15-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey Through France Including Paris in May

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Paris

Paris, France on May 1, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy an iconic Parisian breakfast with croissants and café au lait at one of the city's oldest cafes, known for its historic literary clientele.
EUR20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the world-famous art museum to see masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. It’s less crowded in the morning.
EUR17, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Savor classic French dishes near the Louvre in a cozy setting, perfect for a midday recharge.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Walk along the Seine and visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Stroll the Seine River banks and visit the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, absorbing historic and architectural beauty.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Coupe Chou

Enjoy a traditional French dinner at this romantic, cozy bistro offering regional specialties.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 2: More Parisian Highlights

Paris, France on May 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Angelina

Start your day with the renowned hot chocolate and pastries at Angelina, famed for its Belle Époque decor.
EUR25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Eiffel Tower Visit

Visit this iconic landmark; pre-book tickets to skip lines. Enjoy panoramic views from the summit.
EUR26.80, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 58 Tour Eiffel

Dine inside the Eiffel Tower with modern French cuisine and breathtaking views of Paris.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Musée d'Orsay

Visit this former railway station turned museum housing impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces.
EUR16, 2 hours

5:00PM

Stroll in Montmartre

Explore the charming village atmosphere, visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and enjoy street artists and cafes.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Le Refuge des Fondus

Have a fun and casual dinner with traditional cheese and meat fondue in lively Montmartre.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Paris to Loire Valley

Loire Valley, France on May 3, 2025

7:30AM

Train from Paris to Tours

Travel by TGV train to Tours, gateway to the Loire Valley chateaux; journey approx 1hr 15min.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at La Maison des Halles, Tours

Start with fresh pastries and coffee in this popular local spot near the central market.
EUR15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Château de Villandry

Explore spectacular Renaissance gardens and fine interiors at Villandry, open 9:00AM to 6:00PM.
EUR12, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Le Jardin

Enjoy seasonal, garden-inspired cuisine near the château, with locally sourced ingredients.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Château de Chenonceau

Famous for its bridge over the Cher River, visit the historic and beautifully decorated château.
EUR15, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Cave de Maître Philippe in Tours

Dine on classic Loire Valley dishes and local wines in a cozy wine cave atmosphere.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: More Loire Valley Castles

Loire Valley, France on May 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at L'Amarante

Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee and croissants in a café near the river.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Château d'Amboise

Explore this royal château with stunning views over the Loire River, open 9:00AM to 7:00PM.
EUR13, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Clos Lucé

Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s residence, featuring inventions models and interactive exhibits.
EUR13, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Les Arpents

Enjoy fresh regional cuisine with great wine selection in Amboise town center.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax stroll in Amboise town

Explore charming streets and shops before heading back to Tours.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Chez Marie, Tours

Savor traditional French cuisine in a romantic, rustic setting with excellent local wine.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 5: Loire Valley to Lyon

Lyon, France on May 5, 2025

7:30AM

Train from Tours to Lyon

Travel approx 3 hours by TGV to Lyon, France's gastronomic capital.
EUR45, 3 hours

11:00AM

Check in and Lunch at Paul Bocuse Restaurant

Experience haute cuisine at the legendary Paul Bocuse’s restaurant; pre-booking necessary.
EUR90, 2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Vieux Lyon

Discover Renaissance architecture and traboules (hidden passageways) in the old town.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Stunning basilica overlooking the city with panoramic views; open until 6:00PM.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Enjoy a variety of Lyon’s finest food stalls offering local specialties in an indoor market.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 6: Lyon Culinary and Cultural Day

Lyon, France on May 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Boulangerie du Palais

Start with fresh pastries and coffee in the oldest bakery of Lyon’s old town.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Lyon Museum of Fine Arts

Explore collections of painting, sculpture and antiquities in a magnificent former abbey.
EUR8, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Comptoir Abel

Enjoy traditional Lyonnais bistro fare dating back to 1922, known for local dishes.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Walk along the Rhône River and Parc de la Tête d'Or

Stroll the river promenade and visit this beautiful urban park featuring a lake and botanical gardens.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Bouchon des Filles

Experience authentic Lyon bouchon cuisine in a friendly neighborhood setting.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 7: Lyon to Provence (Avignon)

Avignon, France on May 7, 2025

8:00AM

Train from Lyon to Avignon

Travel approx 1 hour 15 minutes by TGV to Avignon, heart of Provence.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at Au Grain de Café

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries in a charming café near the historic center.
EUR12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Palais des Papes

Explore the largest Gothic palace in Europe, home to medieval popes. Open 9:30AM to 6:00PM.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Table d'Uzès

Enjoy refined Provençal cuisine made from local ingredients in a nearby village.
EUR45, 2 hours

4:00PM

Walk the Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon)

Visit the famous medieval bridge and river views, open until 7:00PM.
EUR5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening stroll in Avignon Old Town

Explore quaint streets and vibrant squares with local shops and cafés.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at L'Essentiel

Indulge in inventive modern cuisine with a Provençal twist by a Michelin-starred chef.
EUR60, 2 hours
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Day 8: Provence Day Trip to Lavender Fields & Villages

