7-Day Classic France Itinerary: Paris, Loire Valley, and Provence

Day 1: Paris Arrival

Paris, France on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Angelina

Start your day at Angelina on Rue de Rivoli, famous for its hot chocolate and French pastries, setting a delicious Parisian tone.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the world’s largest art museum and see masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The museum opens at 9am.
EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy classic French cuisine in a chic setting near the Louvre, excellent for a midday break.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:00pm

Walk along the Seine and visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Stroll along the historic banks of the Seine, then visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral (outside viewing as interior is closed for restoration).
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Procope

Dine at Paris’s oldest cafe, serving traditional French dishes in a historic atmosphere.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Paris Highlights

Paris, France on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy a quintessential Parisian breakfast at this iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés café.
EUR18, 1h

10:00am

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Ascend the Eiffel Tower for stunning panoramic views of Paris. Opens at 9:30am, best to book tickets in advance.
EUR26.80, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at 58 Tour Eiffel

Casual dining on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower with views, perfect for a light meal.
EUR45, 1.5h

2:30pm

Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Wander the artistic district of Montmartre, visiting the basilica and soaking up the bohemian atmosphere.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Le Consulat

Enjoy authentic French cuisine in Montmartre’s charming and historic restaurant.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 3: Loire Valley Castles

Tours, France on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Paris

Have a light and energising breakfast before travelling to the Loire Valley.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Tours

Take the TGV from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Tours (about 1 hour 15 minutes).
EUR30, 1h15m

11:00am

Visit Château de Chenonceau

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

1:30pm

Lunch at La Cave à vins à Chenonceau

Enjoy regional dishes and Loire Valley wines in a cosy setting near the castle.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Château de Amboise

Discover the royal residence and the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. Open 9:30am-6:15pm.
EUR13, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at L’Epicerie

A local favourite in Tours offering classic French plates with a relaxed vibe.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 4: Loire Valley Exploration

Tours, France on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Les Halles Marché

Sample fresh boulangerie products and coffee at the lively covered market of Tours.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Château de Villandry

Enjoy the magnificent Renaissance gardens and castle interiors open 9am-6pm.
EUR14, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Jardin

Dine with garden views and seasonal menu, a wonderful Loire Valley experience.
EUR40, 1.5h

2:30pm

Bike Ride along the Loire River

Rent a bike in Tours and enjoy a scenic cycle ride through vineyards and riverside paths.
EUR15, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Tours for Dinner at Bistro Regence

Classic French bistro fare in central Tours with excellent wine pairings.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 5: Avignon Arrival

Avignon, France on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Tours

Enjoy a café and croissant before travelling to Avignon.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Tours to Avignon by train

Take a train from Tours to Avignon, approximately 3.5 hours with a transfer in Lyon.
EUR50, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Table d'Uzès

Well-reviewed Provencal cuisine in Avignon, perfect to start your southern France exploration.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Palais des Papes

Tour the historic Papal Palace, one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR14, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Christian Etienne

Enjoy traditional Provencal dishes with a sophisticated twist in the heart of Avignon.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 6: Provence Countryside

Avignon, France on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Fournil

Start with fresh pastries and coffee at a local bakery in Avignon.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Pont du Gard and Uzès

Visit the famous Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard (open 9am-7pm) and the quaint town of Uzès with its charming markets and streets.
EUR20 for Pont du Gard entry, 6h

4:00pm

Return to Avignon and relax

Enjoy some leisure time walking along the Rhône or exploring local shops.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Fourchette

Casual dining option with hearty Provencal cuisine in a friendly setting.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 7: Nice & Coast

Nice, France on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Avignon

Light breakfast to prepare for your journey to the French Riviera.
EUR10, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Nice by train

Take the train from Avignon to Nice, around 3 hours on the scenic route along Provence.
EUR40, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Café de Turin

Famous for its fresh seafood dishes, located near the Old Port of Nice.
EUR40, 1.5h

1:30pm

Walk along the Promenade des Anglais

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the iconic seafront promenade, perfect for photo opportunities and sea views.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit the Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Explore the colourful markets, narrow streets, and baroque churches of Nice’s historic old quarter.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Petite Maison

Treat yourself to classic Niçoise and Mediterranean dishes at one of Nice’s top restaurants.
EUR60, 2h
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