Arrive at Charles de Gaulle (or Orly) and take a comfortable RER or taxi to your central hotel — consider a stay in the 1st or Marais for easy access to sights. Check in, drop your luggage, and enjoy a leisurely French breakfast of croissant and café au lait at a nearby patisserie such as Du Pain et des Idées or Le Pain Quotidien to shake off travel fatigue.
Spend the afternoon getting your bearings with a gentle walk along the Seine toward Île de la Cité; pop into Notre-Dame’s exterior area and the Sainte-Chapelle to admire its stained glass (book timed entry for Sainte-Chapelle). Browse the nearby Latin Quarter’s bookshops and cobbled lanes, and if jetlag allows, climb the towers or head up to the Institut du Monde Arabe terrace for panoramic city views.
As twilight falls, take an easy Seine cruise (Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes de Paris) to see the city’s monuments lit up, including the Eiffel Tower’s nightly sparkle at the top of the hour. Finish with dinner at a classic bistro in Saint-Germain-des-Prés — try roasted chicken or confit de canard — then stroll back past the lit bridges to your hotel, ready for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Start the day with a hearty Parisian breakfast near your hotel—fresh croissants and espresso at a local patisserie—then head early to the Louvre to beat the crowds and admire highlights like the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory, and the Apollo Gallery (book timed tickets in advance). After a focused morning inside, step out into the Tuileries Gardens for a stroll toward Place de la Concorde, enjoying the winter light and the stately avenues that link Paris’s great sights.
Cross the Seine to explore Musée d'Orsay’s Impressionist masterpieces—Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh are must-sees—and linger in the museum café if you need a warm break. From there, walk along the Left Bank to the charming streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés for a late-afternoon visit to Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, then continue toward the Luxembourg Gardens for people-watching and a peaceful moment amid manicured lawns and statues.
As dusk falls, make your way to the Eiffel Tower district: ascend the tower if you wish (pre-book tickets) or enjoy the Champ de Mars views, then dine in a nearby bistro serving classic French fare—think boeuf bourguignon or a seasonal seafood dish. Finish the night with a stroll along the Seine and, if you missed it on arrival night, catch the tower’s glittering light show at the top of the hour for a magical Parisian close to the day.
Continue the festive rhythm of your stay with a morning visit to the Marché de Noël at Les Halles or the charming market along the Champs-Élysées (or the smaller market at Saint-Germain-des-Prés), where you can sip vin chaud, sample roasted chestnuts and shop for handcrafted ornaments and local treats like artisan chocolates and calissons. Combine this with a quick detour to Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann to admire the department store’s legendary Christmas tree and window displays—take the rooftop elevator for a panoramic view over Paris’s winter rooftops.
After a cozy café lunch, head to Le Marais for boutique holiday shopping: browse independent perfumers at Société Française des Parfums, vintage shops along Rue des Rosiers, and concept stores like Merci for unique gifts and homewares. If you prefer more traditional fare, stroll to Place Vendôme and rue Saint-Honoré for luxury maisons and stop by a pâtisserie such as Pierre Hermé or Ladurée to pick up boxed macarons as edible souvenirs.
As evening falls, warm up with a festive dinner at a classic Parisian brasserie near Opéra or the Grands Boulevards—order a seasonal game dish or hearty cassoulet—and then take a relaxed after-dinner walk to see the illuminations along Avenue Montaigne and the glittering Champs-Élysées, finishing with a final vin chaud at a market stall before returning to your hotel to rest for tomorrow’s Versailles day trip.
Catch an early RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche so you arrive before the biggest crowds; once there, join a timed entry to the Palace of Versailles to tour the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors and the King’s Chamber, soaking in the opulent gilding and royal portraits. Pause for a coffee and a flaky pastry at a nearby café such as La Petite Venise before stepping out to explore the palace’s decorative rooms in more depth.
Spend the afternoon wandering the vast Formal Gardens and the Grand Canal—rent a bike or a golf-cart if you prefer to cover more ground—and be sure to visit the Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet for a contrasting, intimate glimpse of royal life. Stop for lunch at La Flottille by the Grand Canal or bring warm picnic treats from Paris to enjoy on a bench, then stroll through the beautifully pruned bosquets and sculpture-lined promenades as winter light softens the park.
