One Week in France – 6 Curated Itineraries for the Discerning Traveler

A week in France is enough time to do it well – or to do it wrong. Rush through the obvious highlights and you’ll leave with a collection of photographs but little sense of the country. Take the time to choose the right itinerary for how you actually travel, and a week is remarkable.

France is not a country you summarize in seven days. But it is a country where seven days, spent in the right place with the right plan, can feel like considerably more.

I have organized these six itineraries around distinct travel styles – not just geography. Whether you travel for food and wine, for history and architecture, for wild coastlines, or for the pleasure of arriving somewhere most visitors never reach, each itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your time in France, on your own terms.

Last update: May 2026

Which France Itinerary is Right for You?

Practical Notes Before You Start Planning Your Week in France

If your travel dates are flexible, choose them carefully. The best times to visit France are spring and early autumn, when crowds are lighter, prices are more reasonable, and the overall experience is far more enjoyable. For a week in France, my preferred months are June and September.

It’s also worth avoiding public holidays in France and school holidays.

France 7-Day Itinerary #1: Paris – Lyon – Annecy

This France 1 week itinerary visits three of the most beautiful cities in France. This is a cultural & sightseeing itinerary, with a couple of more relaxing days in the French Alps at the end of the trip.

Elisa’s honest take: Lyon is France’s best city for food and Annecy is a personal favorite for slowing down, enjoying the scenery, and soaking up local life around the lake. If that matters to you, this is your week.

Stop 1 | Paris (3 days)

Three days in Paris is the sweet spot. You’ll have time to see what actually matters and enough breathing room to linger where you want to.

Day 1 – Île de la Cité and Right Bank (Le Marais and Canal Saint-Martin)

Day 2 – Right Bank (Louvre to Montmartre)

Day 3 – The Left Bank: Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Près, and the Eiffel Tower

Prefer a done-for-you plan? Use this 3-day Paris itinerary instead.

For your stay in Paris, book at Hotel La Comtesse, a mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower views from all the rooms. Can you imagine a better way to start your trip?!

Stop 2 | Lyon (2 days)

Two days is a reasonable amount of time to cover most of the best things to do in Lyon and enjoy a couple of leisurely strolls. As France’s capital of gastronomy, it’s also the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in its culinary culture and try some of Lyon’s signature dishes.

Day 4 – Join this Old Lyon food tour, which combines history, culinary heritage, and selected tastings. This isn’t just another recommendation – it’s the best food tour I’ve ever taken in France (Meghan was the name of my guide). Also in the Old Town, visit Saint-Jean Cathedral and some of Lyon’s traboules (grab a free traboules map from the Tourist Office).

Day 5 – Visit Lugdunum (archaeological museum and Roman theaters) to learn about the origins of Lyon. In the afternoon, take this Lyon e-bike tour which explores highlights beyond the Old Town, including Fourvière Hill, the Basilica, and Parc de la Tête d’Or, and there’s an apéritif along the way. Don’t worry: Fourvière Hill on an e-bike is an easy task.

Prefer a simpler plan? Steal my 2 days in Lyon itinerary.

For your stay in Lyon, book at Villa Florentine. This former convent, located in the heart of Old Lyon, offers elegant guest rooms and fabulous panoramic views of the city.

Stop 3 | Annecy (2 days)

Day 6 – Take a stroll along the picturesque canals of Annecy. Then, move to the areas around the lake: Gardens of Europe and Le Pâquier.

Day 7 – Rent a boat to navigate Lake Annecy or explore its shores by bike. During the warm season, pack some sandwiches and a towel for a picnic in one of its beaches: Plage des Marquisats (south), Plage Impérial (north), or Plage du Château (more secluded, my favorite).

Want to skip the planning? Here’s my Annecy 2-day itinerary.

For your stay in Annecy, book a room at the beautiful Black Bass Hotel, located by the lake just out of Annecy. The hotel has comfortable and stylish rooms and beautiful grounds.

