7 Days in France: The Only France Itinerary in 7 Days You’ll Ever Need

France is magical. Of course, when most people think of France, they think of Paris. And believe me, Paris is incredible no matter when you go. I’ve visited Paris in January, in the springtime, fall, and summer, and each time, I leave longing to return. But France is more than Paris! If you have 7 days in France, either for a fun trip or a honeymoon, you’ll want to get out and explore all that this country has to offer!

And trust me, there is a LOT to see!

I lived in Grenoble during my semester abroad and barely scratched the surface of this country. I even visit several times a year for my second blog, France Voyager to see more. There are historic caves, D-Day beaches, exciting cities, tasty wine regions, adventurous mountains, and a glorious Mediterranean coastline. And no, with a France itinerary of 7 days, you probably won’t see it all, but you can certainly check off a few of these items!

After many many visits to France over the years and even time spent living in France, I’ve got a pretty good plan to see France in 7 days. So check out the perfect way to see France in 1 week below!

Check out our podcast episode all about Paris!

  

The Perfect France Itinerary in 7 Days

When it comes to planning the perfect France itinerary in 7 days, we’ve got you covered. I love France so much and feel that this is the perfect way to see it! From exciting cities to mountains, and even the beach, here is the France trip itinerary of your dreams.

Here is a quick look at the ultimate France in 7 days trip:

• Day 1: Explore Paris including the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower
• Day 2: Musee Rodin, Musee de l’Orangerie, and a Food Tour
• Day 3: Day trip from Paris of your choice
• Day 4: Arrive and explore Lyon
• Day 5: Visit Annecy
• Days 6-7: Explore Nice including the beaches

For more information, keep reading below!

Yes, this is a quick trip, but if you want to get the most out of a trip to France, this is the way to go! But if you want to slow it down, I’ve got ideas below as well.

Day 1: Explore Paris including the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower

As you’ll likely be flying into Paris to start your tour around France, you may as well check out this eclectic world-renowned city. I recommend getting in the day before so you have today as a full day!

And the reason that it takes up almost half of your week in this France itinerary is that there is so much to do here! While I have a whole guide up about travel to Paris in 4 days as well as a podcast episode about travel to Paris, France, here are some key things you’ll want to see and do during your short visit to Paris for your France trip itinerary.

If you really only have 3 days staying in Paris, the first day has to be about seeing the main sites of course!

And by this, I recommend heading to the 1^st arrondissement and visiting the main attractions. If this is your first time in Paris, you’ve got to check out the Louvre. The architecture alone will blow your mind, and even while I think the Mona Lisa is overrated and far too crowded, there are some truly magnificent pieces of art there that you’ll love to check out!

But definitely book your ticket ahead of time. Those lines can be no joke! Get a timed entry ticket instead and skip the lines. Also, go as soon as it opens to avoid the crazy mid-day crowds!

Next up, head to Palais Royal for an exciting photo opportunity with these columns!

And for the stunning impressionist paintings of Monet and Degas head across the river to Museum D’Orsay. Another popular museum in Paris, D’Orsay may be a museum you’d like to purchase a ticket in advance for as well. But explore this old train station-turned museum filled with famous paintings like Van Gogh’s Self Portrait, Bal du Moulin de la Galette by Renoir, and even The Cardplayers by Cezzane.

And after those two museums, things do start running together. So at this point, it is time to get some fresh air and wander along the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower.

Okay, I’ve been to Paris several times and have never actually been up in the Eiffel Tower. I figure, doesn’t the best view of Paris include the Eiffel Tower? But my parents went this past September and enjoyed the views from it, so if you’ve got the time and extra cash, why not?

For those who’d love a great view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower, head to Bar Perruche instead. The drinks are overpriced, but the views of the city are incredible!

