How to Plan Your Own Paris Itinerary

Planning a Paris itinerary can be challenging for one simple reason: whether you have two days, five days, a week, or longer, you won't have time to do everything. The real challenge is deciding what to prioritize - and how to pace your days so that your trip feels memorable rather than rushed.  

Perhaps most important, you'll have time to experience some of the "small" moments, such as savoring a freshly-baked croissant or strolling along the Seine River, that make Paris such a special city.

There's no single "best" itinerary.  If you're coming for your first visit, you may want to focus on iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral.  If you're planning a return visit, you may want to discover smaller museums, new-to-you neighborhoods, and some special or seasonal events.  Or you just want to enjoy the Parisian café life or late nights in local jazz clubs.

So here's the real goal: designing your itinerary to reflect your interests, your energy level, how much walking you like to do, and whether you prefer a packed schedule or a more relaxed pace.

In the Sunday edition of my free Paris Discoveries Newsletter, I answer reader questions about Paris travel, including how to make the most of their time in the City of Light by building an itinerary around a framework designed to prioritize your interests, available time, and preferred pace.

This article, part of the Paris Discoveries Q&A Archive, brings together real reader questions and my answers based on my own experiences during many visits to Paris.  The recommended itineraries vary, sometimes a lot, even for trips of the same length.  I've lightly edited, expanded, and updated my original answers, and added practical tips and alternatives where useful. 

Top photo:  Notre Dame Cathedral, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  If you purchase through our links, PDG may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Merci for your support!

2 Days in Paris: Top Attractions + Neighborhoods

Lydia's Question: 

My husband and I will be in Paris for two days in September.  I realize this is a short time.  Will you recommend the top things to see and do in two days?

Susan's Answer: 

Thanks for asking this question. Ever since it arrived in my Inbox a couple of weeks ago, I've been thinking about both the top things to do and see in Paris as well as the best way to do them in two days.

You're right that two days in Paris is quite a short time, and since you ask about the top things to do, I'm guessing that this will be your first visit to this fascinating city. The challenge is to design a 2-day Paris itinerary that lets you see the most famous iconic sights while also giving you time to simply experience a couple of the city's most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. 

This approach avoids trying to cram in as many famous attractions as possible, which would probably result in your whole two days in Paris just being a blur in your memory later - plus you'd miss seeing some of the "hidden gems" - beautiful gardens, stunning architecture, the layers and layers of history, the neighborhood vibes - that make Paris so worth returning, perhaps for a longer time.

When planning my own trips, I like to follow a framework of sorts (you can see more details in the "call-out" box at the top of this article) where I visit 1 major attraction in the morning, do something more relaxing in the "hidden gem" category in the afternoon, and then something fun and relaxing in the evening. In addition, I try to cluster things geographically in order to avoid zigzagging across the city which can waste quite a lot of time. I'm also a big fan of tours because they're an efficient way to learn a lot about whatever their focus is from someone with insider and in-depth knowledge, and see things I wouldn't even know existed otherwise. Then I'll revisit certain places later on my own and explore more.

So for your 2-day visit to Paris, I am going to propose an itinerary that takes advantage of guided tours to give you a good overview of several iconic areas and aspects of the city, as well as evening adventures that provide transportation to keep things easy. Additionally, it takes you through two of the city's important historic periods. Plus it includes activities involving food, which introduces you to this important theme in Parisian culture - plus in a couple of cases, they can take the place of meals.

Here are my suggestions:

Day 1 – Medieval Paris + the Marais

Explore Medieval Paris in the Historical Heart of the City while seeing famous attractions plus a bunch of "hidden gems":

Morning

Join a guided tour of Ile de la Cité (one of two tiny Seine River islands, site of the earliest settlement by a Celtic tribe called the Parisii) including the outside of Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle (known for its stunning stained glass walls), plus nearby areas of the Latin Quarter, including a visit to the Saint-Severin church.

