Home
Find a travel Agent
California
Ahmer Khan
Exploring France: A 3-Week Adventure
Return to My Main profile
Ahmer Khan
Newark, CA Travel Agent
Ahmer Khan
Newark, CA Travel Agent
Hourglass Expeditions, an independent agent with Cruises & Tours, Unlimited, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
25 reviews
100.00% Recommended
7 Years of Experience
Exploring France: A 3-Week Adventure
COUNTRIES VISITED:France
PLACES VISITED:Annecy, Avignon, Lyon, Marseille, Mont St. Michel, Nice, Normandy, Orleans, Paris
SUGGESTED DURATION:20 Days
France, with its iconic landmarks, exquisite cuisine, and diverse landscapes, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From savoring buttery croissant in Parisian cafes to picnicking amidst lavender fields in Provence, three weeks in France unveiled a kaleidoscope of culture, food, and breathtaking landscapes.
During this immersive three-week journey through France, you'll have the opportunity to explore nine distinct destinations, each offering its own allure and unforgettable experiences. Here is a quick overview of the places and recommended days for each.
Paris (4 days) Arrival and tour of Paris
Normandy (1 day)
Mont St. Michel (2 days)
Orleans (2 days)
Lyon (3 days)
Annecy (1 Day)
Avignon (1 Day)
Marseille (2 days)
Nice (3 days) and Return Flight
Close All Days
DAY1
Paris
Close Day
Experience Parisian Charm
Immerse yourself in Parisian charm in Montmartre, visiting the iconic Sacré-Coeur basilica and exploring the charming streets. In the afternoon, take a scenic cruise down the Seine River, admiring the Notre Dame Cathedral and other famous landmarks.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Montmartre
Sacré-Coeur basilica
Seine River
Notre Dame Cathedral
DAY2
Paris
Close Day
Stroll down on museum and charming stores
Devote your morning to the vast Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. In the afternoon, stroll down the Champs-Élysées, window shopping at luxury stores and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Louvre Museum
Champs-Élysées
DAY3
Paris
Close Day
Experience Show and Cuisine
Explore the Left Bank, visiting the Luxembourg Gardens, the Panthéon, and the Sorbonne University. In the evening, enjoy a quintessential Parisian experience with dinner and a show at the Moulin Rouge cabaret.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Luxembourg Gardens
Panthéon
Sorbonne University
Moulin Rouge Cabaret
DAY4
Paris
Close Day
Garden and Art Museum
Choose your adventure! Take a day trip to Versailles to explore the opulent palace and its stunning gardens, or visit the Musée d'Orsay for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Versailles
Musée d'Orsay
DAY5
Normandy
Close Day
Adventure in Normandy
Pay respects at the Normandy American Cemetery and explore Omaha Beach or Pointe du Hoc, D-Day landing sites. Explore the colorful harbor and artistic heritage of Honfleur, then soak in the beauty of the Alabaster Coast in Étretat.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Omaha Beach
Pointe du Hoc
D-Day landing sites
Honfleur
Alabaster Coast in Étretat
DAY6
Mont St. Michel
Close Day
Architectural Adventure
Dedicate your morning to unraveling the mysteries of the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey. Take a guided tour to fully understand the architectural marvel, from the Romanesque crypt to the breathtaking spire. Afterward, lose yourself in the charming labyrinthine streets of the village. Browse the unique shops selling local crafts, savor a traditional buckwheat crepe for lunch, and don't miss the quintessential Mont Saint-Michel snack, a "galette saucisse" - a savory sausage encased in a crispy pastry crust.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
Romanesque Crypt to the Breathtaking Spire
Charming Labyrinthine Streets
Mont Saint-Michel Snack
DAY7
Mont St. Michel
Close Day
Walking on the Island
Begin your day with a walk along the ramparts, the fortified walls encircling the island. Soak in the panoramic views of the ever-changing bay and surrounding landscape. In the afternoon, consider a unique perspective with a boat tour around Mont Saint-Michel. Witness the dramatic tidal shifts that have shaped the island's history for centuries. Alternatively, explore the vastness of the surrounding bay on foot when the tide is low. End your day with a delectable seafood dinner, savoring the freshest catches paired with a glass of local wine, the perfect way to conclude your exploration of this magical island.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Boat Tour around Mont Saint-Michel
Walkin on the Bay
Seafood Dinner
DAY8
Orleans
Close Day
Orleans Rich History
Immerse yourself in Orleans' rich history. Start by exploring the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Croix, marveling at its Gothic architecture. Delve deeper into Joan of Arc's story at the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc museum. In the afternoon, stroll through the lively Place du Martroi, the city's central square, and wander through the charming pedestrian streets lined with half-timbered houses.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Cathédrale Sainte-Croix
Maison de Jeanne d'Arc Museum
Place du Martroi
DAY9
Orleans
Close Day
Explore Gardens, Trails and Cuisines
Embrace Orleans' natural beauty. In the morning, explore the peaceful Parc Floral de la Source, a haven of colorful blooms and serene gardens. For a different perspective, rent a bike and cycle along the Loire Valley's scenic trails. In the afternoon, indulge in the region's culinary delights. Sample local specialties like "rillettes" (potted pork) or "pâté d'Orléans" (meat pie) paired with a glass of Loire Valley wine. Cap off your day with a leisurely dinner cruise on the Loire River, enjoying the city's enchanting skyline from the water.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Parc Floral de la Source
Loire Valley's Scenic Trails
Region's Culinary Delights
Loire River
DAY10
Lyon
Close Day
Explore Lyon's History
Immerse yourself in Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), a maze of narrow Renaissance streets with hidden passageways called "traboules." Explore the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste with its stunning stained glass windows. Ascend the Fourvière Hill via a funicular railway and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city and the majestic Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Fourvière Hill
DAY11
Lyon
Close Day
The Heart of Lyon
