Start: Washington DC
Fly to Zurich, Train to Colmar
1
Colmar
— 2 nights
Fly
2
Nice
— 4 nights
Drive
3
Marseille
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Arles
— 2 nights
Drive
5
Carcassonne
— 1 night
Train
6
Lyon
— 3 nights
Drive
7
Blois
— 3 nights
Drive
8
Saint-Malo
— 2 nights
Drive
9
Bayeux
— 3 nights
Drive
10
Amiens
— 2 nights
Drive
11
Paris
— 5 nights
Fly
End: Washington DC
Tue, Nov 24 - Wed, Dec 23
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See full calendar
Colmar
— 2 nights
©
Little Venice
Situated along the Alsatian Wine Route, Colmar is renowned for its German and French culture, well-preserved old town, numerous architectural landmarks, and its museums.Start off your visit on the 25th (Wed): get engrossed in the history at Musée d'Unterlinden, make a trip to Old Town, then explore the historical opulence of Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, and finally make a trip to Vieille Ville. On the 26th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: make a trip to Vieille ville d'Eguisheim, then examine the collection at Cite de l'Automobile, then look for all kinds of wild species at La Volerie des Aigles, and finally examine the collection at Musee du Jouet.
To find other places to visit, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Colmar trip itinerary app.
Washington DC, USA to Colmar is an approximately 14.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also do a combination of flight, shuttle, and train; or fly. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central European Standard Time (CET) is 6 hours. Traveling from Washington DC in November, you will find days in Colmar are a bit cooler (51°F), and nights are about the same (38°F). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) so you can travel to Nice.
Things to do in Colmar
Side Trips
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, Vieille Ville, Cite de l'Automobile, Vieille ville d'Eguisheim, La Volerie des Aigles
Find places to stay Nov 24 — 26:
Highlights from your trip
Nice
— 4 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.Explore hidden gems such as Tourrettes-sur-Loup and Saint-Paul de Vence. Attractions like Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate and Musée Marc Chagall make great kid-friendly stops. Venture out of the city with trips to Cannes (Le Suquet & Rue d'Antibes) and Easy Dive (in Juan-les-Pins). Next up on the itinerary: take a stroll through Vieille Ville, take some stellar pictures from Colline du Chateau overlook, don't miss a visit to Place Massena, and steep yourself in history at Place Garibaldi.
To see other places to visit, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read our Nice route planner.
Getting from Colmar to Nice by flight takes about 4 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. In November, Nice is somewhat warmer than Colmar - with highs of 63°F and lows of 50°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can go by car to Marseille.
Things to do in Nice
Side Trips
Find places to stay Nov 26 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
Marseille
— 2 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.Kick off your visit on the 1st (Tue): stop by The Panier, take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, take a leisurely stroll along Le Vieux Port, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathédrale La Major, then get to know the fascinating history of Vallon des Auffes, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Abbaye Saint Victor. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate the long history of Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence, take a stroll through Cours Mirabeau, then admire the masterpieces at Hotel de Caumont - Art Centre, and finally admire the masterpieces at Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations.
For more things to do, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Marseille trip planner.
Getting from Nice to Marseille by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. In November in Marseille, expect temperatures between 61°F during the day and 46°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Wed) early enough to go by car to Arles.
Things to do in Marseille
Side Trip
Find places to stay Nov 30 — Dec 2:
Highlights from your trip
Arles
— 2 nights
©
Soul of Provence
Remote, uneventful, but definitely not a waste of time, Arles is absolutely steeped in Provençal culture.Start off your visit on the 3rd (Thu): take in the spiritual surroundings of Eglise St-Trophime, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St-Trophime Cloister (Cloitre St-Trophime), admire the masterpieces at Musee Departemental Arles Antique, then delve into the distant past at Amphitheatre (les Arenes), then take in the spiritual surroundings of Abbaye de Montmajour, and finally admire the striking features of Chateau des Baux de Provence. On your second day here, identify plant and animal life at Le Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau, take in panoramic vistas at Notre Dame de la Mer - Église fortifiée, then head outdoors with Promenade a Cheval La Marisma, then admire the striking features of Tours et Remparts d'Aigues-Mortes, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Espiguette Beach.
To find maps, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Arles road trip app.
You can drive from Marseille to Arles in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. While traveling from Marseille, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Arles, ranging from highs of 51°F to lows of 39°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) so you can go by car to Carcassonne.
Things to do in Arles
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 2 — 4:
Highlights from your trip
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.Kick off your visit on the 5th (Sat): take in the views from Le Pont Vieux (The Old Bridge), step into the grandiose world of Chateaux de Lastours, step into the grandiose world of Chateau Comtal, then steep yourself in history at Cathar Castles, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, and finally take a stroll through Cité de Carcassonne.
For reviews, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, use the Carcassonne trip planning tool.
Drive from Arles to Carcassonne in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Carcassonne are 52°F, while nighttime lows are 38°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) early enough to take a train to Lyon.
Things to do in Carcassonne
Side Trip
Find places to stay Dec 4 — 5:
Highlights from your trip
Lyon
— 3 nights
©
Culinary Capital of France
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.Attractions like Musee Miniature et Cinema and Safari de Peaugres make great kid-friendly stops. Discover out-of-the-way places like Institut & Musee Lumiere and Cite medievale de Perouges. There's much more to do: take a stroll through The Presqu'ile, get to know the fascinating history of Fourviere Hill, explore the ancient world of Théâtre gallo-romain, and browse the different shops at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.