Provence, France on May 8, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Light breakfast to start early day exploring countryside.
EUR15, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Valensole Plateau (Lavender Fields)

Experience vast blooming lavender fields and stunning landscapes in late May, perfect for photography.
Transport cost approx EUR50, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Lunch at a quaint village restaurant offering Provençal specialties amidst picturesque settings.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie village

Wander this lovely medieval village known for pottery and beautiful views, open all day.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Avignon

Relax during your return trip, evening free for light activities or rest.
Included in transport, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Le Caveau du Théâtre

Cozy dinner offering regional dishes with local wines right in Avignon’s historic center.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 9: Avignon to French Riviera (Nice)

Nice, France on May 9, 2025

8:00AM

Train from Avignon to Nice

Scenic train journey approx 3 hours to the French Riviera coastline.
EUR50, 3 hours

11:30AM

Breakfast/Lunch at La Rotonde, Nice

Enjoy Mediterranean dishes and pastries at this chic historical hotel restaurant.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Promenade des Anglais walk

Relax with a scenic stroll along Nice’s famous seaside promenade with views of azure waters.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Explore colorful markets, baroque churches, and narrow streets with shops and cafés open until evening.
Free, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant JAN

Michelin-starred restaurant featuring refined South African-French fusion dishes.
EUR80, 2 hours
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Day 10: French Riviera Beaches and Villages

Nice & Surroundings, France on May 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Emilie's Cookies & Coffee

Light breakfast with excellent coffee and fresh baked goods in Old Nice.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Day trip to Èze Village and Fragonard Perfume Factory

Visit the hilltop medieval village with stunning views and tour the famous perfume factory, open 9:00AM to 6:00PM.
Free entry; purchases optional, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Château Eza Restaurant

Dine with panoramic views over the French Riviera in this exquisite hilltop restaurant.
EUR60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax on Nice’s Beaches

Spend afternoon lounging or swimming on pebbled beaches, with amenities and cafes open all day.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Walk to Castle Hill Park

Enjoy sunset views over Nice and the coastal bay; open daylight hours.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at La Petite Maison

Celebrate Provençal cuisine and fresh seafood in a vibrant and elegant setting.
EUR55, 2 hours
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Day 11: Nice to Burgundy (Dijon)

Dijon, France on May 11, 2025

7:00AM

Train from Nice to Dijon

Early train connection involves a transfer in Lyon; approx 5 hours total travel time.
EUR70, 5 hours

12:15PM

Lunch at Café Gourmand, Dijon

Enjoy traditional Burgundian specialties including mustard-infused dishes and local wines.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Dijon Old Town

Explore historic streets featuring the Ducal Palace, half-timbered houses and mustard shops, open all day.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

Art and history museum located inside the Ducal Palace with collections from medieval to modern art, open until 6:00PM.
EUR7, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at La Maison des Cariatides

French cuisine with Burgundy wines in an elegant restaurant setting.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 12: Burgundy Wine Tour

Burgundy, France on May 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Aux Palais Gourmands

Start early with fresh pastries and coffee in Dijon before heading out to vineyards.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Guided wine tour in Côte de Nuits

Visit famous vineyards near Gevrey-Chambertin with wine tastings and vineyard walks; tours typically last 4-5 hours and must be pre-booked.
EUR90, 5 hours

3:30PM

Return to Dijon and relax

Afternoon free to rest or explore Dijon’s market and shops at leisure.
Free, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Le Pré aux Clercs

Enjoy classic Burgundy cuisine including escargots and coq au vin.
EUR45, 2 hours
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Day 13: Burgundy to Paris

Paris, France on May 13, 2025

9:00AM

Morning Train from Dijon to Paris

Fast TGV connection of approx 1h 40min back to Paris for last days of the trip.
EUR45, 2 hours

11:00AM

Brunch at Le Pain Quotidien

Relax with organic breads and healthy brunch dishes in central Paris.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Wander this lively neighborhood known for its cafes, boutiques and cultural life.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Visit Musée Rodin

Discover the sculptures of Auguste Rodin in beautiful gardens; open until 6:30PM.
EUR14, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Les Deux Magots

Historic café serving classic French fare with a legendary literary history.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 14: Paris Hidden Gems

Paris, France on May 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Du Pain et des Idées

Enjoy some of the best artisan bread and pastries in Paris; opens at 7:00AM.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Canal Saint-Martin

Relax with a morning walk along the picturesque canal lined with trendy shops and cafés.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hôtel du Nord

Taste traditional French bistro dishes in an atmospheric setting by the canal.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Le Marais district

Visit boutiques, art galleries, and historic sites like Place des Vosges; open all day.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Place des Vosges

Enjoy the oldest planned square in Paris with lovely gardens and cafés.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Breizh Café

Savor authentic Breton crepes and cider for a casual and delicious meal.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 15: Departure Day

Paris, France on May 15, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel or nearby bakery

Quick breakfast with fresh coffee and croissants before departure.
EUR10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Paris airport

Allow sufficient time to reach the airport for your flight home.
EUR50 taxi or shuttle, 1 hour
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