5 day tour of france

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France 5-Day Tours and Itineraries

See the top France 5-Day tours and itineraries. Select from 81 5-Day tours in France with a total of 11 genuine reviews. Each of Bookmundi's 5-Day France itineraries are carefully handpicked.

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82 Trips in France with 11 Reviews

• Starts Nice, France
• Ends Nice, France

Getaway in the French Riviera

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Food tours & Countryside and village visits Food tours , Countryside and village visits & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='38021'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Private Vehicle & Minibus
• Age Range 1-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Paris, France
• Ends Paris, France

Paris And Versailles

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Explorer
• Accommodation Hotel & Yacht Cabin
• Transport Yacht, Boat, Coach, Private Vehicle & Bus
• Age Range 6-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,820
• Special Deal (6%): - US$ 109
• Total Price from: US$ 1,711
• May 04 10+ seats left
• May 05 10+ seats left

• Starts Strasbourg, France
• Ends Strasbourg, France

The Romantic Rhine Valley and the Rock of Lorelei (port-to-port cruise)

• Tour Type Cruise Tour
• Activities Cruise & Explorer Cruise , Explorer , Romantic & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='17664'>+2 more
• Accommodation Ship Cabin
• Transport Cruise Ship & Train
• Age Range 18-79 yrs
• May 18 Only 10 seats left
• May 19 Only 6 seats left

The Must-see Sights of the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise)

• Activities Cruise
• Transport Cruise Ship
• May 01 Only 4 seats left
• May 06 10+ seats left

• Starts Lyon, France
• Ends Lyon, France

The Magic of the Provençal Rhône and the Camargue (port-to-port cruise)

An exceptional cruise through the most beautiful regions of three different countries (port-to-port cruise)

• Activities Cruise & Explorer
• Transport Train, Coach, Cruise Ship, Boat & Private Vehicle
• Jun 20 Only 2 seats left
• Aug 19 Only 4 seats left

• Transport Train, Cruise Ship, Boat, Private Vehicle & Coach
• Age Range 35-79 yrs
• Jun 20 Only 1 seat left
• Aug 19 Only 2 seats left

Alsace: land of tradition and gastronomy (port-to-port cruise)

• Transport Cruise Ship, Boat & Coach
• Oct 12 10+ seats left
• Oct 16 10+ seats left

Paris , Oh La La! | 5 Days

• Transport Boat, Coach, Private Vehicle & Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,320
• Special Deal (3%): - US$ 40
• Total Price from: US$ 1,280

• Starts Aix-en-Provence, France
• Ends Aix-en-Provence, France

Provencal Hidden Gems

• Activities Wine tasting tours & Scooter and electric bike tours Wine tasting tours , Scooter and electric bike tours , Local culture & Countryside and village visits 'data-more-tripid='38009'>+2 more
• Transport Train
• Age Range 1-79 yrs
• Operated in English, German

The Valleys of the Rhône and Saône: Gastronomy and vineyards (port-to-port cruise)

• Oct 30 10+ seats left

• Starts Bordeaux, France
• Ends Bordeaux, France

The exceptional region of Bordeaux (port-to-port cruise)

• Transport Cruise Ship & Coach
• May 15 10+ seats left

Parisian New Year on the Seine (port-to-port cruise)

• Accommodation Resort & Ship Cabin

Provençal New Year's Eve in the Rhône Valley (port-to-port cruise)

• Dec 28 10+ seats left

Traveling to France for 5 days? Chat with a local travel specialist in France who can help organize your trip.

France 5-Days Tour Reviews

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Travel Home > France > Itineraries > France in 5 Days Itinerary

France in 5 Days Itinerary

• Officially Licensed Guides

Luxury Vehicles

Flexible rescheduling, how to spend 5 days in france.

Welcome to our 5-day tour itinerary of France, where you will discover the highlights of Paris, the grandeur of Versailles, and the picturesque beauty of the Loire Valley. This tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature, offering an unforgettable experience to travelers.

Get ready for a journey full of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and cultural experiences. We look forward to showing you the best of France over these five days!

Trip Highlights

• Paris Tours
• Versailles Guided Tour
• Giverny Day Trip
• Loire Valley Tour

What's Included?

• Luxury Transport
• Private Drivers
• 24 Hour Online Support
• Fully Customizable Tour Itinerary
• Free Cancellation & Rescheduling

Day 1: Paris

Welcome to Paris, the City of Light and Love! This itinerary will guide you through two days of private, guided tours of some of the most iconic and beautiful sights in the city. Get ready to discover the rich history, culture, and beauty of Paris with your personal guide.

Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars

Start your first day in Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Your guide will escort you to the entrance of the tower and ensure that you avoid the long lines often associated with visiting this popular attraction. Once you reach the top, your guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the city, pointing out notable landmarks and providing interesting historical and cultural insights.

At the top, you’ll have 360-degree views of the city, allowing you to take in the beauty and grandeur of Paris from a breathtaking perspective.

Afterward, descend the tower and accompany your guide as you Take a walk around the Champ de Mars, the vast public park that surrounds the tower, and soak in the sights and sounds of the city. Don’t forget to snap a photo or two to capture the memory!

The Latin Quarter & Sorbonne University

Next, head to the Latin Quarter, a charming and historic neighborhood in the center of Paris. Here, your guide will take you on a stroll through the narrow, winding streets lined with historic buildings, quaint cafes, and charming boutiques. You’ll learn about the history of the Latin Quarter, which was once home to some of the greatest minds and thinkers of the Middle Ages, including scholars and philosophers.

Your guide will then take you to Sorbonne University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. This historic institution was founded in the 13th century and has been at the forefront of education and research ever since. Here, you’ll see the beautiful neo-classical buildings and courtyards that make up the university and learn about its storied history and cultural significance.

As you explore the Latin Quarter and Sorbonne University, you’ll get a unique glimpse into the cultural and intellectual heart of Paris and gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich history and tradition of learning and innovation.

Luxembourg Gardens

After exploring the Latin Quarter, your guide will take you to the Luxembourg Gardens, a beautiful public park located in the heart of Paris. This stunning park is a peaceful oasis in the bustling city, filled with well-manicured gardens, serene lakes, and charming sculptures.

As you walk through the park, your guide will point out the highlights and give you a history of the gardens, including the palace that serves as the official residence of the Senate of France. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the many monuments and statues that adorn the park, including the famous Medici Fountain and the bronze statue of Queen Victoria.

In the warmer months, the Luxembourg Gardens come to life with the sounds of live music and the smell of blooming flowers, making it a perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of Paris. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, a visit to the Luxembourg Gardens is a must.

Seine River Cruise

An evening riverboat tour on the Seine River in Paris is a unique and magical experience. The Seine River winds its way through the heart of Paris, providing a stunning backdrop for the city’s iconic landmarks and monuments.

As you board your riverboat, you’ll be greeted by the warm glow of the city lights and the twinkling lights that line the riverbank. Your guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the sights along the way, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum, among others.

As you glide along the river, you’ll be able to take in the sights and sounds of Paris from a whole new perspective. The riverboat tour provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city and a chance to see Paris in all its evening glory.

Day 2: The Louvre Museum

On the second day of your tour, your guide will take you to one of the most famous museums in the world, the Louvre Museum. This iconic institution is home to an unparalleled collection of art and artifacts, including some of the most famous works of art in the world, such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Your private guide will escort you through the museum, providing you with a personalized and intimate tour of its many galleries and collections. They will share their expert knowledge and provide you with a deeper understanding of the art, history, and cultural significance of each piece.

In addition to the famous works of art, your guide will also take you to see some of the lesser-known gems of the Louvre, providing you with a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking to learn more about the rich cultural heritage of Paris, a visit to the Louvre Museum is a must-do.

Your guide will ensure that you make the most of your time at the museum, providing you with a well-rounded and informative tour that will leave you with a lasting appreciation for the art and history of Paris.

Musée d'Orsay

The next stop is the world-famous Musée d’Orsay museum. This stunning museum is housed in a former train station and is dedicated to the arts from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century.

At the Musée d’Orsay, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the greatest masterpieces of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and many others. Your private guide will provide you with a comprehensive tour of the museum, sharing their expertise and knowledge of the art and artists on display.

In addition to the world-renowned collection of art, the Musée d’Orsay is also a stunning architectural landmark, with its magnificent glass dome and ornate clock tower. Your guide will take you on a tour of the building, showcasing its beautiful design and rich history.

A visit to the Musée d’Orsay is a must-do for art lovers and anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Paris. Your guide will ensure that you have a personalized and unforgettable experience, complete with rich historical and cultural insights and breathtaking views of the museum’s stunning collection.

Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Now it’s time to visit two of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous shopping and dining avenues in the world and the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and see the sights of Paris.

Your guide will lead you down the Champs-Élysées, providing you with a detailed history of this iconic avenue and pointing out the many landmarks and monuments along the way. They will also share their knowledge of the local shopping and dining scene, ensuring that you have a well-rounded and memorable experience.

Just a one-minute walk away, you will arrive at The Arc de Triomphe, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Paris. This magnificent triumphal arch is a symbol of French military victories and has been a site of national ceremonies and events for over 200 years.

At the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll have the opportunity to climb to the top for breathtaking views of Paris and the surrounding neighborhoods. Your guide will provide you with a detailed history of the arch and its significance in French history and culture, ensuring that you have a memorable and educational experience.

Sainte-Chapelle & Île de la Cité

The Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning example of French Gothic architecture.

Your guide will provide you with a comprehensive tour of the Sainte-Chapelle, sharing their knowledge of its history, art, and architecture. They will also give you the opportunity to admire the breathtaking stained glass windows, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of medieval glasswork in the world.

After visiting the Sainte-Chapelle, your guide will take you to the Île de la Cité, the birthplace of Paris and one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. The Île de la Cité is home to many famous landmarks and monuments, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Palais de Justice.

Your guide will take you on a leisurely tour of the Île de la Cité, providing you with a rich cultural and historical context of the area. They will also point out the many landmarks and monuments along the way, ensuring that you have a well-rounded and memorable experience.

Evening Luxury Dining Experience

To end your 2 days in Paris, your guide will take you to a luxurious French restaurant, where you’ll experience the best in classic French cuisine. From the moment you step into the restaurant, you’ll be treated to a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with elegant décor, soft lighting, and impeccable service.

You’ll be seated at a table that offers stunning views of Paris, allowing you to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city as you dine. Your guide will help you choose from the restaurant’s extensive menu, which features classic French dishes made with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients.

Whether you’re in the mood for a delicate bouillabaisse, a rich and hearty coq au vin, or a decadent crème brûlée, your meal will be a true feast for the senses. Each dish will be expertly prepared, showcasing the subtle flavors and aromas that have made French cuisine famous around the world.

To accompany your meal, your guide will help you choose from a selection of fine French wines, ensuring that your dining experience is truly unforgettable.

As you savor your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on the many sights and experiences you’ve had over the past two days in Paris as the next three days of your France in 5 days tour will be spent exploring the best day trips from the city.

Day 3: Driver-Guided Day Trip to Versailles Palace

Your driver-guide will meet you at your hotel in Paris as you prepare to make the 40-minute journey to Versailles Palace in our luxury air-conditioned vehicle.

Guided Tour of the Palace of Versailles

Upon arrival at the Palace of Versailles, your guide will lead you on a comprehensive tour of this magnificent and historic building. You will have the opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the palace, as well as the daily life and routines of the French monarchy during its heyday.

Guided Tour of State Apartments and Rooms

Your guide will take you through the stunning state apartments, including the King’s Grand Apartment, the Queen’s Grand Apartment, and the Hall of Mirrors, which is widely considered one of the most beautiful rooms in the palace. You’ll also have the chance to see the stunning artwork, furniture, and décor that adorn the palace, providing a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of the French court.

Introduction to the Versailles Palace Gardens

The Palace of Versailles is not only famous for its grand and opulent interior but also for its magnificent gardens. The gardens, designed by the famous landscape architect André Le Nôtre, are a masterpiece of the French Baroque style and an iconic symbol of French royalty.

The tour begins with a stroll along the Grand Canal, a long and narrow body of water that runs through the center of the gardens. The canal is surrounded by manicured lawns, trimmed hedges, and pristine flower beds and is lined with a series of magnificent statues and fountains.

One of the highlights of the gardens is the numerous fountains and sculptures that dot the landscape. From the spectacular Apollo Fountain to the tranquil Fountain of Latona, each fountain tells a different story and is a work of art in its own right.

During our tour, we will learn about the symbolism and meaning behind the fountains and sculptures and appreciate the skill and creativity of the artists and artisans who created them. We will also discuss the technological innovations of the time, such as hydraulic engineering, that allowed for the creation of these magnificent fountains.

Finally, you will visit the Trianons and the English-Style Garden. These intimate and charming structures, surrounded by gardens in the English style, provide a contrast to the grandeur of the main palace and gardens.

Your driver will return you to your Paris accommodation in the evening.

Day 4: Giverny & its Importance in the Art World

Giverny is a small town located in the region of Normandy, France. It is best known as the home and inspiration of the legendary Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Monet lived and painted in Giverny for over 40 years, creating some of his most famous works in his gardens and surroundings. Today, Giverny attracts thousands of visitors each year, eager to see the places that inspired one of the greatest artists of all time.

As a starting point for our guided day tour, we will explore the significance of Giverny in the art world and understand why Monet chose this idyllic village as his home and source of inspiration.

Your journey time will take either approx 1 hour and 20 minutes in a private car, or approx 55 minutes by train.

Claude Monet's House and Gardens: A Stroll through the Artist's Inspiration

One of the highlights of our guided day tour of Giverny is, naturally, a visit to Claude Monet’s house and gardens. The house, which has been preserved and restored to its original condition, offers a glimpse into the personal life and artistic vision of the master painter. Here, we will explore the rooms where Monet lived and worked and see how his love for nature and beauty is reflected in his home décor.

As we step outside, we will enter Monet’s stunning gardens, which were the main source of inspiration for many of his iconic paintings. The gardens are divided into two parts: the flower garden, filled with vibrant blooms and sweet fragrances, and the water garden, with its iconic Japanese bridge and lily pond. As we stroll through these peaceful and picturesque surroundings, we will understand why Monet was so captivated by the beauty of nature and how it influenced his art.

The Water Lily Pond: A Study in Light and Color

One of the most famous and recognizable elements of Monet’s gardens is the water lily pond. This tranquil body of water served as the subject of many of Monet’s paintings and is considered one of the defining works of the Impressionist movement.

As we approach the water lily pond, we will see why it was such a powerful source of inspiration for Monet. The pond, surrounded by lush greenery and dotted with water lilies, provides a harmonious balance of light and color. Monet was particularly interested in capturing the changing moods of the water and the way it reflected the sky and surrounding landscape.

During our visit, we will discuss the techniques and methods used by Monet in his water lily series and how he sought to convey the ephemeral beauty of nature through his paintings. This is an opportunity to appreciate the masterful use of color, light, and brushwork that made Monet one of the greatest artists of all time.

As we stand by the pond and soak in its peaceful atmosphere, we will understand why Monet referred to it as his “supreme work of art.”

The Japanese Bridge and Its Symbolism in Monet's Work

Another of the most striking features of Monet’s water garden is the Japanese bridge. This delicate wooden bridge, covered in ivy and surrounded by water lilies, provides a picturesque view that Monet captured in many of his paintings.

During our guided tour, we will explore the symbolism and significance of the Japanese bridge in Monet’s work. The bridge was not only a functional element that allowed Monet to cross the pond but also a visual symbol of the connection between the two halves of the garden and a representation of the balance between nature and art.

Monet’s use of the Japanese bridge in his paintings is also representative of his interest in Eastern culture and the influence of Japanese art on the Impressionist movement. We will discuss how Monet’s innovative use of color, light, and composition transformed the simple wooden bridge into a powerful expression of his artistic vision.

As we walk across the bridge, we will see the view that Monet captured in so many of his paintings and appreciate the beauty of the water lily pond from a new perspective.

Day 5: Driver-Guided Tour to Loire Valley Wine Region

Just over 2 hours away from Paris in our executive vehicle with your private driver, you will arrive at The Loire Valley in France is a region famous for its revered wine estates and vineyards, rolling hills, picturesque villages, towering castles, and often referred to as the “Garden of France.”

During our guided day tour, we will explore the beauty and history of this remarkable region and discover why it is considered one of the most important wine regions and cultural landscapes in France.

The Villages of the Loire Valley

As we travel through the Loire Valley, we will stop to explore some of the region’s charming and picturesque villages, such as Amboise and Blois. These villages are known for their half-timbered houses, picturesque streets, and rich cultural heritage, and they are the perfect place to experience the local way of life.

The Royal Château de Blois

The Royal Château de Blois is a magnificent castle in the center of the town of Blois and one of the most important historical sites in the Loire Valley. From its grand halls to its intricate stonework, Blois is a fascinating example of French Renaissance architecture and a testament to the power and wealth of the French monarchy.

Private Wine Estate Tour

A vineyard and private wine estate tour in the Loire Valley typically include a visit to a local winery, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the wine-making process and sample the various wines produced on the estate.

The tour will also include a visit to the vineyards, where you can see the grapes growing and learn about the various methods used to cultivate the vines.

During the private tasting session, a knowledgeable guide will lead you through a guided tasting of the estate’s wines, explaining the flavors, aromas, and history of each wine. The experience is typically intimate and tailored to your specific interests, making it a unique and memorable way to discover the wine culture of the Loire Valley.

The Gardens of Villandry

The Gardens of Villandry are considered one of the finest examples of French Renaissance gardens in France and are a must-see destination for anyone interested in gardens and horticulture. From its intricate knot gardens to its magnificent water features, the gardens are a feast for the eyes and a peaceful oasis in the midst of the Loire Valley.

At the end of the tour, you have the option of remaining in the Loire Valley for the evening or returning to your Paris-based accommodation.

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Contact Us About A 5-Day Tour Of France

This 5-day tour itinerary was designed to deliver the best of Paris, Versailles, and Loire Valley; however, this is just one of the numerous ways to spend 5 days in France.

Use our online contact form to discuss any aspect of this tour with our team. Our tour planning specialists would be happy to create a completely complimentary 5-day tour itinerary of France for you.

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When we were planning our first trip to Europe, France was not included in the itinerary I initially had in mind.

Yes, I was in love with the thought of visiting France for the first time, but I wasn’t sure if it was a good choice considering: (1) We were starting/ending our trip in Greece; (2) We only had three weeks for our Euro trip; and (3) There were a lot of other equally compelling places we wanted to see that were closer to our starting/end destinations.

In the end, we somehow managed to fit a quick trip to France after realizing it won’t be a proper 1st Eurotrip without stopping by Paris. Visiting a lot of places in Europe in a short time is easy to do thanks to the region’s well-connected flight and high-speed train network.

I’m am relieved that we did not skip Paris! I got emotional many times during the trip, especially with the experience of seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, getting close to Mona Lisa, watching Moulin Rouge live etc. Clichéd and touristic as it may seem, these are still very worthy travel goals to achieve.

Wanting to see a bit of France outside of Paris, we found ourselves in Colmar, a charming fairytale-esque city near the Swiss-French border.

How to spend 5 days in France?  Check out my recommended France itinerary below. The sample itinerary is easy to follow or customize in case you plan to go for 4 days, 6 days or more. Scroll down to see the detailed do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary blog, followed by a budget/expenses breakdown and lots of extra travel tips.

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Trip Checklist

Before we go on with the actual itinerary, here are things you might need to prepare and bring for a hassle-free trip.

I’ve posted a lot of discounts on this guide. Make sure to check them out and pre-book online to save money, time & avoid the hassles of bringing/exchanging cash during your trip.

France Itinerary Blog Contents

France Trip Checklist

France Itinerary

France budget, where to stay in paris, where to stay in colmar.

France Travel Tips

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This sample 5 days and 4 nights (5D4N) France itinerary will take you to many of the top attractions in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe & more. It also includes a day tour to the Palace of Versailles from Paris and a 1-night side trip to Colmar Old Town.

Three days in Paris should be enough to cover the main tourist spots. Add more days if you want to enjoy the trip at a relaxed pace, experience more of Paris, or extend to see more places in France.

Me and my travel buddy,  Gael , actually went to all three places (Paris, Versailles & Colmar) in just 4 days. The trip was doable but the pace was a bit rushed.

We chose Colmar because it was one of Gael’s top travel goals, and it was conveniently located near Zurich (Switzerland), our next destination. You can replace Colmar with any of the myriads of beautiful places to visit near Paris.

Feel free to tweak the activities & timings based on your traveling style, schedule, & attractions that interest you the most.

5 Days France Itinerary – Paris, Versailles & Colmar

Day 1:  eiffel tower & paris tourist spots, flight to paris.

Find cheap flights

Take the earliest flight to Paris to maximize your first day in France.

1000 am: Paris airport arrival

There are three main airports serving Paris:

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)  — The biggest airport serving most international flights.

Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)  — Closest to Paris city center.

Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA)  — Served mostly by budget airlines. Beauvais Airport is located farthest from Paris city center.

In our case, we arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

1030 am: Airport to hotel / Paris city center transfer

We used Uber during our trip but I also recommend pre-booking hassle-free private transfers online or going by train.

Getting to Paris city center by train from the airport

The RER B (blue) train line connects Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center of Paris. This is a good option if you’re looking for a quick and cheap way of getting to your hotel in Paris. Travel time by train takes up to 50 minutes.

Navigo Découverte Card

Get a “Navigo Découverte Card” at the airport train station. This contactless smart card offers unlimited rides in Paris RER/Metro trains & buses. It can be used for train rides in Paris’ public transport zones 1 to 5. A weekly pass costs EUR 22.80 + EUR 5 one-time fee for the card.

Here’s a summary of public transport zones in Paris:

Zone 1 to 3 — Central Paris & La Défense.

Zone 4 to 5 — Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, Versailles, Disneyland Paris, Fontainebleau.

Paris Airport-hotel private car transfers  — Enjoy easy transfers to your hotel from the airport (or vice-versa). Travel time by car should take around 40 minutes.

See discounts

Paris Visite Card

Designed for tourists, this smart card offers unlimited travel on Paris’ public transport network, including the metro, buses, and trams. The Paris Visite Card is more expensive compared to the Navigo Card. However, the Navigo Card has timing considerations you need to know when buying. I’ll post more about this in detail later.

The conventional way of taking the train is using single-use tickets. The one-way fare from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the stations in Paris city center costs EUR 10.30.

1130 am: Paris hotel check-in

Ideally, you’d want to stay in a central location near Paris’ top tourist spots. In case you find a nice place to stay that’s farther afield, make sure it’s located near a metro/train station.

