Land at Charles de Gaulle or Orly and take a smooth RER/Orlyval or private transfer into central Paris, aiming to check in and drop your bags by late morning. If time allows, stroll around your neighborhood—whether it's the Marais' cobbled streets, Saint-Germain's literary cafés, or near the Opéra—so you get your first taste of Parisian rhythm and pick up a fresh baguette or croissant from a local boulangerie.
After settling, walk to a nearby landmark for light sightseeing—consider the Île de la Cité to see Notre-Dame's exterior and the Pont Neuf, or Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde if you're staying on the Right Bank. Stop for a relaxed déjeuner at a bistro (try classic steak frites or a seasonal salade) and pop into a pâtisserie for macarons to enjoy later while you rest at your hotel and plan tomorrow’s Christmas Eve highlights.
As dusk falls, take an easy Seine riverbank stroll toward the Eiffel Tower area to admire it as lights begin to twinkle, or head to Montmartre for the sunset view from Sacré-Cœur and a first look at the city's skyline. Finish your evening with a casual dinner at a neighborhood brasserie—sample French onion soup or confit de canard—and, if you’re not too jet-lagged, enjoy a relaxed nightcap at a nearby wine bar to toast the start of your festive French adventure.
Start the day with a classic Parisian breakfast—fresh croissants and café au lait—at a nearby boulangerie before heading to the Musée d'Orsay to admire Impressionist masterpieces in a beautifully converted Beaux-Arts gare; book timed tickets to skip lines and linger over Monet and Renoir. After the museum, stroll across the Seine to the Tuileries and walk along Rue de Rivoli toward the Louvre’s glass pyramid for a quick photo stop, enjoying the festive window displays and holiday atmosphere that still hum from yesterday’s arrival.
Have déjeuner in the Marais—try a cosy bistro or a traditional Jewish falafel on Rue des Rosiers—then wander through Place des Vosges and browse independent shops for small gifts and Christmas treats. Continue to Île de la Cité to see the exterior of Notre-Dame and the nearby Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass (check opening hours on Christmas Eve), finishing with a warm chocolat chaud at a café while watching Parisians prepare for evening celebrations.
As twilight falls, follow the glittering Champs-Élysées toward Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower, pausing to admire the avenue’s festive lights and boutique window displays; consider a sunset Seine cruise for a magical perspective of illuminated monuments. For a special Christmas Eve dinner, reserve a table at a classic Parisian brasserie or a Michelin bistro (many require advance booking) and cap the night with a stroll around the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling light show and a quiet glass of Champagne to celebrate the season.
Sleep in a little after last night’s celebrations and enjoy a relaxed Parisian breakfast at a nearby café—croissants, pain au chocolat and a steaming café crème—before heading to the Musée de l'Orangerie to admire Monet’s Water Lilies in a calm, contemplative setting (check seasonal opening hours and book ahead if possible). If the Orangerie is closed or you prefer something larger, spend the morning at the nearby Musée Rodin gardens for sculpture and winter light, strolling the grounds and popping into the museum’s tea salon for a warm refreshment.
After a leisurely déjeuner—consider a festive set menu at a neighbourhood bistro or a comforting bowl of soupe à l'oignon—walk over to the Seine for an easy riverside stroll toward Île Saint-Louis, stopping for Berthillon ice cream if shops are open. Continue with a gentle boat cruise on the Seine (many run on holidays by reservation) to enjoy iconic views of Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Conciergerie from the water as Paris wears its seasonal glow.
As twilight falls, savor a memorable Christmas dinner at a restaurant that offers a special holiday menu—book well in advance at a classic bistro in Saint-Germain or a riverside brasserie near the Pont Neuf—and cap the evening with a post-dinner walk to see the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights from the Trocadéro or along the Champ de Mars for a quiet, festive finale.
If you choose Versailles, catch an early RER C train to arrive as the Palace opens and begin with the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors before the crowds swell, then wander the formal Gardens and the Grand Trianon for a peaceful, festive stroll. If you stay in Paris, spend the morning in Montmartre: climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur for sweeping city views, explore Place du Tertre’s artists and pop into the Musée de Montmartre and Renoir’s gardens for a slice of bohemian history.
At Versailles, linger over déjeuner at La Petite Venise or a nearby café, then rent a small rowboat (season permitting) or walk through the Marie-Antoinette estate and its quaint hamlet for a charming contrast to the palace’s grandeur. In Montmartre, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a neighborhood bistro like Le Consulat, browse vintage shops and the fabric stalls along Marché Saint-Pierre, and pause at a patisserie for a gâteau to enjoy in the nearby gardens.
