France is considered to be one of the most diversified destinations in Europe that has famous landmarks, historical cities, picturesque villages, coastlines, delicious food, and magnificent countryside. Whether it is the romantic avenues of Paris, the glamorous French Riviera, or the lavender fields of Provence, this France travel itinerary highlights the best destinations to visit, things to do, best time to visit, transport, budget, and tips for travel.

This itinerary includes stops at Paris, Versailles, Lyon, and Nice, but ensures that you have enough time for travel. Alternatively, if you wish to extend your trip, a France travel guide can help you to explore 10 or 14 days to visit Provence, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, or the Loire Valley. 

When to Visit France

The best time to visit France will depend on your preferred experience during the trip.

Spring and autumn seasons would be perfect for first-time tourists due to pleasant weather and lower crowds compared to the busy summer period. Summer would be more preferable if you plan to visit beaches and participate in various festivals.

How to Travel Around France 

Transportation in France is well-organized, thus you can easily move from one big city to another. Travel by train for long distances, use public transportation in cities and rent a car for the countryside.

Manage your France travel itinerary using TGV for trips between cities, metro and bus in cities, and car rental in rural areas and on vineyard visits.

France Travel Itinerary at a Glance 

The above suggested 7-day France travel itinerary includes Paris, Versailles, Lyon, and Nice, and it is well-balanced in its sightseeing, cultural, culinary, and Riviera-related activities.

How Many Days Do You Need in France? 

The appropriate number of days would be based on the number of places you would like to see in France:

3-4 days: Discover Paris and Versailles.

5-7 days: Visit Paris along with Lyon/Nice.

8-10 days: Include Provence lavender fields or the French Riviera travel in your itinerary.

12-14 days: Visit several regions, such as Bordeaux, Loire Valley castles, and Strasbourg.

For a first-time visit to France, 7 to 10 days would be ideal since this would give you enough time to explore  all the top sights without having to travel from one city to another throughout your stay

Day 1: Arrive in Paris and Explore the City

Begin your tour of France by exploring the best places to visit in France like starting with Paris, its legendary sites and an easygoing evening spent by the river Seine. Ensure that your first day is a light one after arriving in Paris.

Day 2: Discover Parisian Culture and Landmarks 

On your second day explore Paris’ famous museums, historic streets, and bustling neighborhoods.

Day 3: Take a Day Trip to Versailles 

Take a tour of France tourist attractions like Versailles to know about the royal past of France. The palace and its gardens will occupy you the whole day.

Day 4: Paris to Lyon 

Take the high-speed train to Lyon and spend a whole day exploring its historic Old Town and stunning hilltop views.

Day 5: Experience Lyon’s Food and History 

Spend your second day at Lyon to experience the legendary food while exploring the city’s historic center and riverbanks. 

Day 6: Lyon to Nice and the French Riviera 

Move further south to Nice, and experience the Mediterranean ambiance. Enjoy the evening wandering through the colorful streets of the old town.

Day 7: Explore Nice and the French Riviera 

Complete your tour of France with an excellent view of the coastline, some beach time, or a visit to a Riviera destination.

The best France travel itinerary should take 7 to 10 days, which is perfect for first-time visitors traveling to Paris, Lyon, Nice, and nearby places without rushing themselves.

Where to Stay

Selecting the right area to stay can help to make your France vacation easier. Stay near famous landmarks and use public transportation to make your sightseeing easier.

Travel Tip: Make sure you plan to visit the key sites such as the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, and make efforts to purchase your intercity train tickets beforehand to get good deals.

Must Try Activities to Do in France 

Popular sights include city landmarks and monuments, stunning coastal scenery and mouth-watering cuisine, among many other interesting activities and things to do in France. 

These locations are worth visiting while on location:

• Eiffel Tower Tour: Get sweeping views of Paris with one of France’s most famous structures.

• Visit the world's most famous museum to discover a thousand years of art and history in the Louvre Museum Tour.

• Explore the Palace at Versailles: Admire the magnificent rooms, the Hall of Mirrors and the gardens.

• Take a walk through Montmartre, with its picturesque walkways, cafes and the entire world-famous Basilica of Sacre-Coeur.

