Eleven days to two weeks is a great length for a trip to France, with stops in Nice, Avignon, Paris, and Lyon. Travelers with less time can hit the route’s highlights in 9 or 10 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Aix-en-Provence, Dijon, or Amboise. Keep reading for more inspiring Nice, Avignon, Paris, and Lyon itineraries.
## Unveiling the Splendors of France: Crafting the Perfect Itinerary for Nice, Avignon, Paris & Lyon
When planning a journey through the heart of France, the question of duration inevitably arises. How many days are truly needed to savor the essence of Nice, Avignon, Paris, and Lyon, four cities that each offer a unique tapestry of culture, history, and culinary delights?
As a general guideline, most travelers find that an immersive experience encompassing Nice, Avignon, Paris, and Lyon requires between 11 and 14 days. This timeframe allows for a balanced exploration, providing ample opportunity to delve into the distinct character of each destination without feeling overly rushed.
While it’s tempting to condense the itinerary, attempting to visit Nice, Avignon, Paris, and Lyon in a mere 9 or 10 days often results in a whirlwind tour that leaves little room for spontaneity or in-depth discovery. The allure of France lies in its ability to enchant at a slower pace, allowing you to truly connect with its charm and embrace its joie de vivre.
For those fortunate enough to have more time at their disposal, say 15 days or more, the possibilities expand exponentially. Many travelers opt to extend their journey by incorporating additional captivating stops, further enriching their French adventure. Popular extensions include the picturesque Aix-en-Provence, the historic city of Dijon, and the enchanting town of Amboise, each adding another layer of depth to the overall experience.
## Embark on a Tailored French Adventure: Recommended Itineraries for Nice, Avignon, Paris & Lyon
To help you envision your ideal French escape, consider these thoughtfully curated itineraries, each designed to maximize your enjoyment and create lasting memories:
### Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days
Imagine yourself strolling along the Seine River in Paris, the iconic Eiffel Tower shimmering in the evening light. Picture yourself savoring delectable pastries in the charming Le Marais district, followed by an afternoon immersed in the masterpieces of the Louvre Museum. This 11-day itinerary offers a harmonious blend of romance, history, and natural beauty, perfect for a honeymoon or any special occasion.
**Day 1:** Your French adventure begins! Arrive in Paris and be captivated by an unforgettable evening tour of the Eiffel Tower. Overnight in Paris.
**Day 2:** Indulge in a pastry tour of Le Marais, a sensory experience that will tantalize your taste buds. In the afternoon, lose yourself in the artistic wonders of the Louvre Museum. Overnight in Paris.
**Day 3:** Embark on a day trip to Versailles, the opulent palace that once housed French royalty. Explore the stunning gardens and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the past. Overnight in Paris.
**Day 4:** Transfer from Paris to Lyon and embark on a captivating city tour, discovering the historical and architectural gems of this vibrant metropolis. Overnight in Lyon.
**Day 5:** Journey through the picturesque Beaujolais region, indulging in wine tasting and appreciating the scenic beauty of the vineyards. Overnight in Lyon.
**Day 6:** Take a train from Lyon to Avignon and spend the afternoon exploring this historic city, renowned for its Papal Palace and charming streets. Overnight in Avignon.
**Day 7:** Discover the enchanting hilltop villages and savor the exquisite wines of the Luberon region on a full-day tour. Overnight in Avignon.
**Day 8:** Travel from Avignon to Nice, with a delightful stop in Aix-en-Provence along the way, immersing yourself in the artistic ambiance of this charming city. Overnight in Nice.
**Day 9:** Explore the stunning French Riviera coastline, visiting Cannes, Antibes, and the captivating village of Saint-Paul de Vence. Overnight in Nice.
**Day 10:** Enjoy a private tour of Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Eze, experiencing the glamour and sophistication of this renowned region. Overnight in Nice.
**Day 11:** Depart from Nice, filled with cherished memories of your French adventure.
This 11-day itinerary provides a balanced exploration of France, starting in the romantic city of Paris, venturing to the gastronomic hub of Lyon, immersing yourself in the history of Avignon, and culminating in the sun-drenched beauty of Nice.
### Recommended Itinerary for 12 Days
Extend your French escapade to 12 days and delve even deeper into the country’s rich tapestry of experiences. This itinerary builds upon the 11-day adventure, adding an extra day to explore the renowned Châteauneuf du Pape wine region.
**Day 1 – 7:** Follow the same itinerary as the 11-day trip for your first seven days, enjoying Paris, Lyon, and Avignon.
**Day 8:** Embark on a Châteauneuf du Pape Tour & Wine Tasting, indulging in the flavors of this famous wine region and learning about the winemaking process. Overnight in Avignon.
**Day 9 – 12:** Continue the journey to Nice, with the same itinerary as days 8-11 of the 11-day trip. Enjoy Aix-en-Provence, Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Paul de Vence, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, and departure from Nice.
This 12-day itinerary offers a more leisurely pace, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and flavors of each destination. The addition of the Châteauneuf du Pape tour provides an even richer wine-tasting experience in the Provence region.
