Eastern France 7-Day Itinerary
Wine, Food, and the Countryside
Ready to craft the perfect adventure around Eastern France, but unsure about where to kick things off, which places to hit, the budget, or how many days to plan for? This itinerary is perfect for you because it's packed with all the essentials to create a spectacular seven-day journey. You'll be able to see the museums, delicious food, beautiful locations, and couples along the way.
If you follow this guide, you'll find local wineries, delicious food, gorgeous countryside, and historic towns. All of the specific planning information you need will be covered below, such as the route, expected budget, activities, and where to stay.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Lyon (2 days)
- Beaune (2 days)
- Dijon (2 days)
- Auxerre (1 day)
Dijon, France
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Delicious Food
- Small Town Charm
- Historic Sites
- Beautiful Locations
Indulging in delectable cuisine is a major motivator for travel, and a visit to Eastern France is no different. Brace yourself for an abundance of outstanding restaurants and local dishes that are simply a must-try. In particular, make sure you visit the restaurants in Dijon, Beaune, and Lyon.
The beautiful and charming small towns of the region are a must-see. They provide an excellent chance to dive into the local culture, history, food, and more.
You'll also be able to uncover the rich and vibrant history of Eastern France. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic architecture, museums, and deep historical culture that permeates the area.
Eastern France pulls in visitors for its breathtaking scenery, a key highlight of the region. Don't forget your camera - trust me, the real-life experience is even more awe-inspiring. You don't want to miss Lyon for the beautiful scenery.
Lyon, France, as viewed from the Saone River
When is the best time to visit?
Autumn in Eastern France offers a cooler climate, breathtaking natural landscapes, and the added perk of dwindling tourist crowds as the season unfolds. Consider this time of year for a visit if you are able to work it into your schedule.
Summer is a great time to visit Eastern France. It's a peak travel season here that draws plenty of visitors for a good reason. Although you might encounter bustling crowds, the upside is that everything will be wide open and within easy reach.
Who is this itinerary for?
Let's get into the romantic side of Eastern France. This region has a well-deserved reputation as the perfect spot for couples. If you're exploring with your special someone, get ready for a truly delightful experience. Especially visit Lyon, Dijon, and Beaune for the enchanting atmosphere.
If you're planning a family getaway, the area is an absolute winner for a fantastic, kid-friendly trip. There's a wide variety of activities tailored for the little ones. We'll dig into more details below. In particular, make a point to visit Lyon.
This area offers a myriad of travel choices perfect for those on a budget or backpacking adventure. Whether it's budget-friendly hostels, affordable hotels, free activities, pocket-friendly dining, or the lively social scene, you're in for a fantastic trip even if you're pinching pennies. Spending more time in Lyon can especially help your budget.
Auxerre, France
Transportation
Getting from one destination to another in Eastern France is generally easy, with the majority of these places being approximately 3 hours apart.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Lyon to Auxerre because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Auxerre instead of Lyon. To get to Lyon, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
To navigate this itinerary with ease, do it with a car. If you aren't in a position to bring your own, no problem, just rent a car. Having your own vehicle in Eastern France means you're in control of your schedule and can make pit stops whenever you feel like it.
The train network in Eastern France offers a hassle-free and economical way to explore the region. Major cities are well-connected with swift train services, though reaching smaller towns might involve additional time and potential transfers to local buses. Opting for main routes ensures a straightforward journey, allowing travelers to relax and take in the beautiful views from their seats. It's advisable to plan ahead by checking ticket prices and schedules for a smooth travel experience.
Is seven days enough time in Eastern France?
Yes, seven days should give you ample time to explore the key destinations in Eastern France. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you can savor these locales at a leisurely pace, making your trip both relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, if you're eager for more local experiences, feel free to extend your stay or delve deeper into each spot. Day trip options abound, offering flexibility. Conversely, if time is tight, you can customize this suggested itinerary for a shorter yet fulfilling visit. While trimming destinations is an option, we recommend sticking to around seven days to truly appreciate everything.
How much does a seven-day trip to Eastern France cost?
Let's break down the estimated budget for this specific seven-day adventure in Eastern France, assuming you stick to the plan outlined below. Drawing on actual spending data from travelers and cost data from major travel companies, the daily average costs below are per person. They exclude transportation, as that can vary depending on your choices. Consider this breakdown as a financial roadmap, with mid-level hotels, regular dining, and key attractions aligning with these estimates. Anyone seeking cheaper options can opt for hostels, budget hotels, and more affordable food options. On the flip side, embracing luxury hotels, upscale dining, and private tours will make you go well beyond this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | $170 | 2 | $340 |
| Beaune | $224 | 2 | $448 |
| Dijon | $205 | 2 | $410 |
| Auxerre | $150 | 1 | $150 |
| Total per person | $1,348 | ||
| for 2 People | $2,696 | ||
The estimated cost for this seven-day adventure in Eastern France is approximately $1,348 per person, according to our calculations. It's worth noting that this does not cover transportation between destinations. That part is entirely dependent on your chosen mode of travel.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Eastern France based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Sourced from Kayak's hotel data, it's crucial to recognize that these figures exclude taxes and fees. Think of these averages as representative of mid-range hotel experiences, yet, keep in mind, that it's possible to spend more or less, particularly if you opt for budget-friendly lodgings or indulge in high-end luxury hotels. These prices will usually be higher during peak travel season, too.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | $92 | 2 | $184 |
| Beaune | $119 | 2 | $238 |
| Dijon | $82 | 2 | $164 |
| Auxerre | $87 | 1 | $87 |
| Total expected hotel cost* | $673 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're all about smart spending on your adventure, hostels are an enticing option, especially for younger or solo travelers. The prices outlined below show the average expenses for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. Despite sacrificing a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, the lively atmosphere often cultivates a social setting, creating fantastic opportunities to build new connections. It's worth noting that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, along with additional perks like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are computed from available hostel data shared by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Lyon | $26 |
Eastern France Itinerary
1. Lyon
2 Days
Lyon is a beautiful city with a long history. It has one of Europe's best old towns, which climbs the hills above the River Saône and is filled with character. There are many traditional restaurants where you can try the local cuisine. The city is also known for its Marionette puppets and there is a museum as well as places to watch a production.
Lyon brings plenty of visitors because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lyon are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll want to make sure to have at least enough time to see the highlights, but even more time to explore all of it.
For foodies, Lyon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.
Lyon has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
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