A Family-Friendly 15-Day Itinerary for Small French Cities

  • Day 1: Arrive in Strasbourg
    0 minutes from hotel

    Welcome to Strasbourg! Home to the beautiful Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral and the picturesque Petite France neighborhood. Spend your first day exploring the charming town and sampling some of the local cuisine.

  • Day 2: Visit Parc de l'Orangerie in Strasbourg
    25 minutes by tram from hotel | Approximate cost: €4

    A great place to visit for families with children. The park has a small zoo area and a large pond where visitors can rent boats. Take a picnic and enjoy a beautiful day in the sun.

  • Day 3: Colmar
    40 minutes by train from Strasbourg | Approximate cost: €10 per person

    Colmar is a stunning small-town near Strasbourg. Known for its flower-lined canals, half-timbered houses, and colorful architecture. Take a leisurely walk or rent a bike to explore the town.

  • Day 4: Visit Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg
    45 minutes by car from Strasbourg | Approximate cost: €25 per person

    A popular attraction that offers spectacular views of the stunning French countryside, Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg is an excellent day trip for the whole family. Get the chance to explore and learn about the castle's rich history.

  • Day 5: Mont Saint Michel
    5 hours and 30 minutes by train and bus from Strasbourg | Approximate cost: €180 per person

    Experience one of France's iconic landmarks, Mont Saint Michel. This beautiful small island commune is situated on top of a rocky island and boasts of beautiful views and a rich cultural heritage. Do not forget to try some of the fresh seafood at one of the restaurants.

  • Day 6: Explore Bayeux and Normandy Beaches
    2 hours and 30 minutes by train from Mont Saint Michel | Approximate cost: €30 per person

    Bayeux is a historic town known for its tapestry museum and breathtaking Norman architecture. Normandy beaches were the locations of the D-Day landing of the Allied invasion during World War II. The beaches offer beautiful landscapes and charming towns.

  • Day 7: Le Mont-Dore
    4 hours by train from Bayeux | Approximate cost: €60 per person

    Enjoy some of the most famous ski resorts in France. The beautiful Le Mont-Dore ski area comprises of downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities. Fun for the family or perfect for a romantic weekend.

  • Day 8: Clermont-Ferrand
    1 hour and 30 minutes by train from Le Mont-Dore | Approximate cost: €15 per person

    Climb to the top of the Puy de Dôme, an impressive natural site with a 360-degree view of the surroundings or visit Notre-Dame-du-Port, one of the oldest Romanesque churches in France.

  • Day 9: Visit Le Puy-en-Velay
    1 hour and 30 minutes by train from Clermont-Ferrand | Approximate cost: €20 per person

    Le Puy-en-Velay is a picturesque town that has two significant religious monuments: the cathedral and the Chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe placed on top of a volcanic rock..

  • Day 10: Dijon
    2 hours and 30 minutes by train from Le Puy-en-Velay | Approximate cost: €40 per person

    Dijon is a charming city known for mustard and its half-timbered houses. Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, Notre-Dame de Dijon, and try the local cuisine at one of the city's locally owned bistros.

  • Day 11: Riquewihr
    1 hour and 20 minutes by train from Dijon | Approximate cost: €25 per person

    Riquewihr is a small Alsatian village that has been beautifully preserved and maintained for centuries. It’s known for its wine, architecture, and delicious local cuisine. It's perfect for a leisurely walk, and don't forget to try the wines.

  • Day 12: Annecy
    3 hours and 20 minutes by train from Riquewihr | Approximate cost: €50 per person

    Annecy is a beautiful French town known as the "Venice of the Alps". It's situated next to Lake Annecy, a crystal clear turquoise lake, and is home to colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and delightful pastries.

  • Day 13: Gorges du Verdon and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
    4 hours and 30 minutes by train and bus from Annecy | Approximate cost: €70 per person

    The Gorges du Verdon is a beautiful natural park situated in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, home to the Verdon river, cliffs and turquoise natural pool. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a charming little village nearby, known for its pottery and stunning views.

  • Day 14: Aix-en-Provence
    2 hours and 30 minutes by train from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie | Approximate cost: €35 per person

    The charming Provençal town known for its fragrance-filled markets, Cours Mirabeau main boulevard lined with restaurants, lapidary museum and Cafe de Flore.

  • Day 15: Marseille
    25 minutes by train from Aix-en-Provence | Approximate cost: €10 per person

    End your trip in Marseille, known for its food market in the Vieux-Port (Old Port) where visitors can buy and try various French specialities.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Parc de l'Orangerie: 3 hours (Free)
  • Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg: 3 hours (Adult: €20, Child: €10)
  • Mont Saint Michel: 6 hours (Adult: €30, Child: Free)
  • Bayeux and Normandy Beaches: 8 hours (Adult: €40, Child: €20)
  • Le Mont-Dore: 6 hours (Adult: €50, Child: €20, Lift cost: €15)
  • Clermont-Ferrand: 4 hours (Free)
  • Le Puy-en-Velay: 4 hours (Free)
  • Dijon: 4 hours (Free)
  • Riquewihr: 4 hours (Free)
  • Annecy: 4 hours (Free)
  • Gorges du Verdon and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: 6 hours (Free)
  • Aix-en-Provence: 3 hours (Free)
  • Marseille: 3 hours (Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €925 per person

Transportation

The best way to travel to the French small towns is by car or train. France has one of the most extensive and reliable train networks in Europe, making it easy to travel from one town to another. Booking train tickets in advance can help save money. Renting a car allows you to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The cost of renting a car for approximately two weeks can range from €300 to €600.

Useful Tips

Suppose you have less time, combine towns near each other. For example, the Gorges du Verdon and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie can be combined into one day trip. On the other hand, If you have more time, consider visiting the stunning French Riviera in Nice or Cannes or the stunning medieval city of Carcassonne.

Airports

The nearest International airport is the Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) located in Paris, If you plan to visit Paris then CDG is the best option. If you want to go directly to the start of the itinerary Strasbourg airport, Strasbourg International Airport (SXB), is located 20 minutes by car from Strasbourg or alternatively Zurich Airport (ZRH) is a 2 hour and 30 minutes drive from Strasbourg.

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