8-Day Scenic France Journey: Paris, Lyon & Marseille with Iconic Views and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Paris Landmarks & Cuisine

Paris, France on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your morning at this iconic Parisian café immortalized by artists and philosophers, savoring buttery croissants and café au lait amid elegant Art Deco surroundings.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the vast collection of world art including the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory. Book advance tickets to avoid queues; open 9am–6pm (Wednesday & Friday till 9:45pm).
EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy refined French cuisine steps from the Louvre with dishes like duck confit and house-made terrines in a cozy chic atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h30

3:00pm

Seine River Stroll & Notre-Dame Cathedral

Walk along the Seine’s historic banks, browsing vintage booksellers, and admire the Gothic façade of Notre-Dame Cathedral, even if interior access is limited due to restoration.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Eiffel Tower Visit

Conclude the day at the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of Paris. Sunset visits are captivating; pre-book skip-the-line tickets.
EUR25, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Jules Verne

Dine at this Michelin-starred restaurant on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor, offering exquisite French haute cuisine with a spectacular night panorama.
EUR150, 2h
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Day 2: Paris Art & Montmartre

Paris, France on May 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Angelina Paris

Delight in creamy hot chocolate and freshly baked pastries at this opulent rue de Rivoli institution.
EUR18, 1h

10:00am

Musée d'Orsay Visit

View Impressionist masterpieces in a converted beaux-arts railway station. Open 9:30am–6pm (Thursdays till 9:45pm).
EUR16, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Procope

Savor classic French dishes in Paris’ oldest café dating to 1686, renowned for its historical ambiance.
EUR30, 1h30

2:30pm

Explore Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Wander Montmartre’s charming streets with artists’ studios and visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica atop the hill for stunning city views.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Maison Rose

Dine in Montmartre’s iconic rosy-hued bistro offering rustic French dishes in a romantic setting.
EUR40, 1h30
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Day 3: Travel to Lyon & City Highlights

Lyon, France on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick continental breakfast before departure for Lyon.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Train Paris to Lyon

TGV train ride from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu station takes about 2 hours. Pre-book tickets for best fare.
EUR60, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Dive into Lyon’s culinary delights at this vibrant indoor food market named after the famous chef, offering diverse charcuterie, cheeses, and specialties.
EUR25, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Vieux Lyon & Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Stroll Lyon’s Renaissance old town with narrow streets and traboules, then take the funicular to the hilltop basilica for panoramic views and beautiful mosaics.
Free (Basilica entrance free, some tower access paid EUR5), 3h

5:00pm

Visit Musée des Confluences

Experience this striking modern science and anthropology museum located at the confluence of Rhône and Saône rivers; open 10am-7pm closed Mondays.
EUR10, 1h30

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Paul Bocuse

Indulge in gourmet French cuisine at the legendary restaurant of Chef Paul Bocuse, a temple of Lyonnaise gastronomy.
EUR120, 2h
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Day 4: Lyon Food & Cultural Day

Lyon, France on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Boulangerie du Palais

Taste fresh croissants and Lyon-style pastries from this local favorite bakery in old Lyon.
EUR7, 30m

10:00am

Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

One of France’s premier fine arts museums hosting works from ancient Egypt to modern art, including Rubens and Monet; open 10am-6pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR8, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bouchon Les Lyonnais

Sample traditional Lyonnaise comfort foods like quenelles and andouillette in this authentic local bistro.
EUR30, 1h30

2:30pm

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

Enjoy a relaxing stroll by the river then visit Lyon’s largest urban park featuring a lake, rose garden, and free zoo; park open 6am–10:30pm.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges

Option for fine dining at the original Paul Bocuse's restaurant (reservation required), offering classic French haute cuisine with elegant service.
EUR150, 2h
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Day 5: Travel to Marseille & Old Port

Marseille, France on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Enjoy a light breakfast inside your hotel before the morning train.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Train Lyon to Marseille

Take the TGV train south to Marseille, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes journey through scenic Provence landscapes.
EUR50, 1h40

11:00am

Lunch at Le Miramar

Dine overlooking Marseille’s Old Port enjoying fresh seafood and the famous bouillabaisse, a local traditional fish stew.
EUR40, 1h30

1:00pm

Stroll Old Port & Fort Saint-Jean

Explore Marseille’s bustling harbor area with colorful fishing boats and iconic landmarks, including the historic Fort Saint-Jean with panoramic sea views.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Visit MuCEM Museum

Discover Mediterranean culture and history at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations; open 10am–7pm (Tuesday closed).
EUR9, 1h30

7:30pm

Dinner at La Table du Fort

Savor Mediterranean specialties combining local ingredients and modern flair in an intimate downtown bistro.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 6: Calanques National Park & Beach

Marseille, France on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Les Halles de la Major

Enjoy fresh bakery goods and coffee at a lively market known for local produce and specialty foods.
EUR10, 45m

9:30am

Calanques National Park Boat Tour

Take a scenic boat trip departing from the Old Port to explore the breathtaking limestone cliffs, turquoise coves, and hidden beaches of the Calanques. Tours usually run 3-4 hours and are open from April to October.
EUR35, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Plage de Catalans Beach Café

Relax and enjoy light Mediterranean fare with a seaside view at this charming beachside café near Marseille’s central beach.
EUR25, 1h30

4:00pm

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Climb or take a bus to this iconic Marseille landmark, offering spectacular views over the city and coast with its distinctive Romanesque-Byzantine architecture.
Free, 1h30

7:00pm

Dinner at Chez Fonfon

Enjoy authentic Provençal and seafood dishes including bouillabaisse at this cozy harbor-side restaurant.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 7: Marseille Museums & Markets

Marseille, France on May 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Eat organic breads and fresh juices at this well-known chain with a friendly atmosphere near the city center.
EUR12, 45m

10:00am

Visit Palais Longchamp and Museum of Fine Arts

Explore the beautiful park featuring a grand fountain and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, housing a rich collection of European art from the 16th to 19th centuries; open 9:30am–6pm.
Museum EUR6, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Marché des Capucins

Head to this bustling covered market famous for fresh Mediterranean ingredients and multicultural food stands.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon at La Cité Radieuse

Visit Le Corbusier’s architectural marvel, a UNESCO site, known for its innovative modernist design. Guided tours are available; check schedule ahead.
EUR8, 1h30

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Rhul

Dine on exceptional seafood with sea views, including the signature bouillabaisse, in a classic Marseille establishment founded in 1937.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 8: Departure Day & Last Moments

Marseille, France on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast reflecting on your journey across France.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Morning walk at Parc Borély

Spend your final morning at this elegant park and gardens near the sea, perfect for a peaceful stroll before your departure.
Free, 1h
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