Few countries offer as much to see as France. This France itinerary captures the highlights, from must-see Paris, to ancient Carcassonne, to the vineyards of Bordeaux, to Cรดte d’Azur beaches to the snowy French Alps. Click for Luxury, Mid-range or Budget. Here’s your France itinerary:
| Luxury |  |
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| 1 | To Paris (โ Book >) (๐ Book >) |
Dep: Morning | Arr: Morning | ๐จMaison Souquet (Book >) | All hotels > |
| You’re in one of the most beautiful capitals on Earth, so get started on this France itinerary straight away by visiting as many sights as you can. Despite the devastating fire, Notre Dame cathedral remains an impressive place to see. Just down river is the famous Louvre museum. Wander back through La Marais neighbourhood to the historic Place De La Bastille. Tonight see a show at the Opรฉra Garnier. | The Metro is the quickest and cheapest way of getting to the centre from the airport. | ||||
| 2 | Take in the views from Sacrรฉ-Coeur in the lovely Montmartre area, hop on the Metro to Pรจre Lachaise cemetery then return to the centre for a visit to Musรฉe d’Orsay. Venture into the Paris Catacombs then end your day atop the Eiffel Tower. | Consider buying a Paris Pass. | |||
| 3 | ๐Paris to Versailles train (Book >) ๐Versailles to Chartres train (Book >) |
Dep: Morning Dep: 16:40 |
Arr: Morning Arr: 17:27 |
๐จGrand Monarque (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Spend a little more time in Paris then a few hours in Versailles to see the spectacular palace. You’ll arrive into Chartres with plenty of time for an evening visit to the cathedral. | Versailles Chantiers train station is about 18 minutes by foot to the Palace. | ||||
| 4 | ๐Chartres to Bordeaux train (Book >) |
Dep: 08:05 | Arr: 11:56 | ๐จYndo Hotel (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Arrive into beautiful Bordeaux in time for lunch then depart on a full afternoon tour of the nearby vineyards. The Place de la Bourse is the perfect place to round off an evening. | Hold off on buying wnie until you’ve toured the vineyards, where good deals and even better advice can be had. | ||||
| 5 | ๐Bordeaux to Toulouse train (Book >) |
Dep: 10:30 | Arr: 12:43 | ๐จLa Cour des Consuls Hรดtel & Spa (Book >) | All hotels > |
| In the morning go to Places des Quinconces to see Chateau Trompette, then on to the Cours du Chapeau Rouge to admire the Grand Thรฉatre. In Toulouse stroll along the cloisters of Couvent des Jacobins, stop for a drink in the courtyard of the Bemberg Foundation and take a tour of Basilica of Saint Sernin. The Pont Neuf is a memorable sight at night. | Wait until you find yourself alone in the Couvent des Jacobins – the serenity here is wonderful. | ||||
| 6 | ๐Toulouse to Carcassonne train (Book >) |
Dep: 10:15 | Arr: 11:25 | ๐จHรดtel de la Citรฉ (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Once you’ve arrived into Carcassonne and dropped off your bags, head straight for the citadel ramparts and Chรขteau Comtal. | Walk across the Via Domitia for excellent views of the citadel. | ||||
| 7 | ๐Carcassonne to Montpellier train (Book >) |
Dep: 09:39 | Arr: 11:11 | ๐จDomaine de Verchant (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Start in Montpellier’s Place de la Comรฉdie and the awe-inspiring Cathedrale St Pierre. Take tram #3 to the beach or just hang out in the characterful Old Town. In the evening walk along the Promenade du Peyrou to the Chรขteau dโeau. | Pickpockets are a problem in many French cities (especially Paris) – remain vigilant. | ||||