Return to Paris in the early evening with time to freshen up at your hotel, then enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Marais or Saint-Germain—choose a cozy bistro serving seasonal dishes like mushroom velouté or braised short ribs to continue the festive culinary thread of your trip. If you’re still energized, take a short post-dinner walk along the Seine to reflect on the day’s grandeur and prepare for the festive markets and Strasbourg-bound train that await in the coming days.
Board an early TGV from Paris Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg (about 1h50) so you arrive with plenty of daylight; store your luggage at the station or your hotel and start at Place Kléber to feel the city’s festive buzz. From there wander into La Petite France, crossing the medieval canals and half-timbered houses—stop for a warm chocolat chaud and a kougelhopf at Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie or a riverside café to soak up the storybook atmosphere.
After lunch, climb up to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg to admire its intricate Gothic façade and the astronomical clock (catch the procession if timings align), then stroll along the quai to the Palais Rohan to view the exterior of its museums or pop into the Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame for regional art. Continue exploring narrow lanes around Rue des Juifs and Place du Marché aux Poissons, browsing artisan shops for traditional Christmas ornaments, foie gras and Alsatian wines to build on your Parisian market finds.
As dusk falls, head to the Christkindelsmärik around the cathedral—the Strasbourg Christmas Market is one of Europe’s oldest, perfect for sipping vin chaud and sampling bredele cookies—then choose a cozy winstub such as Le Clou or La Corde à Linge for a hearty Alsatian dinner of choucroute garnie or baeckeoffe. Finish your night with a gentle riverside stroll along the Ill, watching the timbered houses reflected in the water and feeling the transition from Parisian glamour to Alsatian charm as you rest up for Christmas Day explorations.
Wake to a festive morning and head straight to Place Kléber to enjoy the Christkindelsmärik’s quieter early hours, sipping vin chaud and sampling bredele cookies from a stall while admiring the giant Christmas tree. Then stroll through La Petite France toward the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg for a peaceful visit to the cathedral’s nave and, if the schedule allows, the famous astronomical clock’s procession—pause for a warm chocolat chaud at a nearby café such as Café Brant or La Tasse d’Or to refuel.
After a leisurely Alsatian lunch of tarte flambée or foie gras at a cosy winstub (Le Gruber or Maison Kammerzell are great choices), explore the surrounding market stalls around Place Broglie and Place du Marché-aux-Poissons for handcrafted ornaments, local foie gras, and Alsatian wines to bring home. Continue on to the charming canals of La Petite France for photos of the snow-dusted half-timbered houses, and if museums are open, pop into the Musée Alsacien for a look at traditional regional crafts and holiday customs.
As dusk settles, return to the cathedral quarter to watch the square glow with lights and enjoy a final cup of mulled wine while the market atmosphere warms the night; for a special Christmas dinner, book ahead at a traditional winstub like Au Crocodile or Le Baeckeoffe d'Alsace for seasonal dishes and Alsatian hospitality. Finish the evening with a gentle riverside walk along the Ill to see reflections of the illuminated houses, letting the peaceful holiday ambiance prepare you for tomorrow’s scenic Alsace village excursion.
Catch a regional TER or join a guided day trip from Strasbourg to Colmar and arrive mid-morning to wander the postcard-perfect Petit Venise district; admire the timber-framed houses along the canals, pop into the Unterlinden Museum to see the Isenheim Altarpiece if you wish, and warm up with a chocolat chaud and kougelhopf at a riverside café such as La Table du Brocanteur. Stroll the cobbled Rue des Marchands to browse artisan shops for traditional Alsatian ceramics and Christmas ornaments, continuing the festive shopping thread from Strasbourg’s markets.
After a leisurely lunch of tarte flambée or a saisonal game dish at a cosy winstub like Wistub Brenner, drive or take a short train/bus to Riquewihr, one of France’s best-preserved medieval villages; wander its narrow lanes, admire the fortified ramparts and stop at a local winery (e.g., Hugel or a family domaine) for a tasting of Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Explore the charming shops on Rue du Général de Gaulle and sample bredele cookies and spiced local treats while photographing the snow-dusted half-timbered façades that feel like a living postcard.