Paris hotels, hostels & guesthouses

Cheapest rates Best reviews

Claim tours + attraction tickets booked online

Carefully read the “activity info” & “how to use” info of attraction tickets & tours that you pre-booked online.

The for activities booked on Klook, the designated claiming area of many activities is PARISCityVISION (2 Rue des Pyramides). Stop by here to confirm your tours and get all the physical tickets. You can find their office near the Louvre Museum, which is a convenient area to start a tour of the city.

0100 pm: Start Paris top attractions half-day tour

Paris Hop-on Hop-off Bus  — Book the “Deluxe Tour” with Seine River Cruise, which is inclusive of 2 days HOHO bus pass & Seine River cruise ticket by Bateaux Parisiens. Discount price online is EUR 41.25.

The discount price of the HOHO bus without the Seine River cruise is EUR 29.70 for the 1-day pass and EUR 33.85 for the 2-day pass.

I highly recommended this easy way of getting around Paris. Drop-off/Pick-up points are strategically located near top tourist spots, which means less walking compared to taking the metro trains. PLUS, you can enjoy views on the open-top bus & an audio guide of famous landmarks.

Paris Museum Pass  — This convenient multi-attraction pass offers unlimited access to over 50 museums in Paris and the surrounding region. The 2 days pass costs EUR 48.

You will save money by getting the Paris Museum Pass compared to buying individual tickets to museums featured in this itinerary. Not to mention, it’s also a huge time saver. The total cost of individual entry tickets to the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Notre Dame Towers & Arch de Triomphe viewpoint already costs over EUR 50.

Louvre Pyramid (Pyramide du Louvre)

Enjoy a quick photo stop at this famous landmark. Remember not to spend too much time here (for now) because we will be visiting again in the next days, including going inside the museum.

Arc de Triomphe

Climb up the tower to see panoramic views of the Paris skyline & cityscape. From the top, don’t miss the view facing the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées shopping street & La Defense skyline.

Access to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop is included in the Paris Museum Pass. Check below if you want to book separately

Arc de Triomphe rooftop access skip-the-line-ticket

Redeveloped for the Exposition Internationale of 1937, this complex of buildings and gardens is very popular on Instagram because of its beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

I’m sure this one needs no introduction. While the sun is out, see the panoramic views from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower skip-the-line entry ticket  — Get this fast-track entry ticket with access to the glass elevator that connects the 2nd-floor view deck to the 276-meter summit.

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Before sunset, you’d want to head out to a good spot where you can enjoy a romantic view of the Eiffel Tower under the golden and twilight hours.

The best views can be seen from Trocadero, on a Seine River Cruise, at the top of Montparnasse Tower, or from Champs de Mars (picnic park/green space).

After sunset, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower sparkle! This spectacular show is scheduled for 5 minutes every hour, on the hour until 1 or 2 am.

0630 pm: Seine River Cruise

Cap your first day with a relaxing cruise along the Seine River. The best time to do this is right before sunset or at night when you can enjoy a (literally) lit view of Paris’ famous buildings.

A Seine River cruise is included in the “Deluxe Tour” of this package . You can also check the links below for more options including drinks, snacks or a dinner cruise.

Seine River sightseeing cruise with optional champagne or snacks

Seine River dinner cruise

Day 2:  Louvre, Montmartre & Moulin Rouge

0800 am: notre dame cathedral & sainte-chapelle.

Start early at Notre Dame Cathedral to avoid the bigger crowds later in the day. Explore the interiors of the church and go up the tower of this world’s most famous Gothic cathedral. Nearby, you can find Sainte-Chapelle, especially known for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Access to Sainte-Chapelle and the towers of Notre Dame Cathedral is included in the Paris Museum Pass. Check below if you want to book separately:

Skip-the-Line Notre-Dame Towers & Sainte-Chapelle Tour

0930 am: Louvre Museum

If you’re an art lover, this is definitely going to be the highlight of your Paris trip!

Don’t miss these Louvre highlights: Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (painting), Winged Victory of Samothrace (sculpture), Venus de Milo (sculpture), Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People (painting), Michelangelo’s The Dying Slave and The Rebellious Slave (sculpture), Lamassus (Sculpture) & Hammurabi’s Code to name a few.

The Louvre museum is the largest art museum in the World and it takes days to explore all the galleries & exhibits. For a casual visit, however, 2 to 3 hours is recommeneded. This way, you’d have time to fit more museums/attractions in your Paris trip.

Entry to The Louvre Museum is included in the Paris Museum Pass. Check below if you want to book separately:

The Louvre skip-the-Line admission ticket with audio guide

Louvre district

The area surrounding the Louvre is a good place to wander around on foot. It’s an old part of Paris, so you’re going to find lots of buildings built in different French/European architectural styles, historical sites, as well as shopping and dining spots.

If you’re looking for an affordable French restaurant, we found this place called Bistrot Victoires (6 Rue de la Vrillière). It is one of the top-rated places to eat in the area. The Confit Conard (Duck Confit) is one of their best sellers.

Orsay Museum (Musée d’Orsay)

Cross the Seine River & visit the Orsay Museum. Housed in a stunning (former) railway station building, this museum is where you can find the World’s largest collection of impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces.

Entry to Orsay museum is included in the Paris Museum Pass. Check below if you want to book separately:

Orsay museum skip-the-line ticket

0230 pm: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Montmartre is primarily known for its history as a haven for artists. The most famous landmark here is the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. Montmartre’s hilly terrain offers nice views overlooking Paris.

Moulin Rouge Show

Before arriving in Paris, the Moulin Rouge show was honestly not in my list of top things to do. While I was watching the show though, I was taken aback with how much I truly appreciated the experience … considering the history and legacy of the Moulin Rouge. If you have the chance, go and watch it. It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to watch this show!

You’ll need to dress up for the Moulin Rouge show. Formal attire is advised but there are also a lot of people in the audience wearing long-sleeved shirts, slacks & smart shoes. I recommend that you enjoy the show with champagne.

Moulin Rouge show with dinner or champagne

Day 3:  Versailles and Paris museums

The major activity today is a half-day trip to Versailles. You can either pick a morning or afternoon schedule for the tour. If you prefer not to start your day so early, pick the afternoon trip and spend the morning however you like.

Here are a few suggestions on things to do in Paris during your free time:

Continue your Paris city tour.

Visit more museums + attractions.

Go shopping.

Seek out interesting Parisian cafés & restaurants.

Explore the catacombs.

Have a picnic at Champs de Mars with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Wander through the cool neighborhoods of Paris.

Marvel at Paris’ architectural gems.

0130 pm: Arrive at Palace of Versailles tour meeting point

The meeting point of this tour (see link below) is conveniently located near the Louvre. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure time at 2 pm.

We thoroughly enjoyed this half-day tour to Versailles, which included roundtrip transfers, a professional guide, and most importantly, skip-the-line access to the Palace of Versailles & gardens. They hand out individual headsets, so you can hear audio commentary from the guide while you’re busy taking Insta snaps.

Palace of Versailles & gardens guided tour + transport from Paris

0200 pm: Depart from Paris

Palace of versailles.

This was definitely my #1 travel goal in France and it did not disappoint. The royal rooms and halls were impressive! We would have missed a lot of interesting facts & details had we not gone on the guided tour.

Gardens of Versailles

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to roam around the palace and the gardens on your own.

0600 pm: Arrive back in Paris

Montparnasse tower.

The highlight here is the amazing view of The Eiffel Tower. The best time to go is before, during, and just after sunset. The entrance fee costs EUR 18 per adult.

Montparnasse Tower observation deck admission ticket

Day 4:  Colmar trip from Paris

0720 am: paris to colmar train.

Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure. If it is your first time to travel by train in France, allot a longer allowance, especially if you plan to book your ticket at the station.

Trains to Colmar usually depart from Paris at Gare de l’Est station. Travel time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes on direct high-speed trains. Pre-book your train ticket online (well ahead of your travel date) to grab cheaper fares. The train fare is usually around EUR 50 for tickets booked in advance and could go up to EUR 100+ on the day of departure.

Paris to Colmar train tickets & schedule

0940 am: Arrive at Colmar Train Station

The main train station in Colmar (Gare de Colmar) is conveniently located just outside the Old Town. Walking distance is around 15 minutes.

1000 am: Colmar hotel check-in

Book a room in Colmar City Center or near the train station. There many places to stay within easy walking distance to the main tourist spots in Colmar Old Town.

Colmar hotels & hostels

1030 am: Start Colmar walking tour

Little venice (la petite venise) & colmar canal.

Our favorite spot in Colmar! Little Venice (La Petite Venise) is where you can find pretty houses lined on both sides of the canal. We went here early morning on our second day and enjoyed the whole place all to ourselves.

Colmar Old Town

Colmar Old Town was compact and filled with lots of beautiful centuries-old buildings. The place looked like it could pop right off a storybook. It’s not hard to imagine being transported in the charming village location of Beauty and the Beast.

Colmar is a lovely place to get lost in. It’s a small and very walkable. You could see the main highlights in half a day. Make sure to get your fill at the many streetside pastry shops and cafes.

Day 5:  Train to Paris or onward destination

You have lots of options on what to do next: (1) Continue your walking tour of Colmar, (2) take the train back to Paris or (3) move on to a huge list of other places to visit in the surrounding region.

Stay in a central location near Paris’ top tourist spots. In case you find a nice place to stay that’s farther afield, make sure it’s located near a metro/train station.

Check discounts See more

Click below to compare rates and Paris hotel reviews within your budget.

Where to book

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Booking.com Airbnb Agoda

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Click below to compare rates and Colmar hotel reviews within your budget.

France Travel Tips Before You Go

How much does the train cost from the airport to paris city center, paris metro cards and train ticket fares, paris transport zones, should i get a navigo card or a paris visite card, pre-book your france tours & attraction tickets online, should i book my france hotel online.

The one-way fare from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris city center costs EUR 10.30 using a single-use ticket. From Orly Airport, the one-way fare is EUR 8.30. There are no direct trains from Beauvais Airport to the city center. The one-way shuttle bus fare from Beauvais Airport to the city center is EUR 17.

For convenient train rides on the Paris Metro train lines (Central Paris) and the RER train lines (greater Paris/Île-de-France area), consider a “Navigo” or “Paris Visite” metro card instead of buying individual train tickets. These contactless smart cards are time and money savers, especially if you plan to travel often by train.

Here is a summary of Paris metro cards and train ticket fares:

Navigo Découverte card  — Offers unlimited rides on Paris Metro/RER public transport network. This electronic smart card is sold as a weekly or monthly pass. In addition, you can choose a “two zones” coverage (if you’re traveling within Central Paris only, for example) or the “five zones” coverage that includes trains to CDG Airport, Versailles, Disneyland & the greater Paris area. The Navigo card cannot be used on trains to/from Orly Airport.

Paris Visite card  — Similar to the Navigo Card, it also offers unlimited rides on the Paris Metro/RER public transport network. Designed for tourists, this electronic smart card is sold as a 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day or 5-day pass. In addition, you can choose a “three zones” coverage for Central Paris or a “five zones” coverage for the greater Paris area. The Paris Visite card is valid for trains to/from Orly Airport.

Mobilis day pass  — A one-day travel pass (magnetic ticket) that allows unlimited travel in your choice of selected zones, or all zones.

Single-use tickets  — One-way/point-to-point tickets. The train fare is EUR 1.90 for single journey tickets called “t+ tickets” valid within Central Paris.

Here’s a summary of notable places covered by public transport zones in Paris:

Zone 1 to 3  — Central Paris & La Défense.

Zone 4  — Versailles & Orly Airport.

Zone 5  — Charles de Gaulle Airport, Disneyland Paris & Fontainebleau

The Navigo card is a much cheaper option compared to the Paris Visite card. The Navigo card, however, has some timing considerations you need to know.

On a 5-day trip to Paris, I recommend that you get a Navigo weekly pass if you arrive in Paris on a Monday up to Thursday. If you are arriving on Friday or on a weekend, I suggest you get the Paris Visite card covering zones 1-3 (for Central Paris) and buy the airport train tickets individually. You can easily get these cards at the airport train stations.

The Navigo weekly pass is sold on a per week basis. Meaning, you can only buy the pass valid for the current week if you arrive in Paris on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. The validity ends on Sunday. If you arrive and purchase the Navigo card on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it will be valid for the next week (starting next Monday) so, you’ll need to purchase separate passes/tickets to use for the current weekend.

Here’s a comparison of costs for your reference:

I often book online to enjoy discounts and cashless convenience during my actual trip. Always check prices of tours and attraction tickets on these booking sites:

Klook GetYourGuide

Prices are often cheaper than booking on-site. Huge discounts on many activities.

Maximize your trip! Avoid wasting time queueing at ticket booths & shopping for tours.

Get a good idea what to expect. Knowing all the inclusions/non-inclusions & reading user reviews is very helpful to make an informed decision.

Earn rewards points for every booking.

Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies.

If you’re booking tours and you’ve already finalized your travel dates, book early, especially if you are traveling with family/friends to lock-in those open slots for everyone in your group.

Book your stay sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms tend to get fully-booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

I frequently book my stay with the sites below to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy hassle-free trips. Click below to see today’s lowest prices.

Agoda Booking.com

Having hotel reservations is very important when traveling abroad because immigration officers often require tourists to provide the address of their accommodation. In addition, here top reasons why I prefer to book online & why you should too:

Wide selection of hotels/hostels.

Often cheaper prices than walk-in rates. Earn rewards points for every booking. The more you book, the more you earn!

Trusted by millions of travelers. Read reviews from actual staying guests.

Instant confirmation and free cancellation on most properties.

Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies. Convenient & secure payment by credit card or Paypal.

Fast customer support.

Don’t Stop Here

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July 27, 2019 at 7:36 pm

Hi just wanna ask po kung sa UAE ka nag apply ng schengen visa at ilang mons binigay sa inyo? Thanks po. God bless :)

July 28, 2019 at 12:37 am

I applied in PH po

October 12, 2020 at 9:04 pm

Thanks for sharing this post.. France is really a great place to explore..

The ultimate 5-day guide to the best of Paris

With 5 days in Paris , you can see much more than the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum . That’s enough time to immerse yourself in colorful Parisian districts such as Le Marais , Saint Germain , and Montmartre , and even make a day trip to Versailles . This itinerary is packed with activities you can choose from, making it ideal for both first-timers and return visitors. Start the itinerary on any day of the week and plan your days around the opening days of your favorite museums.

If you want more time to immerse yourself in the city, explore its lesser-known spots, and venture out of the city center, you can even consider extending your Paris trip to 7 days.

Where to stay in Paris

For a central location near the Louvre and Palais Royale , opt for the 1st arrondissement of Paris. This upscale area brims with luxury hotels such as Le Meurice and Hotel du Louvre . If a view of the Eiffel Tower is your priority, go for Hotel Muguet or Hotel Duquesne Eiffel in the 7th arrondissement . Alternatively, stay in Montmartre for a romantic village vibe or the Latin Quarter for a vibrant atmosphere amid an old-world setting.

Day 1: Seine River, Eiffel Tower, and Champs-Élysées

Get your bearings in Paris by hopping on a cruise along the Seine River . Bateaux Parisiens and Vedettes de Paris offer sightseeing cruises with commentary and add-ons like champagne or gourmet meals. You’ll pass by iconic Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral .

Travel tip: An alternative to river cruises is the Batobus , which offers passes that allow you to hop on and off at nine stops along the Seine.

After admiring the views of Paris from the Seine, switch to a higher perspective by scaling the Eiffel Tower. Tiptoe on the glass floor of the first level, marvel at panoramic views from the second level and peek into Gustave Eiffel’s office at the summit. Book skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower to beat the crowds. After the experience, pop into Musée d'Orsay to view famous paintings or visit the many attractions in the vicinity.

Top ways to experience Eiffel Tower

Spend the later part of the day at Champs-Élysées , a tree-lined shopping avenue that spans 1.2 miles, from Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomphe . Apart from enjoying the shops, cafes, and restaurants along the street, you can make a short detour to see the exhibitions in the Petit Palais and Grand Palais .

Day 2: Center of Paris and Le Marais

The center of Paris is a stylish area home to historical buildings, royal palaces, and the Louvre Museum . Feel the glitz and glamor at Place Vendome , which boasts top luxury retail stores like Bvlgari, Dior, and Cartier, among others. Wander into grand arcades such as Passage des Panoramas , or take a walk in Tuileries Garden and Palais-Royal Garden for a dose of greenery. Getting hungry? Sample traditional French food in an elegant brasserie with chandeliers at Au Pied de Cochon or Le Grand Colbert .

Travel tip: Avoid a long wait to enter the Louvre by purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance.

Continue your explorations by crossing the bridge to Île de la Cité , which lies in the middle of the Seine. This island houses Sainte-Chapelle , a Gothic-style chapel famed for its stained glass windows, and the Conciergerie , where Marie Antoinette was kept as a prisoner. Up north is Le Marais , a district with a strong Jewish heritage. Stroll down La Rue des Rosiers and sample Paris’ famous falafels at ​​ L'As du Fallafel . Then discover other must-visit attractions in the district such as the city’s oldest food market, Marche des Enfants Rouges , and one of the city’s oldest planned squares, Place des Vosges .

Top ways to experience Le Marais

Day 3: Saint Germain and Latin Quarter

The district of Saint Germain on the left bank of the Seine was the center of Parisian intellectual life in the 19th century. Legendary writers such as Hemingway and Voltaire once dined in the cafes and restaurants that dot the district. Apart from these literary spots, the district features the Church of Saint-Sulpice , the Musée de Mineralogie , and dozens of chocolate and pastry shops. Check out La Grande Epicerie de Paris , opposite Le Bon Marché , for its massive food hall with gourmet offerings. Discover more culinary delights with this private food tour of Saint Germain .

Best literary cafes and restaurants in Saint Germain:

• Les Deux Magots
• Café de Flore
• Brasserie Lipp
• Le Pre Aux Clercs

Stop by Luxembourg Gardens to visit the Luxembourg Palace , admire the Medici Fountain , or simply take a breather on a bench. Your next destination is the Latin Quarter , which is home to the oldest university in Paris, the Sorbonne. While the district has a youthful student vibe, it takes you back to medieval times with its cobbled streets and narrow alleys. Explore its bookshops, galleries, and markets, and stay through the late evening when the bars spill into the street.

Top ways to experience Latin Quarter

Day 4: Opéra, Montmartre and Pigalle

In the 9th arrondissement of Paris, the Opéra district features typical Haussmannian architecture with elegant stone buildings and sweeping boulevards. The district’s star attractions are the Paris Opera, also known as Palais Garnier , and two of the city’s massive department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps . While in the area, check out Grévin Museum or other lesser-known gems.

Make your way to Montmartre , a charming hilltop neighborhood in the north of Paris. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica stands at the summit, offering stunning views of the city from its dome. Montmartre is a haven for artists and this is evident in Place du Tertre , a public square packed with painters and caricaturists. For Insta-worthy shots, seek out pretty streets such as Rue de l'Abreuvoir. Come dinnertime, check out Le Poulbot , La Taverne de Montmartre , or other cozy restaurants tucked away from the crowds.

Top ways to experience Montmartre

End the day in Pigalle, a former red-light district that has taken on a trendy image in recent years. Catch a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge —or at least snap a selfie in front of this iconic theater. Then get into the heart of the action at Rue des Martyrs , lined with bistros, pastry shops, and vintage clothing stores.

Travel tip: Love cabaret shows? Catch more performances at Lido De Paris or Crazy Horse .

Day 5: Day trip to Versailles

On the final day of your 5-day Paris itinerary, embark on a day trip from Paris to the Palace of Versailles , a royal residence for the French monarchy from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Visit this site, which is located 45 minutes by train from central Paris, by yourself or on a guided tour of Versailles . Discover the Hall of Mirrors , the State Apartments, and the Royal Chapel in the palace, then roam around the extravagant estate. See the Grand Trianon , Petit Trianon , and the Grand Canal , and breathe in the scent of flowers in gardens dotted with fountains and statues.

Other day trip options from Paris:

• Loire Valley
• Disneyland Paris

Ready to start planning your Paris trip? Build your own Paris itinerary with our Trips planning tool —start with all the best spots featured in this list and add on your own.

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Provence Itinerary: 5 Days of Enchanting Scenery, Historic Landmarks & Culinary Delights

• Isabelle Hoyne
• April 11, 2024

** Disclosure: some of the links on this site are affiliate links and should you make a purchase through these, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!**

Join me as I unveil a 5-day Provence itinerary through the vibrant and aromatic landscape of this glorious part of France. From strolling through the timeless streets of Avignon to soaking in the sublime sights of Gordes, I’ll guide you through the many gems I discovered and the authentic French experiences that make Provence a place that truly captured my heart.

Provence, there’s just something about it, isn’t there?

Those mesmerising lavender fields sprawling under the azure sky, age-old villages whispering stories of the past, vibrant markets that are a riot of colours, flavours, and smiles, and the warm, dreamy sunshine that seems to bless it all.

This isn’t just another French region; it’s a slice of paradise that has totally captured my heart.

Every nook of Provence radiates a charm so captivating that you can’t help but fall in love. I’ve had the pleasure to roam this exquisite corner of France for a number of months and let me tell you, curating the best bits into a 5-day itinerary was like trying to catch the wind – a tad bit impossible.

There’s a world to see and experience here that you’d need a lifetime to fully soak in.

But look, I get it – we’re all on a clock here, and sometimes all you have is a brief window to take in a place.

And so, I’ve wracked my brain and harnessed my experiences to distill the magic of Provence into this guide. It’s 5 days of pure joy, adventure, and exploration that’ll get you up close with the region’s gems.

From the storied lanes of Avignon to the hypnotic vistas of the Luberon, I’ve stitched together an itinerary that’s filled to the brim with must-experience moments.

So, buckle up and join me as we embark on this vibrant journey, winding through stunning landscapes, beneath crystal-clear skies, deep into the heart of Provence.

Here’s how I recommend that you spend 5 days in Provence.

Essential links for booking your Provence trip

Transport : book your  train tickets here  and search for and book  car rentals here .

