Here is The Traveling Professor's ideal week-long itinerary in Paris. We usually like to do Day 1 on a Sunday. However, if you choose to start on a different day, check opening days for museums and attractions. Make sure to get the Paris Museum Pass for VIP, no-wait-in-line admission and have a Navigo Decouverte transportation card to get around Paris.
Arrival Day, Day 1: After a long, overnight flight from North America, take it easy. The Traveling Professor recommends kicking back and taking an easy Seine River Cruise on the Vedettes du Pont Neuf.
Day 2: It's to the heart of Paris, the Île de la Cité. Visit the Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle, and view the iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame. Notre Dame is not open to visitors of course. Fill out the day by taking the easy #27 bus over to the Musée de l'Orangerie. If time permits, stroll through Tuilleries Gardens.
Day 3: Start at the Rodin Museum, which also is a great stop for lunch. Then, march across the street to Napoleon's Tomb. If The Musée de l'Armée is something that might be of interest, it is adjacent to the Tomb. Afterwards, take the #92 bus over to the Arc de Triomphe. End the day with a stroll down the Champs Elysees.
Day 4: The best day to visit Versailles, especially if it is a Wednesday, the least crowded day. On the way back from Versailles, make your stop at the Eiffel Tower.
Day 5: It's a great day to travel up to Montmarte. Visit the Montmartre Cemetery, the Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur, and the Place de Tertre. That night, the Musée d'Orsay is open late with less crowds.
Day 6: I recommend doing a day in the Marais. The Musée Picasso, Carnavalet, and Pompidou Centre are not to be missed. Don't miss having a fallafel at the one of the most famous lunch spots in Paris, L'As du Fallafel. That night, visit Mona at the uncrowded Louvre, open late on Friday night.
Day 7: What a week it has been! Enjoy some time in Luxembourg Gardens, and the Pantheon. I almost forgot to mention my favorite market (Saturday only), the Marché Président Wilson (take the #63 bus).
Join The Traveling Professor on one of his small group tours to Paris.