About France · travel guide
Where to go in France for the first time: 7 scenarios without the chaos
We choose a region to suit your pace and interests and plan the logistics so you do not spend your holiday in transit.
How to work out what suits you
| If you | This would suit you | What you get |
|---|---|---|
Are visiting France for the first time | A complete itinerary for your pace and interests | A day-by-day itinerary with addresses and timings |
Do not want to spend time on logistics | An itinerary with one base or carefully planned changes of location | A list of places to book: restaurants and museums |
Are looking for a balance between culture and relaxation | Tried-and-tested places without tourist traps | A budget estimate and transport options |
Want to see the real France, beyond Paris | A clear plan with alternatives for bad weather and closing days | Support in English before and during your trip |
7 ideas for a first trip
Choose a region to suit your interests, time and pace. Every itinerary has been tried in practice.
Paris + 2–3 days nearby (without changing bases)
- Versailles, Chantilly or Fontainebleau: choose one château
- Stay in Paris and take day trips
- Suitable for a first visit and short trips
Normandy: sea, history and beautiful towns
- Honfleur, Étretat, Mont-Saint-Michel: postcard views
- Fresh oysters, cider and a relaxed pace
- Easy to reach from Paris (2 hours by train)
Loire Valley: châteaux and villages
- Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise: the main châteaux in 3–4 days
- Cycle routes along the river
- Quiet towns, wineries and gardens
Provence: markets, villages and landscapes
- Gordes, Roussillon, Avignon: Provençal villages
- Lavender fields (June–July), markets and olive groves
- A slow pace, plenty of light and colour
French Riviera: Nice as a base + day trips
- Nice, Antibes, Cannes and Èze in 4–5 days
- The sea, promenades, museums and markets
- Convenient without a car (trains along the coast)
Alsace: fairytale towns and atmosphere
- Colmar, Strasbourg and the Wine Route, all close together
- Half-timbered houses and Christmas markets (December)
- German influence in food and architecture
Bordeaux: city + ocean at a relaxed pace
- Bordeaux (2 days), Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat, Saint-Émilion
- Oysters, wine and ocean air
- Suitable for a relaxing, unhurried holiday
Matching your trip
Choose the ideal format
Answer 6 questions to find suitable trip ideas
Step 1 of 6
Itineraries by length
1 day
View all →2–3 days
View all →5–7 days
View all →Logistics: avoid losing days on the road
5 rules that turn chaos into a comfortable trip
One base rather than constant moves
Choose one town for 3–5 nights and take trips within a 1–2-hour radius. This saves time on packing, parking and checking in and out. The exception is a journey along the coast or a wine route.
Realistic journey times
GPS gives ideal journey times. Add 30% for traffic near towns, parking and stops. Paris to Normandy is not two hours but two and a half to three. Do not plan more than two or three hours of driving a day.
Sundays and closures
Sunday: shops and many restaurants are closed. Monday: museums and markets are closed. Lunchtime: many places close from 12:00 to 14:00. Plan activities around these times.
Parking and fines
Blue zones: free for 1–2 hours with a parking disc. Paid parking:€2–4 per hour. Fines start at €35. In town centres, park on the outskirts and walk: it is faster and cheaper.
A bad-weather plan
Always have a plan B: museums, covered markets, wineries and thermal baths. This is especially important in Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley. Check the forecast 3 days ahead and adjust the itinerary.
Rules and timetables can change: we check them for your dates.
What it costs: budget guidelines
Three comfort levels: choose the one that matches your expectations
Comfort
A sensible balance of price and quality
Premium
More comfort and fine food
Luxury
The highest level of service
Prices depend on the season and town; we calculate the final cost for your enquiry.