To see traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Lyon day trip planning tool.
Traveling by train from Carcassonne to Lyon takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly. While traveling from Carcassonne, expect a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Lyon, ranging from highs of 47°F to lows of 34°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Tue) so you can drive to Blois.
Things to do in Lyon
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 5 — 8:
Highlights from your trip
Blois
— 3 nights
Town of Art and History
Situated on the banks of the lower Loire river, Blois opens doors to many activities centered along the banks of the river.Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Chateau de Valencay and Chateau Royal de Blois. Explore hidden gems such as Chateau de Cheverny and Cathedrale Saint-Gatien. Venture out of the city with trips to Chateau de Langeais (in Langeais), Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau (in Azay-le-Rideau) and Musee du Compagnonnage (in Tours). Next up on the itinerary: take in nature's colorful creations at Chateau de Villandry, contemplate the long history of Fontevraud L'Abbaye Royale, and step into the grandiose world of Chateau Royal d'Amboise.
For ratings and more tourist information, read Blois road trip planning site.
Getting from Lyon to Blois by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or do a combination of flight and train. December in Blois sees daily highs of 47°F and lows of 35°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Saint-Malo.
Things to do in Blois
Side Trips
Tours, Chateau de Cheverny, Fontevraud L'Abbaye Royale, Chateau de Langeais, Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau
Find places to stay Dec 8 — 11:
Highlights from your trip
Saint-Malo
— 2 nights
©
Once the feared base of pirates and heavily fortified against Norman attacks, today's coastal Saint-Malo is one of the top tourist draws.On the 12th (Sat), appreciate the extensive heritage of Promenade du Clair de Lune, visit a coastal fixture at Cap Fréhel, then admire the striking features of Mont Saint-Michel, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Église Saint-Pierre - Le Mont-Saint-Michel. On the 13th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: walk around Parc du Thabor, enjoy breathtaking views from Les Remparts de Dinan, appreciate the extensive heritage of Pointe du Grouin, then make a trip to Les Remparts de Saint-Malo, then enjoy the sand and surf at Plage du Sillon, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Saint-Malo Cathedral.
For photos, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Saint-Malo trip itinerary maker app.
Traveling by car from Blois to Saint-Malo takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Blois in December, Saint-Malo is a bit warmer at night with lows of 41°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) so you can drive to Bayeux.
Things to do in Saint-Malo
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 11 — 13:
Highlights from your trip
Bayeux
— 3 nights
©
Most travelers take a trip to Bayeux to see the famed tapestry depicting the legendary Norman Conquest from the 11th century.Step off the beaten path and head to Memorial de Caen and Cimetiere Militaire Allemand de La Cambe. You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Cathedrale Notre-Dame and Omaha Beach. Explore Bayeux's surroundings by going to Musee du Debarquement Utah Beach (in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont) and Airborne Museum (in Sainte-Mere-Eglise). And it doesn't end there: examine the collection at Musee du debarquement, learn about all things military at Batterie Allemande de Longues-Sure-Mer, take an in-depth tour of Omaha Beach Memorial Museum, and explore the world behind art at Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux.
For reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Bayeux trip planning site.
Drive from Saint-Malo to Bayeux in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In December, daily temperatures in Bayeux can reach 50°F, while at night they dip to 39°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Wed) early enough to drive to Amiens.
Things to do in Bayeux
Side Trips
Arromanches-les-Bains, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Musee du Debarquement Utah Beach, Airborne Museum, Memorial de Caen
Find places to stay Dec 13 — 16:
Highlights from your trip
Amiens
— 2 nights
©
City of Canals
Lovers of literature will adore Amiens as the hometown of author Jules Verne, along with the Somme canal linked to the Canal du Nord that runs through the town to the English Channel.On the 17th (Thu), examine the collection at Train a Vapeur du Beauvaisis, pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedrale Saint-Pierre, explore the world behind art at Musee de Picardie, get engrossed in the history at Maison de Jules Verne, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens, and finally visit St-Leu. On your second day here, stroll the grounds of Australian National Memorial, pause for some photo ops at Thiepval Memorial, then examine the collection at Musee Somme 1916, then contemplate the long history of Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, and finally brush up on your military savvy at Carriere Wellington.
Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Amiens trip simple and quick.
Traveling by car from Bayeux to Amiens takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In December, daytime highs in Amiens are 47°F, while nighttime lows are 38°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Paris.
Things to do in Amiens
Side Trips
Musee Somme 1916, Train a Vapeur du Beauvaisis, Australian National Memorial, Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, Carriere Wellington
Find places to stay Dec 16 — 18:
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.You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Musee d'Orsay and Eiffel Tower. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Chateau de Fontainebleau and Île de la Cité. Go for a jaunt from Paris to Versailles to see Palace of Versailles about 48 minutes away. There's still lots to do: admire the landmark architecture of Arc de Triomphe, get a taste of the local shopping with Le Marais, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre, and ponder the world of politics at Hotel de Ville.
You can plan Paris trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.
Drive from Amiens to Paris in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In December, daytime highs in Paris are 47°F, while nighttime lows are 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Wed) so you can travel back home.
Things to do in Paris
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 18 — 23:
Highlights from your trip
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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.