Return toward Strasbourg with time to freshen up, then enjoy an intimate Alsatian dinner at a traditional winstub — choose regional specialties such as baeckeoffe or choucroute garnie paired with a local white — and reflect on the day’s fairytale villages. Finish with a gentle riverside or cathedral-square walk back into the warm glow of the Christkindelsmärik lights, tying today’s rural charm into the wider festive story of your trip through Alsace.
Board a morning TGV from Strasbourg to Lyon Part-Dieu to arrive by late morning; drop your bags at your hotel in Vieux Lyon or Presqu’île and then head straight for a savory welcome at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse to taste local specialties like saucisson, quenelles, and a cheese plate while soaking up the market atmosphere. Wander the covered stalls and pick up a few regional treats to continue the culinary thread from your Alsace tastings.
After lunch, explore Vieux Lyon’s Renaissance streets—climb the traboules between Rue du Boeuf and Rue Saint-Jean and visit the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, then take the funicular up to Fourvière for panoramic views of the city and a stroll around the basilica gardens. Return to the Presqu’île for a visit to the Musée des Confluences or a relaxed coffee at Café Mokxa before preparing for an evening of bouchon dining.
Reserve a table at a classic Lyonnais bouchon such as Le Bouchon des Filles or Daniel et Denise to savor traditions like coq au vin, andouillette or salade lyonnaise paired with a local Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône. Finish the night with a digestive stroll along the Rhône quays or across the illuminated Place Bellecour, feeling the culinary focus of your trip deepen as you rest up for tomorrow’s market and food discoveries.
Wake up in Lyon and return to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse for a focused morning tasting: browse the stalls for fresh charcuterie, local cheeses (picodon, Saint-Marcellin) and pastries, grab a café and sample a quenelle at a counter or one of the market’s small eateries. With your market finds in hand, wander into Vieux Lyon to explore the Renaissance streets of Rue du Boeuf and Rue Saint-Jean, slipping through a couple of traboules to admire hidden courtyards and the medieval façades.
After a leisurely lunch at a traditional bouchon — try a salade lyonnaise or andouillette at Chez Hugon or Le Bouchon des Filles — climb or take the funicular up to Fourvière for sweeping city views and a calm visit to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. On the descent, make time to stroll the Presqu’île: pop into the Palais de Justice area and Rue de la République for boutique shopping, then pause at a pâtisserie such as Pâtisserie Pépin for a sweet treat before continuing your culinary exploration.
For dinner, dive deeper into Lyonnais gastronomy with a reserved table at a noted bouchon or a modern bistrot like La Mère Brazier to taste regional specialties paired with a Beaujolais cru; book ahead if possible, as places fill during the holiday week. Finish the night with a relaxed walk along the Rhône quays or across the lit Place Bellecour, reflecting on the day’s flavors and preparing for the scenic transfer to Nice tomorrow.
Take a morning TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu to Nice Ville, arriving just before midday; store luggage at your hotel in the Old Town (Vieux Nice) and begin with a light Provençal breakfast of pissaladière or a warm croissant and espresso at Fenocchio or Maison Auer while soaking up the Mediterranean air. Afterward, stroll down to the iconic Promenade des Anglais to admire the turquoise Baie des Anges and the mosaic-blue sea, pausing for photos by the famous pebble beaches and the Negresco hotel.
After a leisurely seaside walk, explore the winding lanes of Vieux Nice—browse the Cours Saleya market for seasonal produce, socca stalls and artisan specialties, and pop into the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate to admire its Baroque interior. For panoramic views, climb (or take the short bus) up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château) to watch the light fall over the harbor, then descend for a late-afternoon coffee or salade niçoise at a café on Place Rossetti.
