France Travel Guide
Sofia Laurent· Europe Editor
Updated September 12, 2026 · 8 min read
France is Paris plus everything Parisians flee to: Provence's lavender and markets, the Loire's châteaux, the Alps, the Riviera. Planning figures: Paris ~€150/day, the provinces ~€110–130. The TGV makes the whole country a day-trip network from the capital.
The classic route: Paris (4) → Provence (3) by TGV, or the Loire (2) by rental car.
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Paris deserves its week (the museums, the neighborhoods). Provence is the south's essential — Avignon, the Luberon villages, Aix. The Loire's châteaux cluster drives well; Normandy's history and cheese run from Paris by train.
- Classic: Paris 4 → Provence 3.
- Châteaux: Paris 3 → Loire 2 → Bordeaux 2.
- Riviera: Paris 3 → Nice 3 → the calanques 2.
The TGV Arithmetic
Paris–Avignon in 2h40, Paris–Lyon in 2h, Paris–Bordeaux in 2h15. Book 2–3 months out for the €30–60 fares; walk-up triples them.
Paris & Provence
The capital and the south.
Day 1 · Paris — islands & Louvre
The classic first day.
Day 2 · Paris — Montmartre & Marais
The hills and the village.
Day 3 · Paris — Versailles
The full-day excursion.
Day 4 · Paris — museums
Orsay, Rodin, the passages.
Day 5 · TGV to Avignon
The Papal Palace.
Day 6 · The Luberon
Gordes, Roussillon, the markets.
Day 7 · Aix & the calanques
Cézanne's town; the creeks.
Practical planning info
Money
- Paris ~€150/day, the provinces ~€110–130.
- TGV fares: book 2–3 months out.
When
- May–June and September are the sweet months.
- August is hot and Paris-empty — good for the provinces.
Frequently asked questions
Paris only or Paris plus the south?
A week can be Paris alone; ten days adds Provence properly. The TGV makes both easy.
Is France expensive?
Paris is (€150/day); the provinces are kind (€110–130).
How many days for France?
A week for Paris; ten for Paris plus Provence; two weeks adds the Loire or the Riviera.
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