• Enjoy an old town stroll through Vieux Lyon: Discover Lyon's cobblestones and its secret passages-traboules.

• Taste a bit of French cuisine: Croissants, ratatouille, quiche, and creme brulee.

• Go for a walk in Promenade des Anglais: Explore the shoreline of Nice and enjoy all the views of the Mediterranean.

• Enjoy a day trip to the French Riviera, such as Eze, Antibes or Monaco.

With an efficiently planned France travel itinerary, one can enjoy famous landmarks, historic towns, amazing cuisine, as well as picturesque coastlines.

French Foods to Try

The country boasts an extremely diverse food culture, which features different specialities from each region. Some of the classic dishes include:

• Croissant: A crispy and buttery snack that can be used for breakfast in France.

• Crepes: Pancakes which can either be topped by sweet or savory toppings.

• Ratatouille: Colorful and appetizing vegetable dish which is made of squashes, eggplant, tomatoes, and spices.

• Bouillabaisse: Fish soup which is popular in Provence, especially in Marseille.

• Quiche Lorraine: Dish made using eggs, cream and bacon.

• Salade Nicoise: Salad which consists of vegetables, tuna, eggs and olives.

• Coq au Vin: Dish which contains wine, mushrooms, herbs and chicken.

• Creme Brulee: Custard preparation topped with caramelized sugar.

• Macarons: Almond cookies with different types of fillings.

France Travel Tips 

Some preparation before your trip to France will certainly make your experience easier and more pleasant. These tips will surely help you in terms of transportation, tourist attractions, food, and other aspects of daily life.

• Purchase tickets to the most visited sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre beforehand.

• Buy tickets for intercity trains in advance to save some money on fares.

• Wear appropriate footwear since most historical sites are better seen by walking around.

• Get to know a little French before traveling.

• Secure your possessions in crowded tourist areas.

• Consider additional time while traveling from one city to another.

• Be flexible with the weather and spontaneity.

Planning an effective France travel itinerary will help you organize your activities, transportation, places of accommodation, and sightseeing by providing enough time to explore the local cuisine and culture as well.

Estimated France Travel Cost

The cost of your France tour will be based on what type of lodging you choose, how you plan to eat, and the mode of transportation you’re using. Here are some rough estimates of costs.

Flights, shopping and insurance are other costs to consider.

France Itinerary: Quick Planning Checklist 

Check out these tips before traveling to France to make sure your journey is well-organized, comfortable, and hassle-free.

• Flights and accommodation arrangements confirmed.

• Train tickets to travel between cities are planned.

• Tickets for major attractions booked.

• Travel documentation and insurance sorted.

• Locomotion options checked.

• Comfortable walking shoes packed.

• Downloaded offline maps of places of interest.

• French phrases compiled.

Final Thoughts

This France travel itinerary brings together all the must-see attractions in France with sufficient time to explore each place without rushing. From the famous sights of Paris and Versailles to the culinary delights of Lyon and Nice’s Mediterranean atmosphere, a week-long trip is a great way to get to know France. For those who want to spend some day in the capital, a Paris travel guide can help you to explore additional neighborhood places, and experiences. You can also extend your vacation by discovering Provence, Bordeaux, Strasbourg or even the Loire Valley.

Plan Your Perfect France Trip with EraEase

From the romantic avenues of Paris to the sunny shores of the French Riviera, there is something for everyone in France. Use this guide to plan your trip, learn about important destinations, and enjoy each and every day. Find more travel guides on EraEase and begin planning your next trip today!

FAQ’s

How many days are enough for France?

A visit of seven to ten days would be perfect as one will have an opportunity to include Paris and other cities like Lyon, Nice, or Versailles during their stay.

Is 7 days enough to visit France? 

Yes. You only need one week for visiting Paris and other two or three destinations while for exploring several regions you need more time.

What is the best France itinerary for first-time visitors? 

A perfect itinerary for first-time visitors is followed by this route: Paris → Versailles → Lyon → Nice.

How much does a 7-day trip to France cost? 

Budget holiday costs around €650-€1,200 depending on the flights not included, while the mid-range one might cost around €1,400-€2,430 per person.

What is the best way to travel around France?  

Travel by rail, especially by the high-speed TGV train, is the easiest way to move around French cities.