France Itinerary 7 Days #2: Paris – Colmar – Strasbourg

This 7-day France itinerary explores Paris and the region of Alsace in Eastern France. Alsace is well known for its distinctive atmosphere, picturesque villages, and Christmas markets.

Elisa’s honest take: Alsace in Mid-November or December for the Christmas markets is one of the best weeks you can spend anywhere in Europe. For the Christmas markets, I usually book my hotel 10 months in advance for the best choice and prices.

Stop 1 | Paris (3 days)

For your first days in Paris, you can follow the itinerary below. You can also focus on the places that interest you most over two days in the city, and dedicate the third day to Versailles. Here’s how to plan your day trip to Versailles from Paris.

Day 1 – Île de la Cité and Right Bank (Le Marais and Canal Saint-Martin)

Day 2 – Right Bank (Louvre to Montmartre)

Day 3 – The Left Bank: Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Près, and the Eiffel Tower

For your stay in Paris, book at Relais Christine, a 4-star hotel in a 16th-century private mansion in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Stop 2 | Colmar (2 days)

Colmar is small and very walkable. Use the first day to explore some of the best things to do in Colmar and your second day to take a day trip.

If you visit in November or December, this Colmar Christmas Market guide will come in handy.

Day 4 – Explore the Old Town: Collegiale Saint-Martin, Little Venice, and the Koïfus (from outside)

Day 5 – Take a day tour to see more about this corner of France. This Alsace’s Gems small group day tour visits Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, two of the most beautiful villages, and includes a wine tasting of typical Alsace wines.

For your stay in Colmar, book at the Hotel Le Colombier, a charming property located in the district of Little Venice, with spacious and stylish rooms, a bar, and a garden.

Stop 3 | Strasbourg (2 days)

Strasbourg is the capital of the Grand Est region, a beautiful and dynamic city well worth visiting during a week in France. Strasbourg’s Old Town is listed as UNESCO World Heritage, and Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in France.

Day 6 – Explore the Old Town: Grand’ Ile, Strasbourg Cathedral, Petite France, and Covered Bridges. Take a boat tour to see Strasbourg’s beautiful architecture along the canals from the water.

Day 7 – Visit some of Strasbourg’s lesser-known neighborhoods, such as the Euro Quarter – home to the European institutions – and the Neustadt (German Quarter), also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To explore them, you can rent a bike or join this fun guided Segway tour. In the afternoon, visit the wine cellar of the Hospices de Strasbourg (self-guided tour with optional tastings) to discover the world’s oldest wine.

No time to plan? Use my Strasbourg 2-day itinerary.

If you visit in November or December, use this Strasbourg Christmas market guide for your trip.

For your stay in Strasbourg, book at the Hotel Cathédrale. It has the perfect location, just opposite Notre Dame de Strasbourg, with incredible and spectacular views over the cathedral.

One Week in France Itinerary #3: Rennes – Quimper – Vannes

This 7-day France itinerary explores the region of Brittany in western France. You’ll visit three of its most beautiful cities and enjoy a couple of day trips along the way.

This one week in France without Paris starts in Rennes, the capital of Brittany. Direct trains connect Paris to Rennes in about 1.5 hours. If you’re arriving from Europe, Rennes Airport (RNS) offers good connections with cities such as London, Lisbon, Berlin, Munich, and Dublin. It’s also possible to reach Brittany by train from England via the London–Rennes Eurostar route.

Elisa’s honest take: this itinerary is perfect for travelers who have already done Paris and are looking for something completely different. The best season for this week in France is summer. Summers are never too hot in this part of France.

Stop 1 | Rennes (2 days)

Regularly elected as one of the most pleasant cities in France to live in, Rennes is a young and dynamic city with a rich historical heritage. Rennes’s Old Town is very charming, with half-timbered houses from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, cobbled streets, and a festive atmosphere.

Day 1 – Explore the Old Town and some of Rennes’s highlights, such as the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, the Opéra, and the Portes Mordelaises (vestiges of Rennes’s ramparts). The Musée de Bretagne is an excellent introduction to the history of Rennes and Brittany.

