How to Plan a Fantastic 9 Day France Itinerary
LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 24, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: MARCH 2023 + APRIL 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 16 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Wondering how to explore France for the first time without taking a month-long sabbatical?
Taking a week of PTO corresponds with 9 days of travel, which is why 9 days in France is one of the most common itinerary lengths for first-time travelers looking to visit the capital and have enough time for the Côte d'Azur. With a host of day trips just outside both Paris and Nice, you can go from cosmopolitan charm to provincial life in less time than it takes to finish a flaky croissant.
I've guided countless friends through this exact itinerary, and they're always amazed at how much you can pack in without feeling rushed. From admiring Impressionist art in the Musée d'Orsay to gambling in the luxurious Monte Carlo Casino, this carefully curated 9-day France first-timer explorations hits all the highlights while leaving room for those spontaneous moments that make travel to a new place unforgettable.
9 Day France Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a brief overview of the detailed France 9 day itinerary exploring the capital and French Riviera you’ll find below:
Days 1, 3, 5, and 9: Paris
Day 2: Champagne (Reims & Épernay)
Day 4: Versailles
Days 6 and 8: Nice
Day 7: Monte Carlo
Day 1: Land in Paris - Your Journey Begins!
LEARN MORE WITH A DETAILED TRAVEL GUIDE: 3 Days in Paris Itinerary
Assuming you’re traveling from another country to France by air, you’re best suited to fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport. While this isn’t the closest airport to Paris, it is the main international airport servicing the capital. For the French Riviera segment of this itinerary you’ll use the Orly Airport as well, which is much closer to the city!
Flying east across the Atlantic Ocean from the Americas will have you touching down in Paris around the early morning. Hit the ground running this first day to beat jet lag.
There isn’t an entirely optimal way to travel through Paris. Walking or hopping on Vélib bike rentals is generally the most pleasant, but in a sprawling city with twenty arrondissements this transit method won’t always cut it.
Slightly more efficient taxi routes encounter dense traffic within the city center and are astronomically more expensive than public transit. Plus the maneuvers pulled through narrow cobblestone streets are quite nerve-wracking to watch. Hail a cab off the street or call one via the FreeNow app to see total fare and duration up front.
The underground metro for inter-city transit and regional trains for day trips are undoubtedly the most economical way to get around. However, there’s sometimes no convenient tap-to-pay method for quickly hopping onto the subway. Instead, print a physical ticket from a kiosk before proceeding, which adds time to your commute if there’s a queue or the machine is responding slowly.
Take the RER B train from Charles de Gaulle Airport to reach the city center in less than an hour. This express line was under repair when I visited, so I took a cab with a flat rate of €53 for right bank destinations and €58 for the left bank. “Bank” in this context refers to which side of the river Seine you’re traveling to.
Once you’ve checked in and dropped off luggage, head to the Latin Quarter for an artistically inspired morning. Your first stop is the Musée d'Orsay, an Impressionist art museum in a former Beaux-Arts train station with pieces imagined by the likes of Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.
Feast your eyes on the soft pastel strokes and wavering lines of 19th century French paintings, sculptures, and photography. The grand clock face windows are another imaginative element providing a unique perspective overlooking the city.
Create your own art down the street at Officine Universelle Buly 1803. Designed like a blended apothecary and perfumery, personalize refined offerings with initial engravings on heritage beauty products like brushes, combs, and balms.
Head to yet another portal through time during lunch at Café de Flore, an art deco intellectual hub since its establishment in the 1880s. Writers of the “lost generation” gathered here with the likes of Ernest Hemingway to produce their seminal works.
While this historic lunch spot oozes with nostalgic charm, it maintains modern appeal as one of the Parisian cafés famous for serving up hot chocolate! Unlike Angelina’s thick version of this Paris speciality, Café de Flore offers a lighter variety for those who don’t want to be overpowered by sickly sweet cocoa.
Two must-see landmarks are nearby on Île de la Cité, including Sainte-Chapelle and the Notre-Dame. The former is a 13th century royal chapel built by King Louis IX to symbolize the divine right of the French monarchy. The other medieval Catholic cathedral is more notable given Victor Hugo's 1831 novel of the same name, today serving as the seat of the Archbishop of Paris rather than the home of a hunchback!
Both sites offer ticketed entry, or simply admire the masterful Gothic architecture of each façade. Either way, stop by Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II when passing between these two churches. This romantic open-air market contains flowers, plants, quirky crafts, and even live birds on Sundays within the many vibrant greenhouses.
