Day 1 — The Historic Heart (you're already in the best spot)

Morning

Start at Notre Dame Cathedral — by June 2026 it's fully reopened and stunning. Get there by 8:30 AM before the crowds hit. Walk across to Sainte-Chapelle right after (the stained glass is best in morning light).

Afternoon

Cross to the Left Bank and explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés — browse galleries, pop into the Musée de Cluny (medieval art, incredible tapestries), and wander the narrow streets.

Evening

Dinner in Saint-Germain. Try Allard — classic old-school Parisian bistro, been there since 1931. Then an evening walk along the Seine as the sun sets (it won't set until nearly 10 PM).

🎟️ Book ahead: Sainte-Chapelle timed entry

Day 2 — The Louvre + Palais Royal

Morning

The Louvre — book the first entry slot (9 AM). Focus on 2-3 wings max or you'll burn out. Richelieu wing for French history, Denon for the big hitters.

Afternoon

Walk to the Palais Royal gardens to decompress, then explore the Marais — hit Place des Vosges (Paris's oldest square) and duck into small galleries along Rue de Bretagne.

Evening

Dinner in the Marais. Breizh Café does exceptional Breton crepes and galettes — sounds simple, tastes incredible. Lively neighborhood for an after-dinner walk.

🎟️ Book ahead: Louvre timed entry (sells out weeks ahead in June)

Day 3 — Versailles Day Trip

Morning

Take the RER C from Saint-Michel (10 min walk from Notre Dame) to Versailles — aim to arrive when gates open at 9 AM. Head straight to the gardens before the palace crowds build.

Afternoon

Do the palace interior after lunch. The Hall of Mirrors, the King's apartments, the whole thing. Budget about 5-6 hours total for the day.

Evening

Back in Paris by early evening. Easy, relaxed dinner near Notre Dame — Les Deux Magots for the iconic café experience, or Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole right in the shadow of the cathedral for solid French classics.

🎟️ Book ahead: Versailles timed entry — absolutely essential in June

Day 4 — Montmartre + Musée d'Orsay

Morning

Head to Montmartre early — Sacré-Cœur at 8:30 AM before the tourist wave arrives. Wander the village streets around Place du Tertre, find a café for a slow breakfast.

Afternoon

Head back south to the Musée d'Orsay (Impressionism, post-Impressionism — this one will be the highlight for art lovers). The building alone is worth it.

Evening

Splurge dinner to close out the trip. Septime in the 11th is one of Paris's best restaurants — creative, seasonal, not stuffy. Book well in advance. Or if you want something more classic, Le Comptoir du Relais near Saint-Germain.

🎟️ Book ahead: Musée d'Orsay timed entry + dinner reservation

General Tips for Beating the Crowds

• Arrive at every major site right at opening — the difference between 9 AM and 11 AM is enormous in June
• Get a Navigo Easy card for metro/RER — way easier than buying individual tickets
• Most museums are free the first Sunday of the month — worth timing if it lands in your trip
• Avoid the Eiffel Tower unless it's a priority — the lines in June are brutal and it eats a half day