Ease into Paris with a relaxed late-morning start: wander the elegant arcades of [Galeries Vivienne](https://www.google.com/search?q=Galeries+Vivienne+I+want+france+itinerary%0A+official+site), sip a café au lait at Café de la Paix while watching Parisians stroll, then cross to explore the historic bookstalls along the Quai de la Mégisserie for vintage postcards and prints. Finish with a light brunch at Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain, soaking in the literary atmosphere before a gentle walk toward the Seine to continue the day's strolls.
Wander from Saint-Germain toward the river and board a short late-afternoon cruise on the Bateaux Mouches to see the city's landmarks from the water as the light softens; choose a covered deck to stay warm and enjoy hot chocolate or a glass of wine. After disembarking, stroll across the Pont Neuf to the Île de la Cité for a quick visit to the exterior of Sainte-Chapelle (admire the stained glass from outside if queues are long) and finish with pastries at La Crème de Paris while watching the sunset over the Seine.
As twilight deepens, head to Le Marais for a lively evening of boutique browsing and people-watching, then settle in for dinner at the cozy bistro Le Colimacon for seasonal French fare and a good wine list. Afterward, take a post-dinner wander to Place des Vosges to enjoy its atmospheric arcades and fountains by night, finishing with a nightcap at the intimate cocktail bar Candelaria (hidden behind a taco shop) before returning to your hotel.
Begin with a quiet museum morning at Musée d'Orsay, arriving as it opens to admire Impressionist masterpieces without the crowds, then cross the Seine to browse the decorative arts and ceramics at the intimate Musée de l'Orangerie to see Monet's water lilies up close. After a cultured start, take the funicular up to Montmartre, wander the charming streets around Place du Tertre where local artists work, and enjoy a leisurely café breakfast on the square while watching painters set up their easels.
Descend from Montmartre toward the 9th arrondissement for an evocative afternoon of music and shopping: begin with a guided tour of the historic Opéra Garnier, admiring its grand staircase and Chagall ceiling, then wander the covered passageways of Passage Jouffroy and Passage Verdeau for vintage books, curios and antique prints. Finish with a late-afternoon tasting of classic French chocolates at La Maison du Chocolat followed by an aperitif on the terrace at the elegant café inside Galeries Lafayette with a rooftop view of Paris as the light softens.
As twilight falls, enjoy a relaxed riverside dinner cruise aboard La Marina de Paris for a refined meal with illuminated views of the city, then disembark near the lively Quartier Latin to explore its bookshops and student cafés. Finish the night with jazz at the intimate club Le Caveau de la Huchette, where live bands and a historic vaulted cellar create a memorable Parisian evening.
Catch an early RER C train to Versailles and begin at Le Potager du Roi, the historic royal kitchen garden, where a guided stroll explains how fruits and vegetables once fed the court; nearby, wander the intimate flower-filled paths of the Jardin du Roi for calm before the crowds. Then head to the grand forecourt to join a timed entry for the Palace of Versailles and focus your morning on the State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors, pausing at the café on the palace grounds for a strong coffee and a tartelette before exploring the outer gardens.
After exploring the palace and its central gardens, take a leisurely stroll toward the more tranquil Grand Canal area and rent a rowboat at Le Grand Canal for a peaceful waterborne perspective of the estate and distant châteaux silhouettes. Follow this with a visit to the charming Potager du Roi market (near Place du Marché Notre-Dame) to sample regional cheeses and a warm crêpe, then wander the tree-lined paths of the Trianon Estate to discover intimate palaces and the Queen's private hamlet as daylight softens.
As dusk settles, stroll through the atmospheric avenues toward Place d'Armes then join a seasonal evening visit at Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes (if available) or enjoy an illuminated walk around the outer gardens, pausing at the ornamental Bosquet de la Reine to appreciate its quiet charm. Finish with a relaxed dinner in town at La Petite Venise, where classic Italian-French dishes and a warm dining room make a comforting end to a day of royal splendour before returning to Paris.
