A Volunteering Adventure in France

  • Day 1: Paris
    Arrival Day

    Explore the city by walking around and getting a feel of the city. In the evening visit the Eiffel Tower and witness the beautiful view of the city.

  • Day 2: Reims
    1h 30min (90.2 km) from Paris

    Visit the Reims Cathedral which is a 13th-century gothic masterpiece. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its extensive stained glass windows dating back to the 13th century. After that do some volunteering work in one of the homeless shelters in Reims

  • Day 3: Lyon
    4 hrs (466 km) from Reims

    Visit the **Musée des Confluences** which is a science and civilization museum located at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône. Afterwards, do some volunteer work in one of the local NGOs in Lyon.

  • Day 4: Marseille
    3 hrs (314 km) from Lyon

    Visit the Old Port of Marseille that has been a trading center for more than 2,600 years. Afterwards, do some volunteering work in one of the olive farms around Marseille.

  • Day 5-6: Nice
    2h 30min (204 km) from Marseille

    Explore the stunning beaches of Nice and in the evening visit the old town. For the next day, work with the local NGOs that primarily function for the well-being of people with disabilities in Nice.

  • Day 7: Avignon
    2 hrs (222 km) from Nice

    Visit the Palace of the Popes, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This palace dates back to the 14th century and is considered one of the most visited places in France. Afterwards, do some volunteering work in one of the animal shelters around Avignon.

  • Day 8: Carcassonne
    2 hrs (192km) from Avignon

    Visit the medieval castle and town of Carcassonne which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, do some volunteering work in one of the local vineyards.

  • Day 9-10: Bordeaux
    4 hrs(303km) from Carcassonne

    Visit Place de la Bourse, one of the most beautiful squares in France, and catch the sunset. The next day volunteer at a food bank in Bordeaux, one of the best ways to give back to the local community.

  • Day 11: Nantes
    3 hrs (291km) from Bordeaux

    Visit Les Machines de L'Ile Nantes which is an artistic, touristic and cultural project. Enjoy the mechanical animals and visit the workshops of La Machine. After that do some volunteering work in one of the local NGOs in Nantes.

  • Day 12: Mont Saint-Michel
    3 hrs (231km) from Nantes

    Visit the 8th-century Benedictine abbey which is situated on an island in Normandy. This iconic island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts huge crowds of tourists. After that, do some volunteering work in one of the restoration projects in the region.

  • Day 13: Rouen
    2 hrs (133km) from Mont Saint-Michel

    Visit the historic town of Rouen, once one of the largest and most prosperous cities of medieval Europe. Discover the Gothic architecture at the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen as well as Joan of Arc's death site. In the evening, experience some of the Fêtes Johanniques summer festival. Afterwards, help out in one of the refurbishing projects around the city.

  • Day 14-15: Paris
    1h 30min (133km) from Rouen

    Visit the Palace of Versailles and the garden, which is one of the largest gardens in the world. Then explore the markets around Montmartre . For the last day, visit Arc de Triomphe and the famous Champs-Élysées.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Reims Cathedral (2hr, Free Entry)
  • Musée des Confluences (3hr, €9 entry fee)
  • Old Port of Marseille (2hr, Free Entry)
  • Nice Beaches & Old Town (1.5hr, Free Entry)
  • Palace of the Popes (2hr, €13 entry fee)
  • Carcassonne (2hr, €12 entry fee for castle)
  • Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux (2hr, Free Entry)
  • Les Machines de L'Ile Nantes (3hr, €8.50 entry fee)
  • Mont Saint-Michel (3hr, €10 entry fee for the abbey)
  • Rouen Gothic Architecture & Joan of Arc’s Death Site (2hr, Free Entry)
  • Palace of Versailles (4hr, €18 entry fee)
  • Montmartre Markets (2hr, Free Entry)
  • Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées (2hr, €13 entry fee for the access to the top of Arc de Triomphe)
  • Total Estimated Costs (Without Volunteering): €83.50

Transportation

A traveler can make use of fast trains in between the cities. The estimated cost for travelling on the fastest train is €50-€100 for one-way travel.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a trip to the Dordogne region or south-western part of France. For less time, subtract a day from Nice and Rouen respectively.

Airports

Paris is serviced by three international airports, including Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris Orly Airport (ORY) and Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA). Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest international airport and is located 23km north-east of Paris.

0