How Our Family Spent 4 Days in Paris (itinerary, hotel, tickets, tips)

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Our family just returned from spending almost 3 weeks in Europe, and I am so excited to share EVERYTHING with you! As I organize my photos and start to get blog posts up, I plan to go city by city, including London and Amsterdam. Today, it’s all about France and how my family spent 4 days in Paris, France, and our 4 day Paris itinerary.

Our Visit to Paris, France

We were in Paris from May 29th – June 2nd. I want to clarify that because I know how crowds and costs vary by season. Historically, summer is the busiest and most expensive time to visit Europe.

But we may have dodged a bullet heading there as soon as school got out. Most of the European schools go into June, and many into July. So, it wasn’t quite as busy as I expected. It was packed by the time we wrapped up our trip, leaving London in mid-June!

4 Days in Paris, France | June 2023

Paris was just as magical as I expected! And while I truly loved all six towns (four countries) we traveled to, Paris was my favorite. It could be the perfect weather: 75 degrees and sunny every day. Or maybe it was the Parisian cafe culture. Indulging in coffee, croissants, red wine, and people-watching are some of my favorite vices. And this was the perfect place to treat myself!

So, without further ado, I will share a little information about where we stayed and what we had to plan in advance. Then, I will jump into a day-by-day itinerary.

In the end, I will share a few more trip-planning resources and welcome you to leave any questions on this Paris itinerary post. I reply to each and every comment left on my blog.

Also, make sure to read my 10+ Must Have Europe Travel Essentials list so that you are well prepared!

Where Should You Stay in Paris?

If you google where to stay in Paris, you will get all kinds of answers! And that makes sense because everyone’s travel needs are different. We prioritize walkability and budget over luxury and serenity when we travel. For this reason, we chose to stay on Rue de Richelieu in the 1st arrondissement, right next to the 2nd.

If you are unfamiliar with how Paris is mapped out, 20 arrondissements or districts are laid out in a spiral from the city’s center. They generally get larger and more spread out the larger you go.

The 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th border the Seine River and are generally relatively walkable to many famous landmarks. We found Uber to be fairly expensive as streets in the center of the city are often one-way and disjointed, making a quick trip longer than it should be. We walked everywhere on this trip and could do that because we stayed right there in the heart of the city.

Booking.com

Where Do We Want to Stay on Our Next Trip to Paris?

I loved the 6th arrondissement and the Saint Germain des Prés. I would love to stay there on our next trip! I just loved the upscale shops, and the cafes in this area were extra charming if that is even possible!

That said, some people love to stay in the 7th, near the Eiffel Tower, and take the metro into other parts of the city.

Others enjoy the Montmartre area, home to The Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show and the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. While this area looks charming, it’s a bit of a hike to the city’s center. Therefore, I don’t love it for a first-time visit to Paris. I would prefer to visit this area for a half day. But I have heard that the Sacré-Cœur offers incredible views over Paris and the Montmartre Food Guided Tour is a lot of fun.

But everyone has their own taste! My advice for first-time visitors to Paris is to find a place close to the heart of the city. On your trip, you will learn so much about the area and pinpoint where you’d want to stay on a future trip. After all, most of us are, in fact, tourists wanting to do touristy things!

Our Airbnb Rental For 4 Days in Paris

I want to point out that there are not many hotel options for a family of four in Europe. So many rooms accommodate only two, and occupancy is very strict. This may come as a surprise for first-time visitors to anywhere in Europe. So, don’t rule out Airbnb, VRBO, and apartment rentals for your family trip to Paris. Getting two hotel rooms would have added up fast for four days in Paris.

Booking.com is also a very good option, as many options are vacation rental-style apartments! This website is very popular in Europe, and the reviews tend to be spot-on. We used Booking.com in both Amsterdam and Santorini in the past year.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom Paris Airbnb with a sleeper sofa. As I mentioned above, we loved the location, and I liked the amount of space we got. My priority is ample room to spread out, especially on the first stop after a long-haul flight. I want my family to be able to decompress and get a great night’s sleep.

For reference, this Airbnb costs us $1975 for the 4 nights. I consider this a great deal for summer and a 3-5 minute walk from the Louvre and Seine Rivers. There was a grocery store and a cute cafe across the street, and everything was easy to walk to.

That said, it did have several maintenance issues. As an Airbnb host myself, we are easygoing, and I did share them with the host. She did ensure somebody repaired them, but I noticed previous guests mentioned the same issues in their reviews and a reply from her saying she fixed them. We had booked this back in January as a new listing with 2 reviews, meaning those reviews all came in during the Spring.

I didn’t want to strongly recommend staying here without disclosing that. Here is a view of the street we were on. This cafe was just steps away from our rental.

