How many days do you need in france?

This itinerary covers 5 days in france, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for france?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to france. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Classic 5-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of France

Day 1: Paris Exploration

Paris, France on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy a classic Parisian breakfast with croissants and café au lait at one of the city's most iconic cafés, which opens early and offers vibrant street views.

EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the world’s largest art museum featuring thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa. The museum opens at 9:00am, so arriving early helps avoid crowds.

EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Comptoir du Relais

Savour traditional French bistro dishes in a cosy atmosphere known for quality and flavour, perfect for a midday break.

Approx. EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Stroll along the Seine and visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Walk the picturesque Seine riverbank and admire the exterior of Notre-Dame, soaking in the Gothic architecture and vibrant local culture.

Free, 1.5h

5:30pm

Relax at Luxembourg Gardens

Unwind in central Paris’s beautifully manicured gardens, a serene spot to enjoy nature and people-watch late afternoon.

Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Train Bleu

Dine in style at this ornate Belle Époque restaurant inside Gare de Lyon, offering exquisite French cuisine and historic ambience.

EUR70, 2h

Find Hotels in Paris

Day 2: Versailles Day

Versailles, France on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at La Petite Venise

Start your day with a light breakfast in this charming restaurant located near Versailles Gardens, serving fresh pastries and coffee.

EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Tour the Palace of Versailles

Discover the grandeur of French royalty with a guided tour through the opulent palace and its extensive gardens. The palace opens at 9:00am.

EUR20, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Flottille

Enjoy lunch by the Grand Canal, with classic French dishes and a relaxed atmosphere to rest after touring the palace.

EUR35, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Estate

Explore the smaller palaces and the idyllic estate of Marie Antoinette, a quieter section open alongside the main palace.

Included with Palace ticket, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Paris and dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Back in Paris, dine at this traditional Parisian brasserie known for hearty, affordable French cuisine and a lively atmosphere.

EUR30, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Versailles

Day 3: Lyon Gastronomy

Lyon, France on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Mokxa

Try expertly brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries at this popular café known for quality and modern style.

EUR10, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Lyon

Departure from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu by high-speed train, approximately 2 hours journey.

EUR50 (one way), 2h

10:30am

Explore Vieux Lyon

Wander through Lyon’s Renaissance old town, admiring traboules (hidden passageways) and historic architecture.

Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Savour Lyon’s cuisine at this renowned indoor food market, famous for charcuterie, cheese, and local specialities.

Approx. EUR25, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Ascend to this stunning basilica on Fourvière Hill for panoramic views over Lyon and impressive architecture, open daily.

Free, 1h

3:30pm

Stroll through Parc de la Tête d'Or

Relax in one of France’s largest urban parks with botanical gardens, a lake, and zoo.

Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bouchon Les Lyonnais

Experience authentic Lyonnais cuisine at a traditional bouchon, featuring hearty regional dishes.

EUR40, 2h

Find Hotels in Lyon

Day 4: Provence Culture

Avignon, France on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at a local bakery

Grab fresh pastries and coffee at a local Avignon boulangerie to start the day traditionally.

EUR8, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Avignon

Take a train from Lyon to Avignon, approximately 1.5 hours, for exploring Provence's historic heart.

EUR40, 1.5h

10:00am

Visit Palais des Papes

Tour the magnificent 14th-century papal palace, one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe, open from 9:30am.

EUR12, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Table d’Uzès

Dine on Provençal cuisine, focusing on local fresh ingredients, in a charming setting near Avignon.

EUR35, 1.5h

2:30pm

Walk the historic Pont Saint-Bénézet

Visit the famous medieval bridge ruins with fantastic river views, open in the afternoon.

EUR5, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Avignon’s old town

Wander Avignon’s cobbled streets, markets, and squares for a relaxing late afternoon exploring local life.

Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Cuisine d’Agape

Enjoy a creative take on Provençal flavours in this highly regarded local restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere.

EUR45, 2h

Find Hotels in Avignon

Day 5: French Riviera

Nice, France on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Pain & Cie

Start your day in Nice with artisan bread, croissants, and great coffee at this popular bakery.

EUR10, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Nice

Morning train from Avignon to Nice, about 3 hours along scenic routes toward the Mediterranean coast.

EUR50, 3h

11:30am

Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Nice’s famous seafront, soaking in the sunshine and vibrant atmosphere.

Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Rossettisserie

Savour Mediterranean dishes specialising in roasted meats in a cosy setting near the Old Town.

EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Discover narrow colourful streets filled with shops, markets, and historic sites that reflect Nice’s rich heritage.

Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Climb or take the lift to enjoy panoramic views over Nice and the coastline, plus peaceful gardens and waterfalls.

Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Bistroy

Complete your final evening with delightful French cuisine in a friendly bistro atmosphere close to the seafront.

EUR40, 2h

Find Hotels in Nice

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Classic 5-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of France

Day 1: Paris Exploration

8:00am

9:30am

1:00pm

3:00pm

5:30pm

7:30pm

Day 2: Versailles Day

7:30am

9:00am

1:00pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 3: Lyon Gastronomy

7:00am

8:00am

10:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

3:30pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Provence Culture

7:00am

8:00am

10:00am

12:30pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 5: French Riviera

7:00am

8:00am

11:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

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