10-Day France Itinerary from Delhi: Paris, Lyon, Avignon and Nice

Arrival from Delhi and settling in

After the overnight flight from Delhi to Paris Charles de Gaulle, allow roughly 60–90 minutes for immigration and luggage. The RER B is usually the most economical transfer into central Paris—about 35–45 minutes to Châtelet–Les Halles or Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, with a fare that may be around €13–€15 in 2025; a taxi from the official rank is simpler with heavy luggage and has a fixed Right Bank/Left Bank fare, generally about €56–€65. Drop bags at your hotel, freshen up, and keep the first afternoon gentle after the overnight journey.

Late afternoon: grand Paris on foot

Start at Place de la Concorde, where the Egyptian obelisk, fountains, and broad perspective toward the Champs-Élysées make an impressive first glimpse of Paris. Spend about 30 minutes here, then enter the Tuileries Garden and stroll west-to-east or east-to-west toward the Louvre, taking a seat beside the formal ponds if you need a rest. In late December, daylight fades early—usually before 17:00—so dress warmly and expect some garden paths to be damp. The garden is generally open from early morning until evening, free to enter, and the walk to the Louvre Pyramid takes around 15–20 minutes.

Continue to the Louvre Pyramid for an atmospheric first look at the museum exterior after dark; do not plan an interior visit today, as the museum is closed on Wednesdays and has holiday-period timetable changes. Allow 30 minutes for photographs, especially as the illuminated glass pyramid looks particularly good in the blue hour. From here, take Metro line 1 from Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre toward Châtelet, then change for Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or walk for about 25 minutes if energy permits.

Evening: steak-frites in Saint-Germain

Have dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a classic stop for steak-frites served with the restaurant’s secret sauce. Expect roughly €30–40 per person, with a straightforward menu and usually no reservations; queues are common, so arriving around 18:30–19:00 is sensible, particularly on Christmas Eve. Check the branch’s holiday opening hours before setting out, as 24 December schedules can be shorter. After dinner, keep the evening unhurried—wander along Rue de Buci or return early to the hotel to recover from the flight.

Morning on Île de la Cité

Christmas Day is a wonderfully quiet time to explore central Paris, but opening hours are reduced, so start early. Walk or take Metro Line 4 to Cité, then begin at Notre-Dame de Paris. The restored cathedral generally requires a free timed reservation through its official website or app; allow about 1½ hours, including security, and dress warmly because queues can form outdoors. Afterward, walk a few minutes to Sainte-Chapelle. Its jewel-like medieval glass is best seen in the morning light; reserve a timed ticket in advance, expect roughly €13, and allow about an hour. Both sites can have special Christmas schedules, so confirm times the evening before.

Midday and Lunch

Before leaving the island, browse Marché aux Fleurs Reine-Elizabeth II beside the Hôtel de Ville side of Île de la Cité. It is small—about 30 minutes is enough—but the flower stalls and iron pavilions offer a pleasant, old-Paris pause. For lunch, take the short walk or a 10-minute Metro ride toward Le Marais and join the queue at L’As du Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers. Its famous falafel pita usually costs around €10–20 per person; service is quick, though holiday hours can change and the shop may close on Christmas Day, so check before relying on it. If it is shut, keep the neighborhood walk and choose an open café nearby rather than rushing elsewhere.

Afternoon in Le Marais

Spend the afternoon wandering Le Marais, moving slowly through the 3rd and 4th arrondissements rather than following a strict route. Explore Rue des Rosiers, Rue Vieille-du-Temple, and the quieter lanes around the historic hôtels particuliers; many boutiques may be closed on Christmas, but the architecture and nearly car-free atmosphere make the area especially enjoyable. Finish at Place des Vosges, about a 15-minute walk from Rue des Rosiers. Sit beneath the arcades or stroll around the garden for 45 minutes. On 25 December, many shops and museums are closed, so treat this as an outdoor walking day and carry water and a warm layer; return by Metro from Saint-Paul or Bastille when you are ready for dinner.

Morning: Art on the Left Bank

Start at Musée d’Orsay when it opens, ideally around 9:30. The former railway station is one of Paris’s most atmospheric museums, and the Impressionist galleries are far more enjoyable before midday crowds build. Allow about two and a half hours; general admission is usually around €16, though holiday hours and timed-entry requirements can change, so book ahead and check the official schedule. From the museum, walk roughly 15 minutes through Saint-Germain-des-Prés to Café de Flore. Settle in for lunch or simply coffee and a pastry—the café is expensive for what it is, but €20–40 per person is realistic for a light meal, and this is the place to linger rather than rush.

