A week in Paris: visiting the capital in 7 days

Planning a week in Paris requires careful organisation to savour every moment. Hôtel de l’Espérance offers this balanced itinerary, combining iconic monuments and hidden gems, while optimising your journeys from the peaceful charm of the Latin Quarter. Welcome to an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Parisian art of living.

Day 1: Île de la Cité and its medieval treasures

The first day sets the tone by diving straight into history. Central Paris is home to an exceptional concentration of landmarks, and the good news is that most of them are within walking distance. Two medieval gems are nestled within just a few hundred square metres. Notre-Dame Cathedral, restored after the 2019 fire, reopened its doors in December 2024. A visit is a must! Just steps away, Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie are also well worth a detour. The stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle are among the most beautiful in Europe.

For lunch, the brasseries of Île Saint-Louis offer traditional cuisine in an authentic setting. You can then spend the afternoon strolling around the island, without forgetting to stop by Berthillon ice cream shop for a sweet treat.

Finally, for dinner, head to the Latin Quarter, just steps from Hôtel de l’Espérance, to try one of the many restaurants in the area, from French bistros to world cuisine.

Day 2: The great Parisian museums

Paris is home to some of the greatest museums in the world. Make the most of them without exhausting yourself: it is better to choose 2 major institutions rather than rush through 5. Start the day with the Louvre Museum, which can easily take up an entire day on its own. Tip: to avoid getting lost and spending the whole day there, focus on a few collections, such as Greek Antiquities, Italian painting, or the Daru gallery to admire the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

At lunchtime, the Café du Louvre is a pleasant option, but nothing beats a picnic in the magnificent Tuileries Garden, right next to the Louvre.

In the afternoon, the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station, brings together Impressionist masterpieces in an exceptional setting. Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh... a truly dazzling experience that will easily fill your afternoon.

In the evening, the team at Hôtel de l’Espérance recommends choosing a restaurant around Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a lively and stylish district.

Day 3: The Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro

No week in Paris would be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Rather than rushing there, it is best to book your tickets online well in advance to avoid long queues. The morning ideally begins at the Trocadéro, offering the most photographed view in the capital. Then cross the Seine on foot to the Champ de Mars, where you can enjoy a moment of calm before going up the tower. Nearby, the Rodin Museum and its sculpture garden are also worth a one-hour stop.

For lunch, several lively brasseries can be found in the 7th arrondissement. You can stop there before continuing your discovery of the Eiffel Tower district.

And why not end this iconic day with a Seine dinner cruise? A romantic moment to admire Paris illuminated.

Day 4: Between Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre

Montmartre is undoubtedly one of the most romantic neighbourhoods in Paris. It is best to go there in the morning, before tourists fill the cobbled streets. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica then offers a breathtaking panorama over the entire capital. Just behind it, Place du Tertre and its street artists retain an old-world charm, even though the area is very popular with visitors. To get off the beaten track, take time to explore lesser-known streets such as Rue Lepic, Rue des Abbesses, or even the Montmartre vineyard, one of the last remaining vineyards in Paris. We recommend having lunch in these typical, intimate streets before continuing your visit of Montmartre.

In the evening, a return to the Latin Quarter will guarantee a convivial dinner just steps from Hôtel de l’Espérance.

Day 5: From the Marais to Canal Saint-Martin, trendy Paris

The Marais district brings together several centuries of Parisian history, contemporary art galleries, trendy boutiques and some of the best restaurants in Paris. Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, is the ideal starting point. Nearby, the Picasso Museum never disappoints either. You can then enjoy lunch in one of the many bistros or cafés around Bastille or the Marais.

In the afternoon, head up towards Canal Saint-Martin: its tree-lined banks, locks and independent shops make it one of Parisians’ favourite places for a leisurely walk. It is also a great opportunity to discover Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, one of the capital’s most spectacular parks and gardens, with cliffs, caves and a lake.

For dinner, you will have no trouble finding a trendy restaurant in the 10th or 11th arrondissement.

Day 6: The Champs-Élysées and monumental Paris

This sixth day is dedicated to the grand Haussmannian perspectives that symbolise monumental Paris. The morning begins at the Arc de Triomphe, whose terrace offers a 360° view over 12 radiating avenues. Then walk down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, ideal for shopping or simply soaking up the atmosphere. At the bottom, Place de la Concorde and its obelisk beautifully complete the perspective.

At lunchtime, the Galeries Lafayette and their famous dome offer both a gourmet and architectural alternative. You can then continue the day with the nearby Opéra Garnier, which can be visited outside performance times. Its Grand Foyer and Chagall ceiling are well worth the visit. In the late afternoon, why not venture into the covered passages of the 2nd arrondissement, true living museums of 19th-century architecture?

And for dinner, what could be better than a show or theatre evening in a Parisian theatre? A perfect programme to end the day in style.

Day 7: Versailles or an unusual Parisian escape

For the final day, travellers have 2 options depending on their mood.

• Option A: a day at the Château de Versailles. The RER C from Paris is enough to reach this absolute symbol of the French monarchy. The formal French gardens, the Grand Canal and the royal apartments fully justify the trip. Ideally, arrive at opening time to enjoy the site before it gets too crowded.
• Option B: for those who prefer to stay in Paris, this final day can be dedicated to more unusual visits:

• The Jardin des Plantes and its menagerie, founded in 1794;
• Parc Montsouris, often overlooked by tourists, yet truly beautiful;
• The Arènes de Lutèce, a hidden Gallo-Roman amphitheatre in the Latin Quarter, just a few minutes’ walk from Hôtel de l’Espérance;
• The Centre Pompidou and its rooftop view over Paris.

Depending on your choice, you can have lunch in the magnificent gardens of Versailles or in an authentic brasserie in the Latin Quarter.

For your final dinner of the week, treat yourself to a meal near the hotel to bring your Parisian stay to a gentle close.

Practical tips for organising your week in Paris

A few good habits will help you save time and make the most of these 7 days in Paris.

• Transport: the Navigo Découverte pass or a book of tickets will allow you to travel easily on the metro, RER and bus network. Vélib’ bikes are ideal for short distances.
• Reservations: for the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower or Versailles, booking online several weeks in advance is strongly recommended;
• Opening times: most museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. This is an important point to check before planning your itinerary;
• Your base: staying in a well-located hotel, such as Hôtel de l’Espérance in the Latin Quarter, allows you to reach many sites on foot and reduce time spent on transport.

Paris in 7 days promises a dense, rich and unforgettable week. To make the most of every moment, Hôtel de l’Espérance welcomes you to its 4-star hotel in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Book your stay now.