Day 1: A Gentle Arrival & Soft Wandering

11:00 AM | Arrive in Paris

Step off the plane and take a deep breath: you’ve arrived in the City of Light. Ease into the journey by picking up a 5-day Paris Travel Pass right at the airport, making transit effortless ($43.30 per person). Instead of rushing, either take the RoissyBus Direct Shuttle into the city (runs every 15 minutes, $18.50) or get an Uber, and simply watch the Parisian streets unfold outside your window. Exit at Opéra, then transfer to Metro Line 8 to Grands Boulevards ($3), where you can drop off your luggage and let go of any travel tension.

Afternoon | A Gentle Stroll & Musée Grévin

Ease into Paris with a slow meander through the 2nd Arrondissement, a neighborhood filled with covered passages, charming cafés, and quiet nooks. If you’re up for it, visit Musée Grévin, a whimsical wax museum where time slows down and curiosity takes the lead. Let your senses absorb the soft hum of the city as you wander without an agenda.

Evening | Settling in Levallois-Perret

Make your way to Levallois-Perret (Metro Line 3) and check into your accommodation at 156 Rue Jules Guesde. This peaceful residential area offers a break from the city’s buzz, with plenty of small bistros within walking distance. Choose a cozy spot for a leisurely meal, then unwind in your room with a cup of tea, allowing yourself to truly arrive. If you’re feeling social, Virage, a dance club, offers a warm and lively atmosphere where you can simply enjoy the music and the moment.

Planning your stay?

Before you finalize your itinerary, choose the right neighborhood. Here’s my guide to the best areas to stay in Paris for a calm, low-stimulation trip.

Best areas to stay in Paris →

Day 2: Paris Attractions | Art, Markets & a Twilight Eiffel Tower Visit

Morning | A Slow Start & Ground Control

Begin your day with ease, catching the Clichy – Levallois bus (L) to Gare Saint-Lazare, then transferring to Metro 14 to Gare de Lyon. Around noon, explore Ground Control, a relaxed open-air space with independent shops and cafés. Sit with a warm drink, people-watch, or browse at your own pace.

Afternoon | Market Wandering & Quiet Museums

Hop on Metro Line A (Rueil-Malmaison) and exit at Auber. Stroll toward Havre – Caumartin, where you can take Metro 9 to Alma-Marceau. Here, the Musée d’Art Moderne offers a spacious and quiet retreat for art lovers. Afterward, wander along the Seine, pausing to take in the gentle movement of the water.

Evening | A Twilight Visit to the Eiffel Tower

Explore Rue Cler, a tranquil market street perfect for picking up artisanal cheese and fresh bread. Let your senses guide you: taste, smell, and savor each moment. As dusk falls, take your time walking to the Eiffel Tower, enjoying the shift in the atmosphere as the city lights begin to twinkle. From the Tour Eiffel stop, take Train 82 to Porte Maillot, then transfer to Bus 274 to Jules Guesde for a quiet ride back.

Day 3: Paris Attractions – Literary Cafés & Hidden Corners

Morning | A Slow Walk Through Parisian History

Start your day with an unhurried ride on Metro 3 to Sentier, where you can visit the Bourse de Commerce, an airy and contemplative space for contemporary art. From there, drift toward the Jardin des Tuileries, breathing in the scent of trees and flowers as you walk.

Afternoon | A Cozy Pause at Café de Flore

Pause for a slow, luxurious break at Café de Flore, one of Paris’s most historic cafés. Let yourself settle in with a book or simply soak up the timeless ambiance. From Saint-Germain-des-Prés, take Metro N12 to République, then Metro N01 to Filles Du Calvaire to explore the effortlessly cool Merci Concept Mall. Around Canal St-Martin, enjoy a sensory-friendly shopping experience, browsing pop-ups and concept stores at your own pace.

Evening | A Farm-to-Table Feast

Dine at Les Résistants or L’Avant Poste, where each dish is crafted with care and locally sourced ingredients. These warm, welcoming spaces invite you to linger over your meal, savoring every bite. When you’re ready, return to Levallois-Perret for a restful night.

Day 4: Paris Attractions | A Day Trip to Versailles

Morning | A Regal & Tranquil Escape

A visit to Versailles is one of the most breathtaking Paris tourist attractions. Take RER C from Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel to Versailles Château Rive Gauche. Upon arrival, take a deep breath and step into history. Explore the Palace of Versailles at a leisurely pace, allowing yourself to absorb the grandeur without feeling rushed.

Afternoon | Serenity in the Gardens

Escape the crowds by strolling through the Gardens of Versailles, where you’ll find quiet pathways, tranquil fountains, and hidden groves. Rent a rowboat on the Grand Canal or enjoy a peaceful moment in Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, a fairytale-like retreat designed for solitude and beauty.

Evening | Return to Paris & Unwind

Head back to Paris as the day winds down. Enjoy a simple yet delightful dinner at a small, cozy bistro near your accommodation. Reflect on the peacefulness of Versailles and ease into a restful night.

Day 5: Paris Off the Beaten Path

Morning – Immersive Art & Green Spaces

Take Metro 3 to Rue Saint-Maur for an immersive experience at Atelier des Lumières, where art surrounds you in a calming, dreamlike space. Afterward, follow the gentle rhythm of the city’s past along La Petite Ceinture, a forgotten railway line reclaimed by nature.

Afternoon | Tranquility at Père Lachaise & Parc Floral

Visit Père Lachaise Cemetery, where the air is still and the trees whisper stories of the past. Then, retreat to Parc Floral de Paris, a peaceful botanical garden perfect for a slow afternoon stroll.

Evening | An Unhurried Night at Rosa Bonheur

For a relaxed and convivial evening, Rosa Bonheur is a wonderful place to sip wine and enjoy a slow, joyful close to the day. If you feel drawn to movement, you can visit Virage once more, or simply savor the stillness of a quiet Parisian night.

Planning your stay?

Want a calmer trip? Start with the right neighborhood. See my Where to Stay in Paris guide.

Where to Stay in Paris Guide →

Final Thoughts

Looking for Paris tourist attractions that prioritize tranquility? This itinerary is designed for those who crave a gentle, sensory-friendly way to explore the city. Whether you’re watching the Seine flow, savoring cheese at a local fromagerie, or lingering in an art-filled space, this journey invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace Paris on your own terms. Bon voyage!