From picturesque walks to souvenir shopping, a longtime Francophile shares her ideal three-day Paris itinerary.

The answer ended up being: Stop stressing.

Eat the crushed croissant, and drink a glass of wine with lunch.

People sitting on Buren Columns

Credit:Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

Pick what works for you, skip what doesnt (but notMusee Bourdelle).

Mosey over to Place des Vosges, the oldest square in the city.

In the warmer months, its a lively picnic destination for locals and tourists alike.

Photos of Bar du Marche

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

Day 2

Todays the day to pack in your museum visits and sightseeing.

Make your way back to the Tuileries Garden and on to your next museum.

Whichever museums you choose to visit, be sure to book your ticket in advance to avoid massive lines.

Statues in Musee Bourdelle

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

(Pro tip: Be sure to snap a selfie in the marble bathroom.)

Stick around the area for dinner.

(Its privately owned, but guided tours are organized a few times per year.)

People in the garden at Museum of Romantic Life

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

(Note: This area is known for pickpocketing, so keep your belongings secure.)

Order the entire menu (its small), including at least two desserts.

If youre looking for a nightcap (its your last night in Paris!

People lounging in garden Tuileries

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

),Little Red Doorserves up exceptional and inventive cocktails around the corner.

If its your first time, Id combine the itineraries for days one and two.

Start at the Palais-Royal Garden and Galerie Vivienne before ducking over to see Notre-Dame.

People walking into the entrance of the grand, luxurious Palace of Versailles, on a sunny day. Versailles is a very popular historic tourist site.

Page Light Studios/Getty Images

Page Light Studios/Getty Images

Paris in One Week

La chance!

(What luck!)