17 days in France Itinerary
Created using Inspirock France trip itinerary builder
Start: New York City
Fly
1
Paris
— 3 nights
Drive
2
Blois
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Saumur
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Bayeux
— 3 nights
Fly
5
Lyon
— 1 night
Fly
6
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
— 1 night
Drive
7
Carcassonne
— 1 night
Drive
8
Avignon
— 1 night
Drive
9
Nice
— 2 nights
Fly
End: New York City
Mon, Apr 4 - Wed, Apr 20
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View full calendar
Paris — 3 nights
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City of Light
A beautiful and romantic city fit for any itinerary, Paris brims with historic associations and remains vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design.Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Shop till you drop at Champs-Elysees and Le Marais. There's lots more to do: admire the masterpieces at Louvre Museum, pause for some serene contemplation at Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre, wander the streets of Montmartre, and admire the striking features of Sainte-Chapelle.
For photos, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Paris day trip planner.
New York City, USA to Paris is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from New York City to Paris is 6 hours. In April, daily temperatures in Paris can reach 60°F, while at night they dip to 42°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Thu) early enough to drive to Blois.
Find places to stay Apr 4 — 7:
Highlights from your trip
Blois — 2 nights
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Town of Art and History
Situated on the banks of the lower Loire river, Blois opens doors to many activities centered along the banks of the river.Kick off your visit on the 8th (Fri): step into the grandiose world of Chateau Royal de Blois, explore the historical opulence of Chateau de Cheverny, and then explore the historical opulence of Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. On your second day here, contemplate the long history of Chateau de Chambord, then examine the collection at Chateau de Chenonceau, and then make a trip to Le Chateau du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo da Vinci.
For maps, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Blois itinerary planner.
Drive from Paris to Blois in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In April, daytime highs in Blois are 60°F, while nighttime lows are 40°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sat) so you can go by car to Saumur.
Side Trips
Le Chateau du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo da Vinci, Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau de Cheverny
Find places to stay Apr 7 — 9:
Highlights from your trip
Saumur — 2 nights
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Pearl of Anjou
Saumur is a famous historic town known for its locally grown mushrooms and for their production of a number of regional wines and celebrated Combier liqueurs.On the 10th (Sun), take in nature's colorful creations at Chateau de Villandry, step into the grandiose world of Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, and then step into the grandiose world of Chateau de Langeais. On the 11th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: steep yourself in history at Chateau de Brissac, steep yourself in history at Chateau de Breze, and then get engrossed in the history at Musee des Blindes.
For where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Saumur trip planner.
You can drive from Blois to Saumur in 1.5 hours. Another option is to take a train. In April in Saumur, expect temperatures between 63°F during the day and 43°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Mon) so you can drive to Bayeux.
Side Trips
Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, Chateau de Breze, Chateau de Villandry, Chateau de Langeais, Chateau de Brissac
Find places to stay Apr 9 — 11:
Highlights from your trip
Bayeux — 3 nights
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Most travelers take a trip to Bayeux to see the famed tapestry depicting the legendary Norman Conquest from the 11th century.Step off the beaten path and head to Cathedrale Notre-Dame and Pointe du Hoc. Normandy American Cemetery and Omaha Beach will appeal to history buffs. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Bayeux: Sainte-Mere-Eglise (Airborne Museum & Church of Sainte-Mère-Église), Musee du Debarquement Utah Beach (in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont) and La Maison du Biscuit (in Sortosville-en-Beaumont). There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Musee du debarquement, learn about all things military at Memorial de Caen, stroll the grounds of Bayeux War Cemetery, and explore the world behind art at Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux.
For more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Bayeux trip planning site.
You can drive from Saumur to Bayeux in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Traveling from Saumur in April, expect nights in Bayeux to be about the same, around 40°F, while days are slightly colder, around 58°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Thu) so you can fly to Lyon.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 11 — 14:
Highlights from your trip
Lyon — 1 night
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Culinary Capital of France
Lyon is a historical city with a vibrant cultural scene as the birthplace of cinema, the silk capital of the globe, and the second biggest Renaissance city following Venice.Start off your visit on the 15th (Fri): admire the landmark architecture of Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, get to know the fascinating history of Colline de Fourviere, then delve into the distant past at Théâtre gallo-romain, and finally examine the collection at Musee Miniature et Cinema.
For reviews, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Lyon driving holiday planner.
Traveling by flight from Bayeux to Lyon takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In April, daily temperatures in Lyon can reach 63°F, while at night they dip to 45°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Fri) so you can fly to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.
Find places to stay Apr 14 — 15:
Highlights from your trip
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle — 1 night
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On the 16th (Sat), step into the grandiose world of Chateau de Castelnaud, then don't miss a visit to Chateau de Beynac, then walk around Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, and finally don't miss a visit to Chateau des Milandes.
