A mix of art & culture and history. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, with a mix of self-guided and guided activities. Includes 6 must-see landmarks across Paris and Nice and Lyon.
Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Paris, Palace of Versailles Day Trip from Paris, Promenade des Anglais & Vieux Nice, Les Halles Paul Bocuse & Lyon Bouchon Experience, Louvre Museum: Small-Group Expert-Led Tour
Hotels and experiences are selected at the luxury tier — expect premium stays, skip-the-line access, and fine dining.
Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking
8+ activities scored and ranked · route optimized across 3 cities
Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out
Paris
ParisJoin a small group with a local expert for skip-the-line Louvre access and art history insight
$113 Verified Mar 2026 Closed Tuesdays; book ahead in summer Book this tour →
Take the RER C to Versailles for the Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments, and Le Nôtre's vast formal gardens
$38 Verified Mar 2026 Garden fountain shows Apr-Oct weekends; pre-booking strongly recommended Apr-Sep; closed MondaysLe Marais / Saint-Germain / Latin Quarter
Ride the elevator to the summit of the world's most visited monument for 360° views over Paris
$40 Verified Mar 2026 Open year-round; timed entry required — book online weeks ahead in peak season (Apr-Sep) 📍 MapGet a fully tailored private Louvre tour with skip-the-line access and a dedicated expert guide
$171 Verified Mar 2026 Closed Tuesdays; book 2+ weeks ahead in peak season Book this tour →Le Marais / Saint-Germain / Latin Quarter
Nice
Nice
Walk the 7 km Riviera promenade then dive into Vieux Nice's Baroque lanes and Cours Saleya market
Best May-Jun and Sep; avoid August crowds; Cours Saleya flower/food market Tue-Sun mornings; Mon is antiques/brocante day 📍 MapDrive into Provence for a full day of tastings at three wineries, local lunch, and winemaking history
$199 Verified Mar 2026 Harvest season September-October is most atmospheric Book this tour →Promenade des Anglais / Old Nice / Port
Lyon
Lyon
Browse Lyon's legendary indoor food market with 60+ vendors, then lunch at a traditional Lyonnais bouchon
Open Tue-Sun 7am-10:30pm; food stall activity peaks 8am-1pm; bouchon reservations recommendedVisit Beaujolais wineries for tastings and drive through the best-preserved medieval village in France
$122 Verified Mar 2026 Beaujolais Nouveau released third Thursday in November — a festive time to visit Book this tour →Presqu'île / Vieux Lyon / Croix-Rousse
Check out of your hotel, grab a final breakfast, and head to the airport. Safe travels from Lyon!
Where You’ll Stay
Estimated total: €392–€588
Trip Budget Estimate
Estimates based on listed activity prices and hotel rates. Actual costs vary by season, availability, and personal spending.
Typical range for France
$450 – $2,500 per person for 5 days
Similar Destinations
Similar vibes, fewer crowds — destinations our algorithm rates as close matches to France.
🧳 Practical Info for France
- Visa
- Schengen Area — visa-free for up to 90 days for US, UK, CA, AU citizens. EU/EEA nationals have freedom of movement.
- Tipping
- Service charge included by law (service compris). Round up the bill or leave 1–2€ for good service.
- Currency
- Euro (€ EUR). Cards accepted almost everywhere; some markets and small vendors prefer cash.
- Power
- 230V, Type C/E plugs. US/CA travelers need a plug adapter.
- Connectivity
- SIM cards at airport shops (Orange, SFR, Free Mobile). Good 4G/5G coverage nationwide.
- Emergency
- 112 (general emergency), 15 (medical/SAMU), 17 (police)
🚄 Getting Around France
TGV high-speed trains via SNCF Connect link Paris to Lyon (2h), Marseille (3.5h), and Bordeaux (2h). Book early for best fares.
TER regional trains cover shorter routes without reservation. Buy at the station.
Car rental recommended for wine country, Provence, and the Loire Valley where trains are infrequent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough for France?
5 days works for Paris (3 days) plus one region — Normandy, Loire Valley, or Provence. For the French Riviera and wine country, plan 7-10 days.
What is the best way to travel around France?
TGV high-speed trains connect major cities in 1-3 hours. Book on SNCF Connect for best prices. Renting a car is better for wine country and rural Provence.
What is the best time to visit France?
May-June and September are ideal — warm weather, fewer crowds than July-August. Lavender blooms in Provence peak late June to early August.
How much does 5 days in France cost?
Budget: $90-120/day. Mid-range: $200-350/day. Luxury: $500+/day. Paris is 30-40% more expensive than the rest of France.
Do I tip in France?
Service is included in the bill (service compris). Rounding up by a euro or two for good service is appreciated but not expected.