Day 2 – Spend a relaxing day at Parc du Thabor (a remarkable garden and a must of any visit to Rennes) or explore the banks of the Vilaine River on foot or by bike.

For your stay in Rennes, book at Le Paris Brest Hotel, with a central location near the Old Town and the train station,  a clean and functional room, and an excellent breakfast.

Stop 2 | Quimper (2 days)

Quimper is the capital of the department of Finistère, where Brittany meets the Atlantic Ocean. The traditional capital of Pays de Cornouaille has plenty of charm to offer curious travellers: cobbled streets winding between half-timbered houses and the banks of the Odet River invite you to stroll and explore.

Day 3 – Visit Quimper’s highlights at your own pace, leaving time to linger in your favourite spots: Old Quimper, Cathédrale Saint-Corentin, Halles Saint-François (the covered food market), and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Quimper.

Day 4 – This is a more outdoors-focused day. Quimper is home to several beautiful gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll: Jardin de la Paix and Jardin de la Retraite are two personal favourites. You can also hike up Mont Frugy for panoramic views – the trail starts near the Tourism Office.

For your stay in Quimper, book at the Hotel Ginkgo. Located in the heart of the Priory of Quimper in a listed character building. The hotel also has a garden and a terrace, perfect for a relaxing moment after your explorations.

Stop 3 | Vannes (3 days)

This 7-day France itinerary ends in Vannes, the jewel of the Gulf of Morbihan. Medieval Vannes is one of the best-preserved walled cities in France, with a historic centre full of charm: half-timbered houses, private mansions, and impressive religious buildings.

Day 5 – Visit Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Vannes and explore the Old Town. Walking along the ramparts offers a great overview of medieval Vannes. Outside the walls, the marina is perfect for an afternoon stroll or a harbour-side meal to sample Brittany’s gastronomy.

Day 6 – Discover one of the islands of the Gulf of Morbihan – Île-aux-Moines or Île d’Arz – both easily reached by ferry (read this article with pictures to help you decide). You can also rent a boat, with or without a skipper, from the port of Vannes. Don’t forget your swimsuit! Bike rentals are available on both islands, right by the harbour.

Day 7 – Take a day trip to the famous Carnac alignments. The journey to Carnac takes about 45 minutes by bus (BreizhGo line 01), followed by a 15-minute walk to the archaeological site.

For your stay in Vannes, book at Quality Hotel La Marebaudière Vannes Centre, which is central and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Here, bikes are available for free, and they are perfect for exploring the surroundings of Vannes.

7 Days in France Itinerary #4: Paris – Blois – Tours

This beautiful 1 week in France itinerary through the Loire Valley explores Paris, two medieval cities, and some of the best châteaux in France.

Elisa’s honest take: The Loire Valley, and especially the Loire wine region, are criminally undervisited by American travelers. This is the itinerary I recommend most for châteaux lovers and wine adventurers (great quality for price). Ideally, visit in spring, when the châteaux’s gardens are in full bloom, or late in the summer, just before the harvest. The last time I visited these places was in mid-September, and I had quite a bit of rain – though I may simply have been unlucky.

Stop 1 | Paris (3 days)

Start your holiday in the French capital. In a château-themed itinerary like this, the Château of Versailles is a must. Spend two days in Paris, then use the third day to take a day trip to Versailles.

Day 1 – The Right Bank: Île de la Cité, the Louvre and Montmartre

Day 2 – The Left Bank: Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Près, and the Eiffel Tower

Day 3 – Versailles

For your stay in Paris, book at the Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne, a refined hotel located a 5-minute walk from the Louvre in the center of Paris.

Stop 2 | Blois (2 days)

Blois is a vibrant city by the Loire River with a beautiful Old Town from medieval times. Blois is home to the Château de Blois, the Loire’s finest in-town château.

Day 4 – Visit Château de Blois and the Old Town. Here’s a helpful list of the best things to do in Blois.

