5 Days in Paris: Your Complete, Step-by-Step Itinerary (Updated 2026)

This 5-day Paris itinerary provides a step-by-step route through the city’s top landmarks! It is designed for first-time visitors, focusing on efficiency, covering the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and more famous attractions, along with plenty of food recommendations.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me continue sharing guides like this one. I only recommend places I’ve researched and/or personally love. This post is not sponsored by the hotels or any of the attractions I include.

Introduction

Paris is a city that lives in everyone’s imagination, from the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower to the quiet, cobblestone charm of Montmartre. However, with so much to see, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of world-class museums, historic landmarks, and transportation options.

Spending 5 days in Paris is the ultimate strategic sweet spot. It is long enough to tick off the “Big Three”–the Louvre, Versailles, and the Arc de Triomphe–without feeling like you’re in a race.

To help you navigate Paris like a pro, this step-by-step blueprint is built around four features:

• Geographic Clustering: Attractions are grouped tightly by neighborhood (e.g., the left bank on Day 2 or Montmartre on Day 3) to eliminate backtracking and maximize your time above ground instead of on the metro.
• Turn-by-Turn Transit Directions: Every major stop includes the exact Metro lines, RER train zones, and station names so you can navigate the city like a local.
• Up-to-Date Cost & Constraint Metrics: Every landmark lists current entry fees, seasonal pricing changes, and crucial closure days (like the Louvre’s Tuesday closure) so you can plan your logistics flawlessly.
• Built-in “Plan B” Alternatives: An alternative attractions section is included at the bottom, allowing you to seamlessly swap out activities based on your pace or unexpected museum closures.

Get ready to experience the very best of the City of Light, one perfectly planned day at a time.

Important Notes

This itinerary keeps in mind four full days to explore Paris, plus one day trip. There are no time constraints in this itinerary, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace and keeping in mind potential traffic and the lengths of different tours you might choose. I also offer restaurant recommendations and several alternatives to many attractions.

Using the Paris Métro

The Paris Metro is very straightforward to use, even if you do not know French. My itinerary incorporates using the metro sometimes to get to each attraction instead of walking, as that takes more time. I recommend buying the 5-day travel pass, which costs €78 per adult and €39 per child ages 4-9. Read more about the pass on the official Paris metro website. Once you land, the first thing you’ll need to do is navigate the transit system. Read my step-by-step instructions on my guide to the fastest and cheapest ways to get from CDG to the city center.

Map

I have organized this itinerary by day, featuring color-coded pins for attractions/landmarks, parks, and restaurants!

How to Use & Save This Map

To make your trip to Paris even easier, you can save this custom map directly to your Google Maps app:

1. Open the Map: Click the [ ] icon in the top right corner of the map above to open it in full-screen mode.
2. Save to Your Account: If you are signed into your Google account, the map will automatically be saved to your “Your Places” or “Saved” list.
3. Access on the Go: On your phone, open the Google Maps app, tap the “Saved” (or “You”) tab at the bottom, scroll down to “Maps,” and select “Paris 5-Day Itinerary” to see all these pins while you’re walking!
4. Pro-Tip: If you have limited data or a spotty connection, you can download the “Paris” area for offline use in your Google Maps settings so you never lose your way.

Day 1: The Royal Axis–From Monet’s Lilies to the Arc de Triomphe

Step 1: Morning at Musée de l’Orangerie & Tuileries Garden

• How to get here: Take the metro on line 1 to the Tuileries station.
• Cost: €12.50 (Free on the first Sunday of each month with a required reservation).

Step-by-Step:

1. Enter the Museum: Proceed directly to the two oval rooms to view Claude Monet’s eight large Water Lilies murals before the crowds arrive!
2. Explore the Grounds: Upon exiting, walk through the Tuileries Garden, which surrounds the museum.
3. Navigate Your Way to the Place de la Concorde: Walk toward the western edge of the garden to reach the Place de la Concorde public square.
4. Identify Landmarks: Locate the Egyptian obelisk and the historic fountains. The Place de la Concorde is famous for being the place where executions by guillotine occurred during the French Revolution. Many prominent figures, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, met their end here. 

Step 2: Afternoon at Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées

• How to get here: take the metro from Concorde station to the Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station on line 1.
• Cost (to climb if you wish): €22 (Free for EU citizens under 26).

