8-Day Comprehensive France Itinerary: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, and Provence

Day 1: Paris Exploration

Paris, France on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day at this iconic Parisian café known for its classic French breakfast and historic literary clientele.
EUR25, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore one of the world's largest art museums featuring the Mona Lisa and vast collections of European art.
EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy contemporary French cuisine in a chic setting just steps from the Louvre.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk along the Seine River and visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Take a scenic stroll and admire the masterpiece of Gothic architecture; open from 7:45am to 6:45pm.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Eiffel Tower Visit

Ascend the Eiffel Tower to enjoy panoramic views of Paris; best to book tickets in advance.
EUR26, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Jules Verne (Eiffel Tower)

Dine in Michelin-starred luxury with breathtaking views from the tower's second floor.
EUR120, 2h
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Day 2: Historic Paris & Montmartre

Paris, France on May 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Angelina Paris

Famous for its hot chocolate and pastries; a sweet start near Place Vendôme.
EUR20, 1h

10:00am

Musée d'Orsay Visit

Discover Impressionist masterpieces in this former railway station, open 9:30am-6pm (closed Mondays).
EUR16, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Procope

Historic café offering classic French dishes, Europe's oldest café dating to 1686.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Wander artistic streets and visit the basilica with sweeping city views; basilica open 6am-10:30pm.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at La Maison Rose

Historic pink café with cozy ambiance serving French bistro favorites.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Versailles

Versailles, France on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Grab a quick croissant and coffee before heading out.
EUR10, 30m

8:30am

Train to Versailles

Take RER C from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station (approx 1h).
EUR7, 1h

10:00am

Visit Palace of Versailles

Tour the opulent palace and expansive gardens; palace open 9am-6:30pm, gardens open 8am-8:30pm.
EUR20, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Located in the Versailles park, enjoy Italian-inspired dishes in a serene setting.
EUR35, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Paris and relax

Take the train back to Paris and enjoy some leisure time or shopping.
EUR7, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Traditional French fare in a lively, budget-friendly Parisian atmosphere, open till 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Loire Valley Castles

Loire Valley, France on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast to prepare for the travel day.
EUR10, 30m

8:30am

Train to Tours

Travel from Paris Montparnasse to Tours, gateway to the Loire Valley; journey takes about 1h30m.
EUR40, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Château de Villandry

Known for its beautiful Renaissance gardens, open daily 9am-6pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Choiseul

French cuisine in Tours with a cozy atmosphere and local specialties.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Château de Chenonceau

Explore this iconic castle spanning the River Cher, open 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 2h

6:00pm

Check-in at hotel in Tours and dinner

Relax at hotel then dine at L'Epicerie, known for its warm ambiance and quality dishes.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Loire Valley Wine Tour

Loire Valley, France on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for the wine tour with a hearty breakfast.
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Full-day Loire Valley Wine Tour

Visit multiple vineyards with tastings including Vouvray and Chinon regions; tours typically run 8-9 hours.
EUR150, 8h

7:30pm

Dinner at L'Annexe

Enjoy modern French dishes in Tours, perfect for unwinding after the tour.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before departure.
EUR10, 30m

8:30am

Train from Tours to Bordeaux

Approximately a 3-hour direct TGV journey through scenic southwestern France.
EUR60, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Tupina

Classic southern French cuisine in a rustic setting representing Bordeaux's culinary culture.
EUR50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Place de la Bourse and Water Mirror

Iconic square with impressive architecture and the famous reflecting pool, open and free to enjoy any time.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit La Cité du Vin

An immersive wine museum and cultural space, open 10am-6pm.
EUR20, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Chapon Fin

One of Bordeaux’s oldest Michelin-starred restaurants offering exquisite gourmet meals.
EUR110, 2h
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Day 7: Bordeaux Wine Region

Bordeaux, France on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before a day of wine tours.
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Medoc Wine Region Full Day Tour

Visits to prestigious châteaux such as Château Margaux, including tastings and vineyard walks; tours usually last 8 hours.
EUR180, 8h

7:30pm

Dinner at L'Entrecôte

Famous for its steak-frites and secret sauce, a casual way to end your wine day.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Provence & Roman Ruins

Avignon, France on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Quick continental breakfast to begin your travel day.
EUR10, 30m

7:30am

Train Bordeaux to Avignon

Approximately 5-hour train ride south to the heart of Provence.
EUR70, 5h

12:45pm

Lunch at La Table d'Uzès

Enjoy fresh Provençal cuisine with organic ingredients in a charming setting.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct

A UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside Avignon showing Roman engineering marvels; open 9am-7pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Avignon’s Palais des Papes

The largest Gothic palace in Europe, open 9am-7pm in May.
EUR14, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Christian Etienne

Fine dining with authentic Provençal flavors near the palace.
EUR70, 2h
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