Highlights of France: 7-Day Itinerary
Wine, History, and Famous Sights
Are you trying to plan a fantastic trip around France? If you're not sure where to start, where to go, how much it will cost, or how much time you need, then we've got the answers. This route will let you experience the big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food of the region. This itinerary can be used as a guide and an outline for your next trip, because here you'll find all of the information you need to put together an amazing seven-day trip.
While visiting France, you'll find world-famous sights, local wines, delicious food, and colorful cities. We've put together plenty of specific plans below, starting with with the many reasons why you should visit this amazing region. We then cover estimated costs, where to stay, the route, and things to see and do along the way.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Paris (2 days)
- Versailles (1 day)
- Lyon (2 days)
- Avignon (2 days)
The Louvre, Paris
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big City Activities
- Delicious Food
- Historic Sites
- Small Town Charm
- Museums
- Beautiful Locations
France is known for its large cities full of sights, attractions, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and more. By taking some time to explore some of the larger cities, you'll not only have a fun trip, but you'll get a chance to experience the unique culture and vibrant city attractions. With plenty of big city activities, Paris and Lyon shouldn't be missed.
Many travelers embark on journeys with the pursuit of mouthwatering cuisine, and France is no exception. This trip promises a plethora of exceptional restaurants and local delicacies that demand a taste. The food in Paris, Avignon, and Lyon is especially delicious.
So much history is to be found in France. Don't miss the historic architecture, museums, and charming vibe of the area.
It's essential not to bypass the picturesque and charming small towns in the region. They grant you a superb opportunity to embrace and enjoy the local culture. You'll find plenty of small town charm in Avignon.
Don't rush past the excellent museums along this route - set aside some time to explore and appreciate them. The museums of Lyon, Versailles, and Paris are particularly good.
One of the primary attractions in France is its jaw-dropping scenery, drawing visitors from far and wide. Make sure to pack your camera because seeing it in person is better than you've heard. You don't want to miss Versailles, Lyon, and Paris for the beautiful scenery.
Pont d'Avignon, France
When is the best time to visit?
As summer unfolds in France, it becomes a magnet for travelers seeking a memorable experience. Brace yourself for bustling crowds, but take comfort in the fact that this is when everything is open and at its peak accessibility.
Who is this itinerary for?
France has earned a reputation as a go-to spot for couples. If you're traveling with your better half, brace yourselves for an exceptional experience. Down below, you'll find plenty of insight around romantic activities for your trip. For romantic charm, Versailles, Paris, and Lyon especially should not be missed.
Looking for a perfect family-friendly destination? Look no further than France, where a multitude of kid-friendly activities awaits to make your trip an absolute delight. In the various sections below, we'll discuss this even more. For example, families love all of the activities in Lyon and Paris.
If you're watching your wallet or embarking on a backpacking escapade, the area has got you covered with a range of budget-friendly options. From economical hostels and budget hotels to free activities, affordable eats, and a vibrant social atmosphere, your trip is set to be fantastic without breaking the bank. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Paris and Lyon tend to favor budget travelers.
Lyon, France, as viewed from the Saone River
Transportation
It's fairly easy to get between these destinations in France, as most of these places are an average of 4 hours apart.
We selected Paris as the starting point because it offers plenty of transporation options. At the end, this itinerary loops back around to the start to make it convenient, but you could also arrive or leave from any destination along the way. To get to Paris, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Traveling by train through France is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.
Is seven days enough time in France?
Yes, seven days provides a comfortable window to explore the major attractions in France. Our meticulously planned itinerary ensures you can absorb the essence of each destination, creating a trip that's not only enjoyable but also leisurely. If you find yourself yearning for more local flavor, extending your stay or dedicating extra time to specific areas is an option. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. Conversely, for those with time constraints, consider adjusting this proposed itinerary for a condensed yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around seven days to truly savor everything.
Paris, France
How much does a seven-day trip to France cost?
The estimated budget breakdown for this seven-day trip through France is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | $249 | 2 | $498 |
| Versailles | $253 | 1 | $253 |
| Lyon | $136 | 2 | $272 |
| Avignon | $763 | 2 | $1,525 |
| Total per Person | $2,548 | ||
| for 2 People | $5,096 | ||
From these calculations, the estimated cost for this seven-day itinerary of France costs $2,548 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.
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 France based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price |
|---|---|
| Paris | $126 |
| Versailles | no data |
| Lyon | $92 |
| Avignon | $114 |
Hostel Prices
Seeking to stretch your travel dollars? Hostels are a fantastic option, especially for younger or solo travelers. The prices outlined below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel at each location. While privacy may be a bit limited in hostel dorms, the ambiance is usually social, creating a wonderful opportunity to form new friendships. Keep in mind that many hostels also offer private rooms, but at a higher cost compared to dorms. Moreover, you can benefit from amenities such as communal kitchens, social activities, and convenient locations. These average prices are computed using available hostel data from HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Paris | $31 |
| Versailles | $34 |
| Lyon | $28 |
France Itinerary
1. Paris
2 Days
Paris is not only the capital city of France, but it is one of Europe's most iconic cities. For many visitors, its a dream destination that is filled with wide boulevards, charming cafes, and world class landmarks. The food is widely recognized as some of the best in the world. The city sits along the River Seine, and a stroll down the river at night is a quintessential Parisian experience.
