First Time in France: Best 7-day Itinerary
It goes without saying, France is a marvelous country that has so much to offer. From the iconic landmarks of Paris to the awe-inspiring beauty of the French Riviera, there’s a lot you can see in only 7 days. If you’re looking for an exciting France itinerary but don’t know where to start, this blog post will provide you with some helpful tips on how to spend your time in France as well as what must-see attractions to visit!
Days 1-3: Dazzling Paris
Start your trip to France from its very heart, charming Paris. The bustling capital is a remarkable destination itself, but 2-3 days in the city will be enough to catch its most famous sights. Paris has some of the best tourist attractions around, and they are all conveniently within walking distance from each other.
The Eiffel Tower, part modern engineering marvel, part art installation, is one of France’s most eye-catching jewels, which majestically dominates Paris’ skyline. This architectural wonder was built for the World’s Fair in 1889 and was just going to be torn down after. Still, now it is one of the most recognizable symbols of France. Don’t miss a chance to conquer the 324-meter (1063-feet) summit of the iron lattice tower to be wowed by the breathtaking views from above.
You can’t also visit Paris without seeing the Louvre Museum. This baroque-style palace houses an extensive collection of art, sculptures, and ancient artifacts from France and beyond. Among numerous exhibits, you can even find one of the world’s most famous masterpieces: the legendary Mona Lisa. Another must-see during your tour!
Moreover, the left bank of the River Seine is home to some more treasures like the spectacular Pantheon with tombs for Voltaire, Curie, and other great Frenchmen, as well as Paris-Sorbonne University. Mount Montmartre with Basilica Sacré Coeur are worth checking out too!
To discover the city from a new perspective, hop aboard a Seine Cruise that will take you around the most scenic parts of Paris. The boat is equipped with the open-air observation decks providing spectacular panoramas from all angles as well as an audio guide to point out noteworthy landmarks as they pass by.
Also Read: Paris Travel Guide
Days 4-5: Stunning Avignon
Continue taking in the unmatched charm of France in glorious Avignon. Located in the south of France, this city has experienced many changes over its long history. With its beautiful medieval buildings, monumental churches, leafy squares, and high-class restaurants, Avignon will immediately steal your heart. It seems evident that tourism is Avignon’s primary industry now, but this wasn’t always the case. In fact, tourism didn’t come to be until after World War II!
Charming Avignon was once the capital city after Pope Clement V moved it from Rome and now sits as an essential destination on anyone’s itinerary to France. Thus, the first stop for any visitor should be Palais de Papes, which holds some significant meaning in French culture with being one of Europe’s largest Gothic buildings ever constructed!
As you wander through the cobbled, winding streets of Avignon, you will also be able to admire the astonishing architecture from centuries ago on bridges like Pont d’Avignon or Pont St. Benezet, which is still standing today. This impressive structure was constructed over 800 years ago by a monk named Benoît, who became known for building more than 100 bridges throughout Europe.
Also, make sure to pop in the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d’Avignon (Avignon Cathedral). This 12th-century building is a classic example of Romanesque architecture and has survived through tough times. It was eventually restored in 1995 by UNESCO, who recognized it as an important landmark for all time.
Did you know that the city of Avignon is also a hub for creativity? Each year, the Festival d’Avignon welcomes more than 150,000 visitors to witness performances by artists in each field on its stage, including famous and young talent alike. This festival has been held since 1947, where; it started as a small event with modest goals but now attracts international attention every July through an annual week-long celebration that showcases up-and-coming artistry across the region!
>>Also Read: Avignon Travel Guide
Days 5-7: Sun-kissed Nice
As a highlight of your ultimate France vacation, head over to Nice for a relaxing coastal break! The fifth-largest city in the country is also a genuine kaleidoscope of history. As Nice has only been part of France since 1860, it represents an organic mix of French and Italian culture.
From the moment you step foot in Nice, it becomes clear that this is not a typical tourist spot. The Art Deco buildings that line its streets are so beautiful and elegant they amuse people from all over the globe with their stunning Belle Epoque style and Baroque houses. The bright colors and cozy markets of every corner will make anyone feel like they’re at home.
Each part of town offers something new: from Promenade des Anglais with its scenic views along the coast to Vieux Nice (old town), where locals go for wine tastings straight out of their own cellars. It’s impossible not to appreciate why this place is such a glorious pearl of France!
Furthermore, the city of Nice is not only famous for its luxurious beaches and exquisite cuisine. The “Queen of the Riviera” also has an extensive art scene encompassing many museums such as the Musee de Matisse set in a 17th-century Genoese villa or the Musée des Beaux-Arts with over 5,000 works on display from artists like Picasso and Monet.
After a saturated sightseeing day, go for an evening stroll through Cours Saleya market to delve even more into the incomparable local atmosphere. Spot some fantastic cheese shops in between tasting wine at one of the nearby vineyards or sampling countless gelato flavors like strawberries & cream until you find your favorite one!
Undoubtedly, the list of France must-sees can continue forever since the region packs in so many hidden wonders. Got inspired to start exploring this many-sided destination? If the answer is “yes”, consider choosing one of the ready-made France tours or creating your own unique itinerary, pack your bag, and let your unforgettable journey begin!
>>Also Read: Nice Travel Guide