Top rated tours & experiences in Provence: ☆  Aix-en-Provence Food Tour ☆  Provence Lavender Fields Tour from Aix-en-Provence ☆  Avignon Walking Tour including the Pope’s Palace ☆  Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Day Tasting Tour (+ Lunch) from Avignon ☆  Avignon: Pont du Gard, Saint Remy and Les Baux Half-Day Tour

Cultured Voyages accommodation picks:

• Le Bristol  – well located, well designed | Avignon
• Hotel De Cambis  – rave reviews, stylish deco r | Avignon 
• Hostellerie do Château des Fines Roches  – luxury castle on vineyard  | Chateauneuf-du-Pape 
• Espace de l’Hers  – Provençal villa with pool | Chateauneuf-du-Pape 
• Hotel Particulier le 28  – family-run luxury | Aix-en-Provence
• Hôtel des Augustins  – charming & central | Aix-en-Provence

Table of Contents

Important considerations for your 5 days in provence, detailed 5 days in provence itinerary, getting to and around provence, have more time to spend in provence, provence itinerary for 5 days: faq.

Imagine yourself in Provence, a region soaked in endless sunshine, radiant with purple hues of lavender, and seeping with charm at every turn.

It’s a space where every view could be a picture on a postcard, where time seemingly slows, allowing you to savour every second. But before we start plotting your journey, let’s untangle a few things that you need to keep in mind about this captivating region.

Provence vs the Côte d’Azur vs Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur

Often, travellers find themselves puzzled over the geographic composition of the area. What we commonly refer to as ‘Provence’ is actually just a fragment of the much larger and equally impressive region known as Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur .

This wider region includes six amazing departments in Southeastern France – Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Hautes-Alpes, Var, and Vaucluse.

This means the glamorous French Riviera – the Côte d’Azur, renowned for its azure coastline, swanky resorts, and star-filled film festivals, is also a part of this region.

So when you’re dreaming of Provence, you’re also brushing up against the allure of Marseille, the historic appeal of Avignon, the glitz of the French Riviera, and the majestic French Alps.

With a shorter time to spend, this itinerary is focused specifically on the delightful areas of Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhône. These spots offer an array of experiences that will quench your thirst for culture and cuisine in just 5 days.

As for the French Riviera, that’s a whole other (delightful) beast and one that I’ve dealt with separately on this blog ( posts coming soon ).

How many days are enough for Provence

While the region’s richness could fill a two-week itinerary, especially when you add the French Riviera, 5 days provide a good amount of time to uncover the heart of Provence. If you’re coming from another part of France, I’d recommend at least 3 days to experience a taste of what Provence has to offer.

Where to base yourself for this 5 days in Provence itinerary

Where’s the best spot to start your Provence adventure?

I’d suggest the historical city of Avignon. It’s not only the capital of Vaucluse but also a cultural hotspot, making it a perfect springboard for your itinerary. Imagine spending a few nights in the heart of the city before retreating to the tranquillity of the countryside with a stay in Chateauneuf du Pape.

If your wanderlust is calling you towards the sea, Aix-en-Provence could be a great alternative. Situated a bit further south but closer to the coast, it gives you an opportunity to deviate from this itinerary or to conclude your 5-day adventure if your next stop is the French Riviera.

Whether you decide on Avignon or Aix-en-Provence as your base, both cities offer a wide variety of accommodations. From luxurious hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, you’re sure to find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploration.

RELATED READING | top things to do in antibes

When is the best time to visit Provence

As for the question of timing, the beauty of Provence lies in its year-round appeal.

However, if you dream of wandering through the iconic lavender fields in full bloom, consider planning your visit between mid June and July. These mesmerising fields paint the Provençal landscape in a brilliant purple hue, an unforgettable sight that truly captures the spirit of the region.

However, do bear in mind that this is also a peak period for tourism, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

Outside of that, as for many destinations, the shoulder months of late spring and early autumn make for a fantastic time to visit.

I was based in Provence from mid-March to June and, for the most part, found the weather to be glorious and the fellow-travellers to be lesser in their number.

ARRANGE YOUR CAR RENTAL | I always use Rentalcars when searching for and booking my car rentals, and did so for my time in France. As an aggregator, it compares all providers, presents clear information and has great searchablity. Browse Rentalcars here .

Now, it’s time to dive into the heart of Provence with this 5-day itinerary, designed to blend cultural immersion with the region’s culinary delights. I’ve packed quite a bit into this journey, yet the pace remains relatively relaxed.

With an early start each day, you should find more than enough time to soak up the atmosphere of each stop, relishing the character and flavour of Provence.

However, should you be a late riser, or prefer to savour every stop, you might want to trim the itinerary a little. After all, the joy of travel lies not just in the places we visit but the pace at which we experience them.

This itinerary is designed with drivers in mind, providing the flexibility to stray off the beaten path and explore the nooks and crannies of Provence. However, don’t fret if you don’t plan on driving.

With a few tweaks, it can be tailored to those relying on public transportation or guided tours, which I’ll deal with separately under each relevant day.

Coming up next, a breakdown of each day’s activities and destinations to ensure your time in Provence is as memorable and enjoyable as possible.

Day 1: Discovering the allure of Avignon

Useful information:.

Day 1 Highlights :

• Palace of the Popes
• Pont d’Avignon
• Les Halles d’Avignon
• Musée Angladon

Cultured Voyages recommended accommodation in Avignon:

• Le Bristol ( well located, well designed )
• Hotel De Cambis ( rave reviews, stylish decor )
• L’Observance Bed & Breakfast ( gorgeous guesthouse with pool )
• Les Précieuses Suites & Spa  ( gorgeous apartment with spa bath )

Top tours & experiences in Avignon :

• Avignon Walking Tour including the Pope’s Palace
• Tickets for Palais des Papes & Pont d’Avignon

Avignon, a city that wears its rich history proudly, is truly a gem of Provence. Its centrepiece, the awe-inspiring Palace of the Popes, is a sight not to be missed. But

Avignon is not all about the past, its vibrancy as a university city, combined with a thriving arts scene that peaks during the annual festival, makes it as lively as it is historical.

The city’s architecture is a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles, adding to its unique appeal. And the compact city centre? It’s an explorer’s delight, home to charming boutiques and winding streets that beg to be wandered.

Food lovers, too, are in for a treat. I lived here for several weeks and spent a fair bit of that time feasting my way through Avignon’s delectable dining scene, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Avignon is the city where history comes to play, dancing across charming cobblestone streets and in the shadows of impressive architectural marvels. As you stroll down its labyrinthine lanes, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe, as if you’ve been transported back in time.

For me, however, the magic was in the everyday – savouring freshly baked pain au chocolats from a local boulangerie (La Violette), stumbling upon hidden squares, and simply watching the world go by from a cosy café terrace (Tulipe).

Yet Avignon is not just a pretty face. Its prime location and excellent transport links make it the perfect base for exploring Provence’s dazzling array of attractions, be it the Roman heritage of Arles, or the charming villages of the Luberon.

related reading for AVIGNON

• Best things to do in Avignon
• 24 best day trips from Avignon
• Best wine tours from Avignon

Morning in Avignon: Les Halles and historical sights

Wake up early and kickstart your day at Les Halles, Avignon’s bustling covered market. This lively food hub is a sensory feast, bursting with the colours and aromas of the freshest local produce.

As you weave through stalls of succulent fruits, creamy cheeses, and fresh-from-the-oven pastries, you’ll quickly understand why locals love to start their day here.

With your appetite satisfied, make your way to the Palace of the Popes. This imposing gothic structure was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. As you traverse the grand halls, chapels, and private chambers, you’ll step back into an era when Avignon was the centre of Christendom.

Just a short walk from the palace, you’ll find the Pont d’Avignon, or the Pont Saint-Bénézet. This iconic bridge, partially crumbled into the Rhone River, is a symbol of the city’s historic importance. With the old nursery rhyme ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ echoing in your ears, it’s a poignant reminder of the city’s vibrant past.

Afternoon in Avignon: Wandering the city streets

As afternoon dawns, allow yourself to get lost in the maze of Avignon’s charming streets. Rue des Teinturiers, a picturesque cobblestone street, is a must-visit. Dotted with old water wheels and lined with plane trees, it exudes a certain nostalgic charm.

As you stroll down this ‘dyers street’, you’ll find yourself stepping back in time, amidst the echoes of the city’s old silk-weaving industry.

Beyond the main streets, discover Avignon’s secret squares, tucked away, each a haven of tranquillity amidst the city buzz. Stop for a coffee or a glass of local wine, sit back and absorb the relaxed Provençal lifestyle that Avignon embodies.

As your day draws to a close, pay a visit to the Angladon Museum, a jewel nestled down a small back street that art aficionados should definitely not skip.

Imagine this: a home that doubles as a museum, its rooms brimming with carefully curated treasures, all the while retaining the intimate feel of an art-lover’s personal haven.

The collection is impressive, housing pieces from a range of notable artists such as Modigliani, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Picasso, to name just a few.

Having been there and savoured the experience of standing just a breath away from these masterpieces, I wholeheartedly recommend paying a visit. You won’t be disappointed.

And with that, you’ll conclude your first day in Provence, full of the sights, sounds, and flavours of Avignon. As the sun sets and the city’s stone walls glow warmly, you’ll understand why I fell in love with this place. But this is just the beginning – more Provençal adventures await tomorrow!

Day 2: The enchantment of L’Isle sur la Sorgue and the Luberon

Day 2 highlights :

• Isle sur la Sorgue Market (if visiting on Sunday)
• Sénanque Abbey

Top Luberon tours & experiences :

• Luberon Small-Group Day Trip from Avignon
• Lavender in Luberon Small Group Half-Day Trip

Driving time:

• Avignon to Isle sur la Sorgue: 51 minutes | 41km
• L’Isle sur la Sorgue to Rousillon: 31 minutes | 27km
• Roussillon to Gordes: 15 minutes | 10km
• Gordes to Sénanque Abbey: 10 minutes | 5km
• Sénanque Abbey to Avignon: 50 minutes | 48km

For Day 2 of your 5 days in Provence itinerary, I recommend branching out from Avignon to visit some of the regional highlights.

Starting off with L’Isle sur la Sorgue Market, I’ve included it because it’s the epitome of the vibrant, buzzing Provençal atmosphere. It’s a treasure trove of culinary delights and unique finds, making it a must for any curious traveller.

Its proximity to Avignon makes it an easy and worthwhile stop, especially on a Sunday when the market is in full swing.

Gordes is a gem that exemplifies the charm and beauty of the Provence region. This hilltop village is all about the quintessential old-world charm, cobbled streets, stone houses and stunning panoramic views.

Around an hour’s drive from Avignon, it’s a compelling glimpse into the relaxed, rustic lifestyle of the Luberon region.

Sénanque Abbey, nestled in a secluded valley, represents an important facet of Provence’s rich history and spiritual heritage.

A serene contrast to the bustle of the city, the Abbey, just 50 minutes from Avignon, offers tranquillity and unique photographic opportunities, especially when the surrounding lavender fields bloom in the summer.

Roussillon, celebrated for its striking ochre cliffs and vibrant, pigment-splashed houses, brings an entirely different palette to your Provence itinerary. This enchanting village, a bit over an hour’s drive from Avignon, provides not only a feast for the eyes, but also insight into the region’s mining history through its Ochre Trail.

Each destination encapsulates a different aspect of Provence’s diverse allure, which is why they’ve been included in this itinerary.

Their relative closeness to Avignon makes them perfectly suited for a day trip, and to combine together, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region’s many faces without spending hours on the road.

Morning: L’Isle sur la Sorgue market and Roussillon

Plan your visit on a Sunday, as the renowned L’Isle sur la Sorgue market comes alive on this day. Here, you can delight in the vibrant chaos that ensues as traders from around the region gather to sell their wares.

From local produce, cheeses, and wines, to antiques and handcrafted goods, the market has something for everyone.

My tip: arrive early, explore the stalls, and make sure to sample the fresh fruits, mouth-watering patisseries and cheese. The sounds, sights, and smells of this bustling marketplace are a pure Provençal experience.

Then, we’ll make a move to the furthest point of our itinerary, the hilltop village of Roussillon. Known for its stunning ochre cliffs and quarries, Roussillon offers a distinctive palette of flaming red and orange landscapes that change hues with the passing sun. It’s like stepping onto an artist’s canvas.

Take your time wandering through the village, where the same warm tones adorn the houses and cobblestone streets. And don’t forget to visit the Ochre Trail – Sentier des Ocres – a surreal landscape that’s worth the minor detour.

Afternoon: Gordes, Sénanque Abbey, and back to Avignon

After soaking up the hues of Roussillon, it’s time to head to another gem of the Luberon – Gordes. Perched on the southern edge of the Vaucluse plateau, Gordes is often touted as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

As you approach, you’ll see why. The stone buildings cascade down the hillside, gleaming in the Provencal sunlight, while the castle and church stand guard above the terracotta rooftops. Make sure to take in the panoramic views of the Luberon valley. The vista is nothing short of spellbinding.

Then, a stone’s throw from Gordes, you’ll find the serene Sénanque Abbey, nestled in a secluded valley. This active monastery is a perfect place to slow the pace.

The Romanesque architecture, the peaceful monks tending to their chores, the fragrant lavender fields surrounding the abbey – it’s a snapshot of timeless Provence that fills you with tranquillity. Remember, this is a place of silence and respect, so tread lightly and savour the serenity.

As the sun begins to dip, you’ll journey back to Avignon, carrying with you the sights, sounds, and memories of a day well spent. The magic of the Luberon will linger long after you’ve left, its beauty etched in your memory.

I promise you this: one day in the Luberon, and you’ll understand why this region has captured the hearts of artists, writers, and dreamers for centuries.

Day 3: A cultural immersion in Arles and Les Alpilles

Day 3 highlights :

• Roman ruins and Van Gogh in Arles
• Impressionist art at Carrieres les Lumieres
• Charming Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Top experiences & guided tours:

• From Avignon: In the Footsteps of Van Gogh in Provence
• Avignon: Pont du Gard, Saint Remy and Les Baux Half-Day Tour
• Half-Day Baux de Provence and Luberon Tour from Avignon

Drive time:

Note that Arles is also reachable independently via train from Avignon.

• Avignon to Arles: 51 minutes | 41km
• Arles to Les Baux de Provence: 31 minutes | 19km
• Les Baux de Provence to Saint-Rémy de Provence: 18 minutes | 11km
• Saint-Rémy-de-Provencee to Avignon: 35 minutes | 26km

As the third day dawns on your Provencal adventure, we’re going to swap the tranquil Luberon for a journey steeped in ancient history and artistic heritage.

You’re headed to Arles, famed for its Roman ruins and deep connection with the tormented artist, Vincent Van Gogh, followed by an exploration of the charming region of Les Alpilles.

Arles’ rich Roman history and its association with Van Gogh make it a destination that art lovers and history enthusiasts simply cannot miss.

The ruins, such as the Roman Amphitheatre, transport you back in time, while following in Van Gogh’s footsteps gives you a chance to understand the inspiration behind his famous paintings.

The short, 50-minute drive from Avignon makes this historical and artistic journey an easily accessible one. Alternatively, it’s even easier to reach by train (but your subsequent destinations on day 3 aren’t), which takes just 15 minutes.

Carrieres de Lumières is a unique and immersive art experience. The digital art exhibitions projected on the walls of the old quarry transport you into the works of world-renowned artists.

Currently, the show is focusing on works of the Impressionists, connecting you with this significant art movement in a novel and captivating way. It’s a mere 45-minute journey from Avignon to this awe-inspiring spectacle in Les Baux-de-Provence.

Finally, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, with its postcard-perfect streets, charming boutiques, and an array of delightful cafes, is an authentic Provençal town.

The relaxed and artistic vibe of the town, a short half-hour drive from Avignon, invites visitors to slow down, soak in the charm, and experience Provence in its purest form.

related reading

• The Best Things to do in Arles
• A guide to Saint-Rémy de Provence

Morning: Roaming in Arles

Begin your day in Arles, where the ancient and modern world converge beautifully. Here, you’ll walk through centuries-old Roman ruins while following the footsteps of Van Gogh.

For history buffs, a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre and the Theatre Antique is non-negotiable. I was in awe of the sheer scale of these buildings and the incredible detail of the stonework, even after thousands of years.

You can almost hear the echoes of Roman crowds cheering in the amphitheatre and the haunting melodies of theatrical performances past.

For Van Gogh enthusiasts, a walk around Arles is like stepping into one of his paintings. Follow the Van Gogh trail to the famous yellow café depicted in ‘Café Terrace at Night’, standing vibrantly on Place du Forum.

Then, make sure to stop by the Cryptoportiques. Beneath the city hall, these Roman underground galleries are a reminder of Arles’s storied past, and I found the cool darkness a welcome escape from the midday sun.

Allow an allotted amount of time to simply wander Arles’ positively delightful streets also – it’s very easy to see why artists, Van Gogh included, were inspired by it.

Afternoon: Les Alpilles, art at Carrieres les Lumieres and charming Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Next, journey to Les Alpilles, where your first stop is the mesmerising Carrieres les Lumieres.

This former limestone quarry has been transformed into a unique art venue, where classic works are projected onto the cavernous stone walls, accompanied by stirring music.

Be sure to buy tickets in advance; the show is highly popular, and parking can be a bit of a challenge. Walking through the immersive exhibition is like stepping inside an artist’s mind, surrounded by swirling colours and evocative imagery.

If you have enough time, stroll up to the town itself, which is located a little above the entrance to the quarry, to visit the castle ruins atop the rocky outcrop and to admire the sprawling views of the landscape below.

Lastly, make your way to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

This lovely village is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. Amble through its charming streets, discover inviting squares, and pop into quaint boutiques.

If time permits, I’d recommend a visit to Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery, where Van Gogh once stayed, and the ruins of the Roman settlement of Glanum.

As your third day draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on your day. From Roman grandeur to artistic brilliance, from the lively streets of Arles to the serene beauty of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the essence of Provence will hopefully have been well and truly captured in these experiences.

Day 4: A journey through time at Pont du Gard and Châteauneuf du Pape

Day 4 highlights :

• Ancient Roman engineering
• Immerse yourself in nature
• Wine-tasting in one of France’s most renowned wine regions

Cultured Voyage’s recommended accommodation:

• Hostellerie do Château des Fines Roches | luxury castle on vineyard (I stayed here)
• Espace de l’Hers ( Provençal villa with pool )
• Logis Hôtel Restaurant La Sommellerie (Boutique beauty with pool)
• La Pergola ( charming B&B in village centre)

Top rates tours & experiences:

• Châteauneuf du Pape Wine Day Tasting Tour (+ Lunch) from Avignon
• Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour (from Avignon)
• Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon

Driving Time:

• Avignon to Pont du Gard: 29 minutes | 26km
• Pont du Gard to Chateauneuf du Pape: 41 minutes | 41km

Note that you can reach both Pont du Gard and Chateauneuf du Pape by local bus from Avignon.

Day four presents a blend of natural beauty, historical discovery, and a touch of decadence. The Pont du Gard, an iconic example of Roman ingenuity, serves as a fascinating journey into the past. Its surrounding nature, complete with short walking trails, offers an opportunity to breathe in the tranquillity of Provence’s countryside. It’s both easily accessible from Avignon and a serene escape from the urban hustle.

Later, heading to Châteauneuf du Pape introduces a flavourful side of Provence. Noted for its rich, full-bodied red wines, this region holds a special place in the heart of wine connoisseurs worldwide. A wine-tasting experience here is more than just about savouring fine wines, it’s about immersing oneself in the region’s cherished viticultural tradition, which is just a short drive away from Avignon.

• A guide to visiting Chateauneuf du Pape
• Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches – a review

Morning: Exploring Pont du Gard

Your morning begins at the breath-taking Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct that serves as a testament to the ingenious engineering of the past. Taking the effort to walk across this architectural wonder, you can appreciate its colossal magnitude, almost feeling the weight of the centuries it has gracefully endured.

For a moment of peace and tranquility, step off the beaten path and into the Mémoires de Garrigues trail. This 1.4 kilometre trail meanders through a typical Mediterranean landscape. Along the way, you’ll encounter olive trees, truffle-producing oaks, and dry stone walls that add to the rustic charm of the region. It was along this trail that I found my Pont du Gard highlight, relishing in the tranquillity and solitude of Provençal nature, almost undisturbed.

As you explore, traces of the Roman aqueduct that once linked Uzès to Nîmes reveal themselves, evoking images of a time long gone. With looped walks of progressive difficulty levels, you can find a path that suits you, making the exploration of the ancient aqueduct remains an adventure on its own.

Should you also wish, there is an extensive museum on site that explores Roman history and architecture, including the engineering of the bridge.

Afternoon: The wine landscapes of Châteauneuf du Pape

The afternoon sees you heading to Châteauneuf du Pape, an unmissable stop in any Provence itinerary, particularly if you appreciate a good glass of wine. Conveniently located near Avignon, this world-renowned wine region offers an immersive journey into the world of viticulture.

I highly recommend not only indulging in the local wine tasting but also considering a night’s stay amidst the lush vineyards. It’s a perfect break in your itinerary to recharge before moving on to Aix-en-Provence for the final day. We stayed at Château des Fines Roches, which has both a vineyard and a superb restaurant onsite and had a truly fantastic time.

The village itself invites leisurely exploration, where you can visit the ruins of the castle or pop into the many wine cellars scattered around the town.

If you are interested in the process of wine-making, a visit to a winery is a must. My visit to Chateau la Fortia was one of the most memorable experiences, its close proximity to the town making it all the more accessible. While you’re there, consider a visit to Chateau la Nerthe, another gem slightly further out of town.

Day 5: A leisurely exploration of the charming Aix-en-Provence

Day 5 highlights :

• Provençal markets
• Elegant boulevards and mansions
• The world of Cézanne
• Hotel Particulier le 28 ( family-run luxury )
• Hôtel des Augustins (charming & central)
• Château de la Gaude (exceptional luxury property outside town)
• Maison Du Collectionneur (boutique bolthole)

Top rated tours & experiences:

• Aix-en-Provence Food Tour
• Provence Lavender Fields Tour from Aix-en-Provence
• Luberon Market & Villages Day Trip from Aix-en-Provence
• Chateauneuf du Pape to Aix-en-Provence: 1 hour 20 minutes | 100km
• Avignon to Aix-en-Provence: 1 hour | 87km

Aix-en-Provence is the kind of city that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a more refined, stylish version of the French countryside.

Imagine a place where the Cote d’Azur’s chic vibes fuse seamlessly with rustic Provence and you’ve got something that comes close to what Aix is all about.

Strolling through the city, you can’t help but get caught up in the upscale atmosphere, with stylish boutiques, sleek cars and gourmet restaurants at every corner. Aix is also home to an authtentically rustic set of Provençal markets, which are a true sensory delight, bursting with vibrant colours, tempting aromas and the most scrumptious local produce you can imagine.

Yet, Aix isn’t just about high-end living.

