An international capital and historic hub of the European continent, Paris captivates travelers from all over the world, whether it’s their first visit or 10th. It’s impossible to narrow down all there is to see and do in Paris—and that’s okay. Part of its charm lies in its vastness. And with Inspirato Pass, it’s never been easier to hop across the Atlantic and enjoy a seven-day sojourn in one of the world’s greatest cities.
Day 1: Arrival
Because most flights from the East Coast to Paris are overnight, you’ll likely arrive in the French capital in the morning. Groggy as you may be, fight off the jet lag by staying awake as long as you can—a nap will only further delay your circadian rhythms adjusting to the time change.
Choose from several Inspirato Pass hotels such as Hotel Bel Ami, Hotel de Sers, Hotel Regina, or Hotel Montalembert—all of which are situated within walking distance of many of Paris’ banner attractions. Head to bed early!
Day 2: Louvre and Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris would be complete without a spin through what is arguably the most venerable art museum in the world. Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the ancient Greek statue Venus de Milo, and the circa-second-century Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Louvre houses 38,000 paintings, artifacts, and sculptures. There’s no way its holdings can be seen in a day, so don’t even attempt it. Instead, choose a few halls or galleries that pique your interest.
Later, pack a picnic of French cheese, wine, and bread and head toward the Place du Trocadéro around sunset. Find your own spot on the grass and wait for the Eiffel Tower to light up once darkness settles in.
Day 3: Seine Cruise and Latin Quarter
Enjoy a sightseeing cruise along the Seine River, which wends through the heart of Paris. Afterward, stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter and dine on some of the best oysters in Paris—shipped from France’s Atlantic coast daily—at l’Huîtrerie Régis, a no-reservations- accepted raw bar where each patron is required to order at least a dozen bivalves.
Day 4: Orangerie Museum and Musee d’Orsay
The world’s greatest collection of Impressionist art dwells here, within the Orangerie Museum and the Musee d’Orsay. Begin in the Orangerie Museum, nestled within Tuileries Garden and home to Monet’s water lilies collection and works by Renoir and Matisse. Cross the Seine River to pop inside the Musee d’ Orsay, housed within a former Beaux Arts-style railway station. Take in masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Cézanne, Gaugin, and other French painters, dating from 1848 to 1914.
Day 5: Montmartre
A quick Metro ride will take you to Montmartre, once the stomping grounds of Paris’ artisan class, who can count geniuses like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir among them. Today, this colorful neighborhood is heavy on the charm—think quaint homes with overflowing flower boxes and cobbled lanes leading up steep hills. This is the area where you’ll find lively cabarets (including famous Moulin Rouge) elbowing up against charming cafes. Climb to the Sacre-Coeur, a gleaming white basilica crowning the tip-top of Montmarte that affords spectacular views of Paris.
Day 6: Versailles
Climb aboard the RER suburban train out to the Palace of Versailles for a full day exploring one of Europe’s grandest palaces. Built by Louis XIV in 1682, Versailles is one of the best representations of the excess and extravagance of French nobility—pre-French Revolution, that is. Embark on a guided tour of the palace interior, where you’ll have the chance to peek at the king’s private quarters and walk down the iconic Hall of Mirrors.
Day 7: Bon Voyage
Spend your last morning soaking up the city like a true Parisian: lingering at a sidewalk café over a cappuccino and flaky pain au chocolat. You can pay homage to the Lost Generation writers like Simone de Beauvoir and Ernest Hemingway with a visit to Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a brasserie where the literary elite once gathered. Take it all in before catching your mid-afternoon flight back to the States.