Step-by-Step:

1. View the Arc de Triomphe: Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame at its base.
2. Climb for the View: Ascend the 284 steps to the observation deck for a 360-degree view of the city, including the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre.
3. Stroll the Avenue: Walk down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, known as “the most beautiful avenue in the world.” It remains an essential symbol of Parisian elegance, history, and modernity.
4. Lunch Break: Choose from the various cafés along the tree-lined sidewalks for a mid-day meal.

Day 2: Opera Grandeur & The Historic Left Bank–From Palais Garnier to the Luxembourg Garden

Step 1: Morning at Palais Garnier (Opera House)

• How to get here: Take Metro Lines 3, 7, or 8 to the Opéra station.
• Cost: €23 for a 90-minute guided tour if you wish to go inside. Read more about tours here.

Step-by-Step:

1. Enter the Palais: Explore the opulent 1,979-seat auditorium and the interiors that inspired The Phantom of the Opera, built between 1861 and 1875.
2. Navigate to Musée d’Orsay: Walk to Opéra station, take Line 8 to Concorde, and complete the trip with a 10-minute walk across the Seine to the museum.

Step 2: Late Morning at Musée d’Orsay

Cost: €16 (Free on the first Sunday of each month with a reservation).

Step-by-Step:

1. View the Collection: I recommend allocating 2–3 hours on a self-guided tour (or to take a guided tour) to view the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
2. Note the Architecture: Observe the museum’s unique structure, as it is a repurposed 19th-century train station.
3. Transit to Île de la Cité: Walk to the Solférino station and take the RER C train to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (the 5-day visitor pass I mentioned above covers the RER train).

Step 3: Afternoon at Sainte-Chapelle & Notre-Dame

• Location: Both are located on Île de la Cité (City Island) in Central Paris.
• Cost:
  • Sainte-Chapelle: €22 (Non-EU citizens) or €19 (French and EU Citizens). Book your tickets on the official website.
  • Notre-Dame: Free (Timed reservation is highly recommended).

Step-by-Step:

1. Visit Sainte-Chapelle: Enter the medieval Palais de la Cité to see the 13th-century stained glass windows.
2. Visit Notre-Dame: Walk 5 minutes east to the Cathedral. Use your pre-booked reservation ticket to enter during your time slot and minimize wait times.
   • You can get a free reservation ticket either the day before, two days before, or on the day of your visit.

Step 4: Evening at the Panthéon & Luxembourg Garden

• How to Get Here: A 20-minute walk south from Notre-Dame across the Seine.
• Cost (Panthéon): €13 (October–March) or €16 (April–September). Purchase tickets on the official website.

Step-by-Step:

1. Explore the Panthéon: Visit the crypts of famous French citizens, including Marie Curie and Voltaire.
2. Relax at Luxembourg Garden: Walk 5 minutes west from the Panthéon to the gardens to end your day.

Day 3: Hilltops & Icons–From the Heights of Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower

Step 1: Morning at Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

• How to get here: Take the metro on line 12 to the Abbesses station.
• Navigation: This station is exceptionally deep. Take the elevator to ground level to avoid the 144-step spiral staircase.
• Cost: Free to enter the Basilica!

Step-by-Step:

1. Arrive Early: Reach the summit of Montmartre early to beat the long entry lines into the Basilica.
2. Wear Proper Footwear: Ensure you are wearing sneakers, as the walk to the Basilica involves significant inclines and stairs.
3. View the City: Visit the dome for a panoramic view of the entire Paris skyline.

Step 2: Afternoon at Hôtel des Invalides & Napoleon’s Tomb

1. How to get here (Transit):
   1. Walk 10 minutes to Anvers station.
   2. Take the metro on line 2 to Place de Clichy.
   3. Transfer to line 13 and exit at Saint-François-Xavier.
   4. Walk 10 minutes north on Avenue de Villars to the Hôtel des Invalides.
2. Cost: €17 (Includes Musée de l’Armée, Napoleon’s Tomb, and Musée des Plans-Reliefs). Purchase tickets on the official website.

Step 3: Evening at the Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars

How to get here: Walk 15 minutes west from the Hôtel des Invalides.
Cost (to climb): Adults €23.10 | Ages 12-14 €11.60 | Ages 4-11 €5.90 | Under 4 Free. If you want to climb the Eiffel Tower, tickets are available on the official website.

