France in two weeks
Paris, Versailles, Giverny, Rouen, Etretat, Honfleur, Caen, Bayeux, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley,
France is a destination that effortlessly blends history, art, and natural beauty, and this seven-day itinerary highlights some of its most enchanting regions. Begin in Paris, where iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre meet charming neighborhoods and world-class cuisine. Venture to Giverny to step into Monet’s world, exploring the gardens that inspired his famous masterpieces. Discover the historic charm of Rouen, with its half-timbered houses and the stunning cathedral immortalized by Monet. Stroll the picturesque harbor of Honfleur, a haven for artists, and marvel at the dramatic cliffs of Étretat. Experience the moving history of Normandy, from the serene beaches of the D-Day landings to the stories they tell, and visit Bayeux to admire the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a remarkable 11th-century masterpiece. Finally, be transported to another era at Mont Saint-Michel, where a medieval abbey rises dramatically above the tides. This journey offers an unforgettable mix of cultural, historical, and natural treasures.
Day One
Paris, the City of Light, enchants with its iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture. Stroll along the Seine, explore world-class museums, and savor its timeless charm.
8:30 Quick breakfast at a Boulangerie
9:00 Eiffel Tower
11:00 Picnic in Champs de Mars with market food from Rue Cler.
1:30 Visit the Louvre
3:30 Walk through Tuileries Garden to Angelinia’s for hot chocolate and pasteries
4:30 Stroll along Champs Elysees, stopping at Laduree for macrons
6:00 Climb the Arc de Triomphe for the best views of Paris
7:00 Pick up an eclair from Patisserie des Reves
8:30 Dinner Cruise on the Seine
Day two
Paris, home to over 2.1 million people, attracts nearly 30 million visitors annually. Famous for its 324-meter Eiffel Tower and 35,000 works of art in the Louvre, it offers a mix of iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. With 20 distinct districts, or arrondissements, Paris is a city rich in history, architecture, and culinary excellence.
8:30 Quick breakfast at a Boulangerie
9:00 Join a bike tour of Paris
12:00 Enjoy lunch at Au Vieux d’Arcole
1:00 Visit Sainte Chapelle
2:00 Tour Notre Dame Cathedral
3:30 Wander Ile Sainte Louis and stop for ice cream at Berthillion
5:00 Explore the Musee d’Orsay
6:30 Enjoy dinner in Montmartre
8:00 Watch the sunset from the steps of Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
Day three
Some of the best things about traveling to Paris is what is not in Paris! Palace of Versailles, a symbol of royal opulence with its stunning Hall of Mirrors and vast gardens is a quick 40 minutes away. In Giverny you cany explore Monet’s enchanting home and gardens, the inspiration for his iconic Water Lilies. There is no better place to end the day than in Rouen, a city steeped in history, with its Gothic cathedral, charming half-timbered houses, and ties to Joan of Arc.
9:00 Chateau de Versailles
10:30 Ride bikes around the garden of Versailles, or rent a golf cart
12:00 Lunch at Le Place, a craperie near the palace
2:00 Monet’s Garden and Home in Giverny
4:30 Roeun Cathedral
5:00 Historial Jeanne d’Arc
6:30 Wander the Mideval Center of Roeun. Don’t miss the half-timber houses and Gros-Horloge Clock
7:30 Dinner at Tandem
Day four
Spend a day immersed in the charm and history of Normandy, beginning in Étretat with its dramatic white cliffs and natural arches overlooking the sea, that Monet painted, en plein air. Head to Honfleur, a picturesque harbor town known for its colorful buildings and artistic heritage. Continue to Caen to explore its rich World War II history and impressive medieval landmarks like the Abbaye aux Hommes.
