Paris is full of must-see monuments that are well worth a visit. If you only have one day in the capital, it’s possible to optimize your time to see the most emblematic sites. This itinerary will take you to the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Montmartre and finish the day with a cruise on the Seine.
We’ve put together a detailed program with timetables, prices, travel times and estimated duration to help you organize your day in Paris.
🏛️ Morning: Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe
1️⃣ Eiffel Tower (8:00am – 9:30am)
Your day begins with Paris’ most emblematic monument, the Eiffel Tower. Arrive early to avoid long queues and enjoy the sunrise over the city. You can choose to go up on foot (to the 2nd floor) or take the elevator to the top.
- Why go there? Panoramic views over the whole of Paris, unique early-morning ambience.
- Times: Open from 9:00 am (stairs), 10:30 am (elevator).
- Time on site: 1h30
- Price:
- Stairs: €12.70
- Elevator to top: €29.40
- Access: 🚇 Métro Bir-Hakeim (line 6) or RER C Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel.
- Journey to Arc de Triomphe: Metro line 6 (Bir-Hakeim → Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, 10 min).
2️⃣ Arc de Triomphe (9h45 – 10h30)
After admiring the Eiffel Tower, head for the Arc de Triomphe, located on the famous Place Charles de Gaulle at the top of the Champs-Élysées. Climb to the top for a spectacular view of Paris’s most famous avenue.
- Why go there? Magnificent views of the Champs-Élysées and the historic axis of Paris.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Time on site: 45 min
- Price: €13 (free for EU residents under 26).
- Access: 🚇 Metro Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (lines 1, 2, 6, RER A).
- Journey to Notre-Dame: Metro line 1 (Charles de Gaulle – Étoile → Hôtel de Ville, 15 min).
⛪ Noon: Notre-Dame and lunch
3️⃣ Notre-Dame Cathedral (11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.)
Despite the fire in 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris remains a must-see. Admire the impressive Gothic façade, gargoyles and stained glass windows.
- Why visit? A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, still under restoration.
- Timetable: Outside freely accessible 24 hours a day.
- Time on site: 45 min.
- Price: Free
- Access: 🚇 Hôtel de Ville metro station (line 1) or Cité metro station (line 4).
🍽️ Lunch break (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)
After a busy morning, it’s time to recharge your batteries. Here are a few suggestions close to Notre-Dame:
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Le Saint-Régis (Île Saint-Louis) – Classic Parisian bistro (~20€ a dish).
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Marché des Enfants Rouges (3e) – Varied street food (~15€ per meal).
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Paul or Brioche Dorée – Fast, affordable options (~8€ per menu).
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Getting to the Louvre: 🚇 Metro line 1 (Hôtel de Ville → Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre, 5 min).
🎨 Afternoon: Louvre Museum and Montmartre
4️⃣ Musée du Louvre (1:15 pm – 3:30 pm)
It’s impossible to visit Paris without visiting the Louvre, one of the world’s greatest museums. With its immense surface area, it’s advisable to concentrate on the major works, such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Victory of Samothrace.
- Why go? Exceptional collection, emblematic architecture with the Pyramid.
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (closed Tuesdays).
- Time on site: 2h15 (quick visit).
- Price: €17 (free for EU citizens under 26).
- Access: 🚇 Metro Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (lines 1, 7).
- Journey to Montmartre: Metro line 7 then line 12 (Palais Royal → Abbesses, 20 min).
5️⃣ Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre (4:00 pm – 5:30 pm)
Montmartre is the bohemian district of Paris. Start at the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, offering breathtaking views over the whole city. Then stroll along Place du Tertre, famous for its painters and caricaturists.
- Why go there? Exceptional panorama, artistic district.
- Opening hours: Basilica open 6.30am – 10.30pm.
- Time on site: 1h30 (basilica and walk).
- Price: Free (Dome: €7).
- Access: 🚇 Métro Abbesses (line 12).
- Tothe cruise: Metro line 2 (Abbesses → Charles de Gaulle – Étoile), then line 1 to Concorde.
🌆 Evening : Cruise on the Seine
6️⃣ Cruise on the Seine (6:30 pm – 7:30 pm)
There’s no better way to round off a day in Paris than with a cruise on the Seine. In just one hour, you’ll cruise past illuminated monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Pont Alexandre III and the Musée d’Orsay.
- Why go? Paris illuminated is even more magical!
- Times: Departures from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm.
- Time on site: 1h
- Price: ~€15
- Access: ⛴️ Boarding at Port de la Bourdonnais.
✅ Conclusion
This itinerary allows you to see Paris’ most emblematic monuments in a single day. Make sure you bring good shoes, as there’s a lot of walking involved! If you have more time, you can add other districts such as the Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés to complete your visit.
Enjoy discovering Paris! 🇫🇷✨