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France First-Timer's Guide
10 days in Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera
10 days
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Challenging difficulty
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Est. €587
Day 1: Arrival in Paris & The Grand Trianon
Arrive in Paris, settle in, and explore the lesser-known but stunning Trianon estates in Versailles to avoid the main palace crowds.
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10:00
Travel to Versailles
Take the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château station.
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12:00
The Grand Trianon
Visit the 18th-century pink marble palace. It offers a more intimate and serene experience than the main palace, with beautiful gardens.
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15:00
Lunch in Versailles
Light lunch at a café near the Place d'Armes.
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16:30
Return to Paris
RER C train back to Paris city center.
Meals:
Lunch at Versailles Town Center
Where to stay: Stay in the 6th or 7th arrondissement for easy access to transport.
Getting around: RER C train is essential for Versailles. Metro for city travel.
Day 2: Parisian Classics & River Cruise
Experience the iconic sights of Paris, including the Seine and a classic landmark.
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09:00
Louvre Museum (Exterior & Tuileries)
Walk through the Tuileries Garden and view the Louvre pyramid. Skip the interior to save time for other regions.
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11:00
Seine River Cruise
A 1-hour boat tour to see Notre-Dame (exterior), Eiffel Tower, and bridges from the water.
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14:00
Lunch in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Traditional French bistro lunch.
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16:00
Walking Tour of Le Marais
Explore the historic Jewish quarter and trendy shops.
Meals:
Lunch at Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Where to stay: Continue staying in Paris.
Getting around: Walking and Metro.
Day 3: Train to Provence: Aix-en-Provence
Travel south to the heart of Provence. The train ride offers scenic views of the French countryside.
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08:00
TGV Train to Aix-en-Provence
High-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Aix-en-Provence TGV. Book 2-3 months in advance.
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12:00
Lunch in Aix
Provençal cuisine near the Cours Mirabeau.
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14:00
Cours Mirabeau & Old Town
Stroll along the famous avenue lined with plane trees and cafes.
Meals:
Lunch at Aix-en-Provence Center
Where to stay: Stay in Aix-en-Provence city center.
Getting around: TGV Train. Local buses or walking in Aix.
Day 4: Provence Villages: Gordes & Roussillon
Explore the iconic hilltop villages of Provence. A rental car is highly recommended for this day.
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09:00
Car Rental & Drive to Gordes
Pick up a rental car and drive to Gordes.
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10:00
Gordes Village
Visit one of the 'Plus Beaux Villages de France' with stunning panoramic views.
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12:30
Lunch in Gordes
Picnic or light meal with a view.
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14:00
Roussillon Ochre Trail
Hike the colorful ochre cliffs and trails in Roussillon.
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16:00
Return Car to Aix
Drive back to Aix-en-Provence.
Meals:
Lunch at Gordes
Where to stay: Continue staying in Aix.
Getting around: Rental car is essential for this day.
Day 5: Travel to Nice & Promenade
Drive south along the coast to Nice, the capital of the French Riviera.
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09:00
Drive to Nice
Scenic drive along the A8 autoroute towards the Mediterranean.
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12:00
Lunch in Nice
Socca and local specialties near the Old Town.
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14:00
Parc de la Colline du Château
Hike up to the park for panoramic views of Nice and the Baie des Anges.
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16:00
Promenade des Anglais
Walk along the famous seaside promenade.
Meals:
Lunch at Nice Old Town
Where to stay: Stay in Nice, near the Promenade or Old Town.
Getting around: Rental car for the drive, then public transport/walking in Nice.
Day 6: Monaco & Monte Carlo
A short trip to the glamorous principality of Monaco.
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09:00
Bus to Monaco
Take Bus 5 or 11 from Nice to Monaco.
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10:00
Monte Carlo Casino & Square
See the iconic casino exterior and the luxurious square.
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12:30
Lunch in Monaco
Casual lunch with a view of the harbor.
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14:00
Monaco Cathedral & Oceanographic Museum
Visit the Prince's Palace area and the famous museum.
