Paris 5 Days Itinerary for Indian Couples 2026

Paris remains the ultimate romantic destination for Indian couples seeking art, culture, cuisine, and timeless charm. This 5-day Paris itinerary is designed specifically for Indian travelers, covering everything from visa requirements to halal food options, flight costs from major Indian cities, and a day-by-day breakdown that balances iconic landmarks with intimate Parisian experiences. With careful planning, you can explore the City of Light on a mid-range budget of approximately ₹2,50,000-₹3,00,000 per couple, including flights, accommodation, meals, and activities.

Visa Requirement: Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa to visit France. Apply at VFS Global centers in India at least 15-20 days before travel. The visa fee is approximately ₹7,500 per person, plus service charges. You'll need travel insurance (mandatory), hotel bookings, return flight tickets, and bank statements showing sufficient funds.

Day 1: Arrival and Montmartre Exploration

Morning: Arrival and Check-in

Most flights from India arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in the morning. Take the RER B train to central Paris (₹850 per person, 30-40 minutes) or book a private transfer (₹4,500-₹6,000 for two). Check into your hotel, freshen up, and head out by late morning.

Afternoon: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Begin your Paris journey in the charming hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre. Visit the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica (free entry, dome access ₹550). Wander through Place du Tertre where artists sell paintings, then explore the cobblestoned streets immortalized in Amélie. Lunch at Le Consulat (₹2,500 for two) offers classic French bistro fare in a postcard-perfect setting.

Evening: Moulin Rouge Area

Walk down to Boulevard de Clichy to see the famous Moulin Rouge windmill (show tickets ₹10,000-₹15,000 per person if interested). Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle (₹1,800 for two) gives you authentic French cuisine at budget-friendly prices. Return to your hotel early to recover from jet lag.

Day 1 Cost: ₹6,000-₹8,000 (excluding accommodation)

Day 2: Iconic Paris – Eiffel Tower and Seine

Morning: Eiffel Tower

Start early at the Eiffel Tower. Book summit tickets online in advance (₹2,400 per person) to avoid 2-3 hour queues. The second floor offers the best views for photographs. Spend 2-3 hours here. Grab coffee at Café Carette Trocadéro (₹600 for two) with a perfect Eiffel view.

Afternoon: Champ de Mars and Invalides

Picnic lunch on Champ de Mars lawns with fresh baguettes, cheese, and wine from nearby Franprix supermarket (₹1,200 for two). Walk to Les Invalides to see Napoleon's tomb (₹1,100 per person, included in Museum Pass).

Evening: Seine River Cruise

Book a 6 PM Seine River cruise with Bateaux Parisiens (₹1,400 per person for 1-hour cruise, ₹6,500 per person for dinner cruise). The illuminated bridges and monuments create unforgettable romantic moments. End with gelato at Amorino near Notre-Dame (₹850 for two).

Day 2 Cost: ₹8,000-₹15,000 depending on cruise choice

Day 3: Art and Culture – Louvre and Le Marais

Morning: Louvre Museum

Dedicate your morning to the world's largest art museum. Book skip-the-line tickets (₹1,500 per person) and arrive when it opens at 9 AM. Prioritize the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. The museum is overwhelming—focus on 2-3 sections. Breakfast at Angelina Paris nearby (₹2,200 for two) is famous for hot chocolate.

Afternoon: Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde

Stroll through the beautiful Tuileries Garden (free), then walk to Place de la Concorde. Continue to the Champs-Élysées for window shopping and visit the Arc de Triomphe (₹1,100 per person to climb). Lunch at Ladurée Champs-Élysées (₹3,500 for two) for the iconic macaron experience.

Evening: Le Marais District

Explore the trendy Le Marais neighborhood with its vintage shops, art galleries, and Jewish Quarter. Dinner at L'As du Fallafel (₹1,400 for two)—this famous vegetarian-friendly spot is perfect for Indian palates. Browse boutiques on Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and enjoy evening drinks at a sidewalk café.

Day 3 Cost: ₹10,000-₹12,000

Day 4: Versailles Day Trip

Full Day: Palace of Versailles

Take the RER C train from Paris to Versailles (₹600 per person return, 40 minutes). Book Palace tickets online (₹1,600 per person for Palace only, ₹2,200 for full access including Trianon and Marie Antoinette's Estate). Arrive by 9 AM to beat crowds. The Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments, and sprawling gardens need 5-6 hours minimum. Lunch at La Flottille restaurant in the gardens (₹2,800 for two) or pack a picnic.

Evening: Return to Paris

Return to Paris by 6 PM. Relax evening with dinner near your hotel. Try Chez Janou in Le Marais (₹3,000 for two) for Provençal cuisine, or explore Indian restaurants like Yeti (₹2,500 for two) if craving familiar flavors.

Day 4 Cost: ₹8,000-₹10,000

Day 5: Latin Quarter and Last Moments

Morning: Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité

Though Notre-Dame Cathedral is under reconstruction, you can admire its exterior and explore Île de la Cité. Visit Sainte-Chapelle (₹950 per person) for breathtaking stained glass. Walk through the Latin Quarter's narrow streets and browse Shakespeare and Company bookstore (free). Breakfast at Café de Flore (₹2,000 for two), a historic literary café.

