7-Day France Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day France tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffFrance travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Loire Valley Itinerary, incl. Blois and Angers

  The Loire Valley opens its doors from Blois to Angers, showcasing Chambord and Chenonceau châteaux. Six nights' accommodation, daily breakfast, and guided tours of Villandry's gardens and Vouvray's vineyards create a complete experience.

  

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  • Day 1

    Blois

    Start your Loire Valley adventure in Blois. Plan to arrive with enough time to see the Château Royal de Blois in the afternoon when it's less crowded. The group meets at 6 PM. Book your hotel in the historic center near Rue Denis Papin so you're close to everything you need.

    
  • Day 2

    Blois to Chambord Loop (40 km)

    Take the bike paths along the Loire River to Saint-Dye-sur-Loire. "The riverside paths are well-maintained and mostly flat - perfect for getting comfortable with your bike," according to a recent cyclist. Visit the impressive Château de Chambord in the afternoon. You'll want a light jacket since the castle stays cool inside, even in summer. Head back to Blois through quiet country roads.

    
  • Day 3

    Blois to Amboise (45 km)

    Ride to Château de Chenonceau, which spans across the Cher River. Take the guided tour in the morning to beat the crowds and heat. Bike through Amboise Forest on marked trails to Amboise. Plan to arrive late afternoon when it's quieter. The Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, is just a 10-minute bike ride from town.

    
  • Day 4

    Amboise to Villandry (50 km)

    Get an early start on the Loire River route to Vouvray's vineyards. Stop for a vineyard tour around 11 AM before the day heats up. Have lunch in Tours before continuing to Château de Villandry. A recent visitor noted: "The geometric gardens at Villandry are incredible - definitely worth timing your visit for late afternoon when the light is perfect for photos."

    
  • Day 5

    Villandry to Saumur (60 km)

    Your longest day of cycling, but the terrain stays mostly flat. Start early to see Château d'Ussé in the morning light. Take breaks at Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau. End your day with a river cruise in Saumur. Visit a wine cave after 5 PM when most tourists have left.

    
  • Day 6

    Saumur to Angers (40 km)

    Your final ride follows the Loire for 20 km before turning inland to Brissac-Quince. Visit France's tallest château before the 11 AM crowds arrive. Enjoy an easy downhill ride into Angers. Book your celebration dinner in advance since restaurants in the medieval center fill up quickly.

    
  • Day 7

    Angers

    Before departing, visit Angers' impressive castle complex. The medieval tapestry collection opens at 10 AM if you have time.

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• 7 Day Paris Itinerary, incl. Versailles and Montmartre

  Paris and Versailles unfold from Le Meridien Etoile base over 7 days. The itinerary features 3 included dinners, 5 breakfasts, and choices between Sacré-Coeur Basilica or Musée de Montmartre. See Louvre masterpieces, Seine cruises, and Versailles Palace.

  

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  • Day 1

    Travel Day

    When you land at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can take the RER B train into central Paris. It takes about 45 minutes. If you're tired after a long flight, book a shuttle service in advance. Paris traffic can be tough when you're dealing with jet lag. After checking into your hotel, take a short walk around your area to help adjust to the local time.

    
  • Day 2

    Central Paris Orientation

    Start by getting familiar with the Metro. It's the best way to get around Paris on your own. Pick up a Navigo Easy card at any station and get a weekly pass. Visit Le Marais around 10 AM when shops open. Visit Place des Vosges before lunch when it's less busy. Quick tip: Many Marais shops don't open Mondays, so plan accordingly.

    
  • Day 3

    Louvre & Seine

    Get to the Louvre right at 9 AM. Use the Carrousel du Louvre entrance underground to skip the main line at the pyramid. See the Mona Lisa first before the big crowds arrive. Later, take the Metro to Île de la Cité to check out Notre Dame's ongoing restoration. The viewing area is usually quieter around 3 PM. End your day with a Seine dinner cruise at 7:30 PM for great sunset views of the Eiffel Tower.