Hours & Admission for Places in Paris on Day 1:

• Louvre Hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 am-6 pm, and Wednesday and Friday 9 am-9 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Louvre Prices: €22 ($25). Get a timed entry ticket from Get Your Guide.
• D’Orsay Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm, Thursdays 9:30 am-9:45 pm. Closed on Mondays.
• D’Orsay Prices: €16 ($18). Purchase a skip-the-line ticket on Get Your Guide. Check other rates on their website.
• Eiffel Tower Hours: Open Daily. Mid-June through early September: 9 am-12 am. Early September-December 9:30 am-11 pm.
• Eiffel Tower Prices: Prices vary based upon which level you go on and whether you take the lift or stairs. Prices start at €14.20 ($16) Check all rates on their website.

Day 2 of Your 7 Days in France Itinerary: Food and Smaller Museums

On your second day in Paris, I would recommend heading to a smaller museum (or two) like the Rodin Museum for fabulous gardens and sculptures or Musee de l’Orangerie for the iconic Monet Water Lilies paintings.

After those magical museums, wander past the Tuileries garden before starting a food tour!

Because, what better way to enjoy your 7-day tour of France than with some of France’s best food?

We love the Food Tour of Le Marias neighborhood, where you go to a boulangerie for baguettes, the most adorable covered market, and so much more. I love food tours because it is basically a walking tour with food and booze.

There is also a Montmartre neighborhood food tour too if you’d prefer to check out that neighborhood!

Hours and Admission for Day 2:

• Rodin Museum Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-6:30 pm. Closed on Mondays.
• Rodin Museum Prices: €14 ($16) for a ticket at the museum.
• Museum L’Orangerie Hours: Wednesday-Monday 9 am-6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Museum L’Orangerie Prices: €12.50 ($14) at the museum. Check their website for other reduced rates.
• Food Tour Le Marias Times/Prices: It starts at various times and costs $129.
• Montmartre Food Tour Times/Prices: It starts at various times and costs $129. 

Day 3: Day Trip From Paris

Now that you’ve gotten a great feel of Paris, I highly suggest spending this day taking a day trip from the city!

There are seriously several day trip options from Paris, but I think the top three are:

• Palace of Versailles
• Mont St Michel
• Loire Valley

I have a whole post about the day trip we took while we were in Paris to the Loire Valley, but I seriously cannot recommend this trip idea enough!

With visits to 2 dreamy castles, a wine tasting plus lunch in Blois, it is a great day trip to get a feel for the history, castles, and even wine from this region of France. While pricier at about $150 per person, it includes the transfer from Paris, entrance to the castles, a guide, and the wine tasting.

Book it here!

Another day trip idea is to visit the Palace of Versailles, the former home of the famous Marie Antoinette, which has a ton of history! If you’d prefer to stay closer to Paris, this is a great option to book a tour of Versailles. The cost is $122 per person and is a bike tour which includes train tickets to Versailles, the bike, a guide, and entrance to the chateau itself as well as Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet and the gardens.

And of course, the iconic abbey on a hill, Mont St. Michel is mystifying. Explore the dreamy, winding streets and pathways, and enjoy this architectural marvel in the Normandy region of France. A day trip is $145 per person and is full of stunning views!

After your fabulous day trip, spend one last night in Paris before departing for the next part of your 7-day tour of France!

Where to Stay in Paris:

I have a whole guide on where to stay in Paris based on your travel style! But here are a few ideas.

Budget: Hotel du Printemps

My parents stayed here in September and raved about it! While further from the downtown area, it is a short metro ride away and in a super local area. They loved the restaurants nearby. The hotel itself has great service and comfortable rooms for your stay!

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book here!

Mid-Range: Hotel des Artes-Montmartre

Located in Montmartre, you’re in a delightful neighborhood at this hotel. The hotel also has great amenities like a gym, hammam, and a lovely bar/lounge. I stayed here and loved it!

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book here!

Luxury: Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

As the name says, you’ll be right next to Palais Royal and the Louvre in the 1^st Arrondissement! Enjoy the Turkish bath, spa, fitness center at the hotel, and fall in love with the beautiful, light-filled rooms with a balcony.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book here!

Days 4 of Your France Itinerary: Lyon

When it comes to what to see in France in 7 days, Lyon is kind of under the radar. But that’s why it is so special. As the capital city of France’s Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region and the gastronomic capital of France, it is a great place to base yourself for a couple of days!

