W
elcome to the City of Light! Paris, with its rich history, world-renowned landmarks, and vibrant culture, offers an endless array of experiences for visitors. Spending a whole month in Paris allows you to immerse yourself deeply in its charm and explore beyond the typical tourist spots. This guide will take you through an unforgettable month in Paris, packed with must-see attractions, hidden gems, local favorites, practical tips, and a breakdown of budget and transportation options to make your stay truly magical.
Budget Overview
Spending a month in Paris can vary widely in cost, depending on your accommodation, dining choices, activities, and transportation. Here’s a rough estimate to help you plan:
- Accommodation: €1,500 – €4,000 (depending on location and type of lodging)
- Food and Dining: €600 – €1,200 (mix of dining out and groceries)
- Transportation: €100 – €200 (public transport pass)
- Attractions and Activities: €300 – €600
- Miscellaneous Expenses: €200 – €400
Total Estimated Budget for One Month: €2,700 – €6,400
Transportation in Paris
Paris boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city. Here are your main options:
- Metro: The Paris Metro is the quickest and most convenient way to travel around the city. A monthly Navigo pass costs around €75 and offers unlimited travel on the Metro, buses, trams, and RER trains within central Paris zones.
- Buses: Paris buses are a great way to see the city above ground. They are included in the Navigo pass, but individual tickets can also be purchased for €1.90 each.
- Trams: Trams run in the outer districts of Paris and are useful for reaching some attractions not serviced by the Metro.
- RER Trains: The RER train network connects Paris with its suburbs and is essential for day trips to places like Versailles and Disneyland Paris. These are also included in the Navigo pass within central zones.
- Bicycles and Scooters: Paris has bike-sharing schemes like Vélib’ and various scooter rental services. Daily rental costs around €1.70 for a 30-minute ride.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are available but can be expensive. Ride-sharing services like Uber are widely used and often more affordable.
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Week 1: Classic Paris
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks
- Eiffel Tower: Start your Paris adventure with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Arrive early to beat the crowds and take in the stunning views from the top. Don’t forget to snap some photos!
- Approx. Cost: €25 for the summit access.
- Transportation: Metro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim or RER C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel.
- Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe: Stroll down the Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous avenues, leading up to the majestic Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for another fantastic view of Paris.
- Approx. Cost: €13 for Arc de Triomphe entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 1 to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile.
Day 2: Museums and Art
- Louvre Museum: Dedicate a full day to exploring the Louvre. Home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, this museum is a must-visit.
- Approx. Cost: €17 for entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 1 to Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre.
- Musée d’Orsay: Located in a former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay houses an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
- Approx. Cost: €16 for entry.
- Transportation: RER C to Musée d’Orsay.
Day 3: Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even though it’s under restoration, the grandeur of this Gothic masterpiece is still evident.
- Approx. Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated.
- Transportation: Metro Line 4 to Cité.
- Latin Quarter: Wander through the charming streets of the Latin Quarter. Discover historical landmarks like the Panthéon and the Sorbonne University.
- Approx. Cost: €11.50 for Panthéon entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 10 to Cluny-La Sorbonne.
Day 4: Montmartre
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Head to Montmartre and visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Enjoy the panoramic views of Paris from its steps.
- Approx. Cost: Free.
- Transportation: Metro Line 2 to Anvers.
- Montmartre Village: Explore the bohemian village of Montmartre. Visit artists’ squares, such as Place du Tertre, and see the famous Moulin Rouge.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, meals and drinks extra.
- Transportation: Walking around Montmartre.
Day 5: Seine River and Île de la Cité
- Seine River Cruise: Take a leisurely cruise along the Seine River. It’s a wonderful way to see many of Paris’s landmarks from a different perspective.
- Approx. Cost: €15 – €20.
- Transportation: Various cruise operators along the Seine.
- Île de la Cité: Explore Île de la Cité, the heart of Paris. Visit Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning stained-glass windows.
- Approx. Cost: €11.50 for Sainte-Chapelle entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 4 to Cité.
Day 6: Marais District
- Le Marais: Spend the day in the trendy Marais district. Visit the Picasso Museum, explore the historic Jewish quarter, and enjoy boutique shopping.
- Approx. Cost: €14 for Picasso Museum entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 1 to Saint-Paul.
- Place des Vosges: Relax in Place des Vosges, one of the oldest planned squares in Paris, and visit Victor Hugo’s house.
- Approx. Cost: Free.
- Transportation: Walking around Le Marais.
Day 7: Day of Leisure
- Local Markets: Visit local markets such as Marché d’Aligre or Marché des Enfants Rouges. Sample fresh produce, cheeses, and pastries.
- Approx. Cost: Variable, based on purchases.
- Transportation: Metro Line 8 to Ledru-Rollin for Marché d’Aligre or Metro Line 3 to Temple for Marché des Enfants Rouges.
- Café Culture: Spend the afternoon at a traditional Parisian café, people-watching and enjoying a coffee or a glass of wine.
- Approx. Cost: €10 – €20.
