After arriving at Orly Airport, the quickest and easiest way to reach the center of Paris is via Metro Line 14, which runs directly from the airport. You can get off at stations like Gare de Lyon, Châtelet, Pyramides, or Madeleine, and continue from there by another metro line or on foot, depending on where you're staying. The trip to the wider city center takes about 25–30 minutes.

• You can always find all public transport connections like this. Just enter your destination from your current location, and it will show you several options.

• Prices, opening hours, and other details may change over time, so please always check for the most current information.

For the trip from the airport, you need a special "Paris Region <> Airports" ticket, which costs €14 per ride. It is valid for travel between Orly Airport and any metro, RER, or suburban train (Transilien) station in the Île-de-France region. The ticket can be loaded onto your phone or a Navigo Easy card.

The best way to get around Paris is by a combination of walking and public transport. I recommend downloading the Île-de-France Mobilités or Bonjour RATP app, where you can look up connections, track real-time traffic, and buy tickets.

Tip: If you are not an EU citizen aged 18–25, consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass, which can save you a significant amount of money when visiting multiple sights. You can find the link to purchase it here.

Our first stop will be the Musée d’Orsay. It’s one of the most important art museums in Paris, and it’s well worth a visit not just for the collections by famous artists, but also for the historic building itself, which used to be a train station.

The Musée d’Orsay is located on the Left Bank of the Seine in the former Gare d’Orsay railway station, which was built for the 1900 World’s Fair. To this day, the interior preserves the monumental station hall, large glass ceilings, and the iconic clock, which offers a view toward the Seine and the center of Paris.

The museum is world-renowned primarily for its extraordinary collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Here you will see works by artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Paul Gauguin. The collections also include sculptures, photographs, and other artworks, mainly from the period between 1848 and 1914.

Unlike some of the shorter stops on the itinerary, I recommend setting aside plenty of time for the Musée d’Orsay so you can explore the exhibits on the top floor, where the most famous masterpieces are located. Besides the famous paintings, don't forget to stop by the large clock on the top floor, which is one of the most photographed spots in the entire museum.

Admission:

• Entry to the interior is paid; you can find current prices and tickets here 

Visit duration:

• Main collections: approximately 2–3 hours
• For a more detailed tour or to visit temporary exhibitions: approximately 3–4 hours

Practical tips:

• The museum is closed every Monday, May 1st, and December 25th.
• Book your ticket in advance.
• I recommend arriving early in the morning and starting your tour on the top floor with the most famous paintings while it's less crowded.
• Don't forget to visit the top floor to see the large clock and the view of Paris.

The next stop is the Alexandre III Bridge, which is one of the most beautiful and ornate bridges in Paris.

The bridge was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries for the 1900 World's Fair and named after the Russian Tsar Alexander III. It was intended to symbolize the alliance between France and Russia and remains one of the most prominent examples of Parisian architecture from the Belle Époque period.

The most eye-catching features are the richly decorated lamps, statues, gold ornaments, and four monumental columns topped with gilded statues.

I recommend walking across the entire bridge and stopping at a few points along the railing. On one side, you'll have a view of Les Invalides, and on the other, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais. The Eiffel Tower is also clearly visible from the bridge, making it one of the best spots for photos in this part of Paris.

Admission:

• Free

Visit duration:

• Crossing the bridge itself takes about 10–15 minutes
• With photos and sightseeing, about 20–30 minutes

Our next stop is the Petit Palais, one of the most beautiful museums in Paris. I recommend visiting the interior, as admission to the permanent collections is free, and it's not just the artwork that's worth seeing—the monumental building and the inner courtyard are equally stunning.

The Petit Palais was built for the 1900 World's Fair and now serves as the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. The building impresses with its richly decorated facade, monumental entrance, glass ceilings, murals, and elegant galleries that feel almost like a grand palace.

The permanent collections include paintings, sculptures, furniture, and other art objects ranging from antiquity to the early 20th century. A significant portion features French art from the 19th and early 20th centuries, but you will also find older European works and decorative arts.

