July 8 – July 24, 2026: Munich → Nice – 17‑Day France‑Focused Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Munich

Morning: Arrive at Munich Airport and take a short taxi to the city centre. Drop off luggage at the hotel and enjoy a quick coffee at Viktualienmarkt. Afternoon: Wander through the historic Marienplatz, watching the Glockenspiel’s performance. Evening: Dine at the iconic Hofbräuhaus while sampling Bavarian pretzels and beer.

Day 2: Munich → Paris

Morning: Board the high‑speed train in Munich, crossing into France with scenic Alpine views. Afternoon: Arrive at Paris Gare de Lyon, check into a central hotel, then stroll to the Eiffel Tower for a quick photo stop. Evening: Enjoy a twilight river cruise on the Seine, passing the illuminated Notre‑Dame Cathedral.

Day 3: Paris – Landmarks

Morning: Visit the world‑famous Louvre Museum, focusing on the Mona Lisa and ancient artifacts. Afternoon: Stroll through the historic Le Marais district, sampling pastries at a local bakery. Evening: Dine in the lively Latin Quarter, enjoying French cuisine at a bistro.

Day 4: Paris – Artistic Quarter

Morning: Explore the artistic hill of Montmartre and the iconic Sacré‑Cœur basilica. Afternoon: Visit the modern Centre Pompidou for contemporary art. Evening: Enjoy a cabaret show at the historic Moulin Rouge.

Day 5: Paris → Avignon

Morning: Take a TGV train to Avignon, arriving by midday. Afternoon: Wander the medieval walls, exploring the Papal Palace and its courtyard. Evening: Savor Provençal cuisine at a riverside restaurant in the historic centre.

Day 6: Avignon – Provence

Morning: Tour the historic Saint‑Bénézet Bridge (Pont d’Avignon) and its surrounding gardens. Afternoon: Visit a nearby vineyard for a wine‑tasting session in the Luberon region. Evening: Return to Avignon for a sunset stroll along the Rhône River.

Day 7: Avignon → Marseille

Morning: Travel by regional train to Marseille, arriving around noon. Afternoon: Explore the bustling Vieux‑Port and admire the Fort Saint‑Jean. Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at a harbor‑side restaurant.

Day 8: Marseille – Coastal Highlights

Morning: Take a short bus ride to the historic district of Le Panier and visit the Notre‑Dame de la Garde for panoramic views. Afternoon: Relax on the sandy beaches of Plage du Prado. Evening: Enjoy a sunset cocktail at the waterfront promenade.

Day 9: Marseille → Montpellier

Morning: Depart by train for Montpellier, arriving midday. Afternoon: Explore the medieval Place de la Comédie and the surrounding boutiques. Evening: Dine on regional dishes at a bistro near the university district.

Day 10: Montpellier – Cultural Day

Morning: Visit the historic Saint‑Pierre Cathedral and its impressive cloister. Afternoon: Stroll through the botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes. Evening: Attend a music concert at the modern Le Corum cultural complex.

Day 11: Montpellier → Carcassonne

Morning: Travel by train to Carcaron, checking into a medieval‑style inn. Afternoon: Explore the fortified walls of Carcassonne, including the Château Comtal. Evening: Dine under lanterns in the historic city centre.

Day 12: Carcassonne → Toulouse

Morning: Take a regional train to Toulouse, arriving before noon. Afternoon: Visit the striking Place du Capitole and the iconic St. Sernin Basilica. Evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the Riviera de la Garonne with a riverside dinner.

Day 13: Toulouse – Day Trip

Morning: Travel by bus to the nearby vineyards of Gaillac for wine tasting. Afternoon: Return to Toulouse for a visit to the modern Space Museum (Cité de l'Espace). Evening: Taste local cheeses and charcuterie at a traditional market.

Day 14: Toulouse → Bordeaux

Morning: Board a high‑speed train to Bordeaux, arriving around midday. Afternoon: Walk along the historic Quais de la Garonne and explore the Place de la Bourse. Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant with a view of the Pont de Pierre.

Day 15: Bordeaux – Wine Region

Morning: Take a bus tour of the famous Saint‑Émilion vineyards with a guided tasting. Afternoon: Return to Bordeaux for a visit to the Musée d'Aquitaine. Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Garonne River.

Day 16: Bordeaux → Nice (via Montpellier)

Morning: Travel by train to Nice, stopping in Montpellier for a brief lunch. Afternoon: Continue to Nice, check into a hotel near the promenade. Evening: Walk along the Promenade des Anglais and enjoy a seaside dinner.

Day 17: Nice – Relax & Departure

Morning: Visit the historic Old Town (Vieux‑Nice) and the colorful Cours Saleya market. Afternoon: Relax on Plage du Castel and swim in the Mediterranean. Evening: Depart from Nice Côte‑d’Azur Airport for home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Marienplatz – 2 h, €5
• Hofbräuhaus – 1 h, €20
• Eiffel Tower – 2 h, €30
• Seine River Cruise – 1 h, €15
• Louvre Museum – 3 h, €17
• Notre‑Dame Cathedral (exterior) – 1 h, free
• Montmartre & Sacré‑Cœur – 2 h, €5
• Centre Pompidou – 2 h, €14
• Palace of the Popes (Avignon) – 2 h, €12
• St. Bénézet Bridge – 1 h, €5
• Vieux‑Port & Fort Saint‑Jean (Marseille) – 2 h, €8
• Notre‑Dame de la Garde – 1 h, €5
• Plage du Prado – 2 h, free
• Place de la Comédie (Montpellier) – 1 h, free
• Saint‑Pierre Cathedral – 1 h, €5
• Jardin des Plantes – 1 h, free
• Carcassonne Walls – 3 h, €10
• Place du Capitole (Toulouse) – 1 h, free
• St. Sernin Basilica – 1 h, €5
• Cité de l'Espace – 2 h, €12
• Quais de la Garonne – 1 h, free
• Saint‑Émilion Wine Tour – 5 h, €50
• Promenade des Anglais – 2 h, free
• Vieux‑Nice & Cours Saleya – 2 h, free
• Plage du Castel – 2 h, free
• Overall Total Estimated Cost: €288

Tips

If you want to extend the trip, add a day in Paris for a day‑trip to Versailles and a day in the French Riviera to visit Cannes and Antibes. To shorten the itinerary, skip the day‑trip to Saint‑Émilion and combine Montpellier and Montpellier in a single day, or skip the evening river cruise in Paris for a faster schedule.