Morning: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport and transfer to your hotel in central Paris. Settle in and enjoy a leisurely brunch at a nearby café.
Afternoon: Stroll along the Seine River, catching glimpses of the Eiffel Tower and the historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral. Relax in the Jardin des Tuileries while people‑watching.
Evening: Dine on classic French cuisine in the Latin Quarter, then take a sunset river cruise to see the city’s monuments illuminated.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the world‑renowned Louvre Museum and admire masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Afternoon: Walk through the fashionable Le Marais district, stopping at boutique shops and the historic Place des Vosges. Grab a falafel for lunch on Rue des Rosiers.
Evening: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Montmartre hill, climbing up to the Sacré‑Cœur Basilica for panoramic city views, followed by dinner at a classic bistro.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the modern art collection at the Centre Pompidou and enjoy its striking architecture.
Afternoon: Wander the elegant avenues of the Champs‑Élysées, visiting the iconic Arc de Triomphe and indulging in a café au lait on the boulevard.
Evening: Attend a cabaret show at the historic Moulin Rouge or enjoy a quiet night walk along the illuminated banks of the Seine.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a high‑speed train to Annecy, enjoying scenic views of the French countryside during the 3‑hour journey.
Afternoon: Arrive and explore the charming canals of the Old Town (Vieille Ville), then stroll along the crystal‑clear waters of Lake Annecy. Visit the Château d'Annecy for a glimpse of regional history.
Evening: Savor Savoyard specialties such as tartiflette at a lakeside restaurant, followed by a relaxed evening walk on the lake promenade.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a scenic train to Avignon, arriving by midday and checking into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Discover the imposing Palais des Papes, the world’s largest Gothic palace, and wander the historic Pont d'Avignon with its medieval charm.
Evening: Dine on Provençal cuisine at a terrace café, then enjoy a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets of the old city.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the Rooftop Terrace of the Palais des Papes for panoramic views of the Rhône valley, followed by a stop at the Rocher des Doms garden.
Afternoon: Take a short drive to the nearby Château de Baux and the spectacular Gordes village perched on a limestone ridge.
Evening: Return to Avignon for a relaxed dinner, perhaps sampling local wines such as Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for Arles, a Roman‑rich town made famous by Van Gogh. Explore the well‑preserved Arles Amphitheatre and the Roman Theatre.
Afternoon: Visit the Saint‑Trophime Church with its stunning Romanesque portal, then wander the cobbled streets that inspired Van Gogh’s paintings.
Evening: Return to Avignon, enjoy a quiet evening at a local wine bar, reflecting on the day’s ancient wonders.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a train to Bayeux, arriving in the early afternoon and checking into a boutique hotel.
Afternoon: Explore the historic Bayeux Cathedral and the famed Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England.
Evening: Sample Normandy’s seafood at a coastal restaurant, then enjoy a peaceful walk along the town’s medieval walls.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the Juno Beach Centre at Courseulles‑sur‑Mer, a poignant museum honoring Canadian soldiers of D‑Day.
Afternoon: Drive to the picturesque port town of Honfleur. Wander the historic Vieux Bassin, admire the timber‑framed houses, and visit the Saint‑Catherine Church.
Evening: Dine on fresh oysters and cider in Honfleur before returning to Bayeux for a restful night.
Find HotelsMorning: Head west to the dramatic white cliffs of Étretat, walking along the coastal paths for breathtaking sea views.
Afternoon: Continue to the iconic Mont Saint‑Michel. Tour the medieval abbey and explore the winding lanes of the island village.
Evening: Finish the day in the fortified Breton town of Dinan, strolling its half‑timbered streets before catching a late train back to Paris, where you’ll spend the final night in the lively Montmartre district.
Find HotelsTo extend the trip, add an extra day in the French Alps for hiking around Lake Annecy or a visit to nearby Chamonix and the Mont Blanc area. If you need to shorten the itinerary, consider dropping the day trip to Arles and consolidating the Normandy sights into a single full‑day whirlwind, focusing on Mont Saint‑Michel and the Canadian war memorials.