- Transportation: Various cafes around Paris.
“The Professional Hobo”
“Never Ending Footsteps”
Week 2: Hidden Gems and Local Experiences
Day 8: Canal Saint-Martin
- Canal Saint-Martin: Stroll along Canal Saint-Martin, a picturesque canal popular with locals. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and trendy cafes.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, meals and drinks extra.
- Transportation: Metro Line 5 to Jacques Bonsergent.
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Visit Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, one of Paris’s largest parks. Enjoy its waterfalls, grottoes, and beautiful views.
- Approx. Cost: Free.
- Transportation: Metro Line 7bis to Buttes Chaumont.
Day 9: Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
- Musée de l’Orangerie: Discover Monet’s Water Lilies and other Impressionist works in this intimate museum in the Tuileries Garden.
- Approx. Cost: €12.50 for entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 1 to Concorde.
- Musée Rodin: Explore the works of Auguste Rodin in this museum, set in a beautiful mansion with lovely gardens.
- Approx. Cost: €13 for entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 13 to Varenne.
Day 10: Day Trip to Versailles
- Palace of Versailles: Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles. Explore the opulent palace, the Hall of Mirrors, and the extensive gardens.
- Approx. Cost: €18 for palace entry, additional for gardens.
- Transportation: RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
- Versailles Town: Wander around the charming town of Versailles, with its quaint streets and local markets.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, meals and shopping extra.
- Transportation: Walking around Versailles.
Day 11: Parisian Parks
- Luxembourg Gardens: Spend a relaxing day in Luxembourg Gardens. Enjoy the beautiful flowers, fountains, and the iconic Medici Fountain.
- Approx. Cost: Free.
- Transportation: Metro Line 4 to Saint-Sulpice or RER B to Luxembourg.
- Bois de Boulogne: Explore the vast Bois de Boulogne park. Visit the lakes, botanical gardens, and even take a boat ride.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, boat rental around €10.
- Transportation: Metro Line 1 to Porte Maillot or Line 2 to Porte Dauphine.
Day 12: Culinary Delights
- Cooking Class: Take a French cooking class and learn how to make classic dishes like croissants, macarons, or a full French meal.
- Approx. Cost: €100 – €150.
- Transportation: Various cooking schools around Paris.
- Food Tour: Join a food tour to taste the best of Parisian cuisine, from pastries and cheese to wine and charcuterie.
- Approx. Cost: €80 – €120.
- Transportation: Various meeting points around Paris.
Day 13: Modern Paris
- La Défense: Visit La Défense, the modern business district of Paris. Admire the futuristic skyscrapers and public art installations.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, meals and shopping extra.
- Transportation: Metro Line 1 to La Défense.
- Fondation Louis Vuitton: Explore contemporary art at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, a stunning building designed by Frank Gehry.
- Approx. Cost: €16 for entry.
- Transportation: Shuttle from Charles de Gaulle-Étoile or Metro Line 1 to Les Sablons.
Day 14: Cultural Experiences
- Opéra Garnier: Tour the opulent Opéra Garnier, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture.
- Approx. Cost: €14 for entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 3 to Opéra.
- Maison de la Photographie: Visit the Maison de la Photographie for an insight into contemporary and historical photography.
- Approx. Cost: €10 for entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 4 to Château d’Eau.
Day 15: Day Trip to Giverny
- Claude Monet’s House and Gardens: Visit Giverny, the home and gardens of Claude Monet. Walk through the beautiful gardens that inspired his famous paintings.
- Approx. Cost: €11 for entry.
- Transportation: Train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon, then a shuttle bus to Giverny (train €15 – €20, shuttle €10 round trip).
Week 3: Beyond the City Center
Day 16: Château de Fontainebleau
- Château de Fontainebleau: Take a trip to the Château de Fontainebleau, a former royal residence with stunning architecture and gardens.
- Approx. Cost: €12 for entry.
- Transportation: Train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon, then a local bus to the château (train €8 – €10, bus included).
Day 17: Day Trip to Reims
- Reims Cathedral: Visit Reims, the unofficial capital of the Champagne region. Explore the stunning Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned.
- Approx. Cost: Free entry.
- Transportation: Train from Gare de l’Est to Reims (train €15 – €30).
- Champagne Tasting: Tour some of the famous champagne houses and enjoy tastings.
- Approx. Cost: €20 – €50 per tasting.
- Transportation: Walking around Reims.
Day 18: Saint-Germain-en-Laye
- Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Visit the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a royal palace with beautiful gardens and a fantastic view of Paris.
- Approx. Cost: €8 for entry.
- Transportation: RER A to Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
- Saint-Germain Forest: Spend some time in the adjacent forest, ideal for a peaceful walk or a picnic.
- Approx. Cost: Free.
- Transportation: Walking around the area.
Day 19: Disney Magic
- Disneyland Paris: Spend a day at Disneyland Paris. Enjoy the rides, shows, and magical atmosphere.
- Approx. Cost: €50 – €100 for entry (depending on the ticket type).
