30 days in France Itinerary
Created using Inspirock France tour planner
Start: Washington
Fly
1
Nantes
— 4 nights
Drive
2
Bayeux
— 4 nights
Drive
3
Paris
— 5 nights
Train to Genève, Bus to Chamonix
4
Chamonix
— 2 nights
Drive
5
Macot-la-Plagne
— 2 nights
Drive
6
Val Thorens
— 2 nights
Drive
7
Carcassonne
— 1 night
Drive
8
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
— 1 night
Drive
9
Marseille
— 3 nights
Drive
10
Nice
— 5 nights
Fly
End: Washington
Thu, Mar 25 - Fri, Apr 23
Edit
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
View full calendar
Nantes — 4 nights
©
Venice of the West
Regarded as an art and history city, Nantes is called the Venice of the West.You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Jardin des Plantes and Passage Pommeraye. Discover out-of-the-way places like Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul and Chateau de Langeais. Explore Nantes' surroundings by going to Fontevraud L'Abbaye Royale (in Fontevraud-l'Abbaye), Zoo de La Fleche (in La Fleche) and Chateau de Villandry (in Villandry). There's lots more to do: step into the grandiose world of Chateau d'Angers, examine the collection at Les Machines de L'ile, steep yourself in history at Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers.
For traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, go to the Nantes online route maker.
Washington, USA to Nantes is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Central European Standard Time, which is usually a 6 hour difference. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Nantes when traveling from Washington in March, with lows around 39°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) early enough to drive to Bayeux.
Side Trips
Angers, Chateau de Langeais, Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, Fontevraud L'Abbaye Royale, Zoo de La Fleche
Find places to stay Mar 25 — 29:
Highlights from your trip
Bayeux — 4 nights
©
Most travelers take a trip to Bayeux to see the famed tapestry depicting the legendary Norman Conquest from the 11th century.You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Juno Beach Centre and Omaha Beach. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Pointe du Hoc and Airborne Museum. Explore Bayeux's surroundings by going to Sport Evasion Mont Saint Michel - Day Tours (in Le Val-Saint-Pere), Musee du Debarquement Utah Beach (in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont) and Mont-Saint-Michel (Mont Saint-Michel & Église Saint-Pierre - Le Mont-Saint-Michel). There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of Omaha Beach Memorial Museum, see the interesting displays at Musee du debarquement, explore the world behind art at Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedrale Notre-Dame.
To see other places to visit, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Bayeux attractions planner.
Drive from Nantes to Bayeux in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of flight and train. In March in Bayeux, expect temperatures between 52°F during the day and 38°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Fri) early enough to go by car to Paris.
Side Trips
Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Colleville-sur-Mer, Mont-Saint-Michel, Arromanches-les-Bains, Memorial de Caen
Find places to stay Mar 29 — Apr 2:
Highlights from your trip
Paris — 5 nights
©
City of Light
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.Kids will enjoy Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower. Discover out-of-the-way places like Île de la Cité and Atelier des Lumieres. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Paris: Disneyland Paris (in Marne-la-Vallee) and Versailles (The Hall of Mirrors, Palace of Versailles, &more). And it doesn't end there: explore the world behind art at Musee d'Orsay, wander the streets of Le Marais, pause for some serene contemplation at Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre, and get to know the fascinating history of Champs-Elysees.
To see ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Paris route planner.
Drive from Bayeux to Paris in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In April, daytime highs in Paris are 60°F, while nighttime lows are 42°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Wed) so you can travel to Chamonix.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 2 — 7:
Highlights from your trip
Chamonix — 2 nights
©
Alpine Capital of the World
Situated near the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and, most notably, the Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and known as the Alpine Capital of the World.Start off your visit on the 8th (Thu): take in panoramic vistas at Step Into the Void, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Aiguille du Midi, then glide through the air with a parasailing or paragliding tour, then take in the awesome beauty at Brevent Cable Car, and finally fly down the slopes at Sport 2000 Cham'Sport Aiguille du Midi. Here are some ideas for day two: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Aiguille des Grands Montets, see the interesting displays at Musee des Cristaux, then take in the awesome beauty at Tunnel du Mont-Blanc, then take in the awesome beauty at Vallee Blanche, and finally take in the awesome beauty at Glacier des Bossons.