Notice green bookseller stands as you stroll along the Seine. These 900 bouquinistes are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rare printed materials for sale, although a proper bookstore experience is offered just across the way at historic Shakespeare and Company. The same “lost generation” writers from Café de Flore once curled up in the cozy corners here to enjoy a good read.
To hold yourself over before dinner and taste the best ice cream in Paris, continue to Berthillon on the isle next door. Frozen sweet treats and pastries are served dine-in or to-go inside the two neighboring tea rooms of this famous sweet treat shop.
For dinner, travel to the 18th arrondissement for cheesy fondue at the infamous Le Refuge des Fondus, a cult-favorite set menu with timed seatings in the heart of Montmartre.
It’s so compact that diners have to climb over the table to get into seats against the graffiti-covered walls. This logistical issue spilled many wine glasses over the years, which today means each beverage of choice is served in baby bottles instead!
Day 2: Paris - Champagne Day Trip
LEARN MORE WITH A DETAILED TRAVEL GUIDE: Champagne Day Trip From Paris
Spend your second day in France outside the city in the provincial Champagne region. This bubbly day trip entails a 50 minute commute from Gare de l’Est to the towns of Reims and Épernay, home to the world’s most famous champagne maisons.
The only area legally allowed to produce sparkling wine, this land of fertile terroir delights with a rich history of winemaking perfected over centuries past. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and tour cellars and chalky crayères.
Veuve Clicquot is the most famous producer in Reims and Moët & Chandon is the most renowned in Épernay. Nevertheless, both sites offer a host of houses with a 40 minute TER train ride connecting the two towns.
If you’d rather spend a half-day embarking on tasting tours, stick to Reims which is closer to Paris and a proper city much larger than the commune of Éperna. Local landmarks include the Porte de Mars, Cathedral, and Cryptoportique.
While any of these immersive experiences will delight, the €35 Brut Yellow tasting tour was quite compelling, introducing the feminine history, inventive craftsmanship, and lasting legacy of Veuve Clicquot’s classic flagship label.
If carbonation isn’t your cup of tea, head to the home of red wine in Bordeaux instead. This more distant appellation does require a full day to complete the journey there and back, but offers rolling vineyards and home-grown glasses as a reward.
Day 3: Paris - 1st Arrondissement Favorites
Begin your third day at Angelina digging into delicate pastries like a millefeuille, chocolate eclair, or the house-favorite Mont-Blanc. A Belle Époque institution, decades of confectionery expertise have cemented Angelina as an unmissable sweet tooth satisfier in Paris.
Coincidentally, this is another famous hot chocolate purveyor with an unchanged secret recipe served since the 1903 founding. Three African beans are perfectly blended to balance the bitter and fruity notes, resulting in a thick creamy cocoa.
Down the street is the iconic glass pyramid of the Musée du Louvre, home to the one and only Mona Lisa. After descending into the center of the museum, the many exhibits sprawl outwards in three wings which could take a whole day to peruse.
For a first visit, focus on the Denon wing. Roman antiquities and European sculptures from the likes of Michelangelo live on the ground floor, while the halls above are filled with exquisite paintings—including Miss Mona Lisa. The dazzling French Crown Jewels are protected within this same wing.
Pass through the underground Carrousel du Louvre on the way out, which includes a Ladurée location. The unofficial experts of this challenging French pastry sandwiching crumbly shells around a cream filling, a Paris trip would be incomplete without at least one perfectly prepared macaron.
Exit directly onto the Jardin des Tuileries, a formal garden containing meticulously manicured lawns and elegant tree-lined avenues. Originally created for residing French monarchs, take a seat in the publicly available chairs around the seasonal flower beds and water features.
Walking through the garden leads directly down Avenue des Champs-Élysées, ‘the world’s most beautiful avenue’. Familiar designers line the commercial row, including the Louis Vuitton flagship store. Pop into the Galeries Lafayette for four floors of luxurious shopping and high-quality global brands.
At the end of the avenue find the Arc de Triomphe, honoring those who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Climb 284 steps to the top for a panoramic view of Paris, a free experience for those under 26.
Wind down with a relaxing river cruise passing the must-see monuments and museums in Paris— some of which you’ve already been inside! Bateaux Mouches is the leading provider of Seine cruises, with options for all including one-hour commentated tours, lunch on the water, or a romantic dinner.
