7 Day France Itinerary: Paris and the South of France in 7 Days

Have you ever dreamt of strolling down cobblestone streets, savoring croissants in quaint cafés, and gazing upon world-famous landmarks? If you’re planning a 7 day trip to France, you are in the right place!

France is full of history, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. In fact, it has over 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites!! But with so much to see and do, planning a trip can feel overwhelming. In this post, I will cover exactly how to spend 7 days in France, including where to stay, how to get around, and a specific day-by-day itinerary.

As one of the most iconic and beloved destinations in the world, France captures the hearts of travelers from every corner of the globe. So, I promise you will love it! Now let’s dive into this 7 day France itinerary!!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you! 

The Ultimate 7 Day France Itinerary for First Timers: How to Spend One Week in Paris and the South of France

Itinerary Overview

Here’s a quick look at what’s in store in this 7 Day France itinerary!

Day 1: Hit the main sights in Paris
Day 2: Day trip outside Paris
Day 3: Explore Marais and Montmartre
Day 4: Travel from Paris to Marseille
Day 5: Explore Marseille & Provence
Day 6: Travel from Marseille to Nice
Day 7: Explore Nice & the French Riviera

How Many Days Do You Need in France? 

When planning a trip to France, the number of days you need depends on your interests and the regions you want to explore. I recommend at least seven days to really get a feel for French culture, which is what we will cover in this itinerary!

However, weekend adventures and long-term stays are great as well. Here are some different options to help you decide what is right for you!

Weekend Getaway (2-3 days): If you’re short on time, a weekend getaway is still enough to experience the highlights of a single city like Paris or Nice. Focus on visiting landmarks, sampling local cuisine, and soaking in the atmosphere.

City Break (4-5 days): For a more comprehensive city experience, plan a 4-5 day trip to explore one or two major cities like Paris, Lyon, or Marseille. This allows time for sightseeing, museum visits, and walks through charming neighborhoods.

One Week Adventure (7 days): With one week in France, you can explore multiple regions or explore a single area more deeply. Spend 2-3 days in Paris, then venture out to nearby destinations like the Loire Valley, Provence, or the French Riviera for a taste of the countryside or coastal charm. More on this later!

Two Weeks or More (14+ days): For a more extensive journey, consider spending two weeks or longer in France. This allows you to explore multiple regions in depth. You can visit famous landmarks, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the culture at a leisurely pace.

When is the Best Month to Visit France?

The best month to visit France is generally in the spring or fall. 

From April to June, the weather is mild, and the countryside bursts with colorful blooms, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Plus, there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy attractions with fewer crowds.

Similarly, the weather remains pleasant from September to October, and the landscapes are painted with autumn colors. It’s an ideal time to explore villages, vineyards, and sites without the summer crowds. 

Additionally, you may find lower prices on accommodations and flights during these seasons compared to the peak of summer!

How to Get Around France

Whether you choose to rent a car or go without, transportation around France couldn’t be easier. Getting around France is simple and convenient, thanks to its well-developed transportation system. Here’s a quick overview!

Train: France has an extensive train network operated by SNCF. The high-speed TGV trains connect major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux, making long-distance travel fast and efficient. Regional trains (TER) are also available for shorter journeys between towns and cities within a region.

Metro and Tram: In cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, you can use the metro and tram systems to navigate around the city. These systems are efficient, with frequent trains and easy-to-understand maps in French and English.

Bus: Buses are another option for getting around cities and towns, especially for reaching destinations not served by the metro or tram. In rural areas, buses may be the primary mode of transportation.

Car: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring France’s countryside and smaller towns. Major cities have well-maintained road networks, but traffic congestion can be an issue in urban areas.

Bicycle: Many cities in France have bike-sharing programs and dedicated bike lanes, making cycling a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. In rural areas, cycling through the countryside is a popular activity.

Walking: France’s cities and towns are pedestrian-friendly, with sidewalks and pedestrian zones. Walking is a great way to explore historical neighborhoods, villages, and the surrounding landscapes.

Detailed 7-Day France Itinerary For First Time Visitors

Now that we’ve covered all the basics about visiting France, it’s time to dive into the details of this 7 Day France itinerary! From the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-drenched beaches of the French Riviera, this itinerary will guide you on how to see the best of France in just one week.

Keep in mind you can do this itinerary in any order, but as most travelers will likely start in the capital of Paris, this itinerary will begin there as well. If you have round-trip tickets out of Paris, you’ll need to return to the capital at the end of the trip!

Or, book one way tickets so you can fly home directly from Nice!

Day 1: The Louvre, Notre Dame, and a Dinner Cruise

Begin your one week 7 Day France adventure in the City of Lights: Paris!

A lot of people say Paris is overrated, but I couldn’t disagree more. The city is magical and there is SO much to experience in it!

