Comfort
●●●
- Central 3–4-star hotels
- Car hire or trains
- Mid-range restaurants
- Entry tickets
About France · travel guide
France in 7 days: the best itineraries for your travel style
Choose your style, base town and pace to get a ready-made plan with logistics.
Travel style
Choose your style and get a ready-to-follow plan
Each itinerary includes a day-by-day plan, logistics and alternative options.
RomanceClassic: Paris + 2–3 days nearbyView itinerary 
SeasideNormandy: the sea and historyView itinerary 
CultureLoire Valley: châteaux and villagesView itinerary 
Seaside + villagesSouth: Provence + French RivieraView itinerary 
AtmosphereAlsace: towns and atmosphereView itinerary 
FamilyWith children: a comfortable paceView itinerary 
LuxuryPremium: less travel, more serviceView itinerary Pace
3 rules to keep your week from becoming a race
These principles help you preserve your energy and enjoy the trip.
- 01
1 base instead of 5 moves
Choose 1–2 towns as bases and make day trips
Changing hotels every day wastes time and energy
- 02
No more than 2–2½ hours on the road per day
Allow for road types and traffic, not just kilometres
Leave time for parking, walks and spontaneous stops
- 03
A plan B for rain and weekend closures
Many museums and restaurants close on Mondays or Sundays
Have alternatives for bad weather (museums, covered markets, wineries)
Timetables and rules may change; we check them for your dates.
Itineraries
7 ready-to-follow week-long itineraries
Romance
Classic: Paris + 2–3 days nearby
- Base
- Paris (+ 1 optional night in Champagne)
- Pace
- Moderate
- Transport
- Train or car with a driver
- Best season
- April–June, September–October
Who it suits
- First trip to France
- You want to see the highlights without rushing
- You prefer culture and atmosphere
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1 · Paris
Arrival in Paris, check-in and a first walk around the centre
- 2
Day 2 · Paris
Paris: Louvre, Tuileries, Seine and an evening in the Marais
- 3
Day 3 · Paris
Paris: Montmartre, Eiffel Tower and a Seine cruise
- 4
Day 4 · Reims
Trip to Champagne: Reims, tastings and a night in Reims or Épernay
- 5
Day 5 · Épernay
Champagne houses and villages, then back to Paris in the evening
- 6
Day 6 · Paris
Paris: museums (Orsay, Orangerie), shopping and restaurants
- 7
Day 7 · Paris
Morning walk and departure flight
Options
- Choose the Loire Valley instead of Champagne, with Chambord and Chenonceau châteaux
- Or Normandy (Rouen, Étretat, Giverny)
- You can stay in Paris for all 7 days and make day trips
Hover over a day to see its location on the map.
Seaside
Normandy: the sea and history
- Base
- Rouen + Honfleur/Deauville
- Pace
- Relaxed
- Transport
- Car or car with a driver
- Best season
- May–September
Who it suits
- You love the sea but do not want to go south
- You are interested in history and architecture
- You prefer a relaxed pace
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1 · Rouen
Arrival in Paris, transfer to Rouen (1.5 hours), walk through the old town
- 2
Day 2 · Rouen
Rouen: cathedral, museums, markets and an evening at a restaurant
- 3
Day 3 · Étretat
Trip to Étretat: cliffs, a coastal walk and a night in Honfleur
- 4
Day 4 · Honfleur
Honfleur: harbour, galleries and market, then on to Deauville/Trouville
- 5
Day 5 · Deauville
Deauville: beach, promenade, casino and seafood
- 6
Day 6 · Mont-Saint-Michel
Optional: a trip to Mont-Saint-Michel (2 hours) or a day in Caen
- 7
Day 7 · Paris
Return to Paris (2 hours) and departure flight
Options
- Add 1 day in Paris at the beginning or end
- Mont-Saint-Michel can be replaced with Bayeux and the D-Day beaches
- Without a car, base yourself in Rouen and make trips by train or bus
Hover over a day to see its location on the map.
Culture
Loire Valley: châteaux and villages
- Base
- Blois or Amboise
- Pace
- Moderate
- Transport
- Car or car with a driver
- Best season
- April–October
Who it suits
- You love châteaux and history
- You want beautiful scenery and villages
- You prefer a moderate pace
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1 · Amboise
Arrival in Paris, transfer to Blois or Amboise (2 hours), check-in
- 2
Day 2 · Chambord
Châteaux: Chambord in the morning, Cheverny in the afternoon and an evening in town
- 3
Day 3 · Chenonceau
Chenonceau château, Villandry gardens and a winery in Vouvray
- 4
Day 4 · Azay-le-Rideau
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, the village of Chinon and red wine tasting
- 5
Day 5 · Tours
Tours: old town, markets, museums and an evening at a restaurant
- 6
Day 6 · Amboise
Amboise château, Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci’s house) and a walk along the Loire
- 7
Day 7 · Paris
Return to Paris (2 hours) and departure flight
Options
- Add 1–2 days in Paris at the beginning or end
- Instead of Tours, you can visit Orléans or Angers
- If you enjoy cycling, this itinerary is ideal for rides along the Loire
Hover over a day to see its location on the map.