For dinner, indulge in fine dining with a set menu tasting recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide, which is a French company itself! Le Christine in the 6th arrondissement is a cozy haunt for bon vivants, serving thoughtful French cuisine created from well-sourced harvests in a reasonable €69 five-course menu. Mediterranean Mavrommatis in the 5th is a more expensive splurge with a single star, offering a five act discovery menu for €110 in an understated lair.
Day 4: Paris - Versailles Day Trip
Spend another day outside the city at the famous French castle, the Palace of Versailles. Depart from Gare Montparnasse to reach Versailles-Chantiers via a TER train in a quick 13 minutes.
This gargantuan castle served as the primary royal residence under King Louis XIV until the French Revolution in 1789. Inside, explore lavish rooms like the Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed to experience the opulent grandeur of the absolute monarchy.
Grab food inside the palace before heading out to the gardens. Grand Café d’Orléans is one of two walk-in options, with quick sandwiches and pre-made desserts to be purchased at the counter. Otherwise, another Angelina location offers a more proper sit down meal. Contemporary French café Ore’s €80 set lunch menu must be reserved in advance.
Outside, the Gardens of Versailles and adjacent royal Park encompass 800 hectares of vast and varied garden landscape. Geometric layouts, manicured lawns, and parterres create a sense of French formal garden order split by the Grand Canal. Walk, zip by on an electric golf cart, bike, or row a boat down the water to explore.
Ride the little train for €9 to reach the Estate of Trianon, comprising two main palaces, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet. This personal glimpse into the lives of French royalty preserves the contrast between public duty and private leisure.
Pink marble Grand Trianon was Louis XIV’s private residence, a retreat from the formalities of court life. Today it houses rotating historic exhibits like Napoleon Bonaparte’s commissioned imperial silks, as he also retired here during his reign.
The Petit Trianon was most famously associated with Queen Marie Antoinette, transforming it into a secluded haven where she could indulge in simpler pleasures. The more intimate design reflects Marie Antoinette’s tastes, with light, airy rooms and naturalistic English gardens surrounding the property.
North is the Queen’s Hamlet, a model rustic village and farm built around an artificial lake. This idyllic setting allowed Antoinette and her friends to cosplay as the peasants they ruled over, imagining a quaint life free from the royal responsibilities required by formal court.
After returning to the city, dine at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte to taste the most famous steak and frites in Paris! This sophisticated bistro owes its reputation to a single menu: walnut salad followed by tender sirloin steak seasoned and golden thin-cut fries on the side. With no reservations accepted, expect to wait in line.
Day 5: Paris - Art in Montmartre
Kickstart the morning with a sweet treat from the most emblematic pastry chef of his generation. Break into the laminated layers of a buttery croissant or a photorealistic fruit dessert at Cédric Grolet Opéra, the chef’s first bakery-pastry shop.
Switch gears and head north to Montmartre, the bohemian 18th arrondissement of Paris. Begin at Sacré-Cœur, an elevated Romano-Byzantine church surrounded by railings adorned with thousands of love locks. Entry is free of charge, or simply admire panoramic views of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
In the center of town, Place du Tertre is home to older artisans crafting their next work while displaying a repertoire of masterpieces for sale. Once home to greats like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec, this creative heritage lives on through characters like the infamous accordionist who plays with his loyal cat perched atop the instrument!
Explore the Musée de Montmartre which preserves the history of this artistic community, Espace Dalí dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí, or catch a show at Moulin Rouge.
Look no further than La Maison Rose for a meal, as this quaint pink maisonette with green shutters has been a local fixture since the early 20th century. Notable artists from the area commonly depict its charming facade in their paintings and photographs, while today the local café serves up hearty seasonal specialities from a reasonable €35 two-course lunch menu.
Head back to the city center before dusk to catch the most splendid Parisian tradition of all!
It wouldn’t be right to leave before seeing the city’s most iconic landmark sparkle, so head to the Eiffel Tower Gardens after dinner. Specifically seek out the gardens, since the designated Eiffel Tower area involves waiting in line to pass through a security checkpoint.
The sparkling light show automatically begins 10 minutes after the sky darkens, usually around sunset. This golden, twinkling spectacle lasts for 5 minutes and repeats every hour from sundown until 1:00 AM.
Day 6: Paris to Nice - Oceanside Exploration
LEARN MORE WITH A DETAILED TRAVEL GUIDE: 2 Days in Nice Itinerary
Begin day 6 bright and early flying to Nice from Orly Airport. Located just south of the city center, this closer, more convenient regional airport offers 1 hour 25 minute direct flights from Paris.
