France 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Paris

  • Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, & Arc de Triomphe: Start your journey in the city of love. Visit these iconic landmarks and enjoy a scenic stroll along the famous avenue. (Metro: Line 1/8 to Concorde, Line 1 to Charles de Gaulle - Étoile)
  • Louvre Museum & Seine River Cruise: Spend the afternoon exploring the Louvre, home to thousands of works of art including the Mona Lisa. In the evening, take a relaxing Seine River cruise. (Metro: Line 1/7 to Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre)
  • Things to Know: Paris is known for its cafes and bistros. Don’t miss out on trying French cuisine! Also, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Visa Requirements: If you’re not from the Schengen Area, you might need a visa to enter France. Check your eligibility here before you travel.

Day 2: Versailles

  • Palace of Versailles: Spend the day at this stunning royal palace, once home to Louis XIV. (RER C to Versailles Rive Gauche)
  • Gardens of Versailles: Explore the vast gardens and marvel at the geometric layout and fountain displays.
  • Things to Know: Wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking involved. It’s also best to visit early in the day to avoid crowds.

Day 3: Loire Valley

  • Château de Chambord: Journey to the Loire Valley and explore this stunning Renaissance chateau with its unique French architecture. (Car or organized tour)
  • Amboise: Visit the charming town of Amboise, known for its beautiful chateau and peaceful atmosphere. Don’t forget to try the local specialty, tarte ambroisienne!
  • Things to Know: The Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its historic castles and gardens.

Day 4: Lyon

  • Old Town (Vieux Lyon): Discover the historical heart of Lyon with its beautiful Renaissance architecture and narrow cobbled streets. (TGV train from Paris to Lyon Part-Dieu)
  • Fourvière Hill & Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière: Climb up to this hill for a panoramic view of the city, and visit the beautiful basilica at the top. (Tramway T3 or Bus C2 to Fourvière)
  • Things to Know: Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France. Make sure to try local dishes like Quenelles de brochet and Saucisson de Lyon.

Day 5: Montpellier & Camargue

  • Montpellier: Explore this vibrant university city with its lovely old town, lively markets, and modern architecture. (TGV train from Lyon to Montpellier St Roch)
  • Camargue: Take a day trip to the Camargue, a unique natural region filled with wildlife such as flamingos and wild horses. (Car or organized tour)
  • Things to Know: The Camargue is also famous for its traditional bullfighting events called “course camarguaise.” If you’re interested, check the schedules before your visit.

Transportation: France has an extensive network of trains (SNCF), buses (FlixBus & Ouibus), and metros in major cities like Paris. Renting a car can also be a great way to explore the countryside. Always remember to drive on the right side of the road!

Accommodation: There are plenty of accommodation options available in France, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Book early for the best deals and locations, especially during peak travel seasons.