The city also wears its cultural heart on its sleeve. A week spent here opened my eyes to the world of Cézanne, and the numerous independent art galleries and high-end furniture and design stores that are scattered throughout the city. They add an extra layer of sophistication and give you a taste of Aix’s thriving artistic scene.

It’s this blend of rustic allure and contemporary chic that makes Aix a must-include stop on any Provence itinerary.

Morning: An immersion in Aix-en-Provence’s charm

Starting your day in this upmarket, cultured yet lively city, you’ll find a unique blend of refinement and vivacity, the latter perhaps a result of the university that breathes youthful life into the city’s historic veins.

In Aix, the joy comes from the unhurried, savouring the atmosphere rather than racing through a checklist. Imagine sitting out on a sun-drenched square, nursing a café creme or a glass of rosé. There’s a certain serenity in the unhurried passage of time, a sense of being part of the city’s living portrait.

To get a glimpse of Aix’s opulence, take the time to visit some of the town’s elegant mansions. The Hôtel de Caumont stands out as an impressive specimen of Aix’s architectural grandeur.

Afternoon: Tracing the footsteps of Cézanne

Following a leisurely lunch, a stroll along Cours Mirabeau, Aix’s main thoroughfare, is an absolute must. Lined with leafy plane trees and punctuated by mossy fountains, it’s the perfect spot to experience the city’s pulse.

Your journey in Aix would be incomplete without a visit to the studio of Paul Cézanne, the city’s most famous son. Here, in the place where Cézanne created some of his most notable works, you’ll truly appreciate his influence on the art world.

To end the day, pay a visit to Musée Granet. This fine arts museum offers an extensive collection of works from masters such as Rembrandt, Picasso, Degas, Money, Gaugin and, of course, Cézanne.

If you’re continuing your French journey towards the Côte d’Azur after this 5-day Provence itinerary, consider an overnight stay in Aix. Its location closer to the coast makes it a convenient stopover.

As your last day in Provence concludes, let the events of the past five days sink in. From the serene natural beauty of Luberon to the Roman masterpieces in Pont du Gard, the charming streets of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to the wine landscapes of Châteauneuf du Pape, and finally, the elegant beauty of Aix-en-Provence, your Provence adventure is sure to leave lasting memories.

Getting to Provence from abroad

There are numerous international airports that can serve as your gateway to France. The selection depends on your country of origin and airline of choice

Flying directly into Provence (Marseilles) :

Marseille Provence Airport is the main aviation hub in the region. After arriving, you can easily get to Aix-en-Provence with an Uber, as we did for around €65. If you plan to continue by train, you’ll need to get to the Marseille TGV station.

Flying into Lyon :

Lyon has a reliable and fast TGV service. During my visit, I flew from Avignon via Lyon. It initially seems like it might be far away, but this is a great option as Avignon TGV station can quickly link you to Lyon’s airport in less than an hour.

Flying into Nice and getting to Provence :

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is another excellent choice. It’s connected to Nice city centre by tram line 2. To get to Gare Nice-Ville (Nice’s main train station), you’ll need to connect to tram line 1. I found the tram in Nice fairly intuitive and easy to use. From there, you can catch a TGV train to Provence.

Flying into Paris Charles de Gaulle :

The largest and busiest airport in France, Charles de Gaulle is a hub for numerous international and domestic flights. There are direct high-speed TGV trains from the airport to major cities in Provence, making it a feasible option.

RELATED READING | Best Wine Tour in Nice, France

Getting to Provence from within France

Getting to Provence from within France is a straightforward process, thanks to the country’s efficient transportation system.

The French high-speed train, the TGV, provides a quick and comfortable journey from many major cities like Paris, Lyon, or Nice, directly into Provence’s core cities such as Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.

If you prefer the flexibility of a road trip, driving in France is quite manageable. The highways, or autoroutes, are well-kept, and clear signs will guide you to Provence. However, as you venture into rural areas of Provence, expect more narrow and winding roads – it’s part of the region’s charm!

And for those who are budget-conscious or seek a more local experience, bus services offer a cost-effective and authentic option for traveling to Provence.

Getting around Provence

Driving in provence.

Provence is well suited for exploring by car. The main roads are typically well-maintained, making it easy to navigate between cities and larger towns.

However, in the Luberon Villages and Les Alpilles, be prepared for narrow mountain roads, some with hairpin bends and steep drops. Take care as the hard shoulder can be very narrow, or even non-existent, in some places. Parking was manageable – on-street in some towns, or in car parks outside of busier centers. I highly recommend the Flowbird app for paying on-street parking fees conveniently.

Taking the train in Provence

France’s train system is excellent.

Trains run frequently, and larger cities and towns in Provence are well connected. From Avignon, you can easily reach Arles, Aix–en-Provence, and L’Isle sur la Sorgue by train. For the locations mentioned in this 5-day Provence itinerary that aren’t served by train, consider hiring a driver or booking a guided tour from Avignon if you’d prefer not to drive.

Bus services in Provence

Buses are a viable alternative for places where trains can’t take you.

Although bus services to the Luberon villages are available, I’d recommend a guided tour for this day if you’re not hiring a car, as buses can be slower and you may have to limit what you see. From Avignon, there are Line 707 buses to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, buses to Pont du Gard, and local buses to Chateauneuf du Pape village.

Some final tips for getting around Provence

Exploring Provence is an exciting (if not somewhat overwhelming) adventure, so here are sone parting things to keep in mind that will help you get around this stunning region.

Hire a Car :

By far the most flexible way to get around Provence is by renting a car. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit those more secluded and charming places that public transport might not reach. Just bear in mind, some of the country roads can be quite narrow and winding, especially in the Luberon and Les Alpilles areas. But hey, it’s all part of the authentic Provence experience!

Train Journeys :

The train network in France is pretty fantastic. Trains in Provence are comfortable, punctual, and connect all the major cities like Avignon, Arles, and Aix-en-Provence. It’s a stress-free option that allows you to sit back and enjoy the beautiful Provençal scenery. Just make sure to book your tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons.

Bus Services :

For some routes, especially to smaller towns and villages, buses can be a handy option. They might not be as quick as trains or cars, but they are budget-friendly and have their own quaint charm.

If you’re feeling active and up for a bit of adventure, why not hire a bike? Cycling around the vineyards, lavender fields, and olive groves of Provence is such a magical experience. You get to breathe in the fresh air, soak up the sun and really connect with the landscape.

Guided Tours :

For places that are trickier to reach on your own, like Luberon villages or Châteauneuf-du-Pape, consider taking a guided tour. It’s a great way to get some insider knowledge while making sure you don’t miss out on anything.

Remember, whichever method of transport you choose, always leave some extra time to get lost in the moment and truly savour your time in Provence.

If you find yourself with more time on your hands in Provence, consider yourself truly blessed. This region is chock-full of hidden gems, awe-inspiring landscapes, and unique experiences just waiting to be discovered. Trust me, with every extra day you spend here, you’ll uncover a new facet of Provence’s beauty and charm. Here’s how you can make the most of your extended stay:

Taking the time to really explore

Each city and town in Provence is a microcosm of history, culture, and gastronomy. Spend a few more days in places like Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence or the Luberon, that have piqued your interest. Delve deeper into their narratives, explore local markets, try regional delicacies, or simply enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee in a picturesque square. Slow travel has its unique charm, and there’s no better place to indulge in it than Provence!

Venturing into other cities

Consider visiting the cities of Orange and Nîmes. Orange, known for its Roman architecture, is home to the impressive Antique Theatre, one of the best preserved of its kind. In Nîmes, the Amphitheatre, Maison Carrée, and the Tour Magne beckon with their grandeur. These cities offer a wonderful mix of Roman history, French charm and a laid-back Provencal vibe.

Exploring areas of outstanding natural beauty

Adding some natural wonders to your itinerary can be invigorating. The Camargue, a vast wetland, is renowned for its pink flamingos, white horses, and black bulls – a true spectacle of wildlife. Mont Ventoux, the “Giant of Provence”, is great for hiking, biking or simply enjoying panoramic views from its peak. If you’re an adventure junkie, the Verdon Gorge, Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon, with its turquoise waters is perfect for kayaking, rafting or hiking.

Making Avignon your base

I have often found Avignon to be an ideal base for exploring Provence, given its central location and excellent transport links. You can find more ideas on how to venture out from Avignon in my related post, ‘24 Best Day Trips from Avignon’. You’ll discover options ranging from medieval towns, vineyards, to breathtaking landscapes.

Considering the French Riviera

If your definition of Provence extends to the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera, you’re in for a treat. With its stunning beaches, high-end shopping, and renowned culinary scene, it’s worth the visit.

As there’s so much to this stretch of coastline, I’ve dealt with it separately in another set of blog posts ( coming soon ).

Is it worth visiting Provence?

One hundred percent, yes! There’s a certain charm to Provence that’s almost hypnotic. The way the sunlight illuminates the old, stone buildings in the cities, how the countryside has an almost rustic feel that makes you want to explore every corner, the rich tastes and aromas of the local food – it’s an unforgettable experience. So, yes, whether you’re a sucker for history, a devoted foodie, or just love a good scenic view, Provence is definitely worth the trip.

What is the best month to visit Provence?

Provence is a beauty to behold all year round but if you want to experience that famous Provencal magic, I’d suggest going in June and July. It’s lavender season and there’s nothing quite like seeing those rolling fields blooming in various shades of purple. Plus, the weather’s just perfect for an outdoor adventure!

What is the best city to stay in Provence?

This isn’t a one-answer-fits-all kind of question because it really depends on what you’re after. If you’re into the vibrant energy of a larger city with a rich history, consider Avignon or Aix-en-Provence. But if you’re craving that quintessential small-town French charm, you’ll probably love Gordes or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The point is, each place has its own unique vibe, and you should choose one that resonates with you the most.

Is it better to stay in Avignon or Aix-en-Provence?

Both Avignon and Aix-en-Provence have their own distinct vibes. Avignon, with its strong ties to papal history and its beautifully preserved medieval city, serves as a great base for exploring Provence. On the other hand, Aix-en-Provence, known for its lively art scene, offers a blend of city life and the laid-back Provencal lifestyle. In the end, it’s all about what you want out of your trip.

Where should I base myself in Provence?

A lot of people, myself included, often choose Avignon as their home base when exploring Provence. Its central location and good transport links make it ideal for reaching different parts of the region. But if you prefer the quiet charm of smaller towns, places like Gordes or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence could be more your style. Just note that you will more than likely require a car if you plan on doing any sightseeing from smaller towns, as public transport won’t be as far-reaching or regular.

What is the best time to see lavender in Provence? When to visit Provence lavender Fields?

The sight of lavender fields in full bloom is a quintessential Provencal experience. To witness this, plan your trip anytime from mid June to mid July. Though it does vary each year depending on the weather, the end of June/start of July is usually a safe bet.

Where is the best place to see lavender in Provence?

There’s no place like the Plateau de Valensole when it comes to vast expanses of lavender fields. It’s like an endless sea of purple that’s simply breathtaking. Other spots worth checking out are the areas around Sault and the Luberon.

What is the best way to travel in Provence? Is it easy to get around Provence without a car?

Provence is best explored at your own pace, and having a car gives you the freedom to do that. It also lets you visit those hidden gems that public transport might not reach. However, if driving isn’t your thing, you can still see a lot of what Provence has to offer using trains and buses. You could also join a guided tour for a more convenient and fuss-free experience.

What is the most beautiful drive in Provence?

Provence is known for its scenic routes, but if I had to pick just one, I’d go with the drive through the Luberon region. The meandering roads will lead you through idyllic towns, vineyards, orchards, and, of course, those stunning lavender fields during the season. The route from Gordes to Sénanque Abbey is particularly picturesque, if not a little daunting!

Related reading for the South of France

Interior provence.

• Arles  |  Best Things to Do in Arles: From Van Gogh’s Legacy to Ancient Roman Ruins
• Avignon  |  23 Fabulous Things To Do in Avignon, France
• Avignon Day Trips  |  Best Day Trips from Avignon for Curious Travellers
• Avignon Wine Tours  |  10 Wonderful Avignon Wine Tours Worth Taking
• Is Avignon worth visiting?  |  Why It’s Worth Visiting Avignon: 11 Unmissable Reasons
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape   accommodation  |  Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches – A Luxury Provençal Retreat
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape  |  Visiting Châteauneuf-du-Pape: A Journey Through a Historic Wine Region
• Saint Rémy  | A Guide to Saint Remy de Provence: a Provençal Paradise
• Where to stay in Provence |  Where To Stay in Provence: 10 Best Places + Accommodation Picks
• French Riviera
• Antibes | Things to Do in Antibes: 23 Must-Visit Attractions & Memorable Experiences
• Is Antibes worth visiting?  |  Is Antibes Worth Visiting? Discover Why This Riviera Gem Is a Must-Visit
• Cap d’Antibes Coastal Walk | coming soon
• Sentier du Littoral Wall  |  Walking the Sentier du Littoral of Antibes – Essential Guide
• A day in Cannes | coming soon
• Cannes wine tours | coming soon
• 1 day in Nice | coming soon
• Nice wine tours | 10 Fantastic Nice Wine Tours Worth Taking
• 4 days in French Riviera | coming soon
• 5 days in French Riviera | coming soon
• 7 days in French Riviera | coming soon
• Where to stay on the french riviera | Where to Stay on the French Riviera: 11 Best Locations (& Hotels)

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Hi there! I'm Isabelle, aficionado of immersive travel experiences and unique, luxurious hotels. You'll most likely find me camera in hand, or nerding out on research in advance of my next trip. A major foodie, history and scenery lover, nothing makes me happier than soaking in the atmosphere and culture of the destination I'm visiting.

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Home » Itineraries » 5 Days Normandy

Normandy in 5 Days Itinerary

Private tours, free refunds & rescheduling, customizable itineraries, explore normandy with your private guide in 5 days.

Welcome to our five days in Normandy itinerary, where, along with your private guide and driver, you will discover a treasure trove of history, natural beauty, and cultural riches, all located just a brief trip from the bustling streets of Paris.

We have included essential sites like the D-Day beaches and American Cemetery alongside beauty spots such as the splendid Mont Saint-Michel while also exploring Normandy’s idyllic countryside.

Relish in the region’s famed seafood, artisan Camembert, and wine, and indulge your artistic side by visiting Claude Monet’s home and the enchanting village of Giverny.

Our five-day Normandy itinerary is sure to delight and surprise you.

Tour highlights:

• Luxurious Private Transfers
• Exclusive Private Guided Tour Experiences
• Normandy D-Day Beaches
• Monet’s Giverny
• Mont Saint Michel
• Bayeux and Caen

What is included:

• Certified English-Speaking Expert Local Guides
• Complimentary Bespoke Tour Itinerary
• Select Central Luxury Accommodations
• Luxury Air Conditioned Vehicles for Tours & Transfers
• Unbeatable Refund Guarantee
• Skip-The-Line Tickets & Entrance Fees
• 24-7 In-Country Support

Day 1: Normandy D-Day Beaches

Leave from Paris in the morning with your private driver as you make the 2-hour journey to the D-Day landing beaches in comfort and style.

We begin our tour of Normandy by paying homage to the heroes of World War II. Explore the historic D-Day landing beaches, where the Allied forces made their courageous stand against tyranny, and follow in the footsteps of the American soldiers who landed in Normandy on June 6th, 1944.

American Cemetery & Omaha Beach

Your guide will show you the American Cemetery behind Omaha Beach, the resting place of more than 9,000 American servicemen and women. This sacred place, run by the American Battle Monuments Commission, is the most visited D-Day site in Normandy.

Discover the unique site of Pointe du Hoc and marvel at the enormous cliffs that the American soldiers had to scale to ensure the success of the D-Day landings operation. Today, there are still bomb craters, bunkers, and dugouts peppered throughout the landscape.

Sainte-Mere-Eglise

At the heart of the Airborne operation was the small town of Sainte-Mere-Eglise. It was the first town to be captured and liberated by the American paratroopers. Here, you can see the monument to paratrooper John Steele, carved into the side of the Cathedral in the village where his parachute was impaled.

Day 2: Giverny

Today, you’ll be accompanied by your private driver to explore Giverny, a charming village on the Seine’s banks, famously known as the residence of the celebrated artist Claude Monet.

Monet discovered the allure of Giverny in 1883 and was so captivated by its beauty that he remained there for three decades until his passing. His presence and artistic vision eventually attracted numerous other artists to Giverny, inspired by its stunning landscapes.

Monet’s Water Gardens

Our journey begins in the renowned water garden of Giverny, a masterpiece of Monet’s fascination with Japanese culture.

Over a decade, Monet meticulously crafted this enchanting garden, carefully choosing exotic trees and plants like bamboo, ginkgoes, and peonies. He was mainly devoted to cultivating various water lilies, which later became the central theme of his famous ‘Nympheas’ series, initiated in the late 1890s.

Next, our journey takes us to the Clos Normand, which translates to ‘Enclosed Norman Garden .’This section, leading to Monet’s house, is a spectacle of hundreds of flower beds ablaze with colors.

Monet’s love for flowers is evident here; the garden showcases a seasonal parade of blooms, from springtime daffodils and tulips to irises, poppies, pansies, and roses later in the year, creating a sensory delight of vibrant hues and fragrances.

Tour of Monet’s House

We then proceed to Monet’s house, which has been meticulously restored to reflect its original state.

The interior, especially the striking yellow dining room and vivid blue kitchen, is adorned with Monet’s artworks, lending an authentic feel. The house also houses Monet’s cherished collection of Japanese engravings, reflecting his deep admiration for Japanese art.

This collection includes rare pieces by eminent Japanese artists like Utamaro and Hokusai, offering an insightful glimpse into Monet’s artistic influences as you explore each room.

After exploring the house, we’ll pause for lunch at one of the delightful local brasseries in the village.

Impressionist Museum

In the afternoon, your experience continues with a private tour of the Impressionist Museum, where you’ll encounter an impressive collection of works by renowned Impressionist painters, including a permanent exhibit dedicated to Monet’s masterpieces.

Conclude your tour with a stroll through the museum’s vibrant, contemporary gardens adorned with fountains and sprawling wildflower meadows.

Stay overnight in Giverny.

Day 3: Mont Saint Michel

Discover 13 centuries of history with our experienced driver guides at Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.

As you wander its slopes, you’ll find charming half-timbered houses lining the quaint alleyways, culminating in a glorious golden statue of Saint Michael at the top. Celebrated French novelist Victor Hugo famously described it as “the pyramid of the seas,” and witnessing Mont Saint-Michel as you drive towards it, it’s easy to see why Hugo was so inspired and why this architectural marvel has been a magnet for visitors since the Middle Ages.

The first construction on the rock was built in 708; a few decades later, it became a major pilgrimage site for all the Christians in the world. Thanks to the work of the religious community on the Mont, the site was seen as an intellectual reference in Europe, where thousands of books, manuscripts, and charters were written or copied.

Day 4: Bayeux and Caen

On day 4 of our itinerary, your private driver will join you in the morning for the 1.5-hour journey to Bayeux, a captivating medieval town renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture.

Explore the town center, where you’ll find a delightful array of excellent restaurants and charming shops offering opportunities to savor a delicious lunch and purchase souvenirs for your loved ones.

Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum

Undoubtedly, the highlight of Bayeux is its world-famous tapestry museum. Dating back to the 12th century, the tapestry is an awe-inspiring 70-meter-long masterpiece that recounts the historic conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy, who would later become William the Conqueror and King of England.

Crafted from wool and cloth, the tapestry features vivid depictions of over 600 soldiers and 200 horses. A true gem of UNESCO World Heritage, this remarkable artifact will be explored independently during your visit, accompanied by our expert English-speaking private guide. Please note that guides cannot make any commentary inside the museum.

Explore the Bayeux Cathedral

Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Bayeux Cathedral, built in the Norman style and dedicated in the presence of William the Conqueror in 1077.

Over the years, the cathedral underwent Gothic expansions, resulting in a captivating blend of architectural styles that enchants visitors to this day.

Continue to the Historic Town of Caen

Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror as we journey to the town of Caen. Begin your exploration at Saint Stephen’s Abbey, also known as the Men’s Abbey or Abbaye aux Hommes, founded by William in 1063.

This majestic Norman structure remains a prominent architectural landmark in the region. Accompanied by your private certified guide, delve into the fascinating history behind William’s vision for the church and discover the abbey, including the grave of one of England’s most renowned kings.

Visit the Caen Castle or Caen Memorial Museum

At the time of William the Conqueror, the Château de Caen held immense importance in the Duchy of Normandy. Explore the well-preserved remnants of the castle and its ramparts, offering glimpses into the region’s rich history.

Alternatively, if you prefer a different historical experience, we can adapt the tour to include a visit to the Caen Memorial Museum. Delve into the exhibitions dedicated to World War II, particularly the Battle of Normandy.

Day 5: Seaside villages and Camembert

Start your day with a visit to an artisan camembert fromagerie and learn how this delicious cheese is made. Your visit will also include tastings of different aged Camembert, plus a visit to the factory shop.

Next, head to the stunning towns of Deauville and Trouville sur Mer; nestled side by side, these two villages are charming for very different reasons.

The Parisian elite like to spend weekends in fashionable Deauville, with its pristine white beaches lined with Beach Clubs and extravagant restaurants.

We stop for a late lunch in one of the famous fish eateries and have fish caught that morning.

We then go to Trouville, Deauville’s more Bohemian cousin with its brightly colored cafes and bars scattered along the beaches; the vibe is definitely more relaxed, and we explore the artisan bakeries and maybe try some tarte aux pommes.

Following our visit, sit back in your air-conditioned Mercedes and let your chauffeur take you back to your hotel in Paris.

Fill in the form below with as much details as you can about your tour of France

One of our experts will be in touch within 24 hours with your tailor-made itinerary

Customize your tour to suit you & pack your bags for your France vacation!

Contact us about a 5-Day tour of Normandy

Our five-day tour of the Normandy region offers an enriching and diverse journey through history, art, and natural beauty. From the poignant D-Day beaches to the enchanting village of Giverny, the majestic Mont Saint-Michel, and the delightful local cuisine, each day brings a new and memorable experience.

As you contemplate this extraordinary adventure, remember that our team is ready to tailor a custom itinerary to suit your unique interests and preferences. Contact us to craft your perfect exploration of Normandy, where each day promises to be as captivating as the last.

Let us know your questions!

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Meet your personal tour planner

Salut from France! I’m Debbie, founder of Luxury France Tours.

Having developed into a Francophile on a trip to the French Alps many years ago while still in school, I moved to France after a career traveling the world led to me meeting my (now) French Husband in Johannesburg. I created Luxury France Tours as a way of sharing my love of France & igniting this passion in others.