Recommended tour:  Ile de la Cité and Notre Dame Guided Tour - Includes a walking tour of this historical island and explanations about the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle, plus nearby areas of the Latin Quarter, including a visit to the stunning medieval gothic Saint-Severin church (you can get a small glimpse of it in the above photo). Book the 9:30am time slot. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, and although you'll see lots of things, the amount of actual walking is not very much, as this part of the city is quite compact. The tour ends at Notre Dame, so go inside on your own if you want - no need for a ticket as the no-ticket line moves quickly. Or cross back over the river and explore more of the Latin Quarter on your own - or browse what's on offer in the dark green bouquiniste (booksellers) stalls along the river.

Lunch

The outdoor cafe at Shakespeare & Company is quite good if you can get a table. If not, walk 3 blocks to the east to A. Lacroix Patissier at 11 Quai de Montebello, which has very good sandwiches and a superb view of Notre Dame. But eat lightly, because the afternoon involves more food.

Afternoon

Explore the Marais, another neighborhood where you'll see some medieval architecture plus plenty of 17th and 18th century buildings. I recommend the 2-hour Paris Marais: History, Hidden Streets, & Local Pastry Tour because you'll see a number of both iconic cultural sites as well as hidden gems, including beautiful gardens. You also get to enjoy a pastry along the way. At the end of the tour, ask your guide for dinner recommendations nearby - or alternately, head back to your hotel to relax for a bit and perhaps eat nearby before your evening activity or choose the Bustronome option below.

Evening

See Paris and its iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees/Arc de Triomphe, and more at night. I offer three recommendations: if you'd like your evening experience to include dinner, the double-decker Bustronome Gourmet Dinner Tour is a fabulous experience, and the food (which is prepared onsite in a kitchen on the bus's lower level as you tour) is top-notch. I've taken it a few times (thanks to pressure on different occasions from each of my daughters, who also love it); the route includes Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, other parts of the Left Bank, the Grand Boulevards, and more.

Otherwise, have dinner on your own, and book the affordable 2-hour double-decker Toot Bus tour at 9pm or the somewhat pricier 1-hour 2CV (vintage Peugeot) tour. All 3 tours are tons of fun, plus an amazing way to see the city.   Whichever one you choose, you'll get to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle.

Day 2 – Louvre, Saint-Germain + Seine

Your second day moves forward to focus on Royal Paris through the 19th century, including an iconic neighborhood, and more Eiffel Tower views.

Morning

Start Day 2 with a tour of the former home of French kings and queens who shaped Paris for centuries, the Louvre Museum, formerly known as the Palais du Louvre.  The museum occupies much of the sprawling and rather disjointed former palace, and contains the royal art collections, including the famous Mona Lisa.

You may not be surprised to hear that the Louvre is also the most-visited museum in the world. For the best experience with navigating the crowds, minimizing entry delays, and getting the most from your limited time, I strongly recommend joining a tour. This 2-hour tour is a very good choice as well as affordable - book the 9:30am time slot as crowds may be slightly smaller at that hour.  After the tour, you can continue exploring the museum on your own if you have time and want to see more.

After you leave the Louvre, cross Rue de Rivoli (the street along the Louvre's north side) to Place Colette, the plaza in front of Comédie Française. To your left, you'll see Cafe Nemours.  Walk past it to the entrance to Palais Royal Garden, almost hidden by a row of columns. 

Go through the courtyard filled with black and white posts of varying heights, an outdoor art installation by the French conceptual artist Daniel Buren, and then continue through another double row of columns into the garden, one of the city's loveliest and one of my own favorite spots in this part of the city..

Lunch

After you've enjoyed the garden for awhile and perhaps investigated all of the very high-end boutiques tucked away under the arcades surrounding the garden, head back to Nemours and relax over a coffee.  If you're hungry, order something light, like a bowl of onion soup or a salad - because a tour of the wonderful Saint-Germain neighborhood including food tastings is next!

