3-Week France Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week France tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffFrance travel expert at TourRadar

• 20 Days in France & England, incl. Paris and London

  The magic of France spans 13 cities over 20 days from Nice to Paris. Two nights in Nice, Arles's Roman amphitheater, Avignon's Papal Palace, Lyon's medieval quarter, and Normandy's beaches await, with luxury river cruising and daily guided excursions.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    French Riviera:

    Start your journey in Nice, the heart of the French Riviera. Walk through Vieux Nice with its beautiful baroque buildings from the 1700s. Visit the local markets at Cours Saleya before 9 AM to beat the crowds and get the best selection of fresh produce and flowers.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Arles & River Cruise:

    Head to Arles to start your river cruise. Visit the Roman Amphitheater and explore the places that inspired Van Gogh. The light is best for photos between 4-5 PM. You can even take a painting class to experience the city like Van Gogh did.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Avignon & Viviers:

    See the Palace of the Popes in Avignon and walk the medieval city walls. Visit Viviers and its hilltop Cathedral. A recent visitor shared: "The steep walk to Viviers Cathedral is worth it for the sunset views over the Rhône Valley, but bring sturdy shoes for the cobblestone streets."

    
  • Days 7-9

    Rhône Valley:

    Stop in medieval Tournon before sailing to Lyon, France's food capital. Discover the Old Town's secret passageways and try local dishes in traditional bouchons. Visit the Mâconnais region to taste Chardonnay at a medieval castle.

    
  • Days 10-13

    Seine River & Normandy:

    Take a fast train to Paris for your second cruise. Visit Monet's gardens in Giverny or Château Gaillard. Plan a full day for the D-Day beaches in Normandy, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery.

    
  • Days 14-16

    Upper Seine to Paris:

    Visit Rouen's Gothic cathedral and Joan of Arc sites. Choose between Van Gogh's last home in Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon's Château de Malmaison. In Paris, take an early morning walk along the Seine before 8 AM when it's peaceful and quiet.

    
  • Days 17-20

    London:

    Take the 2.5-hour Eurostar to London. Visit Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral. Book London Eye tickets for evening rides to avoid long lines and see the sunset. Use your free time to visit Windsor Castle or watch a show in the West End.

    

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• 18 Days in England & France, incl. London and Paris

  18-day French immersion covering 7 cities from Paris's Notre-Dame to Bordeaux's wine region. Visit UNESCO sites including Strasbourg Cathedral and Lyon's Old Town. Includes daily breakfast, train travel, and guided experiences.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    London, England

    Plan for an afternoon arrival to avoid heavy morning traffic. Take the hop-on-hop-off bus tour with two main options: the Red Route for major landmarks from Belgravia to Tower Bridge and the Blue Route for Notting Hill and Kensington areas. Take the included Thames River cruise in late afternoon for the best lighting. A heads up: London pubs often close earlier than expected so check closing times for evening drinks.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Paris

    The Eurostar train to Paris takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Visit the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement early morning or evening to avoid massive crowds and get better photos. The Seine river cruise offers great views of major monuments with audio guides available in 14 languages. Look for a hidden gem: the mini Statue of Liberty on Swan Island that faces toward New York.

    
  • Day 5

    Strasbourg

    Take the fast train from Paris (2 hours 20 minutes). The city blends French and German culture in its architecture and food. Watch the astronomical clock performance at the cathedral at 12:30 PM. The half-timbered houses in Petite France look their best in early morning light.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Dijon

    A 2-hour train ride through French countryside brings you to Dijon. Book ahead for the Philippe Le Bon Tower - it only allows 18 visitors at a time but offers incredible city views. Look for hidden owl sculptures throughout the historic center. As one reviewer said: "The mustard museum seems touristy but is actually fascinating - don't skip the tasting room."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Lyon

    The train from Dijon takes 2 hours. Explore the traboules (hidden passages) in the old town by looking for bronze plaques marking public entrances. Take the funicular up to Fourvière Basilica instead of walking. One regular visitor suggests: "The best local restaurants (bouchons) are away from the main squares - follow the locals during lunch hour."

    
  • Days 10-11

    Nice

    The 5.5-hour train ride rewards you with beautiful views. Walk the Promenade des Anglais early morning or at sunset to avoid intense midday heat. Visit Cours Saleya market before 1 PM when selection and atmosphere are best.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Toulouse

    After a 6-hour train ride, you'll reach the "Pink City." The Japanese Garden provides a quiet break from sightseeing. Book Airbus factory tours well in advance. The pink buildings look most beautiful just before sunset.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Bordeaux

    A 2-hour train brings you to wine country. Visit the Water Mirror fountain early morning or late afternoon for the best photos with smaller crowds. Book wine château tours ahead of time.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Tours

    The Loire Valley hub is 2.5 hours by train. Visit Place Plumereau in early evening when the cafes buzz with activity. A previous visitor shares: "The Compagnonnage Museum seemed random but ended up being a highlight - amazing craftsmanship displays."

    
  • Day 18

    Return to Paris

    The final 1-hour train ride. Leave Tours in the afternoon to avoid Paris morning rush hour.

    

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• Normandy & Gems of the Seine & Beautiful Bordeaux 2026 - 21 Days

  

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  • Bordeaux France

    17 mi

  • Libourne France

    27 mi

  • Cussac-Fort-Médoc France

    38 mi

  • Cadillac France

    18 mi

  • Bordeaux France

    14 mi

  • Bourg France

    7 mi

  • Blaye France

    20 mi
  • Show 5 more

  • Bordeaux France

    310 mi

  • Paris France

    49 mi

  • Les Andelys France

    19 mi

  • Rouen France

    39 mi

  • Honfleur France

    23 mi

  • Caudebec-en-Caux France

    45 mi

  • Vernon France

    6 mi

  • La Roche-Guyon France

    21 mi

  • Conflans-Sainte-Honorine France

    15 mi

  • Paris France

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