10-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey Through France: From Paris to the French Riviera

Day 1: Paris Iconic Sights

Paris, France on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with a classic Parisian breakfast, enjoying croissants and coffee at this historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés café.
EUR25, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the world-famous art collection including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo in the Louvre, open from 9am to 6pm.
EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Procope

Dine at one of the oldest cafés in Paris offering traditional French cuisine in a historic setting.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Discover the stunning gothic architecture of Notre-Dame, open from 8am to 6:45pm for sightseeing.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Walk along the Seine and visit Shakespeare and Company bookstore

Enjoy a leisurely stroll by the river Seine and visit this famous English-language bookstore for unique finds.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Jules Verne

Experience a gourmet dinner with spectacular views from the Eiffel Tower. Booking in advance is recommended.
EUR150, 2h
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Day 2: Versailles Palace

Versailles, France on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery in Versailles

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at a nearby bakery before heading to the palace.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Tour the Palace of Versailles

Explore the opulent palace, the Hall of Mirrors, and the vast gardens; open 9am to 6:30pm with last entry at 6pm.
EUR20, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Enjoy Italian-inspired dishes in the grounds of Versailles near the Grand Canal.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:30pm

Explore the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette's Estate

Visit these quieter parts of the Versailles estate offering more intimate views of royal life.
Included with Versailles ticket, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Paris and Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Relax with traditional French bistro dishes popular with locals in a lively atmosphere.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 3: Loire Valley Castles

Loire Valley, France on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Paris to Loire Valley by train

Take an early TGV train to Tours as a gateway to the Loire Valley castles; journey takes about 1h 30m.
EUR50, 1.5h

9:00am

Breakfast at Le Saint Honoré in Tours

Enjoy a French breakfast to energize before touring the castles.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Château de Chenonceau

Explore this iconic Renaissance castle spanning the River Cher, open 9am to 6pm.
EUR15, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Auberge du Bon Laboureur

Dine in a renowned local restaurant offering traditional Loire Valley cuisine.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Château de Chambord

Marvel at the massive Renaissance château with stunning architecture, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR14, 2h

6:30pm

Check in at hotel in Tours and Dinner at Le Turon

Relax with refined French dining near the city center.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 4: Lyon Gastronomy

Lyon, France on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Train from Tours to Lyon

Take an efficient morning train to Lyon, France's culinary capital, approximately 3h journey.
EUR70, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Boulangerie du Palais

Enjoy artisanal pastries and coffee in Lyon's historic center.
EUR12, 1h

12:30pm

Walk and explore Vieux Lyon

Discover Renaissance architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and traboules (hidden passageways).
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Taste regional specialties and fresh produce in this famous indoor market.
EUR30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Enjoy panoramic city views from this ornate basilica, open until 6:30pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at a Michelin-starred Bouchon

Experience authentic Lyonnaise cuisine in a traditional bouchon restaurant such as 'Le Bouchon des Filles'.
EUR70, 2h
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Day 5: Provence Lavender & Roman Ruins

Avignon, Provence, France on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Train from Lyon to Avignon

Travel by train to Avignon, gateway to Provence, around 1h40m ride.
EUR40, 1.5h

9:00am

Breakfast at La Table d'Uzès

Enjoy fresh French breakfast with local products in the Provençal style.
EUR20, 1h

10:30am

Visit Palais des Papes

Explore this medieval Gothic palace, former seat of the papacy, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant L'Agape

Taste refined Provençal cuisine in Avignon's old town.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Lavender Fields and Senanque Abbey (seasonal)

If lavender is still blooming, visit the iconic lavender fields near Gordes and the beautiful Senanque Abbey; lavender season typically ends by early September, verify current bloom.
EUR10 for Abbey, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner in Avignon at La Fourchette

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring seasonal local dishes with a lovely atmosphere.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 6: Arles Roman History

Arles, Provence, France on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Avignon to Arles by train

Short 20-minute train ride to Arles, known for its Roman heritage.
EUR9, 30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Van Gogh

Enjoy breakfast at this café paying homage to Van Gogh who lived here.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Arles Amphitheatre and Roman Theatre

Explore these well-preserved Roman structures dating back to the 1st century AD, open 9:30am to 6:30pm.
EUR13, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Criquet

Sample Provençal dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Van Gogh Foundation

Immerse in exhibitions focused on the artist's time in Arles and Provence.
EUR8, 1.5h

6:30pm

Return to Avignon for Dinner at Le Vintage

Savor modern French cuisine with a cosmopolitan touch.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 7: Nice beach & culture

Nice, France on September 8, 2025

7:00am

Train from Avignon to Nice

Morning scenic train ride (~3h30m) to Nice on the French Riviera.
EUR60, 4h

11:30am

Breakfast at Emilie's Cookies & Cafe

Enjoy light breakfast options including excellent coffee and pastries near the old town.
EUR15, 1h

12:30pm

Stroll and relax at the Promenade des Anglais

Walk along the famous seaside promenade and enjoy Mediterranean views.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at La Petite Maison

Dine on classic Niçoise cuisine in a stylish setting.
EUR50, 1.5h

4:30pm

Visit the Marc Chagall National Museum

Explore a wonderful collection of Chagall's works, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR12, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Safari in Old Town

Enjoy Mediterranean seafood dishes in the vibrant old town ambience.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 8: Cannes & Coastal Charm

Cannes, France on September 9, 2025

8:30am

Train from Nice to Cannes

Short 40-minute train ride to Cannes to enjoy beaches and luxury shopping.
EUR15, 40m

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Roma

Enjoy casual breakfast near the Croisette promenade with a view of the sea.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Walk the Boulevard de la Croisette

Explore the iconic luxury beachfront avenue with beaches, shops, and large hotels.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Astoux et Brun

Savor fresh seafood, a specialty of Cannes, in this renowned restaurant.
EUR45, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès

Famous for hosting the Cannes Film Festival, take a guided tour if available.
EUR10, 1h

4:30pm

Relax at Plage de la Croisette

Spend leisure time at this popular public beach with amenities.
EUR10 for sunbed, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Palme d’Or

Indulge in haute cuisine at Cannes' two Michelin-starred restaurant.
EUR140, 2h
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Day 9: Departure

Nice, France on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a final leisurely French breakfast at your accommodation or local café.
EUR15, 1h

11:00am

Last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Nice

Visit the Cours Saleya Market for souvenirs or a quick stroll through the old town before departure.
Free, 2h
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