As evening falls, choose a seafood-focused dinner along the Quai des États-Unis or a charming bistro in Vieux Nice—try traditional dishes like daube niçoise or stuffed vegetables with a Provençal rosé—and cap the meal with a gelato from Fenocchio. Finish with a moonlit stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the sea, feeling the itinerary’s shift from inland feasts to relaxed Riviera glamour as you prepare for your Côte d’Azur excursions tomorrow.
Catch an early TER or bus from Nice to the hilltop village of Èze and begin with a fragrant stroll through the Jardin Exotique’s succulents and panoramic terraces, pausing for photographs of the glittering Mediterranean below. After the garden, descend the cobbled streets to visit the Fragonard perfumery for a guided tour and pick up a signature eau de parfum—finish with a leisurely coffee and a slice of local socca at a café in the village square.
Choose between a short train ride to glitzy Monaco or a scenic drive along the Moyenne Corniche back toward Nice; in Monaco, explore the Old Town (Le Rocher), visit the Prince’s Palace and the Gothic-style Cathédrale de Monaco before wandering the Casino Square and the designer boutiques. If you stay along the coast instead, wander Èze-sur-Mer and hike part of the Nietzsche Path for coastal views, then relax with a seafood lunch at a seaside restaurant in Beaulieu-sur-Mer or at the Quai des États-Unis upon returning to Nice.
Return to Nice in the late afternoon and freshen up before dining in Vieux Nice—opt for a Provençal meal of grilled fish or daube niçoise at a terrace restaurant on Cours Saleya and finish with Fenocchio gelato. Cap the night with an after-dinner stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the Baie des Anges, enjoying the Riviera lights as a calm prelude to New Year’s Eve festivities tomorrow.
Enjoy a leisurely Provençal breakfast in Vieux Nice—grab a cappuccino and a warm pissaladière or croissant at Maison Auer—then stroll the quiet Cours Saleya to admire the winter market stalls and pick up local treats for tonight’s celebration. Afterwards, climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for sweeping views over the Baie des Anges and photograph the winter light on the Promenade des Anglais, letting the calm morning set a relaxed tone before the evening festivities.
Savor a relaxed seaside lunch at a bistro on Quai des États-Unis or a refined meal at Le Plongeoir to sample Niçois seafood specialties and a crisp Provençal rosé, then return to your hotel for a short rest and a chance to prepare for the Gala—freshen up and change into your evening attire. If time allows, pop into Fenocchio for a final gelato taste or browse the boutique shops on Rue Masséna for a last-minute accessory to complete your New Year’s Eve look.
Begin the night with a pre-dinner aperitif at a rooftop bar such as Le Méridien’s terrace or the Hyatt’s Le Roof to watch the sun set over the glittering sea, then head to a reserved New Year’s Eve gala dinner—options include a festive menu at a starred restaurant like Jan or a special soirée at the Negresco with live music and champagne. After midnight, join the joyful crowds along the Promenade des Anglais for fireworks and street celebrations or continue the party at a nearby club or hotel ballroom, sipping champagne, dancing to live DJ sets, and soaking up the Riviera’s exuberant welcome to 2026.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Charles de Gaulle Airport (arrival transfer by RER) | €10-€12 per person |
| Charles de Gaulle / Orly arrival transfer by taxi | €50-€70 (CDG) / €30-€50 (Orly) per trip |
| Central hotel (check-in/drop luggage) | Varies (hotel nightly cost listed in total) |
| Patisserie breakfast (Du Pain et des Idées / Le Pain Quotidien) | €6-€15 per person |
| Walk along the Seine / Île de la Cité / Notre-Dame exterior | Free |
| Sainte-Chapelle (timed entry) | €12-€15 per person |
| Institut du Monde Arabe terrace | €6-€10 (entry to museum/terrace may vary) |
| Seine cruise (Bateaux Mouches / Vedettes de Paris) | €15-€20 per adult (standard cruises) |
| Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (classic bistro) | €25-€60 per person (main + drink) |
| Louvre Museum (timed ticket) | €17-€20 per person (online booking) |
| Tuileries Gardens / Place de la Concorde (stroll) | Free |
| Musée d'Orsay | €16-€17 per person |
| Café de Flore / Les Deux Magots visit | €8-€20 per person (coffee + pastry) |
| Luxembourg Gardens | Free |
| Eiffel Tower (entry to platforms) | €18-€30+ per person (depending on level and stairs/elevator) |
| Dinner near Eiffel Tower (bistro) | €30-€70 per person |
| Marché de Noël (Les Halles / Champs-Élysées / Saint-Germain) | Free to stroll; €3-€8 per vin chaud / €5-€10 snacks |
| Galeries Lafayette (Christmas tree & rooftop) | Free to view; rooftop €0-€5 (elevator or access fee sometimes free) |
| Le Marais shopping (Merci, Rue des Rosiers) | Variable; €10-€150+ depending on purchases |
| Place Vendôme / Rue Saint-Honoré (luxury shopping) | Window-shopping free; purchases vary widely |
| Brasserie dinner near Opéra / Grands Boulevards | €25-€60 per person |
| RER C to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche | €4-€7 per person (single) |
| Palace of Versailles (timed entry) | €20-€25 per person (palace entry); combos with Trianon cost more |
| Coffee / pastry near Versailles (La Petite Venise) | €5-€12 per person |
| Versailles Gardens / Grand Canal (bike or golf-cart rental) | Free to walk; bike €8-€12 per hour; golf-cart €35-€60 per hour |
| Grand Trianon & Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet | Often included in full-day ticket or €12-€20 extra |
| TGV Paris Gare de l'Est → Strasbourg | €25-€80 per person (advance fares vary) |
| Luggage storage at Strasbourg station / hotel | €3-€8 per item (station lockers) or may be free at hotel |
| Place Kléber and La Petite France (stroll & chocolat chaud) | Free to stroll; chocolat chaud €3-€6; kougelhopf €3-€6 |
| Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg (visit + clock procession) | Free to enter nave; clock show often free; tower climb €6-€8 |
| Palais Rohan / Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame (exterior or visit) | €6-€10 per museum (if visiting) |
| Christkindelsmärik (cathedral square market) | Free to browse; vin chaud €3-€6; snacks €3-€12 |
| Dinner at a winstub (Le Clou / La Corde à Linge / Le Gruber) | €20-€45 per person (main + drink) |
| Regional TER / guided day trip Strasbourg → Colmar → Riquewihr | €20-€60 for transport (round-trip TER or coach tour €40-€120 per person) |
| Colmar Petit Venise visit / Unterlinden Museum | Free to stroll; Unterlinden Museum €7-€13 per person |
| Winery tasting in Riquewihr (e.g., Hugel) | €8-€25 per person (tasting fee or purchase) |
| TGV Strasbourg → Lyon Part-Dieu | €25-€90 per person (advance fares vary) |
| Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (market visit / tasting) | €10-€30 per person (samples / small meal) |
| Vieux Lyon traboules / Cathédrale Saint-Jean | Free |
| Funicular to Fourvière / Basilica visit | Funicular fare €1.90-€2.50; basilica free to enter |
| Musée des Confluences | €9-€11 per person |
| Dinner at a bouchon (Le Bouchon des Filles, Daniel et Denise, La Mère Brazier) | €30-€70 per person (tasting menu / wine extra) |
| TGV Lyon → Nice Ville | €25-€90 per person (advance ticket dependent) |
| Promenade des Anglais / pebble beaches | Free |
| Cours Saleya market (Nice) / socca tasting | Socca €3-€6; market snacks €5-€15 |
| Castle Hill (Colline du Château) | Free (lift small fee if used) €1-€3 |
| Fragonard perfumery (Èze) guided tour | Free to attend; purchases vary |
| Train / TER Nice → Èze / Monaco (day trip) | €1.50-€7 per ride (regional fares) or €10-€25 return depending on route |
| Dinner in Nice (seafood / Provençal) | €25-€60 per person |
| New Year’s Eve rooftop aperitif / gala dinner (Nice) | €80-€300+ per person (rooftop drinks €10-€25 each; formal gala dinners €150-€400+ including drinks) |
| Promenade des Anglais New Year’s crowds / fireworks | Free (crowd events); transport later may cost extra or be limited |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €2,200-€6,500 per person (estimated) |