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France Small Group Tours

Uncover new and exciting adventures in France by taking part in our small group tours. Go sightseeing at your own pace surrounded by travellers like you. Provided by top tour operators & travel companies, our small group tours in France will offer you the perfect balance between spending time on your own and group activities. View all small group tours .

120 France small group tours with 385 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Mont Blanc Highlights

Wonderful guided hikes, all different and amazing views. Tourradar really surpassed all my expectations. From a wonderful hotel - stayed at Richemond Hotel, in the centre of town to the amazing prepared lunches and restaurant dinners to our wonderful and knowledgeable guide Nichole. Thank you Nicole for your energy, patience, calmness, and expertise both up and down each mountain adventure. You made our trip a wonderful

Cycle Provence

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Paris , Oh La La! | 5 Days

Overall we enjoyed our tour. I found your website prompt and helpful in responding to my pre-tour queries. Our tour guide worked hard to maximize our exposure to the sites. At times however, he tried to cover too much. Instead of taking us to 20 churches, consider maybe 10. Instead of showing and explaining the architecture of 25 buildings, choose the 15 best,. Otherwise it becomes somewhat repetitive. Juan did manage to include all of the most important and best known sites of Paris. We were very pleased with his service to us.

Paris & Normandy Highlights National Geographic Journeys

We loved the itinerary and the extra sites we visited, also. Our CEO Alexiane did well. We would have like to hear more history of the places we saw. Alexiane took care to provide for the needs of individuals on our tour. That was especially helpful for me. Our bus driver, Frederick, was excellent and caring, too.

• Sightseeing
• Wine tasting

Overall amazing experience! Met some amazing people and enjoyed some beautiful views. While it was the hottest time of the year, our team had a great support system to ensure everyone was well hydrated. The bikes were nice and sturdy, especially climbing up some of those monstrous hills and the paniers were very handy! I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to enjoy the countryside and south of France!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Tailor-Made Best France Tour with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tailor-Made Private France Tour to Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley, Daily Departure

French Riviera on Foot

Bike Tour, Provence, France (guided groups)

The Chain Gang trips are top notch and huge fun. Over 10 years or more I have been on most of the Chain Gang’s trips in France - three of them more than once - and I can highly recommend them for the cycling, the routes, the guides and the cuisine. Some of my best ever holidays have been with the Chain Gang. The cycling can be challenging at times but is not prohibitively over strenuous for casual and leisure cyclists. As well as cycling through quiet and often deserted back roads of France, the days allow times for good lunches (often picnics), sightseeing, visits to vineyards and plenty of time to enjoy the local attractions. The hotels used en route are all comfortable and welcoming. Most of all, the Chain Gang guides are exceptional - excellent company, great mechanics and by the end of your week good friends as well. My personal favourite trips are the ones to Provence, the Dordogne and the Bordeaux Wine Trail. I can heartily recommend the Chain Gang trips to anyone or any age who enjoys getting out on their bike.

Normandy Walk from Deauville to Bayeux

Corsica with Ebike

Paris , Oh La La! | 4 Days

This tour was overall good it allows you to get to experience Paris when you don't have a lot of time. The walking tour guide was excellent even though we had a rocky start due to him receiving the wrong pick up location. The hotel was 3 not 4 star with a small room. It was clean quaint with friendly helpful staff. The description of tour failed to inform how physically demanding it is particularly for older or out of shape tourist. There is a lot of walking and stairs. The Eiffel Tower 2nd floor climb should have the option to purchase a lift ticket up front and disclose that it is over 600 steps to 2 nd floor.

• Bike and Barge

Bike & barge tour Provence and Camargue: from Aigues-Mortes to Avignon

My first bike and barge trip, it was a wonderful experience! Well planned. The crew was great, clearly working together well. Nice to see. Irene's dinners were as good as any following restaurant meals in Avignon and Paris. Yum! Sorry I didn't take pictures of her delicious dishes before eating them. Two criticisms - as another woman observed, there should have been two tour guides, with one riding sweep. That responsibility shouldn't be left to us. Also, the A/C in my cabin was way too cold. Overall, it was tremendous! Looking forward to the next one; hope so anyway! Thanks..

• Self-Guided Cycling

Loire Valley Cycle

I travelled solo on the self guided Loire Valley Cycle. This was my first experience self guiding and it was a great introduction. The cycle routes mainly along cycle paths and country roads were usually well marked and the route notes & overview maps provided helped me to find my way – a few wrong turns here and there when I wasn’t paying attention, all part of the experience! Locals were always welcoming and went out of their way to help. The mix of 2 and 3 star hotels were well chosen for their charm with good locations, simple & plentiful continental breakfasts, delicious 3-4 course dinners if you choose the half board option for all nights (I was fit to bursting by the last day) and staff were always courteous. One of the highlights was the hotel in Chitenay which had a peaceful outdoor courtyard where dinner was served as we had good weather and a pool to make the most of the last of summer in September. The bikes were sturdy and suitable to the mostly flat terrain with rolling hills, typical for a wine growing region where you also have the opportunity for wine tasting and visiting the many chateaux along the way. The standout chateau was in Chambord – impressive just from the outside alone, well worth a look inside. Luggage transfers worked smoothly. Thanks UTracks for a great first experience self guiding and in the Loire!

France Drive, Riviera & Provence in a Porsche: Pre-set sat-nav guided

Reviews of small group tours to france.

I was very pleased with all aspects of my trip ie. hotel, tour guides and transportation provides for the excursions as well as my driver to the airport on my date of departure. My only compliant is with the transportation from the airport on the date of my arrival since he left because I wasn’t able to make it to the arrival lounge within an hour for meetup because of the time it took from departing the plane, going through customs and waiting on my baggage. The driver did try to contact me but it was over WhatsApp and do t receive notifications since I rarely if ever use that app and Eskapas didn’t let me know to expect communications through that app. Other than the initial dissatisfaction with that and having to get other transportation as well as an added expense for an Uber I was very satisfied with the rest of the experience.

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Normandie Lovers

To awaken your senses in Normandy - Claire et Manu’s Blog

5 days in Normandie (our itineraries)

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | December 26, 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

What to see in Normandy in 5 days? It’s impossible to see everything, but you can already enjoy some beautiful sites. Here are our suggestions for 5-day itineraries in Normandy to suit your interests:

• 5 varied days with a charming base
• A 5-day tour with the must-sees
• 5 days in Normandy along the Seine River
• 5 days to visit the D-Day landing beaches
• A week along the Côte d’Albâtre

This guide is completely independent , based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Normandy in 5 days – practical tips

What to see.

The best-known sites are Mont-Saint-Michel, the D-Day landing beaches, Honfleur, Étretat and Rouen. But Normandy is also gastronomy, long sandy beaches, cliffs, charming countryside, charming villages, castles and abbeys… There is something for everyone. That’s why we haven’t written just one ideal week-long itinerary, but several options, with photos, to help you choose.

Please note that many D-Day museums close in January.

Is 5 days in Normandy enough?

The region is quite large, so you won’t be able to see everything. But with just 5 days, you can already discover some exceptional places and have an excellent stay. Here’s a timeline to give you some perspective:

How to get around

Normandy has a good bus and train network between the big cities, but as soon as you want to go to smaller places it becomes complicated. We highly recommend renting a car for your stay. If you’re arriving at Paris airports, see our tips for renting at Roissy CDG , Orly or Beauvais .

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
• Think of the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

• Advantage: No need to change hotels every day, you’ll cover a wide range of historical and natural sites.
• Disadvantage: Fewer opportunities to go further afield in Normandy

Where to stay

For a location that’s fairly central to many beautiful landscapes and historic sites, our preference is the town of Bayeux. The town has a lot of charm, with its cathedral and a good choice of hotels and restaurants. And since it’s not too big, you don’t have too much traffic to get out of town and explore the area. We have a real crush.

Among our favorite hotels:

• Hôtel Domaine de Bayeux – an 18th-century residence combining modernity and tradition in a sumptuous setting – view photos and availability
• Hotel Château de Bellefontaine: sumptuous 15th-century manor house – see photos and availability
• Hotel Villa Lara & Villa Augustine – luxury right in the center – see photos and availability
• And read our detailed article on where to sleep in Bayeux .

Day 1 – Discover Bayeux

Travel time = 0

To get yourself in the mood, take a stroll around Bayeux and discover the sights:

• The Tapestry Museum
• The beautiful cathedral
• The old center with the mill and some half-timbered houses

Find out more in our article on Bayeux’s top attractions .

Today we’re off to discover the jewel of Normandy. We recommend leaving early in the morning to beat the crowds. You can:

• Admire Mont-Saint-Michel from the access promenade (or take the shuttle bus)
• Walking on the ramparts
• Explore the nooks and crannies of the village
• Visit the abbey (with its many steps) – please reserve your time to visit the abbey in advance! – book here
• Admire the views from the rock

To help you plan your day, we’ ve put together a list of the best things to do.

Driving time: 25min one way and 25min return

The most famous of the D-Day landing beaches is Omaha Beach. Beware, the place is overwhelming! In one day you can:

• Admire Anilore Banon ‘s sculpture on the beach
• Pay your respects at the magnificent clifftop Normandy American Cemetery
• Visit one of the many museums. We particularly recommend the Overlord Museum.
• Take a look at the geography at bunker WN62

Find out more in our article on the best things to have in Omaha Beach .

Driving time: 1h30 one way + 1h10 return

Today we’re taking a step back in time. We discover the magnificent half-timbered houses that make up the charm of the Normandy countryside.

• On the way to Honfleur, we recommend a stopover at Beuvron-en-Auge, one of the most attractive villages in Normandy (see our list ). Its main square is a journey through time
• Then on to Honfleur
• Admire the old port and its narrow houses
• Visit the wooden church
• Visit the Eugène Boudin Museum
• Soak up the history
• Be careful not to wear heels, there are many old cobblestones in Honfleur.
• And if you like glamour, you can also add a loop to see Les Planches de Deauville .

Find out more in our article on Honfleur’s top attractions .

Day 5 – Falaise and Suisse Normande

Driving time: 2h15 loop

Today, we go back even further, historically and geologically.

• Visit the William the Conqueror Museum in Falaise
• Admire Falaise’s Trinity Church
• Then it’s off to Suisse-Normande for a walk, surrounded by beautiful nature.
• Climb the Clécy viaduct
• Explore the surrounding roads for a change of scenery

Find out more in our article on Falaise’s top attractions .

If you’d prefer to find out more about the D-Day landing beaches, you can replace one of the days you’re less interested in with a visit to Gold Beach.

Driving time: 1h loop

Today we’re heading back to the D-Day landing beaches from a slightly different, more technical angle. Depending on tide times, make the loop in one direction or the other:

• Visit the impressive Longues-sur-Mer battery, which still has cannons.
• Visit Arromanches-les-Bains (Gold Beach) at low tide to see pieces of the temporary port appear: from the viewpoint or directly from the beach.
• Visit the Arromanches Landing Museum to better understand the incredible engineering involved

Find out more in our article on the best things to have in Gold Beach .

Option 2 – 5-day Normandy tour with must-sees

If you absolutely had to see all the world’s most famous sites in Normandy, you’d need eight days, but with just 5 you can cover a lot:

Day 1 – Rouen, Joan of Arc and the Gros Horloge

Day 2 – étretat and its cliffs, day 3 – honfleur and deauville, day 4 – omaha beach, day 5 – mont-saint-michel.

Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to include the gardens of Giverny , which is much closer to Paris, the Caen Memorial Museum and Jumièges Abbey.

• Advantage: You’ll see some of Normandy’s most famous landmarks
• Disadvantage: Change hotels every night, always on the move, intense program.

Driving time from Paris: 1h to 1h30

We begin our discovery of the magnificent city of Rouen with:

• Its immense cathedral
• Half-timbered houses
• His Big Clock
• Its Fine Arts Museum
• Historial de Jeanne d’Arc museum

Find out more in our article on Rouen’s top attractions .

Spend the night in Rouen. We recommend..:

• Gustave Flaubert Literary Hotel with lots of quotes – see prices, photos and availability .
• Blu Radisson Hotel next to the Jeanne d’Arc Tower – see prices, photos and availability .
• Hôtel de Bourghteroulde set in a 16th-century residence – see prices, photos and availability .

Or see our selection of the best hotels in Rouen .

Driving time from Rouen to Etretat = 1h10

Today, admire the landscapes of the Côte d’Albâtre. Étretat is our favorite place in Normandy. Unfortunately, it has become ultra-touristy, but if you come out of season, you can really discover its magic.

• Take your walking shoes and climb the cliff below to see the arch.
• And climb to the top of the cliff for a view of the aiguille
• Visit the gardens of Etretat to mix art and panoramic views – Book your ticket
• Stroll through the village, see the typical stone and brick houses
• Then take the road to Honfleur via the magnificent Pont de Normandie.

See our complete guide to attractions in Étretat

Tonight, sleep in the charming village of Etretat, famous for its cliffs and the literary character Arsène Lupin.

Near the city, with a view of the cliffs or in the countryside, you will find accommodation for all tastes. We recommend, among others:

• Hôtel Le Donjon Domaine Saint Clair for an elegant and cocooning atmosphere – see photos and availability
• Iconic Dormy House Hotel with magnificent views and panoramic restaurant – see photos and availability
• B&B Les Tilleuls Etretat , Elegance near the beach – see photos and availability
• or see all our tips on where to sleep in Étretat

Driving time from Etretat to Honfleur 1h (and a further 30min to Deauville)

• We start in Honfleur, where you can admire the old port and its narrow houses.
• And if you like glamour, you can also add a loop to see Les Planches de Deauville and its long sandy beach.

Find out more in our article on Honfleur’s top attractions and Deauville’s attractions .

There is a nice hotel offer in Honfleur. We recommend..:

• Hotel La Maison de Lucie a little peace and quiet, yet still close to the port, in an elegant 18th-century mansion. We loved it! – see pictures and availability
• Hotel Les Maisons de Léa opposite the church and with spa – see pictures and availability
• Hôtel Ferme de Saint-Siméon luxury, history, charm and estuary views! – see pictures and availability
• or see our complete article on where to sleep in Honfleur

Driving time: 1h40

• Then a 25-minute drive to Bayeux, a charming little town with a cathedral. If you prefer an art museum to a war museum, Bayeux is famous for its tapestry.

Spend the night in Bayeux, with its excellent hotels and restaurants. Among our favorite hotels:

See our complete article on the 7 intramural hotels .

And finish off with an unforgettable night on Mont-Saint-Michel, which is even more magical at night! Just be aware that these are old houses. As a result, the rooms are generally small, and you have to climb a lot of steps to get to them. It’s not for everyone. And be careful not to take a big suitcase! Our top 3 is :

• Auberge Saint-Pierre Hotel – see prices, pictures and availability
• Hotel La Croix Blanche – see prices, pictures and availability
• Hotel Les Terrasses Poulard – see prices, pictures and availability

Option 3 – 7 days along the Seine from Giverny to the abbeys

This region of France is full of beautiful historical sites because the abbeys were once very powerful. Some are still in operation, others in ruins, but all offer a unique experience . In this itinerary, the path follows the Seine River back through history, from Paris to its estuary at Le Havre and Honfleur.

Day 1 – Giverny and Vernon

Discover Giverny (see our guide ):

• Claude Monet’s house and garden
• Museum of Impressionism
• Vernon bridge and mill
• Old town of Vernon

Overnight in Vernon – see the best rated accommodations

Day 2 – Les Andelys and Château Gaillard

• Discover Château Gaillard overlooking a loop of the Seine and the old town of Les Andelys.
• Go down and explore the old center of Les Andelys. Walk along the Seine

Overnight in Rouen – See our favorite hotels

Day 3 – Rouen

Discover Rouen (see our guide ):

• Rouen Cathedral
• Narrow streets with half-timbered houses
• Historial de Jeanne d’Arc

Second night in Rouen.

Day 4 – Boscherville and Jumièges abbeys

• Visit Boscherville Abbey
• Visit the ruins of Jumièges Abbey
• Stroll along the loops of the Seine
• Route to the Pont de Normandie and Honfleur

Overnight in Honfleur – see our hotel recommendations

Day 5 – Honfleur

Discover Honfleur (see our guide ):

Return journey.

Option 4 – 5 days around the D-Day landing beaches

To fully explore the Normandy landing beaches for 5 days, we recommend a hotel in or near Bayeux.

• Hôtel Ferme de la Rançonnière , in the countryside – see photos and availability

Day 1 – Omaha Beach

• Beach and sculpture
• Overlord Museum
• Pointe du Hoc battery (if you spend less time in museums)

Day 2 – Gold Beach

• Pieces of the temporary port on the beach at Arromanches-les-Bains at low tide
• Arromanches Landing Museum
• The Longues-sur-mer battery

Day 3 – Utah Beach

• Utah Beach Landing Museum
• Holy Mother Church and the parachutist
• Airborne Museum

Day 4 – Sword Beach

• Pegasus Bridge Museum
• Grand Bunker Museum, a different experience
• Merville Battery, also a museum

Day 5 – Juno and Douvres-la-Délivrandes

• Juno Beach and Museum
• Normandy British Memorial
• Radar Station 44 Museum
• Church of Douvres-la-Délivrandes, used by soldiers to find their bearings

Alternative day – Caen Memorial Museum

It’s a huge museum, so plan a full day if you’re keen – book your tickets now .

Alternative day – Bayeux

• Bayeux Cathedral
• Bayeux Tapestry (not WWII-related but iconic)
• British Cemetery
• Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum
• Memorial to war journalists

Option 5 – 5 days in Normandy around the Côte d’Albâtre

Normandy has two distinct regions: Upper Normandy and Lower Normandy. Many spend most of their time in the west with Mont-Saint-Michel and the D-Day landing beaches, but the west also has a lot to offer with its Côte d’Albâtre . If you like cliff landscapes, you’ll love it!

Day 1 – Le Havre

Discover Le Havre (see our guide ):

• Unesco-listed Perret architecture
• MuMa museum with Impressionist works

Drive to Etretat and overnight in Etretat – see our hotel recommendations

Day 2 – Étretat

Discover Étretat (see our guide ):

• Admire the views from the beach, upstream cliffs and downstream cliffs
• Visit the gardens of Etretat
• Admire the stone houses of the town center
• Enjoy the sunset

Second night in Etretat

Day 3 – Fécamp

Discover Fécamp (see our guide ):

• Enjoy the views and bunkers at Cap Fagnet
• Visit the Benedictine Palace
• Walk along the waterfront and the dykes of Fécamp
• Admire the architecture of Trinité Abbey and learn about the Dukes of Normandy
• Learn more about the region’s history at the Musée des Pêcheries

Third night in Etretat

Day 4 – Veules-les-Roses and the coast

• Up the coast
• Stop off at Saint-Pierre-en-Port for beautiful views of the cliffs
• Visit the charming villa of Veule-les-Roses with its small river – find out more
• Discover the Sotteville staircase, with 231 steps carved out of the chalk.
• A short stop north of the beach at Quiberville-sur-Mer to see the fallen bunker on the beach

Overnight in Dieppe – see the best rated accommodations

Day 5 – Dieppe and Le Tréport

Discover Dieppe (see our guide ):

• The castle overlooking the city
• Saint-Jaques and Saint-Rémy churches
• the Tourelles gate
• And just outside the town, we love the Manoir d’Ango and the Château de Miromesnil.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy

Inspiration destinations

• Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
• Our weekend ideas: best-of , romantic , unusual , seaside , luxury , family
• 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
• The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy

• Best things to do in Normandy
• Best cities in Normandy
• Most beautiful beaches of Normandy
• Most beautiful villages of Normandy
• Best castles of Normandy
• Best abbeys of Normandy
• Read our complete guide to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
• Discover the D-Day sites

• Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
• See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport , Orly airport , Beauvais airport , Caen , Rouen , Bayeux …

Region Lovers' 10 commitments

• Visit all the places we tell you about.
• For each city, stay in at least one hotel and visit the ones we recommend.
• For each city, eat in at least one restaurant, visit the ones we select.
• Pay all our invoices in full, refuse any partnership or sponsorship.
• Periodically update our articles, with the help of our readers.
• Enrich our articles with our first-hand experiences.
• Use 99% of our own photos
• Use digital tools in a reasoned and transparent way, feeding them with information verified on site.
• Provide information on the traveler/writer pairing that gave rise to the article.
• Tell you what we do, and do what we tell you!

Claire and Manu

Find out more about the team and our history.

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Home > Paris Itineraries > How to Spend 5 Days in Paris – Best Paris Itinerary 5 Days

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris – Best Paris Itinerary 5 Days

Visit paris in 5 days.

What to see in Paris in 5 days? As King François I says, Paris is a world , and so there is plenty to fill your time during 5 days in Paris. With a Paris itinerary 5 days, you’ve got plenty of time to see all the very best attractions, get lost exploring the quaint Parisian streets, enjoy delicious French cuisine, and even take a day trip further afield!

If you’re in the midst of planning your trip to Paris, this guide is a great starting point. Follow this 5-day Paris itinerary step by step, or simply use it as inspiration for your own itinerary. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll have a wonderful trip to Paris!

Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?

If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, we’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:

» Plan:  Paris Travel Planner ; Paris Arrondissements Guide ; Check out the  best Paris Metro tickets for tourists

» Book your flight tickets with  Omio ; book your train tickets with  Omio

Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups .

» Where to Stay:  Best Districts to Stay in Paris

• Le Pavillon de la Reine  (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
• Hotel La Comtesse  (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
• Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)

» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:

• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
• Seine River Night Cruise
• Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas

Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris?  Get your hands on a  Paris Museum Pass !

» Don’t leave without travel insurance!  Compare plans and prices amongst the world’s leading programs with  Travel Insurance Master

Paris Itinerary 5 Days – Proposal for Five Days in Paris

How to spend 5 days in Paris? Here’s an overview of the perfect Paris 5-day itinerary .

• Day 1 – Ile de la Cité and Right Bank
• Day 2 – Le Marais and Montmartre
• Day 3 – The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés
• Day 4 – Day trip to Versailles
• Day 5 – Paris 7 and Paris 8

As you can see from the above, this Paris itinerary 5 days is made up of 4 days exploring the sites in Paris and a 1-day trip to Versailles. To really maximize your 5-day trip to Paris, each day of this itinerary is based on exploring a particular area of Paris. This minimizes your walking time between attractions as well as transportation costs.

Another option you may like to consider is to follow this 3-day Paris itinerary and spend a weekend getaway somewhere nearby.

This suggested 5 days in Paris itinerary comes with four different maps, one for each day spent in Paris, and with the suggested points of interest.

