7-Day France Itinerary: Paris to Provence and Riviera Highlights

Day 1: Paris Arrival & Landmarks

Paris, France on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy a classic Parisian breakfast of croissants and coffee at this iconic Saint-Germain café open from 7:30am, known for its atmosphere and literary history.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Eiffel Tower Visit

Visit the Eiffel Tower, Paris’s landmark, and admire panoramic city views from its observation decks. Open from 9:00am to midnight, best to pre-book tickets online.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Comptoir du Relais

Taste traditional French bistro cuisine in the lively Saint-Germain area, known for excellent seasonal dishes. Open 12pm-2:30pm for lunch.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Louvre Museum

Explore the world’s largest art museum including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Open 9:00am-6:00pm; closed Tuesdays.
EUR17, 3h

5:30pm

Seine River Cruise

Relax on a scenic boat cruise along the Seine and see illuminated Paris landmarks. Evening cruises operate around 6:00pm and later.
EUR15, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Les Ombres

Dine under the glass roof with stunning Eiffel Tower views, featuring refined French cuisine. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR70, 2h

Day 2: Montmartre & Art

Paris, France on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Enjoy creative breakfast dishes with a French twist, open from 8am in Montmartre area, perfect before exploring the neighborhood.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre Walk

Visit the Basilica and wander through the artistic Montmartre district with its charming streets and artists’ squares. Basilica open from 6am-10:30pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Musée d’Orsay

Explore impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Open 9:30am-6:00pm; closed Mondays.
EUR16, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Campana inside Musée d’Orsay

Enjoy a stylish lunch with dishes inspired by the museum’s aesthetic, open during museum hours.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Walk along Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Stroll the famous avenue and visit the Arc de Triomphe, which opens from 10am-10:30pm with city views from the top.
EUR13, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Savor the famous steak-frites dish with secret sauce in a classic French bistro setting. Open from 12pm and again for dinner at 7pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 3: Versailles Day Trip

Versailles, France on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Paul Bakery

Grab a quick French pastry and coffee at this classic bakery before the train to Versailles. Open from 7am.
EUR10, 30m

8:00am

Train to Versailles

Take the RER C train from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station; about 45 mins travel.
EUR7, 45m

9:00am

Palace of Versailles

Tour the grand palace and its gardens. The palace opens at 9am; gardens open from 8am with musical fountain shows on weekends.
EUR27, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Dine in the Versailles grounds serving Italian-inspired dishes, open from 12pm for lunch.
EUR45, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Versailles Gardens

Stroll through the vast, beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, and the Trianon Palaces. Best to rent a bike or golf cart for ease.
EUR20 for bike rental, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Paris

Train back to Paris for dinner and evening relaxation.
EUR7, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Enjoy a traditional French meal with a budget-friendly menu in a lively atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 4: Travel to Avignon & Explore

Avignon, France on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Paris Gare de Lyon

Grab a light breakfast before your train ride to Avignon; bakeries and cafés open from 6:30am.
EUR12, 30m

8:00am

TGV Train Paris to Avignon

Take the high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV station, about 2h40m travel.
EUR60, 2h40m

11:00am

Check in and quick refresh at Hotel d’Europe

Stay in this historic luxury hotel in Avignon center, an ideal base for exploring, open for check-in afternoon, early luggage dropoff possible.
EUR250, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Fourchette

Taste Provencal specialties with fresh local ingredients, located near the Palais des Papes, open 12pm-2pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Palais des Papes

Explore the largest Gothic palace in Europe, impressive Medieval architecture open from 9am-6pm.
EUR12, 2h

4:30pm

Walk the Pont Saint-Bénézet

Visit the famous medieval bridge ruins for picturesque views of the Rhône, open 9am-7pm in summer.
EUR5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Christian Etienne

Enjoy refined Provençal cuisine in a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Avignon center, open for dinner 7pm-10pm.
EUR90, 2h

Day 5: Aix-en-Provence Exploration

Aix-en-Provence, France on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Vieille Fontaine

Start your day with a French breakfast in a charming square near the Cours Mirabeau, open from 8am.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

Train from Avignon to Aix-en-Provence

Take a regional train to Aix-en-Provence, journey about 1h40m.
EUR20, 1h40m

11:30am

Explore Cours Mirabeau & Old Town

Stroll the elegant tree-lined avenue and discover fountains, cafés, and shops in the historic center.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Les Deux Garçons

Historic café with classic French dishes and a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for people watching. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Atelier Cézanne

Tour the former studio of artist Paul Cézanne to see his tools and surroundings, open 10am-6pm.
EUR6, 1h

5:00pm

Relax in Parc Jourdan

Enjoy a peaceful walk or café break in this lovely city park near the university.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Table de Beaurecueil

Dine at a nearby countryside restaurant offering gourmet Provençal cuisine. Open 7pm-9:30pm.
EUR75, 2h

Day 6: Nice & French Riviera

Nice, France on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Boulangerie Pâtisserie Cappa

Delicious fresh pastries and coffee to start your day in Nice, open from 7am.
EUR12, 30m

8:30am

Train from Aix-en-Provence to Nice

Scenic train ride along the Riviera, about 3h15m journey.
EUR45, 3h15m

12:00pm

Check-in and quick refresh at Hotel Rossetti

Boutique hotel in the Old Town, close to the sea and restaurants.
EUR200, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Acchiardo

Family-run restaurant offering Niçoise specialties in Old Town, open 12pm-2pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Promenade des Anglais & Beach Walk

Stroll along the iconic coastline boulevard with views of the Mediterranean, open all day.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Musée Matisse

Discover works from Henri Matisse’s career in a 17th-century villa. Open 10am-6pm; closed Tuesdays.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Bistrot d'Antoine

Cozy bistro serving inventive French dishes with local ingredients, open evenings from 7pm.
EUR45, 2h

Day 7: Cannes & Departure

Cannes, France on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Croisette Bakery

Grab fresh pastries near Cannes' famous seafront boulevard, open from 7am.
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Train from Nice to Cannes

Short scenic 40-minute train ride west along the Riviera coast.
EUR8, 40m

10:00am

Explore La Croisette Boulevard & Beaches

Walk Cannes' glamorous promenade, visit luxury shops, and relax on sandy public or private beaches.
Free to walk; private beach access approx EUR30, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Astoux et Brun

Famous for fresh seafood platters and oysters, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Le Suquet (Old Town)

Explore Cannes’ historic quarter with small streets, the castle ruins, and panoramic views over the bay.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Nice or Transfer to Airport

Depending on flight time, take train back to Nice or continue to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport for departure.
EUR8 for train, 40m