Romantic Foodie & Adventure Road Trip from Colmar to Nice with Montbeliard, Paragliding & Verdon Gorge Kayaking

Day 1: Arrival & Colmar Exploration

Colmar, France on September 10, 2025

3:00pm

Arrive in Colmar and Check-in

Arrive at Colmar, pick up your rental car, and settle into your charming boutique hotel in the Old Town, setting the tone for a romantic trip.
EUR0, 0h30m

4:00pm

Walk Old Town and Little Venice

Explore Colmar’s colorful half-timbered houses and picturesque canals, especially the famed Little Venice district, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Wistub de la Petite Venise

Savor authentic Alsatian dishes including flammekueche alongside local wines in a cozy setting. Open until 9pm.
EUR50-70, 1h30m

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bretelles

Start your day in Colmar at this hip café, enjoying artisan coffee and freshly baked pastries. Opens at 7am.
EUR15, 1h

Day 2: Montbeliard & Culinary Delights

Montbeliard, France on September 11, 2025

8:30am

Drive to Montbeliard

Scenic 1.5-hour drive southwest to Montbeliard, known for its Renaissance architecture and lively markets.
EUR0, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Château de Montbéliard

Tour the historic castle with panoramic town views. Open from 10am to 6pm.
EUR6, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Auberge du Théâtre

Indulge in traditional Franche-Comté dishes and cheeses at this charming eatery open until 2pm.
EUR40-60, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Montbeliard Old Town

Stroll quaint streets, admire half-timbered houses, and enjoy the small-town French ambiance.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Annecy

Travel south about 2 hours to Annecy, famous for its stunning lake and scenic old town.
EUR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Freti

Delight in Savoyard specialties like fondue and raclette in cozy surroundings, open until 10pm.
EUR50-70, 1h30m

Day 3: Annecy Lake & Streets

Annecy, France on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le café Bunna

Enjoy excellent coffee and pastries near the lake in this popular café, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Boat Rental on Lake Annecy

Rent an electric boat or paddleboat for a serene 2-hour cruise across the crystal-clear lake surrounded by mountains.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Ciboulette

Dine on inventive French fare with fresh, local ingredients in a charming downtown setting, open until 2:30pm.
EUR40-60, 1h30m

2:30pm

Stroll Annecy Old Town

Explore historic streets, visit landmarks like the Palais de l'Isle, and discover quaint shops.
EUR0, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Aix-les-Bains

30-minute scenic drive to the spa town of Aix-les-Bains by Lac du Bourget.
EUR0, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Table d'Armante

Enjoy refined French dishes with lake views at this popular Aix-les-Bains restaurant, open until 10pm.
EUR60-80, 1h30m

Day 4: Spa Day & Travel to Verdon

Aix-les-Bains to Verdon Gorge area, France on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maison Kaiser

Start with exceptional pastries and coffee at this bakery, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Thermal Spa at Les Thermes Chevalley

Relax in the soothing thermal baths and perhaps book a couple’s massage. Open 9am-9pm.
EUR50-100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at L'Éphémère

Enjoy light French cuisine highlighting local lake catch, open until 2pm.
EUR40-55, 1h30m

2:30pm

Drive to Verdon Gorge area near Castellane

Embark on a 3-hour drive south to the breathtaking Verdon Gorge, famed for dramatic cliffs and turquoise river waters.
EUR0, 3h

6:00pm

Check into accommodation near Verdon Gorge

Choose a charming guesthouse or hotel around Castellane as your base for adventure.
EUR0, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at local bistro

Sample regional Provencal dishes at a nearby restaurant open until 9:30pm.
EUR40-60, 1h30m

Day 5: Verdon Gorge Kayaking & Drive to Digne-les-Bains

Verdon Gorge and Digne-les-Bains, France on September 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation or local café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your outdoor adventure.
EUR10-15, 0h45m

9:00am

Kayaking in Verdon Gorge

Experience a 3-4 hour guided kayaking trip down the stunning turquoise waters of the Verdon River, surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Booking in advance recommended.
EUR60-90 per person, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch picnic or light local meal

Recover after your paddle with a picnic by the river or a quick meal at a nearby bistro.
EUR20-30, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Digne-les-Bains

About 1.5-hour drive to Digne-les-Bains, a gateway to nearby paragliding and charming town exploration.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Digne-les-Bains town center

Visit small museums or walk the town streets to unwind.
EUR5, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Bohemian

Casual dining with French bistro classics perfect after a day of adventure, open until 8:30pm.
EUR25-40, 1h30m

Day 6: Paragliding & Coastal Drive

Digne-les-Bains to Grasse and Antibes, France on September 15, 2025

8:00am

Early Breakfast at local bakery

Fuel up with fresh croissants and coffee, bakery opens at 7am.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Paragliding with Eole Parapente

Soar over the spectacular alpine scenery near Digne-les-Bains on a tandem paragliding flight of 20-30 minutes, including briefing and transport. Booking required.
EUR120 per person, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Bohemian

Post-flight meal with classic French dishes in a warm atmosphere.
EUR25-40, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Grasse

Drive approximately 2.5 hours south to Grasse, the famed perfume capital of the world.
EUR0, 2h30m

5:00pm

Visit Fragonard Perfume Museum

Discover the art of perfume making with a guided tour and free sampling; open 9am-6pm.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Délices de Manon

Experience delicious Provencal cuisine accompanied by local wines, open until 10pm.
EUR50-70, 1h30m

Day 7: Beach Day & Nice Arrival

Antibes and Nice, France on September 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Grand Hôtel in Grasse

Enjoy breakfast with fresh coffee and pastries before heading to the coast, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Antibes

Short 45-minute drive down the coast to Antibes to enjoy its famed beaches.
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10:30am

Beach Time at Plage de la Salis

Relax on the sandy beach and swim in clear Mediterranean waters; perfect for a full morning of sun and sea.
EUR0, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Plage Keller

Enjoy fresh seafood right on the beach with stunning views, open for lunch until 3pm.
EUR40-60, 1h30m

3:30pm

Drive to Nice

A short 30-minute drive to Nice for your final stop along the Côte d’Azur.
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6:00pm

Check into hotel & explore Nice Old Town

Settle into your accommodation and wander the lively old town’s shops, bars, and gelato spots.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Rossettisserie

Savor traditional roasted dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere, open until 10pm.
EUR50-70, 1h30m

Day 8: Explore Nice & Beach

Nice, France on September 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Emilie’s Cookies & Café

Begin your day with gourmet coffee and pastries close to the promenade, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Promenade des Anglais Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Nice’s iconic bayside promenade with beautiful ocean views.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Cours Saleya Market visit

Explore vibrant stalls selling flowers, fresh produce, and local crafts in Nice’s bustling market.
EUR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Acchiardo

Taste Niçoise classics in an authentic family-run restaurant, open until 2:30pm.
EUR40-55, 1h30m

2:30pm

Afternoon at Plage Beau Rivage

Relax on Nice’s private beach with crystal clear waters; rent chairs available.
EUR15, 3h

6:00pm

Explore Old Town Nice nightlife

Wander the lively streets full of vibrant bars, gelato shops, and cozy cafes as you soak up the Mediterranean evening.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Farewell Dinner at La Petite Maison

Celebrate your trip with upscale Mediterranean dishes in an elegant setting, reservations recommended. Open until 11pm.
EUR80-120, 2h

Day 9: Departure

Nice, France on September 20, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick and easy breakfast to start your day before travel to the airport.
EUR0-20, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Nice Airport

Head to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport allowing time for rental car return prior to your 10:00am flight.
EUR0, 0h30m