Step-by-Step:

1. Relax on the Champ de Mars: Use this park space to rest and photograph the Eiffel Tower from the ground.
2. Ascend the Tower: If you plan to go up, purchase tickets in advance via the official website to secure your time slot.
3. Wait for the Light Show: Remain at the Champ de Mars as night falls to see the tower’s iconic golden illumination and hourly sparkling light show.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles–A Step-by-Step Royal Escape

Step 1: Transport from Paris to Versailles

• How to get here: Take the RER C train (Yellow Line) toward Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
• Procedural Tip: Ensure your ticket covers Zones 1-4. A standard T+ metro ticket is not valid for this journey and could result in a fine.
• Transit Time: Approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on your starting point in Paris.

Step 2: Morning at the Main Palace & Hall of Mirrors

• Arrival Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your timed entry slot.
• Step-by-Step:
  1. Enter the Palace: Use the main entrance to tour the King’s Grand Apartments and the iconic Hall of Mirrors.
  2. Timing: Aim for a 9:00am entry to avoid the largest tour-bus crowds arriving mid-morning.

Step 3: Mid-Day at the Gardens & Fountains

Step-by-Step:

1. Exit to the Gardens: Walk behind the palace to explore the Jardins de Versailles.
2. Check the Schedule: If visiting on a weekend or Tuesday (April–October), check the Musical Fountains Show times to see the water displays in action.

Step 4: Afternoon at the Trianon Estate & Queen’s Hamlet

Location: Located about a 25-minute walk (or a short shuttle ride) from the main palace.

Step-by-Step:

1. Visit the Grand & Petit Trianon: Explore these smaller palaces associated with King Louis XV and Queen Marie-Antoinette.
2. Explore the Hameau de la Reine: Visit the rustic “Queen’s Hamlet,” a functioning farm built for Marie-Antoinette’s leisure.
3. Note: These areas usually open later in the day (around 12:00pm), making them the perfect afternoon stop.

Day 5: Artistic Icons & Historic Streets–From the Louvre to the Heart of Le Marais

Step 1: Morning at The Louvre Museum

• How to get here: Take the metro on line 1 to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre station.
• Cost: €22 (Pre-booking a timed entry slot is highly recommended). Purchase tickets on the official website.

Step-by-Step:

1. Arrive Early: Reach the entrance 15–30 minutes before the museum opens to minimize security wait times.
2. Target Key Masterpieces: Head directly to the Denon Wing to view the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
3. Navigate the Exits: After your tour, exit through the Carrousel du Louvre (the underground shopping mall) for a climate-controlled walk back to the metro.

Step 2: Afternoon Exploration of Le Marais

How to get here: Take the metro on line 1 to the Hôtel de Ville station.

Step-by-Step:

1. Walk the Historic Quarter: Wander through the narrow streets of the 4th arrondissement, known for its mix of hip boutiques and art galleries.
2. Experience Jewish Heritage: Visit the Rue des Rosiers to see the synagogues and sample food from world-famous kosher bakeries or falafel shops.
3. Browse Upscale Shops: Use the afternoon to visit the curated galleries and high-end boutiques that define the neighborhood’s modern vibe.

Step 3: Evening at Place de la Bastille

How to get here: Take the metro on line 1 from Hôtel de Ville to the Bastille station.

Step-by-Step:

1. Identify the Site: Visit the open square where the Bastille Prison once stood, the spark of the French Revolution on July 14, 1789.
2. View the July Column: Observe the monument in the center of the square, which commemorates the July Revolution of 1830.
3. Dine in the District: End your trip at one of the many lively bars or restaurants surrounding the square, which is a popular nightlife hub for locals.

Paris Itinerary Cheat Sheet

Use this table to quickly reference the main landmark for each day.

Day	Primary Landmark	Best Time to Visit	Closest Metro
1	Musée de l’Orangerie/Tuileries Garden	9:00am	Tuileries (Line 1)
2	Palais Garnier	Morning	Opéra (Lines 3, 7, 8)
3	Sacré-Cœur Basilica	Morning	Abbesses (Line 12)
4	Versailles	Morning	Versailles Château (RER C)
5	The Louvre	9:00am	Palais-Royal (Line 1)

Alternative Attractions

Use these alternative attractions to customize your trip or as a “Plan B” if major landmarks are closed or fully booked.

