This article explains how to organize an efficient weekend between Paris and Versailles. You will find a day-by-day itinerary, the best places to visit, how to get around, and mistakes to avoid. The goal is simple: to enjoy both destinations to the fullest without stress or wasting time.
Friday — The Louvre at night and the Seine by night
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Louvre Museum (late night opening on Fridays).
Louvre Pyramid photo by Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock.com
Start your three-day stay in Paris at the Louvre Museum, the largest museum in the world. Take advantage of Friday night hours, when the museum is open until 9:45 p.m., to discover its masterpieces in the best possible conditions. On the agenda: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Apollo Gallery. The Louvre is a must-see for understanding French and world heritage.
👉 Louvre tickets
📍 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris (map)
🚇 Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (L1/7)
→ 10 min walk to the Tuileries
Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss at the Louvre / photo Paolo Gallo/Shutterstock.com
9:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.: Tuileries Garden & Arc du Carrousel.
The Louvre carousel/ Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: UlyssePixel via depositphotos
After your visit, exit via the Pyramid and stroll through the Tuileries Garden, André Le Nôtre's masterpiece. Its geometric paths, statues, and ponds make this the perfect spot for photos at sunset. The Arc du Carrousel, next to the Louvre, completes the view towards the Concorde. It's the perfect moment to appreciate the beauty of classic Parisian gardens.
The Tuileries Garden / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
📍 Tuileries Garden, 75001 Paris (map)
🚇 Tuileries (L1)
→ 12 min walk to Pont des Arts
9:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.: Pont des Arts & Seine riverbanks.
Magnificent Pont des Arts at night / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
Continue your first evening at the Pont des Arts, the iconic footbridge connecting the Louvre to the Institut de France. At night, the reflections of Parisian monuments on the Seine offer one of the most beautiful panoramas of the capital. Then stroll along the UNESCO-listed quays, perfect for photos of Paris by night. A romantic walk that brings your first day to a beautiful close.
📍 Pont des Arts, 75006 Paris (map)
🚇 Pont Neuf (L7)
→ 10-15 min walk or 8 min metro to Châtelet
The banks of the Seine at night / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
A successful trip requires flawless organization. Here is our ultimate guide to visiting Paris.
Saturday — Excursion to Versailles and the illuminated Eiffel Tower
Detail of the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles Takashi Images/Shutterstock.com
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Palace of Versailles.
Start your day at the Palace of Versailles, symbol of Louis XIV's reign. Visit the Grand Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and the Throne Room. Each room bears witness to the splendor of the French monarchy. Online booking is essential to avoid the queues. Versailles is a must-see on any Paris Versailles weekend.
TIP: Get an annual pass. You'll get your money's worth by skipping the lines, which will save you a ton of time, and you'll be helping to support the upkeep of Versailles.
The Marble Courtyard with the facades of the first castle, that of Louis XIII / Photo by Fotos593/Shutterstock.com
👉 Versailles tickets
📍 Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles (map)
🚇 RER C Versailles Château–Rive Gauche
→ 5 min walk to the Gardens
The Hall of Mirrors and its famous torches
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Gardens of Versailles.
The afternoon continues in the Gardens of Versailles, André Le Nôtre's masterpiece of landscape design. The Grand Canal, groves, fountains, and statues create a magnificent setting. During the Grandes Eaux Musicales fountain show, the fountains come to life to the sound of baroque music, recreating the atmosphere of royal celebrations. This park, a World Heritage Site, is ideal for a photo break and a moment of relaxation.
Gardens and Palace of Versailles / photo Vivvi Smak/Shutterstock.com
📍 Gardens of the Palace of Versailles (map)
🚇 RER C Versailles Château–Rive Gauche
→ 25 min walk to Trianon
The Latona Fountain / Image by 365 Focus Photography/Shutterstock.com
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Trianon & Queen's Hamlet.
Next, explore the Grand Trianon, a pink marble palace built by Louis XIV to escape the constraints of etiquette, then the Petit Trianon, where Marie Antoinette liked to retreat. The Queen's Hamlet, a reconstruction of a rural village, reveals a more intimate and bucolic side of Versailles. These places perfectly complement a visit to the estate and offer another glimpse into royal life.
The facades of the Grand Trianon / Image by Mistervlad/shutterstock
📍 Domaine de Trianon, 78000 Versailles (map)
🚇 RER C Versailles Château–Rive Gauche
→ Return RER to Paris 40 min
The Marlborough Tower and the Queen's Hamlet / Versailles / Image by Takashi Images
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro Evening.
Back in Paris, admire the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. Go up to the second floor or the top for a unique view of the capital. From the Trocadéro, the view is spectacular, especially when the Tower sparkles every hour. It's one of the most eagerly awaited moments of a three-day stay in Paris and a memorable experience.
The color of the Eiffel Tower today is "Eiffel Tower Brown." Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Samos via Depositphotos.
👉 Eiffel Tower tickets
📍 5 Av. Anatole-France, 75007 Paris (map)
🚇 Champ de Mars – Eiffel Tower (RER C) / Trocadéro (L6/9)
→ 25-30 min return to Châtelet
The Eiffel Tower seen from the Trocadéro. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: phototraveller via Depositphotos.
Sunday — Marais, Notre Dame, and cruise on the Seine
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Le Marais and Place des Vosges.