What Do You Need to Plan in Advance for Paris?

Speaking of booking in advance, there are some things that you need to plan far in advance for! I am not saying to plan out every minute of your trip—we don’t do that—but both The Lourve and the Eiffel Tower need an advance timed entrance ticket. So, here is the scoop on that.

The Lourve Tickets

You can book your Louvre Museum timed tickets to The Lourve up to 90 days in advance. I recommend getting the first slot of the day, which was 9 a.m. for us. As the day goes on, it gets busier. Just set yourself a reminder for 90 days ahead of your visit and grab that first slot.

Even if you are entitled to free admission through a city pass, Paris Museum Pass, or another program, you must ensure your time slot is secured in advance through the museum directly or the 3rd party ticket provider/guide. Basically, if you don’t know what time you are going, then you probably need to get your museum timed entrance nailed down.

There is always the possibility of getting same-day tickets, but the lines will be long and the hassle more immense. So, if the Lourve is on your Paris bucket list, plan ahead!

Eiffel Tower Advance Tickets

The Eiffel Tower is the other Paris landmark for which you should buy advance tickets, especially if you want to use the elevator or visit the Eiffel Tower summit.

You can buy Eiffel Tower tickets online up to 60 days in advance for elevator tickets and 14 days in advance for stairs tickets to the second floor. We didn’t book elevator tickets, and there are a lot of stairs. It’s still worth it, but take the elevator if you can.

RELATED POST: 11 Must See Landmarks in Paris

Also, these Eiffel Tower views are from the 2nd floor. Many say they can take or leave the summit, so this is entirely up to you. The summit was actually closed when we went. I don’t know if that is common, but I wanted to mention that. You can also purchase a variety of tickets through Get Your Guide, which often includes a host or a skip-the-line feature.

Other Things To Buy Tickets For in Paris

If you want to visit the Arc de Triumph, buy those tickets in advance, even a few days ahead. We tried to get them a day ahead, but none were left.

Any walking tours, food tours, or special events are also best when planned in advance of your Paris trip. Click here for a wonderful selection of Paris tours!

Our 4 Days in Paris Itinerary

I want to get into our actual 4 day Paris itinerary, so I will move on now. However, I will share some more tips and answer some questions I’ve been asked at the end of the post.

Day 1: Getting Settled and Strolling Around Paris

The first day of any trip for us is go-with-the-flow. It’s a chance to get settled and allow for any travel delays. On this trip, we flew on a red-eye 11:30 pm non-stop flight from Atlanta that arrived in Paris at 2 pm.

The timing worked out perfectly for us. We slept enough on the plane, rallied that afternoon, and were in bed by 10 p.m. Somehow, we woke up feeling great the next day and had little to no jet lag on this trip overseas!

We checked into our Airbnb, ventured out to a cute cafe, and enjoyed our first (of many) Croque Monsieurs. A must-have in Paris, this delicious French ham and cheese sandwich varies a bit from place to place. Generally, cheese (typically Gruyère) is broiled on top of the bread.

After eating, we strolled around our neighborhood, passing past the Louvre’s pyramids, golden in the early evening. We continued through the Jardin des Tuileries. We found ourselves on a bridge overlooking the River Seine with a lovely Eiffel Tower view before heading back to get some rest.

Day 2: Covering Ground and Soaking Up Culture and History

Since we had four full nights in Paris, I also left the second day unplanned. There is no need to jam-pack your 3, 4, or 5 day Paris itinerary. I specifically booked both the Lourve and the Eiffel Tower for the third day and factored in an afternoon nap. This left every other day wide open for my family to explore Paris.

We woke up surprisingly refreshed and headed out in search of crepes. Creperie Parisienne fits the bill perfectly! We then strolled past Louis Vuitton headquarters and the famous Yayoi Kusama sculpture on rue du Pont Neuf.

Pont Neuf, the Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame

From there, we crossed the Pont Neuf. Completed in 1607, this is the oldest stone bridge in Paris. It’s the gateway to the oldest part of the city – Île de la Cité. We weaved through the streets and past the Sainte Chapelle before finding ourselves at the Notre Dame Cathedral.

How near would we even be able to get to Notre Dame as fire restoration work is diligently underway? Surprisingly, it was close. The interior is closed, but there are tasteful displays along the barrier surrounding it, sharing the restoration efforts. I would love to see it again one day, as it once was!

Luxembourg Gardens and Saint Germain Des Pres

Our feet were already a little tired, so we grabbed a snack and drink and secured an Uber to take us to (relatively nearby) Luxembourg Gardens. We only spent a little bit of time here but enjoyed relaxing and people-watching in this picturesque park.

