The best 7-day France itinerary

Looking for a quick but exciting tour of France? This 7-day itinerary is packed with highlights, starting in the City of Light and covering everything from alpine lakes to sun-drenched Provence, and the glitzy Riviera. You’ll get a taste of French culture, cuisine, and scenery, with visits to top museums, beautiful lavender fields, and more. Here’s our best 7-day France itinerary, crafted by our Rough Guides local travel experts.

The best 7-day France itinerary

Planning a week-long trip to France? Here’s a quick overview:

• Day 1: Arrive in Paris, explore Le Marais, visit local markets, and end with a Seine River cruise.
• Day 2: Tour Paris highlights including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower.
• Day 3: Choose a day trip to either the Palace of Versailles, Mont St Michel, or Loire Valley châteaux.
• Day 4: Travel to Annecy, known as the "Venice of the Alps," and explore its charming old town and lake.
• Day 5: Journey to Aix-en-Provence, wandering its elegant streets and experiencing Provençal culture.
• Day 6: Visit the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau in Provence.
• Day 7: Take a day trip to historic Fréjus on the French Riviera, exploring Roman ruins and Mediterranean beaches.

Day 1: Arrive in Paris

Once you arrive in Paris, take it easy and ease into the city's charm. Start with a relaxed stroll through Le Marais, one of the most delightful neighborhoods in Paris. As you explore, be sure to stop by a local boulangerie—like Du Pain et des Idées or Boulangerie Murciano—for a fresh croissant or pain au chocolat. Or grab a pastry at La Maison Stohrer, the oldest pastry shop in Paris.

When lunchtime rolls around, head over to the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris. It's the perfect spot to sample a range of French and international cuisines. For a quick bite, queue up at Chez Alain Miam Miam for a galette with local cheese and ham.

As the evening approaches, head to Rue Montorgueil, a lively pedestrian street packed with restaurants, cafés, and food shops. Treat yourself to a classic French dinner at a traditional bistro like Au Rocher de Cancale.

Wrap up your first night with a relaxing Seine river cruise to catch views of Paris' most famous landmarks all lit up. Then spend the night in your Paris accommodation.

Day 2: Explore Paris' highlights

On the second day, you’ll rise early and beat the crowds to the Louvre (Rue de Rivoli), home to some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa. To beat the crowds, book your tickets ahead of time and use the Porte des Lions entrance, which tends to be quieter. Plan to spend about 2-3 hours here, focusing on the main highlights if you’re short on time.

Next, cross the Seine and head to the Musée d'Orsay. This former railway station is now a stunning museum filled with an impressive collection of Impressionist art. Make sure to check out works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.

In the afternoon, head to the Eiffel Tower. If you’re up for it, take the stairs to the second floor for a more unique experience and shorter lines. Consider timing your visit with the sunset for an unforgettable view.

Finish the day with dinner in the nearby 7th arrondissement. Bistrot Chez France is a cozy spot, or if you're a fan of duck, Au Petit Sud Ouest is a must-visit for its duck specialties. 

Day 3: Day trips from Paris

For your third day, choose one or two of these fantastic day trips from Paris. Keep in mind that attempting all three in one day is not feasible due to travel times.

Palace of Versailles

Just a 45-minute hop on the RER C train lands you at the doorstep of Louis XIV's ego-made manifest. The Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was the political heart of France from 1682 to 1789. Be prepared to be awed by the lavish State Apartments, the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and the sprawling gardens with their elaborate fountains and sculptures. You could easily spend half a day here soaking in the splendor of French royal history.

Mont St Michel

If you’re up for a longer adventure, Mont St Michel is an awe-inspiring island commune topped by a medieval abbey, situated off France’s northwestern coast. Although it’s a 4-hour journey each way, the otherworldly beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site makes it worth the trek. 

To get there, take an early TGV train from Paris Montparnasse to Rennes, followed by a shuttle bus to Mont St Michel. The abbey rising dramatically from the sea is a sight you’ll never forget. Spend your time wandering the narrow, cobblestone streets of the village, exploring the abbey, and enjoying the local shops and restaurants.

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, often called the "Garden of France," is famous for its breathtaking Renaissance châteaux, lush vineyards, and charming villages. From Paris, take a TGV train from Montparnasse to Tours (about 1 hour). Once there, you can either join a guided tour or rent a car to explore the region at your own pace. Must-see spots include the majestic Château de Chambord, the elegant Château de Chenonceau, and the historic Château d'Amboise. The Loire Valley is also known for its wine, so you might want to indulge in a tasting at one of the local vineyards.

 Day 4: Take the train to Annecy

Say goodbye to Paris and hop on a high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to the charming town of Annecy. The trip takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes, so be sure to book your tickets in advance through SNCF to snag the best deals.

Once you arrive, check into your hotel and get ready to explore Annecy’s enchanting old town. Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is famous for its canals and breathtaking alpine scenery. Take a relaxing stroll through the medieval Vieille Ville (Old Town), where you’ll be greeted by pastel-colored houses and balconies overflowing with flowers.

