3-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of France: Paris, Versailles, and Loire Valley

Day 1: Paris Highlights

Paris, France on May 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy a traditional Parisian breakfast with freshly baked croissants and café au lait at one of Paris’s most iconic cafés located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
EUR15, 1h

9:45am

Louvre Museum Visit

Explore the world-famous Louvre Museum to see masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. It opens at 9:00am, so arriving early helps avoid crowds.
EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Savor refined French cuisine with views of the Louvre’s pyramid at Le Fumoir, known for its fresh seasonal dishes and elegant ambiance.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:45pm

Seine River Cruise

Take a relaxing 1-hour Seine river cruise to admire Paris’s famous landmarks from the water including Notre-Dame and Eiffel Tower. Cruises typically operate until 10:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

4:00pm

Eiffel Tower Visit

Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower; pre-book tickets to avoid long lines. The tower is open until 11:45pm, allowing time to enjoy the panoramic views.
EUR26, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Ombres

Dine under the glass roof with spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower lit up at night while enjoying contemporary French cuisine.
EUR50, 2h

Day 2: Versailles Palace

Versailles, France on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Start your day with a French breakfast of baguette, butter, and jam at your hotel or a nearby café before heading to Versailles.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Versailles

Take the RER C train from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, approximately 45 minutes travel time.
EUR7, 45m

9:30am

Palace of Versailles Tour

Visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Apartments. The palace opens at 9:00am.
EUR20, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Enjoy Italian-French fusion cuisine in a charming setting inside the Versailles estate near the Grand Canal.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Versailles Gardens and Trianon Palaces

Stroll through the extensive gardens and visit the Grand and Petit Trianon palaces. Gardens are open from 8:00am and best experienced by renting a bike or golf cart.
EUR12, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Paris

Travel back to Paris by RER train for a relaxed evening.
EUR7, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bouillon Chartier

Experience authentic, budget-friendly Parisian cuisine in a lively historic brasserie open until midnight.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 3: Loire Valley Castles

Loire Valley, France on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Have a quick breakfast at your Paris hotel or nearby café and prepare for a day trip to the Loire Valley, departing early to maximize time visiting castles.
EUR12, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Loire Valley

Take a train from Paris Austerlitz station to Tours or Amboise, approximately 1.5-2 hours travel time.
EUR30, 2h

10:30am

Visit Château de Chambord

Explore the majestic Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley, famous for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture.
EUR15, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Auberge du Château

Enjoy a cozy meal near Chambord castle featuring regional dishes and wines from the Loire Valley.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Château de Chenonceau

Head to Château de Chenonceau, spanning the River Cher, famed for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
EUR15, 2h

4:45pm

Return to Paris

Train back to Paris for your final evening or onward travel plans.
EUR30, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Procope

Dine at the oldest café in Paris serving classic French dishes in an atmospheric historic setting, perfect for your last night in France.
EUR45, 2h