Return to central Paris in time for a relaxed early evening—if coming back from Versailles, consider a sunset walk along the Seine toward Île de la Cité and a cozy dinner in Saint-Germain; if staying in Montmartre, watch the city lights come on from the Sacré-Cœur esplanade and dine at a classic Montmartre brasserie, sampling local wines and comforting French classics. Either choice keeps the itinerary mellow after the holiday bustle and sets you up for the culinary transition to Lyon tomorrow.
Catch an early TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon (book tickets in advance) and arrive in Lyon mid-morning; drop bags at your hotel in Vieux Lyon or near Presqu'île, then stretch your legs with a coffee and a warm croissant at a local café such as Café Mokxa. Wander the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon toward the Cathédrale Saint-Jean to soak in the Renaissance architecture and peek into traboules (hidden passageways) — a gentle introduction to Lyon’s historic charm after your Parisian stay.
For déjeuner, head to the legendary Les Halles de Paul Bocuse to sample regional specialties — quenelles, cured saucisson, and local cheeses — and browse stalls for charcuterie and pâtés to take later. After eating, stroll along the Saône riverbanks to Ile Barbe or up to Fourvière hill to visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic city views and a sense of continuity from Paris’ hilltop moments at Montmartre.
As evening falls, reserve a table at a traditional bouchon lyonnais such as Le Bouchon des Filles or Café Comptoir Abel to taste coq au vin, salade lyonnaise and a tarte aux pralines for dessert — classic comfort fare that marks the start of your French culinary tour. Finish with a relaxed promenade on the Presqu'île, stopping for a glass of local Beaujolais in a cosy wine bar, savoring Lyon’s warm, convivial atmosphere before tomorrow’s deeper market and food-focused explorations.
Wake up in Lyon and head straight to Vieux Lyon for a leisurely breakfast at a traditional café near Cathédrale Saint-Jean, then wander the cobbled streets admiring Renaissance façades and duck into a few traboules — those secret passageways that reveal the city’s layered history. Pop into the Musée Gadagne (Museums of Lyon) if you’re curious about local history or climb to the Cour des Voraces for a classic photo of the impressive stairway.
Make your way to Les Halles de Paul Bocuse to immerse yourself in Lyon’s epicurean heart: sample saucisson, local cheeses, oysters (season permitting) and a quenelle at different stalls, and pick up a jar of praline paste or a pâté as a souvenir. After lunch, stroll along the Rhône or cross to Croix-Rousse to browse independent food shops and specialty épiceries, pausing at a chocolaterie or fromagerie for treats to enjoy later.
For dinner, reserve a table at a cozy bouchon — Le Bouchon des Filles or Daniel et Denise are great choices — to savor classic Lyonnaise dishes like salade lyonnaise, andouillette or coq au vin with a glass of local Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône. Finish the night with a relaxed walk along the illuminated Presqu’île, perhaps stopping at a wine bar near Place des Terreaux for a digestif and to soak in Lyon’s warm, convivial atmosphere before tomorrow’s trip to Annecy.
Catch an early TGV or regional train from Lyon Part-Dieu to Annecy (about 2 hours) and drop your bags at a central hotel or charming chambre d'hôte near the Thiou canal; enjoy a strong coffee and a warm croissant at a waterfront café such as Le Café de la Place to shake off travel. After settling in, take a leisurely walk along Rue Sainte-Claire toward the Palais de l'Isle, admiring the pastel façades and the canal reflections that make Annecy feel like a storybook continuation of your French journey.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Vieille Ville's narrow streets and artisan shops, pausing at the Marché couvert (covered market) or local épiceries to sample regional cheeses and raclette ingredients for later; climb to the Château d'Annecy for sweeping views over Lake Annecy and the Alps. From the castle, stroll down to the lakeside promenade, rent a small boat or hop on a short cruise from the Port to appreciate the crystalline water and mountain backdrop — a peaceful contrast to Lyon’s bustling food scene.
As dusk falls, dine at a lakeside restaurant like Le Freti or L’Imaginarium to savor Savoyard specialties (fondue, tartiflette or perch fillets) paired with a crisp local white wine, enjoying the warm indoor atmosphere after a day outdoors. Finish with a gentle post-prandial walk along the illuminated Quai Napoléon III, stopping for hot chocolate or mulled wine at a café as the Alps silhouette the stars — a tranquil, cozy close to a day of travel and discovery.