1. Catacombs of Paris
   • The Catacombs are underground ossuaries holding the remains of over six million people.
   • Tip: Tickets cost €31 per person (including audioguide) and must be booked online in advance as they often sell out weeks ahead. Be prepared to descend 131 steps and climb 112 steps to exit; the tunnels remain a constant 14°C (57°F) year-round, so bring a light jacket.
2. Atelier des Lumières
   • Paris’s first digital art museum offers immersive, floor-to-ceiling projected art set to music. Tickets cost €18 per person.
   • Tip: Shows run on a continuous loop; you can enter at any time during your ticketed window and stay as long as you like. Check the official website to see which artist (e.g., Van Gogh or Dalí) is currently featured during your visit.
3. Musée Marmottan Monet
   • Located in the 16th arrondissement, this museum houses over 300 of Claude Monet’s Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, including the painting that gave the movement its name, Impression, Sunrise. Tickets cost €25 per person. This museum is significantly less crowded than the Louvre or Orsay, making it a great alternative for a quiet morning.
   • How to get here: Take the metro on line 9 to the La Muette station.
4. Statue of Liberty Paris
   • Unveiled in 1889, this 38-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty in New York stands nearly 38 feet tall on the Île aux Cygnes (Isle of the Swans).
   • Tip: For the best photo opportunity, walk across the Pont de Grenelle. This spot allows you to capture the statue in the foreground with the Eiffel Tower directly behind it. It is a free, outdoor site accessible 24/7!

What About the Paris Museum Pass?

The Paris Museum Pass gives you access to more than 50 museums and monuments in Paris and in the Paris region. There are three types of passes: a pass for 2 days, 4 days, or 6 days. The 2-day pass costs €85 per person, the 4-day pass costs €105 per person, and the 6-day pass costs €125 per person. You present your pass (in paper format or e-ticket) at the checkpoints of each site.

The duration of use begins from the time of the first visit. The museums/monuments in this itinerary that are included in the Paris Museum Pass are the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe (to climb it), the Musée de l’Armée and Napoleon’s tomb, Sainte-Chapelle, the Panthéon, the Musée de l’Orangerie, and Versailles.

Without the museum pass, it will cost €138.50 per person (this is the total cost if you do not go up the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, and if you take tours of the Panthéon and the Palais Garnier, and not including the cost of a Versailles tour). For this itinerary, getting the 4-day pass is worth it. However, if you decide to get it, you cannot visit the Louvre on day five; I recommend visiting the Louvre on day three before going to the other attractions that day. A complete list of sites covered by the pass is available on their official website.

Where Should You Stay?

Luxury: The Peninsula Paris; Le Bristol

These hotels are the epitome of Parisian elegance! Guests are satisfied with the excellent amenities, location, and food, and appreciate the clean rooms. The Peninsula Paris is right around the corner from the Kléber metro station on line 6. Le Bristol is within walking distance of the Franklin D. Roosevelt metro station on lines 1 and 9 and the Miromesnil metro station on lines 9 and 13.

Mid-Range: Pullman Paris Montparnasse; Les Jardins d’Eiffel

This hotel is where I stayed in Paris and is a 5-minute walk from the Montparnasse–Bienvenüe subway station on lines 4, 6, 12, and 13. There was a variety of breakfast foods, and the rooms were large and modern. The Les Jardins d’Eiffel hotel is a close walk to both the La Tour-Maubourg and École Militaire subway stations on line 8 and a 3-minute walk from Rue Cler, one of Paris’s most famous pedestrian market streets.

Budget: Hôtel Astoria–Astotel; Hôtel de l’Avre;

You can stay at either of these hotels for under €200 per night! The Hotel Astoria is within walking distance of the Rome metro station on line 2. Guests liked how the hotel is quiet, clean, and comfortable.

Where to Eat in Paris: My Recommendations

For even more restaurants to choose from, download the app TheFork! Don’t feel the need to eat all at locations; choose where you wish to eat.

🇫🇷 Classic French Dining & Splurges

Comptoir de La Gastronomie

• Cuisine: Traditional French Bistro & Delicatessen
• The Vibe: A classic, old-school Parisian bistro specializing in rich, traditional French fare. Perfect for a central Paris lunch.
• What to Order: Foie gras carpaccio, French onion soup, or duck confit. View their menu on their official website.
• Tip: Reservations are mandatory for dinner, but if you show up right at 12:00pm for lunch, they can often seat walk-ins on their heated outdoor terrace.

Les Papilles

• Cuisine: Traditional French Market Bistro & Wine Shop
• The Vibe: A bustling, classic Parisian “bistronomy” hub and wine cellar. The walls are lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves of wine bottles, giving it a lively, rustic market charm.
• What to Order: The single, no-choice 4-course prix-fixe dinner menu, which changes daily based on what the chef finds fresh at the morning markets (often featuring an incredible soup served family-style from a copper tureen, a rich braised meat main, cheese, and a fresh panna cotta). View their menu on their official website.
• Tip: Located near the Latin Quarter close to the Luxembourg Garden, this is a great option for dinner on Day 2. You choose your wine straight off the retail shelves; you can buy it to go at market prices or pay a modest corkage fee to drink it right at your table. Reservations are mandatory for dinner.

