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10-Day Classic France: Paris, Normandy, Loire, Southwest & Provence to the Riviera

Viewed by 119 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & easy sights

Paris, France on November 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Flore (Saint-Germain)

Classic Parisian café to start your trip with coffee and a croissant; lively spot for people-watching in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Good for orientation and map-checking.
EUR15, 45m

10:00am

Sainte-Chapelle & Île de la Cité

Marvel at the chapel’s famed stained glass (usually open ~9:30am–7pm); the island is the historic heart of Paris and ideal for a first walking tour.
EUR12, 1h15m

12:30pm

Lunch in Le Marais — L'As du Fallafel

Popular, fast, flavourful falafel in the Marais for an informal lunch; quick and affordable with great local atmosphere.
EUR12, 45m

2:30pm

Musée d'Orsay

Impressionist and post‑impressionist masterpieces in a converted railway station (typically open 9:30am–6pm, closed Mondays); perfect alternative to the Louvre on a Tuesday.
EUR16, 2h

5:30pm

Seine river cruise (Bateaux Mouches)

One-hour boat cruise to see monuments lit at dusk — a relaxing orientation to Paris and excellent photo opportunities (evening departures run until late).
EUR17, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner — Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Classic French steak-frites experience with a set menu (salad + steak & famous sauce); lively and efficient — book ahead where possible.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Montmartre & monuments

Paris, France on November 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Consulat (Montmartre)

Historic café at the foot of Montmartre — convenient before the hillwalk to Sacré‑Cœur and the artists’ quarter.
EUR12, 40m

9:30am

Sacré‑Cœur & Montmartre walking tour

Climb to the basilica for panoramic city views, wander Place du Tertre and the charming side streets of old Montmartre (basilica open early mornings to late evenings).
EUR0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Le Comptoir du Relais (Saint-Germain)

Popular bistro serving house-classic French dishes; reservations recommended for a stress-free midday meal.
EUR35, 1h

2:00pm

Musée Rodin

Sculptures set in a tranquil garden (usually open 10:00am–6:30pm), a calm cultural afternoon with iconic works like The Thinker.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:30pm

Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées

Walk the famed avenue, visit the Arc (visitor terraces typically open 10:00am–11:00pm) for a sunset city panorama.
EUR14, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Le Procope

Historic Saint‑Germain brasserie (est. 1686) offering classic French cuisine in a traditional atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 3: Versailles day

Versailles, France (day trip from Paris) on November 6, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Versailles (RER C / train)

Depart early from Paris to maximise time at the Palace; trains run frequently (approx 30–45 minutes).
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

Palace of Versailles

Visit the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors and the vast palace grounds (Palace typically open 9:00am–6:30pm, closed Mondays); allocate several hours.
EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise (Versailles)

Comfortable restaurant in the palace grounds area — a convenient stop before exploring the gardens and Trianon estates.
EUR28, 1h

2:30pm

Versailles gardens & Grand Trianon

Walk the formal gardens and visit the Grand and Petit Trianon estates; gardens are open year-round (check for fountain shows — seasonal).
EUR10, 1h45m

6:00pm

Return to Paris

Evening travel back by RER/train; relax before dinner in central Paris.
EUR8, 45m

8:00pm

Dinner — Septime (reservations advised)

Contemporary French dining with seasonal tasting menus; book well in advance for a memorable dinner in Paris.
EUR75, 1h45m

Day 4: Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel, France on November 7, 2025

6:30am

Travel to Mont Saint-Michel (train to Pontorson or Rennes + shuttle / car)

A long but rewarding journey — start early (trains require connections from Paris; consider an overnight coach or early TGV + local bus).
EUR60, 4h30m

11:30am

Walk the causeway & explore the village

Stroll the narrow lanes of the mount, enjoy island views and browse local shops; tide awareness is essential — check tide schedules online.
EUR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch — La Mère Poulard

Famous for its fluffy omelettes and historic setting; popular with visitors and a true Mont Saint-Michel institution.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

Guided or self-guided tour of the abbey (opening commonly ~9:30am–6pm, times vary seasonally) — climb for impressive coastal vistas.
EUR11, 1h30m

4:00pm

Travel to Saint-Malo (optional) or overnight near Mont-Saint-Michel

Short drive/bus to walled Saint‑Malo for sea-walls and seafood, or stay locally to rest before next day’s travel.
EUR12, 45m

8:00pm

Dinner in Saint‑Malo — local crêperie

Seafood and Breton galettes in a historic port town; an atmospheric end to a long travel day.
EUR25, 1h

Day 5: Loire Valley châteaux

Amboise / Chenonceau, France on November 8, 2025

7:00am

Travel toward the Loire (train via Rennes/Paris to Tours or drive rental)

Best to take an early train to Tours and use local transport or a rental car for Château hopping; TGV connections vary by route.
EUR60, 3h30m

11:30am

Château de Chenonceau

Iconic château spanning the River Cher with elegant galleries (often open ~9:00am–5:30pm) — one of the Loire’s must-see estates.
EUR16, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch — riverside bistro near Chenonceau

Relaxed lunch with local Loire Valley fare — cheeses, rillettes and regional wines make for a pleasant midday break.
EUR22, 1h

3:00pm

Château d'Amboise & Clos Lucé (Da Vinci's home)

Explore Amboise’s royal château (views over the Loire) and Leonardo da Vinci’s nearby manor at Clos Lucé (combined time approx 2–2.5 hours).
EUR20, 2h15m