If it’s your first time in the City of Lights, make sure to check out my list of 10 things to know before visiting Paris for the first time!

Start off your first day by hitting one of the most famous museums in the world: the Louvre. Make sure to buy your ticket ahead of time to avoid the insane lines.

After, grab lunch and wander along the Seine towards the Notre Dame Cathedral! Experience the beautiful bridges of Paris like the Pont Alexandre III, Pont des Arts, and Pont Neuf. This is also a great place to enjoy different views of the Eiffel Tower.

In the afternoon, head over to the famous Champs d’Elysee for some shopping. Just before sunset, make your way to the TOP of the Arc de Triomphe for incredible views of Paris (buy your tickets in advance again!)

During your first evening in France, I highly recommend booking a dinner cruise along the Seine. This is one of the most magical ways to experience Paris!! You’ll get to see famous sites, watch the sunset along the river, and then see the Eiffel Tower light up the night sky.

Day 2: Day Trip Outside the City

Since you have 3 full days in Paris during this 7 day France itinerary, I highly recommend spending one of them (or at least a half day) getting outside of the city.

There are so many great day trips to choose from – below are just a few!

Just northwest of Paris lies the famous region of Normandy. Here, you can visit the small commune of Giverny, where Claude Monet lived and painted his famous water lilies. Spend the morning wandering through the blooms of his home and garden, if you are a fan!

Continuing further north from Giverny, you will find the famous Normandy beaches. where the largest sea invasion took place during World War II. This is a popular day trip from Paris, especially for Americans. It takes just over 2 hours to reach the beaches of Normandy by train.

One of the most popular options, however, is a day trip from Paris to Versailles. Located just 30 minutes away from Paris by train, the Palace of Versailles and its surrounding gardens and hamlets can fill an entire day. Make sure to purchase tickets in advance!

Last, consider a day trip to the famous Champagne region of France, which is less than an hour’s train ride away from the city center. Here, you can experience the cellars and vineyards of iconic champagne brands like Moet & Chandon or Veuve Cliquot.

No matter which day trip you choose, it’s important to know almost every region can be accessed via a private tour if you don’t want to navigate alone!

If you return back to the city with enough time, consider watching a burlesque show or experiencing the epic Paris nightlife. You can read more about the top things to do in Paris at night here!

Day 3: Marais, Montmartre, and the Eiffel Tower

On your last day in Paris, dive deeper into the culture with a visit to the Marais district. Here, you can explore the streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafés.

Then, head over to the artsy Montmartre district. The most popular thing to do in the area is visiting the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic views of the city. Spend your afternoon wandering through the beautiful, bohemian streets.

In the evening, it’s time to say goodbye to Paris in the best way possible, by watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle all night!

I highly recommend skipping a restaurant on your last night and having a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower instead. You can grab cheese, fruit, bread, and wine from a local store, bring a blanket, and find a spot on the Champs des Mars.

The Champs des Mars is a large public green space right in front of the Eiffel Tower where families, teenagers, and couples all congregate throughout the day.

I recommend arriving just before sunset! This will allow you to experience multiple views of the Eiffel Tower: first as the sun is setting, then at dusk, and of course in darkness! Starting at dusk, the Eiffel Tower will sparkle for 5 minutes on the hour, every hour.

It’s so fun to see this throughout different times of night. Keep in mind that in summer, the sun doesn’t set until 9pm or 10pm, so plan accordingly!

For more things to do in Paris, make sure to check out my 3 Day Paris Itinerary!

Where to stay in Paris

Hotel des Arts Montmartre: Located in the Montmartre district, this hotel offers affordable accommodation with easy access to attractions like Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Moulin Rouge. Rooms are cozy and comfortable, and the hotel’s friendly staff are happy to provide tips.

Novotel Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse: If you’re looking to be closer to the action without breaking the bank, this Novotel hotel near the Montparnasse train station is perfect! Located near the center of Paris, this hotel is within walking distance of the Jardin du Luxembourg and a short metro ride away from iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

Le Meurice: Situated in the heart of Paris overlooking the Tuileries Garden, Le Meurice is a luxurious 5-star hotel known for its décor and impeccable service. With stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, spacious rooms and suites, and Michelin-starred dining, this hotel offers an unforgettable experience.

Day 4: Paris to Marseille

Getting from Paris to Marseille

On day 4 of this 7 day France itinerary, you’ll be heading south to the Provence region of France! Specifically, you’ll be staying in the beautiful port-city of Marseille for 2 nights.

You have a few options for getting from Paris to Marseille! If you don’t want to rent a car, you can either take a direct flight or take a train!

