Morning: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfer to your hotel in central Paris and settle in. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café while watching the city wake up.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along the Seine, absorbing the ambience of the capital and visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower for a first glimpse from the Champ de Mars.
Evening: Dine in the Latin Quarter and end the night with a gentle cruise on the river, letting the illuminated monuments set a magical tone for the days ahead.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to the world‑renowned Louvre Museum, where you’ll explore masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo over a focused two‑hour visit.
Afternoon: Wander through the historic Père Lachaise Cemetery, paying respects at the graves of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and other luminaries.
Evening: Enjoy a classic French dinner in the Marais, then stroll to the Velodrome d'Hiver memorial for a brief, reflective stop.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a 45‑minute RER ride to the Palace of Versailles, touring the opulent Hall of Mirrors and the King’s Grand Apartments.
Afternoon: Stroll through the expansive formal gardens, stopping at the Grand Trianon and the fountains for photo opportunities.
Evening: Return to Paris for a relaxed dinner in Saint‑Germain and a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the city lights.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early by train to Bayeux, checking into a charming local inn and sampling a buttery croissant at a boulangerie.
Afternoon: Explore the medieval Bayeux Cathedral and view the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a 70‑meter embroidered narrative of the Norman conquest.
Evening: Savor Normandy’s seafood specialties at a waterfront restaurant, then enjoy a quiet walk along the River Aure.
Find Hotels **Day 5: Normandy Beaches & Mont Saint‑Michel** *Morning:* Visit the poignant Juno Beach and the nearby Canadian War Memorial, reflecting on the D‑Day landings. *Afternoon:* Drive to the legendary Mont Saint‑Michel, climbing to the abbey and wandering the winding medieval streets. *Evening:* Return to Bayeux for a restful night, perhaps trying a local cider in a traditional tavern.Morning: Journey to the dramatic cliffs of Etretat, photographing the iconic arches and needle‑like rock formations.
Afternoon: Continue to the charming port town of Honfleur, exploring its historic harbor, the Saint‑Catherine church, and the art galleries.
Evening: Head back to Paris, arriving late for a light supper near your hotel and a restful night.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a high‑speed train to Tours, then a short drive to the magnificent Château de Chambord, touring its grand staircase and hunting rooms.
Afternoon: Stroll the expansive parklands, rent a bike to circle the moat, and enjoy a picnic beside the reflective pools.
Evening: Return to Paris, where you can unwind with a glass of wine in a Montparnasse café.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Bordeaux and begin at the striking Place de la Bourse, capturing reflections in the famed “Water Mirror” for stunning photos.
Afternoon: Join a guided wine tasting tour in the nearby Saint‑Émilion region, sampling reds and learning about terroir.
Evening: Dine on local cuisine at a riverside brasserie, then stroll along the Garonne for a night view of the illuminated city.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the medieval streets of Sarlat‑la‑Canéda, admiring its preserved stone houses and bustling market.
Afternoon: Visit the prehistoric caves of Lascaux IV (or the nearby replica) and the charming village of Rocamadour perched on a cliff.
Evening: Enjoy a duck confit dinner in a traditional Dordogne restaurant before returning to Bordeaux for the night.
Find HotelsMorning: Ascend to Montmartre, wandering the artistic squares, the iconic Sacré‑Coeur Basilica, and the historic Place du Tertre.
Afternoon: Spend your final hours shopping for souvenirs on the Champs‑Élysées and savoring a last café au lait at a classic Parisian café.
Evening: Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of France’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
Find HotelsIf you’d like to extend your stay, consider adding a full day in the Loire Valley to visit additional châteaux such as Chenonceau and Amboise, or a day in the French Riviera for a coastal contrast. To shorten the trip, you could combine Normandy’s beach and Mont Saint‑Michel visits into a single day and skip the Dordogne segment, focusing instead on more time in Paris and Bordeaux.