And we did work up an appetite! We made our way to La Palette, a charming French bistro cafe that just so happened to be featured in a Taylor Swift video. The song Begin Again, was the soundtrack to my time in Paris. So, if you are heading to Paris for the Eras Tour in 2024, make sure to stop by this Paris Taylor Swift connection!

Every time I saw another chic cafe, the lyrics “on a Wednesday in a cafe” spontaneously emerged from my lips!

We strolled back across the Seine River and made our way back to our Airbnb for some rest. After that, we let Abby rest and took Jake to explore the Palais Royal Gardens next door. Somehow, we ended up aboard a permanent boat nearby on the Seine, enjoying sunset cocktails with the most beautiful view!

And for dinner? The kids each got a bag of Madelines from the grocery store next door, and Matt and I had a wonderful dinner at the Cafe de Richelieu across the street. Everybody wins! I actually think these short breaks from each other help keep everyone’s spirits up.

Day 3: Lourve and a Change of Plans

I mentioned above that I planned both ticketed activities for our third day. And it worked out great. Well, almost!

A Morning at The Lourve

We started the day at the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Our family checked the Mona Lisa off our bucket list, and Abby particularly enjoyed seeing Hammurabi’s Code in person. The museum is HUGE, and we only covered a quarter of it in the 4 hours we were there, but we hit each of the must-see pieces at The Lourve.

Planning To Visit The Eiffel Tower

After a good lunch of French sandwiches and pastries, we took some rest and then headed off to the Eiffel Tower. I booked 7 p.m. tickets to see the city during the golden hour and stay for the sunset.

We even used the metro to get there. Although we used the subway and train systems in many major cities, most places in Paris were more manageable to walk to.

As ideally as you plan things, you always have to be prepared to pivot. Not 15 minutes after we got off the subway near the Eiffel Tower, I received an email saying that all Eiffel Tower tickets were canceled for that day. It was closed at the last minute. They issued a refund, and I panicked!

Luckily, I could get on their website and buy the same tickets (stairs to the 2nd floor) for the following night. Luckily, they were still available online. For this reason, I advise you not to plan the Eiffel Tower for your last day!

A Last Minute Seine River Cruise

We scrambled and decided to do a Seine River Cruise. We were doing it on the fly and found it overwhelming trying to figure out which one to book and where they each departed from. Finally, we found Vedettes de Paris, whose cruises leave from the riverbanks near the Eiffel Tower. We enjoyed it, and in hopes of helping someone else who finds themselves in our shoes, I wrote an entire blog post about our Seine River Cruise, complete with photos of the entire experience.

Dinner was at their cafe while we awaited our cruise, and it was low-key and really relaxing! We did get an Uber back to our Airbnb so that we didn’t have to mess with metro transfers and called it a night.

Day 4: Shopping, Charming Cafes, and Eiffel Tower Take Two

I had left our last full day empty to get in anything we hadn’t yet done. That was a plus because it allowed us to rebook the Eiffel Tower.

We spent the morning in pairs. Abby and I headed over to Saint Germain Des Pres for some shopping. We found the cutest shop for her called Brownie, based out of Spain. The culottes she bought are adorable!

Matt and Jake enjoyed a late breakfast before joining us at the nearby Cafe de Flore. This is an iconic Parisian Cafe frequented by many icons in years past, including Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and Picasso. We had a late lunch at this historic French restaurant.

What came next? More downtime! The kids rested up while Matt and I strolled around Paris, enjoying afternoon drinks at several places. I miss this already! Nowhere to be and everywhere to go!

We had a little deja vue as we returned to the Eiffel Tower. We put in our steps, climbing the 674 stairs to the 2nd floor. It was, in fact, worth it for the captivating views of Paris! The Iron Lady and all her glory are iconic. You have to appreciate the historical significance and pre-grandeur that a visit to the Eifell Tower brings!

You Don’t Have To Go Home, But You Can’t Stay Here

I could have stayed, though. I was excited to move on to Belgium but would have loved a few more days in Paris. Can you ever spend too much time in Paris?

I booked our Thalys Train Tickets to Brussels for 12:22 p.m. We slept in, packed up, and locked the doors precisely at the 11 a.m. checkout time. We took an Uber to Paris Nord Train Station. I am glad I allowed extra time because there was a lot of traffic heading up that way, and we didn’t have much extra time.

It was our first time taking a European train trip and was very straightforward. You walk into the station, and this train leaves from the track right in front of you! No security or ticket line. Just download the Thalys App, and they can get your tickets as you board. Make sure you have the app downloaded for any of your train travels. It is the most accurate way to keep up and manage your booking.

Book train tickets in advance during peak travel seasons, as many are sold out. We were able to book a 4-seat group with a table and had a comfortable train trip to Brussels. I also have posts up all our time in Belgium – Brussels and our fairytale day trip to Bruges!