After touching down and checking in, stroll down Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice’s main shopping street with breezy coastal boutiques and luxury department stores. The avenue ends at Place Masséna, the main square in town with an abundance of red ochre buildings reflecting historical connections with Italy.
A “Fountain of the Sun” statue is the prominent feature of this checkered major pedestrian area, showcasing a likeness of the Greek god Apollo. The Albert 1st Gardens sit to the right, one of the oldest green spaces in the city with art installations and a delightful carousel.
Continue this scenic stroll with an oceanside walk down Promenade des Anglais to the hillside outcrop overlooking the Bay of Angels, Old Town, and the Port of Nice. Colline du Château is home to castle ruins plus ancient Roman and medieval settlements, while in modern times the viewpoint offers an iconic scene over the city.
The hill is not just a historic site; it’s also a beautiful park. Well-maintained pathways, lush gardens, and a man-made waterfall make it a pleasant urban oasis. A friendly photographer is often stationed taking free vintage camera shots, complete with a complimentary mock newspaper printout fashioned with your portrait as the header!
Head down to Port Lympia, once a gateway of commerce now home to an abundance of maritime activities with distinctive Genoese-style buildings flanking the harbor. Lunch is at Chez Pipo, a local institution famous for serving the best socca in town. This crispy yet soft pancake made of chickpea flour is a true Niçoise tradition.
In Old Nice discover Place Rossetti, the central pedestrian square with an impressive Baroque cathedral dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Nestled amongst these unassuming streets is Palais Lascaris, showcasing rare artworks, antiques, and an impressive collection of over 500 ancient musical instruments.
A trip to Nice wouldn’t be complete without dinner at Le Plongeoir. Arguably the most famous landmark in town, this iconic spot sits precariously over the crashing waves below on an outcropping of rock affixed with three high-dive boards.
While the diving boards are for show rather than jumping into the blue-green water below, this charming theme grants the restaurant its namesake. The view is as spectacular in person, and seats near the edge especially convey the sense that you’re dining above the serene sea.
Follow dinner with a sweet treat back in town from Amorino Gelato. Combining the best of both worlds into one ultimate dessert, gelato macarons are the speciality here served in a grandioso size three times bigger than a regular macaron.
Day 7: Monte Carlo - Monaco Day Trip
LEARN MORE WITH A DETAILED TRAVEL GUIDE: Monaco Day Trip From Nice
Take a high-speed day trip from Nice to the most luxurious street circuit by hopping on the train at Nice-Ville. Twenty minutes later, and without having to deal with passport control, arrive in an entirely different country: Monaco!
Exit the station then walk the long route down Avenue de la Quarantaine around the harbor bend to the Prince's Palace. Along the way pass the Monaco Open Air Cinema and Musée Océanographique de Monaco, which could be worthwhile to explore if you have time to spare in the evening.
Originally as a Genoese fortress, the official residence of the Prince of Monaco has housed the ruling Grimaldi family since 1297. The palace hosts ceremonial events including receptions, state occasions, and the changing of the guard every day at 11:55 AM.
Exit around the left side of the souvenir shop to find stunning views of the Port of Fontvieille, and a free public restroom if needed. Admire the view before heading back up the path on the way to lunch.
Dine at Le Petit Bar Monaco, an unassuming French bistro serving decidedly homemade food with carefully plated meals reminiscent of fine dining. Fresh seasonal produce is combined in an ever-changing menu written daily on a chalkboard.
Take the winding route back down into town, looping around with panoramic views of Port Hercules at every turn. The only deep-water port in Monaco, this harbor hosts some of the world's most luxurious yachts, attracting the global elite as a gateway to the principality.
Explore the quaint commercial streets of the nearby Port Quarter, then walk the Monaco Grand Prix race track down Boulevard Albert 1er and around the opposite side of the harbor. Along the way traverse the most iconic section of the circuit, given the Fairmont Hairpin is the tightest turn in all of Formula 1 racing.
Just down the road is the Princess Grace Japanese Garden, a tribute to Grace Kelly embodying her love of natural beauty. One of the many internationally-inspired green spaces in Monaco, the Little Africa Gardens and Casino Gardens are additional urban landscapes with foliage native to other continents.
Window shop around designer stores in Carré d’Or—the Golden Square—known globally as a premiere shopping destination. Even without dropping thousands, it’s interesting to see the unique pieces in prestigious commercial centers like the Metropole Shopping Monte Carlo.