Day 5 – Take a day trip to Château de Chambord. Bus #2 leaves from Blois Sanitas bus station to Chambord Route de Thoury. From there, it’s a 9-minute walk to the Château. You can also take the Loire à Vélo famous bike route to the Château. There’s a bike rental shop not far from the train station.

For your nights in Blois, the Hotel Louise de Savoie is a good option, with a central location and comfortable rooms furnished with traditional furniture.

Stop 3 | Tours (2 days)

Tours is the largest city in the Loire Valley. Founded by the Romans, it became an important pilgrimage center in medieval times and even served – albeit briefly – as the capital of the kingdom of France. Today, Tours combines this rich history with a vibrant atmosphere, offering plenty of restaurants, bars, and lively terraces that fill up as soon as the warm weather arrives.

Day 6 – Visit Saint-Gatien Cathedral and explore the Old Town. Use this list of the best things to do in Tours to pick the spots that interest you more. In the afternoon, head to Place Plumereau – the most beautiful square for an apéritif in France – to enjoy your favorite drink. You’ll love its vibrant atmosphere!

Day 7 – If you are interested in wines, Tours is ideally located for exploring the Touraine wine region. This Loire Valley Wine Tour explores the appellations of Bourgueil and Chinon – well-known for their reds from Cabernet Franc – and Vouvray (whites and sparklings from Chenin Blanc), with a gourmet picnic lunch and tastings at 3 wineries. If you prefer focusing on châteaux, this top-rated guided tour with transportation visits Château de Chenonceau, the Royal Castle of Amboise, and the Clos de Lucé, where Leonardo Da Vinci spent his final years.

In summer, the banks of the Loire River are ideal for a late afternoon stroll and casual dining in one of the guinguettes (outdoor bars).

For your stay in Tours, the Best Western Central Hotel is a good option. Located close to the main sights, the hotel offers comfortable rooms and a pretty garden with a terrace.

France in 7 Days Itinerary #5: Paris – Bordeaux – Toulouse

This one-week France itinerary pairs the energy of Paris with the wine culture of Bordeaux and the sun-drenched charm of Toulouse – a journey through some of the country’s most characterful regions, with plenty of rewarding day trips along the way.

Elisa’s honest take: this itinerary is all about elegant architecture, good food, and even better wine. Personally, I’d add a bike tour or another more adventurous activity to make it more fun (you’ll find some suggestions below). Bordeaux has an oceanic climate, which means frequent rain in autumn, winter, and even early spring. During my last visit – between the last week of September and the first days of October – I experienced quite a bit of it.

Stop 1 | Paris (2 days)

For your two days in Paris, dedicate one day to each bank of the River Seine. Alternatively, you can split this Paris one-day itinerary over two days, giving yourself more time to linger in your favorite spots.

Day 1 – The Right Bank: Île de la Cité, the Louvre and Montmartre

Day 2 – The Left Bank: Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Près, and the Eiffel Tower

For your stay in Paris, book at Le Temple de Jeanne, a boutique hotel with individually decorated rooms in the heart of Le Marais

Stop 2 | Bordeaux (3 days)

World-famous for its prestigious wines, Bordeaux is also the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Its Old Town and Port of the Moon are listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site, recognised for their historical role in global wine trade as well as their elegant classical and neoclassical architecture.

Day 3 – The Cité du Vin, this fascinating museum deserves 2-3 hours. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Old Town (you’ll find some ideas on this list of things to see in Bordeaux).

Day 4 – Take a Bordeaux wine tour. This full-day classic explores the best of both banks: Saint-Émilion and the Médoc. If you’re looking to add a bit more adventure to your trip, consider this e-bike wine tour to Saint-Émilion, complete with a gourmet picnic.

If you are not into wine, any of these day trips from Bordeaux are easy to plan by train and don’t require advance booking.

Looking for a ready-made-itinerary? Steal my 2 days in Bordeaux itinerary.

For your stay in Bordeaux, I recommend the Yndo Hotel, set in a 19th-century private mansion in the heart of Bordeaux.