Unless clearly stated, this Paris 5 days itinerary below assumes you’ll make your own arrangements for lunch between the morning and afternoon sections. However, as you will notice below, specific suggestions are usually made for dinner.

Related Articles

5 Days in Paris, Day 1: Ile de La Cité + Right Bank

Notre Dame | Ile de la Cité | Louvre Museum | Tuileries Garden | Place Vendôme | Galeries Lafayette | Moulin Rouge

The Seine River flows through Paris, cutting the city in two. You’ll hear the locals refer to one side of the river as Paris’ Left Bank ( Paris Rive Gauche ) and the other side as Paris’ Right Bank ( Paris Rive Droite ).

In the center of the River is a small island called Ile de la Cité , which was once the heart of Medieval Paris. It is here that the first Royal Palace stood, as well as the city’s main religious and institutional buildings. As such, it is not surprising that some of the best places to visit in this 5-day itinerary Paris are located on Ile de la Cité.

Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, Day 1 on Google

1. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL (FROM OUTSIDE)

To kick off your five days in Paris, get off at metro Cité, grab yourself a cuppa, and head to Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris). The construction of this jewel of Gothic Architecture began in the 12th century and was finally completed in the 14th century.

As you would no doubt be aware, Notre Dame was severely damaged during a fire in April 2019 and is currently closed to the public. During the fire, parts of the roof and the spire were destroyed forever. However, the main façade and its twin towers were saved, as were the Cathedral’s treasures.

Despite Notre Dame currently being closed, you can still admire its main façade. Look out for the huge rose window, which is a dedication to Our Lady of Paris, and the 28 sculptures below, which represent the kings of Judah and Israel, the ancestors of Christ. These sculptures lost their heads during the French Revolution, and what you see today are replicas.

Before leaving Notre Dame, be sure to find the plaque on the ground indicating France’s Point 0 . All French roads (including those overseas) are measured from this point.

2. EXPLORE OTHER SIGHTS ON ILE DE LA CITÉ

Before leaving Ile de la Cité, consider visiting one or two of the other historical sights located there. Places of interest include the Archaeological Crypt, the Sainte Chapelle, the Conciergerie, and the Pont Neuf.

» The Archaeological Crypt: Just in front of Notre Dame, this underground museum houses a range of ancient remains discovered during excavations between 1965 and 1972. The museum was built around the Roman remains of former Lutetia, including some streets, part of Lutetia’s walls, and Roman baths.

» The Sainte Chapelle : This Gothic-style royal chapel was built in just seven years, from 1238 to 1248. Today, it has one of the most extensive 13th-century stained glass collections in the world.

» The Conciergerie : This 14th-century Gothic building was formerly the King of France’s palace and then used as a prison. Visitors can explore the dungeons and the chapel where Marie Antionette was held prisoner during the last days before dying under the guillotine.

» The Pont Neuf : the oldest bridge in Paris.

Save time! This combo ticket Sainte Chapelle + Conciergerie  gives you skip-the-line access to these unique sites.

» The Sainte Chapelle is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer. To get the full effect of its windows, try to visit on a sunny day.

» The Conciergerie opens every day, from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

» The Crypte Archéologique opens daily from 10 a.m. until 6 pm. (closed on Mondays).

Now leave the Ile de la Cité and wander along the Quai François Mitterrand, which stretches alongside the River Seine, and after around 20 minutes walking along here, you will arrive at the Louvre.

3. THE LOUVRE MUSEUM

Initially, the Louvre was the Louvre Palace , home to the Kings of France. This former palace is today the Louvre Museum , one of the world’s most visited museums and certainly one of the things to do in Paris in five days. While this 5 days Paris itinerary only allows you to visit the Louvre for a few hours, you could quite literally spend days exploring this popular Paris tourist attraction.

While you visit Paris in 5 days, it is recommended that you spend around 2 hours here at the Louvre seeing the museum’s main artworks.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: The famous tea house Angelina has an establishment inside the Louvre Museum, not far from Napoleon III apartments. Enjoy Angelina’s famous hot chocolate or taste the incredible Mont Blanc dessert without the crowds!

» The Louvre Museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 9 to 6 a.m. and Fridays until 9:45 p.m.

» The Louvre Museum has long lines all year round. Have a look at our Louvre skip-the-line tips and buy your Louvre skip-the-line ticket now

» Check how to get the most out of the Louvre in 2 hours or less

4. THE TUILERIES GARDEN

From the Louvre, take a short walk to the Tuileries Garden , one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. The Tuileries Garden was built in 1564 as the garden of the Tuileries Palace (today disappeared) and became a public garden in 1667. The name of the Garden comes from the tile factory which once stood where the gardens are now.

There is no particular path to follow to explore the gardens; just wander wherever you please.  There are several ponds that you can relax by or grab a quick eat from one of the guinguettes in the park.

If the weather is rainy, then instead of exploring the Tuileries Garden, take a stroll through the Covered Passages of Paris .

5. PLACE VENDÔME

From the Tuileries Gardens, leave through Rue de Rivoli in the north and walk around 300m along Rue Castiglione. Here you will find Place Vendôme , considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Paris .

The Place Vendôme features the Vendôme Column, which was initially erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz. The column was torn down in 1871 but has since been re-erected to what you see today. In the square, you will also find some exclusive jewelry stores and first-class historic hotels such as the Hotel Ritz .

6. OPÉRA GARNIER

This Paris itinerary 5 days takes you now to the Grands Boulevards. From Place Vendôme it’s a 700m walk to Opéra Garnier , located at the end of Avenue de l’Opéra. 

Also known as Palais Garnier or Opéra de Paris , this stunning building was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III for the Paris Opéra and built between 1861 to 1875. The building was designed by the architect Charles Garnier, and it is considered a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque Architecture.

An interesting fact about the Opéra Garnier is that this is the setting for Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera .

Depending on what you did before, you may have time to visit the Opéra Garnier inside. If so, check out the entrance tickets available , sometimes the Opéra hosts immersive games!

If rather than exploring the Opéra de Garnier, you’d prefer to go shopping, head to one of the shopping malls on Grand Boulevards . As well as shopping, you can admire the beautiful architecture and interiors of the buildings.

7. GALERIES LAFAYETTE ROOFTOP TERRACE

This 5 days in Paris itinerary is not only about sightseeing. Now it’s time to have a drink or two at Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop terrace , just 300m from the Opéra Garnier. From here, you can get fantastic views of the Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré Cœur, Notre Dame, and more. The 7th-floor rooftop terrace is free to visit and is open daily until 8 p.m.

8. MOULIN ROUGE CABARET SHOW

Of course, the best 5-day Paris itinerary includes a cabaret show and dinner, and there are plenty to choose from. Read this guide to the best cabarets in Paris to find the perfect one for you.

Many visitors to Paris decide to see the Moulin Rouge , which is perhaps the most famous Parisian cabaret. If you do decide to go to the Moulin Rouge, you must book your tickets well in advance, as it is always full – Click here to buy your tickets to the Moulin Rouge

5 Days in Paris, Day 2: Le Marais + Montmartre

Le Marais | Montmartre

Day 2 of this Paris 5-day itinerary is all about exploring Le Marais and Montmartre. Both these areas of Paris are perfect for simply wandering the streets, admiring the gorgeous buildings you pass, and stopping in at various museums or art galleries along the way.

Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, day 2 on Google

1. LE MARAIS

Located between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais is one of the most beautiful areas in Paris, well known for its elegant mansions, gorgeous hotels, and art galleries. Le Marais is also one of the best places for coffee, and so the perfect spot to start your second day.

Start day two off in front of Hôtel de Ville , home to the city’s local administration. Find a great little café for breakfast before you begin exploring Le Marais.

Next, why not visit one of the museums in the area? There are a few to choose from, such as:

• Centre Georges Pompidou : This is a museum about contemporary art, with a library and music center. It is open daily from 11 a.m. until late (closed Tuesdays).
• Picasso Museum : Located in a beautiful private mansion, this museum holds 5,000 artworks by Picasso. It is open daily from 9.30 a.m. until 6 p.m. (closed Mondays).
• Carnavalet Museum : This museum showcases the art and history of Paris with a focus on the 16th and 17th and the French Revolution. Open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. (closed Mondays).

After you explore a museum of your choice, just get lost in Le Marais. Wander up and down the streets admiring the beautiful private mansions, stop in one of the cute cafés, and explore the small museums, art, and photo galleries you stumble across.

During your morning, make sure you check out Place des Vosges , the oldest square in Paris. This square has stunning architecture and a beautiful central garden and is a must-see in Le Marais.

» Check out this Paris 3 Quick Guide to learn more about the area around Temple.

» Check out this Paris 4 Quick Guide to learn more about the area close to Hôtel de Ville.

2. MONTMARTRE

Now it’s time to leave Le Marais and explore the nearby neighborhood of Montmartre . From Le Marais, take the metro to the Anvers station (line 12).

I suggest following this Stories of Old Montmartre walking tour , starting from Place du Tertre , which explores the top sights of Montmartre, such as the Sacré Coeur, the Moulin de la Galette , and the Wall of Love.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Montmartre is the Sacré Coeur (point #3 on the map). Officially called the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, the Sacré Coeur is a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacré Coeur sits on top of a hill, and from here, there are great views across Paris. The Sacré Coeur is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10.30 p.m., and entry is free.

Do keep in mind that Montmartre is a hilly neighborhood with many steps. Also, unfortunately, there does appear to be a lot of pickpockets around Montmartre, particularly around the Sacré Coeur, so please be extra vigilant.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: Climb up to Sacré Coeur’s dome for amazing panoramic views of Paris! The access to the dome is from outside the basilica, on the left side.

4. TERRASS HOTEL, RESTAURANT & ROOFTOP BAR

As the sun sets, head to Terrass Hotel (12 Rue Joseph de Maistre, also open for non-guests) , one of my favorite rooftop bars in Paris . This bar has some great views of the Paris skyline and is the perfect place for dinner and cocktails.

During the summer, Montmartre is very lively in the evening, so you can just walk around and revisit some sights under the moonlight.

5 Days in Paris, Day 3: The Latin Quarter & Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The Latin Quarter | Panthéon | Luxembourg Gardens | Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Day 3 of this 5-day itinerary Paris will see you exploring the Latin Quarter in the fifth Arrondissement .

While this area is known as the center of university life in Paris, it’s also where the Roman Paris – Lutetia (IC AD) was born. It is believed that Lutetia’s Roman Forum, the center of religious and civil life during Roman times, was located at current rue Soufflot while today’s rue Saint Jacques was the former Cardo Maximus (one of the two main streets in Roman times).

As well as exploring some of the historical buildings and sights in the area, you will also see a few beautiful gardens.

Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, day 3 on Google

1. THE LATIN QUARTER

Start the day exploring the Latin Quarter , and more precisely, at Jardin des Plantes . This 400-year-old garden is the main botanical garden in France, with over 2.5 hectares of French-style gardens to explore. Depending on the weather, stroll around the park admiring the flowers and remarkable trees, or visit the 18th-century greenhouses with plants from all over the world.

While you’re here, you may also like to visit one of the museums inside the park, like the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution or the Paleontology Museum .

After you visit Jarden des Plantes, walk 700m to Les Arènes de Lutèce . Les Arènes de Lutèce is a Roman theatre that was constructed in the 1st century AD and was where people came to watch gladiatorial combats. You can visit Les Arènes de Lutèce for free and see where the actors once stood, the stage platform, and lapidary parts.

Now continue to Rue Mouffetard, which is approximately 550m from the Arènes de Lutèce. Rue Mouffetard is in one of the oldest and liveliest neighborhoods of Paris and is a great place for lunch. We recommend you lunch at Place de la Contrescarpe, a square along Rue Mouffetard.  Choose your favorite terrace for lunch and watch the people go by.

»The Jardin des Plantes is open daily from 7.30-8 a.m. to 5.30-8.00 p.m., depending on the season. Entrance is free.

» Les Arènes de Lutèce is located at 49 Rue Monge. It is open from 8-9 a.m. to 6-8.30 p.m., depending on the season. Entrance is free.

2. THE PANTHÉON

After lunch, take a 650m walk to the Panthéon in Paris , which sits high on the hill of Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. The Panthéon was once a church dedicated to the saint patron of Paris and is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris – Click here to buy your tickets .

Today this neoclassical-style structure is a mausoleum dedicated to the most notable citizens of France. Here, you can see the tombs of people like Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, Louis Braille, and Soufflot, the Panthéon’s architect. Marie Curie was the first woman interred in the Panthéon on her own merits.

The Panthéon was also the place where Foucault demonstrated in 1851 the rotation of the Earth by hanging a 67-meter-long pendulum from the central dome. Today, visitors can see a replica of this famous pendulum still hanging from the dome to commemorate this achievement.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: From April to October, visitors to the Panthéon can climb the stairs to the dome for some fantastic 360-degree views across Paris. Many say this is the ‘Balcony of Paris.’

» The Panthéon of Paris is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

» The access to the Panthéon’s dome is open from April to October. The ticket to the dome is the Panthéon ticket + 3.5€.

3. THE LUXEMBOURG GARDENS

Once you’ve finished exploring the Panthéon, take a short walk (550m) to the Luxembourg Gardens.

The Luxembourg Gardens were built upon the initiative of Queen Marie de Medici (the widow of King Henri IV) in 1612 and were inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. The Gardens cover 25 hectares and are split into French and English gardens, with a geometric forest and a large octagonal pond dividing the two.

Other things to see at Luxembourg Gardens include the Médicis Fountain (considered one of the most romantic places in Paris), an orchard of old apple variety, an apiary where you can learn about beekeeping, a rose garden, and greenhouses with an orchid collection. Families may want to try this self-guided treasure hunt in the Luxembourg Gardens .

4. SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS

After exploring the Luxembourg Gardens, take a 700m walk to Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church . Completed in 558, Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church is the only remaining Romanesque building in Paris.

Now it’s time to have drinks and dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés , one of the fanciest neighborhoods in Paris.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés started out as a rural village in the 12th century that grew around the former Saint-Germain Abbey.  After the Second World War, this area changed, and its cafés became a common meeting place for intellectuals, writers, and artists. Soon, the area saw the opening of small printers, more cafés, and bookstores.

These days Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been transformed due to the tourism industry. Instead of the small bookstores and cafés, now the neighborhood is filled with first-class hotels, luxury boutiques, and modern art galleries. Nevertheless, the area is still a gorgeous spot to explore and an excellent place for dinner and some drinks.

5 Days in Paris, Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles

Today it’s time to leave Paris for a day trip to Versailles, home to one of the world’s most famous châteaux. Built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, Château de Versailles is a jewel of French baroque architecture.

CHÂTEAU OF VERSAILLES & GARDENS

The State of Versailles is spread out across more than 800 hectares. In addition to the world-famous Château of Versailles , one can explore the magnificent Versailles Gardens , the Trianons, and the Queen’s Hamlet, making it well worth a visit during your 5-day Paris itinerary – Click here to buy your tickets to Versailles

Check out this guide with all the options for a day trip to Versailles . Versailles is easy to reach by public transportation; here’s how to get to Versailles from Paris .

MAKE IT SPECIAL: From April to October, the gardens offer stunning baroque shows of water and music around the fountains of Versailles and the Grand Canal!

5 Days in Paris, Day 5: Paris 8 and Paris 7

Arc de Triomphe | Champs Elysées | Orsay Museum | Eiffel Tower | Seine River Cruise

On your 5th and final day in Paris, you’ll take a closer look at some of the famous landmarks in the city, as well as spend some time admiring the brilliant architecture of the city’s buildings.

Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, day 5 on Google

1. ARC DE TRIOMPHE

Start your day by climbing the Arc de Triomphe and enjoying the views of Paris from the top – Click here to buy your tickets

The Arc de Triomphe, which stands at the western end of the Champs Elysées, is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris . Built between 1806 and 1836, the Arch de Triomphe honors those who fought for France, and in particular, those who did so during the Napoleonic Wars.

From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll be rewarded with some brilliant views across Paris as well as the Eiffel Tower.

2. CHAMPS ELYSÉES

After you visit the Arc de Triomphe, walk down to the world-famous Champs Elysées. This 1.9km avenue is the perfect place for some shopping or just to admire the gorgeous buildings that line “the world’s most beautiful avenue.” I highly recommend stopping in at Guerlain’s historical shop (68 Avenue des Champs Elysées) to admire this stunning historic building and perhaps buy some perfumes.

3. GRAND PALAIS AND PETIT PALAIS

From Champs Elysées, continue onto Grand Palais to admire this historic building. The Grand Palais is a large site that houses an exhibition hall and museum. The building, constructed for the World’s Fair of 1900, is recognizable by its large glass dome. Just in front of the Grand Palais is the Petit Palais , housing the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts.

4. ALEXANDER III BRIDGE

Just by Petit Palais is the Alexander III Bridge , said to be the most romantic bridge in Paris. Built between 1896 and 1900, it features Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and winged horses at either end.

This bridge connects the Champs Elysées quarter with the Eiffel Tower District , and as you stroll across it, you’ll have brilliant views of the Eiffel Tower.

5. ORSAY MUSEUM

For a cultural afternoon, you can continue along to the Left Bank and visit the Orsay Museum . The Orsay Museum is in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900 – Click here to buy your tickets .

The Orsay Museum holds mainly French art from the period 1848 to 1914 and includes artworks by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and the Impressionists. Even if you’re not into art galleries, a visit here is well worth it just to see the train station, which looks like a palace!

6. THE EIFFEL TOWER

We have kept the Eiffel Tower for the last moment of this 5 days in Paris itinerary. Before sunset, head to Champ de Mars for a close look at the Eiffel Tower , the most iconic monument in Paris.  Is it worth going up to the Eiffel Tower? You can read our thoughts in this post .

Seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night is truly magical. Did you know that while it is lit up, it sparkles for the first five minutes of every hour?

If you decide to climb up, book your Eiffel Tower tickets well in advance ! With only five days in Paris, it’s important to secure the date and time slot ASAP.

7. SEINE RIVER DINNER CRUISE

After your Eiffel Tower experience, what better way to finish off your 5 days in Paris than by taking a Seine River cruise ?

This dinner cruise down the River Seine always has good ratings and reviews. During the cruise, you will see many of the most famous Paris landmarks magically illuminated, including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, and more.

5-day Paris Itinerary: Where to Sleep

As you make your bed, so you lie. Find the right accommodation in Paris – whether it’s a hotel or guesthouse, holiday apartment, or private apartment. We have them all! Book your accommodation by using the map below.

We recommend Booking.com  for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of accommodation of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.

WAKE UP WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up at an amazing hotel with an Eiffel Tower view ? Some of the best hotels in Paris also come with awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show! – Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views

HOTELS AT LE MARAIS IN PARIS 3

Le Marais is a central neighborhood in the Seine’s Right Bank, perfect to set your base in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is beautiful, well connected by the metro, and with many beautiful cafes and restaurant options – Click here for the best hotels in Le Marais

• Hotel de Josephine de Bonaparte (charming 4-star hotel inspired by Napoléon’s wife)
• Hotel France Louvre (mid-range hotel in a typical Haussmanian style)

HOTELS AT THE LATIN QUARTER

If you prefer to stay in the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter is also a good option, usually with less expensive options. Stay close to the Luxembourg Gardens or the Jardin des Plantes but also to lively areas like rue du Mouffetard or the Sorbonne, with many bars and restaurants nearby – Click here for the best hotels in the Latin Quarter

• Hotel La Lanterne (4-star hotel located between Notre Dame and Luxembourg Gardens)
• Observatoire Luxembourg (4-star hotel near the Luxembourg Gardens)

And there you have it, a comprehensive Paris 5 days itinerary for your coming trip to Paris. Follow this 5 days in Paris itinerary step by step, or change it up to suit your own individual preferences.

Do you have more time in Paris? Less time? Have a look at our other Paris Itineraries

• 1 day in Paris Itinerary
• 2 days in Paris Itinerary
• 3 days in Paris Itinerary
• 4 days in Paris Itinerary
• 6 days in Paris Itinerary
• 7 days in Paris Itinerary

Click here to read more Paris Itineraries

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

The Smooth Escape

Nature & adventure travel blog

5-day South of France itinerary: Provence road trip for nature lovers

Spanning across the southeastern corner of France, Provence is known for its fragrant lavender fields, fairytale villages, picturesque landscapes and azure blue seas. It is one of the most visited regions in the country and a dream destination for many travelers around the globe. 

With so much to see and do, it’s impossible to explore all the treasures of Provence in one trip, but this 5-day South of France itinerary will surely give you a taste of what this fascinating region has to offer. The best way to experience this part of France is to rent a car or a campervan and take a Provence road trip since many of the top attractions are situated in rather remote places.

As is the case with most of my travel itineraries, this Southern France road trip itinerary focuses on the most beautiful natural attractions and the scenic countryside, and doesn’t include big cities. If you’re keen on seeing the region’s larger cities like Nice, Marseille and Cannes, you can easily add these stops and adjust the itinerary to suit your preferences.

Since this Provence itinerary is a circular route, you could start it either in Nice, Marseille, Avignon or any other place nearby. In this blog post, I will describe the itinerary starting from Avignon. You can see the exact driving route on the map at the end of the article.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

The best time to do this South of France road trip

The best time to go on this Provence road trip is from late spring to early autumn. The weather in this period is usually dry and warm and the days are long, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities, beach visits and exploring the charming countryside.

If your main goal is to see the famous Provence lavender fields in bloom, you should time your visit between late June and mid-July. We visited Provence in late July (after exploring the strikingly beautiful Chamonix area) and as we expected, all the lavender was already harvested by then.

June to August is also the peak tourism season in Provence, which means that there are more crowds and accommodation prices are higher. Depending on the weather, some attractions (like the Ochre Trail or Calanques National Park) might sometimes be closed in the summer due to the risk of wildfires.

Driving in Provence

Driving in Provence is safe and pretty simple. The majority of the roads are paved and in good condition.

There are some toll roads, which are of course more convenient and take you to your destination faster, but they can be quite pricy. The small local roads are slower but offer a more scenic drive past enchanting vineyards, olive groves, chateaus and quaint villages. 

Be aware that some of the roads in the mountains are quite narrow and curvy so you need to be extra careful.

We did this Provence road trip with a campervan and really enjoyed it. France offers fantastic conditions for campervanning or motorhoming and we love the freedom and flexibility that comes with this type of travel. If this is something you’d like to do as well, check out Motorhome Republic to find great deals on motorhome, RV and campervan rental in France.

For those who prefer to do this road trip with a regular car and sleep in hotels, I’ve also included my hotel recommendations for each of the days in this South of France itinerary.

