Planning a trip to Paris can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially with so much to see and do in the city.
When I first started organizing my Paris vacation planning ten years ago, I found myself buried in guidebooks and overwhelmed by countless online resources.
Through trial and error, and making 10 return trips to Paris I’ve gathered some practical tips and identified common pitfalls that can make or break your Paris vacation planning.
I’m here to help you and share practical advice.
Table of Contents
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How to Plan a Trip to Paris
1. When Should You Start Your Paris Trip Planning
Begin planning your Paris trip at least six months in advance.
This allows you to secure the best deals on flights and accommodations and ensures availability for popular attractions. Early planning also gives you ample time to research and customize your itinerary.
Expert Paris Planning tip: If planning your trip is overwhelming, hand over the task to a professional. I offer customized planning services with the added flexibility of selecting what aspects of your trip you need the most help with at an affordable price.
2. Decide When the Best Time to Visit Paris
Timing your visit to Paris can significantly impact your experience.
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) are ideal, offering mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer brings warm (sometimes hot) weather and long days, but also larger crowds and higher prices. Winter is the least crowded and cheapest time to visit, perfect for enjoying Christmas markets and lights, though it’s chilly and some attractions may have shorter hours.
✨ Visiting in springtime to see the cherry blossoms is a favourite of mine
Expert Paris Vacation Planner tip: Don’t go to Paris in August if you are looking to have an authentic experience. That is the most popular month for locals to leave Paris (close shops and restaurants) and go on holiday.
3. Decide How Many Days to Spend in Paris
Plan to spend at least five to seven days in Paris to fully experience the city’s culture and charm.
This timeframe allows you to explore major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame, while also enjoying a more relaxed pace of other activities such as strolling through neighbourhoods, relaxing in cafés, and taking day trips to nearby sites like Versailles.
A week in Paris strikes a perfect balance between sightseeing and soaking in the city’s atmosphere without feeling rushed.
But hey, I’ve known travellers who even take advantage of their Paris layover to visit the sights.
4. Determine Your Budget
Setting a budget for your Paris trip is crucial to avoid overspending and ensure a stress-free vacation.
Consider all expenses, including flights, accommodations, meals, transportation, attractions, and shopping. Research average costs and prioritize your spending based on what’s most important to you—whether it’s dining at gourmet restaurants, staying in a central location, or splurging on unique experiences. Allocating funds for unexpected expenses is also wise.
Expert Paris Vacation Planning tip: On average, per person expect to budget between €250. Keep in mind, that this varies greatly based on accommodations, dining and itinerary.
5. Decide Which Arrondissement to Stay in Paris
Choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in can make or break your Paris trip.
For a classic Parisian atmosphere, consider the Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, known for their charming streets and local cafes. The Latin Quarter offers a lively, youthful vibe near major attractions like the Panthéon and Luxembourg Gardens. For luxury and proximity to high-end shopping, opt for the 8th arrondissement near the Champs-Élysées.
Expert Paris Trip Planner tip: For first-time visitors to Paris, I don’t recommend staying in the highly popular Montmartre. Although it offers stunning views of the city, it is not as central as you think. Visit here, but don’t stay here.
6. Choose Between a Vacation Rental or a Boutique Hotel
Decide whether a vacation rental or boutique hotel best suits your Paris trip.
Holiday rentals like your own pied-a-terre offer the comfort of home with amenities like kitchens, providing a more local experience, especially for longer stays. Boutique hotels, on the other hand, provide personalized service, unique décor, and often prime locations with easy access to major attractions.
✨ Check out my reviews of places I’ve stayed in Paris:
- luxury hotel of Le Pavillon de la Reine
- a studio pied-a-terre with Paris Vacation Apartments
- a chic studio in Le Marais with Plum Guide
Expert Paris Vacation Planner tip: I highly recommend staying in a holiday rental if you are spending two or more nights in the city.
7. Plan Your Paris Itinerary
Crafting a perfect Paris itinerary involves balancing must-see sights with some wandering time.