We will do it for you
Planning, logistics and bookings so you can simply arrive and enjoy your trip
Choosing an itinerary
- Understanding your interests and preferred pace
- A ready-made day-by-day plan with addresses
- Restaurant and activity bookings
- Adjustments during your trip
Guided tours
- An expert regional guide
- Tastings and private visits
- Logistics and bookings
- Groups of up to 8 people
Transfer and car with driver
- Pick-up at the airport or hotel
- An itinerary built around your plan
- Stops for photos and shopping
- English-speaking driver
Useful resources
When to visit France
Seasons, weather and prices
Trip budget
Real prices for accommodation, food and transport
Travel mistakes
10 common mistakes and how to avoid them
France with children
Pace, activities and logistics
7-day itinerary
Ready-made combinations of regions
Trips from Paris
1–3 days near Paris
Transport: train or car
Pros, cons and when to choose each
Choosing your base
How to choose a town for overnight stays
Parking and fines
Rules, zones and how to avoid a fine
Sundays and closures
What is open and what is closed
Transfers
Airport, intercity and chauffeur transfers
Transfer estimate
Price calculator
Traveller reviews
Real stories from people who have already made their first trip to France
It was my first time in France, and I was worried about getting lost in the itinerary. They suggested Normandy with Rouen as a base, and everything was within 40–60 minutes. No stress at all.
We travelled with children aged 6 and 9. Provence was ideal: markets, lavender and short drives. The children did not get tired, and we saw everything.
Paris + 3 days in the Loire Valley. Châteaux, wine and no bustle. Exactly what you need for a first visit.
Bordeaux + the ocean at Arcachon. A beautiful city, fresh oysters and an impressive dune. We managed without a car: everything by train.
Alsace in December: Christmas markets, mulled wine and gingerbread houses. It felt like a fairytale rather than a trip.
The French Riviera with Nice as our base. Monaco, Cannes and Antibes are all nearby. Warm sea, excellent food, and we never rushed.
Traveller FAQ
How many days do you need in France?
Allow at least 5–7 days for one region at a comfortable pace, or 10–14 days for two regions. Less than 5 days only makes sense for Paris or a single town as a base for short day trips.
What is best for a first visit?
Paris + 2–3 days in a neighbouring region (Normandy, Loire Valley). Or one region for 5–7 days: Provence, Normandy or the French Riviera. Avoid combining distant regions: you will lose time travelling.
Can you travel without a car?
Paris, Nice, Bordeaux and Lyon: yes, by train and taxi. In Provence, the Loire Valley and Alsace, you need a car or driver, or you will miss the best villages and wineries.
Which region should I choose in the shoulder season?
March–April: Provence and the French Riviera. October–November: Bordeaux for the harvest, and Burgundy. Avoid Normandy and Brittany in winter: it is cold and rainy.
How should you plan with children?
One base for the whole stay, short outings of one or two hours and time to rest. Avoid wine tours and long transfers. The best regions are the French Riviera, the Loire Valley for châteaux and Normandy for beaches.
Should restaurants be booked in advance?
Yes, if you are travelling at weekends, on public holidays or in high season (July–August). On weekdays and in the shoulder season you can manage without booking, but popular venues are best booked 2–3 days ahead.
How much time should I allow for travel?
Real journey time = GPS estimate +30%. Allow for traffic near cities, parking and stops. Paris–Normandy:2.5–3 hours. Paris–Provence:7–8 hours, so flying is better. Do not plan more than 2–3 hours on the road each day.
What can we do in the rain?
Museums, covered markets, wineries with tastings, cooking classes and thermal spas in Provence. Always have a plan B for each day, especially in Normandy and Brittany.
How does tipping work?
Service is included in the bill. Tipping is not compulsory but is customary: 5–10% in restaurants, rounding up in cafés, €1–2 for a taxi driver. Do not leave tips by card: cash only.
What is the best pace for an itinerary?
Slow: one base, short outings. Moderate: two or three bases in a week, transfers of one or two hours. Active: a new base every two days. For a first trip, we recommend a slow or moderate pace.
How do I order a tailor-made itinerary?
Fill in the website form or message us on WhatsApp. Include your dates, number of days, interests, pace and budget. We will suggest 2–3 itineraries with addresses, reservations and logistics. Prices start at €150.
How do transfers and waiting time work?
We meet you at the airport or hotel and follow your itinerary, stopping for photographs and shopping. The driver waits at attractions, which is included in the price. The fare is fixed, without a meter. You can calculate it on the website.
A 7-day itinerary in France
2–3-day trips from Paris
Tours in France
Transfers and a car with a driverAn itinerary for your dates
Would you like an itinerary for your dates?
We choose regions, prepare a day-by-day plan and book restaurants