France in a week? Challenge accepted. You can experience a blend of urban excitement and rural charm. Picture this: you start in the heart of Paris and then saunter through vineyards in Bordeaux, ending with the lavender fields of Provence. Who needs sleep when you have croissants? Here’s a week-long itinerary that will have you juggling sightseeing like a pro.
Day 1: Paris – The city of love (and good food)
Morning: Land at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Grab your coffee and pain au chocolat, then head to your hotel to drop off your bags. Aim for a spot in the Marais district, where you can find cozy cafés and trendy boutiques. Stroll along the Seine, and don’t forget to take obligatory selfies at the Eiffel Tower.
Afternoon: Visit the Louvre. You’ll want to allocate at least two hours to find the Mona Lisa and pretend to appreciate modern art. After that, enjoy lunch at a nearby bistro—go for the duck confit if you’re feeling fancy, or just a classic croque monsieur.
Evening: Explore Montmartre. Visit Sacré-Cœur for stunning views of the city. As the sun sets, grab dinner in one of the charming square cafés. Maybe try to engage in a conversation with a local artist, or just admire their paintings while sipping on wine. You’ll need that after a long day!
Day 2: Versailles and back to Paris
Morning: Take the RER C train to Versailles (about a 40-minute journey). Arrive early to beat the crowds, and prepare to gawk at the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. Don’t forget to stroll through the gardens; they’re Instagram gold.
Afternoon: After a hearty lunch in Versailles, take the train back to Paris. Spend the afternoon exploring the Latin Quarter. You can visit the Panthéon or just enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets while hunting for the best gelato. Spoiler: You’ll probably find it.
Evening: Have dinner in the Latin Quarter. Try a traditional French meal, and if you have the energy, check out a jazz club for some live music. Nothing says “I love Paris” like a glass of champagne and smooth saxophone tunes.
Day 3: Bordeaux – Wine country
Morning: Take a morning train to Bordeaux (about 2 hours). Once you arrive, drop your bags at your hotel and head straight to the Place de la Bourse. The reflection in the water mirror is a must-see. Yes, it’s basically a large puddle, but a very beautiful one!
Afternoon: Join a wine tour in the nearby vineyards. Many offer tastings and tours of historic wineries. You’ll learn about the wine-making process while sipping some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon. Just don’t get too tipsy—you’ve still got a dinner reservation.
Evening: Have dinner at a local brasserie. Try the canelé, a small pastry that’s a Bordeaux specialty. Pair it with a glass of local wine, and you might just find yourself planning a permanent move to France.
Day 4: Avignon – Where history meets charm
Morning: Take a train to Avignon (around 5 hours). Once there, check into your hotel and head straight for the Palais des Papes. It’s a massive gothic structure, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into medieval times.
Afternoon: Explore the charming streets and grab lunch at Les Halles Market. You’ll find fresh produce, cheeses, and the best tapenade you’ve ever tasted. Sample some local specialties, and don’t forget to buy a bottle of local rosé for later.
Evening: Walk along the Rhône River at sunset. This is the perfect setting for romance—unless you’re alone, in which case, enjoy your own company. For dinner, find a cozy restaurant and try ratatouille, because when in Provence, right?
Day 5: Provence – Lavender fields and hilltop villages
Morning: Rent a car and drive through the scenic countryside. Your first stop should be the village of Gordes, perched on a hill. The views are breathtaking, and so are the photo ops. Don’t forget to stop at a lavender field if it’s the right season. Yes, you can pretend to be in a perfume commercial.
Afternoon: Head to Roussillon to explore the ochre cliffs. Have lunch at a local café and bask in the charm of this picturesque village. Don’t rush; take in the views and maybe pick up some local pottery.
Evening: Return to Avignon for dinner. Treat yourself to a nice meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant if you’re feeling fancy, or just enjoy a casual bistro with outdoor seating. Cheers to a glorious day!
Day 6: Nice – The French Riviera awaits
Morning: Drive to Nice (about 3 hours). Once you arrive, check into your hotel and head straight to the Promenade des Anglais. The azure waters and palm trees will make you feel like you’re in a postcard.
Afternoon: Visit the Old Town (Vieux Nice). Wander through the narrow streets filled with colorful buildings and charming shops. Grab lunch at a local eatery and try socca, a chickpea pancake you won’t regret.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant. Try the fresh seafood, and as the sun sets, sip on some local rosé while you contemplate how the French make everything look so effortless.
Day 7: Monaco and back to Paris
Morning: Take a quick train ride to Monaco (about 30 minutes). Visit the iconic Monte Carlo Casino and stroll around the harbor. You might not be able to afford a yacht, but you can definitely admire them—without drooling, of course.
Afternoon: After lunch, explore the Prince’s Palace and the beautiful gardens. Then it’s time to catch a train back to Paris (around 6 hours). Remember, the earlier you leave, the more time you have to enjoy your last evening in the City of Lights.
Evening: Spend your last night dining in a classic Parisian restaurant. Look back on your week with a full belly and a heart full of memories. You’ve conquered France in just a week. Who needs a month-long vacation when you can pack this much adventure into just seven days? Bon voyage!