Afternoon

During the afternoon, join a guided tour of the iconic Saint Germain neighborhood, a favorite of 19th century painters as well as early 20th century writers and philosophers where you see famous landmarks such as literary cafes (Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore), Saint Sulpice church, and the gorgeous Luxembourg Garden, plus a few lesser-known spots. Along the way, you'll enjoy 6 different tastings of famous French foods, including a food and wine pairing.

Evening

End your last day with a special Seine River night cruise, where you'll see all of the city's top historical attractions including the Eiffel Tower lit up. I take one of these cruises just about every time I visit Paris - the magic never fades!

Here are the two options I recommend, based on your energy level as well as preferences: 1) ask your hotel for recommendations for where to have dinner near your hotel (tell them your preferred price range and food preferences, such as traditional French, modern French, bistronomic French (elevated casual food), a good place for steak-frites, vegetarian, vegan, etc) and ask them to book you a reservation if needed, then after dinner stroll down to the Seine and join a 1-hour cruise, or 2) book a Seine River dinner cruise - my favorites (based on the quality of the food, service, comfort level, and overall vibe) are Bateaux Mouches (departs from the Right Bank) and Bateaux Parisiens (Left Bank); I almost always splurge and book a table by a window, but views from the others are fine too. Whichever type of cruise you choose, you'll see the Eiffel Tower sparkle - the perfect way to end your time in Paris.

But it's also not the only way. You could substitute another activity - for example, an evening at the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Montmartre. Or you could simply spend your last evening walking around Paris or strolling along the banks of the Seine River - you'll see lots of other people doing the same thing. Or visit a wine bar or jazz club near your hotel - ask the staff at your hotel's reception desk for recommendations.

I hope this helps you with your trip plans!  

Also check out

P.S. I assumed from your question that you meant that you have two full days in Paris. If that's not correct - if you're arriving on the first day - check out my article on the website about suggestions for how to spend your first day in Paris.

2 Days in the Latin Quarter: An Easy-Walking Itinerary

Denece's Question: 

We are arriving in Paris in late August and have 2 nights. We are staying in the Latin Quarter area.  First trip for me to Paris.

Any suggested schedule for 2 days with easy walking?

Susan's Answer: 

Denece, I'm so excited for you that you'll be in Paris for a first visit!

The Latin Quarter is wonderful - it's where I stayed on my own first visit to Paris and it's been one of my favorite neighborhoods to stay in ever since.  I'm happy to suggest places to see in the neighborhood and nearby, which should keep the amount of walking reasonable.  

Since you didn't specifically mention "top attractions," I'm not including destinations such as the Eiffel Tower or Sacre Coeur in Montmartre or especially the Louvre, which always involves much walking due to its immense size but if they're of interest to you, please check my reply to Lydia for ideas.

I've grouped my suggestions into two sections:  1) Major Attractions, and 2) Interesting to See.  To be clear: I'm not suggesting that you try to visit everything below during your two days; think of this as a menu of nearby possibilities to choose from based on your interests and energy level.

To plan your 2-day itinerary, I suggest using the guidelines near the beginning of this article to select just 2 or 3 activities for each day, based on your interests. 

Once you choose the places you want to visit, find them on a map (a google search for "map Paris 5" or "map Latin Quarter Paris" should pull one up that you can expand to see the details) and figure out which ones will be an easy walk from your hotel.  If any of them seem too far, just choose others instead.

Here are my suggestions:

Major Latin Quarter Attractions

Notre Dame Cathedral - Directly across the river on a tiny island called Ile de la Cité, and well-worth going in as it's quite gorgeous inside due to the cleaning it received after the fire.  Although you can make a timed-entry reservation for a specific date, that's no longer really needed as both the "with tickets" and the "without tickets" lines move quite fast, and of course there's no admission fee since it's a church with an active congregation.