Seaside + villages
South: Provence + French Riviera
- Base
- Nice + Avignon/Aix
- Pace
- Moderate
- Transport
- Car or car with a driver
- Best season
- May–June, September–October
Who it suits
- You want to combine the sea and villages
- You love markets, food and landscapes
- You prefer a warm climate
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1 · Nice
Arrival in Nice, check-in and a walk along the Promenade des Anglais
- 2
Day 2 · Nice
Nice: old town, Cours Saleya market, Castle Hill and the beach
- 3
Day 3 · Monaco
Day trip to Monaco and Èze, evening in Nice
- 4
Day 4 · Aix-en-Provence
Travel to Provence: Aix-en-Provence or Avignon (3 hours)
- 5
Day 5 · Gordes
Provence: the Luberon villages of Gordes, Roussillon and Ménerbes
- 6
Day 6 · Avignon
Avignon: Papal Palace, bridge, markets and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wineries
- 7
Day 7 · Nice
Return to Nice (3 hours), departure flight
Options
- You can stay only in Nice and make day trips (without changing hotels)
- Or only in Provence (flying into Marseille)
- In summer, add the lavender fields of the Valensole plateau
Hover over a day to see its location on the map.
Atmosphere
Alsace: towns and the Wine Route
- Base
- Strasbourg (+ 1–2 optional nights in Colmar)
- Pace
- Relaxed
- Transport
- Car or train + taxi
- Best season
- April–October, December for Christmas markets
Who it suits
- You love fairytale towns and villages
- You are interested in white wines and gastronomy
- You want a compact region without long drives
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1 · Strasbourg
Arrival in Strasbourg, check-in and a walk through Petite France
- 2
Day 2 · Strasbourg
Strasbourg: cathedral, museums, canal cruise and an evening in a winstub
- 3
Day 3 · Riquewihr
Wine Route: Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim and tastings
- 4
Day 4 · Colmar
Colmar: old town, Unterlinden Museum and Little Venice
- 5
Day 5 · Haut-Kœnigsbourg
Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle and the villages of Ribeauvillé and Hunawihr
- 6
Day 6 · Obernai
Obernai, Barr, wineries and return to Strasbourg
- 7
Day 7 · Strasbourg
Morning walk and departure flight
Options
- In winter, add the Christmas markets in November–December
- You can add 1 day in Basel (Switzerland) or Freiburg (Germany)
- Without a car, base yourself in Strasbourg: trains serve Colmar and the larger towns
Hover over a day to see its location on the map.
Family
With children: a comfortable pace
- Base
- Paris, with an optional 1 night in the Loire Valley
- Pace
- Very relaxed
- Transport
- Car with a driver (more convenient with children)
- Best season
- May–June, September (not hot)
Who it suits
- You are travelling with children aged 5–12
- You need a slow pace and short journeys
- You want a balance of culture and entertainment
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1 · Paris
Arrival in Paris, check-in and a gentle walk in the Tuileries
- 2
Day 2 · Paris
Paris: going up the Eiffel Tower, a Seine cruise and ice cream
- 3
Day 3 · Paris
Paris: Louvre (2 hours, highlights only), a park and carousels
- 4
Day 4 · Chambord
Day trip to the Loire Valley: Chambord château and its large park, overnight in Blois
- 5
Day 5 · Chenonceau
Chenonceau château (gardens, maze), picnic and return to Paris
- 6
Day 6 · Paris
Paris: Montmartre, funicular, Place du Tertre and crêpes
- 7
Day 7 · Paris
Morning walk and departure flight
Options
- Choose Disneyland instead of the Loire Valley (1–2 days)
- Or Normandy (beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel)
- Avoid long museum visits: 1½–2 hours maximum
Hover over a day to see its location on the map.
