Is one week in France enough to see Paris and the Alps?

I think there may be enough time (not sure about travel time to and spending time in Alps), but a "dip" into Paris is doable in two days. But I would probably not include as much in the two days - perhaps not Versailles. See some of the hallmarks, like Eiffel Tower. Maybe one museum - BUT have time to just walk around St. Germaine or some other areas and drop into cafes. If would have only few specifics, keep the rest open for a short "dip" in Paris.

Versailles is not in Paris and pretty much requires a full day. IMHO quicky trips like this become all about logistics and waiting and hassles and confusion and are likely to leave you hating the place you visit -- especially a big city like Paris.

You can do it, but I wouldn't and an Alps visit is very weather dependent. You could spend a lot of money and hassle to get to say Chamonix and have it clouded in. If you do decide to do this and are flying round trip to Paris then go immediatley to the alps on arrival and then finish in Paris. (or fly open jaw into perhaps Switzerland and then out of Paris.

If it were me I would spend a week in Paris and plane a couple interesting day trips in the regions including Versailles.

I agree with Jane. This is too much for a short trip, especially your first one to France. I would spend the week in Paris and take a couple day trips, to Versailles, Giverny, or Chartres, anywhere you can easily get to by train. I have been to Paris many times and what I enjoy most is just being there. I love walking in neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter or Montmartre. I stop for coffee, later I may stop for a glass of wine. I once spent an entire Sunday attending mass at Notre Dame and then walking around the Luxembourg Garden and watching the small children having a great day. Do you have a copy of Rick Steves, Paris guidebook? That will give the entire family ideas of what to do. Maybe each person could pick their favorite 'must see.' He has some great walks described in his guidebooks.

there was a very similar question a few hours ago with a little less detail but several responses at https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/paris-and-the-alps-in-a-week

A question was asked about actual travel time but not answered.

Two days in Paris and three in the alps. If five days is all that's available, my suggestion is spend the entire time in Paris with a day trip to Versailles. You will lose at least an entire day traveling to the alps. It isn't just the actual travel time, but the time spent checking out, getting to the train station, finding the new hotel, getting there, and checking in. That hardly gives you any time at all in either place. Your memories of the trip will just be a blur of quick sites. With your time constraints, this may very will be a case of "less is more". Slow down and enjoy -- not just do a mad dash the whole time. Not trying to rain on your parade, just offering food for thought.

I’d stick with Paris and a day trip to Versailles as somebody already mentioned.

Thank you so much everyone for your kind responses and insight! I really appreciate you taking the time to post your thoughts.
I have officially decided to not include the Alps on our France trip and just stick to the Paris area. It sounds like this will be much more relaxing.

And I apologize for those of you who maybe saw my previous post on here earlier with the same question. I didn’t think my question had posted, so I posted another time. 😳

Thanks again!

Glad you took everyone’s advice. I agree only Paris, even a week is not enough imo.

Oh, excellent choice! Paris in early May will be awesome and you will be surprised at how quickly your time goes.

"I agree only Paris, even a week is not enough imo."

Susan and I are of the same opinion on this one! Plus, oddly, I am not really a big city gal but Paris? Oh....Paris!!!

I had a thought about timing. IF you can manage it with your schedule, I'd want to arrive on a Sunday or Monday. The Navigo Decouverte Metro pass for the adults runs from Monday thru Sunday and is a good deal. You'd need to bring a photocopy of your passport picture to stick onto the pass but that's easy enough and in fact your hotel can photocopy your passport and help you cut out the photo.

https://parisbytrain.com/paris-train-metro-week-pass-navigo-decouverte/

It's not huge if you can't time it like this but it will just be so easy with this Metro Pass!

I'd probably start looking at hotels and book a refundable room rate in the next few months. If plans change you can cancel.