Saint-Severin Church, which fills almost an entire block near Shakespeare and Company, has 6th century roots although the current building dates back only to the 13th century.  It's home to the city's oldest church bell, cast in 1412.  Due to an unfortunate fire and other mishaps, its construction wasn't completed until 1520.  If you look closely, you can spot a variety of architectural styles.  

While not as famous as Notre Dame, Saint-Severin is well-worth a visit if you're nearby. Take a few minutes and go inside to see its magnificent soaring Gothic arches.  Although some of the stained glass is 19th century, the rest is 15th century and truly stunning.  I never miss the chance to stop by and admire it when I'm in this neighborhood.

Pantheon - Located on the Latin Quarter's highest hill, this is where French heroes are interred or commemorated, including French-American Josephine Baker who earned her fame and fortune as an exotic dancer and entertainer in Paris.  By the time that World War II began, she had become a French citizen and used her fame to camouflage her activities, conducted more or less in full sight, as a spy and undercover agent for Free France when the Nazis occupied Paris during World War II, often risking her life.  

Cluny Museum - Filled with Roman artifacts dating back to the Roman conquest/colonization of Paris and Medieval treasures, including the famous “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestries, this is one of the best small museums in Paris.  If you want to visit a museum during your Latin Quarter stay, this is the one I would recommend, although the permanent collection at the museum at Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute) is a close “second.”

Institut du Monde Arabe - Located in a stunning building designed by French Architect Jean Nouvel, this institute is devoted to Arab culture and includes an excellent small museum with a beautifully curated permanent collection of sculptures, art, and artifacts from the Mediterranean and Middle East from Ancient to Medieval periods.  (I think of it as the Middle Eastern/Mediterranean/North African "twin" to the more Paris-focused Cluny Museum due to the superb Ancient and Medieval collections on display in each place.)

I also enjoy the temporary exhibitions at Monde Arabe, but with limited time, I would focus on the permanent collection.  There's also a 10th floor rooftop terrace which you can enter for free and enjoy spectacular city vistas - you can see the view of Notre Dame in this article.  

Luxembourg Garden, one of Paris's largest parks (and perhaps the most beautiful), is a few blocks from the Pantheon and is filled with beautiful trees, flowers, and an octagonal pond where small children and their parents use long sticks to “sail” small wooden boats across the water.  It's a place that always gives me a “you're really in Paris!” sort of feeling.  If you want to rest your feet from walking, this is the perfect place to find a chair and relax.

Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden) - This historical garden has its roots, so to speak, in the 1500s.  The current Jardin des Plantes, created as a place to grow medicinal herbs in 1626 under Louis XIII, opened to the public in 1640.  Today, you can still see the botanical gardens but it also features magnificent flowers and even has a dedicated rose garden that's usually in full bloom in September - perfect place for a stroll.

Other Interesting Latin Quarter Attractions to See or Visit

Shakespeare & Company - Located directly across the Seine from Notre Dame Cathedral, this independent bookshop was founded in 1951 by George Whitman under a different name and later adopted the name Shakespeare and Company to honor Sylvia Beach, the owner of the original (located a few blocks away but no longer in existence) who hosted literary salons in the post-World War I years where American writers such as Hemingway hung out. 

Although so many visitors pose in front of it for photos that it sometimes gets dismissed as a “tourist trap,” that does it a disservice as it's actually quite a good bookstore - the owners describe it as the “spiritual successor” to her original shop and as an occasional customer, I feel that's a fair description (especially if you disregard the display of souvenirs for sale near the cash register).  The shelves contain a well-curated selection of new, used, and antiquarian English-language books at reasonable prices. 

Île Saint-Louis - This tiny Seine River island is across from the east end of Île de la Cité, and is easy to reach by crossing a short pedestrian-only bridge.  Although you won't find any major attractions here, it's an interesting place for a stroll plus there are many small bistros and creperies if you're hungry (in case you're wondering, they're all good - I'm fairly sure I've tried them at one time or another).  To get back to the Latin Quarter, cross back over the Seine on either the Pont de la Tournelle bridge or the Pont de Sully bridge.