    
  • Day 4

    Versailles Palace

    Take the RER C to Versailles early morning. Catch a train after 8 AM to avoid rush hour crowds. Bring good walking shoes for the huge palace gardens. A recent visitor shared: "The Hall of Mirrors gets packed by 11 AM—do this room first, then head outside while others are still inside." Plan to return to Paris by 4 PM to avoid evening rush hour.

    
  • Day 5

    Montmartre Exploration

    Take the Metro to Abbesses for Montmartre. If you want to avoid the steep climb, use the funicular. Visit Sacré-Coeur Basilica when it opens at 6:30 AM for peaceful city views. The Musée de Montmartre is usually quiet after 2 PM. Skip the touristy Place du Tertre and explore Rue des Saules instead for a more authentic feel.

    
  • Day 6

    Free Day & Eiffel Tower

    Use the morning for what interests you. You could visit Monet's gardens at Giverny (take the earliest train) or shop on Rue du Commerce where locals go. Save the Eiffel Tower for dinner time. Book the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant well in advance and ask for a window table to see Paris at sunset.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    US flights usually leave between mid-morning and early afternoon. Give yourself 3 hours for getting to the airport and checking in. Morning traffic in Paris can be slow. If you have time, get one last croissant from a local bakery. Most open at 7 AM.

    

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• 7 Days in Southern France, incl. Toulouse and Carcassonne

  A southern route covers 240km from Toulouse to Sète, visiting 5 major cities. Toulouse's Capitol Square, UNESCO-listed Carcassonne, historic Homps port, and Béziers' nine-lock system lead to Mediterranean shores.

  

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  • Day 1

    Toulouse

    Get started in Toulouse with its distinctive pink brick buildings. Visit Place du Capitole and the beautiful Couvent des Jacobins with its palm-shaped vaulted ceiling. A good tip: Visit the Space Museum in late afternoon when it's less busy. The best photos of the city come around sunset along the Garonne River.

    
  • Day 2

    Toulouse to Castelnaudary (48km)

    Your first cycling day takes you through peaceful Lauragais countryside. The canal path is flat and easy to ride with interesting locks where you can watch boats pass through. Bring lots of water - even with some shaded areas the summer heat can hit 30°C (86°F). Once in Castelnaudary try the local cassoulet at Le Grand Café in Place de la République.

    
  • Day 3

    Castelnaudary to Carcassonne (40km)

    Begin at the impressive St-Roch lock for an easier day of riding. The path leads right to Carcassonne's UNESCO World Heritage fortress. Try to get there by early afternoon to beat the crowds. A useful tip: Leave your bike safely in the lower town since the old city's cobbled streets are too steep for cycling.

    
  • Day 4

    Carcassonne to Homps (45km)

    Today you'll ride through Minervois wine country. Start early to avoid the morning winds on exposed sections. The canal bridge at Orbiel makes a perfect photo and picnic spot. When you reach Homps most wine caves offer tastings - be sure to try the local Minervois reds.

    
  • Day 5

    Homps to Béziers (65km)

    This is your longest day but full of interesting stops. Check out the antique bookshop in Le Somail and see Europe's first canal tunnel at Malpas. You'll need some energy for the end - getting past the nine locks at Fonsérannes takes extra effort. If you want a more relaxed trip split this into two days.

  • Day 6

    Béziers to Sète (45km)

    Your final ride brings you to Mediterranean views. Look for the Onglous lighthouse where the canal meets Étang de Thau lagoon. Use the bike path into Sète since the port area gets busy with traffic. Reward yourself with a swim at Plage de la Corniche just minutes from town.

  • Day 7

    Departure from Sète

    Take a morning walk around Sète's canals in this "Venice of Languedoc." Trains to Toulouse or Paris run every hour but book ahead in summer.

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