Morning: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport and transfer to your hotel in central Paris. After check‑in, take a leisurely walk to get a first glimpse of the city’s iconic boulevards.
Afternoon: Head to the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views, then enjoy a relaxing Seine River cruise that passes under historic bridges and past landmark monuments.
Evening: Dine in the vibrant Latin Quarter where you can sample classic French cuisine while soaking up the lively atmosphere of cafés and street performers.
Find HotelsMorning: Spend a few hours exploring the world‑renowned Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Afternoon: Visit the restored Notre‑Dame Cathedral and the stunning Sainte‑Chapelle, marveling at their Gothic architecture and stained‑glass windows.
Evening: Wander the artistic streets of Montmartre, climb to the summit of the Sacré‑Cœur Basilica for sunset views, and enjoy a dinner in a historic café.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short RER ride to Palace of Versailles and join a guided tour of the opulent State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors.
Afternoon: Stroll through the expansive Versailles Gardens, visiting the Grand Trianon and the tranquil Marie‑Antoinette’s Estate.
Evening: Return to Paris and savor a dinner near the Champs‑Élysées, perhaps indulging in a classic French pastry for dessert.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a high‑speed train to Tours and settle into a boutique hotel in the historic center.
Afternoon: Travel to the majestic Château de Chambord, exploring its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and expansive parklands.
Evening: Return to Tours and wander the medieval streets of the old town, ending the day with a glass of local wine at a riverside bistro.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the elegant Château de Chenonceau, famed for its graceful arches spanning the River Cher and its beautiful gardens.
Afternoon: Continue to the historic Château d’Amboise, the former royal residence of French monarchs, and explore its royal chapel.
Evening: Enjoy a wine‑tasting session in the vineyards of Vouvray, sampling crisp whites and learning about the region’s winemaking traditions.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a train to Lyon and check into a hotel in the Presqu’île district.
Afternoon: Discover the cobbled lanes of Vieux Lyon, visiting the Basilica of Notre‑Dame de Fourvière for sweeping city views.
Evening: Dine at a traditional bouchon, savoring Lyonnaise specialties such as quenelles, and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Find HotelsMorning: Browse the bustling stalls of Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, tasting fresh cheeses, charcuterie, and pastries.
Afternoon: Visit the futuristic Musée des Confluences, where natural history and science intersect in striking architecture.
Evening: Transfer to Lyon–Saint‑Exupéry Airport for your flight home, reflecting on a week of French culture, history, and cuisine.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider extending your stay in the Loire Valley to visit additional châteaux such as Château de Villandry or adding a day on the French Riviera for sun‑baked beaches. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Loire Valley segment and spend the final two days exploring more of Paris or Lyon, which reduces travel time and accommodation costs while still delivering a rich cultural experience.