South‑to‑North France Adventure: September 27 – October 3, 2025

Day 1 – September 27: Arrival in Toulouse

Morning: Arrive at Toulouse‑Blagnac Airport and settle into your hotel in the historic centre. Take a leisurely stroll to the Capitole de Toulouse to admire its grand façade and bustling square.

Afternoon: Visit the stunning Basilica of Saint‑Sernin, one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe, and enjoy a relaxed lunch at a nearby café.

Evening: Explore the vibrant Cité de l'Espace for an introductory glimpse of astronomy, then dine on traditional southwestern cuisine along the Garonne river.

Day 2 – September 28: Exploring Toulouse

Morning: Wander through the charming streets of the Saint‑Cyprien district, stopping at local bakeries for fresh pastries.

Afternoon: Dive deeper into space science at the Cité de l'Espace with its planetarium shows and interactive exhibits.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Canal du Midi, followed by dinner in the lively Place du Capitole.

Day 3 – September 29: Toulouse → Carcassonne

Morning: Take a regional train to Carcassonne (≈1 h 30 min). Upon arrival, check into your boutique hotel within the medieval walls.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic Medieval Cité, walking its cobbled lanes and climbing the towers for panoramic views.

Evening: Discover the Château Comtal inside the citadel and enjoy a dinner of hearty Languedoc dishes at a terrace restaurant.

Day 4 – September 30: Carcassonne → Montpellier

Morning: Board a train to Montpellier (≈2 h). Settle into a centrally located hotel near the Place de la Comédie.

Afternoon: Relax on the bustling Place de la Comédie, then visit the renowned Musée Fabre to admire European artworks.

Evening: Stroll through the serene Jardin des Plantes before tasting Mediterranean seafood at a waterfront bistro.

Day 5 – October 1: Montpellier → Tours (Loire Valley)

Morning: Travel by train to Tours (≈3 h 30 min). After checking in, head straight to the spectacular Château de Villandry and its famed gardens.

Afternoon: Continue to the historic Château d'Amboise, exploring royal apartments and the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.

Evening: Wander the medieval streets of Tours, sampling local wines and cheese at a charming tavern.

Day 6 – October 2: Tours → Paris

Morning: Take a high‑speed TGV to Paris (≈1 h 30 min). Drop your bags at a hotel in the 7th arrondissement.

Afternoon: Ascend the iconic Eiffel Tower for sweeping city views, then relax in the Champ de Mars park.

Evening: Immerse yourself in art at the Louvre Museum before ending the night with a stroll through the lively Montmartre quarter, enjoying its bohemian atmosphere.

Day 7 – October 3: Departure from Paris

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a final walk along the Seine, soaking in the Parisian ambiance.

Afternoon: Transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your departure flight.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Capitole de Toulouse – 1 hour, free
• Basilica of Saint‑Sernin – 1.5 hours, €5
• Cité de l'Espace – 3 hours, €15
• Medieval Cité (Carcassonne) – 2 hours, €10
• Château Comtal – 1 hour, €7
• Place de la Comédie (Montpellier) – 1 hour, free
• Musée Fabre – 2 hours, €8
• Jardin des Plantes – 1.5 hours, free
• Château de Villandry – 2 hours, €12
• Château d'Amboise – 2 hours, €13
• Eiffel Tower – 2 hours, €26
• Louvre Museum – 3 hours, €17
• Montmartre – 2 hours, free
• Train Toulouse → Carcassonne – 1.5 hours, €30
• Train Carcassonne → Montpellier – 2 hours, €35
• Train Montpellier → Tours – 3.5 hours, €45
• Train Tours → Paris – 1.5 hours, €40
• Local transport (metros, buses) – 6 days, €90
• Accommodation (6 nights, average €120/night) – €720
• Meals (average €50/day) – €300
• Total Estimated Cost: €1,373

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in the Provence region between Montpellier and the Loire Valley for lavender fields and Roman ruins. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Loire Valley and head straight from Montpellier to Paris, which saves a travel day while still covering the major highlights.