Wake refreshed and continue exploring Vieille Ville with breakfast at La Bicyclette Rose or Le Café Bun, then wander the cobbled lanes toward the Palais de l'Isle to watch morning light shimmer on the Thiou canal and photograph the iconic medieval prison. Afterward, climb up to the Château d'Annecy to visit the local history museum and take in panoramic views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding snow-dusted Alps—a perfect continuation from yesterday’s lakeside introduction.
Head down to the lakeside promenade for a scenic boat cruise from the Port or rent an electric boat for a self-guided glide on crystal-clear water, pausing to admire the alpine reflections and lakeside villas; alternatively, take a short drive or bus to the Col de la Forclaz viewpoint for sweeping vistas and easy winter walking trails. Return to town to browse artisan shops on Rue Sainte-Claire and the Marché couvert for regional goodies—comté, reblochon or local honey—to bring a taste of Savoy back with you.
Warm up with a hearty Savoyard dinner at Le Freti or L’Imaginarium, indulging in fondue, tartiflette or perch fillets paired with a crisp Roussette de Savoie, then finish with a stroll along Quai Napoléon III as the lamps reflect on the water and the Alpine silhouette darkens. Cap the night with a mug of vin chaud or hot chocolate at a cozy café, soaking in the tranquil lakeside atmosphere before tomorrow’s return to Paris for New Year’s Eve festivities.
Take an early TGV from Annecy back to Paris and drop your bags at a central hotel near the Seine or Opéra, then recharge with a leisurely café-crème and pain au chocolat at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots to ease into the day. Head up to Montparnasse Tower or the Arc de Triomphe for sweeping daytime views—a crisp, panoramic reminder of the city you first arrived in and a great photo opportunity before the evening festivities.
Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering the Louvre courtyard and Tuileries (brief exterior visit or timed-entry inside if you prefer), stopping for a late déjeuner at a bistro in Saint-Germain like Le Procope, then browse holiday window displays along Rue de Rivoli and the grand boulevard shopping streets for last-minute gifts. When energy allows, take a short Seine cruise or stroll along the river from Île de la Cité to the Eiffel Tower, enjoying the winter light and scouting tonight’s vantage points for the midnight celebrations.
For New Year’s Eve, dine early at a booked restaurant near the Champs-Élysées or the Eiffel Tower—choose a festive bistro or a Michelin spot if you reserved in advance—then make your way to the Trocadéro or along the Champ de Mars for views of the illuminated tower and the city’s countdown atmosphere. If you prefer a more local celebration, join Parisians around Place de la République or take in an organized concert/cruise for a spirited midnight toast; finish with a slow walk back through glittering streets to your hotel, savouring the city’s New Year glow.
Sleep in a little after last night’s celebrations and enjoy a leisurely Parisian breakfast—fresh croissants and a café crème—at a nearby café such as Café de Flore or Le Saint-Régis on Île Saint-Louis, savouring your final bites with a view of the Seine. Return to the hotel to pack calmly, check your flight or train details, and arrange your transfer (pre-book an airport shuttle, private transfer, or confirm RER/Orlyval schedules) so you have plenty of buffer time for holiday traffic and security checks.
If your departure is later in the afternoon, take one last gentle stroll to a nearby landmark—perhaps a quick walk through the Tuileries or along the Seine toward Pont Neuf—to pick up any last-minute edible souvenirs (a tin of tea from Mariage Frères or a box of macarons from Ladurée). Stop for a light déjeuner or final café and a slice of gâteau at a pâtisserie, then return to collect luggage and check out with time to spare for your transfer to Charles de Gaulle or Orly.