After inspecting these outrageously expensive offerings, the €17 entry fee to the Casino de Monte-Carlo won’t seem so bad! Arguably the most iconic landmark in Monaco, this casino is only for tourists—locals are banned from gambling lest they run into their neighbor dealing and cut a deal!
Head across the plaza to Café de Paris Monte-Carlo for dinner. A Parisian brasserie on Mediterranean soil, this establishment has been frequented by celebrities, artists, Monegasques, and visitors for over 150 years.
At the end of the night, conclude this Monaco day trip and train back to Nice-Ville.
Day 8: Nice - Markets & Making Perfume
Spend your last morning in Nice crafting custom perfume at Molinard. Learn how master mixologists combine different bases, fragrances, and essential oils to make sweet-smelling concoctions before putting your skills to the test—then take your personalized scent home in a travel-sized vial!
Down the road is the vibrant Cours Saleya Flower Market, a long-running market perfect for basking in the beauty of quaint striped stalls filled with bouquets of colorful flowers. In addition to regional flora like lavender from Provence, discover local produce and food trucks selling their wares alongside French artisans.
Continue the opposite way down Promenade des Anglais until you spot the pink dome of the famous Le Negresco. This historic luxury hotel was designed to attract affluent clientele with an extensive 6,000-piece art collection spanning 5 centuries.
Inside is carousel-themed La Rotonde serving up fine French cuisine paired with a welcoming ambiance with a touch of lavish glamour. This chic expression of the French Riviera is an institution close to the heart of Nice residents.
Next door is the Villa Masséna Musée, an architectural jewel showcasing French Riviera history from the annexation of Nice to France through the Belle Époque. Scenography—or the design of theatrical scenery—is extensively employed combining graphic arts, furniture, and objects from the period.
Assuming you’re visiting during a bout of warm weather, cap off your second day with a quintessential afternoon beach experience at Plage Beau Rivage. While these are not the white sandy beaches characteristic of the Caribbean, smooth pebble stones comprising the ground are easily enjoyed while lounging on a relaxing daybed.
Spend the last few hours of daylight exploring one more striking cultural landmark hidden within the outskirts of town. Contrasting with the predominantly Western European architecture in the region, Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas is a Russian Orthodox cathedral renowned for its rich ornamental style.
Day 9: Nice to Paris - Head Home
At long last, it’s time to return to Paris and fly home. Plan to depart from Nice in the evening the day before and stay at accommodations near Charles de Gaulle like the Moxy Paris CDG, or accomplish this same 40 minute commute from Orly in the morning.
How Much Does a 9 Day Trip to France Cost?
Following the above 9 days in France itinerary cost me $2,264.12 overall as a young 20-something, omitting flight costs. While this is no chump change, I found my overall expenses to be quite reasonable for a 9 day trip considering everything we accomplished.
I spent significantly the most in Paris at $1,239.40, which can be largely chalked up to the expensive souvenirs I purchased at the Galeries Lafayette. Two days in Nice cost me $685.73, with our accommodations being the largest expense by far and, you guessed it, more souvenirs. The Champagne day trip was only $233.82 including two tasting tours, and the few hours I spent in Monaco only cost me $105.17.
Many of the artistically inclined activities across France like museums and galleries are quite reasonably priced, with entry fees never exceeding $20. When traveling on a budget, I would recommend prioritizing those experiences rather than indulging in the tantalizing shopping scene Paris is known for. Cutting out the set menu course meals suggested above would help as well.
Is 9 Days in France Enough?
Well, no time abroad is ever enough, 9 days is a great starting point in France to explore the capital and surrounding highlights plus experience the French Riviera as a first-timer. Plus, you’ve visited another country with Monaco in the mix! From the posh patisseries of Paris to the coastal charm of Nice, this itinerary delivers the perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural exploration.
If you’re taking PTO to embark on this journey, squeeze 9 days of travel out of a week off by departing Friday night and returning the next Sunday.
While this travel maximalist itinerary is packed with highlights, it's flexible enough to adapt to your interests and energy levels. Whether you're a food connoisseur seeking the flakiest croissant or a nature enthusiast chasing the turquoise water of the Côte d'Azur, France’s many highlights make it easy to modify this plan to curate your own perfect adventure.
✺ TRAVEL TOOLS ✺
Paris Customized Map (Google Maps)
Champagne Customized Map (Google Maps)
Nice Customized Map (Google Maps)
Monaco Customized Map (Google Maps)
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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