To find photos, maps, and more tourist information, read our Castelnaud-la-Chapelle online route planner.
Getting from Lyon to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 65°F in April, and nighttime lows around 43°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Sat) early enough to drive to Carcassonne.
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To find photos, maps, and more tourist information, read our Castelnaud-la-Chapelle online route planner.
Getting from Lyon to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 65°F in April, and nighttime lows around 43°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Sat) early enough to drive to Carcassonne.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 15 — 16:
Highlights from your trip
Carcassonne — 1 night
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Medieval Heart of France
Best known as a fortified town, Carcassonne is a walled city that provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the location for many scenes in Kevin Costner's movie "Robin Hood." For a daily dose of excitement, medieval jousting tournaments are held twice per day between the two walls--while this may sound like a typical touristy show, it's actually an entertaining display of combative competition and horsemanship.On the 17th (Sun), appreciate the extensive heritage of Place Carnot, take a stroll through Cité de Carcassonne, explore the historical opulence of Chateau Comtal, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, and finally take an in-depth tour of Musee De L'ecole.
To find photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Carcassonne tour planning website.
Drive from Castelnaud-la-Chapelle to Carcassonne in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Expect a daytime high around 65°F in April, and nighttime lows around 46°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sun) so you can go by car to Avignon.
Find places to stay Apr 16 — 17:
Highlights from your trip
Avignon — 1 night
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City of Popes
An ancient town center surrounded by medieval ramparts, Avignon is a major city of Provence and a Mediterranean city in the Vaucluse department on the left bank of the Rhône River.Kick off your visit on the 18th (Mon): take an in-depth tour of Musee Calvet, contemplate the long history of Roman Theatre of Orange, then snap pictures at Pont d'Avignon, then explore the historical opulence of Palais des Papes, and finally take in nature's colorful creations at Rocher des Doms.
For where to stay, maps, photos, and tourist information, read Avignon trip planner.
Getting from Carcassonne to Avignon by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In April in Avignon, expect temperatures between 68°F during the day and 46°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Nice.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Apr 17 — 18:
Highlights from your trip
Nice — 2 nights
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Nissa la Bella (Nice the Beautiful)
Well-known for the beautiful views of its famous Promenade des Anglais waterfront, Nice is an ethnically-diverse coastal port city on the French Riviera and the fifth most populated city in France.Start off your visit on the 19th (Tue): don't miss a visit to Promenade des Anglais, get to know the fascinating history of Old Town, then explore the world behind art at Musee d'Art Moderne Et d'Art Contemporain, and finally steep yourself in history at Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 20th (Wed): pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas a Nice, then contemplate the long history of Palais Lascaris, then see the interesting displays at Musee Matisse, and finally examine the collection at Musée Marc Chagall.
For reviews, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Nice road trip planner.
Traveling by car from Avignon to Nice takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Avignon in April, Nice is a bit warmer at night with lows of 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Wed) early enough to fly back home.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Apr 18 — 20:
Highlights from your trip
France travel guide
France has been the world's most popular tourist destination for decades, and geographically, it is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Its cities are holiday hot spots and contain some of the greatest treasures in Europe, its countryside is prosperous and well tended, and it boasts dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris, the French Riviera, the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport resorts of the French Alps, as well as the castles of the Loire Valley, Brittany, and Normandy. The country is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly wines and cheeses, as well as its history, culture, and fashion industry.
You'll find that the French people are very polite and may react coldly to you if you forget this. You might be surprised as you're greeted by other customers and the proprieter when you walk into a restaurant or a shop. Be sure to take your sightseeing off the beaten path in France. Besides the famous Eiffel Tower and the chic resorts of the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera) you'll find many places to visit in the form of museums filled with fine art, crafts, and archaeological relics, wonderful medieval villages and castles, diverse national parks, and local shopping direct from artisans themselves.
Whether you're touring the Christmas Markets or going skiing during winter, viewing the springtime influx of color in Provence, sunbathing on the Mediterranean coast in the summer, or watching the fall foliage against the backdrop of the châteaux in the Loire Valley, you're sure to find just the right place to be. Spring is a time when the tourist attractions are just starting to expand their hours, but it may still be cold in the mountainous regions and the north. Summer is the busiest time in France with the longest hours for many museums and attractions, but it's often when you will experience the most crowds. Winter in France is filled with winter carnivals, Christmas Markets, and of course, skiing. Fall is a time to celebrate the release of Beaujolais nouveau wine in November, as well as experience Nuit Blanche, a day in October when major attractions, museums, galleries, parks, and swimming pools remain open all night.