As I mentioned earlier, the starting point of this itinerary is Avignon, but you could also start in Nice or Marseille and follow the same circular route (just with a different starting point).

Avignon can easily be reached from Paris by the high-speed TGV train and the journey takes only 2 hours and 40 minutes. Find the schedules and book tickets here . There are several car rental agencies at the Avignon TGV train station.

Day 1: Luberon villages and lavender fields

After picking up your rental car, kick off your 5-day South of France itinerary by visiting some lovely hilltop villages in the Luberon region, just an hour’s drive from Avignon. I explored the villages of Gordes and Roussillon, which are both well worth a visit but I’ve also heard great things about Ansouis, Bonnieux and Goult.

Gordes is often considered to be the prettiest of the Luberon villages (though I have to say I liked Roussillon better). 

Right before entering Gordes, be sure to stop at the roadside lookout point for a glorious view of the entire village. You can find its exact location by searching ‘Town View Point Gordes’ on Google Maps. I’ve also pinned it on the Provence road trip map at the end of this post.

Built on the side of a hill, Gordes is home to medieval stone houses and a labyrinth of steep alleyways. Here you can find charming cafes, restaurants and small souvenir shops selling local handicrafts. Take a stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets, grab a cup of coffee or some lavender ice cream and enjoy the sweeping views of the idyllic Provence countryside.

If you happen to be in Gordes on a Tuesday morning, you can visit the local market in the village square.

Roussillon & the Ochre Trail

Next, drive to the nearby village of Roussillon. What makes this small village so unique is the fact that all of its buildings are dyed in various hues of orange, pink and red. The reason for this is that Roussillon is situated in the middle of one of the largest ochre (a natural pigment) deposits in the world.

With its colorful facades and winding alleys, it’s a truly picturesque village where every corner is worth a photo. The streets and squares here are lined with outdoor cafes, art galleries and small boutiques selling lavender products, ceramics and jewellery.

Consider also walking the Ochre Trail (Sentier des Ocres) in Roussillon. You can choose between a 30-minute or a 60-minute trail. Both of them take you through the former ochre quarry and allow you to get a closer look at the magnificent orange cliffs and rock formations.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to walk the Ochre Trail as it was closed due to a fire risk during my visit.

After roaming around Roussillon, drive to the Valensole Plateau. It is the best and most famous place to see lavender fields in Provence so if you’re visiting during lavender season, don’t miss it! This is where you’ll find those iconic seemingly endless lavender fields that you’ve probably seen in many photos. 

As I mentioned earlier, all the lavender in Valensole was already harvested when we did our Provence road trip in late July. Nevertheless, it was a scenic drive through rolling hills and farmlands, and there was hardly anyone there.

Where to stay

Spend the next two nights in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, my favorite village in this 5-day Southern France itinerary! You’ll probably arrive quite late and not have time to properly see the village on the first night but don’t panic, you’ll have plenty of time to do this on day 2.

Here are my top picks on where to stay in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie:

MID-RANGE: La Ferme Rose This fabulous boutique hotel is full of character and features quirky rooms decorated with antique objects. There’s also a fantastic pool with mountain views.

LUXURY: La Bastide de Moustiers If you’re looking for a romantic Provençal countryside retreat, there’s no better place than this one. Owned by the famous French chef, Alain Ducasse, this renovated country house boasts a Michelin-star restaurant and rustic yet luxurious rooms.

Day 2: Lake of Sainte-Croix, Verdon Gorge & Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Lake of sainte-croix & verdon gorge.

On the second day of your road trip in Provence, get ready to explore one of the most beautiful lakes in France , Lac de Sainte-Croix and the adjacent Verdon Gorge. 

Located in the heart of Verdon Natural Regional Park, this spectacular man-made lake is an ideal place to spend a hot summer day. Swimming in its calm, turquoise, bathtub-warm water is definitely one of the highlights of this 5-day South of France itinerary.

At the lake’s northern tip, you’ll find the mouth of the gigantic Verdon Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of France. With its dramatic cliffs and untouched nature, it is one of the most impressive natural wonders of Provence. To get the iconic Verdon Gorge photo, head to Pont du Galetas bridge.

A popular thing to do here is to rent kayaks or pedalo boats near the bridge and cruise along the river into the gorge. During our visit, however, the region had been hit by a serious drought which caused the water level to be so low that boats couldn’t enter the gorge. Unfortunately, this is becoming more and more common due to climate change.

If the water level is too low for boats or you’re simply craving something a bit more adventurous, consider doing this epic ‘aqua trekking’ experience , where you float through the gorge with a life jacket.

Route des Crêtes Verdon

Another fun (and a lot less known) way to see Verdon Gorge is to take a road trip along its rim. You can either drive around the entire gorge or just take the shorter but very scenic Route des Crêtes.

We chose the latter option. Starting at the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon, this loop road passes 14 lookout points or ‘Belvederes’ with jaw-dropping views of the magnificent gorge below. Although it might sound like a hair-raising drive along the edge of a cliff, I was actually surprised by how safe it felt to drive there.

Read my detailed post about the Route des Crêtes Verdon for more useful tips on how to do this road trip.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Spend your evening wandering around Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It is ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France and it’s easy to see why. 

Situated below towering limestone cliffs and surrounded by olive groves, the village boasts an exceptional natural setting. Its narrow streets are lined with adorable pastel-colored houses, small fountains and shops selling local pottery. And to top it off, there’s also a waterfall running through the center of Moustiers. This medieval village really can’t get more picturesque.

For a wonderful view over the rooftops of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, walk up to the Chapel Notre-Dame de Beauvoir high above the village.

Spend another night in Moustiers-Ste-Marie at La Ferme Rose hotel or the gorgeous La Bastide de Moustiers country house.

Day 3: Cascade de Sillans & Saint-Tropez

Cascade de sillans.

Continue your South of France road trip by driving to Cascade de Sillans waterfall. Surprisingly, I haven’t seen this place featured in any Provence itineraries, but I think it’s a must-visit spot if you’re fascinated by waterfalls like I am!

In Sillans-la-Cascade village, a short forest trail leads you to an observation deck where you can marvel at this mesmerizing 44-meter (144 ft) waterfall with a gorgeous turquoise pool and lush green vegetation around it. This place could easily be somewhere in Costa Rica ! 

Note that at this observation deck, you can just view the waterfall from a distance and not actually get close to the water. If you’d like to visit the river at the bottom of the waterfall, you need to take an entirely different trail, one called ‘Circuit de Randonnée – La Cascade’ in Google Maps. 

The trail takes you to a magical spot with a clear emerald river flowing through a tranquil forest. If you feel like going for a dip, you are allowed to do so in the river (but not in the pool of the waterfall).

Saint-Tropez

Next, it’s time to head to Saint-Tropez, an iconic coastal town on the French Riviera. Known as a glamorous beach holiday destination, Saint-Tropez is home to luxury yachts, upscale boutiques and a small historic quarter full of colorful old buildings.

While the town is worth a quick visit, the real allure of Saint-Tropez lies in the fabulous sandy beaches around it.

At Pampelonne beach (Plage de Pampelonne), you’ll find a 5 km (3 mi) long stretch of white sand and shimmering turquoise water. Several posh beach clubs line the shore and offer parasols and chairs for rent, but you can also just throw down your towel on the sand and enjoy the beach for free.

From Pampelonne beach you can also take this 3-hour kayaking tour to a secluded cove where you can snorkel with colorful marine life such as seahorses, starfish and cuttlefish.

Bouillabaisse beach is another wonderful sandy beach, which doesn’t have quite as blue water but is an excellent place for watching the sunset.

Spend the night in or near Saint-Tropez.

MID-RANGE: Domaine Les Mésanges Surrounded by vineyards, this charming Provencal country house is a 5-minute drive from Saint-Tropez and has a heated pool, a large garden with olive trees and rooms with rustic decor.

LUXURY: Villa Cosy Hotel & Spa A 5-star boutique hotel located just a short walk from Saint-Tropez center. It features spacious contemporary rooms and an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a serene garden. There’s also a beautiful spa with a sauna and jacuzzi.

Day 4: La Ciotat, Parc du Mugel & Cassis

The 4th day of this South of France itinerary will be all about exploring the beautiful Mediterranean coastline.

La Ciotat & Parc du Mugel

Start your day with a visit to the seaside town of La Ciotat. This town has a relaxed Mediterranean feel and is home to an old harbor surrounded by brightly colored houses and sidewalk cafes. There’s also a small historic quarter worth strolling through and a waterfront promenade lined with palm trees. 

The main reason I recommend visiting La Ciotat though is Parc du Mugel. Set on a rocky peninsula, this 12-hectare botanical garden features a variety of exotic plants and views of the massive Bec de l’Aigle (The Eagle’s Beak) rock. 

The park also has two small pebble beaches – Grand Mugel and Petit Mugel. Thanks to their calm, crystal-clear water, these beaches are great for snorkeling, and you’re likely to see a variety of fish around the rocks.

After exploring La Ciotat, head to the neighboring town of Cassis, only 30 minutes away.

With its bustling port area, fantastic seafood restaurants and lovely old architecture, Cassis is a quintessentially charming French seaside town. Right next to the port lies the sandy Plage de la Grande Mer beach perfect for a quick dip. There’s also a medieval chateau perched on a cliff overlooking the port of Cassis.

Because of its beauty, Cassis attracts a lot of visitors in the summer months, so don’t expect to find peace and tranquility here (at least not in the center of the town).

Spend the night in Cassis.

MID-RANGE: Hotel Les Volets Rouges This is an eco-friendly boutique hotel in a quiet location surrounded by a pine forest. Their rooms are bright and tastefully decorated, and almost all have a private terrace.

LUXURY: Hôtel Les Roches Blanches If you’re looking for some luxury and world-class service, the 5-star Hôtel Les Roches Blanches is likely the best choice in Cassis. This stunning waterfront property features two infinity pools and views of the Mediterranean sea.

Day 5: Calanques National Park, return to Avignon

On the final day of your 5-day South of France itinerary, get up early to visit the spectacular Calanques National Park . 

Extending along the coast between Cassis and Marseille, this national park is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking sights in Provence. Here, towering limestone cliffs rise vertically from the neon blue waters of the Mediterranean and form narrow sheltered inlets known as ‘Calanques’. 

To access the most beautiful Calanques and swim in their irresistible turquoise waters, you’ll either need to hike, mountain bike or approach them from the sea. We hiked from Port-Miou to Calanque d’En Vau and back, which took us about 4.5 hours, including breaks for taking photos and relaxing on the beaches.

If you’d like to visit the Calanques on a tour, here are some fun options: 

• A stand-up paddle-boarding tour from Cassis
• A relaxing cruise aboard a sailing yacht with lunch departing from Marseille 
• An electric mountain bike tour from Marseille
• A guided sea kayaking tour from Cassis

P.S. I’ve seen many travel blogs state that it’s not possible to visit the Calanques by land or that it’s closed for hiking in the summer. This is simply not true. You can definitely access the park by land, just be aware that during the summer, on some days the trails might be closed due to the risk of wildfires (you can find daily updates in the ‘Mes Calanques’ app). And if that’s the case, then taking a kayak, SUP or a boat tour is an excellent alternative.

Once you’re done marveling at the Calanques, it’s time to round off your Provence road trip and return your rental car to Avignon. The drive from Cassis/Marseille to Avignon should take you around 1.5 hours.

5-day Provence road trip map

On this map, you can see the locations of all the stops in this Provence travel itinerary, as well as the driving routes. Click on the icon in the top left corner of the map for more details.

Other places to include in your South of France road trip

Provence is full of exciting places to explore and it’s impossible to visit all of them in 5 days. If you’re lucky enough to have more than 5 days in Provence, or you’re just looking to add other stops to your itinerary, here are some places and activities to consider:

• Visit wineries and taste the beloved Provence rosé. Some of the most famous vineyards/wineries you can visit (and spend a night at) are Château De Berne , Château De Saint Martin and Domaine de Fontenille . 
• Explore more of the glamorous beach resorts of the French Riviera, such as Cannes, Nice, Monaco and Menton.
• If you’re interested in seeing some of the larger towns in the region, visit Marseille, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence or Nice.

5-day South of France itinerary: Final thoughts

From fairytale villages and natural wonders to a mesmerizing coastline, this beautiful region in Southern France has so much to offer. 

I hope this post gave you some inspiration for planning your own Provence road trip and convinced you to add some new places to your France bucket list! 

Be sure to check out my other France travel guides as well:

• Best things to do in Chamonix, the French Alps
• 11 beautiful lakes to visit in France
• Route des Cretes, a scenic mountain road in Provence
• Lac Blanc hike: One of the best walks in the French Alps
• Grand Balcon Nord hike: An alpine walk in Chamonix

Enjoyed reading about this Provence road trip? Pin it!

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Best things to do in Chamonix in the summer

Lac Blanc hike: One of the most beautiful walks in Chamonix, France

Best lakes in France: 11 enchanting lake destinations to visit

Driving the scenic Route des Cretes of Verdon Gorge in France

This is a lovely (and timely!) post. My husband and I are planning our May 2023 trip to France, and appreciate how thorough you were about the sights to explore in Provence.

We have just barely 5 days to travel through southern France, so I’m leaning towards prioritizing Cassis over St. Tropez. Do you have a strong recommendation? We are equally interested in hiking and exploring a coastal town but recognize we likely don’t have time to give both Day 4 and Day 5 sights justice. Any insight is much appreciate!

Hi Esther. Glad to hear you found the post helpful! If I had to choose between Cassis and St. Tropez, I would definitely choose Cassis. I think the town itself is more charming and I also really loved the Calanque d’En Vau hike which starts in Cassis.

This is amazing and hits all my top bucket lists for the trip. Wondering if I can start in Cassis and loop around to finish in St. Tropez since I have a flight out of Nice. I’m going to be there on 20-25 July so will it be too late to see the lavender fields.. is there anywhere else I can see them. Definitely want to do one hike and one water activity

That’s awesome Kinnari! You can definitely start in Cassis and finish in St. Tropez. Regarding the lavender, I’m afraid it’s too late, I’m not aware of any place where you could see them at that time.

My husband and I were thinking of hitting up this road trip this summer during the first week of July! And we’d love to campervan it! How did you find places to park and stay for the night?

Hi Josephine. That’s a great plan, we absolutely loved doing it by campervan! We use the Park4Night app to find parking spots.

Hey! Thanks so much for this detailed itinerary. What’s the total driving time for it?

You’re welcome! Sorry I don’t remember how many hours it took to drive. But it’s easily doable in 5 days.

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The Ultimate 3, 4 or 5 Day Normandy Road Trip Itinerary

Last Updated on February 19, 2024

by Neota Langley

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Located along the northwest coast of France, planning the perfect 3, 4 or 5-day Normandy road trip itinerary is an excellent way to experience this diverse region. Boasting picturesque countryside, charming coastal towns, and iconic landmarks, this is an excellent corner of France to explore.

Whether you’re interested in the history of the D-Day landing beaches, the imposing charms of the Mont Saint-Michel tidal island or want to walk in the footsteps of an impressionist painter, you cannot go wrong with a road trip to Normandy.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Normandy?

Whether you are hoping to go on a cultural tour of this historically significant region in Northern France or enjoy the picturesque towns and dramatic coastal scenery, you may be wondering how many days to spend in Normandy. 

If you only have 3 days for your trip or are passing through as part of a more extended road trip through France, don’t worry. You will still be able to visit the highlights but may have to focus your trip on either the eastern or western side of the region to make the most out of your time.

With 3 days in the Normandy region, you will be able to visit Mont Saint-Michel, Caen and the D-Day landing beaches without feeling rushed.

If you have 4 days in Normandy, you will have time to visit the highlights as well as Honfleur, a charming town on the coast of Normandy that’s known for its picturesque harbour, quaint streets, artistic ambience and the dramatic white cliffs of Étretat.

Ideally, you would spend a full 5 days exploring this varied region. 5 days in Normandy will give you time to visit the highlights as well as a bonus day in Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, which transports you back in time with its stunning medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and grand Gothic cathedral.

Those who have more time can continue to explore more of Normandy itself or even head south to explore neighbouring Brittany .

Getting To & Around Normandy

Getting to Normandy is a breeze, with several convenient transportation options available. If you’re travelling from within France, the region is easily accessible by train.

The cities of Caen, Rouen, and Le Havre have well-connected train stations, offering regular services from Paris and other major cities across France. You can view train schedules here.

For those flying in from abroad, the closest international airports are both located on the outskirts of Paris , Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly.

From there, you can rent a car, drive to Normandy, or take a train to one of the region’s main cities. The train journey from Paris to Normandy takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your destination.

If you are visiting from the UK and prefer to take the scenic route, consider taking a ferry. Regular ferry services are operating between UK ports (such as Portsmouth or Dover) and ports in Normandy (such as Ouistreham or Le Havre). It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the sea views and arrives directly in Normandy with your vehicle.

The Eurotunnel is also an option if you are coming from the UK which can be cheaper than the ferry, especially during peak times. However, if you do opt for the Eurotunnel, bear in mind you will have to drive from Calais, which takes around 5 hours. 

Taking a road trip in Normandy is the best way to explore this compact region so if you are travelling without your vehicle, you may wish to hire a car. This will allow you time to discover the highlights at your own pace and stumble across the hidden gems along the way. 

If you need to rent a car for your trip, you can browse Rentalcars.com which compares prices for major companies.

Normandy has a local network of buses and trains, and the towns and cities are small enough to explore on foot once you have arrived. There is a direct train between the two main cities, Rouen and Caen, but travelling using public transport to the smaller villages can be more fragmented with several changes giving you less time to explore your destination.

If you don’t have access to a vehicle, you may want to consider staying in Paris and taking guided day tours out to Normandy to explore the D-Day sights or Mont Saint Michel. 

3, 4 or 5-Day Normandy Itinerary

On this Normandy road trip, we are taking you on a journey from west to east along the region, starting with Mont Saint Michel and ending in the picturesque city of Rouen. 

The climate of this region is much the same as the southern corner of the UK, they are close neighbours looking out at one another across the English Channel. During the summer months, you can expect glorious sunshine, long summer evenings and pastel sunsets, but be aware the main attractions can get busy during the peak times. 

Spring is a beautiful time to visit, with flowers exploding into bloom after a long winter. The crowds have yet to arrive and you can often enjoy the highlights all to yourself. 

The autumn and winter months can be wild, windy and wet so if you are hoping to wander through the streets, stand tall on the white cliffs and take the bridge across the Mont Saint Michel, you may want to avoid these seasons – or pack a decent waterproof.

Day 1 – Mont Saint-Michel 

Mont saint-michel village.

You’ll find the captivating rocky mound of Mont Saint-Michel, North of the Normandy coastline, where the Breton coast meets the Couesnon River. With its abbey dating back to the 8th century, this island is one of the Western world’s most ancient Christian pilgrimage sites.

Today, Mont Saint-Michel is a world UNESCO heritage site and is France’s second most visited tourist attraction, pipped to the post by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Arrive at Mont Saint-Michel early to beat the crowds, parking spaces can be limited so if you are arriving by car, set the alarm early to avoid disappointment.

If you are arriving by train, head to Pontorson, the closest station to the Mont-Saint-Michel, and then take the free shuttle bus. You can walk across to the island in around 50 minutes, but there is a free shuttle bus from the car park. 

Mont Saint Michel is a tidal island and although there is a bridge connecting the island to the mainland, during high tide times eg. spring tides, the bridge can become fully or partially submerged, so check tide times before you set off. 

Start your day in the picturesque village, wandering through its narrow streets and admiring medieval architecture. Then, spend some time exploring the shops and boutiques, where you can find souvenirs, local crafts, and tasty treats such as buttery biscuits and cider.

Grab a coffee and a croissant from an artisan boulangerie in the village centre before heading up to the Abbey. 

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, perched atop the rocky island, is a magnificent architectural masterpiece. Dating back to the 8th century, it showcases stunning Gothic design and houses intricate chapels, grand halls, and a beautiful cloister.

Make sure to buy your tickets in advance and download them onto your phone on the mainland as internet connectivity is patchy on the island itself. 

Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the charming restaurants on the island, savouring local specialities like salted lamb or a fresh seafood dish.

Mont Saint Michel is a fortified village, meaning it is surrounded by medieval ramparts. Spend the afternoon walking around these ramparts for a scenic tour of the island with excellent views of the bay. You can also take a walking tour of the area.

This is a spectacular way to enjoy the sunset, especially if you can get up to one of the towers – North Tower, Gabriel Tower or Tour du Roi.

You can either spend the night on the island or head back to a nearby village for more budget-friendly accommodation, such as the historic town of Avranches or the charming coastal town of Cancale, known for its oysters.

Where to Stay in Mont Saint-Michel

Hôtel Vert – Mid-range visitors to Mont Saint-Michel will love this comfortable hotel just outside of the tidal island. They have a range of rooms on offer, breakfast available in the mornings and a great restaurant/bar on site.

Le Relais Saint Michel – Those looking for a high-end option close to Mont Saint-Michel will love this 4-star hotel. Overlooking the bay of Mont Saint-Michel, many rooms have panoramic views of the tidal island and the hotel also offers a shuttle service to and from the attraction.

La Ramade – This hotel in the town of Avranche makes for another great base for exploring Mont Saint-Michel. They have a beautiful location in an old mansion, a number of lovely rooms to choose from, free parking for guests and a fabulous breakfast each morning.

Edd Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this highly-rated hostel located within easy reach of Mont Saint-Michel. Offering both dorms and private rooms, they also operate shuttle services to Mont Saint-Michel along with Saint-Malo and Dinan in Brittany.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Mont Saint-Michel hotels!

Day 2 – Caen

Château de caen.

Caen is a vibrant city, a captivating blend of ancient history and modern vitality. The city showcases its medieval past with picturesque cobblestone streets and charming timber-framed houses.

Begin your day in Caen by visiting the magnificent Château de Caen. Built by William the Conqueror, it stands as a testament to medieval architecture and history. Explore its imposing walls, towers, and ramparts, and delve into the castle’s rich past as a symbol of power and conquest.

Abbaye-aux-Hommes

Next, take a short stroll over to Abbaye-aux-Hommes, another architectural marvel founded by William the Conqueror. This abbey showcases Romanesque design and houses the tomb of the legendary king.

Admire its grandeur, explore its serene interior, and immerse yourself in the rich history and spiritual significance of this iconic Norman landmark.

After enjoying some of the city’s awe-inspiring architecture, head over to stroll through the picturesque streets of Caen’s Old Town, known as the Vaugueux Quarter. Admire the charming half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and cosy cafes. 