Afternoon: Gardens and the Latin Quarter

After lunch, walk south along Rue de Rennes and quieter side streets to Luxembourg Gardens, about 15–20 minutes away. In late December the gardens close relatively early, often around 4:30–5:00 p.m., so go straight to the formal parterres and the Medici Fountain before wandering beneath the bare trees. From there, continue for 15 minutes toward the Panthéon. Allow about an hour inside to see the vast neoclassical interior and the tombs of figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau and Victor Hugo; admission is generally about €13, with seasonal closing times worth checking before you set out.

Evening: Rue Mouffetard and a Belle Époque Dinner

Walk downhill from the Panthéon to Rue Mouffetard, arriving in the early evening when the food shops and small businesses still have some life—although December hours can be shorter than usual. Browse the cheese, charcuterie and bakery counters, and take your time exploring the adjoining lanes around Place de la Contrescarpe. Finish at Bouillon Racine, a short walk away, whose Art Nouveau interior makes dinner feel distinctly Parisian. Expect roughly €30–45 per person; reserve if possible, especially during the holiday period. The nearest practical Metro stops are Cardinal Lemoine or Place Monge, but after dinner a taxi or ride-hailing car is worthwhile if you are tired.

Morning: Paris to Lyon and a proper Lyonnais welcome

Take an early TGV INOUI from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu, ideally departing between 08:00 and 09:00. Your roughly two-hour arrival leaves enough time for the day’s first stop before lunch; keep your ticket and platform details in the SNCF Connect app, and remember that holiday trains can be busy. From Lyon Part-Dieu, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is about a 10-minute walk, or a very short taxi ride if you have luggage. Allow around 90 minutes inside this celebrated covered market, where you can graze on regional cheeses, charcuterie, oysters, pastries, and ready-made Lyonnaise dishes. Budget approximately €20–35 per person, and check individual stall hours because festive-season schedules may vary.

Afternoon: Presqu’île on foot

After the market, take Metro Line B from Part-Dieu to Saxe–Gambetta, then change to Line D for Bellecour—around 15 minutes overall—or take a 20-minute walk if the weather is clear. Spend about 45 minutes at Place Bellecour, Lyon’s enormous red-earth square, looking across toward the hilltop Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. From here, follow Rue de la République north through the Presqu’île. It is Lyon’s main shopping street, but the enjoyable part is the gradual change in architecture as you pass grand nineteenth-century façades, small arcades, and side streets leading toward the historic center. Keep this deliberately unhurried; an hour is enough for browsing and coffee without turning the afternoon into a shopping expedition.

Evening: Traditional Lyonnais dinner

For dinner, make your way to Daniel et Denise in the Presqu’île—reserve ahead, especially for the Christmas holiday period. This is the place for polished versions of classic Lyonnaise cooking, such as pâté en croûte, quenelles, and rich regional sauces, with a typical meal costing around €40–60 per person before drinks. Allow 10–15 minutes by taxi from Rue de la République, or walk if your particular reservation is nearby. Lyon can feel quiet early in the evening in late December, so arriving around 19:30–20:00 gives you a relaxed dinner and an easy first night in the city.

Morning: Renaissance Vieux Lyon

Begin around 9:00 in Vieux Lyon, Lyon’s atmospheric old quarter between the Saône and Fourvière hill. Spend about two hours wandering along Rue Saint-Jean, Rue du Bœuf, and the quieter lanes branching off them, looking for the hidden traboules—passageways through courtyards that once linked workshops and silk merchants’ homes. Some are open to visitors during the day, but enter quietly as people still live here. The Maison du Chamarier and Longue Traboule are particularly worthwhile; the district is best explored on foot, with cobbles and occasional slopes, so wear comfortable shoes.

Late morning, visit Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, usually open free of charge, although hours can change around services. Allow 45 minutes for its Romanesque-Gothic architecture, stained glass, and famous astronomical clock. For coffee or a pastry beforehand, Café de la Cathédrale on Place Saint-Jean is convenient, though the square is mainly about the setting rather than a long meal. From the cathedral, walk a few minutes to the Vieux Lyon funicular station; a TCL single journey is roughly €2, and the short ride to Fourvière is much easier than climbing the hill.

Afternoon: Fourvière and Roman Lyon

At the top, take time to admire Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, whose richly decorated interior is free to enter and typically open from morning into early evening. The terrace beside it gives one of Lyon’s finest views across the Saône, Rhône, and city rooftops; on a clear winter day you may see well beyond the centre. Continue to the Musée Gallo-Romain de Fourvière, generally open Tuesday–Sunday, with admission usually around €7–€8. Its mosaics, sculptures, and archaeological remains make the Roman history much more tangible than a quick look at the nearby ruins. Allow roughly 90 minutes, and check the museum’s holiday timetable before setting out, as late-December hours can be reduced.