For more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Chamonix trip itinerary site.
Getting from Paris to Chamonix by combination of flight and shuttle takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Fri) so you can drive to Macot-la-Plagne.
Find places to stay Apr 7 — 9:
Highlights from your trip
Macot-la-Plagne — 2 nights
©
On the 10th (Sat), get outside with snow panthers motoneige, fly down the slopes at La Plagne, see the winter wonderland with Oxygene Ski & Snowboard School La Plagne, fly down the slopes at Reflex Ski School, then fly down the slopes at Robino Sport - La Plagne Centre, and finally hit the slopes at Courchevel. Keep things going the next day: stroll through Evolution 2 Val d'Isere, head off-road at Oxygene Ski & Snowboard School Val d'Isere, then glide through natural beauty at SkiBro Technologies, then fly down the slopes at ESF Belle Plagne, and finally hit the slopes at Belle Plagne.
To see where to stay, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, read Macot-la-Plagne tour itinerary planner.
You can drive from Chamonix to Macot-la-Plagne in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In April in Macot-la-Plagne, expect temperatures between 68°F during the day and 44°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Val Thorens.
more
To see where to stay, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, read Macot-la-Plagne tour itinerary planner.
You can drive from Chamonix to Macot-la-Plagne in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In April in Macot-la-Plagne, expect temperatures between 68°F during the day and 44°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Val Thorens.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 9 — 11:
Highlights from your trip
Val Thorens — 2 nights
©
Val Thorens, located in the Tarentaise Valley, Savoie, French Alps, is the highest ski resort in Europe, at 2300 m altitude. On the 12th (Mon), fly down the slopes at Domaine Skiable de Val Thorens. Here are some ideas for day two: learn something new at Ski Cool, hit the slopes at Prosneige, tour the pleasant surroundings at Mini Clubs ESF, then fly down the slopes at St Martin de Belleville, and finally fly down the slopes at Elements Park.
For ratings, maps, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Val Thorens road trip planning app.
You can drive from Macot-la-Plagne to Val Thorens in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Macot-la-Plagne in April, expect nights in Val Thorens to be about the same, around 43°F, while days are a bit cooler, around 63°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Tue) early enough to travel to Carcassonne.
more
For ratings, maps, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Val Thorens road trip planning app.
You can drive from Macot-la-Plagne to Val Thorens in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Macot-la-Plagne in April, expect nights in Val Thorens to be about the same, around 43°F, while days are a bit cooler, around 63°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Tue) early enough to travel to Carcassonne.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 11 — 13:
Highlights from your trip
See timeline
Carcassonne — 1 night
©
Medieval Heart of France
Best known as a fortified town, Carcassonne is a walled city that provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the location for many scenes in Kevin Costner's movie "Robin Hood." For a daily dose of excitement, medieval jousting tournaments are held twice per day between the two walls--while this may sound like a typical touristy show, it's actually an entertaining display of combative competition and horsemanship.Start off your visit on the 14th (Wed): steep yourself in history at Chateaux de Lastours, steep yourself in history at Cathar Castles, step into the grandiose world of Chateau Comtal, then pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, and finally take a stroll through Cité de Carcassonne.
To see ratings, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Carcassonne trip planner.
Getting from Val Thorens to Carcassonne by car takes about 6 hours. Other options: do a combination of shuttle and flight; or drive; or take a train. April in Carcassonne sees daily highs of 65°F and lows of 46°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) so you can drive to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Apr 13 — 14:
Highlights from your trip
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer — 1 night
©
Engulfed in the Provençal culture, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer has many literary, artistic, and musical references from master artists due to its location where the Rhône meets the Mediterranean and as the pilgrimage destination for Romany people, sometimes called gypsies.Kick off your visit on the 15th (Thu): enjoy the sand and surf at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Beach, take in panoramic vistas at Notre Dame de la Mer - Église fortifiée, then trot along with a tour on horseback, then identify plant and animal life at Le Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau, and finally take a pleasant ride with Promenade a Cheval La Marisma.