Place de l'Estrapade - If you are an “Emily in Paris” fan, you may recognize this small square near the Pantheon as the location of Emily's apartment.  If you need a snack or want a sandwich for lunch, the nearby Boulangerie Moderne bakery is quite good - one of my own long-time favorites.

Tino Rossi Garden is a long linear park along the banks of the Seine River.  It features walking paths, an outdoor sculpture garden with works by modern artists, and small plazas where sometimes people play music and dance.  Passers-by are welcome to join the dancing.

Arènes de Lutèce - This 1st century Roman Arena, almost totally hidden by surrounding apartment buildings, was discovered by accident in the 1860s when nearby Rue Monge was being built.  Although it almost fell victim to the developers, local citizens including Victor Hugo (of Les Misérables fame) protested loudly enough that the arena was saved.  

The arena is now surrounded by lovely gardens including a tiny fledgling vineyard, but what's really cool is to just walk through it or sit for awhile on one of the benches.  It's a neighborhood spot, and usually quiet and tranquil, even when soccer or boules (pétanque) games are underway.  Although several entrances lead to it, the easiest to find is on Rue de Navarre.  Look for high walls and what appears to be a tunnel between high walls, with a beacon of light at the end.

Denece, I hope you have a wonderful time during your 2 days in Paris, and love the city so much that you'll start planning a return visit as soon as you get home!

Update notes:  When I re-read my original answer to Denece as I was adding it to this article, I realized that it wasn't as useful as it should be.  So if you read my original answer and wonder why this version seems different, it's because I reorganized the content. 

How to Start Planning a 2-Day Paris Itinerary

Rosemarie's Question: 

I am interested in going to France in February for 2 festivals in the South. I only have 5 days to do them because we will be spending 2 days in Paris as well (we're flying in from USA). I would really appreciate any tips/advice you may have for this trip. So far it's a thought that we really hope to make a reality. Thank you very much! 

Susan's Answer: 

Hi Rosemarie,  Since it sounds as though you're still in the preliminary planning phase, I'm going to focus on the Paris portion of your trip and how you might structure your two days in the city - not an itinerary at this point, but identifying in broad terms what you want to do and see, and then using those ideas to choose what part of the city to stay in.

I would begin by making a list of attractions and activities that interest you - perhaps some of the famous monuments and museums, city or neighborhood tours, or Seine River cruises if this will be your first visit, or smaller museums, food tours, or special events (see my February in Paris article on the website to learn what's going on) if you're making a return visit.  You can also get some ideas from some of the other itinerary-focused questions and answers in this article, such as in my answer to Lydia.  You can also check my article about top Paris attractions.

Then use my framework for planning a preliminary itinerary in the "call-out" box near the top of this article.  The goal at this point is not to finalize everything, but to identify where to stay that will be a convenient distance to most of the places and activities, because in terms of your trip timeline, you should book a hotel sooner than you'll book activities. 

For example, if your itinerary turns out to be similar to Lydia's, you might look for a hotel in Saint-Germain, the Latin Quarter, or the 1st arrondissement within a few blocks of the Seine River.  A bonus: hotel rates are usually still at or near their lowest levels in February.

Once you feel that your itinerary choices are solid, then fit them into the framework for a finalized plan, and make any necessary reservations/ticket purchases.

Happy planning!  I hope your trip works out for you!

3 Days in Paris in Late November: Itinerary Ideas

John's Question:

Should I book the Paris Tootbus Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour for our first evening in Paris when my wife and I arrive in late November?  The tour departs at 6 pm.  

And should we take the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off the next morning?

We are staying at Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse. 

For the following day, we have booked the Montmartre Cheese, Wine, and Pastry Guided Walking Tour.

Susan's Answer: 

The short answer:  Great plans!  The open-top Christmas bus tour is one of my own personal favorites for this time of the year. 