To get to Lyon from Paris, you could rent a car or take the train.

While I definitely think a France road trip is a great idea, if you only have 7 days in France, it may be a better idea to take the high-speed train, especially as it takes 5 hours to drive from Paris to Lyon.

So that leaves us with the train! The TGV is France’s high-speed train, and it is a great way to get around! For around $50 per way, you could zoom from downtown Paris to downtown Lyon in just over 2 hours! I love booking my train tickets around France on The Trainline for the best prices and schedules. Check train times and prices here!

I recommend an early train ride to Lyon, which will get you there around 8:30 or 9 in the morning. Once you’ve dropped your bags off at your hotel, it is time to explore this lovely French city!

Start out in the Vieux-Lyon part of the city, with a history dating back to the 15^th century, when the silk industry started and thrived for hundreds of years! This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can even spot some of its silk past by checking out a traboule used to transport silk in the area at La Tour Rose.

There are plenty of historic churches, cathedrals, and even a street called Rue Juiverie that dates back to Roman times to see too!

Be sure to check out the Lyon Cathedral (or St. Jean Cathedral), a gothic cathedral built between the 12-15^th centuries, with an astounding astronomical clock.

Then, head over to the Ancient Theatre of Fourviere at the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourviere. This Roman theatre was built over 2,000 years ago, making Lyon a fantastic place to view Roman ruins. You can explore the museum as well to learn more about the Gallo-Roman history of Lyon, then known as Lugdunum, and see floor mosaics, artifacts, and more!

But the best thing you can do in Lyon… is to eat! As the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is famous for its cuisine. Pop in pastry shops, dine at a traditional Bouchon, or take a guided food tour to experience the best food in Lyon.

Famous for food such as various sausages like Rosette Lyonnaise, Saucisson de Lyon, and Andouillette (a sausage made of tripe) as well as Coq au vin, Lyonnaise potatoes (pan-fried potatoes with onions and butter), and quenelle (a dumpling made with dough, eggs, creamed fish or meat, and served with a crayfish and bechamel sauce), eating your way around Lyon is the way to go to get the experience of French cuisine.

And to end the day in Lyon, you’ll want to watch the sunset along one of the rivers.

Hours and Admission for Lyon:

• Lyon Cathedral Hours: Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday from 9 am-12 pm and 2-6:30 pm. Wednesday from 11 am-12 pm and 2-6:30 pm. Sunday from 2-6:30 pm. Closed on Mondays.
• Lyon Cathedral Prices: Free
• Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon Fourviere Hours: Museum: Tuesday-Friday 11 am-6 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm. Theatre: May 2-September 30: 7 am-9 pm, October 1-April 30: 7 am-7 pm.
• Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon Fourviere Prices: €4-7 ($4.50-8). Check the website for reduced admissions.
• Food Tour Times/Prices: It starts at various times and costs $114.

Day 5: Visit Annecy 

Now that you’ve seen Lyon, I recommend using it as a base for a day trip this day. As the capital of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, you’ve seen the river…now it is time to see mountains!

And what better way to do that than heading to the cutest French alpine town: Annecy.

Annecy will steal your heart. When I lived in Grenoble, we would take the train here and wander around for hours. This adorable town is known as the “Venice of France” with cute canals. But the best part is wandering over to the alpine lake there that is surrounded by stunning mountains.

Annecy is only a 2-hour train ride from Lyon, making it a great day trip option. For about $67 per person round-trip on The Trainline, you could take a train there in the morning, admire the beautiful mountains and lakes as you ride to Annecy, and take the train back in the evening.

If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, Friday, or Sunday morning, you must check out the charming market in the old town.

While you’re in Annecy, check out the Annecy Castle Museum, which was once a residence for the Counts of Geneva in the 13^th and 14^th centuries.

Then, check out the best little place in Annecy: Palais de L’Isle. This tiny place was a former medieval castle and prison before becoming a small history and art museum. It is located in the middle of the Thiou Canal too!

