Eastern France 7-Day Itinerary

Wine, Food, and the Countryside

Ready to craft the perfect adventure around Eastern France, but unsure about where to kick things off, which places to hit, the budget, or how many days to plan for? This itinerary is perfect for you because it's packed with all the essentials to create a spectacular seven-day journey. You'll be able to see the museums, delicious food, beautiful locations, and couples along the way.

If you follow this guide, you'll find local wineries, delicious food, gorgeous countryside, and historic towns. All of the specific planning information you need will be covered below, such as the route, expected budget, activities, and where to stay.

This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:

1. Lyon (2 days)
2. Beaune (2 days)
3. Dijon (2 days)
4. Auxerre (1 day)

Auxerre, France

Itinerary Highlights

• Great for couples
• Family-friendly
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Delicious Food
• Small Town Charm
• Historic Sites
• Beautiful Locations

Indulging in delectable cuisine is a major motivator for travel, and a visit to Eastern France is no different. Brace yourself for an abundance of outstanding restaurants and local dishes that are simply a must-try. In particular, make sure you visit the restaurants in Dijon, Lyon, and Beaune.

The beautiful and charming small towns of the region are a must-see. They provide an excellent chance to dive into the local culture, history, food, and more.

You'll also be able to uncover the rich and vibrant history of Eastern France. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic architecture, museums, and deep historical culture that permeates the area.

Eastern France pulls in visitors for its breathtaking scenery, a key highlight of the region. Don't forget your camera - trust me, the real-life experience is even more awe-inspiring. You don't want to miss Lyon for the beautiful scenery.

Don't want to plan everything yourself? Maybe you should consider an organized tour that takes away all of the stress of planning. Check out our articles for guided tour packages here: The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

See All Guided Tours in France

Lyon, France, as viewed from the Saone River

When is the best time to visit?

Autumn in Eastern France offers a cooler climate, breathtaking natural landscapes, and the added perk of dwindling tourist crowds as the season unfolds. Consider this time of year for a visit if you are able to work it into your schedule.

Summer is a great time to visit Eastern France. It's a peak travel season here that draws plenty of visitors for a good reason. Although you might encounter bustling crowds, the upside is that everything will be wide open and within easy reach.

Who is this itinerary for?

Let's get into the romantic side of Eastern France. This region has a well-deserved reputation as the perfect spot for couples. If you're exploring with your special someone, get ready for a truly delightful experience. Especially visit Beaune, Dijon, and Lyon for the enchanting atmosphere.

If you're planning a family getaway, the area is an absolute winner for a fantastic, kid-friendly trip. There's a wide variety of activities tailored for the little ones. We'll dig into more details below. In particular, make a point to visit Lyon.

This area offers a myriad of travel choices perfect for those on a budget or backpacking adventure. Whether it's budget-friendly hostels, affordable hotels, free activities, pocket-friendly dining, or the lively social scene, you're in for a fantastic trip even if you're pinching pennies. Spending more time in Lyon can especially help your budget.

Beaune, France

Transportation

Getting from one destination to another in Eastern France is generally easy, with the majority of these places being approximately 3 hours apart.

We've planned this as a one-way journey from Lyon to Auxerre because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Auxerre instead of Lyon. To get to Lyon, you can see flight prices and schedules here.

To navigate this itinerary with ease, do it with a car. If you aren't in a position to bring your own, no problem, just rent a car. Having your own vehicle in Eastern France means you're in control of your schedule and can make pit stops whenever you feel like it.

The train network in Eastern France offers a hassle-free and economical way to explore the region. Major cities are well-connected with swift train services, though reaching smaller towns might involve additional time and potential transfers to local buses. Opting for main routes ensures a straightforward journey, allowing travelers to relax and take in the beautiful views from their seats. It's advisable to plan ahead by checking ticket prices and schedules for a smooth travel experience.

Is seven days enough time in Eastern France?