Board an early TER from Paris-Austerlitz to Amboise and begin with a leisurely stroll through the old town to the riverside Place du Marché for a market-sourced breakfast of fresh croissants and goat cheese; then visit the hilltop Château d'Amboise to walk the ramparts and take in panoramic views of the Loire. Afterward, cross the bridge to explore the watermeadows and stop at the riverside Maison des Vins for a first tasting of local Vouvray or Montlouis while your luggage is delivered to your countryside accommodation, setting a relaxed tone for castle-hopping ahead.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the riverside village of Bourgueil, beginning with a cellar tour and tasting at Domaine des Roches Neuves to learn about Cabernet Franc terroir, then wander the timber-framed streets to the scenic banks of the Loire River for photos and a riverside coffee. Later, drive or take a short local train to Château de Chinon to walk its medieval ramparts and visit the on-site museum before settling at Le Café des Arts for a warm, regional dinner of rillettes and tarte tatin as evening light softens over the valley.
As daylight fades, settle into the intimate charm of La Table de la Bergerie in a nearby village for a dinner of regional game and locally foraged mushrooms paired with a bottle from Domaine Huet; the meal feels like a warm Loire evening after a day of travel and tastings. Afterwards, take a short riverside stroll to the medieval Pont Wilson (or a nearby village bridge) to watch the Loire glide under lantern-light, then enjoy a digestif at Le Bistrot du Vigneron, where friendly locals and vintners often swap stories about the day's harvest.
Begin the day with a scenic drive to Château de Chenonceau, arriving early to stroll its arched galleries over the Cher and wander the jewel-like Formal Gardens before the tour groups arrive; follow with a coffee and lemon tart at the château's riverside tea room. Continue to the nearby hamlet to visit the intimate Château du Rivau, famed for its whimsical fairy-tale gardens and contemporary art installations, where a guided garden tour highlights heirloom fruit trees and medieval planting techniques.
In the afternoon, drive east to explore the graceful Renaissance rooms of Château de Villandry, then wander its famous geometric Ornamental and Kitchen Gardens-plan to join the short gardener's tour to learn about heirloom vegetables and seasonal pruning. Later, head south to the atmospheric Château d'Ussé (said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty) for a guided visit of its turrets and period interiors, finishing with a hot cider and a slice of almond cake in the château café as golden light warms the ramparts.
As twilight falls, dine riverside at La Table de Jeanne in a nearby village for seasonal Loire cuisine-think confit de canard and local chèvre-paired with a bottle from Domaine de la Noblaie. After dinner, take a guided lantern-lit tour of the nearby medieval streets and finish with a digestif at Le Clos du Vieux Moulin, where vault-lit beams and local stories make for a cozy, story-rich end to your château-filled day.
Catch an early TGV into Bordeaux and begin with a riverside stroll along the Garonne to the bustling Marché des Capucins for a market breakfast of fresh oysters and coffee, then head to the nearby La Cité du Vin for a hands-on introductory exhibition and panoramic city views from its belvedere. Afterward, explore the historic Quinconces square and wander the elegant 18th-century façades toward Rue Sainte-Catherine, stopping for a pastry at a local bakery and a quick tasting at a boutique négociant to preview the region's signature blends before your vineyard excursions.
After your market morning and wine introduction, take a short tram ride to the historic Saint-Michel quarter to browse its lively flea markets and climb the hill to the dramatic Basilique Saint-Michel bell tower for city and river views. Later, head across the Garonne to the creative Darwin Ecosystem for a late-afternoon tour of its urban vineyards, street art, and a tasting of natural wines at the on-site bar before settling at Le Bouchon Bordelais for a relaxed early dinner of cannelés and regional tapas.
As night falls, head to the lively Chartrons district for an aperitif on a terrace at Le Bar à Vin (great selection of regional bottles) before exploring antique shops turned galleries along Rue Notre-Dame. For dinner, settle into the intimate bistro La Tupina to savor southwestern specialties like confit and roasted vegetables paired with a hearty Bordeaux rouge, then finish with a riverside promenade on the Quai Louis XVIII to watch the city lights reflect on the Garonne.
Head out for a crisp morning in the Médoc with a guided tour and barrel-tasting at Château Margaux's neighbouring estates (book a small-group visit to experience cellars and barrel room aromas), then stop for a vineyard walk and panoramic tasting at Château Pichon Longueville to compare terroirs. Finish with a light bistro brunch at La Table du Lavoir in Pauillac, pairing freshly baked bread and local cheeses with a flight of young clarets as the day warms and you prepare for afternoon château visits.