Dedicate your morning to the Presqu'île district, the heart of Lyon. Stroll through the magnificent Place Bellecour, the city's largest square. Explore the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the Palais de la Bourse (Stock Exchange). In the afternoon, indulge in your passion for food at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a bustling market hall overflowing with fresh produce and local specialties.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Presqu'île district
Place Bellecour
Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)
Palais de la Bourse
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
DAY12
Lyon
Close Day
Exploring Modern Side of Lyon
Explore the modern side of Lyon. In the morning, head to the Confluences Museum, a stunning architectural marvel showcasing collections on anthropology, earth sciences, and societies. For a touch of greenery, unwind in the vast Parc de la Tête d'Or, one of France's largest urban parks. End your day with a scenic cruise on the Saône River, admiring the city's contrasting architectural styles.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Confluences Museum
Parc de la Tête d'Or
Saône River
DAY13
Annecy
Close Day
Enchanting Charm of Annecy
Nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps," Annecy charms visitors with its canals, colorful buildings, and backdrop of majestic mountains. Start your day exploring the enchanting Vieille Ville (Old Town). Wander along the picturesque canals, snap photos of the Palais de l'Ile (Island Palace) in the middle of the Thiou River, and browse the shops lining the streets. In the afternoon, rent a bike and cycle along the scenic path bordering the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Vieille Ville (Old Town)
Palais de l'Ile (Island Palace)
Thiou River
Lake Annecy
DAY14
Avignon
Close Day
Architectural Adventure in Avignon
Immerse yourself in Avignon's papal history. Start by exploring the colossal Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Climb the ramparts for panoramic views of the city and the Rhône River. In the afternoon, visit the Avignon Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms), known for its impressive stained glass windows and its connection to the papal palace. End your day with a stroll across the iconic Pont Saint-Bénezet, a partially collapsed bridge with a fascinating history.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Palais des Papes
Rhône River
Avignon Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms)
Pont Saint-Bénezet
DAY15
Avignon
Close Day
Avignon's Culture and Charms
Delve deeper into Avignon's culture and charm. In the morning, explore the lively Place de l'Horloge, the city's central square, with its bustling cafes and the intriguing astronomical clock. Next, visit the Petit Palais museum, housing an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. In the afternoon, explore the charming streets of Avignon's Old Town, lined with shops, cafes, and historical buildings. Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at a traditional Provençal restaurant, savoring the region's delicious cuisine.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Place de l'Horloge
Petit Palais Museum
Provençal Restaurant
DAY16
Marseille
Close Day
Breathtaking Views of the City
Start your morning exploring the Vieux-Port (Old Port), the historic heart of Marseille. Wander along the quayside, soak in the lively atmosphere, and admire the arriving and departing boats. Next, visit the impressive Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, perched on a hilltop and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, delve into Marseille's maritime history at the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Vieux-Port (Old Port)
Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica
MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)
DAY17
Marseille
Close Day
Exploring the Beauty of Parks and Neighborhood
Dedicate your second day to exploring the beauty of the Calanques National Park, a series of dramatic limestone cliffs, inlets, and calanques (coves) carved by the sea. You can hike, kayak, or take a boat tour to admire the stunning scenery and turquoise waters. In the afternoon, head back to the city and explore the Panier neighborhood, Marseille's oldest district, with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and artistic vibe. End your day by indulging in a delicious seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Calanques National Park
Marseille's Oldest District
Waterfront Restaurant
DAY18
Nice
Close Day
Seaside Charm of Nice
Immerse yourself in the seaside charm of Nice. Stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, a pedestrian walkway lined with palm trees and grand belle époque buildings. Relax on a pebble beach, or rent a beach chair and soak up the sunshine. In the afternoon, explore the Cours Saleya, a lively flower market overflowing with colorful blooms and local specialties. End your day with a delectable meal at a beachfront restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood dishes with a breathtaking sea view.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Promenade des Anglais
Cours Saleya
Beachfront Restaurant
DAY19
Nice
Close Day
Rich History and Culture
Delve into the rich history and culture of Nice. Start your morning exploring the Castle Hill, a park perched on a hill offering panoramic views of the city and the coastline. Visit the ruins of a medieval castle and explore the cascading waterfalls. In the afternoon, wander through the charming streets of Old Nice, a maze of narrow alleys lined with colorful houses, art galleries, and boutique shops. In the evening, catch an opera or a ballet performance at the opulent Opéra de Nice.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Castle Hill
Charming Streets of Old Nice
Opéra de Nice
DAY20
Nice
Close Day
Stunning Places in Nice
Take a day trip to explore the stunning beauty of the French Riviera. You can visit the glamorous Principality of Monaco, with its luxurious casinos, the Prince's Palace, and the iconic Monte Carlo Formula One circuit. Alternatively, head to the charming village of Eze, a medieval hilltop town with breathtaking views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Wrap up your 4 days in Nice by enjoying a farewell dinner at a traditional Niçoise restaurant, savoring the region's delicious cuisine.
HIGHLIGHTS:
French Riviera
Principality of Monaco
Monte Carlo Formula One
Prince's Palace
Niçoise Restaurant
FINAL THOUGHTS
This 3-week itinerary is your delicious French escape! Savor Parisian charm, indulge in regional flavors, and explore historic towns. Want to personalize it? We can tailor this to your interests for the ultimate French adventure!