Evening: A classic Lyonnais dinner

Return by funicular to Vieux Lyon and keep the evening unhurried. Reserve Bouchon Les Lyonnais in advance—especially for this holiday week—and expect about €35–€55 per person for a traditional meal. Try local specialities such as quenelle, salade lyonnaise, oroulet-style pork dishes, and finish with a regional cheese or praline dessert. The restaurant is close enough to Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste for an easy walk afterward; if you are tired, TCL metro and funicular services are practical, but confirm the final departures before dinner.

Morning: Arrive in Avignon and walk to the Rhône

Take the morning TGV INOUI from Lyon Part-Dieu to Avignon TGV, aiming for around 09:00. From the out-of-town station, a taxi is simplest—usually 15–20 minutes to the ramparts—or take a local train to Avignon Centre if the connection is convenient. Leave your bags at your hotel before heading toward the river; the historic centre is compact and best explored on foot. Begin at Pont Saint-Bénézet, the famous half-bridge stretching into the Rhône. Allow about 45 minutes, and buy a combined ticket with the palace if available; entry is generally around €5–€6 for the bridge alone. The exposed riverside can be breezy in December, so bring a warm layer.

Afternoon: Hilltop views and the Papal Palace

From the bridge, walk uphill through the gardens of Rocher des Doms—roughly 10 minutes—to enjoy one of Avignon’s finest viewpoints over the Rhône, the surrounding vineyards, and the stone rooftops inside the ramparts. Spend about an hour here, following the paths rather than rushing straight to the main terrace. Continue downhill into the old town for the Palais des Papes, allowing two hours for the enormous Gothic halls, chapels, courtyards, and historical displays. In late December, winter hours are often approximately 10:00–17:00 or 18:00, with last entry before closing; check the official timetable and reserve online if possible. A palace ticket is usually around €12–€15, with combination tickets costing slightly more.

Late afternoon and dinner

Finish at Les Halles d’Avignon, about a 12-minute walk through the old town from the palace. The market is lively in the morning, but late afternoon is still useful for a look at Provençal cheeses, olives, spices, and local produce; holiday hours can be shortened, so verify before setting out. For dinner, walk back toward the centre to Le Petit Gourmand, a friendly choice for classic Provençal cooking. Budget roughly €30–€50 per person, and reserve ahead for this busy holiday week. Keep the evening unhurried: Avignon’s ramparts and lanes are particularly atmospheric after dark, but many smaller shops and market stalls will already be closed.

Morning

Start at Avignon Cathedral, immediately beside the Palais des Papes, around 9:00. Its Romanesque interior is usually quiet in the morning; allow 30–45 minutes to see the carved details, chapels, and cloister. Entry is generally free, though opening hours can change around the Christmas period. From here, walk a few minutes through the old town to the Musée du Petit Palais, which typically opens late morning or around 10:00; check the holiday schedule before setting out. Give the museum about 90 minutes for its excellent collection of medieval and Renaissance religious art, much of it from Italian and Provençal masters. Admission is usually around €6–€8.

Midday and Afternoon

Walk south toward Place Crillon, a handsome square lined with pale stone façades and cafés. It is a good place to pause for coffee or a light bite—allow about 30 minutes rather than planning a formal lunch here. For the afternoon, join a pre-booked Provençal cooking class or market-led food experience in central Avignon. These usually run for roughly three hours and cost about €70–€120 per person, with seasonal produce, local herbs, and regional dishes such as ratatouille, fougasse, or a Provençal dessert. Confirm the meeting point and whether the class includes market shopping; winter holiday availability can be limited, and some experiences may use an indoor market or a nearby covered kitchen.

Evening

After the class, stroll toward Rue des Teinturiers, about 15–20 minutes on foot depending on the venue. The old canal, stone bridges, and surviving waterwheels are especially atmospheric as the light fades; allow an hour and wear shoes suitable for uneven paving. Finish with a reserved dinner at La Mirande, close to the Palais des Papes, where the historic setting makes it one of Avignon’s best choices for a celebratory Provençal meal. Expect approximately €60–€100 per person for a substantial meal, with higher prices for tasting menus; confirm the evening menu and festive-season hours in advance.

