Eleven days to two weeks is the most popular trip length for France travelers interested in visiting Nice, Paris, and Lyon, especially when also including Avignon. For travelers wanting to visit Nice, Paris, and Lyon exclusively, plan 10 to 11 days for a well-paced trip. With less time, it’s still possible to see the highlights in as few as seven to nine days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Nice, Paris, Lyon, and beyond.
## Planning Your Trip to Nice, Paris & Lyon: A Comprehensive Guide
When considering a trip to France, the allure of Nice, Paris, and Lyon often tops the list. These three iconic cities offer a diverse range of experiences, from the romantic ambiance of the capital to the culinary delights of Lyon and the sun-drenched beauty of the French Riviera. But how many days do you truly need to soak it all in? Let’s explore some recommended itineraries and considerations for planning your perfect French adventure.
Typically, most travelers find that a combined stay of 10 to 11 days in Nice, Paris, and Lyon provides a balanced experience. This timeframe allows for adequate exploration of each city without feeling overly rushed. You’ll have enough time to see the major sights, savor local cuisine, and perhaps even venture off the beaten path.
However, if you’re on a tighter schedule, visiting Nice, Paris, and Lyon in 7 to 9 days is certainly possible. Be aware that this will necessitate a faster pace and careful planning to maximize your time. You might need to prioritize certain attractions and activities while potentially sacrificing some leisure time.
For those fortunate enough to have 12 or more days, the possibilities expand significantly. With this extended timeframe, many travelers choose to add additional stops to their itinerary, further enriching their French experience. Popular extensions include exploring the historical charm of Avignon, the artistic atmosphere of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, or the sophisticated elegance of Aix-en-Provence. Each of these destinations offers a unique glimpse into the diverse tapestry of French culture and history.
Let’s delve into some specific itinerary recommendations to help you visualize your trip.
## Recommended Itineraries for Nice, Paris & Lyon
### Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days
This itinerary strikes a balance between exploring the highlights of each city and allowing for some relaxation and enjoyment of the local culture.
**(Image: Lake Annecy)**
**(Caption: Lake Annecy)**
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|—|—|—|
| Day 1 | Welcome to France! Arrive in Paris & Evening Eiffel Tower Tour | Paris |
| Day 2 | Pastry Tour of Le Marais & Afternoon at the Louvre | Paris |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Versailles | Paris |
| Day 4 | Transfer from Paris to Lyon & City Tour | Lyon |
| Day 5 | Explore the Dombes Plain & witness the majesty of the Alps | Lyon |
| Day 6 | Indulge in a Beaujolais Tour & Wine Tasting experience | Lyon |
| Day 7 | Travel from Lyon to Nice, with a delightful Tour of Aix-en-Provence en Route | Nice |
| Day 8 | Spend a Full Day on the Coast: exploring Cannes, Antibes, & Saint-Paul de Vence | Nice |
| Day 9 | Enjoy a Private Tour of Monaco, Monte Carlo, & Eze | Nice |
| Day 10 | Depart from Nice | |
If you have 10 days to spare and a desire for romance, France offers the perfect honeymoon destination. Begin your journey in Paris, immersing yourself in the city’s charm by exploring its shops and galleries during the day and savoring exquisite French wine at open-air cafés in the evenings. Then, venture towards the majestic Alps and embark on a tour of Avignon, before concluding your trip along the stunning southern coast.
## Extended Itineraries
### 2-Week Itinerary Including Avignon
This extended itinerary allows for a more in-depth exploration of each region, including a visit to the historical city of Avignon.
**(Image: Chenonceau Castle and grounds)**
**(Caption: Chenonceau Castle and grounds)**
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|—|—|—|
| Day 1 | Welcome to France! Arrive in Paris & Evening Eiffel Tower Tour | Paris |
| Day 2 | Pastry Tour of Le Marais & Afternoon at the Louvre | Paris |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Versailles | Paris |
| Day 4 | Enjoy a Free Day in Paris to explore at your own pace | Paris |
| Day 5 | Embark on a Day Trip to the magnificent Châteaus de Chambord & Chenonceau | Paris |
| Day 6 | Transfer from Paris to Lyon & City Tour | Lyon |
| Day 7 | Indulge in a Beaujolais Tour & Wine Tasting experience | Lyon |
| Day 8 | Take a Train from Lyon to Avignon & spend the Afternoon exploring the City | Avignon |
| Day 9 | Discover Hilltop Villages & enjoy Wine in the Luberon on a Full-Day Tour | Avignon |
| Day 10 | Experience a Châteauneuf du Pape Tour & Wine Tasting | Avignon |
| Day 11 | Travel from Avignon to Nice, with a Tour of Aix-en-Provence en Route | Nice |
| Day 12 | Spend a Full Day on the Coast: exploring Cannes, Antibes, & Saint-Paul de Vence | Nice |
| Day 13 | Enjoy a Private Tour of Monaco, Monte Carlo, & Eze | Nice |
| Day 14 | Depart from Nice | |
With two weeks at your disposal, you can truly escape and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of France. This honeymoon itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil avenues of Aix-en-Provence, offering a diverse range of experiences. Indulge in wine tasting in the renowned Beaujolais wine region, explore picturesque hilltop villages near Avignon, and bask in the luxurious ambiance of Cannes and Monaco. This itinerary promises an unforgettable journey through some of France’s most captivating destinations.
## How to travel between Nice, Paris & Lyon
**How to get from Paris to Nice**
Nice is located approximately 425 miles (685 km) southeast of Paris, situated on the eastern edge of the French Riviera. Traveling between these two cities is relatively convenient, with direct flights and high-speed trains providing efficient transportation options. The journey can be completed in as little as four hours, making it easy to combine these destinations in a single trip.
**How to get from Paris to Lyon**
The distance between Paris, the capital of France, and Lyon, the country’s gastronomic hub, is 243 miles (392 km) southeast. The most convenient way to travel between these two cities is by high-speed train, which takes approximately two hours. Direct flights are also a viable option, with an airtime of just one hour and 10 minutes.
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