Luxury
Premium: less travel, more service
- Base
- Paris (5-star hotel)
- Pace
- Very relaxed
- Transport
- A premium car with a driver
- Best season
- Year-round
Who it suits
- You want maximum comfort and service
- You are interested in the best restaurants and hotels
- You prefer private experiences
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1 · Paris
Arrival in Paris, premium transfer, check-in at a 5-star hotel and dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant
- 2
Day 2 · Paris
Paris: private Louvre tour, lunch at Le Meurice and an evening at the opera
- 3
Day 3 · Paris
Paris: shopping with a personal stylist, a spa and dinner at La Tour d’Argent
- 4
Day 4 · Épernay
Transfer to Champagne in a Mercedes S-Class, a private tasting at Moët and an overnight stay in a château
- 5
Day 5 · Reims
Champagne: a visit to Dom Pérignon, lunch at L’Assiette Champenoise (3 stars) and return to Paris
- 6
Day 6 · Paris
Paris: private Seine cruise, lunch at Alain Ducasse and free time
- 7
Day 7 · Paris
Breakfast in your room, then transfer to the airport
Options
- You can replace Champagne with Burgundy or Bordeaux
- Add a helicopter tour over the Loire châteaux
- Include a private cookery class with a chef
Hover over a day to see its location on the map.
Matching your trip
Find your option in 30 seconds
Answer 5 questions and get 3 recommendations.
Step 1 of 5
Logistics and budget
Logistics and budget: what to consider
These rules help you avoid common mistakes and save time.
Logistics
- 1
1 base instead of 5 moves
Choose 1–2 towns as bases and make day trips. Changing hotels every day wastes time.
- 2
Realistic journey times
Consider not only the distance but also the type of road, traffic and parking. Add 30% to the GPS estimate.
- 3
Sundays and closures
Many museums close on Mondays and restaurants on Sundays. Check schedules in advance.
- 4
Parking and fines
Parking in town centres is paid and difficult. Choose hotels with parking or use a driver.
- 5
A plan B for bad weather
Have alternatives ready: museums, indoor markets, wineries and spas. Not every day will be sunny.
Rules and timetables can change: we check them for your dates.
Budget
Premium
●●●
- 4–5-star or boutique hotels
- Car with a driver
- Restaurants with 1 Michelin star
- Private tastings
Luxury
●●●
- 5-star hotels or châteaux
- A premium car with a driver
- Restaurants with 2–3 Michelin stars
- Private visits and experiences
Prices depend on the season and town; we calculate the final cost for your enquiry.
Get a budget estimateReviews
Traveller reviews
The Normandy itinerary was ideal. No rushing, we did everything, and even the weather was good.
The Loire Valley with children is an excellent choice. Châteaux, parks and short drives. The children loved it.
Provence + Nice in a week is possible. Avignon as a base, with day trips. No stress.
Paris + Champagne: the classic works. 5 days in Paris, 2 in Reims. Ideal.
Alsace is compact and beautiful. Strasbourg as a base, with everything nearby. Recommended.
A premium itinerary with a driver is a different level. Nothing to worry about, just experiences to enjoy.
The Normandy itinerary was ideal. No rushing, we did everything, and even the weather was good.
The Loire Valley with children is an excellent choice. Châteaux, parks and short drives. The children loved it.
Provence + Nice in a week is possible. Avignon as a base, with day trips. No stress.
Paris + Champagne: the classic works. 5 days in Paris, 2 in Reims. Ideal.
Alsace is compact and beautiful. Strasbourg as a base, with everything nearby. Recommended.
A premium itinerary with a driver is a different level. Nothing to worry about, just experiences to enjoy.
Questions
FAQ about a week in France
Answers to common questions about planning an itinerary.
How many days are enough for a first trip?
7 days is the ideal minimum. Less would be too rushed. More is better, but 7 days lets you see 1–2 regions without rushing.
Can you travel without a car?
Yes, if you use Paris or larger cities as a base. Trains run well. But a car is more convenient for villages and wine regions.
Which is better: Normandy or Provence?
It depends on the season and your interests. Normandy means the sea, history and cooler weather. Provence means villages, markets and warmth. Both are good choices.
What pace works with children?
Very relaxed. No more than 1–2 places per day, short journeys, more parks and fewer museums. A plan B for difficult moods is essential.
Do you need restaurant reservations?
At popular places and starred restaurants, yes, 1–2 weeks ahead. At ordinary bistros it is not essential, but calling in the morning is best.
How much time should I allow for journeys?
No more than 2–2.5 hours a day. Allow for parking, stops and traffic as well as the GPS estimate. Add 30% to the calculated time.
Can you combine several regions?
Yes, but no more than 2 in a week. For example, Paris + Champagne or Provence + Nice. Three regions is already a race.
What if it rains?
Museums, covered markets, wineries, spas and restaurants. Always have a plan B. Weather in France is changeable.
How do transfers and waiting time work?
The driver meets you at the airport, follows the itinerary and waits during your stops. You pay by the day, not by the kilometre. A convenient option for wine regions.
Which region should I choose in the shoulder season?
Paris, Alsace (Christmas markets), Bordeaux. Avoid Provence and Nice from November to March: many places are closed.
An itinerary for your dates
Want an itinerary with timings that really work?
We build an itinerary around your dates, interests and pace. We check timetables, book restaurants and arrange a transfer.