What Didn’t We Do During Our 4 Days in Paris?

We didn’t get too many recommended stops on this trip to Paris. Consider these for your visit if any of them interest you! I do regret not getting to the Musée d’Orsay. I would have loved to see Blue Water Lilies and all of the Van Gogh. Same-day tickets were available, and we walked by numerous times but couldn’t squeeze it in.

Arc de Triomphe: Admire the grand arch and its historical context

Musée d’Orsay: Admire impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces

Sainte-Chapelle: Marvel at the stunning stained glass windows

Champs-Élysées: Stroll along the famous avenue, shopping and dining

Montmartre: Soakin the bohemian atmosphere and visit the Sacré-Cœur and Moulin Rouge

Latin Quarter: Experience the vibrant student atmosphere and enjoy delicious French cuisine

Palace of Versailles: Venture out on a day trip to the opulent royal residence and its gardens

FAQ and Tips for a Memorable Trip to Paris

Overall, our visit to Paris was everything we wanted and more! I fell in love with this incredible city; one visit is certainly not enough! I did come away with a few Paris travel tips to share with you.

Was 4 Days in Paris Enough?

It was a good start! We had enough time to get a feel for the city and check many things off our list. Two to three days is almost too short of a stay in Paris, especially if you are susceptible to jet lag. Don’t be afraid to spend an entire week in Paris!

What is the Best Way to Get Around in Paris?

As long as you are staying somewhere central, walking is the best way to get around. The metro is very convenient if your route doesn’t involve multiple transfers and you are near a station. But be prepared to take Uber at times, especially to and from the airport. And plan for Paris traffic!

What Are the Best Times To Visit Popular Attractions and Avoid Crowds?

Hands down, morning and evening are the best time to visit busy attractions. Everyone is out mid-day, and ticketed stops often have overlapping groups at that time. If you are traveling during summer, expect it to be consistently busy everywhere. Use that post-lunch window for a nap! The summer sun sets at almost 10 pm in Paris, leaving you a long day to work with.

Do You Tip in Paris?

There are some local customs and etiquette to remember when visiting Paris. The tipping culture we are accustomed to in the United States does not exist here. It is common to round up or leave a few Euros for a server – enough to buy them a beer. However, you do want to tip private tour guides and services along that line, similar to what you are used to in the USA.

Also, always pay attention to the bike lanes in these large European cities!

How Can You Avoid Jetlag When Traveling to Europe?

I am a major fan of the 9 pm – 12 am long-haul flights. This provides the best opportunity to be tired enough to sleep on the plane. Also, arriving in Europe around 11 am – 3 pm offers a half day to explore a new city and get to bed at 9 pm or 10 pm. This sets the tone for the rest of the trip!

How Much Does 4 Days In Paris Cost?

The cost should be easy to calculate. The majority of your budget will go toward airfare and accommodations. After that, add up your ticketed Paris activities, and you’ll have a good ballpark figure. Walking around Paris is free, as is visiting many gardens and strolling the Seine River. The only other thing you need to account for is food and drink. And the good news is the wine is cheap in Paris.

We found food in Paris to be much cheaper than we first anticipated. Part of it is because the tax is included in the price, and the tipping culture is unlike what we see in the US. We would often grab chocolate croissants and coffee for breakfast, and the total bill for our family of 4 was 10-12 Euro. Even the sit-down dinners were roughly 30% less than I would have paid for a similar experience in the United States.

Are You Planning A Trip To Paris?

I hate to rub it in that I 100% predicted this in my What to Expect in 2023 Travel blog post from last November. But I see so many people traveling to Europe. Bucket lists were put on hold during the pandemic, and what once was a lifelong dream is now a real possibility. Overseas travel does not have to feel overwhelming.

We do not use travel agents, and to be honest, all I do is book flights and accommodations. The day-to-day aspects of a trip can be planned slowly, and truthfully, you don’t have to plan everything out. Plan those ticketed Paris attractions that sell out, such as The Lourve and Eifell Tower elevator tickets.

Then, fill your days with walks along the Seine River and red wine in cute cafes. And in the City of Light, you can always catch the Eifell Tower lights twinkling at night. To be exact, they twinkle for the first five minutes of every hour after dark.

You can not see all of Paris in 4 days. Still, you can create a Paris itinerary perfect for your family! And you can easily stretch my recommendations into a Paris itinerary 7 days or 10 days long. It just means more time for cute cafes and lazy afternoons in the garden of Paris.

Happy travels, and thank you for coming along on our trip to Paris! You can catch the entirety of our time in Paris in this Instagram Story Highlight. There are so many things to do in Paris!

Are you inspired to plan your own trip to Paris? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Here are some other fun activities to consider for your Paris vacation!

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