9:00 Climb to the top of the cliffs of Etretat and explore the beach and town
11:30 Wander the beautiful harbor of Honfleur, peek in the Church of Sainte-Catherine and enjoy lunch at Chez Justine et Quentin
1:00 Visit La Mora, immersing yourself in the history of William the Conqueror and the Normans
3:00 Peek in the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, the beautiful Caen Cathedral and resting place for William the Conqueror
4:45 Visit Memorial de Caen for a deep dive into the WWII history of Normandy
7:00 Dinner in Caen
Day five
Begin your day in Bayeux, home to the extraordinary 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry, which vividly tells the story of the Norman Conquest. Then reflect on the compelling World War II events that took place along the coastline of Normandy. Normandy's WWII sites offer a profound journey through history, commemorating the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought during the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. From the haunting beaches of Omaha and Utah to the moving memorials and museums in Sainte-Mère-Église and Arromanches, walk in the footsteps of history, with a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the cost of freedom.
9:00 Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum
10:30 Tour the Juno Beach Center
12:00 Enjoy lunch in Arromanches-les-Bains
1:00 Stroll along the coast of Arromanches to see remnants of the artificial harbors and visit the Arromanches to watch a compelling film of the battles of Normandy.
2:30 Explore Longues-sur-Mer Battery
4:00 Visit the American Cemetery and Omaha Beach
6:00 Wander Pont du Hoc
7:00 Dinner in Bayeux at La Rapiere or L’Alcove
Day six
Begin your journey in Sainte-Mère-Église, a historic village known for its role in the D-Day landings and the iconic paratrooper story. Then, drive to Villedieu-les-Poêles, a charming artisan town famous for its copper workshops and the renowned bell foundry. Continue to the medieval town of Dinan, where cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the scenic Rance River transport you back in time. Conclude your day at the breathtaking Mont-Saint-Michel, exploring its winding streets and magnificent abbey perched atop the island, with sunset views over the bay.
9:00 Finish your exploration of WWII Normandy at Sainte-Mere-Eglise,
12:00 Enjoy lunch in Villedieu-les-Poêles and explore this quaint village known for its copper craftsmanship and artisan workshops.
3:00 Visit Dinan, the beautifully preserved medieval town with cobbled streets, a castle, and a scenic walk along the Rance River. Enjoy an early dinner.
7:00 Arrive at Mont Saint Michel in time to explore the island as the sun sets.
Day seven
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Angers is a charming city steeped in history and culture. Known for its stunning Château d'Angers, home to the breathtaking Apocalypse Tapestry, this vibrant city also boasts a rich medieval heritage, with cobbled streets, lively markets, and beautiful riverside promenades. A short drive away is the picturesque village of Béhuard, perched on an island in the Loire, known for its serene charm and the 15th-century Notre-Dame-de-Béhuard chapel. Continue your journey to Savennières, a quaint village famous for its world-class wine. Enjoy a walk through the verdant vineyards and soak in the idyllic landscape.
9:00 Tour the Mont Saint Michel Abbey
12:30 Enjoy lunch in Angers at Bistrot des Ducs
1:30 Visit the medieval castle, housing the Apocalypse Tapestry
3:30 Wander the historic Doutre district.
4:30 Stroll through three of the charming Petites Cites de Caractere: Behuard, Savennieres, Denee. These villages are a short 25 minutes drive from Angers. Consider dinner on the patio at L’Audacieuse in Behuard
Day eight
Dive into ancient history at Le Mystère des Faluns, a mesmerizing light and sound show that brings ancient eras to life as you travel through dramatic caves carved from fossilized seas. Next, head to Tours, pick up a picnic at a local market and enjoy it in a bustling square surrounded by medieval half-timbered houses. Then lose yourself in the cobbled streets and rich history of Tours’ old town, where every turn reveals centuries-old architecture. In the afternoon, visit Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau a romantic, Renaissance chateau, gracefully set on an island. Then, make your way to Château de Villandry, a stately country house celebrated for its world-famous ornamental gardens. Conclude your day with dinner in the charming town of Amboise.
9:00 Le Mystere des Faluns, a light and sound show taking you on a time travel through the ages, from cave to cave.
12:00 Pick up lunch items in Tours at Les Halles de Tours Market and head to Place Plumereau to eat. Then wander the cobble streets and half timber houses of the old town.