Morning: Avignon to Nice

Take an early SNCF TER/TGV combination from Avignon Centre to Nice-Ville, ideally leaving around 07:00–08:00. Allow 3½–4½ hours, as connections may involve Marseille or Les Arcs–Draguignan; on New Year’s Eve, earlier is definitely better than relying on a late connection. From Nice-Ville, your hotel is often walkable—roughly 10–20 minutes—or take a short taxi if you have luggage. Check in or leave bags, then grab a quick coffee and socca snack near the station before setting out.

Afternoon: Central Nice

Walk south through Promenade du Paillon, the broad landscaped park linking the station area with the old center and sea. Allow about an hour for its fountains, palms, and shaded paths; it is an easy, pleasant introduction to Nice after the train. Continue to Place Masséna, where the red-ochre arcades and illuminated sculptures look especially atmospheric in the late afternoon. Spend 30–45 minutes here, but keep an eye on the time: holiday crowds and event preparations can make central streets busier than usual.

Evening and New Year’s Eve

From Place Masséna, stroll into Cours Saleya in Vieux Nice. The daytime flower market will be winding down, but the square remains lively, with restaurants and food stalls around the ochre façades. Allow an hour to wander the lanes and browse local specialties before heading toward the port. At Chez Pipo, order the house socca—a crisp-edged chickpea pancake traditionally eaten hot, often with a glass of local wine; expect around €15–25 per person, and arrive early because New Year’s Eve demand can be high. Finish on the Promenade des Anglais for the late-evening celebrations. Dress warmly for the exposed seafront, confirm in advance whether official fireworks or a controlled event is scheduled, and use walking or tram routes rather than taxis after midnight, when road closures and surging fares are common.

Morning: Castle Hill and the flower market

Start around 9:00 at Colline du Château, above Nice’s Old Port. Take the stairs from Montée Lesage if you feel energetic, or use the free lift near Rue des Ponchettes; the climb and viewpoints take about 1½ hours. Look out over the Baie des Anges, the terracotta roofs of Vieux Nice, and the port, then descend toward Cours Saleya. The Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya is liveliest in the morning, with flowers, clementines, socca ingredients, and Provençal specialties. It generally operates until early afternoon, though holiday schedules can change on New Year’s Day, so check locally and expect some stalls to be closed.

Midday: Vieux Nice and lunch by the sea

From Cours Saleya, walk through the narrow lanes to Palais Lascaris, an elegant 17th-century residence on Rue Droite. Allow about an hour for its grand staircase, painted ceilings, and Baroque interiors; admission is usually around €10, with reduced or free entry for eligible visitors, but New Year’s Day opening hours should be verified in advance. Continue on foot or take Tram Line 2 from Jean Médecin toward Port Lympia for lunch at Le Plongeoir, dramatically set above the Mediterranean in La Réserve. Reserve ahead, especially for the holiday period; a seafood-focused meal typically costs €50–90 per person, and allow extra time for the restaurant’s leisurely service.

Afternoon: Cimiez’s quieter side

After lunch, take Tram Line 2 from Port Lympia toward Jean Médecin, then connect with a local bus toward Cimiez—the full journey usually takes 30–40 minutes. Spend around 1½ hours at Musée Matisse, housed in a red villa near the Roman remains, where the collection traces Henri Matisse’s work and long connection with Nice. The museum is commonly closed on Tuesdays and may have special New Year’s hours, so confirm before setting out; standard admission is generally about €10. Finish at the nearby Monastère de Cimiez Gardens, one of the city’s calmest corners, with rose beds, clipped hedges, and a broad view toward the coast. The gardens are free and best enjoyed before dusk; return by bus or Tram Line 1 from Hôpital Pasteur for an easy ride back into central Nice.

Morning: Final departure from Nice

Have breakfast near your accommodation, then check out and keep your passport, boarding pass, and travel documents easily accessible. For an international flight from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, leave central Nice about three hours before departure: the airport is usually 20–30 minutes away by Tram Line 2 from Jean Médecin or Port Lympia, while a taxi is more convenient with luggage. Tram Line 2 serves both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; check your airline’s terminal before boarding, as the terminals are not interchangeable on foot.

Airport and flight to Delhi

At Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, allow extra time for airline bag drop, security, and passport control, particularly after the New Year holiday period. Terminal 1 has cafés and shops before security, while both terminals offer food and duty-free options airside; prices are noticeably higher than in town, so buy snacks or water before arriving if useful. For the journey to Delhi, check whether your itinerary involves a connection—most routes require one—and confirm baggage through-checking at the airline counter. Keep any receipts or documentation for VAT refunds separate from checked luggage if you made eligible purchases in France.