Step into the heart of France on this thoughtfully crafted 12-day journey, blending the timeless elegance of Paris, the poignant history of Normandy, and the sun-drenched charm of Provence. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to the serene lavender fields of Aix-en-Provence and the powerful D-Day beaches of Bayeux, this itinerary offers a perfect balance of art, culture, cuisine, and nature.
Designed for travelers who want to experience more than just the highlights, this journey goes beyond the expected—revealing hidden corners of Montmartre, secret vineyard paths, colorful market squares, and the warmth of authentic French hospitality. With curated experiences, seamless transport, and elegant 4-star stays, this is more than a trip—it’s the essence of France, delivered with comfort and soul.
Itinerary
Arrival: Land at Charles de Gaulle Airport. After clearing immigration, meet your private transfer to your 4-star hotel in the charming Marais or Saint-Germain district.
Check-in & Rest: Settle in and refresh. Most hotels allow check-in by 2 PM.
Evening Walk: Ease into Paris with a relaxed stroll along the Seine River. Visit the iconic Île de la Cité, admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior), and watch the boats pass under Pont Neuf.
Dinner: Enjoy your first taste of Parisian cuisine at Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris.
Insider Tip: Stop by the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore just across the river—a literary gem.
Morning: Visit the Louvre Museum (arrive by 9:30 AM). Explore masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Napoleon’s Apartments.
Lunch: Dine at Café Marly overlooking the Louvre courtyard.
Afternoon: Walk through the Tuileries Garden, shop along Rue Saint-Honoré, then make your way to Champs-Élysées and climb the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic city views.
Evening: Set sail on a Seine River Dinner Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens. Enjoy dinner and iconic views including the illuminated Eiffel Tower.
Transport: Metro or Uber to/from hotel.
Tip: Book a front-row seat for the best river views.
Morning: Arrive early (8:45 AM) at the Eiffel Tower to avoid long queues. Visit up to the second level for sweeping views.
Brunch: Eat at 58 Tour Eiffel or grab crepes at a nearby café.
Afternoon: Head to Montmartre – the bohemian hill of Paris. Visit Sacré-Cœur, wander through Place du Tertre where artists paint portraits, and explore Rue des Abbesses and the hidden vineyard of Clos Montmartre.
Evening: Enjoy a hearty French meal at Bouillon Pigalle – a lively, family-friendly spot.
Transport: Metro Line 12 to Abbesses or funicular for hill access.
Morning: Take the RER A train from Châtelet–Les Halles to Marne-la-Vallée (45 min). Arrive by 9:30 AM to beat the crowds.
Activities: Explore both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios. From thrilling rides to character shows, it’s fun for all ages.
Lunch: Try Chez Rémy or Captain Jack’s for themed dining.
Evening: Return to Paris by 7–8 PM. Grab a quick dinner or unwind at the hotel.
Tip: Use the Disneyland app for live wait times and bookings.
- Morning: Travel to Versailles Palace by RER C. Explore the Hall of Mirrors, gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s Estate.
- Lunch: Have a relaxed meal at La Petite Venise, inside the palace grounds.
- Afternoon: Return to Paris by 4 PM and head to Gare Saint-Lazare or Montparnasse Station to catch your TGV train to Bayeux (approx. 2h 15min).
- Evening: Check into your 4-star hotel in Bayeux. Stroll through the quiet medieval streets before calling it a day.
Morning to Afternoon: Join a private guided tour of Normandy’s D-Day Beaches. Visit Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery. Learn about the events of June 6, 1944 with local historical context.
Lunch: Eat at a seaside café in Arromanches.
Evening: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and have dinner at L’Assiette Normande – known for authentic Normandy cuisine.
Tip: Bring a light jacket—coastal Normandy can be windy year-round.
Morning: If it’s a Saturday, don’t miss the Bayeux Farmers Market in Place Saint-Patrice. Visit Bayeux Cathedral, an elegant Gothic structure with a peaceful garden.
Lunch: Try Brasserie Reine Mathilde for a casual meal.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely walk or visit a local Calvados distillery for an apple brandy tasting.
Evening: Dinner at a cozy countryside inn or try local cider and cheese platters.
Tip: This is a good day to rest, shop for handmade souvenirs, and enjoy Normandy’s pace.
Morning: Take a train from Bayeux to Paris, then a high-speed TGV to Aix-en-Provence (total journey: ~6.5 hours). Enjoy scenic views and onboard service.
Afternoon: Arrive in Aix, check in at your 4-star hotel near Cours Mirabeau.
Evening: Stroll the old town, marvel at fountains, and dine at Les Deux Garçons, a favorite of Cézanne and Picasso.
Morning: Embark on a half-day guided tour to the Luberon region or Valensole Plateau (if June–July). Visit Gordes, Roussillon, and lavender farms.
Lunch: Eat at a countryside bistro such as La Bastide de Marie.
Afternoon: Return to Aix and enjoy a lazy stroll through boutique-lined streets.
Dinner: Savor Provençal cuisine at L’Opera.
Morning: Visit Atelier Cézanne and stroll through the local Provence markets (Fridays & Saturdays are best).
Lunch: Dine at Le Formal – creative cuisine in a vaulted setting.
Afternoon: Relax with a spa session at Aquabella or enjoy a gelato in Place Richelme.
Evening: Wine and tapas at Le Zinc d’Hugo or Les Vins de Maurice
Option 1: Cassis & Calanques
- Take a morning trip to Cassis, a pretty harbor town.
- Hop on a Calanques boat tour – emerald water and dramatic cliffs await.
- Lunch: La Presqu’île for cliffside seafood.
Option 2: Marseille Explorer
- Visit Old Port, Le Panier district, and Notre-Dame de la Garde.
- Lunch: Toinou for Marseille-style seafood.
Evening: Return to Aix for dinner and packing.
Morning: Final French breakfast. Pick up souvenirs like lavender sachets or Provençal linens.
Transfer: Take a private transfer to Marseille Airport (1 hr) or the TGV to Paris CDG (3 hours).
Tip: Always arrive 3 hours early for international departures.