The old town is the perfect spot to stop for lunch. Enjoy one of Caen’s charming restaurants, indulging in local specialities such as tripe à la mode de Caen (a traditional dish) or delicious seafood. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for a wafer-thin crepe at Crêperie l’Instant.

Memorial Museum

Take the afternoon to explore the exhibits of the Memorial Museum, dedicated to the events of World War II and the Battle of Normandy. Explore the extensive exhibits, including interactive displays and powerful testimonials.

This is the perfect opportunity to delve into the history of the 1944 D-Day landing beaches before taking a tour on day 3. You can book tickets in advance here.

Where to Stay in Caen

Hôtel Mary’s – Located in the centre of Caen, this hotel is a great option for mid-range visitors. Offering a range of clean and comfortable rooms, they have a great continental breakfast available each morning.

Clos Saint Martin – This bed and breakfast is located in a 16th-century mansion in the centre of Caen. Perfect for those looking for a boutique, upmarket stay, there are a range of lovely rooms to choose from along with a hearty breakfast on offer in the mornings.

City’O aparthotel – This aparthotel is a good option for those looking for a great self-catering option in Caen. They have a number of fully-furnished flats available and a great location for exploring all this lovely little city has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Caen hotels!

Day 3 – D-Day Beaches 

Omaha beach.

A must-visit on any itinerary for Normandy, day 3 brings us to the hallowed grounds of the D-Day beaches. If you only have 3 days in the region, this is a highlight and is the perfect way to round off your trip.

These shores, locations of the historic World War II invasion, bear witness to the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces. Immerse yourself in the stories of courage and resilience that unfolded on these beaches, forever shaping history. 

The best way to visit the D-Day beaches is by road trip, with your own vehicle you can take your time, visiting the beaches at your own pace. However, if you don’t have access to a car, several guided group day trips or private D-Day tours are available from Paris or from nearby towns – such as this day tour from Bayeux.

Start your day by heading to Omaha Beach, one of the most significant D-Day landing sites. Visit the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum to learn about the Allied forces’ heroic efforts and the challenges they faced during the invasion.

Pointe du Hoc

Continue to Pointe du Hoc, a strategic location where U.S. Army Rangers scaled cliffs to neutralise German artillery. Explore the well-preserved bunkers and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.

After taking a short lunch stop to enjoy a packed lunch or a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants, make your way to the American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer. Pay your respects at the solemn gravesites and reflect upon the sacrifices made by the soldiers.

Arromanches-les-Bains

Next, visit the Arromanches-les-Bains and the Mulberry Harbor remains. Discover the innovative engineering behind the artificial port and its vital role during the Normandy invasion.

If time allows, visit the Juno Beach Centre, dedicated to Canada’s contribution to the D-Day landings. Explore the exhibits and gain insight into the experiences of Canadian soldiers.

As the sun goes down, take a moment to reflect on the beaches themselves, where history unfolded. Then, you can either head back to Caen to spend the night or head on to Honfleur, our destination for day 4.

Alternatively, if you have more time, you can also visit the town of Bayeux on the way back. This is currently home to the Bayeux Tapestry which depicts the 1066 Norman Conquest and dates back to the 15th Century.

Day 4 – Honfleur

Honfleur .

Honfleur is a charming old port town known for its picturesque harbour, vibrant art scene, and quaint streets lined with colourful half-timbered houses.

Spend the morning wandering around Vieux Bassin, the heart of the port. Quaint buildings, artisan shops, bakeries and restaurants line the street, looking out on the harbour. You can organise a walking tour if you prefer.

Honfleur is pretty as a picture and has long been an artistic haven. Museums and galleries showcase masterpieces that pay homage to its Impressionist heritage. Notably, the birthplace of Eugène Boudin, mentor to Claude Monet, Honfleur holds pride in its connection to these renowned artists.

You’ll find numerous galleries across the town, but if you don’t feel like meandering through a gallery, you’ll often find artists set up with easels along the Vieux Bassin, painting the waterfront scenes just as the impressionists did 200 years before them.

Honfleur’s most famous landmark is the largest wooden church in France, Église Sainte Catherine. A short walk away from the hustle and bustle of the harbour, the church is free to enter and the interior is a marvel of craftsmanship. 

The church was built by shipbuilders in the 15th century using wood from local forests. Don’t forget to look up at the unique ceiling which looks like two upside-down ships’ hulls.

Grab a picnic from Honfleur, a variety of local delights such as Camembert and Pont-l’Évêque Cheese or a slice of Tarte Tatin (caramelised apple tart) and take a drive out to the dramatic white cliffs of Étretat. You can also take a bus from Honfleur to Étretat with a change in La Havre. 

Nestled along the picturesque cliffs of the Alabaster Coast in Normandy, Étretat is a charming seaside village renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Its iconic white chalk cliffs, including the majestic formations of the Falaise d’Amont and Falaise d’Aval, have inspired countless artists and writers throughout history.

Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, admiring panoramic views of the English Channel and the famous Arch and Needle rock formations. Then, for the best view of the Needle Rock and Elephant Trunk, head up to the cliff paths and take a hike out of the village.

The views from either end are breathtaking, but Falaise Aval offers better views of the needle and the third arch, making it the most popular route.

Spend the evening in the sunshine sitting out on a restaurant terrace in the village. Normandy is known for its apple orchards, so make sure to sample some local cider with your dinner or try some apple brandy, known as calvados.

If you only have 4 days, this is the perfect way to round off your trip.

Where to Stay in Honfleur

B&B Le Fond de la Cour – This cosy bed and breakfast makes for the perfect mid-range base in Honfleur. They have a number of lovely rooms on offer, a delightful garden courtyard and terrace, and a wonderful breakfast in the mornings.

A L’ecole Buissonniere – Another rustic yet comfortable bed and breakfast, this is a great place to base yourself in Honfleur. They have a number of comfortable rooms on offer, a wonderful breakfast available in the morning and a great location.

La Petite Folie – Situated in the historic centre of Honfleur, this modern bed and breakfast is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable base in this area of Normandy. They have a number of great rooms to choose from and plenty of amenities for guests.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Honfleur hotels!

Day 5 – Rouen

Rouen cathedral.

Welcome to Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, France. This enchanting city, steeped in rich history and architectural splendour, boasts magnificent Gothic cathedrals, charming cobblestone streets, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Start your day in Rouen by visiting the magnificent Rouen Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture immortalised by Claude Monet’s paintings. Admire the intricate facade and explore the interior, including the stunning stained glass windows.

During the summer months, make sure to return to the cathedral at dusk, as it transforms into a sound and light show. The themes change regularly, ranging from Joan of Arc, the Viking adventure or the impressionist movement. 

Explore the Historic Centre

Next, take a stroll through the charming streets of the historic centre, making your way to the Gros Horloge, an iconic 14th-century astronomical clock. The clock’s mechanism is thought to be one of the oldest in France, the movement having been made in 1389. 

Spend the early afternoon exploring the Rue du Gros-Horloge, a vibrant street lined with shops and cafes. Indulge in retail therapy or relax at a sidewalk café while enjoying the lively atmosphere. You take a walking tour of the area.

This is the perfect place to stop for lunch at one of Rouen’s cosy bistros, savouring local specialities such as duck confit, creamy Normandy cheeses, or a savoury galette.

Musée des beaux-arts de Rouen & Musée Le Secq des Tournelles

After lunch, take your pick from several world-class museums and galleries. Visit the Musée des beaux-arts de Rouen (Fine Arts Museum of Rouen), home to the second-largest collection of Impressionist works in France.

For a more unusual artistic experience, the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles is a must-visit. Home to unusual, ornate pieces of wrought ironwork.

Ordinary objects like hinges, tools, signs, locks, and cutlery undergo a surreal transformation, resembling works of art straight out of the Surrealist movement. They metamorphose into whimsical faces,  intricate swirling patterns, and animal-like forms.

Joan of Arc Square

If art is not your thing, head to the Joan of Arc Square and the Church of Saint Joan of Arc, an open-air museum experience dedicated to retelling the story of Saint Joan of Arc. This is a truly immersive experience with projected images and films on the building’s stone walls.

Seine River Cruise

If you have time, taking a boat trip on the Seine River is a wonderful way to view the city and Normandy countryside from a different perspective to bring your 5 days in Normandy to a close.

Leaving from Rouen, embark on a 1.5-hour sailing around the marina. Learn about the history of the area with a local guide, before returning to the docks. 

Those who have a bit more time or are heading back to Paris from here may love to stop in the town of Giverny, which was once home to impressionist painter Claude Monet.

Normandy is a diverse region, with bags of history and culture to discover alongside the beautiful French countryside. Whether you are lucky enough to have 5 days to explore Normandy or are only passing through, you’re bound to be enchanted by this region. So pack your picnic, and hit the road for a Normandy road trip you’ll never forget. 

Are you planning to visit Normandy? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Neota Langley

Neota is a writer for The World Was Here First. Born and bred in Cornwall, she can usually be found with hiking boots on, ready to embark on an adventure. For the last 6 years, she has travelled throughout Europe in her self-built campervan with her trusty canine companion, Ivy. She loves exploring France, the Nordics and spending time in Alpine destinations.

Day 5 – Rouen

Seine River Cruise – we are travelling this coming May and are following your suggestions. Do you know the name of the Co. we could book a tour with? Thank you Jane Canada

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What To Do in Tours, France (Guide + Map)

• December 26, 2023

Located just an hour away by train from Paris, Tours is often used as a base for visiting the chateaux of Loire Valley. It is one of the largest cities in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, well connected by public transport to the most famous castles in the area. Indeed, from here, you can easily reach the historic palaces of Chenonceau, Chambord, Blois and Amboise.

Once the capital of France, today Tours is a lively city boasting a beautiful historic centre with half-timbered houses and gourmet bistros. A perfect stop on your way through the Loire Valley!

What to do in Tours, France in one day

Thanks to its central location and excellent public transport connections to the nearby towns, Tours is a great base to discover the chateaux of Loire. This is one of the main cities I’d recommend you to base yourself in, especially if you’re travelling by train.

Besides being an excellent base for touring the historic chateaux, Tours itself is worth at least half a day of exploring. Take a walk along the narrow cobbled streets while admiring the half-timbered houses, the impressive Saint-Gatien Cathedral and the Renaissance Hotel Gouïn.

Follow my itinerary to discover the best things to do in Tours, France for one day. You’ll also find what are the most famous chateaux to visit near the city and some restaurant recommendations.

At the end of the blog post, you can find a map of this itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites).

What to do in Tours in one day

Breakfast at l’atelier du talemelier.

• Visit Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours

Tour de l’Horloge and Tour de Charlemagne

• Have a cup of coffee at Place Plumereau
• Admire Hôtel Goüin

Lunch at Les Gens Heureux

• Visit Saint-Gatien Cathedral

Hôtel de Ville de Tours

• Admire the art at Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Take a walk in the Botanical Garden
• Visit the quirky Musée de Compagnonnage

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM Start your one day in Tours with breakfast at L’Atelier du Talemelier or Kat’s Coffee . L’Atelier du Talemelier is a great bakery which offers quality pastries and sandwiches. However, if you prefer to enjoy some delicious cakes with your coffee, head to Kat’s Coffee.

Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours

10:00 AM – 10:25 AM Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours (Basilica of St. Martin) is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, the third bishop of Tours. It was built over the traditional burial site of the saint in the 5th century AD. During the centuries, the small basilica was replaced several times with larger structures.

The basilica in a Neo-byzantine style that you see today dates from the 19th century. However, you can still see some of the remains of the older Romanesque edifice – the western clock tower and Tour de Charlemagne (Charlemagne Tower). They are located just a few steps away from the current church.

Inside the crypt, you’ll find the tomb of Saint Martin.

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Tour de l’Horloge (Clock Tower) and Tour de Charlemagne are the only remnants of the impressive structure of the 11th-century Romanesque Basilica of Saint Martin.

Tour de Charlemagne was built on the site of the tomb of Luitgard, the last wife of Charlemagne. The king was so greatly affected by her death in 800, that he decided that Luitgard would be buried in the Basilica of Saint Martin. In the 19th century, the Charlemagne Tower was converted into a water tower.

Although, it’s not possible to visit the towers, take a few moments and admire their structure. Just imagine the grandeur of the 11th-century Romanesque basilica, of which these towers were part!

Place Plumereau

10:50 AM – 11:05 AM Place Plumereau is the heart of the historic centre of Tours. It is a lively square with bars and restaurants, framed by charming 15th-century half-timbered houses. A popular place to sit and watch the world go by!

The square is named in honour of Charles Plumereau, a municipal councillor of Tours, who bequeathed 3000 francs to the city.

Hôtel Goüin

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM This Renaissance palace served as a private mansion of a family of silk merchants in the 15th century. The façade with its beautiful arches is a real masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. So don’t miss to take a quick look and admire the exterior!

Hôtel Goüin is named after a family of Breton bankers who purchased the building in 1738. And don’t be fooled by the word hotel, this is not an actual hotel, but a museum for temporary art exhibitions.

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM For lunch head to Les Gens Heureux . This typical French restaurant offers a small selection of interesting dishes with a unique combination of flavours.

Saint-Gatien Cathedral

02:00 PM – 02:30 PM Tours Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Gatien) is dedicated to the first bishop of Tours – Saint Gatianus. Built between 1170 and 1547, it reflects the development of the Gothic style of architecture. Some of the cathedral’s highlights include the spectacular 13th-14th century stained glass windows and an Italian-style organ.

The cathedral houses the tombs of the children of Anne de Bretagne and Charles VII. Also, you’ll find a chapel dedicated to Joan of Arc. She had met with Charles VII here in Tours, an important meeting which became a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

02:45 PM – 03:00 PM The last stop of this Tours itinerary is the town hall, Hôtel de Ville de Tours. Take your time and enjoy its magnificent Renaissance Revival façade.

The town hall was built between 1896 and 1904 by the famous architect Victor Laloux. It is the same architect who designed the Orsay museum in Paris!

Dinner at La Maison des Halles

Finish your one day in Tours with dinner at La Maison des Halles . The wine list here is great and the menu is excellent (don’t miss the desserts – the best I’ve had during a week in France).

More ideas for your one day in Tours, France

Museum of fine arts.

The Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) is housed in the former bishop’s palace. The museum owns a remarkable collection of Italian Primitives from the 14th-15th centuries. Among them are two renaissance paintings by Andrea Mantegna, considered masterpieces. You’ll also find many artworks by Delacroix, Degas, Monet, Rembrandt, Rubens and Rodin.

Don’t miss the staggering cedar tree at the museum entrance, which is over 200 years old!

Castle of Tours

Close to the cathedral, you’ll find the Castle of Tours (Château de Tours). Built in the 11th century, this small chateau served as a residence of the Carolingian dynasty. Today, it houses contemporary exhibitions of paintings and photographs .

Church of Saint Julien

The Church of Saint Julien (Église Saint-Julien de Tours) is a part of a former Benedictine abbey founded in the 6th century. Most of the church is in Romanesque style and dates back to the 13th century.

Tours Botanical Garden

Founded in 1843, the Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique de Tours) is the oldest city park. It’s a lovely area with lots of wildlife and thematic gardens – greenhouses, orchards, medical gardens, arboretums and many others. There is also a petting zoo with farm animals like donkeys, sheep, rabbits and poultry!

Musée de Compagnonnage

Musée de Compagnonnage occupies the dormitory at the former Abbey of Saint-Julien. This quirky museum is dedicated to the city’s trade guilds. The exhibition represents various objects related to metalwork, tailoring, culinary, shoemaking and woodcarving.

Where to stay in Tours, France

If you intend to use Tours as a base to explore the Loire castles, take a look at my recommendations below on where to stay. You’ll find most of the historic attractions and restaurants in the area between the Loire River and the Central Railway station. So, I’d advise you to look for accommodations in this area, because you’ll be within walking distance of everything.

Perfectly located in the heart of Tours, just a short walk from everything. Also, the hotel features a good bistro-style restaurant and a wellness centre with Spa, hammam and heated indoor pool. Why book – a short walk from the Old Town and Tours train station, heated indoor pool, private parking

Les Trésorières is an excellent choice for an upscale stay in Tours. Central quiet location and bright spacious room. A great wellness area, featuring a hammam, sauna and an indoor pool. Why book – at walking distance to the Old Town and Tours train station, indoor pool, parking nearby

Getting around in Tours, France

Find here a detailed map of this Tours walking itinerary.

The Old Town of Tours is very compact and you can easily explore it by walking in less than an hour.

How to get to Tours, France

Tours is well connected to other major cities in France by train. For example, it’s less than a 2 hours journey from Paris Gare Montparnasse. Tours station (Gare de Tours) is the city’s main railway station. It’s located just a short walk from the Old Town.

Check timetables and book train tickets online at SNCF official website .

Tours is divided into three different types of zones – red, orange and blue. The first two are limited to 3 hours of parking, while the blue one – to 5 hours. However, parking in the Old Town is free on Sundays and Monday – Saturday (between 12 PM – 2 PM and 6:30 PM – 9 AM).

If you’re arriving by car I’d recommend booking a hotel with parking or using any of the paid car parks in the city centre (see a list of all car parks here ).

Day trips from Tours, France

Loire valley chateaux.

The central location of Tours makes it a great base to explore the chateaux of Loire Valley. You’ll find a few of the most popular castles just a short train ride away. For more information, take a look at my guide on how to visit the Loire Valley .

Here are the most famous chateaux you can visit near Tours:

• Château de Chenonceau – known as Château des Dames, it’s the most beautiful Renaissance castle of Loire Valley
• Château de Chambord – this royal residence is one of the largest chateaux in France
• Château de Blois – home to 7 kings and 10 queens of France between the 13th and 17th centuries
• Château d’Amboise – the place where Leonardo Da Vinci spent his last years and where he is buried
• Château de Chaumont – a fairytale 10th-century castle, once home to Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers
• Château de Villandry – is known for its beautiful French Gardens, which consist of several terraces of renaissance gardens

Blois is one of the most charming towns in the Loire Valley. The city is known for its royal chateau and the Cathedral of Saint-Louis, a Gothic masterpiece. For more information, take a look at my travel guide on how to spend one day in Blois .

How to get to Blois Take a train from Gare de Tours to Gare de Blois – Chambord (40min journey). From there, it’s a 10min walk to the Old Town and the chateau.

Located just a short train ride away, Angers is a great option for a day trip from Tours. The city is famous for its castle, the ancient seat of the Plantagenet dynasty and the Apocalypse tapestry, the largest medieval tapestry in the world. Find out more in my travel guide to the best things to do in Angers .

How to get to Angers Take a train from Gare de Tours to Gare d’Angers Saint-Laud (50min journey). From the central train station, it’s about a 10min walk to the city centre.

How many days in Tours, France

Is one day in tours enough.

The city of Tours can be easily visited in less than a day. In fact, most of the people come not for sightseeing but to use the city as a base to explore the nearby castles. Still, there is plenty to see, so dedicate at least half a day to this charming town.

Best time to visit Tours, France

If you intend to visit Tours as a part of your Loire Valley trip, do it in the months of May, June or September. Crowds are fewer and the weather is not hot, but nice and warm.

Faqs about visiting Tours, France

Tours is one of the largest cities in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. It is worth visiting not only for the impressive Saint-Gatien Cathedral and the Renaissance Hotel Gouïn, but also for the picturesque half-timbered houses. Thanks to its central location, the city is an excellent base to explore the castles of the Loire Valley.

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About the author

Thank you for the blog which covers Tours in depth. We are travelling On Nov 07th to Blois to see three castles and unfortunately all public transport stops on Nov 05th. We don’t have car. Apart from Taxi any other alternate solution ?

Many Thanks -Yoga

Unfortunately, there is no other option, but a taxi. However, there are still a lot of castles, which are are reachable by train – Château de Chenonceau, Château de Blois, Château de Chaumont, Château d’Amboise, Château d’Angers, Château de Langeais, Château de Saumur, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Loches, Château de Chinon and Château de Meung-sur-Loire.

Tour de France : Final stage of glory in Paris

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Paris Cycling Tourism Sporting Activities

Reading time: 0 min Published on 4 January 2023, updated on 16 April 2024

The final sprint of the Tour de France always takes place on Paris’ famous avenue. On 18 July, as it has every year since 1975, the last stage of the famous cycling race will end on the Champs-Élysées.

With 3,383 kilometres for the legs to tackle and some 403,000 pedal strokes over three weeks, taking part in the Tour de France is no easy task.

In view of the conclusion of the 21st and final stage of the Grand Boucle , the peloton will give it all they’ve got. Before parading in the capital, the riders will have sweated to climb the 30 passes of the 2021 race, rising in their saddles to pick up momentum and clenching their teeth in the vertiginous descents.

The Champs-Élysées in all its majesty

From Brittany to the Alps, from the Occitanie to the Pyrenees, the riders will have been so focused on their performance that they won’t have soaked up much of the photogenic landscapes of France, broadcast across 100 TV channels.

But by the end of the efforts, what a reward: the majestic Champs-Élysées, with the blue-white-red wake of the famous Patrouille de France fly-past. Nobody else has such a claim on the famous avenue except the French football team, winner of the World Cup in 2018.

Standing on the podium at the bottom of the famous Parisian avenue, with the setting sun at the Arc de Triomphe and Grande Arche de la Défense as a backdrop, the winner of the Tour will have – like all his fellow riders – accomplished the Parisian ritual.

Established in 1975, this involves riding up and down the Champs-Élysées eight times, totalling 1,910 legendary metres separating the obelisk of the Place de la Concorde from the star of the Place Charles-de-Gaulle.

A ride beside the Louvre Pyramid

Seen from above, the spectacle of the peloton winding like a long ribbon decorated around the Arc de Triomphe is magical. From the pavements lining the route of this final sprint, the enthusiasm of the public pushes the riders on through the Quai des Tuileries, Place des Pyramides and Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

Will they take a look as they go past? Not sure. Almost lying on their handlebars, they traditionally take this last stage at a crazy pace, overlooking the cobblestones and prestigious landmarks around. Louis Vuitton, Guerlain, Ladurée and even, recently, the Galeries Lafayette, make up the exclusive backdrop of the peloton’s arrival on the Champs-Élysées.

Among the live support or behind your TV screen, it’s you who will enjoy all these beauties... happy as a spectator of the Tour!

View this post on Instagram The Yellow Jersey, a dream for everyone! Le Maillot Jaune, un rêve pour chacun ! #TDF2019 A post shared by Tour de France™ (@letourdefrance) on May 17, 2019 at 3:13am PDT

Paris region Tourism Board: www.visitparisregion.com/en

Paris Tourist Office: https://en.parisinfo.com/

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