Yes, seven days should give you ample time to explore the key destinations in Eastern France. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you can savor these locales at a leisurely pace, making your trip both relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, if you're eager for more local experiences, feel free to extend your stay or delve deeper into each spot. Day trip options abound, offering flexibility. Conversely, if time is tight, you can customize this suggested itinerary for a shorter yet fulfilling visit. While trimming destinations is an option, we recommend sticking to around seven days to truly appreciate everything.

How much does a seven-day trip to Eastern France cost?

Let's break down the estimated budget for this specific seven-day adventure in Eastern France, assuming you stick to the plan outlined below. Drawing on actual spending data from travelers and cost data from major travel companies, the daily average costs below are per person. They exclude transportation, as that can vary depending on your choices. Consider this breakdown as a financial roadmap, with mid-level hotels, regular dining, and key attractions aligning with these estimates. Anyone seeking cheaper options can opt for hostels, budget hotels, and more affordable food options. On the flip side, embracing luxury hotels, upscale dining, and private tours will make you go well beyond this budget.

The estimated cost for this seven-day adventure in Eastern France is approximately $1,449 per person, according to our calculations. It's worth noting that this does not cover transportation between destinations. That part is entirely dependent on your chosen mode of travel.

Accommodation Costs

Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Eastern France based on calculated averages.

Hotel Prices

The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Sourced from Kayak's hotel data, it's crucial to recognize that these figures exclude taxes and fees. Think of these averages as representative of mid-range hotel experiences, yet, keep in mind, that it's possible to spend more or less, particularly if you opt for budget-friendly lodgings or indulge in high-end luxury hotels. These prices will usually be higher during peak travel season, too.

Hostel Prices

If you're all about smart spending on your adventure, hostels are an enticing option, especially for younger or solo travelers. The prices outlined below show the average expenses for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. Despite sacrificing a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, the lively atmosphere often cultivates a social setting, creating fantastic opportunities to build new connections. It's worth noting that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, along with additional perks like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are computed from available hostel data shared by HostelWorld.

Eastern France Itinerary

1. Lyon

2 Days

Lyon is a beautiful city with a long history. It has one of Europe's best old towns, which climbs the hills above the River Saône and is filled with character. There are many traditional restaurants where you can try the local cuisine. The city is also known for its Marionette puppets and there is a museum as well as places to watch a production.

Lyon brings plenty of visitors because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lyon are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll want to make sure to have at least enough time to see the highlights, but even more time to explore all of it.

For foodies, Lyon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

Lyon has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.

Visitors come to Lyon from all over the world to see its beauty, as it has a reputation of being absolutely stunning.

What to See in Lyon

How to Spend 2 Days in Lyon

Day 1:

Lyon is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

It's worth around 2 hours for The Musée des Arts de la Marionnette. Entry is €8 with free admission for children. It's known for its diverse collection of puppets from around the world.

You'll want to have around 4 hours for The Confluences Museum. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its contemporary architecture and diverse exhibits on science and anthropology. It's €12 with free admission for children and reduced prices for students.

Make sure to set aside around 3 hours for The Cinema and Miniature Museum, which is €17. It's great for families and is known for its collection of miniature sets and special effects props from films.

It's worth around 2 hours for The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. Entry is . It's known for its extensive collection of European paintings and sculptures.

Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière is worth visiting for around 1 hour, which is great for backpackers. Known for its ancient Roman architecture and historical significance, entry is free.

You'll want to have around 1 hour for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its magnificent architecture and panoramic views of Lyon. It's free.

You'll want to have around 1 hour for The Lyon Cathedral. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its Gothic architecture and impressive stained glass windows. It's free.

The culinary scene in Lyon is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

Lyon is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

Day 2:

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

The Halles Paul Bocuse Food Market is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its high-quality produce and gourmet specialties, entry is free.

Lyon is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.

The public transit in Lyon is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

More Activities

Lyon offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Lyon

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Lyon, see The Best Wine Tours and Tastings around Lyon, The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Lyon, The Best Cheap Walking Tours Around Lyon, and The Best Bike Tours in Lyon.

Lyon Costs

Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Lyon average around $182 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Lyon here.

Accommodation

Hotels

When it comes to accommodations in Lyon, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $92, calculated from the data of 203 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Lyon here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Lyon offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $29. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Lyon.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Lyon to Beaune.

Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Lyon to Beaune, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.

2. Beaune

2 Days

Beaune is a beautiful walled town in the middle of Burgundy. It's a popular wine making destination where you can sip French wines and explore vineyards. There are cobblestone streets in town and wandering walks through the countryside outside of town. The town also offers many culinary experiences such as cooking classes and winetasting.

Beaune brings plenty of visitors because it has museums, nightlife, and delicious food. It's also a great destination for couples and families because of everything available.

For foodies, Beaune is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

Beaune has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.

What to See in Beaune

How to Spend 2 Days in Beaune

Day 1:

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

It's worth around 4 hours for Marché aux Vins. Entry is €25 and up depending on the selected tour option. It's known for its guided tours and tastings of Burgundian wines.

The culinary scene in Beaune is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

Beaune is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

Day 2:

Don't miss the Surrounding Vineyards during your trip to Beaune, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

The public transit in Beaune is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

More Activities

Beaune offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Beaune

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Beaune, see The Best Burgundy Wine Tours Around Beaune, The Hospices de Beaune, The Musée du Vin de Bourgogne, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune.

Beaune Costs

Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Beaune average around $241 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Beaune here.

Accommodation

Hotels

When it comes to accommodations in Beaune, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $119, calculated from the data of 59 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Beaune here.

Suggested Hotels

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Beaune to Dijon.

Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Beaune to Dijon, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.

3. Dijon

2 Days

Dijon is the capital of Burgundy. The city has long been a destination for foodies and local favorites include escargot, wines, and, of course, mustard. While you're in the area you can enjoy tours of the nearby vineyards or exploring the stunning architecture.

Dijon brings plenty of visitors because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.

For foodies, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

What to See in Dijon

How to Spend 2 Days in Dijon

Day 1:

Don't miss the Ducal Palace during your trip to Dijon, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The delicious food of Dijon is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Public transit in Dijon is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Day 2:

Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Dijon a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Musée Archéologique de Dijon is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families. Known for its collection of artifacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages, entry is €6.

You'll want to have around 2 hours for The Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne. It's a nice activity for families and is known for its collection of artifacts related to rural life and folk traditions. It's free.

The Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, entry is free.

It's worth around 2 hours for Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon. Entry is free. It's known for its collection of European artworks and decorative arts.

Make sure to set aside around 1 hour for The Church of Notre-Dame of Dijon, which is free. It's great for couples and is known for its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

More Activities

Dijon offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Dijon

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Dijon, see The Best Wine Tours in Dijon and Burgundy, The Dijon Central Market Hall, The Church of Notre-Dame of Dijon, and Arquebuse Botanical Garden.

Dijon Costs

Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Dijon average around $221 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Dijon here.

Accommodation

Hotels

When it comes to accommodations in Dijon, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $82, calculated from the data of 72 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Dijon here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Dijon offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $34. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Dijon.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Dijon to Auxerre.

Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Dijon to Auxerre, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.

4. Auxerre

1 Day

Auxerre is an often overlooked town in Burgundy that is both a commercial and industrial hub for the area. You'll find great wine as well as several beautiful historical buildings.

Auxerre brings plenty of visitors because it has museums. It's also a great destination for families because of everything available.

What to See in Auxerre

How to Spend 1 Day in Auxerre

Perhaps the most famous place in Auxerre is the Auxerre Cathedral, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Public transit in Auxerre is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are buses around town.

More Activities

Auxerre offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Auxerre

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Auxerre, see The Best Wine Tours in Auxerre, The Abbaye Saint-Germain d'Auxerre, The Clock Tower of Auxerre, and Auxerre Cathedral.

Auxerre Costs

Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Auxerre average around $162 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Auxerre here.

Accommodation

Hotels

When it comes to accommodations in Auxerre, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $87, calculated from the data of 10 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Auxerre here.

Suggested Hotels

Final Transportation

As this is the end of this itinerary, you could make your way back to Lyon, or head north to Paris which will probably offer more transportation options.

Next Steps

So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your seven-day trip in Eastern France, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!

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