23 days in France & Amsterdam Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Europe trip planner
Start: Cape Town, South Africa
Fly
1
Paris, France
— 2 nights
Train
2
Marseille, France
— 3 nights
Train
3
Toulouse, France
— 3 nights
Train
4
Bordeaux, France
— 3 nights
Drive
5
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
— 3 nights
Train
6
Paris, France
— 2 nights
Train
7
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
— 4 nights
Fly
End: Cape Town, South Africa
Thu, Sep 7 - Fri, Sep 29
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Paris, France — 2 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.Start off your visit on the 8th (Fri): head off the coast to Ile Saint-Louis, explore the different monuments and memorials at Pere-Lachaise Cemetery, examine the collection at Atelier des Lumieres, then get engrossed in the history at Memorial De La Shoah, and finally get a sense of history and politics at Hotel de Ville. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at Musee Nissim de Camondo, appreciate the history behind Arc de Triomphe, then explore the world behind art at Petit Palais, then admire the masterpieces at Musee De Cluny, and finally appreciate the history behind Pantheon.
To see other places to visit, photos, maps, and tourist information, go to the Paris day trip app.
Cape Town, South Africa to Paris is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Cape Town to Paris due to the time zone difference. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in September, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to fly to Marseille.
Find places to stay Sep 8 — 10:
Marseille, France — 3 nights
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Gateway to Provence
The 2013 European "Capital of Culture," Marseille is the largest port city on the breezy Mediterranean coast and the second largest city in France.Do some cultural sightseeing at Palais des Papes and Pont d'Avignon. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and Eglise Saint-Jean-de-Malte. Explore Marseille's surroundings by going to Musee du Petit Palais (in Avignon), Musee du Vin Brotte Degustation et Vente (in Chateauneuf-du-Pape) and Site Memorial du Camp des Milles (in Les Milles). There's much more to do: examine the collection at Centre de la Vieille Charite, get engrossed in the history at Musee d'Histoire de Marseille, pause for some serene contemplation at St. Vincent de Paul Church, and admire the natural beauty at Palais du Pharo.
For maps, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Marseille online tour itinerary planner.
Fly from Paris to Marseille in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Paris in September; daily highs in Marseille reach 30°C and lows reach 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Toulouse.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Sep 10 — 13:
Highlights from your trip
Toulouse, France — 3 nights
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La Ville Rose (Pink City)
On the Garonne River, Toulouse is on the site of an ancient Roman settlement, and even today, many of the smaller streets follow their Roman counterparts, while many of the red brick buildings are built in a pseudo-Roman style.Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile and Basilique Saint-Sernin. Step off the beaten path and head to Chapelle des Carmelites and Palais de la Berbie. Venture out of the city with trips to Albi (Academie des Miniatures et des petits gouters & Cloitre de la Collegiale Saint Salvy). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedrale St-Etienne, take in the exciting artwork at Hotel d'Assezat, take an in-depth tour of Musee Saint-Raymond, and admire the masterpieces at Fondation Bemberg.
To see traveler tips, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Toulouse vacation planner.
You can fly from Marseille to Toulouse in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 29°C in September, and nighttime lows around 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Bordeaux.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Sep 13 — 16:
Highlights from your trip
Bordeaux, France — 3 nights
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The Port of the Moon
With a long history of producing regional wines since the Romans brought grapevines here during the first century, so many people consider Bordeaux to be the wine capital of the world.Popular historic sites such as Place de la Bourse and La Fleche Saint-Michel are in your itinerary. Get some cultural insight at Musee du Vin et du Negoce and Musee d'Aquitaine. Explore Bordeaux's surroundings by going to Chateau La Croizille (in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes) and Saint-Emilion (Eglise Collegiale de Saint-Emilion & Chateau Ambe Tour Pourret). There's still lots to do: step into the grandiose world of Chateau du Taillan, take in the exciting artwork at Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez, wander the streets of Port de la Lune, and explore the world behind art at Les Bassins de Lumieres.
Plan my trip to Bordeaux with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.
Traveling by car from Toulouse to Bordeaux takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Bordeaux can reach 28°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Sep 16 — 19:
Highlights from your trip
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France — 3 nights
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Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in south-western France. Get some cultural insight at Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Chapelle Sainte Madeleine. Let the collections at Musee Serbat and Musee du Sel et des traditions bearnaises capture your imagination. Get out of town with these interesting Saint-Jean-de-Luz side-trips: Eglise de L'Hopital-Saint-Blaise (in Hopital-Saint-Blaise), Eglise Saint Girons de Monein (in Monein) and Musee Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne - Basque museum (in Bayonne). The adventure continues: step into the grandiose world of Maison de l'Infante Joanoenia, pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint Etienne, enjoy the sand and surf at Grande Plage, and get engrossed in the history at Musee Asiatica.
To find other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read Saint-Jean-de-Luz trip itinerary builder website.
You can drive from Bordeaux to Saint-Jean-de-Luz in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Saint-Jean-de-Luz can reach 27°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Fri) early enough to fly to Paris.
more
To find other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read Saint-Jean-de-Luz trip itinerary builder website.
You can drive from Bordeaux to Saint-Jean-de-Luz in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Saint-Jean-de-Luz can reach 27°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Fri) early enough to fly to Paris.
Side Trips
Eglise de L'Hopital-Saint-Blaise, Musee Asiatica, Eglise Saint Girons de Monein, Musee Serbat, Eglise Saint Etienne
Find places to stay Sep 19 — 22:
Highlights from your trip
Paris, France — 2 nights
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City of Light
Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Sat): make a trip to Eiffel Tower, make a trip to Le Trocadero et son esplanade, then explore the world behind art at Musee Marmottan Monet, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: admire the masterpieces at Musee d'Orsay and then get engrossed in the history at Musee de Montmartre.
To see more things to do, reviews, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Paris trip itinerary website.
Traveling by flight from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Paris takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Saint-Jean-de-Luz in September, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Paris, with lows of 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) early enough to catch the train to Amsterdam.
more
To see more things to do, reviews, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Paris trip itinerary website.
Traveling by flight from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Paris takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Saint-Jean-de-Luz in September, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Paris, with lows of 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) early enough to catch the train to Amsterdam.
Find places to stay Sep 22 — 24:
Highlights from your trip
Amsterdam, The Netherlands — 4 nights
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Venice of the North
Known as one of the greatest small cities in the world, Amsterdam charms visitors with its cool and cozy atmosphere.Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Zaanse Schans and Louwman Museum The Hague. Get a sense of the local culture at Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. Venture out of the city with trips to Nieuwe Kerk (in Delft), Grote Markt (in Haarlem) and Escher in Het Paleis (Escher in the Palace) (in The Hague). Next up on the itinerary: explore the world behind art at Museum Het Rembrandthuis, see the interesting displays at Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, pause for some serene contemplation at De Duif, and savor the flavors at Food & Drink.
To see maps, photos, and more tourist information, read Amsterdam tour itinerary planner.
You can take a train from Paris to Amsterdam in 4.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. September in Amsterdam sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight back home.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Sep 24 — 28:
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.