6:30pm

Dinner in Tours — Le Grand Café or local bistro

Evening in Tours’ historic centre with many good restaurants serving local produce and Loire wines.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 6: Bordeaux & wine

Bordeaux, France on November 9, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Bordeaux (TGV from Tours)

Comfortable TGV ride (approx 2–3 hours) into Bordeaux’s compact city centre — arrive mid-morning to begin exploration.
EUR35, 2h30m

11:00am

Place de la Bourse & Water Mirror (Miroir d'Eau)

Iconic square and reflective water feature; great for photos and a short orientation stroll across the Garonne riverfront.
EUR0, 30m

12:15pm

Lunch — simple lunch at a local bistro

Try Bordeaux specialties or market fare — light and quick so you can reach the vineyards for an afternoon tasting.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Half-day Saint-Émilion wine tour (book ahead)

Guided visit to vineyards and a cellar tasting in the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion (tours typically 3–4 hours).
EUR55, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Le Chapon Fin or local brasserie

Historic Bordeaux restaurant or a neighbourhood bistro for regional cuisine; reserve in advance if choosing top restaurants.
EUR60, 1h45m

Day 7: Medieval Carcassonne

Carcassonne, France on November 10, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Carcassonne (TGV from Bordeaux)

Morning TGV heading southeast; relax and enjoy the scenery — arrival around mid-day depending on timetable.
EUR40, 2h45m

11:45am

Explore the Cité de Carcassonne

Walled medieval citadel with ramparts, narrow streets and fortifications — the medieval city is compact and atmospheric (opening hours vary, many sites ~9:30am–6pm).
EUR9, 1h45m

1:30pm

Lunch in the cité — Le Comte Roger or bistro

Taste regional Languedoc dishes in a historic setting; a leisurely lunch complements the fortress visit.
EUR28, 1h15m

3:00pm

Château Comtal & ramparts walk

Visit the inner castle and walk the ramparts for dramatic views and history; guided tours available at set times.
EUR12, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — La Barbacane (optional Michelin experience) or local bistro

For a special evening choose the Michelin-starred La Barbacane (inside the castle area) or enjoy a rustic regional meal in the lower town.
EUR70, 1h45m

Day 8: Provençal Avignon

Avignon, France on November 11, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Avignon (TGV from Carcassonne)

Scenic TGV ride east into Provence; plan around 2–3 hours depending on connections.
EUR40, 2h30m

11:30am

Palais des Papes

A major medieval palace and UNESCO site — the largest Gothic palace in Europe (opening commonly 9:00am–6:00pm; check seasonal times).
EUR12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — local Provençal bistro

Try Provençal specialities: tapenade, ratatouille and local olive oil in a sunny bistro near the old town.
EUR24, 1h

2:30pm

Pont d'Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet) & stroll

Historic partially surviving bridge with a small museum and great Rhône views (commonly open 10:00am–6:00pm).
EUR6, 45m

4:00pm

Leisure time — explore markets or short drive to nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards

Optional short wine detour (book tastings ahead) or enjoy Avignon’s cafés and artisan shops.
EUR20, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner — Restaurant Christian Etienne

Refined Provençal dining near the palace (Michelin-starred chef) — excellent for local terroir and elegant plating.
EUR60, 1h45m

Day 9: Aix then Nice

Aix-en-Provence → Nice, France on November 12, 2025

8:30am

Morning in Aix — Cours Mirabeau & Atelier Cézanne

Stroll the Cours Mirabeau, then visit Atelier Cézanne (usually open 10:00am–5:30pm) to see the artist’s studio and learn about his work.
EUR10, 2h

11:45am

Lunch — Les Deux Garçons

Historic café on Cours Mirabeau, ideal for a leisurely Provençal lunch in the town’s central artery.
EUR28, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Nice (TGV or direct train)

Rail journey along Provence into the Côte d’Azur (approx 2.5–3 hours); arrive late-afternoon to explore the Promenade des Anglais.
EUR35, 3h

5:30pm

Promenade des Anglais & Vieux Nice wander

Walk the famous seafront promenade, then enter the colourful old town with its narrow lanes and markets — great late-afternoon activity.
EUR0, 1h15m

8:00pm

Dinner — Le Bistrot d'Antoine (Vieux Nice)

Highly recommended bistro in Old Nice serving classic Niçoise dishes in a friendly setting; reservations advised.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 10: Nice & Monaco

Nice / Monaco, France on November 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — socca at Chez Pipo (Nice)

Try socca (chickpea pancake), a Niçoise speciality best enjoyed hot from a simple local place like Chez Pipo (opens mornings/early afternoons).
EUR8, 30m

9:30am

Colline du Château (Castle Hill) & panoramic views

Climb or take the lift to the viewpoint for sweeping vistas of Nice’s coastline; short walk with great photo opportunities.
EUR0, 45m

11:00am

Matisse Museum or Musée Marc Chagall

Choose a museum to dive into major modern artists tied to the region; both typically open from 10:00am to late afternoon (check specific opening times).
EUR10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Nice Old Town

Enjoy seafood or Niçoise salad in the Vieille Ville; many cafés serve fresh Mediterranean fare.
EUR22, 1h

2:30pm

Half-day trip to Monaco (train ~30 minutes)

Quick coastal train to Monaco to see the Casino de Monte‑Carlo, the harbour and Prince’s Palace area — a glamorous contrast to Nice (allow 3–4 hours roundtrip).
EUR8, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner — Le Plongeoir or Jan (Nice)

Final evening on the Riviera: choose Le Plongeoir for sea-ledge dining or Jan for a refined Michelin experience (reserve ahead).
EUR65, 1h45m
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