12 day itinerary
France
Personalized with:Train travel at relaxed pace
Itinerary
A 12-day adventure through France sounds delightful! With a focus on train travel at a relaxed pace, we can explore some of the most beautiful cities and regions. Here’s a charming itinerary that balances sightseeing, culture, and leisure. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Stroll along the Seine River, visiting iconic spots like and the charming .
- Evening: Enjoy a classic French dinner in the . Try a cozy bistro for some coq au vin or duck confit!
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the . Arrive early to beat the crowds and see the Mona Lisa!
- Afternoon: Head to . Explore the and wander through the artistic streets.
- Evening: Have dinner at a café with a view of the . Don’t forget to catch the tower’s sparkling lights at night!
Day 3: to Versailles
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Versailles (about 30 minutes). Spend the morning exploring the opulent .
- Afternoon: Stroll through the beautiful gardens and maybe rent a bike or a golf cart to see more of the expansive grounds.
- Evening: Return to and enjoy a leisurely dinner in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area.
Day 4: to Lyon
- Morning: Take a high-speed train (TGV) to Lyon (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss the traboules (hidden passageways) and the stunning .
- Evening: Indulge in Lyonnaise cuisine at a traditional “bouchon.” Try local specialties like quenelles or andouillette.
Day 5: Lyon
- Morning: Visit the , a fascinating museum that blends science and anthropology.
- Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along the Rhône River or visit the , where you can relax by the lake or visit the botanical gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy a wine tasting at a local wine bar. Lyon is known for its excellent wines!
Day 6: Lyon to
- Morning: Catch a train to (about 1 hour). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic center, including the and the famous .
- Evening: Dine at a local restaurant and try the regional dish, ratatouille, paired with a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine.
Day 7: and Surroundings
- Morning: Take a day trip to the stunning village of or the lavender fields of the Luberon (if in season).
- Afternoon: Visit the picturesque town of , known for its ochre cliffs.
- Evening: Return to for dinner and perhaps catch a local performance or festival if available.
Day 8: to
- Morning: Travel to by train (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Stroll along the and relax on the beach.
- Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant. Don’t forget to try the local specialty, socca!
Day 9: and the French Riviera
- Morning: Take a short train ride to . Explore the glamorous city-state, including the and the .
- Afternoon: Visit the beautiful gardens and the .
- Evening: Return to and enjoy a leisurely dinner in the Old Town (Vieux ).
Day 10: to
- Morning: Take a train to (about 6 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then explore the and the beautiful waterfront.
- Evening: Savor a dinner of local specialties, perhaps some duck or oysters, paired with wine.
Day 11: and Wine Country
- Morning: Take a wine tour in the nearby or . Visit vineyards and enjoy tastings.
- Afternoon: Continue your wine exploration or visit the , an interactive wine museum.
- Evening: Return to for dinner. Try a local bistro for a relaxed meal.
Day 12: Departure from
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll through the city.
- Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before heading to the airport.
Tips for Your Journey:
- Train Tickets: Consider getting a rail pass if you plan to travel extensively by train. It can save you money and give you flexibility.
- Packing: Pack light and bring comfortable shoes for all the walking you’ll be doing!
- Local Delicacies: Don’t hesitate to try local specialties in each region. French cuisine is diverse and delicious!
I hope this itinerary excites you as much as it does me! Enjoy your French adventure! 🌍✨