The long answer:  Well, my answer turned out to be too long to include in here.  So I ended up writing an article about your 3-day late-November itinerary and why your plans are right on target, plus a few tips and a couple of other suggestions for things to do nearby. 

The article includes some photos showing the magic of Paris in November, a wonderful period with (usually) crisp fall days, the last golden hues of fall foliage, and in the evenings, beautiful Christmas lights sparkling in every Paris neighborhood.

1 Week in Paris in the Spring: Flexible Itinerary Ideas

Paula's Question:

My husband, our 20 year old granddaughter, and I will be in Paris during the 2nd week of March, staying at Chambiges Elysees.  Do you have any suggestions for the short time we’ll be there?  We also may look for a pied de terre to purchase! 

Susan's Answer: 

Paula, your hotel is in a wonderful part of the 8th arrondissement that's packed with lots of interesting attractions.  It's part of Paris's "Golden Triangle," known for its numerous haute-couture designer boutiques and showrooms. 

Based on your dates, I'm not sure if you'll be in Paris for five full days and parts of two other days, or a full seven days plus travel time at both ends.  So without knowing your specific interests, I'm suggesting a variety of destinations and experiences that should work well for a multi-generational trip, plus tips on how to structure an itinerary that also includes time to look at places for your potential purchase. 

How to Plan Your Itinerary

Let's start with the itinerary.  The two big "unknowns" here involve searching for your potential purchase: 1) generally, how much time you'll devote to this effort, and 2) specifically, when you'll need to meet with agents, tour properties, and if the stars align, make a purchase. 

So especially since this is a multi-generational trip as well as a multi-purpose visit - enjoy Paris, plus search for a pied de terre, it's good to keep your commitments flexible.  So I'm suggesting a mix of possible activities that mostly won't require advance reservations.  Those that do, such as the Dior Museum and Grand Palais shows, may be activities that your granddaughter would want to do on her own. 

Once you know your schedule related to the pied de terre search, you can construct an actual itinerary.  My recommendation is to choose one major destination per day, one less-demanding activity, and perhaps an evening activity in order to have plenty of time for exploring the area, sitting at a cafe and indulging in people-watching while enjoying a beverage, and enjoying some good meals. 

Suggested Activities in and near the 8th Arrondissement

Here are just a few of the many excellent specialty museums and exhibition spaces, including a couple in the 16th arr next door:  three top fashion museums including Palais Galliera, Galerie Dior, and Musee Yves Saint-Laurent, the Musee d'Art Moderne de Paris (modern art including Post-Impressionists; free admission to the permanent collection, and a small fee for temporary exhibits - there's a fabulous enormous mural when you first walk in by Raoul Dufy, and usually a few works by Cezanne and Matisse on display, as well as numerous others) - plus the Musée Guimet which is considered the best collection of Asian art in Europe, and the Grand Palais, which typically has a variety of art exhibitions, usually including one or two in the "don't miss" category if their topics interest you.

The Arc de Triomphe is also nearby - head up to the rooftop terrace for some of the best skyline views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.  Getting advance timed-entry tickets for the terrace will save you time standing in line, even in March, but since this usually isn't the busiest of months, you can book close to the last minute in order to maintain flexibility. 

Along Champs Elysées, you'll find a variety of stores, although the best of the designer boutiques are between the avenue and the river in the Golden Triangle area near your hotel. 

Since March marks the beginning of spring in Paris, you will most likely see magnolias in full bloom as well as early cherry blossoms, depending on the weather.  Save some time to spend in the parks soaking up the seasonal beauty.   Parc Monceau is about a 10-15 minute walk from your hotel, and its many magnolias, cherry trees, and tulips usually put on a gorgeous display throughout March.

You're also close to the departure point near the Pont d'Alma bridge for the Bateaux Mouches river cruises - lots of fun, and you can choose anything from a 1-hour sightseeing cruise to a dinner cruise with several courses and live music.  Even in March, you do need to book a bit ahead for the dinner cruises but hopefully that won't interfere with your search for the perfect Parisian pied de terre.  Bonne chance!!!  (Good luck!!!)

