8-Day Captivating Journey Through France: Paris, Loire Valley, Lyon, and Provence

Day 1: Explore Paris Landmarks

Paris, France on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with a traditional French breakfast including croissants and espresso at this iconic Parisian café known for its historical patrons and vibrant ambiance.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

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

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy modern French cuisine in a cozy setting steps from the Louvre, with wines and light dishes perfect for a midday meal.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité

Visit the iconic Gothic cathedral and stroll the historic island in the Seine river for charming views and rich history. Cathedral open 7:45am-6:45pm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Procope

Dine at Paris’ oldest café serving classic French dishes in an elegant 17th century setting.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Local Art and Montmartre

Paris, France on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Holybelly 5

Experience French-Canadian-inspired breakfast with excellent coffee and pancakes in the vibrant Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood. Open from 8am.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Musée d'Orsay

Discover impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and others. Open 9:30am-6:00pm, closed Mondays.
EUR16, 2.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Deux Moulins

Enjoy classic French bistro fare in this Montmartre café famed as the setting of the film Amélie.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Stroll the artistic hilltop neighborhood, visit the beautiful basilica with panoramic views of Paris, open 6:00am-10:30pm.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Refuge des Fondus

Enjoy a fun fondue dining experience in a lively Montmartre spot known for its affordable wine served in baby bottles.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 3: Versailles Day Trip

Versailles, France on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Quick breakfast before an early departure to Versailles to maximize sightseeing time.
EUR15, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Palace of Versailles

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

9:00am

Visit Palace of Versailles

Tour the opulent palace and the stunning gardens. Palace open 9:00am-6:30pm, Gardens open 8:00am-8:30pm. Closed Mondays.
EUR20, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Relax with Italian-French fusion cuisine inside the Versailles grounds near the Grand Canal.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Versailles town

Take a leisurely stroll around the charming town center and its local shops and cafés.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Paris

Travel back by train to Paris to prepare for the next day’s journey.
EUR7, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Enjoy traditional French dishes in a lively, affordable setting in Paris.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 4: Travel to Loire Valley Castles

Loire Valley, France on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a French continental breakfast before departure.
EUR15, 0.5h

9:00am

Travel to Amboise in Loire Valley

Take a train from Paris to Amboise, approx 2h travel time.
EUR30, 2h

11:30am

Visit Château d'Amboise

Explore the Renaissance royal residence with stunning views of the Loire River, open 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR13, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at L'Épicerie

A charming spot in Amboise serving regional French dishes and local wine.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Clos Lucé

Tour Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence and marvel at inventions and beautiful gardens, open 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR13, 2h

6:00pm

Check into local Loire Valley hotel

Relax and enjoy the peaceful wine region.
EUR100, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at La Table du Marché

Enjoy locally-sourced French cuisine in a quaint atmosphere in Amboise.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: Châteaux Touring

Loire Valley, France on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day of château hopping with a hearty breakfast.
EUR15, 0.5h

9:00am

Visit Château de Chenonceau

One of the most stunning castles spanning the River Cher, featuring beautiful gardens and rich history. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR15, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Cave des Augustins

A cozy bistro near Chenonceau offering traditional French dishes and wine.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Château de Chambord

Largest château in Loire Valley known for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and extensive grounds, open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR14, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Amboise hotel

Relax and stroll through Amboise in the evening.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Lion d’Or

Experience refined French cuisine in a warm, historic setting in Amboise’s town center.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 6: Lyon Culinary Experience

Lyon, France on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before train departure.
EUR15, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel to Lyon

Take a train from Amboise to Lyon, approx 3.5 hours travel.
EUR40, 3.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Taste Lyon’s best regional specialties including quenelles and charcuterie in this gourmet market open daily from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

2:00pm

Explore Vieux Lyon and traboules

Walk the Renaissance old town streets and discover secret passageways (traboules), open all day.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Climb or take the funicular to this hilltop basilica for panoramic views of Lyon. Open 8:00am-6:30pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bouchon Les Lyonnais

Sample traditional Lyonnais cuisine like sausages and duck in a cozy, authentic bouchon restaurant.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 7: Provence Scenic Journey

Avignon, Provence, France on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travel.
EUR15, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel to Avignon in Provence

Take a train from Lyon to Avignon, approx 1.5 h travel.
EUR30, 1.5h

10:30am

Tour Palais des Papes

Visit the impressive Gothic palace which was the seat of the popes during the 14th century. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Fourchette

Savor Provençal dishes made from fresh local ingredients in Avignon’s center.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:30pm

Walk the Pont Saint-Bénézet

Explore the famous medieval bridge with beautiful views of the Rhône River, open daylight hours.
EUR5, 1h

4:00pm

Drive or train to Gordes

Travel to hilltop village in Luberon area, about 1 hour drive or 1.5h by train plus local transport.
Variable, 1h

5:30pm

Check into hotel in Gordes

Enjoy sunset views over the Luberon valley from your accommodation.
EUR120, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Mas Tourteron

Relish refined Provençal cuisine in a serene village setting.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 8: Provence Lavender and Departure

Gordes, Provence, France on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with views of the Provence countryside.
EUR15, 0.5h

8:30am

Visit Sénanque Abbey and Lavender Fields

Tour the picturesque 12th-century abbey surrounded by iconic lavender fields, typically in bloom by mid-June to July, open 9:30am-6:00pm.
EUR7, 2h

11:00am

Explore Roussillon ochre trail

Walk the colorful ochre cliffs trail near the village of Roussillon showcasing striking red and yellow earth formations, open daylight hours.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Petit Roussillon

Enjoy lunch with views of the ochre cliffs featuring local specialties.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Departure preparation and transfer to Marseille or Avignon airport/train station

Travel to nearest transport hub for departure from Provence area.
Variable, Variable
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