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16:30
Return to Nice
Bus back to Nice.
Meals:
Lunch at Monaco
Where to stay: Continue staying in Nice.
Getting around: Local bus to Monaco.
Day 7: Train to Burgundy: Cluny
Head inland to Burgundy to explore medieval history and Romanesque architecture.
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08:00
Train to Cluny
Train from Nice to Lyon, then local train to Cluny. This is a long travel day.
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13:00
Lunch in Cluny
Traditional Burgundian lunch.
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14:30
Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul
Visit the 12th-century church in Sussey/Cluny area, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
Meals:
Lunch at Cluny
Where to stay: Stay in Cluny or nearby Mâcon.
Getting around: Trains. Local taxi or walk.
Day 8: Loire Valley: Saumur & Loches
Explore the Loire Valley's castles and historic towns.
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09:00
Château de Saumur
Visit the Gothic castle-museum with panoramic Loire views.
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12:00
Lunch in Saumur
Lunch near the Loire river.
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14:00
Marché de Loches
Visit the historic Royal City of Loches and its market (if day matches) or explore the castle.
Meals:
Lunch at Saumur
Where to stay: Stay in Tours or Saumur.
Getting around: Rental car recommended for Loire Valley flexibility.
Day 9: Return to Paris & Notre-Dame Area
Travel back north to Paris to conclude the trip.
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09:00
TGV to Paris
High-speed train from Tours or Saumur to Paris Gare de Lyon.
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13:00
Lunch in Paris
Final French meal in Paris.
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15:00
Île de la Cité & Sainte-Chapelle
Explore the historic heart of Paris, including the exterior of Notre-Dame and the stunning Sainte-Chapelle.
Meals:
Lunch at Paris 4th Arrondissement
Where to stay: Final night in Paris.
Getting around: TGV Train. Metro for city travel.
Day 10: Departure
Final morning in Paris and departure.
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09:00
Morning Coffee & Croissant
Enjoy a final French breakfast at a local café.
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11:00
Transfer to Airport
Take the RER B or taxi to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly Airport.
Meals:
Breakfast at Paris Hotel/Café
Where to stay: N/A
Getting around: RER B or Taxi.
Practical Information
For a ten-day first-time trip covering Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera, the optimal visiting windows are April to June or September to October. These shoulder seasons offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation costs compared to the peak summer months. July and August bring intense heat and significant congestion, particularly in coastal areas like Nice and along the Riviera. If traveling in summer, expect higher prices and the need for advance bookings for both transport and lodging.
Transportation strategy is critical for this multi-city itinerary. Begin in Paris, where the metro system is efficient for local travel. To move between cities, the high-speed TGV train is the recommended mode of transport, particularly for the journey from Paris to Aix-en-Provence. Book train tickets one to three months in advance to secure better rates, as prices rise sharply closer to the departure date. While buses like Flixbus are cheaper, they take significantly longer (10–12 hours) and are less comfortable for long distances. Avoid flying between major cities unless necessary, as airport transit times often negate the short flight duration. Once in Provence, renting a car is highly advisable to access rural villages and vineyards, though parking in cities like Aix-en-Provence can be challenging.
Accommodation should be distributed to minimize backtracking. Spend three nights in Paris, staying in central arrondissements for walkability. For the southern leg, base yourself in Aix-en-Provence for a few nights to explore the region, then move to Nice or a Riviera town for the final days. Consider staying in one location for multiple nights to reduce packing stress.
Budgeting should account for the high cost of intercity train tickets and popular restaurant meals in tourist hubs. Costs generally exclude national park fees or specific guided tours. Pack layers, as weather can shift quickly, especially in spring and autumn. Essential items include comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets, a universal power adapter, and a reusable water bottle, as tap water is safe in France.
Key tips include learning basic French phrases, as English proficiency varies outside major tourist centers. Always validate train tickets before boarding to avoid fines. For dining, lunch menus often offer better value than dinner. Finally, carry small cash for markets and smaller establishments, though cards are widely accepted in urban areas.