France In-1-Week
From Paris to the Loire via Provence
Doing France In-a-Week is a tall order, but if that’s all the time you have and you’d like a whirlwind tour that will leave you with a sense of the country’s highlights try the following itinerary:
Day 1: Paris
Day 2: Versailles and Giverny
- Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, known for its Classical French architecture and magnificent gardens.
- Visit Giverny to see the house where Claude Monet lived till his death in 1926 and the gardens that inspired his renowned Water Lilies series.
Day 3: Lyon
- Travel to Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France.
- Explore the Old Town (Vieux Lyon) with its two Roman amphitheatres and visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and take the funicular for panoramic views of the city.
Day 4: Provence
- Journey to the picturesque region of Provence.
- Visit the ancient town of Avignon and check out the Palais des Papes but don’t forget the renowned Pont d'Avignon!
- If time allows and your trip is between mid-June and mid-July explore the gorgeous lavender fields in the Luberon region or visit the perched villages of Gordes and Bonnieux.
Day 5: French Riviera
- Head to the glamorous French Riviera.
- Spend time in [Nice], enjoying its beautiful Promenade des Anglais and exploring vibrant Vieux Nice.
- Visit the exotic resort town of Cannes and stroll along the world renowned Croisette.
Day 6: Rocamadour
- Travel to stunning Rocadmadour, a medieval abbey and pilgrimage site situated on a cliff in the Quercy.
- Take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history and as you climb the steps to the top remember that Eleanor of Aquitaine did this on her knees!
Day 7: Loire Valley