Many travelers come to Paris because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. You'll want to make a plan of how to see everything on your list. Set aside at least enough time to see the highlights.
The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world.
Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.
This is one of the most popular destinations in the world for nightlife. It's considered by many to be a fun party-oriented city, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.
The music scene here is popular and famous around the world. Make sure to take some time to see a show.
Since Paris is one of the premier shopping cities in the world, make sure you spend some time perusing the local shops.
What to See in Paris
How to Spend 2 Days in Paris
Day 1:
When visiting Paris, you can't miss the Eiffel Tower as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
Don't miss an evening at the theater while in town. Whether it's a musical, opera, ballet, or a famous Broadway-style production, Paris is known for its wide range of shows. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
Paris is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
Day 2:
Paris is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.
The delicious food of Paris 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. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
Public transit in Paris is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.
More Activities
In Paris, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Paris, see The Best Walking Tours in Paris, The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Paris, The Best Versailles Day Trips and Tours in Paris, and The Best Cheap Louvre Tours in Paris.
Paris Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Paris is $249 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Paris here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $9 | $23 | $64 |
| Food2 | $17 | $44 | $116 |
| Entertainment1 | $29 | $83 | $263 |
| Alcohol2 | $10 | $26 | $69 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Paris is $126 based on the average from 1665 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Paris here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Paris, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $31. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Paris here.
Transportation
Trains are a great way to get from Paris to Versailles, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
2. Versailles
1 Day
The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence that has been turned into a public museum showcasing the decadent lives of the historic French royalty. It's also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and it's easily accessible as a day trip from Paris. It has become an iconic symbol of France's grandeur and opulence, renowned for its breathtaking architecture, sumptuous interiors, and sprawling gardens. This magnificent palace was originally built by King Louis XIII in the 17th century but was transformed into a lavish royal residence by his successor, King Louis XIV. With its magnificent Hall of Mirrors, ornate apartments, and impressive galleries showcasing artistic masterpieces, Versailles epitomizes the pinnacle of French Baroque architecture and interior design. The palace's extensive gardens, meticulously landscaped in the French formal style, feature fountains, sculptures, and meticulously manicured lawns, providing a stunning backdrop for leisurely strolls and elegant photos. Today, the Palace of Versailles is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a symbol of France's rich history and cultural heritage, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe who come to marvel at its splendor and immerse themselves in the grandeur of the French monarchy.
How to Spend 1 Day in Versailles
You'll want to maximize your time in Versailles by spending as much time as you can at the Palace of Versailles, including its famous Hall of Mirrors (Galeries des Glaces) and expansive gardens, so plan your schedule accordingly. It's known for its long running history and its grand architecture, and you don't want to miss it.
There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.
It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.
There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.
Versailles Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Versailles is $253 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Versailles here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $25 | $57 | $106 |
| Food2 | $32 | $72 | $135 |
| Entertainment1 | $21 | $49 | $96 |
| Alcohol2 | $9 | $20 | $36 |
Accommodation
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Versailles, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $34. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Versailles here.
Transportation
If you're planning to take the train from Paris to Lyon, you're in luck. The high-speed TGV trains zoom down to Lyon in just two hours.
Trains are a great way to get from Versailles to Lyon, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
3. 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.
Many travelers come to Lyon because it has museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for families and backpackers due to all of the activities.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lyon has many famous sights for visitors. You'll want to make a plan of how to see everything on your list. Set aside at least enough time to see the highlights.
Lyon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.
Lyon 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 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.
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.
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
In Lyon, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time 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
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Lyon is $136 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Lyon here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $8 | $18 | $42 |
| Food2 | $18 | $45 | $101 |
| Entertainment1 | $10 | $22 | $42 |
| Alcohol2 | $11 | $26 | $53 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Lyon is $92 based on the average from 203 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Lyon here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Lyon, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $28. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Lyon here.
Transportation
Trains are a great way to get from Lyon to Avignon, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
4. Avignon
2 Days
Avignon is a town in the region of Provence that dates back to the 1300s. It sits along the Rhône River and is filled with history and beautiful landmarks.
Many travelers come to Avignon because it has small town charm, museums, and delicious food.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. You'll want to make a plan of how to see everything on your list. Set aside at least enough time to see the highlights.
Avignon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.
Avignon 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 Avignon
How to Spend 2 Days in Avignon
Day 1:
Avignon 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. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.
The delicious food of Avignon 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 town'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. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.
Avignon is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.
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. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.
Public transit in Avignon is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.
More Activities
In Avignon, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Avignon, see The Best Luberon Villages Tours from Avignon, The Best Wine Tours in Avignon, The Best Ancient Roman Tours Around Avignon, and The Best Chateauneuf du Pape Tours from Avignon.
Avignon Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Avignon is $763 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Avignon here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $9 | $23 | $58 |
| Food2 | $16 | $36 | $74 |
| Entertainment1 | $7 | $17 | $37 |
| Alcohol2 | $7 | $18 | $40 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Avignon is $114 based on the average from 90 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Avignon here.
Suggested Hotels
Final Transportation
As this is the last destination in the itinerary, you can make your way back to Paris.
Trains are a great way to get from Avignon to Paris, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your seven-day trip in 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!
More Itineraries
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