The Ultimate France Travel Itinerary

France Travel itinerary
A Vagabond Life
France Travel Itinerary

Embark on a Journey Through France

Welcome to your ultimate France travel itinerary! From the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera, these carefully crafted 5-day, 7-day, and 14-day plans immerse you in France’s rich history, world-class cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re savoring a croissant by the Seine, exploring medieval châteaux, or sipping wine in Bordeaux, your French adventure awaits. Choose your journey below and let France captivate your heart!

Top Tips for Visiting France

When to Go

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is warm but busy, especially in Paris and the Riviera. Winter is great for festive markets and lower prices.

Weather

Paris averages 15–25°C in spring/fall, 20–30°C in summer, and 0–10°C in winter. Nice enjoys 20–30°C in summer and 10–15°C in winter. Provence sees hot summers (25–35°C) and mild winters (5–15°C).

Transportation

Book TGV trains early via SNCF Connect for discounts. Paris metro tickets cost ~€2; consider a Navigo pass. Rent cars for rural Provence or Loire Valley (~€30–€50/day).

Culture

Learn basic French phrases like "Bonjour" and "Merci." Tipping is optional (5–10% for good service). Dress smartly in cities; casual is fine in rural areas.

Budget Tips

Use Paris Museum Pass for skip-the-line access. Eat at local markets or boulangeries for affordable meals. Book accommodations early for better rates.

Safety

Beware of pickpockets in tourist areas like Paris and Nice. Keep valuables secure and use reputable transport services for safe travel.

Paris (Days 1–3)

The City of Light, blending romance, art, and history in every corner.

History: Paris, founded in the 3rd century BC by Celtic tribes, became France’s capital under the Franks and a cultural hub during the Renaissance and Enlightenment.

Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montmartre, Seine River.

Best Time: April–June or September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Transport: Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

Food to Try: Croissants, Coq au Vin, Crème Brûlée, Macarons from Ladurée.
Day 1: Morning – Eiffel Tower visit; Afternoon – Louvre Museum; Evening – Seine River cruise.
Day 2: Morning – Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité; Afternoon – Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur; Evening – Dinner at Le Consulat.
Day 3: Morning – Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées; Afternoon – Train to Nice (~5.5 hrs, €60-€100, TGV).

Nice (Days 4–5)

A Riviera gem with azure waters and vibrant Mediterranean charm.

History: Founded by Greeks in the 4th century BC, Nice became a fashionable resort in the 19th century, attracting European aristocracy.

Highlights: Promenade des Anglais, Old Town (Vieux Nice), Matisse Museum, Castle Hill.

Transport: High-speed TGV train from Paris (5.5 hrs, €60-€100, book via SNCF).

Food to Try: Niçoise Salad, Socca (chickpea pancake), Ratatouille, Pissaladière.
Day 4: Morning – Stroll along Promenade des Anglais; Afternoon – Explore Old Town and Cours Saleya market; Evening – Dinner at La Merenda.
Day 5: Morning – Castle Hill for views; Afternoon – Matisse Museum; Evening – Depart Nice.

Paris (Days 1–3)

A timeless blend of art, history, and Parisian flair.

History: From Roman Lutetia to the French Revolution, Paris has shaped global culture and politics.

Highlights: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Sainte-Chapelle, Le Marais.

Transport: Fly into Paris (CDG).

Food to Try: Boeuf Bourguignon, Éclairs, French Onion Soup, Baguette sandwiches.
Day 1: Morning – Louvre Museum; Afternoon – Tuileries Garden; Evening – Eiffel Tower at night.
Day 2: Morning – Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie; Afternoon – Le Marais shopping; Evening – Café de Flore.
Day 3: Morning – Musée d’Orsay; Afternoon – Train to Avignon (~2.5 hrs, €40-€80, TGV).

Avignon & Provence (Days 4–6)

Medieval history meets lavender fields and Provençal markets.

History: Avignon was the papal seat in the 14th century, and Provence has been a cultural crossroads since Roman times.

Highlights: Palais des Papes, Pont d’Avignon, Lavender fields (summer), Aix-en-Provence.

Transport: TGV train from Paris (2.5 hrs, €40-€80).

Food to Try: Bouillabaisse, Tapenade, Daube Provençale, Calissons from Aix.
Day 4: Morning – Palais des Papes; Afternoon – Pont d’Avignon; Evening – Dinner at La Fourchette.
Day 5: Day trip to Aix-en-Provence (bus, ~30 min, €5-€10); explore Cours Mirabeau and markets.
Day 6: Morning – Visit lavender fields or Gordes village (rental car or tour, €50-€80); Afternoon – Return to Avignon; Evening – Train to Nice (~3 hrs, €30-€60).