One of the most beautiful spots is the interior semicircular garden with its colonnade and café, which is accessible for free through the museum's main entrance.

Admission:

• Permanent collections: free
• Temporary exhibitions are ticketed; you can find current prices here 

Visit duration:

• Building, garden, and a quick look at the collections: approximately 45–60 minutes
• A more detailed visit to the permanent collections: approximately 1.5–2 hours
• With a temporary exhibition: approximately 2–3 hours

Practical tips:

• The Petit Palais is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; it is closed on Mondays. 
• On Fridays and Saturdays, there are extended opening hours, but only for temporary exhibitions.
• The museum is closed on January 1st, May 1st, July 14th, and December 25th.

Your next elegant stop will be the Hôtel de la Marine at Place de la Concorde. I highly recommend considering a visit inside, as the building houses beautifully restored apartments, state rooms, and a loggia with a view over one of Paris's most famous spots.

The Hôtel de la Marine is an 18th-century historic palace that originally served as the headquarters for the Royal Furniture Repository. Later, it housed the French Ministry of the Navy for over two centuries, which is where it gets its current name.

The interior is one of the finest examples of 18th-century French decorative art. During your visit, you can explore the lavishly decorated apartments of the intendants, grand ballrooms, gilded ornaments, historic furniture, and rooms overlooking Place de la Concorde. The tour also includes a loggia, which offers a beautiful view of the square, the obelisk, the Tuileries Garden, and the wider center of Paris.

The tour is conducted using interactive headphones that automatically react to your movement through each room, playing commentary and stories related to the building's history. This allows you to explore the interior at your own pace.

Admission:

• You can find current prices and tickets here 

Visit duration:

• Approximately 1–1.5 hours

Practical tips:

• The Hôtel de la Marine is open daily from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, and until 9:30 PM on Fridays.
• Last entry is 45 minutes before closing.
• I recommend booking in advance, especially on weekends and during peak season.
• On the first Sunday of the month, from November to March, admission is free under certain conditions.

The next stop is the Eiffel Tower, the most famous symbol of Paris. However, I personally don't recommend buying a ticket to go up. In my opinion, the view from the Arc de Triomphe is much better, because from there you can see the Eiffel Tower itself as well as the entire center of Paris.

The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair, designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel. It was originally intended to be temporary, but it gradually became the main symbol of the city and one of the most famous structures in the world.

Even without going inside, the Eiffel Tower is worth a longer stop. You get the best views from the Trocadéro square, the Champ de Mars park, from the Seine, or from one of the nearby bridges. I recommend walking around it from several sides, as it looks a little different from every spot.

Going up the tower is usually quite expensive, often involves waiting, and from the observation deck, you can't see the Eiffel Tower itself, which is the main element of the Parisian skyline. That's why I would recommend visiting the roof of the Arc de Triomphe instead. From there, you get a view of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, La Défense, and the wide Parisian boulevards. 

Admission:

• Viewing the Eiffel Tower from the outside is free
• Going up the tower requires a ticket, and the price depends on the chosen floor and method of ascent; current tickets can be found here 

Duration of visit:

• Viewing from the outside and taking photos: approximately 45–60 minutes
• Including a walk between Trocadéro and Champ de Mars: approximately 1.5–2 hours
• Going up the tower: approximately 2–3 hours including waiting time

Practical tips:

• You get the most iconic full view of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro.
• During the high season, the Eiffel Tower is one of the busiest places in Paris, so be sure to buy any tickets in advance.
• Access to the top may be restricted due to weather or high visitor numbers.
• Watch out for street vendors and your personal belongings, especially around the Trocadéro and Champ de Mars.

End your day by visiting the Arc de Triomphe; it is definitely worth climbing to the observation deck, especially at sunset. In my opinion, it offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views in all of Paris.

The Arc de Triomphe stands in the Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte to honor the French army after their victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Construction was completed in 1836, and it remains one of France's most significant symbols today.

Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the eternal flame, which commemorates the fallen soldiers of the First World War.

There are about 280 steps leading to the top, where you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Paris. From here, you can see the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the La Défense district, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the orderly grid of Parisian boulevards that converge right at the Arc de Triomphe. If I had to choose only one paid observation deck in Paris, this would be it.

Admission:

• The interior and observation deck require a ticket; current prices and tickets can be found here 

Duration of visit:

• Approximately 1–1.5 hours

Practical tips:

• There are about 280 steps to the top; the elevator is primarily for people with reduced mobility.
• The entrance is through an underpass, so do not try to cross the roundabout on the road.
• I recommend booking tickets in advance.

One of the main trips outside of central Paris will be Versailles, which I recommend visiting from the inside as well. Dedicate most of the day to the whole area, because besides the palace itself, it also includes vast gardens, the Grand and Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Hamlet.

Versailles was originally built as a hunting lodge, but during the reign of Louis XIV, it transformed into a monumental residence for French kings and the center of the country's political life. Today, it is one of the most famous palace complexes in the world and a symbol of French absolutism, royal luxury, and Baroque architecture.

Inside, I especially recommend not missing the famous Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments, the Queen's bedroom, and the Gallery of Battles. The palace itself is very vast and tends to be crowded, so book a specific entry time and arrive early. Even visitors eligible for free entry must have a pre-booked time slot.

After touring the palace, continue to the gardens, which are known for their regular avenues, fountains, statues, landscaped flowerbeds, and the Grand Canal. The gardens are usually free, but on days with the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens, there is an entrance fee. From April to October, these programs take place on selected days.

Admission:

• The palace and other paid areas require a fee; you can find current prices and tickets here

Length of visit:

• The palace itself approximately 1.5–2.5 hours
• Palace and the main part of the gardens approximately 4–5 hours

Practical tips:

• The palace is closed every Monday.
• Buy your ticket online in advance.
• The area is very vast, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

The next stop in the Versailles grounds is the Petit Trianon, which I highly recommend visiting from the inside as well. Compared to the main palace, it feels much more intimate and offers an interesting look at the private life of Marie Antoinette away from the strict court protocol.

The Petit Trianon was built in the 18th century based on the design of architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel. It was originally created during the reign of Louis XV, but was later gifted by Louis XVI to Marie Antoinette. Here, she was able to create her own, quieter environment, far from the formality of the main palace at Versailles.

The building is known for its elegant neoclassical architecture and harmonious proportions. Inside, you can see Marie Antoinette's private apartments, salons, bedroom, dining room, and other rooms decorated in a softer and more personal style than the representative spaces of the main palace.

I recommend combining your visit with the surrounding gardens and the Queen's Hamlet. The entire Trianon area shows a distinctly different side of Versailles – less monumental, quieter, and more focused on the private life of the royal family.

Admission:

• The Petit Trianon is part of the paid Trianon estate
• The most practical option is the Passport ticket, which includes the main palace, the Trianons, and other parts of the grounds
• Current prices and tickets can be found here 

Length of visit:

• Interior of the Petit Trianon approximately 30–45 minutes
• With surrounding gardens approximately 1–1.5 hours
• Together with the Queen's Hamlet approximately 2–3 hours

Practical tips:

• The Trianon area usually opens later than the main palace, typically from 12:00 PM.
• The entire area is quite far from the main palace, so expect a longer walk or make use of the tourist train.

The last stop in the Versailles grounds will be the Queen's Hamlet, one of the most picturesque and unusual spots in the entire complex.

The Queen's Hamlet was created in the 18th century for Marie Antoinette, designed by architect Richard Mique. It consists of a group of rustic-looking cottages arranged around a lake. Here you will find, for example, the Queen's house, a dairy, a mill, a dovecote, and farm buildings. The entire area was inspired by rural architecture and was intended to create an idyllic setting far from the formal life of the Versailles court.

