②Sainte-ChapelleCalculating the route in Google Maps
First, admire the magnificent stained-glass windows of Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. The route passes along Rue du Cloître-Notre-Dame, Rue de la Cité, Quai du Marché Neuf, and Boulevard du Palais.
- ②Sainte-Chapelle → ③Louvre MuseumCalculating the route in Google Maps
From Pont au Change, go via Quai de la Mégisserie, Quai du Louvre, and Quai François Mitterrand to the Louvre. Walk along the Seine to the Louvre Museum.
- ③Louvre Museum → ④Arc de Triomphe du CarrouselCalculating the route in Google Maps
Pass through Cour Napoléon et Pyramide du Louvre and along Quai François Mitterrand, using stairs along the way. How long you spend at the Louvre Museum is up to you.
- ④Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel → ⑤Place de la ConcordeCalculating the route in Google Maps
As soon as you leave the Louvre and head west, you will find the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. There are stairs along the way.
Paris – Day 3
Open the same route in Google Maps
This walking route runs from the Musée d’Orsay to the Eiffel Tower along the north bank of the Seine and the Champs-Élysées. The main route is about 5.8 km and takes approximately 1 hour 24 minutes on foot, with stairs along the bridges and around the Palais de Chaillot.
Loading the map.
- ①Musée d’Orsay → ②Pont Alexandre IIICalculating the route in Google Maps
Visit the Musée d’Orsay. Even if you are not especially interested in paintings, you may enjoy the architecture and decoration of the Musée d’Orsay. Walk along Quai Anatole France and Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, then take the stairs to Pont Alexandre III.
- ②Pont Alexandre III → ③Arc de TriompheCalculating the route in Google Maps
From Pont Alexandre III, head onto the Champs-Élysées. From the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe appears directly ahead—a view often used when introducing Paris. Although it would be nice to head toward the Arc de Triomphe while enjoying some (window) shopping on the Champs-Élysées, depending on how long you spend at the Musée d’Orsay, it may be better to take Metro Line 1 from Champs-Elysees or Franklin D. Roosevelt station to Charles de Gaulle Etoile station.
- ③Arc de Triomphe → ④Palais de ChaillotCalculating the route in Google Maps
From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, look out at the 12 streets radiating from the monument. This view symbolizes Georges-Eugène Haussmann’s transformation of Paris. Walk along Avenue Kléber and take the stairs to the Palais de Chaillot. It is an excellent viewpoint for photographing the Eiffel Tower. Depending on your time and energy, you can also take Metro Line 6 from Charles de Gaulle Etoile station to Trocadero station.
- ④Palais de Chaillot → ⑤Eiffel TowerCalculating the route in Google Maps
Go down the stairs and head to the Eiffel Tower via Avenue de New York, Place de Varsovie, Pont d'Iéna, and Quai Branly. If you plan to go up to the observation deck, the schedule will be somewhat tight, so you will need to adjust the route by skipping some spots along the way.
A Parisian detour
We introduce scenes we happened to encounter in Paris and landscapes that suddenly caught our attention.
This is a Planet Sushi delivery scooter.
Railway Carriages
This is a Class 373 Eurostar that was stopped at Paris Gare du Nord. Eurostar is a high-speed railway linking the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium through the Channel Tunnel, and the Class 373 was built based on France’s TGV. It is also on display at the United Kingdom’s National Railway Museum in York.
For information about the National Railway Museum of the United Kingdom’s highlights, opening hours, admission fees, and more, please see the article below.
This is a Thalys PBA-type train that was stopped at Paris Gare du Nord. Thalys is a high-speed railway connecting France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany—4 countries in total—and is based on France’s TGV.
Aircraft
This is the Concorde that was displayed at Charles de Gaulle Airport. It was a supersonic passenger aircraft retired in 2003.