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7-day itinerary

Best of France in a Week

Paris, Riviera, and Monaco in 7 days

Length
7 days · 8 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
€884 per person
Based in
France

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Paris: Royal Grandeur and Gardens

    Arrive in Paris and explore the iconic Palace of Versailles, focusing on the architecture and gardens to avoid the main palace crowds initially.

    • 09:00

      The Grand Trianon

      Visit the 18th-century pink marble palace in the Trianon estate. This private retreat of Louis XIV offers a quieter, more intimate experience than the main palace.

      About 3 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Versailles

      Enjoy a traditional French lunch at a bistro near the Place d'Armes.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Gardens of Versailles

      Stroll through the meticulously manicured gardens, visiting the fountains and groves.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:00

      Travel to Provins

      Take the RER train from Versailles to Paris, then transfer to a regional train to Provins (approx. 1h 15m total travel).

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Versines Town Center; Dinner at Provins Old Town
    Where to stay:
    Stay in a boutique hotel or B&B in the medieval center of Provins.
    Getting around:
    Train from Paris to Provins (1h 15m). Walking within Provins.

  2. Day 2: Provins: Medieval History and Templars

    Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Provins, focusing on its medieval architecture and Templar history.

    • 09:00

      Maison des Templiers

      Visit the 12th-century Medieval Templar house, a key historical site in UNESCO Provins.

      About 2 hours

    • 10:30

      Provins Old Town Walk

      Walk through the lower town and visit the Temple of Saturn and the Collégiale Notre-Dame-en-Vaux.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Provins

      Light lunch at a local cafe.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Travel to Auxerre

      Train from Provins to Auxerre (approx. 2h 30m with transfers).

      About 3 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Provins; Dinner at Auxerre
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Auxerre, near the Yonne river.
    Getting around:
    Train from Provins to Auxerre.

  3. Day 3: Auxerre: Carolingian History and Burgundy

    Discover the medieval history of Auxerre and its unique Carolingian crypts.

    • 09:00

      Caveaux de l'Abbaye Saint-Germain

      Explore the 9th-century Carolingian crypts and medieval museum.

      About 2 hours

    • 10:30

      Auxerre Cathedral and Half-Timbered Houses

      Visit the Gothic cathedral and walk through the historic center with its colorful half-timbered houses.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Auxerre

      Try local Burgundian cuisine.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Travel to Mulhouse

      Train from Auxerre to Mulhouse (approx. 3h with transfers).

      About 3 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Auxerre; Dinner at Mulhouse
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Mulhouse, close to the train station or city center.
    Getting around:
    Train from Auxerre to Mulhouse.

  4. Day 4: Mulhouse: Renaissance Charm and Industry

    Explore Mulhouse's rich industrial history and its beautiful Renaissance architecture.

    • 09:00

      Maison Pfister

      Visit Maison Pfister, the painted 16th-century Renaissance house in Colmar's old town, a short trip from Mulhouse.

      About 2 hours

    • 10:30

      Mulhouse City Center

      Explore the Alsace Museum and the historic center of Mulhouse.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Mulhouse

      Try Tarte Flambée.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Travel to Chamonix

      Train from Mulhouse to Geneva, then bus/train to Chamonix (approx. 3h 30m total).

      About 3 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Mulhouse; Dinner at Chamonix
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
    Getting around:
    Train and bus from Mulhouse to Chamonix.

  5. Day 5: Chamonix: Alpine Adventures

    Experience the French Alps with a ride on the Montenvers Railway.

    • 09:00

      Montenvers Railway

      Take the cogwheel train to the Mer de Glace glacier. Enjoy the panoramic views and visit the ice cave.

      About 3 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch at Mer de Glace

      Lunch at the restaurant with glacier views.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Chamonix Village Walk

      Stroll through the charming village of Chamonix.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:00

      Travel to Saumur

      Train from Chamonix to Geneva, then TGV to Saumur (approx. 4h 30m total).

      About 3 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Mer de Glace; Dinner at Saumur
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Saumur, near the Loire River.
    Getting around:
    Train from Chamonix to Saumur.

  6. Day 6: Saumur: Castles and Loire Views

    Explore the Gothic castles and museums of Saumur in the Loire Valley.

    • 09:00

      Château de Saumur

      Visit the Gothic castle-museum with panoramic Loire views.

      About 2 hours

    • 10:30

      Théâtre de Saumur

      Visit the Gothic castle-palace housing a municipal museum.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Saumur

      Lunch with local Loire wines.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Travel to Auch

      Train from Saumur to Toulouse, then train to Auch (approx. 3h 30m total).

      About 3 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Saumur; Dinner at Auch
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Auch, in the Gascony region.
    Getting around:
    Train from Saumur to Auch.

  7. Day 7: Auch: Medieval Ramparts and Departure

    Conclude the trip with a visit to the medieval center of Auch.

    • 09:00

      Rue des Remparts

      Walk along the historic rampart street in Auch's medieval center.

      About 2 hours

    • 10:30

      Auch Cathedral

      Visit the massive Gothic Cathedral of Sainte-Marie.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:30

      Farewell Lunch

      Enjoy a final Gascon meal.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Auch
    Where to stay:
    Depart from Auch or nearby Toulouse airport.
    Getting around:
    Local transport to airport.

Practical information

For a one-week trip covering major hubs like Paris, the Riviera, or the Loire Valley, the optimal visiting windows are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October). These periods offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months of July and August, which can be uncomfortably hot and densely populated. Winter visits are viable for city breaks but require preparation for shorter daylight hours and potential rain. Transportation efficiency is critical given the short duration. High-speed TGV trains connect Paris to Lyon, Marseille, and Nice in under three hours, making them the most practical choice for inter-city travel. For the Loire Valley or Normandy, renting a car offers flexibility, though parking in historic centers can be challenging and expensive. Within cities like Paris, the metro system is extensive and reliable, often faster than buses or taxis. Avoid driving in major metropolitan areas unless necessary; instead, rely on public transit or walking to navigate dense urban cores. Accommodation should be strategically located to minimize transit time. In Paris, staying in the 1st through 8th arrondissements provides central access to major landmarks and metro lines. For the Riviera, Nice serves as a convenient base with easy train access to Cannes and Monaco. In the Loire Valley, consider staying in towns like Amboise or Tours rather than chasing individual châteaux daily. Booking accommodations well in advance is essential, especially during peak seasons, as availability drops significantly. Budgeting for a week in France varies widely based on style. Mid-range travelers should expect costs for high-speed train tickets, which can add up if not booked early, and meals at casual bistros. Luxury options will significantly increase costs, particularly for boutique hotels and fine dining. Note that many museums charge entry fees, and while some are free on the first Sunday of the month, this often involves long lines. Budget for incidental costs like metro passes and bottled water, as tap water is safe but not always complimentary in restaurants. Pack versatile clothing suitable for variable weather, including layers for cooler evenings and comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets. A portable power bank and a universal adapter are essential. Bring a reusable water bottle, as filling up from public fountains is common and cost-effective. Finally, carry a basic phrasebook or translation app; while English is spoken in tourist areas, attempting basic French phrases is appreciated and often enhances service interactions. Prioritize pre-booking major attractions to avoid wasting valuable time in queues.

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