Winter French Riviera & Paris Getaway – 11 Dec – 22 Dec

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration (11 Dec – Paris)

Morning: Land at Charles de Gaulle and drop your bags at the hotel before strolling to the iconic Eiffel Tower for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Wander through the historic Louvre Museum, admiring masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Evening: Unwind with a romantic Seine River Cruise, watching Paris glitter as the lights come on.

Day 2: Paris Museums & Montmartre (12 Dec – Paris)

Morning: Visit the awe‑inspiring Notre‑Dame Cathedral and explore its nearby archaeological crypt.

Afternoon: Delight in impressionist art at the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station.

Evening: Ascend to the bohemian hills of Montmartre and the Sacré‑Cœur Basilica for sunset over the city.

Day 3: Travel to Cannes (13 Dec – Paris → Cannes)

Morning: Take a high‑speed TGV to Cannes, enjoying the scenic French countryside.

Afternoon: Check‑in and wander the glamorous La Croisette, admiring luxury boutiques and the azure Mediterranean.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant and savor fresh Provençal seafood while the Riviera lights sparkle.

Day 4: Cannes Beach & Festival Hall (14 Dec – Cannes)

Morning: Relax on the sun‑kissed sands of Plage de la Croisette and take a dip in the gentle winter sea.

Afternoon: Tour the historic Palais des Festivals, home of the famous Cannes Film Festival.

Evening: Stroll through the charming Le Suquet (Old Town) with its narrow alleys and panoramic views.

Day 5: Day Trip to Île Sainte‑Marguerite (15 Dec – Cannes)

Morning: Catch a short ferry to Île Sainte‑Marguerite, exploring the tranquil forest trails.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Fort Royal and the mysterious “Man in the Iron Mask” cell.

Evening: Return to Cannes for a relaxed dinner along the harbor.

Day 6: Cannes to Nice (16 Dec – Cannes → Nice)

Morning: Board the regional train to Nice, enjoying coastal vistas along the way.

Afternoon: Check‑in and promenade along the famed Promenade des Anglais, feeling the sea breeze.

Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Nice’s Old Town (Vieux‑Nice) with its lively cafés.

Day 7: Nice Old Town & Castle Hill (17 Dec – Nice → Paris)

Morning: Wander the pastel‑colored streets of Vieux‑Nice, stopping at the bustling Cours Saleya market.

Afternoon: Climb to Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for sweeping views of the city and coastline.

Evening: Catch an evening train back to Paris, settling into your hotel for a restful night.

Day 8: Return to Paris – Shopping & Culture (18 Dec – Paris)

Morning: Begin with a visit to the elegant Galeries Lafayette for holiday shopping.

Afternoon: Explore the chic boutiques of the Marais district and stop at the historic Place des Vosges.

Evening: Enjoy a festive dinner at a classic Parisian brasserie, soaking in the city’s holiday atmosphere.

Day 9: Paris Art & Leisure (19 Dec – Paris)

Morning: Discover modern masterpieces at the Centre Pompidou.

Afternoon: Relax in the tranquil Luxembourg Gardens, perhaps ice‑skating on the seasonal rink.

Evening: Attend a seasonal performance at the Opéra Garnier for a cultural finale.

Day 10: Departure (20 Dec – Paris)

Morning: Pack your souvenirs and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café.

Afternoon: Take a final stroll along the Champs‑Élysées, admiring the holiday window displays.

Evening: Transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying warm memories of the French Riviera and Paris.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Eiffel Tower – 2 hrs – €25
• Louvre Museum – 3 hrs – €17
• Seine River Cruise – 1.5 hrs – €15
• Notre‑Dame Cathedral – 1 hr – €0
• Musée d’Orsay – 2 hrs – €16
• Montmartre & Sacré‑Cœur – 2 hrs – €0
• La Croisette (Cannes) – 2 hrs – €0
• Palais des Festivals – 1 hr – €12
• Le Suquet (Old Town) – 2 hrs – €0
• Île Sainte‑Marguerite – 5 hrs – €40
• Promenade des Anglais – 2 hrs – €0
• Castle Hill (Nice) – 2 hrs – €6
• Galeries Lafayette – 2 hrs – €0
• Centre Pompidou – 2 hrs – €15
• Luxembourg Gardens – 1.5 hrs – €0
• Opéra Garnier – 2 hrs – €30
• Total Estimated Cost: €165

Tips

If you need more time to soak in the Riviera sunshine, consider adding an extra day in Nice to explore nearby Antibes or the charming village of Èze. Conversely, you can condense the Paris portion by focusing on the main highlights (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and a Seine cruise) and skipping the optional Opéra Garnier show, saving both time and budget while still enjoying the city’s magic.