Highlights of France: 7-Day Itinerary

Wine, History, and Famous Sights

Are you trying to plan a fantastic trip around France? If you're not sure where to start, where to go, how much it will cost, or how much time you need, then we've got the answers. This route will let you experience the big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food of the region. This itinerary can be used as a guide and an outline for your next trip, because here you'll find all of the information you need to put together an amazing seven-day trip.

While visiting France, you'll find world-famous sights, local wines, delicious food, and colorful cities. We've put together plenty of specific plans below, starting with with the many reasons why you should visit this amazing region. We then cover estimated costs, where to stay, the route, and things to see and do along the way.

This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:

  1. Paris (2 days)
  2. Versailles (1 day)
  3. Lyon (2 days)
  4. Avignon (2 days)


Paris, France

Itinerary Highlights
  • Great for couples
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big City Activities
  • Delicious Food
  • Historic Sites
  • Small Town Charm
  • Museums
  • Beautiful Locations

France is known for its large cities full of sights, attractions, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and more. By taking some time to explore some of the larger cities, you'll not only have a fun trip, but you'll get a chance to experience the unique culture and vibrant city attractions. With plenty of big city activities, Paris and Lyon shouldn't be missed.

Many travelers embark on journeys with the pursuit of mouthwatering cuisine, and France is no exception. This trip promises a plethora of exceptional restaurants and local delicacies that demand a taste. The food in Lyon, Paris, and Avignon is especially delicious.

So much history is to be found in France. Don't miss the historic architecture, museums, and charming vibe of the area.

It's essential not to bypass the picturesque and charming small towns in the region. They grant you a superb opportunity to embrace and enjoy the local culture. You'll find plenty of small town charm in Avignon.

Don't rush past the excellent museums along this route - set aside some time to explore and appreciate them. The museums of Lyon, Versailles, and Paris are particularly good.

One of the primary attractions in France is its jaw-dropping scenery, drawing visitors from far and wide. Make sure to pack your camera because seeing it in person is better than you've heard. You don't want to miss Lyon, Paris, and Versailles for the beautiful scenery.


Lyon, France, as viewed from the Saone River

When is the best time to visit?

As summer unfolds in France, it becomes a magnet for travelers seeking a memorable experience. Brace yourself for bustling crowds, but take comfort in the fact that this is when everything is open and at its peak accessibility.

Who is this itinerary for?

France has earned a reputation as a go-to spot for couples. If you're traveling with your better half, brace yourselves for an exceptional experience. Down below, you'll find plenty of insight around romantic activities for your trip. For romantic charm, Lyon, Versailles, and Paris especially should not be missed.

Looking for a perfect family-friendly destination? Look no further than France, where a multitude of kid-friendly activities awaits to make your trip an absolute delight. In the various sections below, we'll discuss this even more. For example, families love all of the activities in Lyon and Paris.

If you're watching your wallet or embarking on a backpacking escapade, the area has got you covered with a range of budget-friendly options. From economical hostels and budget hotels to free activities, affordable eats, and a vibrant social atmosphere, your trip is set to be fantastic without breaking the bank. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Paris and Lyon tend to favor budget travelers.


Versailles, France

Transportation

It's fairly easy to get between these destinations in France, as most of these places are an average of 4 hours apart.

We selected Paris as the starting point because it offers plenty of transporation options. At the end, this itinerary loops back around to the start to make it convenient, but you could also arrive or leave from any destination along the way. To get to Paris, you can see flight prices and schedules here.

Traveling by train through France is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.

Is seven days enough time in France?

Yes, seven days provides a comfortable window to explore the major attractions in France. Our meticulously planned itinerary ensures you can absorb the essence of each destination, creating a trip that's not only enjoyable but also leisurely. If you find yourself yearning for more local flavor, extending your stay or dedicating extra time to specific areas is an option. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. Conversely, for those with time constraints, consider adjusting this proposed itinerary for a condensed yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around seven days to truly savor everything.


Pont d'Avignon, France

How much does a seven-day trip to France cost?

The estimated budget breakdown for this seven-day trip through France is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.


 City Daily Average Days Total
Paris $286 2 $572
Versailles $308 1 $308
Lyon $170 2 $340
Avignon $790 2 $1,580
Total per person $2,800
for 2 People $5,600

From these calculations, the estimated cost for this seven-day itinerary of France costs $2,800 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.

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 France based on calculated averages.

Hotel Prices

For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.


 City Average Hotel Room Price
Paris $126
Versailles no data
Lyon $92
Avignon $114
*Before taxes and fees, and varies by season
Hostel Prices

Seeking to stretch your travel dollars? Hostels are a fantastic option, especially for younger or solo travelers. The prices outlined below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel at each location. While privacy may be a bit limited in hostel dorms, the ambiance is usually social, creating a wonderful opportunity to form new friendships. Keep in mind that many hostels also offer private rooms, but at a higher cost compared to dorms. Moreover, you can benefit from amenities such as communal kitchens, social activities, and convenient locations. These average prices are computed using available hostel data from HostelWorld.


 City Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) Days Total
Paris $35 2 days $70
Versailles $34 1 day $34
Lyon $26 2 days $52
Avignon $16 2 days $33
Total expected hostel cost* $188
*Before taxes and fees, and varies by season

France Itinerary

1. Paris

2 Days

Paris is not only the capital city of France, but it is one of Europe's most iconic cities. For many visitors, its a dream destination that is filled with wide boulevards, charming cafes, and world class landmarks. The food is widely recognized as some of the best in the world. The city sits along the River Seine, and a stroll down the river at night is a quintessential Parisian experience.

Many travelers come to Paris because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. You'll want to make a plan of how to see everything on your list. Set aside at least enough time to see the highlights.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world.

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.

This is one of the most popular destinations in the world for nightlife. It's considered by many to be a fun party-oriented city, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.

The music scene here is popular and famous around the world. Make sure to take some time to see a show.

Since Paris is one of the premier shopping cities in the world, make sure you spend some time perusing the local shops.


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