The hamlet feels almost like a fairy-tale village. The thatched-roof cottages, blooming gardens, the pond, and the surrounding greenery make it one of the most photogenic places in all of Versailles.

During a standard individual visit, you don't enter most of the houses, so the main experience is a stroll through the outdoor grounds. The hamlet is part of the Trianon estate, along with the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon.

Admission:

• The Queen's Hamlet is part of the paid Trianon estate.
• You can find current prices and tickets here.

Duration of visit:

• The Queen's Hamlet alone: approximately 45–60 minutes.
• Together with the Petit Trianon: approximately 2–3 hours.
• The entire Trianon estate: approximately 3–4 hours.

Practical tips:

• The Trianon estate opens later than the main palace, usually at noon.
• The hamlet is located quite far from the main palace, so expect a longer walk or use the tourist train.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be moving mostly along outdoor paths and gardens.

One of the main stops during your visit to Paris will be the Louvre, one of the largest and most famous art museums in the world. It is housed in an extensive former royal palace right in the city center, and its main entrance is located under the iconic glass pyramid.

The Louvre's collections cover several thousand years of history – from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome to European painting, sculpture, and applied arts. Among the most famous works on display are Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the ancient Venus de Milo, and the monumental Winged Victory of Samothrace.

The museum is exceptionally vast, and it is not realistic to walk through all its parts in a single visit. I therefore recommend selecting a few main works or departments you want to see in advance and planning your route accordingly. On your first visit, you might want to focus, for example, on the most famous masterpieces, the Egyptian collections, or French and Italian paintings.

Set aside at least three to four hours for your visit, although you won't see nearly everything even in that time. It is best to arrive right in the morning when it opens, as the museum tends to be a bit quieter. I recommend booking a timed entry ticket online in advance, as the Louvre is one of the most visited Parisian landmarks.

Admission:

• You can find current prices and official tickets here

Length of visit:

• At least approximately 3–4 hours
• For a more extensive tour, about 5–6 hours or a full day

Practical tips:

• The Louvre is closed every Tuesday.
• Book your ticket for a specific time online in advance.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you will walk several kilometers in the museum, and there can be quite long distances between the individual parts of the palace.

Another quick stop will be the Colonnes de Buren, one of the most famous modern art installations in Paris. Located in the courtyard of the historic Palais-Royal, they offer an interesting contrast between contemporary art and classic French architecture.

The installation was created by French artist Daniel Buren in 1986. It consists of 260 black and white striped columns of varying heights, spread across the courtyard. While it sparked significant controversy when it was first created, it is now a popular spot for photos and relaxing.

The columns are freely accessible, and you can walk between them or sit on them. Thanks to the combination of modern art and the historic setting, the Palais-Royal courtyard is one of the most photogenic spots in the heart of Paris.

Admission:

• Free

Visit duration:

• Approximately 10–20 minutes
• Approximately 30–45 minutes including a visit to the Palais-Royal gardens

Our next stop is Sainte-Chapelle, one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in Paris. The chapel is primarily known for its towering stained-glass windows.

It was built in the 13th century on the orders of King Louis IX as part of the royal palace at the time. It was intended to house significant Christian relics, including what is said to be Christ's Crown of Thorns.

The chapel has two levels. The lower level impresses with painted pillars and an ornate vaulted ceiling, but the main attraction is the upper chapel with its fifteen monumental stained-glass windows. These depict over a thousand biblical scenes and are among the most important surviving sets of medieval stained glass in the world.

Admission:

• You can find current prices and official tickets here 
• A combined ticket for Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie is also available.

Duration of visit:

• Approximately one hour
• Approximately 2 hours if combined with the Conciergerie

Practical tips:

• Book your ticket online for a specific time in advance, even if you are eligible for free entry.
• There is a security check before entering, so allow extra time.
• The highlight of the visit is the upper chapel, which is reached via a narrow staircase.
• The stained glass looks best on sunny days.

The last stop of the day will be Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of Paris's most famous Gothic landmarks. I recommend not only seeing it from the outside but also taking a look at the restored interior, which has reopened to the public following extensive renovations.

