World-class art collection with the Mona Lisa, Egyptian antiquities and more; essential for first-time visitors. Typical hours 9:00–18:00 (closed Tuesdays); reserve timed tickets to avoid queues.
Brasserie near the Louvre offering classic French dishes — convenient and high quality for a museum-day lunch. Serves midday menu; check opening hours (usually from 11:30am).
Admire the stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle (typical hours 10:00–17:00) and stroll around Notre-Dame's exterior and the historic island on the Seine. Sainte-Chapelle is compact but spectacular; Notre-Dame's interior access may be limited during restoration—check current status.
Walk along the Seine, browse bouquinistes' stalls and relax before dinner — a quintessential Paris experience and free to enjoy. Good time for sunset photos near Pont Neuf.
Book a sunset or evening slot to see Paris lights; tower access frequently runs late (evening hours vary, often until 11:00–23:45). Reserve tickets in advance for the best times.
Dinner with a view if you prefer dining on the tower or choose a classic bistro nearby for a cozier meal. Expect classic French cuisine and higher prices near the landmark.
Take the RER C from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche (about 30–45 minutes) to beat crowds; plan tickets ahead and aim to arrive when palace opens.
Grand historic palace with opulent state rooms and extensive gardens; the Hall of Mirrors is a highlight. Palace opening hours typically 9:00–18:30 (closed Mondays); gardens are often open earlier/later—check fountain show schedules.
Convenient dining within the Versailles grounds offering Italian/French fare — good for a relaxed midday break. Park-level service and location make it easy to return to the gardens afterwards.
Spend the late afternoon in Montmartre: explore Place du Tertre, artists' squares and climb to Sacré-Cœur basilica for panoramic views over Paris (basilica open early to late, usually until 10–11pm).
Famous for a simple steak-frites menu served with a signature sauce — reservations recommended as lines form. Classic French bistro experience and hearty meal after a full day of sightseeing.
Take an early TGV/trains to Tours (≈1h15–1h30) then local transit or drive to Amboise — starting early maximizes your château visits. Train times vary; check SNCF schedules.
Royal château with sweeping Loire views and Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb at nearby Clos Lucé; highlights include terraces overlooking the river. Typical opening hours often 9:00–18:00; plan 1.5–2 hours.
Interactive museum in Leonardo's former home showing models of his inventions and gardens; usually open ~9:00–18:00 and very engaging for history and art lovers.
Iconic Renaissance château famous for its double-helix staircase and massive park; visiting late afternoon often means fewer crowds. Typical hours 9:00–17:00 (seasonal variations).
Choose a riverside town for dinner; sample local Loire Valley specialties such as goat cheese or rillettes. Town restaurants usually serve dinner from 7:00pm; book ahead in high season.
Early TGV from Tours/Amboise area to Bordeaux (approx 3–4 hours depending on connection) so you arrive midday; reserve tickets in advance for best fares.
Traditional southwest French cuisine—hearty and regionally focused; an iconic Bordeaux spot known for classic preparations. Arrive early or reserve as it’s popular at lunchtime.
Interactive museum celebrating world wine cultures with tasting options — great overview of Bordeaux’s place in global wine history. Opening hours commonly 10:00–18:00; book tasting time separately.
Sample Bordeaux appellations by the glass in a dedicated tasting bar — excellent way to try local varieties without a full vineyard trip. Typically open evenings; small tasting fees may apply.
Fine-dining classic in Bordeaux; reserve in advance for a special evening celebrating Bordelais gastronomy. Expect seasonal tasting menus and wine pairings.
Travel early from Bordeaux to Carcassonne (approx 3–4 hours by train depending on route) to maximize time inside the cité. Check SNCF for direct connections or quick transfers.
UNESCO-listed medieval fortress with ramparts, towers and winding streets — a living history site and photographic highlight. Open daytimes (commonly 9:30–19:00); the Château Comtal visit often included or ticketed separately.
Dine on regional specialties like cassoulet inside the medieval walls for a memorable local experience. Restaurants inside the cité are tourist-focused but capture atmosphere.
Relax on a short boat cruise or rent bikes to cycle along the Canal du Midi (operators run half-day and short tours); check seasonal schedules (many operate through autumn).
Taste the traditional regional cassoulet or other southwestern specialties in a recommended local restaurant. Portion sizes are generous — a warming meal after a day of exploring.
Enjoy illuminated views of the fortress and surrounding plains — a magical atmosphere after sunset. Ramparts accessible in evening hours; check local closing times for sections.
Morning TGV from Carcassonne area to Avignon (approx 2–3 hours depending on connection) — arrive before lunchtime to explore the city center. Check SNCF for optimal connections.
Massive medieval papal palace and key Avignon attraction with grand halls and panoramic terraces; typically open ~9:00–19:00 (seasonal variations). Book tickets in advance for busy days.
Visit the famous bridge (walk and visit the small exhibition) and stroll the Rhône quays for photo opportunities and local ambiance. Bridge visit hours vary (often 9:00–18:00).
Drive or join a small-group tour to a hilltop village such as Gordes or the ochre cliffs of Roussillon — ideal for late-afternoon light and scenic walks; many village shops and viewpoints remain open into evening (check seasonal opening times).
Return to Avignon for dinner at a local bistro serving Provençal flavors — enjoy dishes with olive oil, herbs and local produce. Book ahead on weekends.
Take an early train from Avignon to Nice (approx 3 hours) arriving before lunch to enjoy the Promenade des Anglais and old town. TGV and regional options vary—book in advance for best prices.
Vibrant flower, produce and food market where you can sample socca (chickpea pancake) and regional specialties — market hours usually morning until early afternoon (approx 6:00–1:00pm).
Stroll or relax on the pebbly beaches and walk the iconic seaside boulevard — great for people-watching and Mediterranean views. Public beaches are open year-round; private beach access may cost extra.
Wander narrow lanes with pastel buildings, boutique shops and the cathedral, then climb or take the elevator to Castle Hill for panoramic views of Nice and the bay. The park is open during daylight hours.
If you prefer museums, choose the Matisse collection (Villa-style museum) or Chagall museum for fine art; check individual opening hours (many 10:00–18:00 and closed one day per week).
Finish with a seaside stroll under the stars and a gelato in Vieux Nice — a relaxed wrap-up to the itinerary. Many shops stay open into the evening in high season.