Then, after all of the walking, you’ve earned some French hearty alpine food! Raclette (a semi-hard cheese that is placed under a heat lamp and then you scrape the melty cheese on potatoes, gherkins, etc.), Tartiflette (a tasty, cheesy potato dish with bacon, cream, onions, and wine), or my favorite, Fondue Savoyarde that you can dip bread in, are perfect foods to try here! Head to L’Etage for all of the above!

If you go in the spring or summer, definitely take a paddleboat out on the lake, bike around the lake, or stroll along the famous canals.

Or if you’re up for a hike, have the time, and pack your hiking gear, Mount Veyrier is a popular hike that starts from the town of Annecy and ends with a fantastic view of the lake! It takes about 5-6 hours to complete this hike.

Once you’ve enjoyed your time in Annecy, it is time to wrap up your time in the Alps, head back to Lyon, and prepare for the last stop of your one week in France.

Hours and Admissions for Annecy:

• Annecy Castle Museum Hours: January-May from 10 am-5 pm, June-September from 10:30 am-6 pm, and October-December from 10 am-5 pm. Closed on Tuesdays
• Annecy Castle Museum Prices: €6.50-7 ($7.25-8) depending on the time of year.
• Palais de L’Isle Hours: June-September open from 10:30 am-6 pm. October-May 10 am-12 pm, 2-5 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Palais de L’Isle Prices: €4-5 ($4.50-5.50) depending on the time of year.

Where to Stay in Lyon:

Budget: Elysee Hotel

Located in a fantastic area with bars and restaurants, and across the bridge from Vieux-Lyon, you’ll be perfectly comfortable at this hotel.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book here!

Mid-Range: Hotel de l’Abbaye

This is where we stayed recently and loved it! It is in a cute little tucked away square in Lyon and is close to the Saone River and the Old Town. The hotel rooms are very cute and the lobby has a delightful cafe.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book here!

Luxury: Cour des Loges

Well, if there is one place to splurge during your 7 days in France, this is it. This hotel will put you back in time and fill you with wonder with its delightful furnishings. They even have a delicious restaurant, a bar and cigar room, hanging gardens, and more!

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book here!

Days 6-7 of Your France Itinerary of 1 Week: Nice

Now that you’ve seen the bustling and romantic city of Paris, historic and tasty Lyon, and admired the lovely town of Annecy, it is time to wrap up your trip to France with some time at the beach!

I love Nice. I’ve traveled there a few times and thoroughly enjoyed it. With its delightful beaches, tasty seafood, and, of course, rosé wine, what’s not to love?

To get to Nice, take the morning train (around $80 and 4.5 hours long) and arrive around lunchtime.

What to do in Nice

Since you really only have a day and a half in Nice, I would use this time for well-deserved rest and relaxation by the sea.

But a few things to do during your time in Nice would be to walk along the Mediterranean coast on Promenade des Anglais, explore shops and bakeries at Vielle Ville, purchase soap, lavender, or tasty treats like socca (chickpea flour crepe) at Cours Saleya Market, and definitely get a great viewpoint over the city and sea at Parc de la Colline du Chateau.

And while you’re there, definitely sample some rosé at a café or two!

Most importantly, though, relax on the beach! Some of the best beaches in and around Nice include Villefranche-sur-Mer with smaller pebbles that almost resemble sand and is perfect for snorkeling (but you’ll need to take the train to), Blue Beach, and Opera Plage, which is probably the busiest but is the easiest to get to.

Where to stay in Nice:

Budget: Hotel du Centre

This brightly decorated hotel is located in the heart of the city, perfect for exploring! It also has fantastic views of the Notre Dame Basilica in Nice. Within walking distance of so many attractions and restaurants, it is a great spot to end your one week trip to France.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book here!

Mid-Range: Hotel de Petit Palais

Located within walking distance of many of Nice’s top attractions, you’ll love this romantic hotel. With a stunning pool, bar, and spacious and comfortable rooms, it is a great spot to feel like royalty in Nice.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book here!