Notre-Dame is located on the Île de la Cité in the historic center of Paris. Its construction began in the 12th century and continued for nearly two hundred years. The cathedral is primarily known for its two towers, richly decorated facade, gargoyles, stained-glass rose windows, and its significant role in French history.

In 2019, the cathedral was severely damaged by a major fire, which caused the roof and the famous spire to collapse. After more than five years of reconstruction, Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024.

Admission:

• Visiting the cathedral from the outside and entering the main interior is free

Duration of visit:

• Exterior: approximately 20–30 minutes
• Interior: approximately 30–45 minutes

Practical tips:

• This is still an active cathedral, so please be quiet inside and respect any ongoing services.
• Expect security checks and potential queues when entering.

Start your day by visiting the Parisian Panthéon. This monumental building is captivating not only for its architecture but also for its crypt, where prominent figures of French history are buried.

The Panthéon is located in the Latin Quarter on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. Originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, it later transformed into a national mausoleum honoring notable French figures.

From the outside, the building resembles an ancient temple thanks to its massive columns, triangular pediment, and striking dome. The interior consists of a vast space with high arches, wall paintings, and rich decorations. One of the most famous features is Foucault's pendulum, which commemorates the famous experiment that proved the Earth's rotation.

Part of the visit includes the crypt, where, for example, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas are buried.

In good weather, it is possible to visit the viewing gallery under the dome for an additional fee, offering a beautiful panoramic view of Paris.

Admission:

• The interior is paid; current prices and tickets can be found here 

Duration of visit:

• Approximately 2 hours

The next stop will be the Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church, located right next to the Paris Panthéon.

The church was built gradually from the end of the 15th to the first half of the 17th century and combines elements of late Gothic and Renaissance styles. From the outside, it catches the eye with its unusual, intricate facade, tower, and location on the Place Sainte-Geneviève, right behind the Panthéon.

The most interesting feature of the interior is the richly decorated stone choir screen, called a jubé, which separates the nave from the choir area. The church is primarily notable for its delicate stone carvings, balustrade, and two elegant spiral staircases.

Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, is also venerated in the church. You will also find tombs or memorials here associated with prominent figures, including the philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal and the playwright Jean Racine.

Even if you don't have much time, the church is worth at least a quick look. Compared to the nearby Panthéon, the atmosphere here is usually calmer, and a visit doesn't take long.

Admission:

• Free

Visit duration:

• Approximately 20–30 minutes

The next stop will be the Luxembourg Gardens, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. They are the perfect place to relax between sightseeing in the Latin Quarter, but thanks to their manicured flowerbeds, fountains, statues, and the Luxembourg Palace, they are well worth a visit on their own.

The gardens were created at the beginning of the 17th century at the initiative of Marie de' Medici and were inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. They cover an area of approximately 25 hectares and combine a formal French garden with more relaxed English-style sections. The complex includes the Luxembourg Palace, which currently houses the French Senate.

The most famous part of the gardens is the area in front of the palace with the large octagonal pond, Grand Bassin. Around it, you will find the iconic green Parisian chairs where you can sit back, relax, and watch the world go by. Also worth a visit are the romantic Medici Fountain, the flowerbeds, the tree-lined avenues, and the many statues scattered throughout the park.

Admission:

• Free

Duration of visit:

• Short walk: approximately 30–45 minutes
• Longer walk and relaxation: approximately 1–2 hours

Another iconic stop in Montmartre is the Moulin Rouge, Paris' most famous cabaret. Even if you aren't planning to see an evening show, it's worth a quick stop just to see it from the outside for its unmistakable building with the iconic red windmill.

The Moulin Rouge opened in 1889 and became one of the symbols of Parisian nightlife. It is primarily famous for the French can-can, extravagant costumes, and spectacular cabaret performances.

From the outside, the building is most striking for its well-known red windmill and neon sign. It looks best in the evening when the lights are on, making its vibrant facade really pop.

