France: 5-Day City Experience Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Paris
    1 hour flight from home city to Paris

    Start your trip in the 'City of Love' by visiting the Eiffel Tower, an iconic landmark that's beautifully lit up at night. Take a relaxing boat ride down the Seine River to see the city from a different perspective. End the night at Le Comptoir du Relais, a popular restaurant serving French cuisine.

  2. Day 2: Lyon
    2-hour train ride from Paris to Lyon

    Travel to Lyon, a charming city known for its culinary scene. Start the day off with a visit to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a stunning basilica that offers panoramic views of the city. Afterward, head to a traditional French market at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse to taste some local delicacies. In the evening, visit La Belle Équipe, a trendy bistro that serves delicious food and cocktails.

  3. Day 3: Marseille
    1.5-hour train ride from Lyon to Marseille

    Spend some time in Marseille, a port city in the south of France. Begin at the Old Port of Marseille to see the colorful fishing boats and traditional Provencal architecture. Take a stroll through the picturesque Le Panier neighborhood and stop at La Cantinetta for some authentic Italian food. End the day with a hike up to the beautiful Notre-Dame de la Garde for panoramic views of the city.

  4. Day 4: Nice
    2-hour train ride from Marseille to Nice

    Experience the stunning coastline of the French Riviera by visiting Nice. Start with a walk on the Promenade des Anglais, a picturesque walking area along the beach. Visit the Musée Matisse to see a collection of works by French artist Henri Matisse. Afterward, enjoy some local cuisine at Le Tire Bouchon, a seafood restaurant in the heart of Nice.

  5. Day 5: Versailles
    30-minute train ride from Paris to Versailles

    End your trip with a visit to the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of French kings. Explore the opulent palace interiors, including the famous Hall of Mirrors. Walk through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the landscaping and water features that runs through the garden. Have some delights at the boutique Cafe Angelina, and sip on some hot chocolate and macarons.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Eiffel Tower (2 hours, €25- €45)
  • Seine River Boat Tour (1 hour, €15- €20)
  • Le Comptoir du Relais (2 hours, €40- €60)
  • Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière (1.5 hours, Free)
  • Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (2 hours, €15- €30)
  • La Belle Équipe (2 hours, €50- €80)
  • Old Port of Marseille (1 hour, Free)
  • Le Panier (1 hour, Free)
  • La Cantinetta (1.5 hours, €15- €30)
  • Notre-Dame de la Garde (1 hour, Free)
  • Promenade des Anglais (1 hour, Free)
  • Musée Matisse (2 hours, €8- €10)
  • Le Tire Bouchon (2 hours, €25- €40)
  • Palace of Versailles (3 hours, €20- €30)
  • Total Estimated Costs (€253- €408)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, spend an extra day trip in Cannes or Monaco to get more of the French Riviera. Those who want to explore history can also consider stopping by the famous WWII Normandy Beaches. Visitors with less time can merge Versailles and Paris into a single day trip. Early mornings are the best times to avoid crowds and long queues when visiting popular attractions.

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