Afternoon: Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Germain

Spend a relaxed afternoon at Luxembourg Gardens (free)—rent toy sailboats at the fountain (₹350) or simply lounge on metal chairs. Lunch at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte (₹3,200 for two) serves one menu item: steak-frites with secret sauce. Shop for souvenirs at Le Bon Marché department store.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

Your final evening deserves something special. Book dinner at Le Jules Verne on the Eiffel Tower's second floor (₹18,000 for two, book months ahead) or opt for the more accessible 58 Tour Eiffel (₹8,000 for two). Alternatively, enjoy a romantic meal at Le Procope (₹4,500 for two), Paris's oldest restaurant. Take a final evening stroll along the Seine before packing.

Day 5 Cost: ₹8,000-₹20,000 depending on dinner choice

Where to Stay in Paris

Mid-Range Hotels (₹8,000-₹15,000 per night)

Hotel Whistler (10th arrondissement): Modern, well-located near Gare du Nord, doubles from ₹10,500/night. Close to metro lines connecting all major attractions.

Hotel Duret (16th arrondissement): Near Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées, elegant rooms from ₹12,000/night. Quiet, upscale neighborhood.

Hotel Eiffel Turenne (7th arrondissement): Walking distance to Eiffel Tower, rooms from ₹13,500/night. Charming boutique property with helpful staff.

Hotel Atmosphères (5th arrondissement): Latin Quarter location, designer rooms from ₹11,000/night. Close to Notre-Dame and Panthéon.

Best Areas for Indian Couples

The 7th arrondissement (Eiffel Tower area) is romantic and safe with excellent restaurants. The 5th and 6th arrondissements (Latin Quarter/Saint-Germain) offer charm, cafés, and central location. Avoid staying near Gare du Nord or 18th/19th arrondissements late at night.

Getting There from India

Direct flights to Paris CDG are available from Delhi and Mumbai. Air India, Air France, and Vistara operate non-stop services.

From Delhi: 8-9 hours direct, ₹45,000-₹75,000 per person return (economy)

From Mumbai: 9-10 hours direct, ₹48,000-₹80,000 per person return

From Bangalore: One-stop via Middle East hubs (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad), 12-15 hours total, ₹42,000-₹70,000 per person return

Book 2-3 months in advance for best prices. October-November and March-April offer good deals.

Getting Around Paris

Paris has excellent public transport. Buy a Navigo Easy card (₹170) and load with T+ tickets (₹1,700 for 10 tickets, shareable). The Metro, buses, and RER trains cover the entire city. Consider a Paris Visite pass (₹3,200 per person for 5 days) for unlimited travel plus discounts.

Walking is the best way to experience Paris. Most attractions in central Paris are 20-30 minutes apart on foot. Use Uber (₹850-₹1,400 per ride) late at night or when tired. Avoid taxis—they're expensive and often refuse short trips.

Money-Saving Tips for Indian Travelers

• Paris Museum Pass: ₹4,500 per person for 4 days covers 60+ museums and monuments, includes skip-the-line access. Worth it if visiting 4-5 paid attractions.
• Eat lunch, not dinner: Many restaurants offer prix-fixe lunch menus (₹1,400-₹2,000) while dinner costs double for the same food.
• Picnic culture: Buy bread, cheese, wine, and pastries from supermarkets like Franprix or Carrefour. A gourmet picnic costs ₹1,000-₹1,500 versus ₹3,000-₹4,000 restaurant meals.
• Free attractions: Notre-Dame exterior, Sacré-Cœur, Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries, window shopping on Champs-Élysées, and all churches cost nothing.
• Fill water bottles: Paris has free drinking fountains throughout the city. Buy one bottle (₹250) and refill rather than paying ₹250 each time.
• Forex tips: Get Euros from BookMyForex or ExTravelMoney before departure for better rates than airport exchange. Carry a Niyo Global or Fi Money card to avoid forex markup on international transactions.

Best Time to Visit Paris

Best months: April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather (15-22°C), fewer crowds than peak summer, and moderate hotel prices.

Summer (June-August): Peak tourist season, long queues, hotel prices 30-40% higher, but best weather and longest daylight hours.

Winter (December-February): Cold (3-8°C) but magical with Christmas markets and fewer tourists. Flight and hotel prices drop 25-30%. Pack warm clothes.

Indian festival planning: Diwali holidays (October-November) and Holi week (March) are popular for Indian travelers—book everything 3-4 months ahead.

Important Tips for Indian Couples

Halal food: Paris has 200+ halal-certified restaurants, especially in the 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements. Apps like Zabihah and HalalTrip help locate options.

Vegetarian options: French cuisine is meat-heavy, but crêperies, Italian restaurants, and falafel shops offer good vegetarian meals. Learn key phrases: "Je suis végétarien" (I'm vegetarian), "sans viande" (without meat).

Safety: Paris is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets at Metro stations, Eiffel Tower, and tourist areas. Use anti-theft bags and keep valuables hidden.

Language: Learn basic French phrases—locals appreciate the effort. Download Google Translate's offline French pack. Most young Parisians speak English.

Tipping: Service charge is included in bills. Optional to round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service.