If you decide to attend a show, you can choose just the performance or a package with dinner. Evening programs run at different times, and prices vary depending on the date, the chosen package, and the seating. I recommend booking your tickets well in advance, as popular dates can sell out.

Admission:

• Viewing from the outside is free
• Performances are paid; you can find current prices here

Visit duration:

• From the outside: approx. 10–15 minutes
• The show itself: approx. 1.5–2 hours
• Dinner and show: approx. 4–5 hours, depending on the program

Practical tips:

• If you want to see a show, book your tickets in advance.
• Check the door opening times and show start times before booking; for example, the late show may start around 11:30 PM.
• An elegant dress code applies to performances; sportswear, flip-flops, or very casual clothing may not be appropriate.

The next stop is the Wall of Love. Although it’s not a monumental landmark, it’s worth a quick stop for its unique concept.

The Wall of Love is located in the Square Jehan Rictus park at the foot of Montmartre, near the Abbesses metro station. Unveiled in 2000, it consists of more than 600 blue enamel tiles on which the phrase “I love you” is written in more than 250 languages and dialects from all over the world.

The project was created by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito, whose goal was to create a symbol of peace, understanding, and love between people of different cultures. The red splashes scattered across the wall represent pieces of a broken heart that together form a whole heart—a symbol of unity.

Admission:

• Free

Visit duration:

• Approximately 10–20 minutes

End your day at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, one of Montmartre's most significant landmarks. I recommend visiting not just the exterior, but also taking a peek inside, which is free to access. Plus, the plaza in front of the basilica offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city.

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica stands at the top of Montmartre hill and, thanks to its distinctive white façade and multiple domes, is visible from many parts of Paris. It was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in a Romanesque-Byzantine style.

The interior is particularly impressive for its monumental mosaic of Christ in the apse, high vaults, and peaceful atmosphere.

If you want to extend your visit, you can also climb to the dome for an extra fee. There are approximately 300 steps to the top with no elevator, but the reward is a panoramic view of Montmartre and the wider center of Paris.

Even without climbing the dome, Sacré-Cœur is worth a longer stop. The steps in front of the basilica are a popular spot for relaxing and enjoying the view of the city.

Admission:

• Touring the basilica exterior is free
• Entry to the main interior is free
• Climbing the dome is paid; you can find current prices here 

Duration of visit:

• Exterior and view: approximately 20–30 minutes
• Interior: approximately 20–30 minutes
• With dome climb: approximately 1.5–2 hours

Practical tips:

• This is an active church, so please be quiet inside and respect any ongoing services.
• You can reach the top of Montmartre on foot via the stairs or by using the funicular.
• The climb to the dome involves a narrow staircase with no elevator and is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
• Keep an eye on your personal belongings around the steps and viewpoints, and don't let street scammers distract you.

The first stop of the day will be the Musée de l'Orangerie, which I highly recommend visiting inside. It houses one of the most famous works of art in all of Paris – the monumental Water Lilies cycle by Claude Monet.

The Musée de l'Orangerie originally served as an orangery, but today it is one of the most important Parisian museums focused on Impressionism and modern art.

The biggest attraction is the two oval rooms with the monumental Water Lilies (Les Nymphéas) cycle by Claude Monet. The paintings were designed specifically for this space, creating a unique panoramic experience. On the lower floor of the museum, you can also see works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Amedeo Modigliani, or Henri Rousseau.

Admission:

• The interior is paid; current prices and tickets can be found here 

Duration of visit:

• Approximately 1–1.5 hours

Practical tips:

• The museum is closed every Tuesday, May 1st, December 25th, and on the morning of July 14th.
• If you want to experience Monet's Water Lilies in the quietest atmosphere possible, head to the oval rooms immediately upon arrival. The museum encourages visitors to view these spaces in silence.
• I recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

The next stop will be the Tuileries Garden, one of the most famous parks in the heart of Paris.