| 8 | ๐Montpellier to Aix-en-Provence train (Book >) | Dep: 10:14 | Arr: 12:40 | ๐จLe Mas d’Entremont (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Today and tomorrow you get to relax in the sublime surroundings of Aix-en-Provence. Peek inside the Cathรฉdrale Saint-Sauveur dโAix-en-Provence and be inspired by the art in Atelier Cรฉzanne. In the evenings stroll along Le Cours Mirabeau. | “Bonjour”, “sโil vous plait”, “merci” – three basic words you should have in your vocabulary. | ||||
| 9 | People watch in Place de lโHรดtel de Ville and shop at the Le Grand Marchรฉ market (open Tue, Thu, Sat). If the weather’s good then take in the views at Le Terrain des Peintres. | Take a look at these useful tips on how to spot a good bakery in France. | |||
| 10 | ๐Aix-en-Provence to Nice train ๐Nice to Monte-Carlo train (Book >) |
Dep: 08:01 Dep: 11:37 |
Arr: 11:10 Arr: 12:03 |
๐จHotel Hermitage (Book >) | All hotels > |
| In Monte Carlo hang out on Larvotto Beach the visit the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. | Monaco has many steep hills – save your energy by catching the handy buses. | ||||
| 11 | Use Monte-Carlo as your base for visiting the beaches and villages of the Cรดte d’Azur. | Take bus 112 to visit the cliff top village of Eve. | |||
| 12 | ๐Monte-Carlo to Avignon train ๐Avignon to Lyon train (Book >) |
Dep: 09:33 Dep: 14:28 |
Arr: 13:28 Arr: 15:29 |
๐จHรดtel Carlton (Book >) | All hotels > |
| In Lyon the Roman Theatre of Fourviรฉre is the oldest in France, after you’ve seen that wander around the Presquโile District which contains architectural gems such as the opera house and city hall. Don’t miss taking the tram up to Notre-Dame de Fourviรจre basilica. | Les Halles De Lyon is a great place to pick up some delicious food. | ||||
| 13 | ๐Lyon to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine train ๐Bellegarde to St-Gervais-les-Bains train ๐St-Gervais to Chamonix bus (Book >) |
Dep: 10:38 Dep: 12:09 Dep: 14:06 |
Arr: 11:58 Arr: 13:56 Arr: 14:38 |
๐จHรดtel Mont-Blanc (Book >) | All hotels > |
| After 4 hours of travel you’ll be up in the magnificent French Alps. Chamonix is a bustling, charming town from which to explore the area. | This site has some excellent hiking suggestions. | ||||
| 14 | A full day on which to enjoy some hikes, bicycle rides, rafting etc. in the shadow of Mont Blanc. | The Office de la Moyenne et Haute Montagne near the tourist office is a good place to get hiking advice. | |||
| 15 | ๐Chamonix to Geneva bus (Book >) โGeneva to Home (Book >) |
Dep: 11:15 Dep: Afternoon |
Arr: 13:05 Arr: Afternoon |
Connect this France itinerary with the Switzerland, Southern France & Andorra, Italy, Belgium or Germany itinerary | |
| Buses leave at any time from 05:45 if you need to get an earlier flight. | |||||
| Mid-range |  |
||||
| 1 | To Paris (โ Book >) (๐ Book >) |
Dep: Morning | Arr: Morning | ๐จHotel Design Secret de Paris (Book >) | All hotels > |
| You’re in one of the most beautiful capitals on Earth, so get started on this France itinerary straight away by visiting as many sights as you can. Despite the devastating fire, Notre Dame cathedral remains an impressive place to see. Just down river is the famous Louvre museum. Wander back through La Marais neighbourhood to the historic Place De La Bastille. Tonight see a show at the Opรฉra Garnier. | The Metro is the quickest and cheapest way of getting to the centre from the airport. | ||||
| 2 | Take in the views from Sacrรฉ-Coeur in the lovely Montmartre area, hop on the Metro to Pรจre Lachaise cemetery then return to the centre for a visit to Musรฉe d’Orsay. Venture into the Paris Catacombs then end your day atop the Eiffel Tower. | Consider buying a Paris Pass. | |||
| 3 | ๐Paris to Versailles train (Book >) ๐Versailles to Chartres train (Book >) |
