7-Day Itinerary for France

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Day 1: Paris - Arrival & Eiffel Tower

Morning: Arrive in Paris and check into your hotel. Begin your adventure with a visit to Trocadéro Gardens for the perfect photo opportunity of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine River.

Midday: Enjoy lunch at Café Le Recrutement near the Eiffel Tower, trying a classic French croque-monsieur or salad niçoise, paired with an espresso.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower. Consider pre-booking tickets to avoid long queues. Take the elevator to the top for panoramic views of Paris, or explore the first and second levels for a more leisurely experience.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at Les Ombres restaurant with Eiffel Tower views. After dinner, take a Seine River sunset cruise to see Paris illuminated at night, including the hourly sparkling light show of the Eiffel Tower.

Louvre Museum, Paris

Day 2: Paris - Museums & Art

Morning: Visit the Louvre Museum early to avoid crowds. Don't miss masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Consider a guided tour to maximize your experience.

Midday: Have lunch at Café Marly within the Louvre complex, offering elegant French cuisine with views of the famous glass pyramid.

Afternoon: Walk through the beautiful Tuileries Garden to reach Musée d'Orsay, housed in a former railway station. Explore its impressive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and others.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a historic neighborhood known for its literary cafés. Try the classic bistro Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore, once frequented by Hemingway, Sartre, and Picasso.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Day 3: Paris - Historic Landmarks

Morning: Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral (view from exterior due to reconstruction) and explore the charming Île de la Cité, the historical center of Paris. Don't miss Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning stained glass windows nearby.

Midday: Have lunch at a charming café on Île Saint-Louis, the smaller of Paris's two islands. Try Berthillon ice cream, considered among the best in Paris.

Afternoon: Visit the Latin Quarter, home to the Sorbonne University. Explore the Panthéon, the final resting place of many distinguished French citizens including Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. Wander through the charming streets and visit the medieval Cluny Museum.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the lively Marais district, known for its diverse dining scene. After dinner, visit Centre Pompidou for modern art or enjoy a classical music concert at Sainte-Chapelle.

Palace of Versailles

Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles

Morning: Take an early train from Paris to Versailles (approximately 40 minutes). Visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the epitome of French royal extravagance. Explore the Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments, and stunning interiors.

Midday: Have lunch at La Flottille restaurant in the palace gardens, offering lovely views over the Grand Canal.

Afternoon: Explore the vast Versailles Gardens and park. Visit Marie Antoinette's Estate including the Petit Trianon and the rustic Hamlet where she played at being a shepherdess. Consider renting bicycles or an electric golf cart to cover more ground.

Evening: Return to Paris and have dinner at a restaurant near Montmartre. After dinner, visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica for spectacular night views over Paris, then explore the artistic Montmartre neighborhood.

Loire Valley Château

Day 5: Loire Valley - Châteaux

Morning: Take an early train to Tours in the Loire Valley. Rent a car or join a guided tour to explore the famous châteaux. Begin with Château de Chenonceau, a magnificent castle spanning the Cher River, known as the 'Ladies' Castle'.

Midday: Enjoy lunch at L'Orangerie du Château, located on the Chenonceau estate with beautiful garden views.

Afternoon: Visit Château de Chambord, the largest château in the Loire Valley with distinctive French Renaissance architecture. Explore its impressive double-helix staircase, roof terrace, and vast grounds which served as royal hunting grounds.

Evening: Return to Tours and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the old town, trying regional Loire Valley specialties paired with local wines.

Provence Lavender Fields

Day 6: Provence - Avignon & Lavender Fields

Morning: Take an early TGV train to Avignon in Provence. Visit the impressive Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), an enormous Gothic palace that served as the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century.

Midday: Have lunch at a café in Avignon's charming Place de l'Horloge, then walk to the famous Pont d'Avignon (Saint-Bénézet Bridge).

Afternoon: Take a guided tour to the nearby lavender fields (best from mid-June to mid-August) and the picturesque village of Gordes, perched on the edge of the Vaucluse plateau. Visit the Sénanque Abbey with its iconic lavender fields.

Evening: Return to Avignon for dinner at a Provençal restaurant serving traditional dishes like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and daube (beef stew), paired with local Côtes du Rhône wines.

Nice, French Riviera

Day 7: French Riviera - Nice

Morning: Take a train to Nice on the French Riviera. Check into your hotel, then stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the colorful flower and food markets at Cours Saleya.

Midday: Enjoy lunch at a seafront restaurant, sampling Niçoise specialties like socca (chickpea pancake), pissaladière (onion tart), or the classic salade niçoise.

Afternoon: Climb up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views of Nice, the Bay of Angels, and the port. Then explore the charming Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its narrow winding streets, vibrant buildings, and charming shops.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Old Nice. After dinner, take a final evening stroll along the illuminated Promenade des Anglais, reflecting on your week-long French adventure.

Travel Tips for France

  • Learn a few basic French phrases – even simple greetings are appreciated by locals.
  • Purchase a Paris Museum Pass if you plan to visit multiple museums.
  • Most shops close on Sundays in France. Plan accordingly.
  • Tipping is not required as service is included in the bill, but rounding up is appreciated for good service.
  • The Paris Métro is efficient and economical – consider purchasing a carnet of 10 tickets for savings.
  • Verify museum closing days – many museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays.
  • Book high-speed TGV train tickets in advance for significant savings.
  • For Versailles and popular museums, book timed-entry tickets online to avoid long queues.
  • Be aware of seasonal variations: lavender blooms in Provence from mid-June to mid-August.
  • Carry a water bottle and comfortable walking shoes for city exploration.