Start by listing top attractions that interest you the most like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame, and group them by proximity to minimize travel time. Allocate one major sight per day and mix in less crowded activities such as visiting smaller museums or strolling through parks.
Allow time for spontaneous discoveries and café breaks. Prioritize based on your interests—whether it’s art, history, or food. For those restaurants you’re dying to try, don’t forget to book dinner reservations in advance. Use a map to visualize your daily routes.
✨For a tiny bit of inspiration check out my itineraries for a weekend in Paris or one week in Paris or travelling solo to Paris. Also, the must-visit Paris neighbourhoods of:
- Le Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements
- Île Saint-Louis the tiny island in the Seine
- Saint Germain in the 6th arrondissement
Expert Paris Travel Planning tip: I’ve included links to articles within this guide for you to access for more targeted information. Additionally, I offer digital products for purchase. Simply visit My Shop to take advantage of comprehensive and specialized products like self-guided neighbourhood walking tours or curated recommendations for the best coffee shops in Paris.
8. Book Your Tickets, Tours & Excursions
To make the most of your Paris trip, book key entrance tickets for major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Sainte-Chapelle well in advance. This saves you from long lines and ensures you won’t miss out.
Select a few unique experiences, such as a Seine River cruise, a wine-tasting tour, or visiting the Catacombs. Not only are they fun, but they provide deeper insights into the culture and history and oftentimes these experiences can be the highlight of your trip.
Additionally, don’t limit yourself to Paris alone. Explore the outskirts and take a day trip to nearby gems like Versailles or Reims in the heart of the Champagne region.
9. Make Arrangements for a Paris Greeter
Enhance your Paris experience by booking a Paris Greeter. This free service pairs you with a local volunteer who will show you around their favourite neighbourhoods, offering insider tips and personal stories.
It’s a great way to see the city through the eyes of a Parisian, discover hidden gems, and learn about the culture from a local perspective. Greeters can tailor the tour to your interests, like history, architecture, food, gardens and daily life.
Expert Paris Planner tip: Be sure to book in advance, as slots can fill up quickly. Yes, they are free, in exchange for the volunteer’s time they will ask for a donation to a local charity. I love that way of giving back to the city.
10. How to Pack for Your Paris Trip
Paris weather can be fickle. Pack versatile pieces like scarves, light jackets, and an umbrella. Choose classical essentials in neutral colours allowing you to mix and match easily, creating more outfits with less luggage. Use a cross-body bag and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as Paris is a walkable city.
11. Paris Plan for Your Arrival
Jet lagged and unfamiliar with the city and want to head straight to your hotel with minimal fuss? Taxis are your best bet, offering flat fares (€50 for Right Bank, €55 for Left Bank).
For a budget-friendly and efficient alternative, take the RER B train straight from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central stations in the city centre, connecting seamlessly with the metro for your final destination.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Trip to Paris
- Don’t rent a car: Paris is a very walkable city, or use the Metro- it’s easy to use and cost-efficient.
- Don’t do too much: Resist the temptation to squeeze every attraction into your itinerary. Make sure to block lots of free wandering time into your day.
- Don’t invest in a Paris City pass: Examine whether a city pass available to visitors in Paris is worth it based on your itinerary.
- Don’t forget to say bonjour first: To show respect and immerse yourself in the culture, greet shopkeepers and servers with a friendly “bonjour” (hello) and “au revoir” (goodbye) or “bonne journée” (good day) upon leaving. Don’t hesitate to add “s’il vous plaît” (please) for requests and “merci” (thank you) to express your gratitude. Remember, you’re a guest in their French-speaking country, so a little effort goes a long way!
- Don’t let your guard down: Be vigilant, keep your bag zipped and facing you on public transport and in crowded areas. Trust your gut – if something feels off, move away from the situation, especially if people approach you.
As a Holidaymaker
By following these Paris trip planner tips you should have a stress-free holiday! Remember the most important one, and that is to embrace the Parisian way of life.
If you want to read more, I have a published e-book, “Experience Paris: Finding the Joy of Slow Travel“, that you might be interested in reading.
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