Cross to the Right Bank and spend the afternoon in Saint-Émilion, beginning with a guided walk through the village's limestone lanes to the cliffside Monolithic Church and its panoramic terrace for sweeping vineyard views. Follow with a tutored tasting at the family-run Château La Dominique or Château de Ferrand to compare Merlot-led blends, then finish at the rustic Clos des Cordeliers wine bar for a plate of local cured meats and a leisurely glass as the light softens over the vines.
As sun sets over the vineyards, enjoy a relaxed cellar-side dinner at Château Le Thil (family-run estate with rustic plates) featuring a flight of older vintages paired with local lamb and confit potatoes; linger on the terrace to watch the colours deepen across the rows. Afterwards, head back toward town for a late-night tasting of fine vintages and small bites at Bar à Vin de Pomerol or, if you prefer a cozier end, take an after-dinner stroll through the lit lanes of Saint-Émilion to admire its stone façades before settling for a digestif at La Table de Plaisance's bar.
Arrive by train and begin with a fragrant market stroll through Les Halles d'Avignon, sampling olives, tapenade and a warm fougasse, then wander the sunlit lanes to the atmospheric Rue des Teinturiers with its tumbled waterwheels and artisan workshops. Pause for a Provençal coffee at Café de l'Horloge on Place de l'Horloge, then head to the riverside to rent a vélo or e-bike for a gentle ride across the Pont Saint-Bénézet ruins and along the Rhône to enjoy early views of the surrounding lavender fields and hilltop villages that you'll explore in the coming days.
Cycle back into town and spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the historic Île de la Barthelasse by bike, pausing for a riverside picnic with local rosé and chèvre from Marché d'Albertas while enjoying views of the Palais. Later, wander the sun-warmed lanes toward the atmospheric Place des Corps Saints to browse artisan shops and stop for a tasting menu of Provençal small plates at La Table d'Uzer, finishing with an espresso on a terrace as the light softens over Avignon's rooftops.
As dusk falls, wander to Place de l'Horloge for an aperitif at a terrace café, then slip into the intimate dining room of Le 46 for a menu of modern Provençal dishes highlighting local olive oil and seasonal produce. After dinner, take a moonlit walk along the ramparts toward Rocher des Doms to enjoy sweeping views over the Rhône and finish with a digestif at the cozy wine bar Les Caves du Palais, where local vintners often linger into the night.
Drive or take a short regional train to the hilltop village of Gordes for a sunrise stroll through its stone lanes and terraces, then wander down to the nearby Abbaye de Sénanque to admire the abbey's Romanesque cloister and (if in bloom) fragrant lavender rows; pause for a café and almond tart at the sunny terrace of Le Fournil de Gordes. Continue to the perched village of Roussillon to explore the ochre-coloured cliffs and the Sentier des Ocres trail, where you can join a short guided walk to learn about local pigments before sampling Provençal jams and olive tapenades at the artisan stall in Place de la Mairie.
After your morning in Gordes and Roussillon, drive to the sun-drenched hill village of Bonnieux to wander its steep lanes and stop for a light lunch on the terrace of Café St. Michel with views over vineyards; then continue to the charming market town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to browse the bustling antiques stalls and taste artisanal nougat at Maison Julien. Finish with a late-afternoon visit to the serene riverbanks and wheel-lined canals of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where you can rent a small boat or simply sip a chilled rosé at Le Jardin while watching the waterwheels turn as the light softens.
As evening falls, head to Ménerbes for a leisurely aperitif on the terrace of Le Château while watching the valley glow, then wander its narrow lanes to discover intimate galleries and the tiny Musée de la Lavande for a fragrant, off-peak introduction to local distillation. For dinner, settle into the warm dining room of La Bastide de Capelongue (or a nearby village bistro) to enjoy Provençal cuisine paired with a local rosé, then finish with a moonlit stroll through olive groves toward Belvédère de Bonnieux for a sweeping night-view of the Luberon ridges.