Dep: Morning Dep: 16:40 |
Arr: Morning Arr: 17:27 |
๐จGrand Monarque (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Spend a little more time in Paris then a few hours in Versailles to see the spectacular palace. You’ll arrive into Chartres with plenty of time for an evening visit to the cathedral. | Versailles Chantiers train station is about 18 minutes by foot to the Palace. | ||||
| 4 | ๐Chartres to Bordeaux train (Book >) |
Dep: 08:05 | Arr: 11:56 | ๐จL’ Hรดtel Particulier (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Arrive into beautiful Bordeaux in time for lunch then depart on a full afternoon tour of the nearby vineyards. The Place de la Bourse is the perfect place to round off an evening. | Hold off on buying wnie until you’ve toured the vineyards, where good deals and even better advice can be had. | ||||
| 5 | ๐Bordeaux to Toulouse train (Book >) |
Dep: 10:30 | Arr: 12:43 | ๐จMercure Toulouse Sud (Book >) | All hotels > |
| In the morning go to Places des Quinconces to see Chateau Trompette, then on to the Cours du Chapeau Rouge to admire the Grand Thรฉatre. In Toulouse stroll along the cloisters of Couvent des Jacobins, stop for a drink in the courtyard of the Bemberg Foundation and take a tour of Basilica of Saint Sernin. The Pont Neuf is a memorable sight at night. | Wait until you find yourself alone in the Couvent des Jacobins – the serenity here is wonderful. | ||||
| 6 | ๐Toulouse to Carcassonne train (Book >) |
Dep: 10:15 | Arr: 11:25 | ๐จHรดtel Pont Levis (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Once you’ve arrived into Carcassonne and dropped off your bags, head straight for the citadel ramparts and Chรขteau Comtal. | Walk across the Via Domitia for excellent views of the citadel. | ||||
| 7 | ๐Carcassonne to Montpellier train (Book >) |
Dep: 09:39 | Arr: 11:11 | ๐จHรดtel Eurociel Centre Comรฉdie (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Start in Montpellier’s Place de la Comรฉdie and the awe-inspiring Cathedrale St Pierre. Take tram #3 to the beach or just hang out in the characterful Old Town. In the evening walk along the Promenade du Peyrou to the Chรขteau dโeau. | Pickpockets are a problem in many French cities (especially Paris) – remain vigilant. | ||||
| 8 | ๐Montpellier to Aix-en-Provence train (Book >) | Dep: 10:14 | Arr: 12:40 | ๐จRenaissance Aix-en-Provence (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Today and tomorrow you get to relax in the sublime surroundings of Aix-en-Provence. Peek inside the Cathรฉdrale Saint-Sauveur dโAix-en-Provence and be inspired by the art in Atelier Cรฉzanne. In the evenings stroll along Le Cours Mirabeau. | “Bonjour”, “sโil vous plait”, “merci” – three basic words you should have in your vocabulary. | ||||
| 9 | People watch in Place de lโHรดtel de Ville and shop at the Le Grand Marchรฉ market (open Tue, Thu, Sat). If the weather’s good then take in the views at Le Terrain des Peintres. | Take a look at these useful tips on how to spot a good bakery in France. | |||
| 10 | ๐Aix-en-Provence to Nice train ๐Nice to Monte-Carlo train (Book >) |
Dep: 08:01 Dep: 11:37 |
Arr: 11:10 Arr: 12:03 |
๐จHotel Colombus (Book >) | All hotels > |
| In Monte Carlo hang out on Larvotto Beach the visit the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. | Monaco has many steep hills – save your energy by catching the handy buses. | ||||
| 11 | Use Monte-Carlo as your base for visiting the beaches and villages of the Cรดte d’Azur. | Take bus 112 to visit the cliff top village of Eve. | |||
| 12 | ๐Monte-Carlo to Avignon train ๐Avignon to Lyon train (Book >) |
Dep: 09:33 Dep: 14:28 |
