France
A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Paris
Three days is not enough for Paris, which is precisely why it works. Stop trying to finish the city and start trying to have a good Tuesday in it.
Two museums, maximum. That is the only rule we would defend. The rest of the plan is a loop that can be walked in any direction and abandoned at any point for a café.
Day one — the Marais on foot
Start at Marché des Enfants Rouges, eat standing up, then walk north through the quiet end of the Haut Marais. The Musée Carnavalet is free, rarely full, and explains the city better than anywhere else.
Paris rewards the second visit to the same street more than the first visit to a new one.
Day two — the Left Bank, slowly
Cross early. Do the Musée d’Orsay at opening or not at all. Lunch in the 6th is a tourist tax; walk to the 5th instead and eat where the queue is French.
Day three — Canal Saint-Martin
Nothing on the list. Coffee, a swim if the pool at Pontoise appeals, an early dinner, a walk along the water while the light goes. This is the day people remember.
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