Stop 3 | Toulouse (2 days)

Toulouse is one of the best cities in Southern France. Set on the banks of the Garonne River, the capital of the Occitanie region is a lively city with pretty little squares, elegant private mansions, interesting museums, and beautiful parks.

Day 6 – Use this day to explore Toulouse’s highlights, such as the Place du Capitole, Saint-Sernin Basilica, and its beautiful private mansions. In the afternoon, I loved the vibrant atmosphere of Place Saint-Pierre – an ideal spot for an apéritif.

Day 7 – There are many beautiful towns near Toulouse that make a perfect finale to your French trip. Albi is is my favorite and easy to reach by regional train (no advance booking necessary). The medieval city of Carcassonne is best explored on a guided tour with transport included (this top-rated guided tour from Toulouse is a great option). You will love its imposing citadel and the rich history of the Cathars and the Crusaders behind it.

For your stay in Toulouse, the Ibis Styles Toulouse Capitole has an unbeatable location on the city’s main square, and it offers an excellent breakfast in a pleasant open space.

7 Day France Itinerary #6: Paris – Marseille – Nice

This 1-week France itinerary visits Paris and two of the most vibrant cities in southern France. An excellent choice for first-time visitors, it combines a rich cultural introduction with a relaxed Mediterranean pace characteristic of the South of France.

Elisa’s honest take: This is the classic for a reason, but it’s also the most crowded. Avoid July and August for this itinerary: it is hot, expensive, and at its most crowded. Late May – early June is my personal sweet spot for this itinerary: it’s not too crowded yet, and it’s warm enough for a first swim.

Stop 1 | Paris (2 days)

Two days in Paris is enough for first-time visitors to get a real feel for the city without exhausting themselves. A good approach is to focus on one bank of the Seine per day, rather than crossing the city repeatedly.

Day 1 – The Right Bank: Île de la Cité, the Louvre and Montmartre

Day 2 – The Left Bank: Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Près, and the Eiffel Tower

Prefer a done-for-you plan? Use this 2-day Paris itinerary instead.

For your stay in Paris, book at the Handsome Hotel by Elegancia. Located just 800 meters from the Louvre, this hotel offers its guests great facilities and always gets the best reviews.

Stop 2 | Marseille (2 days)

Marseille is the most misunderstood city in France. I personally LOVE it. Give it a full day before judging it.

Day 3 – Explore the Old Port, the Le Panier neighbourhood, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, or choose another highlight from this list of the best things to do in Marseille.

Day 4 – Take one of these day trips from Marseille. I recommend this catamaran cruise with lunch that explores the amazing Calanques de Marseille Cassis (book in advance).

Looking for an easy, 2-day plan? Follow my 2-day Marseille itinerary instead.

For your stay in Marseille, Hotel la Résidence du Vieux Port is a good option, with the perfect location (and the best view of Marseille!) on the banks of the Old Port.

Stop 3 | Nice (3 days)

Three days is the right amount for Nice. Two for the city, one for the French Riviera.

Day 5 – Visit Cours Saleya Market and explore the Old Town. Climb Castle Hill at sunset for Nice’s best view.

Day 6 – Visit Cimiez Hill and one of its museums (or choose other highlights from this list of best things to do in Nice) and walk the Promenade des Anglais at sunset.

Want to skip the planning? Here’s my 2 days in Nice itinerary.

Day 7 – Take a day trip by train (no advance booking necessary). Choose from Monaco, Èze, or Villefranche-sur-Mer, or explore another destination from this list of the best day trips from Nice, depending on your interests.

For your stay in Nice, book at the Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges. This 4-star hotel is nestled into the Colline du Château, and it comes with a great view over the Baie des Anges.

So there you have it, a curated selection of 7 day itineraries in France. Six itineraries cover a lot of ground, but France has eighteen regions and a week can be spent in ways that don’t look like any of the above. If none of these quite fits what you’re looking for, a travel consultation is the fastest way to get a week planned around exactly how you travel.

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