Begin your French adventure by taking a stroll on the stunning Promenade des Anglais in the vibrant coastal city of Nice. Lined with palm trees and overlooking the Mediterranean, this promenade is a lovely spot for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Enjoy an evening in the Old Town (Vieux Nice) and discover the exquisite French cuisine on offer.
Experience the luxury and glamour of Monaco, witnessing the home of the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix race. Enjoy the spectacular view from Monte-Carlo on a clear day before savouring the delicious cuisine of the country's exclusive restaurants.
Cannes is a picturesque seaside town that has served as the location for the renowned Cannes Film Festival. Explore the palm-tree-lined La Croisette beachfront and stroll through the charming streets of the historic Old Town. Make sure to discover the local Provencal cuisine in the lively waterfront restaurants before leaving.
Marseille, France's oldest city and one of the country's least discovered gem, overlooks the Mediterranean from a hill at the edge of the sea, inviting you to discover its rich cultural and maritime heritage. Walk through the charming and diverse neighbourhoods, dive into the spectacular panoramic views at different sites and savour a bouillabaisse in the city's Vieux Port (Old Port).
Avignon is a fascinating city of cultural and historical importance, surrounded by medieval walls, filled with magnificent Gothic architecture, and home to the Papal Palace, a tribute to the 1309 residence of the Avignon popes. As well as strolling along its quaint streets, tasting its pastries and olive oil from local producers is a must.
Nimes, known as the 'Rome of France,' is one of the country’s oldest cities, filled with ancient remains like the Arena, a 2,000-year old Roman amphitheatre. The city is also home to exotic French gardens and a historic city centre.
The medieval walled village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is home to numerous art galleries and boutiques. Wander through its narrow, picturesque streets that are ideal for exploring the gardens and vantage points from which writers, painters, and film directors have taken inspiration.
The Roman city of Arles boasts breathtaking Roman and medieval architecture, including the 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre and the basilica of St Trophime. Explore the city to learn about the life and artwork of Van Gogh and visit the Espace Van Gogh museum, which exhibits modern art.
Once home to Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence is a cultural centre of art, architecture, museums and festivals. The old city boasts quaint streets and rustic fountains, while shaded squares lined with plane trees abound - perfect for enjoying a local rosé with a plate of fresh cheeses and bread, for which the city is famous for.
The second largest city in France, Lyon is renowned for its beautiful architecture, including the impressive UNESCO-listed Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere and Roman Amphitheatre. Taste traditional local dishes such as Coq Au Vin, enjoy the beautiful museums and galleries, and explore the historic Old Town.
The beautiful medieval town of Beaune is the capital of the famous wine region, Burgundy. It's home to the Hospices de Beaune, a beautiful 15th-century hospital with a flamboyant Gothic facade, which is now a museum. After exploring, make sure to taste the wines of the Côte d'Or.
Colmar, known as the 'Little Venice' of France, is situated in the heart of the Alsatian Wine Route. This picturesque town offers a beautifully intact historical centre filled with brightly coloured Gothic and Renaissance buildings, a charming canal-lined district and lots of museums and galleries.
The bustling city of Strasbourg offers a unique blend of French and German culture. Best known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town's medieval architecture, including the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Strasbourg is a great destination for foodies, with its signature dishes including choucroute, flammekueche, and alsacian wines.
Montpellier is a lively city with a charming historic centre, including the Place de la Comédie, boasting 18th-century buildings and a grand fountain, and a variety of museums and galleries. The city is also under an hour from some of France's most stunning beaches.
Before you depart Marseille take some time to see the last few places of the city you missed. Sample the famous French croissants and grab souvenirs like olive oil, lavender or herb mixtures.
Total Estimated Costs: €105
To make the most of your time moving around France depends on which route you pick from one city to another. By using local trains, buses and trams, this will allow you to get to and from attractions easily and quickly. The prices of the cost estimation can range from €2 to €50 depending on the mode of transport.
For any French itinerary, planning is key. While this itinerary will allow visitors to appreciate multiple cities in a short amount of time, for those with more time, you may want to include a few more days for each city to see everything the cities have to offer. For those with less time, you can cut the trip down to only the cities that most interest you.
France has a few international airports with the most notable being Paris-Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) near Paris with Nice Côte d'Azur Airport(NCE) in Nice, Marseille Provence Airport(MRS) in Marseille, and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport(LYS) in Lyon as the major airports in the country.