2:00 Visit Chateau d’Usse, the Sleeping Beauty Castle
3:30 Visit Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau, the romantic, story book castle perched on an island
5:00 Tour Chateau de Villandry, the grand country house surrounded by world famous gardens. Wander the gardens in the evening, after the Chateau has closed
7:30 Enjoy dinner in Amboise at La Planque, L’Ecluse, or Les Arpents
Day nine
Enjoy Château du Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci, where you can explore his preserved workshop and inventions. Then, stop at Château d’Amboise, where Leonardo is laid to rest, surrounded by panoramic views of the Loire River. After a delightful lunch in Amboise, embark on a unique adventure by kayaking under the arches of the magnificent Château de Chenonceau, famously spanning the Cher River, before touring its opulent halls and enchanting gardens. Next, marvel at the grandeur of Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture with its iconic double-helix staircase. Enhance your visit by catching a knight’s tournament in the stables or exploring the expansive grounds by golf cart. Conclude your day with a scenic drive to Limoges, known for its exquisite porcelain and historic charm.
9:00 Visit Chateau du Clos Luce, Leonardo’s castle and the Chateau d’Amboise, to visit his tomb.
11:30 Enjoy lunch in Amboise
12:30 Rent Kayaks and paddle under Chateau de Chenonceau and then tour the castle
3:30 Tour Chateau de Chambord. Consider viewing a Kinght’s Tournament in the stables and a ride through the gardens on a golf cart.
10:00 Arrive in Limoges
Day Ten
Explore the rich tapestry of history and culture in France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region with a day full of discovery, through the ages. Begin your morning in Limoges, wandering the historic Quartier de la Boucherie and Rue de la Boucherie, once the bustling heart of the city's medieval butchers' guild. After breakfast at a local cafe, travel to Oradour-sur-Glane, a poignant memorial village left untouched since its destruction in World War II. In the afternoon, step back tens of thousands of years at the Lascaux Prehistoric Caves, home to some of humanity's earliest art. Continue your journey through time with visits to La Roque Saint-Christophe, an extraordinary troglodyte cliff village, and the fortified Maison Forte de Reignac, a rare example of middle-age cliffside architecture. End the day in Sarlat-la-Canéda, a town celebrated for its stunning medieval architecture, where you'll enjoy a delightful dinner and reflect on the region's layered past.
9:00 Enjoy a morning stroll through the charming Quartier de la Boucherie & Rue de la Boucherie in Limonges and pick up a quick bite for breakfast along the way.
10:00 Visit the Oradour-Sur-Glane
2:00 Tour Lascaux Pre-historic Caves
4:00 Stop at La Roque Saint Christophe and Maison Forte de Reignac
7:30 Arrive in Sarlat-la-Caneda for dinner
*Consider visiting the The Adrien Dubouché National Museum in Limonges, time permitting
Day eleven
A day in the Dordogne region of France offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and charm. Begin in Sarlat, a medieval town dating to the 9th century, with cobblestone streets and golden-stone buildings, before heading to La Roque-Gageac, a stunning village nestled against limestone cliffs along the Dordogne River. Explore the imposing Château de Castelnaud, a medieval fortress that played a key role in the Hundred Years War, with sweeping views of the valley below, and then stop at picturesque hilltop village of Beynac-et-Cazenac, crowned by its own magnificent château, which was once home to King Richard the Lion Heart. Visit Domme, a bastide town offering panoramic vistas of the valley. Make sure to fit in a serene kayaking trip on the Dordogne River, where you’ll glide past lush scenery and historic sites. Conclude the day at Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, strolling through illuminated gardens by candlelight for a magical and unforgettable experience.
8:30 Enjoy breakfast at a local cafe, or at the Sarlat Farmer’s Market on Wednesday and Saturday. Then wander the ancient center of Sarlat.
10:30 Canoe on the Dordogne River
1:00 Stop for lunch in the charming town of Domme
3:00 Wander the streets of La Roque Gageac
4:30 Tour the medieval Castelnaud-la-Chapelle Castle
6:30 Wander the Les Jardins de Marqueyssac
8:00 Enjoy dinner at Beynac-et-Cazenac
(If in the area on a Thursday in July or August, consider an early dinner and Wander the Les Jardins de Marqueyssac by candlelight, reservations required.)