Arr: 13:28 Arr: 15:29 |
๐จParksaรดne (Book >) | All hotels > |
| In Lyon the Roman Theatre of Fourviรฉre is the oldest in France, after you’ve seen that wander around the Presquโile District which contains architectural gems such as the opera house and city hall. Don’t miss taking the tram up to Notre-Dame de Fourviรจre basilica. | Les Halles De Lyon is a great place to pick up some delicious food. | ||||
| 13 | ๐Lyon to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine train ๐Bellegarde to St-Gervais-les-Bains train ๐St-Gervais to Chamonix bus (Book >) |
Dep: 10:38 Dep: 12:09 Dep: 14:06 |
Arr: 11:58 Arr: 13:56 Arr: 14:38 |
๐จAuberge Du Manoire (Book >) | All hotels > |
| After 4 hours of travel you’ll be up in the magnificent French Alps. Chamonix is a bustling, charming town from which to explore the area. | This site has some excellent hiking suggestions. | ||||
| 14 | A full day on which to enjoy some hikes, bicycle rides, rafting etc. in the shadow of Mont Blanc. | The Office de la Moyenne et Haute Montagne near the tourist office is a good place to get hiking advice. | |||
| 15 | ๐Chamonix to Geneva bus (Book >) โGeneva to Home (Book >) |
Dep: 11:15 Dep: Afternoon |
Arr: 13:05 Arr: Afternoon |
Connect this France itinerary with the Switzerland, Southern France & Andorra, Italy, Belgium or Germany itinerary | |
| Buses leave at any time from 05:45 if you need to get an earlier flight. | |||||
| Budget |  |
||||
| 1 | To Paris (โ Book >) (๐ Book >) |
Dep: Morning | Arr: Morning | ๐จThe People Hostel (Book >) | All hostels > |
| You’re in one of the most beautiful capitals on Earth, so get started on this France itinerary straight away by visiting as many sights as you can. Despite the devastating fire, Notre Dame cathedral remains an impressive place to see. Just down river is the famous Louvre museum. Wander back through La Marais neighbourhood to the historic Place De La Bastille. Tonight see a show at the Opรฉra Garnier. | The Metro is the quickest and cheapest way of getting to the centre from the airport. | ||||
| 2 | Take in the views from Sacrรฉ-Coeur in the lovely Montmartre area, hop on the Metro to Pรจre Lachaise cemetery then return to the centre for a visit to Musรฉe d’Orsay. Venture into the Paris Catacombs then end your day atop the Eiffel Tower. | Consider buying a Paris Pass. | |||
| 3 | ๐Paris to Versailles train (Book >) ๐Versailles to Chartres train (Book >) |
Dep: Morning Dep: 16:40 |
Arr: Morning Arr: 17:27 |
๐จPremiรจre Classe Chartres Barjouville (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Spend a little more time in Paris then a few hours in Versailles to see the spectacular palace. You’ll arrive into Chartres with plenty of time for an evening visit to the cathedral. | Versailles Chantiers train station is about 18 minutes by foot to the Palace. | ||||
| 4 | ๐Chartres to Bordeaux train (Book >) |
Dep: 08:05 | Arr: 11:56 | ๐จCลur de City Hotel (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Arrive into beautiful Bordeaux in time for lunch then depart on a full afternoon tour of the nearby vineyards. The Place de la Bourse is the perfect place to round off an evening. | Hold off on buying wnie until you’ve toured the vineyards, where good deals and even better advice can be had. | ||||
| 5 | ๐Bordeaux to Toulouse train (Book >) |
Dep: 10:30 | Arr: 12:43 | ๐จLa Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin (Book >) | All hostels > |
| In the morning go to Places des Quinconces to see Chateau Trompette, then on to the Cours du Chapeau Rouge to admire the Grand Thรฉatre. In Toulouse stroll along the cloisters of Couvent des Jacobins, stop for a drink in the courtyard of the Bemberg Foundation and take a tour of Basilica of Saint Sernin. The Pont Neuf is a memorable sight at night. | Wait until you find yourself alone in the Couvent des Jacobins – the serenity here is wonderful. | ||||
