France
France in 9 Days
Paris plus one region is the formula that works. Which region you pick changes the entire character of the trip.
Overview
France rewards restraint. Nearly every disappointing French itinerary we have seen tried to combine Paris, the Loire, Provence and the Riviera in ten days. The trains are excellent, but you still spend half the holiday on platforms.
The better structure is Paris for three or four nights, then one region for the rest. Lyon and the surrounding valleys for food, Provence for light and markets, Normandy for history and coastline, the Alps for summer hiking.
France is also the easiest country in Europe to eat well on a modest budget, as long as you eat at lunchtime. The formule at midday in a neighbourhood bistro often costs less than half of the same cooking in the evening.
Suggested duration and general route
Typical length: 7 to 12 days
- 1
Paris · 3 to 4 nights
Museums, neighbourhoods, one day trip.
- 2
Lyon or Avignon · 2 to 3 nights
Regional base with short train transfer.
- 3
Coast or countryside · 2 to 3 nights
Provence villages, Riviera or Burgundy.
Same destination, different journey
Travel style options for France
Each scenario below is a complete route with its own pace, budget and day-by-day outline.
Photos from France
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