Restaurant Frédéric Simonin (Fine Dining Experience–Expensive)

• Cuisine: Modern, Michelin-Starred French Gastronomy
• The Vibe: Elegant, intimate, and designed to feel like a sophisticated Parisian apartment with hardwood floors and beveled mirrors. The atmosphere is upscale yet welcoming, and Chef Simonin frequently greets diners personally.
• What to Order: The multi-course “Inspiration” tasting menus (ranging from 4 to 8 courses), which are highly celebrated for their masterful sauces, reductions, and their legendary, unbelievably smooth mashed potatoes.
• Tip: Located in the 17th arrondissement near the Ternes metro station and the Arc de Triomphe, this is a heavy-splurge meal with menus ranging from €135 to €200+ per person. This is an exceptional choice for a luxury anniversary or celebratory dinner. Make a reservation on their official website.
  • Logistics Note: The restaurant is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so you will need to book a weeknight reservation in advance.

🥢 A Break From French Food: Asian Comfort & Fusion

Kodawari Ramen (Yokochō)

• Cuisine: Traditional Japanese Ramen
• The Vibe: Completely immersive. The interior is meticulously designed to mimic a narrow, atmospheric Tokyo alleyway (yokocho) complete with lanterns and street ambient noise.
• What to Order: The Michelin-featured Kurugoma Ramen made with black sesame and Iberico pork, paired with handmade noodles crafted from French wheat. View their menu on their official website.
• Tip: They do not accept traditional reservations. You must scan a QR code at the door to join a virtual queue, so arrive 15–20 minutes before opening to secure a spot in the first seating.

Chez Zhong

• Cuisine: Chinese & Thai Comfort Food
• The Vibe: Cozy, welcoming, and highly affordable neighborhood gem located in the upscale 16th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower.
• What to Order: The freshly made, pan-fried gyoza (often folded right in front of you by the chef) or the flavorful Pad Thai. View their menu on their official website.
• Tip: This is is an excellent, budget-friendly “break” from heavy French cuisine when exploring the surrounding areas. Book a table online via TheFork to guarantee seating during busy dinner hours.

Misu

• Cuisine: Modern Korean
• The Vibe: Exceptionally stylish, minimalist, and contemporary–modeled after the trendy, upscale cafes of Seoul’s Seongsu-dong district rather than a casual barbecue joint.
• What to Order: The headline Bansang service–a traditional royal-style layout where a main dish (like perfectly balanced Kimchi Jjigae or Kimchi Bokkeumbap fried rice) is ringed by an elegant procession of seasonal small side dishes. View their official Instagram for their menu.
• Tip: Tucked away on Rue Falguière in the 15th arrondissement, it offers excellent, budget-friendly set menus for lunch. It makes a fantastic, peaceful midday stop when moving between the attractions along the left bank on Day 2.

Bleu Bao

• Cuisine: Traditional Chinese/Dim Sum
• The Vibe: Styled like a chic, old-school Chinese family home with beautiful blue-and-white porcelain details. It’s vibrant, stylish, and incredibly popular with locals.
• What to Order: The Shanghai-style Xiao Long Bao (steamed soup dumplings) and their signature Dongpo Pork–a braised, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly served with crisp bok choy. See their full menu on their official website.
• Tip: Located only a 15-minute walk from the Panthéon, this is another great dinner choice on Day 2. Order one of their region-inspired signature cocktails to kick off your meal.

🍕 Lively, Casual & Global Favorites

So Italia

• Cuisine: Authentic Italian
• The Vibe: A warm, relaxed, and welcoming neighborhood trattoria near the Nation and Rue des Boulets metro stations.
  • What to Order: The homemade Linguine Cacio e Pepe or their fresh Gnocchi alla Sorrentina served in a rustic Sicilian tomato sauce. View their full menu on their official website.
• Tip: They offer great lunch menus and a 20% discount if you book ahead on TheFork app.

L’As du Fallafel (Perfect for Day 5 in Le Marais)

• Cuisine: Middle Eastern/Vegetarian/Kosher
• The Vibe: Fast-paced, chaotic, and widely considered the best falafel in Europe, located in the heart of the historic Jewish Quarter.
• What to Order: The “Special Large Falafel” pita loaded with perfectly crisp falafel, fried eggplant, hummus, and cabbage. View their menu on their official Instagram.
• Tip: Do not join the sit-down line inside. Instead, pay the cashier at the outdoor street window to get a ticket, then hand it to the kitchen staff at the counter for the fastest takeaway service.