To find traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer visit planning tool.
You can drive from Carcassonne to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In April in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, expect temperatures between 65°F during the day and 49°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Marseille.
Find places to stay Apr 14 — 15:
Highlights from your trip
Marseille — 3 nights
©
Gateway to Provence
The 2013 European "Capital of Culture," Marseille is the largest port city on the breezy Mediterranean coast and the second largest city in France.Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Vallon des Auffes and Chateau des Baux de Provence. Discover out-of-the-way places like Musee Departemental Arles Antique and Parc national des Calanques. Venture out of the city with trips to Avignon (Avignon Les Halles, Palais des Papes, &more), Roman Theatre of Orange (in Orange) and Carrieres des Lumieres (in Les Baux de Provence). There's still lots to do: get to know the resident critters at Parc Animalier de la Barben, take an in-depth tour of Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathédrale La Major, and explore the ancient world of Amphitheatre (les Arenes).
To see traveler tips, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, read Marseille travel route planner.
You can drive from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to Marseille in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In April, daily temperatures in Marseille can reach 67°F, while at night they dip to 48°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can drive to Nice.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 15 — 18:
Highlights from your trip
Nice — 5 nights
©
Nissa la Bella (Nice the Beautiful)
Well-known for the beautiful views of its famous Promenade des Anglais waterfront, Nice is an ethnically-diverse coastal port city on the French Riviera and the fifth most populated city in France.Discover out-of-the-way places like Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild and Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate. Kids will enjoy Lérins Islands and Le Suquet. Get out of town with these interesting Nice side-trips: Le Sentier du Littoral, Cap d'Antibes (in Antibes), Cannes (Île Sainte-Marguerite, La Croisette, &more) and Morgana Boutique (in Golfe-Juan Vallauris). Next up on the itinerary: see the interesting displays at Musée Marc Chagall, browse the exhibits of Palais Lascaris, admire the masterpieces at Musee d'Art Moderne Et d'Art Contemporain, and contemplate the long history of Place Garibaldi.
For where to stay, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Nice road trip planning site.
Traveling by car from Marseille to Nice takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 64°F in April, and nighttime lows around 52°F. On the 23rd (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.
Side Trips
Cannes, Le Sentier du Littoral, Cap d'Antibes, Morgana Boutique, Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild
Find places to stay Apr 18 — 23:
Highlights from your trip
France travel guide
France has been the world's most popular tourist destination for decades, and geographically, it is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Its cities are holiday hot spots and contain some of the greatest treasures in Europe, its countryside is prosperous and well tended, and it boasts dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris, the French Riviera, the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport resorts of the French Alps, as well as the castles of the Loire Valley, Brittany, and Normandy. The country is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly wines and cheeses, as well as its history, culture, and fashion industry.
You'll find that the French people are very polite and may react coldly to you if you forget this. You might be surprised as you're greeted by other customers and the proprieter when you walk into a restaurant or a shop. Be sure to take your sightseeing off the beaten path in France. Besides the famous Eiffel Tower and the chic resorts of the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera) you'll find many places to visit in the form of museums filled with fine art, crafts, and archaeological relics, wonderful medieval villages and castles, diverse national parks, and local shopping direct from artisans themselves.
Whether you're touring the Christmas Markets or going skiing during winter, viewing the springtime influx of color in Provence, sunbathing on the Mediterranean coast in the summer, or watching the fall foliage against the backdrop of the châteaux in the Loire Valley, you're sure to find just the right place to be. Spring is a time when the tourist attractions are just starting to expand their hours, but it may still be cold in the mountainous regions and the north. Summer is the busiest time in France with the longest hours for many museums and attractions, but it's often when you will experience the most crowds. Winter in France is filled with winter carnivals, Christmas Markets, and of course, skiing. Fall is a time to celebrate the release of Beaujolais nouveau wine in November, as well as experience Nuit Blanche, a day in October when major attractions, museums, galleries, parks, and swimming pools remain open all night.