The gardens were founded in the 16th century for Catherine de' Medici and later redesigned into a classic French formal garden. Today, you'll find wide avenues, manicured flowerbeds, statues, fountains, and the iconic green chairs where you can relax and watch the world go by. The gardens are part of the Louvre complex, and admission is free year-round. The large ponds are particularly worth a visit and are a lovely place to sit for a while. 

Admission:

• Free

Duration of visit:

• Short walk: approximately 30–45 minutes
• With relaxation and photography: approximately 1–1.5 hours

The next stop is the Madeleine Church, which is one of the most unusual religious buildings in Paris. I recommend visiting it, at least briefly, from the inside as well, because entry is free and the interior feels completely different from its monumental exterior, which resembles an ancient temple.

Construction of the Madeleine Church lasted nearly 80 years, and its current form was completed in 1842. During construction, the building's intended purpose changed several times – Napoleon wanted to turn it into a temple celebrating the French army, but in the end, it was consecrated as a Catholic church.

From the outside, the church resembles a Greek temple. The building is surrounded by a monumental colonnade of Corinthian columns, and the main entrance features massive bronze doors.

Inside, you will find a significantly darker and more solemn space with marble columns, sculptural decorations, gilded elements, and a main altar dedicated to Mary Magdalene. The church is also known for its acoustics, and classical and sacred music concerts are regularly held here.

Admission:

• Free

Length of visit:

• Approximately 30 minutes

The next stop is Starbucks Opéra, which ranks among the most beautiful Starbucks locations in the world. Even if you don't want a coffee, it's worth a quick visit for its historic interior.

The branch is located in a 19th-century building near the Opéra Garnier. The interior has preserved its original ornate ceilings, gilded ornaments, marble columns, and large mirrors, making it feel more like a grand salon than a typical cafe.

The main attraction is the beautifully decorated ceilings and historic decor, which make this location a popular spot for a quick break and photos. The cafe offers the standard Starbucks range, supplemented by a few seasonal specials.

Admission:

• Free (you only pay for any purchases)

Duration of visit:

• Approximately 30–60 minutes

Practical tips:

• If you want to take photos without a crowd, arrive right after opening or during the morning.
• During peak hours, the cafe is very busy and it can be difficult to find a free seat.

End your day with a visit to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, one of the most famous department stores in Paris. Even if you don't plan on shopping, it's definitely worth a visit for its stunning Art Nouveau dome and the free rooftop terrace offering a panoramic view of the city.

Galeries Lafayette originally started as a small shop but gradually grew into one of the most renowned luxury department stores in France. The current main building opened in 1912, and its most striking feature is the monumental Art Nouveau dome made of glass and metal.

Inside, you'll find several floors featuring fashion, cosmetics, accessories, gastronomy, and luxury brands. The best view of the interior can be had from the surrounding balconies, which really highlight the colorful dome and the open space of the main hall.

However, the biggest reason to visit is the rooftop terrace, which is free to access. It's located on the top floor and offers a beautiful view of the Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and the Parisian rooftops.

Admission:

• Free

Duration of visit:

• Dome and a quick interior tour: approximately 20–30 minutes
• Including the rooftop terrace: approximately 45–60 minutes
• Longer if you plan to shop or stop for a snack

Practical tips:

• You can reach the rooftop terrace by elevator or by taking the escalators to the top floor.
• Access to the terrace may be restricted during strong winds, rain, or other adverse weather conditions.
• Don't forget to look at the dome from the ground floor as well as from the balconies on the upper levels.

The easiest way to get to Orly Airport from the center of Paris is by metro line 14 in the direction of Aéroport d’Orly. You can board the line at stations such as Madeleine, Pyramides, Châtelet, or Gare de Lyon. The trip from the center takes about 25–30 minutes, but depending on the location of your accommodation, also account for transfer time and walking to the station.

Before leaving, check the current connections in the Île-de-France Mobilités or Bonjour RATP app and leave with plenty of extra time. You need a special airport ticket for the trip to the airport, which you can buy at a machine, in the app, or load onto a Navigo Easy card.