Day twelve
Set out on a journey through Southern France that weaves together medieval, Roman, and papal history. Begin with an early departure from Sarlat-la-Canéda, heading toward the fortified city of Carcassonne. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Carcassonne boasts impeccably preserved medieval walls and towers, evoking the splendor of its 12th-century golden age. Afterward, visit the Pont du Gard, an awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct that stands as a testament to ancient engineering marvels, and explore the adjacent museum for a deeper dive into its history. Conclude the day in Avignon, the City of Popes, with a visit to Rocher des Doms for panoramic views of the Rhône Valley. Stroll through the cobbled Rue des Teinturiers and enjoy the ambiance of Place de l’Horloge before marveling at the illuminated grandeur of the Palais des Papes, a symbol of Avignon's papal legacy and medieval significance.
8:00 Early departure from Sarlat-la-Caneda to Southern France
11:00 Tour the walled city of Carcassonne
3:00 Explore Pont-du-Gard, a Roman Aqueduct and adjacent museum. Consider packing a lunch to enjoy on the rocks along the river below.
5:00 Enjoy an evening in Avignon, beginning with a visit to Rocher des Doms to enjoy its panoramic views, wandering the charming Rue des Teinturiers, strolling through the illuminated Place de l'Horloge, and admiring the lit-up Palais des Papes.
Day thirteen
Spend the day immersed in the rich artistic and historical tapestry of Provence, beginning with a classic French breakfast of crêpes in the picturesque Place du Palais des Papes. Step inside the Palais des Papes, one of the most powerful symbols of medieval Christendom, where popes ruled in the 14th century.
Enjoy lunch in Arles, a city where Roman grandeur meets artistic inspiration. Explore its remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater, where gladiators once battled, and follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who painted some of his most famous works here.
In the afternoon, explore the charming villages of Provence, each offering a distinct experience. Walk the Van Gogh Trail in St-Rémy-de-Provence, where the artist spent a year at the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole. Alternatively, visit the breathtaking hilltop ruins of Les Baux-de-Provence, the lavender-hued streets of Gordes, or the ochre cliffs of Roussillon, a village painted in earthy reds and oranges. Whether you choose history, art, or natural beauty, Provence promises a magical ending to your journey.
8:00 Enjoy Crepes in Place du Palais des Papes, before enjoying the audio tour of the Palace. Wander across the Pont d’Avignon before departing.
12:00 Enjoy lunch in Arles and consider a walking tour. Don’t miss the Roman structures, especially the amphitheater, and the Van Gogh sites.
3:00 Spend the rest of the day exploring neighboring villages, choosing between St-Remy-de-Provence where you can walk the Van Gogh Trail, the beautiful Les-Baux-de-Provence, Gordes and Roussillon.
Day fourteen
Experience the glamour, history, and natural beauty of the French Riviera, where the sparkling Côte d’Azur has captivated artists, aristocrats, and travelers for centuries. Your first stop is the Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, a breathtaking mansion built in the early 20th century by the wealthy Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild. Nestled on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, this opulent estate is surrounded by nine themed gardens, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean.
After a delightful lunch in Nice, take in the city's vibrant energy with a bike tour, pedaling past landmarks like the Promenade des Anglais, a seaside boulevard that has drawn visitors since the 19th century. Later, head to the medieval village of Èze, perched high above the sea, where winding stone streets lead to breathtaking panoramic views. Enjoy a leisurely dinner in this storybook setting before continuing to the glamorous casinos of Monaco, if time and energy allow. End your journey in style with a taste of Monte Carlo’s legendary nightlife before preparing for your flight home, carrying with you memories of the French Riviera’s elegance and timeless charm.
7:30 Depart Arles early for your drive to Nice.
10:00 Arrive at Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, one of the most the beautiful places on le Cote d’Azur.
12:00 Enjoy lunch in Nice
1:00 Enjoy a bike tour of Nice
4:00 Wander Eze, the charming hill top village overlooking Nice, and enjoy dinner after exploring the maze of quaint streets.
8:00 Visit the glitzy casinos of Monaco, time and energy permitting, before a flight home in the morning!