Nice (Day 7)

Sun-soaked beaches and vibrant Mediterranean culture.

History: Nice’s Greek and Roman roots evolved into a 19th-century hotspot for European elites.

Highlights: Promenade des Anglais, Old Town, Colline du Château.

Transport: Train from Avignon (3 hrs, €30-€60).

Food to Try: Pan Bagnat, Tarte Tropézienne, Rosé wine.
Day 7: Morning – Old Town and Cours Saleya; Afternoon – Colline du Château; Evening – Depart Nice.

Paris (Days 1–4)

A dazzling capital of art, cuisine, and romance.

History: Paris’s history spans Roman origins, medieval grandeur, and modern cultural dominance.

Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, Montparnasse.

Transport: Fly into Paris (CDG).

Food to Try: Duck Confit, Croque Monsieur, Profiteroles.
Day 1: Morning – Eiffel Tower; Afternoon – Louvre.
Day 2: Morning – Versailles day trip (train, ~30 min, €7-€10); Afternoon – Gardens of Versailles.
Day 3: Morning – Montparnasse Tower; Afternoon – Latin Quarter; Evening – Seine dinner cruise.
Day 4: Morning – Musée Rodin; Afternoon – Train to Bordeaux (~2 hrs, €50-€90, TGV).

Bordeaux (Days 5–6)

A wine lover’s paradise with elegant architecture.

History: Bordeaux thrived as a wine-trading port since Roman times, with its 18th-century architecture earning UNESCO status.

Highlights: Place de la Bourse, Cité du Vin, Saint-Émilion wine region.

Transport: TGV train from Paris (2 hrs, €50-€90).

Food to Try: Entrecôte Bordelaise, Cannelés, Oysters from Arcachon.
Day 5: Morning – Place de la Bourse and Miroir d’Eau; Afternoon – Cité du Vin museum; Evening – Dinner at Le Chapon Fin.
Day 6: Day trip to Saint-Émilion (train, ~35 min, €10-€15); wine tasting and village tour.

Avignon & Provence (Days 7–9)

Historic papal city surrounded by vibrant Provençal landscapes.

History: Avignon was the papal residence in the 14th century; Provence is known for Roman ruins and medieval villages.

Highlights: Palais des Papes, Roussillon ochre cliffs, Arles amphitheater.

Transport: Train from Bordeaux (5 hrs, €60-€100).

Food to Try: Ratatouille, Brandade de Morue, Lavender honey.
Day 7: Morning – Palais des Papes; Afternoon – Pont d’Avignon.
Day 8: Day trip to Arles (train, ~30 min, €5-€10); visit Roman sites and Van Gogh trails.
Day 9: Morning – Roussillon ochre trail (tour or car, ~1 hr, €50-€80); Afternoon – Train to Nice (~3 hrs, €30-€60).

Nice & French Riviera (Days 10–11)

Glamorous beaches and charming coastal towns.

History: Nice’s Riviera allure grew in the 19th century, drawing artists and aristocrats.

Highlights: Promenade des Anglais, Monaco, Antibes.

Transport: Train from Avignon (3 hrs, €30-€60).

Food to Try: Bouillabaisse, Socca, Salade Niçoise.
Day 10: Morning – Promenade des Anglais; Afternoon – Old Town Nice.
Day 11: Day trip to Monaco and Monte Carlo (train, ~25 min, €4-€8).

Loire Valley (Days 12–14)

Fairytale châteaux and lush vineyards in France’s garden.

History: The Loire Valley was the seat of French royalty during the Renaissance, with châteaux built by kings and nobles.

Highlights: Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Tours.

Transport: Train from Nice to Tours via Paris (7 hrs, €80-€120).

Food to Try: Tarte Tatin, Rillettes, Goat cheese (Chèvre).
Day 12: Morning – Train to Tours; Afternoon – Tours old town.
Day 13: Day trip to Château de Chambord (bus/tour, ~1 hr, €15-€30).
Day 14: Morning – Château de Chenonceau; Afternoon – Depart Tours.

Your French Adventure Awaits

France has woven its magic through your journey, from the iconic landmarks of Paris to the sun-drenched Riviera, the historic charm of Provence, and the regal châteaux of the Loire Valley. Whether you explored for 5 days or 2 weeks, you’ve tasted the essence of French culture, cuisine, and history. Ready to plan your trip? Book your trains at SNCF Connect and start packing for an unforgettable adventure. Bon voyage!