AirFrance runs several direct flights from Paris to Marseille (MRS) every single day, both from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) and the larger Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Prices range from $75 to $200, depending on time of year, time of day, and when you book! The flight time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

If you do not want to fly, you can also take a train from Paris to Marseille. The most popular and fastest train option is the TGV, which stands for Train à grande vitesse (aka high-speed train).

There are several TGVs that run from Paris to Marseille daily. Costs range from $100-$200, and the journey should take about 3.5 hours if you book a direct train.

Explore Marseille

Once you arrive in Marseille, check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the Vieux Port and getting acquainted with the area. Marseille is actually the oldest city in France, as it was founded in 600 BC as the Greek colony of Massalia!

Where to stay in Marseille

Hotel Escale Oceania Marseille Vieux Port: Located near the Vieux Port in Marseille, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location for exploring the city’s attractions. With affordable rates and friendly service, it’s a great option for travelers looking to experience Marseille on a budget.

InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu: Situated in a historic building overlooking the Old Port, the InterContinental Marseille offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the perfect choice for travelers seeking a high-end experience!

Day 5: Explore Marseille & Provence Region

Today, spend time continuing to explore the beauty of Marseille and the Provence region of France. You can choose to stay in town, as there is plenty to do in Marseille to fill your day.

For example, you can visit the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, which sits atop a hill overlooking the city and offers awesome views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Or, wander through the markets of the Noailles district, sampling local delicacies like pastis and bouillabaisse. Then, end your day with a leisurely walk along the Corniche Kennedy for sunset.

If you want to get outside the city and enjoy a bit of nature, another great option when visiting Marseille is to take a trip to Parc National des Calanques (Calanques National Park).

Calanques is French for rocky “inlet” or “cove“, and this area is famous for its massive calanques.

There are several ways to experience Calanques National Park, whether it be hiking, kayaking, or a boat tour! There are tons of options on GetYourGuide with pick up in Marseille, so you can choose the tour that fits your interests.

Another option is to visit the famous Gorges du Verdon, Europe’s largest canyon. Although this area is a bit further away from Marseille, it offers similar, stunning landscapes and water-based activities.

Check out this post from my friend Caity for everything you need to know about visiting Gorges du Verdon!

Also, if you are visiting the area in June or July, this is the best time to see the lavender fields in full bloom!

Day 6: Nice & the French Riviera

Today, you will start the last leg of this 7 Day France itinerary and make your way to the heart of the French Riviera.

This itinerary has you basing yourself in the beautiful town of Nice. However, you can also stay in nearby Cannes or St. Tropez! All three of these towns offer incredible beaches, nightlife, and ports, all with their own unique flair.

You can reach each of these towns by train from Marseille. To get to Nice specifically, the journey costs as low as 25 euros if you book in advance. There are both high-speed TGV trains and slower regional TER trains.

In general, the journey from Marseille to Nice should take between 2.5 to 3 hours. It also happens to be a beautiful train ride!

I recommend grabbing an early train so you can maximize your time in Nice! If you have a full day, head straight to the beach when you arrive!

Take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais along the seaside. This is the perfect place to get a feel for the beauty of Nice.

If you have extra time, you can climb up to the top of the Nice Castle Hill (Colline du Château), which offers incredible views of the city.

In the evening, head to Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice) and explore the area. Grab dinner at one of the adorable restaurants with an outdoor patio!

For more information on Nice, including the best places to stay, make sure to check out my
3 Day Nice itinerary!

Day 7: Nice and Surrounding Areas

On the final day of this 7 Day France itinerary, take it easy and explore nearby attractions around Nice! One of the most popular things to do is visit the medieval village of Eze.

Eze is perched high on a cliff overlooking the sea and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. You can spend your whole morning here getting lost in the cobblestone streets.

In the afternoon, head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for a picturesque lunch in the harbor. Or, you can hit the beach in the nearby, picturesque town of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Once evening rolls around, make your way back to Nice and dine al fresco at a waterfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood and local wines. This is the perfect way to spend your last evening in France!

FAQs on Visiting France 

If you still have questions about visiting France for 7 days, this list of FAQs should help cover anything I missed above!

Final Thoughts

While exploring every inch of France in just 7 days is impossible, this one week France itinerary is a great start to your adventure!

Whether you’re sipping wine in a vineyard in Provence, admiring the glittering lights of Paris from the Eiffel Tower, or lounging on the shores of the French Riviera, France has everything you could ever imagine!

If you choose to extend your stay, be sure to check out other popular destinations like Bordeaux, The Loire Valley, or Strasbourg. Or, you can add another country to your list by taking a day trip from Nice to Monaco!

No matter which region you choose to visit or how long you stay, you’ll quickly understand why France is one of the most visited countries in the world!

I hope this 7 Day France itinerary has given you a head start in planning your ultimate France vacation!

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!