### Recommended Itinerary for 13 Days
With 13 days at your disposal, you can further enhance your French exploration by adding a day trip to the magnificent Châteaux de Chambord & Chenonceau. This itinerary combines the highlights of the previous options with a touch of fairytale magic.
**Day 1 – 6:** Follow the same itinerary as the 12-day trip for your first six days, exploring Paris and Lyon.
**Day 7:** Take a train from Lyon to Avignon, and enjoy an afternoon in the city. Overnight in Avignon.
**Day 8 – 9:** Explore the hilltop villages and wines of Luberon, and the Châteauneuf du Pape wine region with wine tastings. Overnight in Avignon.
**Day 10 – 13:** Continue the journey to Nice, with the same itinerary as days 9-12 of the 12-day trip. Enjoy Aix-en-Provence, Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Paul de Vence, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, and departure from Nice.
**Day 4:** Embark on a day trip to the fairytale Châteaus de Chambord & Chenonceau, immersing yourself in the history and grandeur of these architectural gems. Overnight in Paris.
This 13-day itinerary adds a touch of enchantment to your French adventure, allowing you to explore the iconic châteaux of the Loire Valley.
### Recommended Itinerary for 2 Weeks
With two weeks to explore, you can indulge in a more relaxed pace and enjoy a free day in Paris to explore at your leisure. This itinerary offers a comprehensive and immersive French experience.
**Day 1 – 3:** Begin in Paris with the Eiffel Tower Tour, a pastry tour of Le Marais & an afternoon at the Louvre, and a day trip to Versailles. Overnight in Paris.
**Day 4:** Enjoy a free day in Paris to explore the city at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and pursuing your personal interests. Overnight in Paris.
**Day 5 – 14:** Transfer to Lyon and follow the same itinerary as the 13-day trip for the remainder of your adventure, experiencing the Beaujolais region, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Nice.
This 14-day itinerary provides a well-rounded exploration of France, allowing for a more leisurely pace and the opportunity to personalize your experience with a free day in Paris.
## Extended Itineraries: Delving Deeper into France
For those seeking an even more immersive experience, consider these extended itineraries that incorporate additional captivating destinations:
### 2-Week Itinerary Including Aix-en-Provence
This itinerary offers a panoramic tour of France from North to South, starting in Paris and ending in Nice, with a focus on exploring the beauty and culture of Provence.
**Day 1-4:** Arrive in Paris and explore the city. Enjoy a walking tour of Ile de la Cité & Latin Quarter, a tour of Le Louvre Museum, and a Le Marais Walking Tour. Overnight in Paris.
**Day 5-7:** Train from Strasbourg to Lyon. Enjoy a culinary walking tour and a Beaujolais Tour & Wine Tasting. Overnight in Lyon.
**Day 8-9:** Train from Lyon to Avignon. Châteauneuf du Pape Tour & Wine Tasting. Overnight in Avignon.
**Day 10-11:** Drive from Avignon to Aix en Provence. Enjoy a cooking class. Overnight in Aix-en-Provence.
**Day 12-13:** Drive from Aix en Provence to Nice. Perfume Tour in Grasse. Overnight in Nice.
**Day 14:** Depart Nice.
### 15-Day Itinerary Including Amboise
This itinerary allows you to experience the magic of the Loire Valley, immersing yourself in the history and beauty of its magnificent châteaux.
**Day 1-3:** Welcome to France! Arrive in Paris & Evening Eiffel Tower Tour. Pastry Tour of Le Marais & Afternoon at the Louvre. Day Trip to Versailles. Overnight in Paris.
**Day 4-6:** Paris to Amboise & Full Day in the Loire Valley. Loire Valley: Châteaus de Chambord & Chenonceau. Loire Valley: Châteaux & Wine. Overnight in Amboise.
**Day 7-15:** Transfer from Amboise to Lyon & City Tour. Beaujolais Tour & Wine Tasting. Train from Lyon to Avignon & Afternoon in the City. Hilltop Villages & Wine in the Luberon: Full Day Tour. Châteauneuf du Pape Tour & Wine Tasting. Avignon to Nice, Tour of Aix-en-Provence en Route. Full Day on the Coast: Cannes, Antibes, & Saint-Paul de Vence. Private Tour of Monaco, Monte Carlo, & Eze. Depart Nice.
## Navigating France: Traveling Between Nice, Avignon, Paris & Lyon
Understanding the transportation options between these key cities is crucial for planning a seamless and enjoyable journey:
**How to get from Paris to Nice:**
Nice, nestled on the eastern edge of the French Riviera, lies approximately 425 miles (685 km) southeast of Paris. Despite the distance, traveling between these cities is remarkably convenient. Direct flights and high-speed trains offer efficient connections, with travel times as short as four hours.
**How to get from Paris to Lyon:**
Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France, is situated 243 miles (392 km) southeast of Paris. The most convenient way to traverse this distance is via high-speed train, which completes the journey in approximately two hours. Direct flights are also a viable option, with a flight time of just one hour and ten minutes.