Santa Carne

• Cuisine: Argentine Steakhouse
• The Vibe: Intimate, dim, and incredibly cozy with a rustic wood-and-brick design. It features a romantic energy and a dedicated focus on premium cuts of meat.
• What to Order: Start with the traditional, golden-fried beef empanadas, followed by a premium, expertly grilled Argentine ribeye (bife ancho) paired with their vibrant house chimichurri sauce. See their menu on their official website.
• Tip: Located on Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, this is the perfect dinner reward at the end of Day 5 after visiting the nearby Place de la Bastille. Booking a table in advance on TheFork app is highly recommended.

Ober Mamma

• Cuisine: Vibrant, High-Energy Neapolitan Italian
• The Vibe: Exceptionally trendy and lively. Part of the famous Big Mamma Group, it features spectacular interior design with a massive glass roof, a life-sized tree inside the dining room, and a bustling open kitchen.
• What to Order: The favorite Mafaldine al Tartufo (handmade pasta served in a rich black truffle, mascarpone, and button mushroom sauce) or the Pistacchio Disco wood-fired pizza topped with smoked stracciatella and pistachio pesto. View their full menu on their official website.
• Tip: Located in the 11th arrondissement, it is highly popular and draws massive crowds. While they do accept online reservations via SevenRooms, they also keep a portion of the restaurant open for walk-ins. If you don’t have a reservation, join the physical line outside roughly 15–20 minutes before their lunch or dinner opening times to secure a table in the first seating.

🍦 Sweet Treats, Ice Cream & Pastries

Glace Bachir

• Cuisine: Traditional Lebanese Ice Cream
• The Vibe: Energetic, modern, and incredibly popular. It is famous for serving 100% organic Lebanese ice cream that has a distinct, delightfully chewy texture due to the use of mastic and sahlab.
• What to Order: The signature Ashta flavor (pounded milk cream infused with orange blossom) served in a cone and completely rolled in crushed pistachios, topped with fresh whipped cream (ashta enrobée de pistaches). View flavors on their official website.
• Tip: Located right next to the Centre Pompidou in the 3th arrondissement, the queue can look daunting, but the staff moves lines efficiently. Decide on your size and your flavor before you reach the front counter to keep the flow moving.

Berthillon

• Cuisine: Iconic French Ice Cream & Sorbet
• The Vibe: A legendary, historic Parisian institution. Operating since 1954, it is widely universally acknowledged as serving the absolute best, most flavor-concentrated ice cream in France.
• What to Order: Their peach mint leaf (Pêche feuille de menthe) or the ultra-rich salted butter caramel (caramel au beurre salé) ice cream. See their menu on their official website.
• Tip: The flagship salon is located on the Île Saint-Louis (right next to Île de la Cité), making it the perfect reward right after completing your visit of Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle on Day 2.
• Logistics Note: They are strictly closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you visit on a closed day, look for nearby partner cafés displaying the official “Berthillon” sign, as they serve authentic scoops direct from the supplier.

Amorino

• Cuisine: Italian Gelato
• The Vibe: Bustling, high-quality gelateria chain found across major tourist areas.
• What to Order: A signature waffle cone, where the servers meticulously shape different gelato flavors into beautiful, multi-flavored rose petals. View their menu on their official website.
• Tip: You can choose as many flavors as you want, regardless of the cone size. Don’t leave without adding a macaron to the center of your gelato rose.

Richart

• Cuisine: Artisanal Chocolates & Macarons
• The Vibe: Sleek, high-end, and contemporary chocolate boutique.
• What to Order: Their ultra-refined, gourmet dark chocolate ganaches and micro-macarons. View their full collection of macarons, chocolates, and more on their official website.
• Tip: This is the perfect, low-stress alternative to Ladurée if you want world-class macarons without fighting the tourist crowds.

Ladurée

• Cuisine: Historic French Pastry Shop
• The Vibe: Opulent, upscale, and globally iconic–the birthplace of the modern double-decker macaron.
• What to Order: Classic macaron flavors like pistachio, rose petal, or salted caramel. View their full selection of macarons, chocolates, and more on their official website.
• Tip: The flagship location on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées has long lines. Go early in the morning or visit their smaller boutique locations for a quicker takeaway experience.