Arrive in Nice and settle luggage at your hotel, then head to Cours Saleya Market to sample fresh socca and seasonal produce while browsing flower stalls and Provençal specialties; pause for a strong espresso at the shaded terrace of Café Marché. Afterwards, take a gentle walk up to the panoramic Colline du Château to enjoy sweeping views over the Baie des Anges and the Port, then descend through the shady park to explore the colourful facades and local artisan shops along Rue de la Préfecture, finishing with a light seafood lunch at a harbour-side bistro.
After a relaxed harbour lunch, stroll east along the waterfront to discover the pastel-fronted fishermen's quarter and pause for a tasting flight of Provençal rosés at Le Bar du Port before continuing to the leafy promenade of Promenade du Paillon to people-watch and enjoy the playground fountains. Finish the afternoon with a visit to the compact seaside museum Musée Masséna to learn about Nice's Belle Époque past, then grab a flaky pastry and coffee at the nearby Boulangerie Pâtisserie La Parisienne while the late light softens over the Baie des Anges.
As the sun softens, wander toward the charming Old Port and enjoy an aperitif at Paloma Beach Club (or a nearby waterfront bar) where you can sip a chilled rosé while watching fishing boats glide home; follow this with a seafood-focused dinner at the intimate Chez Palmyre, known for its market-driven plates and warm service. After dinner, stroll up to the illuminated hillside promenade by Place Garibaldi to admire baroque façades and stop for gelato at Fenocchio before finishing the night with live music at the cozy jazz venue Shapko in the Old Town.
Start with a scenic coastal drive or bus ride to the hilltop village of Èze, wander the fragrant paths of the Jardins Exotiques d'Èze for sweeping Mediterranean views, then join a guided perfumery workshop at Fragonard Musée-Parfumerie to craft a small scent souvenir. After descending toward the coast, pause in Monaco-Ville to explore the cliffside Prince's Palace exterior and watch the changing of the guard, followed by a light seafood brunch at the sunny terrace of Le Quai des Artistes overlooking the harbor.
Head back into Nice for a leisurely afternoon exploring the creative side of the city: wander the galleries and artisan shops of Rue Bonaparte before enjoying an oyster and rosé pairing on the terrace of La Réserve de Nice at the Port. Continue with a calming seaside stroll to Jardin Albert Ier and then visit the intriguing local history displays at Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC), finishing with a late-afternoon stop for specialty gelato at Fenocchio in the Old Town as the light mellows over the bay.
As twilight falls, enjoy an aperitif on the waterfront terrace of Le Plongeoir - perched on a rocky jetty for dramatic sea views - then wander the lit lanes of the Old Town to discover small-plate dining at La Merenda for intensely local Niçoise flavours. After dinner, take a moonlit stroll along the pebbled crescent of Plage Beau Rivage, pause for a digestif at the intimate bar Wayne's (live music nights if scheduled), and finish with a quiet nightcap at the rooftop terrace of Hotel Aston La Scala to drink in the glittering Baie des Anges.
If departing from Nice, enjoy a calm final morning with a seaside breakfast on the terrace of La Rotonde at the Port, then wander the peaceful stalls of Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya for last-minute Provençal gifts and a final bouquet. If returning to Paris for a connecting flight, arrive with time to spare and savour a leisurely croissant and strong coffee at Carette near the Tuileries, followed by a relaxed stroll through the formal alleys of Jardin du Palais Royal to reflect on your trip before heading to the station or airport.
If you have a midday train or flight from Nice, linger with a relaxed harbour-side lunch at La Petite Maison sampling fresh salade niçoise and local rosé, then stroll the nearby quays to browse artisan shops at Port Lympia before collecting luggage. If returning to Paris, spend the afternoon savouring a late riverside lunch in the 7th at Le Violon d'Ingres, followed by a peaceful walk through the lesser-known sculpture gardens of Musée Rodin to reflect on the trip and enjoy a final Parisian espresso before heading to the station or airport.
If you're staying in Nice the last night, enjoy a relaxed dinner at Le Séjour Café in the Old Town for refined Niçoise dishes, then wander to Promenade des Anglais for a moonlit stroll and pause at Palais de la Méditerranée's art-deco façade to watch lights glitter on the bay. If you've returned to Paris, settle into a riverside bistro near Quai Branly for a final meal of seasonal French fare, then take a gentle post-dinner walk past the illuminated gardens of Pont Alexandre III, ending with a nightcap at the intimate bar of Hôtel Le Meurice to toast the trip.