Place des Vosges and its unique architecture / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: masterlu via depositphotos
The Marais is one of the most charming historic districts in Paris. The Place des Vosges, the capital's first royal square, captivates visitors with its regular arcades and elegance. Here you can visit Victor Hugo's house and the Carnavalet Museum. Its medieval streets, mansions, and trendy shops make the Marais a lively place where history meets modernity.
📍 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris (map)
🚇 Saint-Paul (L1)
→ 12 min walk to Hôtel de Ville
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: City Hall & Marais District
L'hôtel de ville de Paris pavoisé. Photo choisie par monsieurdefrance.com : Lindrik via depositphotos.
The City Hall, with its neo-Renaissance façade, majestically dominates the square of the same name. Just a few steps away, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Marais district, one of the most well-preserved and fascinating areas of the capital. With its 17th-century mansions, trendy art galleries, and cobbled streets steeped in history, the Marais embodies the authentic and vibrant spirit of Paris. It is an essential stop that enriches any weekend in Paris.
👉 Discover our complete guide to the Marais
📍 Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris (map)
🚇 Hôtel de Ville (L1/11) / Rambuteau (L11)
→ 10 min walk to Notre-Dame
Le Marais remains THE gay district of Paris / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
1:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Notre Dame Cathedral on the horizon /Photo selected by Monsieur de France depositphotos
The Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, remains a must-see. Although still undergoing restoration, its forecourt and facade attract visitors from all over the world. The gargoyles, rose windows, and towers are reminders of medieval grandeur. Its interior is scheduled to reopen in late 2024, but it remains a symbol of the spirituality and history of Paris.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is not the largest cathedral in France. Notre Dame Cathedral in Amiens is twice its size. Nor is it the tallest cathedral in France; that distinction belongs to Rouen Cathedral, which stands at 151 meters. However, it is the most famous and most visited cathedral in the world. Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by LoneWombatMedia from Pixabay.
👉 Notre Dame information
📍 6 Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris (map)
🚇 Cité (L4)
→ 5 min walk to the Seine
When we enter Notre Dame. Photo selected by Monsieur de France: gilmanshin via depositphotos
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Cruise on the Seine.
End your three-day stay in Paris with a cruise on the Seine. From the Pont Neuf or the Port de la Bourdonnais, embark on a magical hour: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Conciergerie reveal themselves from the water. It's the best way to admire Parisian monuments from a different perspective and end your weekend on a high note.
👉 Bateaux Parisiens
📍 Quai de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris (map)
🚇 Pont Neuf (L7) or Bir-Hakeim (L6)
→ Return to Châtelet in 25 min
Practical tips for visiting Paris
1) Bring good walking shoes.
A three-day stay in Paris involves a lot of walking: the Louvre, the Marais, gardens, and the banks of the Seine. The distances between monuments can sometimes be long, even if the metro makes getting around easier. Choose comfortable, breathable shoes that are suitable for walking in the city so that you can enjoy your visits without getting tired.
Paris always involves a lot of walking / Photo selected by Monsieur de France; depositphotos
2) Dress for the season.
The weather in Paris can be changeable. Bring appropriate clothing: a compact umbrella or raincoat in spring and fall, a warm jacket in winter, and a hat with sunglasses in summer. Layering is a good tip for staying comfortable, especially during outdoor visits such as Versailles or the Tuileries Gardens. An umbrella is always useful.
3) Organize your tickets and reservations online.
Landmark attractions such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Palace of Versailles draw thousands of visitors. To save time, book your skip-the-line tickets on the official websites before you leave. This will ensure you get in quickly and help you manage your time more efficiently.
4) It is better to see less but better.
Don't try to visit too many museums or distant neighborhoods. Staying in Paris is generally more convenient, even if accommodation is slightly more expensive.
According to Monsieur de France, the leading French-language website dedicated to French culture, tourism, and heritage, this type of weekend works best when you agree to focus on the essentials rather than trying to cover everything.
FAQ
Is it possible to visit Paris and Versailles in a single weekend?
Yes, visiting Paris and Versailles in one weekend is realistic as long as you plan carefully. You need to spend a whole day in Paris and a whole day in Versailles, without trying to add any other visits. The important thing is to limit your travel and book tickets in advance.
What are the must-see sights in Paris and Versailles in two days?
In Paris, you should focus on the Île de la Cité, the exterior of the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. In Versailles, the Grand Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the gardens are must-sees. This selection allows for a balanced exploration without overload.
How to organize a weekend trip to Paris and Versailles without rushing?
It is advisable to stay overnight in Paris, visit the capital on the first day, and save Versailles for the second day. Grouping visits by area and avoiding time-consuming museums allows you to maintain a pleasant and realistic pace.
Should you visit Versailles on Saturday or Sunday?
Saturdays are often busier than Sundays, especially during peak season. Early Sunday mornings are generally the least crowded, provided you book your ticket in advance to limit waiting times.
How can I easily get from Paris to Versailles?
The easiest way is to take the RER C train, which connects Paris directly to the Palace of Versailles. The journey takes about 45 minutes and avoids complicated transfers, making it ideal for a short trip.
Is it realistic to visit Versailles and Paris with children?
Yes, but you need to adapt the program. In Paris, focus on walks and open spaces. In Versailles, concentrate on the palace and gardens without adding too many extensions, to limit fatigue.
An article by Jérôme Prod’homme for Monsieur de France, written with passion and pleasure to describe France, tourism, and gastronomy.