If you must wait through the evening before your flight, settle into the airport lounges at CDG or Orly where you can unwind with a glass of wine and charging points, or enjoy a final French meal in a station brasserie if traveling by train from Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon. Otherwise, board your flight with fond memories of Parisian lights, Lyonnaise feasts and Alpine lakes, planning your next return as you watch the city shrink beneath the winter sky.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Charles de Gaulle Airport → central Paris (RER B + metro / Orlyval + RER / taxi / private transfer) | €10-€12 (RER single ticket from CDG) • €12-€15 (Orlyval + RER) • €55-€70 (taxi flat from CDG to central Paris) • €80-€140 (private transfer) |
| Boulangerie breakfast (croissant, coffee) | €5-€12 per person |
| Stroll neighborhood (Marais / Saint-Germain / Opéra) | Free (optional €5-€15 for pastry/coffee) |
| Île de la Cité / Notre-Dame exterior / Pont Neuf | Free |
| Champs-Élysées & Place de la Concorde stroll | Free (shopping extra) |
| Seine riverbank stroll toward Eiffel Tower / Montmartre sunset at Sacré-Cœur | Free (transport to/from: €1.90 metro single or carnet discounts) |
| Bistro déjeuner (steak frites / salade) and pâtisserie treats | €18-€40 per person (mid-range bistro) • €3-€8 per pastry |
| Musée d'Orsay (timed ticket) | €17-€16 (standard adult ticket; check concessions/online booking fees) — note: prices may vary on holidays |
| Tuileries / Rue de Rivoli / Louvre exterior (photo stop) | Free (Louvre entry extra if you go inside: ~€17 timed ticket) |
| Marais lunch / Rue des Rosiers falafel | €8-€20 per person (casual) • €30-€80 (sit-down bistro) |
| Place des Vosges / boutique browsing | Free (shopping extra) |
| Sainte-Chapelle (stained glass) | €11-€12 per adult (confirm special opening hours on Christmas Eve/Day) |
| Sunset Seine cruise (evening) | €14-€20 per person (shared cruise) • €45-€120+ (dinner cruise) |
| Christmas Eve/Day special dinner (brasserie or Michelin bistro) | €40-€80 per person (brasserie set menu) • €120-€300+ per person (Michelin/holiday tasting menus) |
| Musée de l'Orangerie (Monet's Water Lilies) | €12-€13 per adult (book in advance; check holiday hours) |
| Musée Rodin + gardens | €12-€13 per adult |
| Île Saint-Louis / Berthillon ice cream | €4-€7 per scoop |
| Seine boat cruise (holiday schedule) | €14-€25 per person (shared cruise) |
| Versailles day trip (RER C + Palace entry + gardens/Grand Trianon) | €7-€10 round trip transport (RER) • €20-€30 Palace ticket (basic) • €30-€45 (Palace + Trianon/Gardens depending on shows/fountains) |
| Montmartre exploration (Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, Musée de Montmartre) | Free for Sacré-Cœur exterior • Musée de Montmartre €7-€12 • small café/lunch €15-€30 |
| TGV Paris → Lyon (standard fares, prebooked) | €25-€120 per person one-way (advance purchase yields lower fares; higher near date/peak) |
| Café Mokxa / local coffee in Lyon | €3-€6 per person |
| Vieux Lyon / Cathédrale Saint-Jean / traboules | Free (museum entry extra) |
| Les Halles de Paul Bocuse (lunch and tasting) | €15-€40 per person depending on stalls and quantity; €30-€60+ if buying provisions to take home |
| Fourvière Basilica and hill (views) | Free to visit basilica; funicular €1.90-€2.50 one-way (local fare) or metro/funiculaire combined |
| Dinner at a bouchon lyonnais | €25-€55 per person (mid-range bouchon set menu) |
| Train Lyon → Annecy (TGV/regional) | €15-€60 per person one-way (depends on advance booking and service) |
| Annecy waterfront walk / Palais de l'Isle / Vieille Ville | Free (optional museum entry: Château d'Annecy museum €5-€8) |
| Marché couvert / local cheese tasting | €10-€30 per person (sampling) • €5-€20 for small purchases |
| Boat cruise on Lake Annecy / electric boat rental | €10-€20 per person (shared cruises) • €30-€80 per hour (small electric boat rental, seasonal) |
| Dinner at lakeside Savoyard restaurant (fondue/tartiflette) | €25-€50 per person (mid-range) • €60+ for very touristy lakeside spots |
| Col de la Forclaz viewpoint (bus or short drive) | €2-€6 bus each way • car hire/fare variable (€30-€60 taxi one way) |
| TGV Annecy → Paris | €35-€120 per person one-way (advance vs last-minute pricing) |
| Montparnasse Tower or Arc de Triomphe viewpoint | €15-€20 per person (Montparnasse) • €13-€20 (Arc de Triomphe entrance if visiting rooftop) |
| New Year’s Eve dinner / celebration (restaurant + optional organized event/cruise) | €60-€200+ per person (restaurant set menus; cruises or special events significantly more) |
| Airport transfer on departure day (RER/Orlyval/taxi/private) | €10-€12 (RER) • €55-€70 (taxi) • €80-€140 (private transfer) |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €2,000-€4,400 per person (10 days) |