France in 7 Days: An Itinerary From India

Seven days in France is ideal for four nights in Paris, including Versailles and a day trip to the Loire châteaux or Normandy, followed by three nights in Provence or on the French Riviera, reached by TGV. Alternatively, pair five nights in Switzerland with two in Paris for a classic two-country trip. Book timed entries for major sights, and keep each day to one or two highlights.

France rewards those who look beyond Paris, but trying to see Paris, Normandy, the Loire and the Riviera in a week means too much time on trains. This itinerary covers a realistic route, explains what to cut and offers variations for families, couples and travellers with parents.

The route at a glance

Days 1–4: Paris and Versailles

Arrive in Paris and walk along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower, which sparkles on the hour after dark. On day two, visit the Louvre early, walk through the Tuileries to Notre-Dame, now reopened after restoration, and explore the Latin Quarter before an evening Seine cruise. Spend day three at the Palace of Versailles and its gardens. On day four, take a guided day trip to the Loire Valley's châteaux, such as Chambord and Chenonceau, or stay in Paris for the Musée d'Orsay and the hilltop streets of Montmartre.

Days 5–7: Provence

Take the TGV to Avignon and visit the Palais des Papes. On day six, explore the hilltop villages of the Luberon, such as Gordes and Roussillon, and, from late June to July, the lavender fields around Valensole or the Sénanque Abbey. On day seven, visit the Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard or the Roman arena at Arles before flying home from Marseille or returning to Paris.

Variation: the French Riviera

Swap Provence for three nights in Nice: the Promenade des Anglais, the old town, the hilltop village of Èze and a day in Monaco or Cannes. The TGV takes around five and a half hours, so flying from Paris to Nice saves time.

Variation: Paris and Switzerland

Many Indian travellers combine Paris with Switzerland: five nights in the Swiss Alps and two in Paris, linked by the TGV Lyria. Our Switzerland and Paris trip follows this shape, and Paris, Amsterdam and Switzerland adds the Netherlands. See our Switzerland itinerary.

Where to stay

Getting there and around

Paris Charles de Gaulle has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The TGV links Paris with Avignon, Marseille and Nice. In Provence, a car or a private driver is best for reaching villages. In Paris, the metro is extensive; use taxis for older travellers, as many stations have stairs.

Food along the route

Enjoy croissants and crêpes, cheese boards, ratatouille and quiches. Paris has many vegetarian and Indian restaurants around Gare du Nord, and Provençal markets are perfect for picnics. Ask about meat stock and gelatine if you are strict.

Why this order works

Paris has the most flight connections from India, so starting there makes sense. Provence or the Riviera provides a slower, sunnier finish. Keep one evening in Paris unscheduled for a café terrace and a walk by the river.

Before you book

Decide early whether you want Provence, the Riviera or Switzerland as your second region, as this shapes your flights and Schengen visa application. Book Paris timed entries and TGV trains as soon as your dates are fixed, especially for May to September, and check museum closing days against your plan.

If it rains

Paris is full of indoor treasures: the Musée d'Orsay, the Orangerie's water lilies, the covered passages near the Grands Boulevards and the Galeries Lafayette dome. In Provence, Avignon's Palais des Papes and Arles' museums offer shelter.

In Paris, start each day early at the most popular sights, and leave the late afternoon for a café terrace and a walk along the Seine as the city lights up. The Eiffel Tower sparkles for a few minutes on the hour after dark.

In Provence, markets are held on different days in different villages; ask your hotel for the local market calendar and plan a morning around one.

What to cut if you are short on time

• Five days: Paris (4) with Versailles.
• Do not add: Normandy, the Loire and the Riviera all in one week.

Variations for families and parents

Families can add a day at Disneyland Paris. For older parents, use taxis, book skip-the-line tours and plan afternoon rests.

For couples and honeymooners

Couples can add a sunset Seine dinner cruise, a lavender-season stay in the Luberon or a Riviera hotel with sea views.

Timing this route

May, June and September are ideal; late June to July for lavender. See our month-by-month France guide.

Budget levers

• Book TGV trains early for saver fares.
• Consider a museum pass if you will visit many sights in Paris.
• Choose set lunch menus over dinner à la carte.
• Stay near a metro line rather than right beside the Eiffel Tower.

With an extra day

Add Mont-Saint-Michel with an overnight stay nearby, or Giverny for Monet's gardens, best from April to October. Families might add a full day at Disneyland Paris.

Practical tips

• Start your Schengen visa on the official France-Visas website.
• Greet shopkeepers with "Bonjour".
• Watch for pickpockets around major sights.

For the full planning overview, see our France trip planning guide. With one named planner and WhatsApp support throughout, your trains, timed entries and hotels are arranged.

Your questions, answered

Is 7 days enough for France?

Seven days is enough for Paris with Versailles and a day trip, plus one region such as Provence or the Riviera. Many Indian travellers instead combine Paris with Switzerland.

How long is the train from Paris to Provence?

The TGV takes roughly two and a half to three hours from Paris to Avignon, and about five and a half hours to Nice. Book in advance for the best fares.

Can I do Mont-Saint-Michel as a day trip from Paris?

Yes, but it is a long day, roughly four hours each way by road or train and bus. An overnight stay nearby makes the visit much more relaxed.

Should I visit Disneyland Paris with children?

Yes, if your children are of the right age. It is about 45 minutes from central Paris by train, and a full day is ideal. Book tickets in advance.