Known for its fine wine and food, most travelers at one point or another have France on their bucket list of travels. While the country certainly deserves more than a week of exploration, it’s still possible to have an unforgettable trip with just seven days.
Follow this one week in France itinerary to see the highlights of this beautiful country.
- Day 1 – Paris
- Day 2 – Paris or Day Trip
- Day 3 – Marseille
- Day 4 – Nice
- Day 5 – Provence
- Day 6 – Lyon
- Day 7 – Paris
Day 1 – Paris
While you could easily spend a week or even more in Paris, this one week France itinerary is designed to show you the highlights of this beautiful country. After arriving in the city, drop off your luggage at your hotel and grab a bite to eat at one of the many great French bakeries. After your meal, spend the afternoon visiting some of the most famous places in Paris, such as the Champs Elysees, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Watch the sunset from a cruise along the Seine River and end your day with delicious dinner at one of the city’s great brasseries. Be sure to make a reservation if you’re visiting during high season.
Day 2: Day Trip or Another Day in Paris
For your second day in France, either spend the day exploring more of Paris or take advantage of the city’s easy access to other fun and interesting places to see. Mont-St-Michel is an amazing day trip year-round and considered one of the best places to visit in France, while Giverny is great during the spring or early summer. For somewhere a bit more whimsical or “magical,” consider heading to Disneyland Paris for the day.
Day 3 – Marseille
It’s time to head to the south of France! The train ride from Paris to Marseille takes around three hours, so an early start is necessary to make the most of your day in the seaside port city. One of the must-see places in Marseille is the Old Port, the epicenter of the city’s attractions. The beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is also a city icon worth a visit. For a scenic view, take a short ferry trip to see the Frioul Archipelago. No matter what you do in Marseille, make sure to save time to enjoy some of the delicious seafood found throughout the city.
Day 4 – Nice
One of the most famous places along the French Riviera, Nice is a centuries-old city that offers much more than great beaches. Explore Old Town and its highlights that include numerous shops offering souvenirs and an array of traditionally made and local products, cobblestone streets, and 17th-century squares. Afterwards, head up to Castle Hill to see the ruins of the old city and take in the panoramic views. End your day with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, a 2.5-mile boardwalk along the coast, taking in the sunset and admiring the sea.
Day 5 – Provence
It’s time to head to Aix-en-Provence! This region of France is known for its beautiful landscapes, rustic country French cuisine, and relaxed Provencal life. In the morning, catch a train from Nice to Aix-en-Provence, which takes about 3.5 hours. Take a walk along the Cézanne Trail to see some of the most iconic sites in Aix. Next, head to Place Richelme, a food market and beloved market square. Take in the Provencal life in the square, enjoy some delicious food, and browse the market stalls.
Day 6 – Lyon
Get an early breakfast before hopping on the TGV train to Lyon, which takes a little over an hour. Surrounded by the vineyards of the Rhone Valley, Lyon is one of the country’s most important cities when it comes to cultural history and is known as the culinary capital of France. It was also once the Roman capital of Gaul. Drop your bags at your hotel, then head out to explore the city’s highlights, such as Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), St-Jean Cathedral, and the Roman ruins at Fourvière, a hill that offers amazing views of Lyon. Be sure to try some of the local wines and dishes at one of the city’s traditional bouchon eateries.
Day 7 – Paris
FFor your last day in France, take the TGV train back to Paris for one more day of exploring the spectacular city. Grab some lunch before exploring the Right Bank and more of the city’s picturesque views and squares in the Marais district. You could also spend the afternoon enjoying some of the many other free things to do in Paris. In the evening, take a walk to the historic Montmartre district and discover more of the artsy side of Paris. Take in the sight of the Sacré-Coeur, sample some of the neighborhood’s tasty treats, and possibly catch a show at the famous Moulin Rouge.
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