Be sure to visit the Palais de l’Ile, a 12th-century building that was once a prison and now serves as a museum, perfectly perched in the middle of the Thiou Canal. As the evening sets in, head down to the shores of Lake Annecy—one of the cleanest lakes in Europe—for a peaceful walk. For dinner, treat yourself to a Michelin-starred experience at L’Esquisse, or enjoy some classic Savoyard cuisine with a modern flair at La Ciboulette.

Day 5: Travel to Provence & the French Riviera

Start your morning with a walk or bike ride around Lake Annecy before making your way to Provence. To get to Aix-en-Provence, you’ll take a TGV train that takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a transfer in Lyon.

Upon arrival in Aix-en-Provence, often called simply "Aix," immerse yourself in the charm of this elegant city. Begin your exploration at Cours Mirabeau, a wide thoroughfare lined with plane trees and grand mansions. Stop at the famous Deux Garçons brasserie, once frequented by Paul Cézanne and Émile Zola.

Next, dive into the old town's maze-like streets. Keep your eyes peeled for the city's famed fountains – there are over 40 dotted about. The best of which is the Fontaine de la Rotonde on Cours Mirabeau.

Visit the Atelier Cézanne, the studio where the famous post-impressionist painter created some of his masterpieces.

In the evening, settle in for a laid-back dinner at a terrace café. Try some Provençal specialties like bouillabaisse or ratatouille, and don’t forget to pair it with a glass of local Côtes de Provence rosé wine.

Day 6: Visit the best lavender fields in the Provence

Provence is renowned for its stunning lavender fields, and on day six you'll explore some of the best. The Valensole Plateau, about an hour's drive from Aix-en-Provence, offers some of the most picturesque lavender landscapes in the region. If you don't want to rent a car, consider joining a guided tour from Aix.

Head out early to catch the morning light over the fields. Lavender usually blooms from mid-June to mid-July, so this is the prime time to visit, though it is beautiful all year round. As you drive through the countryside, you'll see vast expanses of purple stretching out, along with charming old stone farmhouses and the occasional sunflower field.

Make sure to stop by the quaint village of Valensole, where you can buy lavender products directly from local vendors. Don’t miss trying lavender-infused honey or ice cream while you’re there.

After exploring the lavender fields, head back to Aix for dinner.

Day 7: Make a day trip to Fréjus

For your final day, you’ll take a trip to the historic town of Fréjus on the French Riviera. You can reach Fréjus by train from Aix-en-Provence in about 2 hours. The journey offers lovely coastal views as you approach the Côte d'Azur.

Fréjus, founded by Julius Caesar in 49 BC, is rich in Roman history. Here you’ll find the Roman amphitheater, which once held up to 10,000 spectators. Next, visit Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from the town's Roman past.

The afternoon is spent wandering through the medieval old town, stopping at the 5th-century Baptistery and the 11th-century Cathedral. If you want a break from history, head to Fréjus-Plage or Saint-Aygulf for a swim in the Mediterranean

Before heading back to Aix, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Fréjus' seaside restaurants. Try fresh seafood and Provençal specialties as you watch the sunset over the Mediterranean, wrapping up your week-long French adventure.

How many days do you need in France? 

France is a country best savored slowly, but even if you’re pressed for time, you can still soak up its highlights. With 10-14 days, you can explore iconic spots like Paris, the South of France, and perhaps even venture to the Loire Valley or Normandy, all without feeling overly rushed.

A week allows you to experience the highlights of Paris and perhaps one or two other regions, as outlined in the itinerary above. This gives you time to see major attractions, and get a feel for the country.

For a hassle-free journey through France, leave the logistics to us. Our tailor-made trips, designed by local travel experts, are fully customizable to suit your travel style.

Looking for more ideas for a 7-day vacation in France? You might like our 7-day itinerary in Southern France.

When is the best time to visit France? 

Generally, late spring (April to mid-June) and early fall (September to October) are the best times to visit. During these months, you’ll enjoy mild weather, fewer crowds compared to the summer peak, and a variety of cultural events and festivals. You'll also avoid the busiest tourist season and elevated prices, while experiencing France at its finest—either blooming in spring or adorned in vibrant autumn colors.

Summer (mid-June to August) is the high tourist season. If you're seeking beach holidays or lively outdoor festivals, summer is perfect, but be prepared for larger crowds and steeper prices. On the upside, it's the prime time to witness Provence’s Lavender fields in full bloom, from late June to mid-July.

How to get around in France? 

If your trip spans several regions, a mix of train travel and car rental is your best approach. Use trains for long-distance travel between cities, and rent a car to explore the countryside, such as the Dordogne or Provence, at your own pace. Be sure to book high-speed trains ahead of time to secure the best rates.

• Train: France boasts an extensive and efficient rail network, operated by SNCF. High-speed TGV trains offer quick connections between major cities, while regional TER trains and budget-friendly Ouigo services provide more economical options.
• Car: Renting a car allows for flexibility, especially when exploring rural areas and small villages. The highways are in excellent condition, though tolls are common on major routes. Be aware of city driving restrictions and parking challenges, especially in Paris.
• Buses: Long-distance buses like Flixbus and Blablabus offer another budget-friendly option for travel between cities, though they tend to be slower than trains.
• Ridesharing: BlaBlaCar and similar apps are also popular for intercity travel and can be an affordable alternative to other modes of transportation.