Luxury: Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Mediterranee

I stayed here once on a visit and it was fabulous! Located across from the beach and the Promenade des Anglais, you’ll love the beautifully designed rooms, close proximity to attractions, the gorgeous sea view terrace and bar, and more!

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book here!

So after your last day in Nice, it is time to head home. I recommend purchasing an open-jaw ticket for this trip if you can and fly into Paris and out of Nice.

And that wraps up your 7 days in France itinerary, with a visit to the romantic city of Paris plus a day trip, feasting in the gastronomic capital of Lyon, admiring the alpine region of France in Annecy, and lounging on the beaches of Nice! Talk about the best of France itinerary!

In just one week in France, you can cover so much that this delightful country has to offer!

If You Want to Slow This Down

If you would like to slow down this trip, then you’re going to want to cut out either Lyon or Nice. I still highly recommend visiting Paris during your 7 days in France, so to keep things slow, opt to visit one additional place versus both.

So if you want to enjoy Paris and Lyon and the surrounding area, I’d opt for this itinerary:

• Days 1-4: Paris (yes, you could spend an extra day exploring Paris!)
• Day 5: Train to Lyon and explore
• Day 6: Day trip to Annecy
• Day 7: Lyon

If you’d prefer Paris and Nice, then here is your ideal 1 week France itinerary:

• Days 1-3: Paris
• Day 4: Train to Nice and explore (catch the early train and get in around lunchtime)
• Day 5: Explore Nice (beach day, market, it’s your choice!)
• Day 6: Day trip from Nice
• Day 7: Nice

If You Have More Than A One Week Trip to France

If you have extra time, here are some great ideas for a France itinerary of 10 days! Other ideas include:

• Stay in Normandy for a couple of days to see the D-Day Beaches, enjoy the beaches of Deauville, and explore.
• Visit wine regions in France like Burgundy, Champagne, etc.
• Visit the Basque region of France near Spain or visit Strasbourg near the German border to see the differences in culture and dialect.
• Go skiing (in the winter) or hiking (in the summer) in the French Alps at Chamonix.
• Try your luck at gambling for a day or two in Monaco.
• Explore the wild and wonderful coastline in Brittany.

Getting There for Your 7 Days in France

France is easy to get to, thanks to Paris being a hub for European travel. Chances are that if you’re flying from outside of Europe into Paris, you’ll be flying to Charles de Gaulle Airport. For flights to Paris from around Europe, you may end up flying into the Orly Airport. Both airports are about 30-45 minutes from downtown Paris by metro.

For cheap flight prices to Paris, we love checking Skyscanner. They search through several airline sites to find the best deals on travel. You can also set price alerts to book when the price drops too! I’ve used Skyscanner for flying to Europe or anywhere else around the world and want to pay cash over miles.

While there are other airports around France, if you have a 7 day trip to France, I’d fly to Paris to start and then fly home from Nice.

To get to Nice’s airport you can take the tram from the city!

Other Tips For Your 7 Days in France Itinerary

Before you arrive for your amazing trip, here are some tips:

• When to Visit: I have a whole guide on when to visit Paris, but for this overall itinerary, I’d recommend coming between June through September so you can enjoy the beaches in Nice and the warmer weather in places like Annecy. Just note this is a busier time to visit! June and September are likely the best times to come.
• What to Wear: Again, I have a whole guide on what to wear in Paris which will also work for Lyon. However, for Nice, you’ll be fine wearing nice shorts, skirts, and dresses to keep cool, especially if you visit in the summertime. Bathing suits are a must too for a beach day!
• Learn some French: A little really goes a long way! A simple “Bonjour” before asking someone a question and while entering a shop is necessary to not be considered rude. Learn more essential French phrases here.

France is truly a gem. I fell in love with it back when I studied abroad in Grenoble, and while I have enjoyed visiting the many parts of France I have been to, I long to get back to explore even more. With diversity in landscapes, cuisines, and even climates, France is a place that calls me back time and again.

I hope you love your France itinerary in 7 days and come back for more too!

Would you visit France in 7 days? What would be your favorite place to visit in France? Let us know in the comments!

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