| 6 | ๐Toulouse to Carcassonne train (Book >) |
Dep: 10:15 | Arr: 11:25 | ๐จMillett Guesthouse (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Once you’ve arrived into Carcassonne and dropped off your bags, head straight for the citadel ramparts and Chรขteau Comtal. | Walk across the Via Domitia for excellent views of the citadel. | ||||
| 7 | ๐Carcassonne to Montpellier train (Book >) |
Dep: 09:39 | Arr: 11:11 | ๐จForme-hotel & Spa (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Start in Montpellier’s Place de la Comรฉdie and the awe-inspiring Cathedrale St Pierre. Take tram #3 to the beach or just hang out in the characterful Old Town. In the evening walk along the Promenade du Peyrou to the Chรขteau dโeau. | https://creative.prf.hn/creative/camref:1011l45sM/creativeref:1101l51312 | ||||
| 8 | ๐Montpellier to Aix-en-Provence train (Book >) | Dep: 10:14 | Arr: 12:40 | ๐จGoclands (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Today and tomorrow you get to relax in the sublime surroundings of Aix-en-Provence. Peek inside the Cathรฉdrale Saint-Sauveur dโAix-en-Provence and be inspired by the art in Atelier Cรฉzanne. In the evenings stroll along Le Cours Mirabeau. | “Bonjour”, “sโil vous plait”, “merci” – three basic words you should have in your vocabulary. | ||||
| 9 | People watch in Place de lโHรดtel de Ville and shop at the Le Grand Marchรฉ market (open Tue, Thu, Sat). If the weather’s good then take in the views at Le Terrain des Peintres. | Take a look at these useful tips on how to spot a good bakery in France. | |||
| 10 | ๐Aix-en-Provence to Nice train (Book >) |
Dep: 08:01 | Arr: 11:10 | ๐จHotel Ajoupa (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Stroll along the beach and then visit the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. | Monaco has many steep hills – save your energy by catching the handy buses. | ||||
| 11 | Use Nice as your base for visiting the beaches and villages of the Cรดte d’Azur. | Take bus 112 to visit Monte Carlo and the cliff top village of Eze. | |||
| 12 | ๐Nice to Lyon bus (Book >) | Dep: 11:30 | Arr: 19:35 | ๐จHotelo (Book >) | All hostels > |
| In Lyon wander around the Presquโile District which contains architectural gems such as the opera house and city hall. | Les Halles De Lyon is a great place to pick up some delicious food. | ||||
| 13 | ๐Lyon to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine train ๐Bellegarde to St-Gervais-les-Bains train ๐St-Gervais to Chamonix bus (Book >) |
Dep: 10:38 Dep: 12:09 Dep: 14:06 |
Arr: 11:58 Arr: 13:56 Arr: 14:38 |
๐จLa Folie Douce (Book >) | All hostels > |
| In Lyon get up early and take the tram up to Notre-Dame de Fourviรจre basilica for stupendous views. After 4 hours of travel you’ll be up in the magnificent French Alps. Chamonix is a bustling, charming town from which to explore the area. | This site has some excellent hiking suggestions. | ||||
| 14 | A full day on which to enjoy some hikes, bicycle rides, rafting etc. in the shadow of Mont Blanc. | The Office de la Moyenne et Haute Montagne near the tourist office is a good place to get hiking advice. | |||
| 15 | ๐Chamonix to Geneva bus (Book >) โGeneva to Home (Book >) |
Dep: 11:15 Dep: Afternoon |
Arr: 13:05 Arr: Afternoon |
Connect this France itinerary with the Switzerland, Southern France & Andorra, Italy, Belgium or Germany itinerary | |
| Buses leave at any time from 05:45 if you need to get an earlier flight. | |||||
A Plan To Go 