20 days in Paris & Lyon Itinerary

A beautiful and romantic city fit for any itinerary, Paris brims with historic associations and remains vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design.

Escape the urban bustle at Arboretum de la Vallee-aux-Loups and Seine River. Change things up with these side-trips from Paris: Voie verte du pays de Limours (in Limours), Avion Normandie - L'Eure de l'Ulm (in Saint-Aquilin-de-Pacy) and Le Bois des Aigles (in Balines). There's much more to do: explore the world behind art at Louvre Museum, explore and take pictures at Eiffel Tower, make a trip to Palace of Versailles, and admire the landmark architecture of Arc de Triomphe.

To see ratings, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Paris trip itinerary planner.

Washington DC, USA to Paris is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. Traveling from Washington DC to Paris, you'll lose 6 hours due to the time zone difference. In April, Paris is slightly colder than Washington DC - with highs of 60°F and lows of 42°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sat) early enough to take a train to Lyon.

Lyon is a historical city with a vibrant cultural scene as the birthplace of cinema, the silk capital of the globe, and the second biggest Renaissance city following Venice.

Escape the urban bustle at Lake Annecy and Les Gorges du Fier. Get out of town with these interesting Lyon side-trips: Les Marmites de Geant (in Saint-Germain-de-Joux), Annecy (Parasailing & Paragliding, Mysteres du Lac, &more) and Les Pertes de le Valserine (in Bellegarde sur Valserine). There's lots more to do: walk around Parc de la Tete d'Or, head outdoors with Parcours Aventure, explore the striking landscape at La Roche de Solutre, and get to know the fascinating history of Fourviere Hill.

To find reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Lyon trip itinerary builder.

You can take a train from Paris to Lyon in 3 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. In May, daytime highs in Lyon are 68°F, while nighttime lows are 50°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) so you can travel back home.