- Transportation: RER A to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy.
Day 20: Medieval Paris
- Cluny Museum: Visit the Cluny Museum, dedicated to the Middle Ages. See the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries.
- Approx. Cost: €12 for entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 10 to Cluny-La Sorbonne.
- Rue Mouffetard: Wander along Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris, filled with history and charm.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, meals and shopping extra.
- Transportation: Walking around the area.
Day 21: Markets and Shopping
- Flea Markets: Explore the flea markets of Paris, such as Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, for antiques and unique finds.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, purchases extra.
- Transportation: Metro Line 4 to Porte de Clignancourt.
- Galeries Lafayette: Visit the Galeries Lafayette, an iconic department store with a stunning glass dome and excellent shopping.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, purchases extra.
- Transportation: Metro Line 7 or 9 to Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette.
Week 4: Live Like a Local
Day 22: Local Neighborhoods
- Belleville: Explore Belleville, a multicultural neighborhood with vibrant street art and diverse cuisine.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, meals and shopping extra.
- Transportation: Metro Line 2 to Belleville.
- Oberkampf: Discover the trendy area of Oberkampf, known for its nightlife, bars, and live music venues.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, meals and drinks extra.
- Transportation: Metro Line 5 to Oberkampf.
Day 23: Hidden Courtyards and Passages
- Passage des Panoramas: Wander through the historic covered passages of Paris, such as Passage des Panoramas and Passage Jouffroy.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, meals and shopping extra.
- Transportation: Metro Line 8 to Grands Boulevards.
- Hidden Courtyards: Discover hidden courtyards like the Cour Damoye and Cour du Commerce Saint-André.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, meals and shopping extra.
- Transportation: Walking around various neighborhoods.
Day 24: Alternative Art Scene
- Street Art Tour: Take a street art tour to see the best murals and graffiti in Paris.
- Approx. Cost: €20 – €30.
- Transportation: Various meeting points around Paris.
- 59 Rivoli: Visit 59 Rivoli, an artist’s collective housed in a former squat, showcasing contemporary art.
- Approx. Cost: Free entry, donations appreciated.
- Transportation: Metro Line 1 or 11 to Hôtel de Ville.
Day 25: Paris by Night
- Moulin Rouge Show: Enjoy a classic Parisian cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge.
- Approx. Cost: €90 – €120.
- Transportation: Metro Line 2 to Blanche.
- Night Strolls: Take a nighttime stroll along the Seine or through illuminated landmarks like the Louvre and Notre-Dame.
- Approx. Cost: Free.
- Transportation: Walking around central Paris.
Day 26: Day Trip to Chantilly
- Château de Chantilly: Visit the Château de Chantilly, known for its impressive art collection and beautiful gardens.
- Approx. Cost: €17 for entry.
- Transportation: Train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux, then a short bus ride or walk (train €8 – €10).
- Hippodrome de Chantilly: If you’re a horse racing fan, check out the famous Chantilly Racecourse.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, race events extra.
- Transportation: Walking around Chantilly.
Day 27: Cultural Festivals
- Paris Jazz Festival: Depending on the time of year, attend the Paris Jazz Festival in Parc Floral.
- Approx. Cost: Free with park entry (€2.50).
- Transportation: Metro Line 1 to Château de Vincennes.
- Film Festivals: Check out the various film festivals in Paris, such as the Champs-Élysées Film Festival.
- Approx. Cost: Variable, depending on events.
- Transportation: Various locations around Paris.
Day 28: Relive History
- Conciergerie: Visit the Conciergerie, a former royal palace and prison where Marie Antoinette was held.
- Approx. Cost: €9 for entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 4 to Cité.
- Les Invalides: Explore Les Invalides, which houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte and a military museum.
- Approx. Cost: €12 for entry.
- Transportation: Metro Line 8 to La Tour-Maubourg.
Day 29: Final Shopping Spree
- Le Bon Marché: Shop at Le Bon Marché, the oldest department store in Paris, for high-end fashion and gourmet food.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, purchases extra.
- Transportation: Metro Line 10 to Sèvres-Babylone.
- Rue de Rivoli: Walk down Rue de Rivoli, filled with shops, cafes, and souvenir stores.
- Approx. Cost: Free to explore, purchases extra.
- Transportation: Metro Line 1 to Louvre-Rivoli.
Day 30: Farewell Paris
- Picnic at the Eiffel Tower: Spend your last day with a picnic at the Champ de Mars, enjoying the view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Approx. Cost: Variable, based on picnic items.
- Transportation: Metro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim.
- Evening Seine Cruise: End your trip with an evening cruise on the Seine, taking in the illuminated city one last time.
- Approx. Cost: €15 – €20.
- Transportation: Various cruise operators along the Seine.
A month in Paris allows you to experience the city in depth, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, local neighborhoods, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring world-famous museums, enjoying culinary delights, or discovering the city’s vibrant art scene, Paris offers something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your unforgettable month in the City of Light, ensuring you make the most of every moment in this enchanting destination.