How to Plan a Full Day at Versailles + An Evening Opera

Charles's Question: 

I have read your information-packed blurbs about all things in and around Paris. It is written with both charm and knowledge, and the summaries and recommendations are spot on.

As you will see, my question is quite specific.

On the only day in October that works for us, my wife and I would like to do the following:

• Take a bus trip to Versailles, with a no-wait pass.
• Listen to a guided tour (in English), for about 3 hours.
• Take a break and enjoy lunch. We are not young, and need to schedule rest breaks.
• Take a guided tour of the gardens. Most also seem to be about 3 hours.
• Enjoy a lighter but delicious evening meal (I know. Very early by French standards.)
• Attend the Opéra Royal de Versailles. Curtain is at 7pm (19:00). Playing time is approximately 3 hours, 10 minutes.
• Take a train from Versailles to Paris (I know there are several train lines that depart at about 10:30pm (22:30).  (We will be staying in the 11th arrondissement.)

As you can tell, this will require careful orchestration of all the components.

Any - or all - recommendations for each of the required steps would be immensely appreciated.

Susan's Answer: 

Hi Charles,  You've outlined a wonderful day at Versailles, ending with the splendor of the Opéra Royal.  As I'm sure you probably know, on the day that you'll be there,  Musical Fountains will be underway in the Gardens - truly a magical experience.

You make the excellent point that "careful orchestration" will be required, and I totally agree.  I looked for ways to keep the day logistically simple including ruling out leaving the Estate for lunch, and after considering a variety of options, I recommend this full-day guided tour by minibus from Paris.  It's a small group tour, which means its pace will be adapted to the participants.  If you need a small break or rest at any point, you can simply ask for a short pause - no doubt others will be glad to have one too.

Why it's a good fit for your plans:  The schedule covers both the main Palace and Gardens, as well as the smaller palaces (Trianons) and Marie Antoinette's Hamlet, which a lot of tours skip - a shame, because they're wonderful.  (You can see photos of them in this article about top sights at Versailles on my Paris Discovery Guide website.)  The Park (at one edge of the Gardens) has a cafe and other options for lunch onsite - I've eaten at a couple of them, and the food was simple but delicious.  I'm sure your guide can recommend one based on what you want. 

Also - the tour is quite well-rated, with a number of highly positive comments. 

The trip to Versailles takes about an hour, although probably less on a Saturday morning.  Based on departure from Paris being at 8:15am and on a duration being 7 hours (which appears to include the hour-long return trip to Paris), I'm guessing the tour will end around 2:15-2:30 since you're planning to stay for the opera and return later on your own by train (be sure to let your guide know). 

This seems ideal because you'll have time to revisit the gardens (the Musical Fountains show is quite wonderful, and it takes place at staggered times through a variety of the garden "rooms") and just sit on a bench and relax a bit if you want.  It also enables you to have an early dinner 5pm without rushing and even relax a bit more before the opera at 7pm since the performance is sure to be an exciting, stimulating experience.

For convenience and also saving time, I recommend also eating your light dinner at one of the cafes in Versailles' Park.  Angelina's looks like a good possibility as they offer savory as well as sweet options.  I can personally vouch for the deliciousness of their Croque Monsieur.  But definitely ask your guide for other suggestions too. 

Have a wonderful time!  It sounds like you'll have the perfect day at Versailles.

See Questions & Answers on Related Topics

• 3 Days in Paris Itinerary for November: What to See & Do? - Christmas Markets plus top attractions
• Paris Attraction Tickets: What to Book in Advance - How early do you need to book to not miss out?
• Paris Attractions: Tips for Choosing What to See & Do
• Should You Split Your Paris Stay between 2 or More Neighborhoods & Hotels? - Find out when and why to consider doing this, plus practical tips

Paris Discoveries Q&A Archive - See Q&As on all topics

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