A Spring Trip Through France: Paris to Provence to Riviera | France Travel Guide

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France Travel Guide: Exploring Cities, Countryside Charm, and the Mediterranean Coast

France had been on my travel list for years, and after finally spending a week exploring the country, I can see why so many people dream of visiting. What I loved most about this trip was getting to experience three completely different sides of France in one journey.

We started in Paris, spending our days wandering beautiful streets, stopping at cafés, and checking off some of the city's most iconic sights. From there, we headed to Provence, where life felt slower and every village seemed more charming than the last. Think colorful markets, stone buildings, vineyard views, and the kind of places you can't help but photograph around every corner.

We wrapped up the trip on the French Riviera, where sunny beach days, coastal walks, and sparkling Mediterranean views made for the perfect ending. From city life to countryside villages to seaside escapes, this itinerary gave us a little taste of everything that makes France so special.

Here are some of the highlights from our trip and the experiences I would recommend adding to your own France travel guide and itinerary!

Paris

Admittedly, Paris really deserves at least 3 to 4 days, but in typical Hannah fashion, I packed as much as possible into our short stay. It definitely made for a whirlwind adventure and a more tiring vacation than usual, but I was determined to see all the things on my Paris bucket list.

Looking back, I don't regret a single thing. If anything, I wish I had found a way to squeeze in even more!

Bread festival

One of the highlights of our visit happened completely by chance: the annual Bread Festival was taking place during our stay. Since it was located right in front of Notre Dame, it was an easy addition to our itinerary.

The festival featured a massive tent filled with bakers selling fresh breads, pastries, and other French specialties. There were also live demonstrations where visitors could watch bakers at work. For anyone who loves bread as much as I do, it was impossible not to stop by.

Notre Dame & Sainte-Chapelle

Unfortunately, the line to enter Notre Dame was incredibly long, so we admired the cathedral from the square instead and snapped a few photos before moving on. While I would have loved to go inside, the exterior alone is impressive, especially now that restoration efforts have brought so much life back to the landmark.

From there, we walked over to Sainte-Chapelle, a beautiful chapel famous for its massive stained-glass windows. The colorful glass stretches almost from floor to ceiling and completely transforms the space when the light shines through. Even after seeing photos beforehand, I was still blown away when I stepped inside.

Tuileries Garden

The Tuileries Garden offered a peaceful break from the busy city streets. We visited while waiting for our timed entry to the Musée d'Orsay and spent some time wandering the paths and relaxing by the fountains.

It's easy to see why locals and visitors alike love spending time here. With its tree-lined walkways, green lawns, and iconic green chairs scattered throughout the park, it feels like the perfect place to slow down and soak up the Paris atmosphere.

Musée d'Orsay

Paris is filled with world-class museums, but the Musée d'Orsay was the one I was most excited to visit. Housed inside a beautifully restored former train station, the building itself is worth seeing.

The museum is especially famous for its Impressionist collection, featuring works by artists like Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Even if you're not a huge art person, it's hard not to appreciate seeing so many iconic paintings in one place.

Eiffel Tower

No first trip to Paris would feel complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Rather than visiting during the day, we chose to experience it in the evening and watched as the tower gradually lit up while the sky transitioned from daylight to dusk.

Seeing it sparkle against the evening sky felt every bit as magical as I'd imagined. I honestly didn't have particularly high expectations because I assumed it might feel like a tourist trap, but it completely exceeded them. It's far more impressive in person than any photo can capture. The sheer scale, intricate ironwork, and incredible level of detail make it feel truly grand, especially when illuminated at night.

Dinner at a Traditional French Restaurant

At Auberge Bressane, we enjoyed a classic French dinner that felt like the perfect way to end the day. We started with escargot, followed by coq au vin, and finished with an incredible soufflé that honestly made me question whether I could ever recreate it at home. A quick search confirmed what I already suspected. It is far more complicated than it looks, and definitely not something I will be mastering anytime soon.

The escargot was a pleasant surprise. It reminded me of mussels, which I already love, so I ended up enjoying it much more than I expected.

Food Tour in Le Marais

One of our favorite experiences in Paris was a three-hour food tour through Le Marais. It was a fantastic way to learn more about French food culture while sampling a variety of local specialties.

We started at a traditional boulangerie for fresh pastries before stopping at a fromagerie to pick up an assortment of French cheeses.

Lunch featured a classic croque monsieur, a warm, toasted sandwich filled with ham and cheese and topped with rich béchamel sauce. It's a must-try while in France and makes the perfect grab and go lunch, as you can find it at many boulangeries throughout the country.

From there, we explored the historic Jewish Quarter, stopping for falafel before ending the tour with macarons and a light, airy meringue dessert. It was the perfect introduction to both the neighborhood and Paris's incredible food scene.

I always recommend doing a food tour when you travel, since it’s such a great way to learn history and culture, meet fellow travelers, and get local recommendations you might not find on your own. Not to mention, you get fed along the way, so it’s a pretty efficient use of time.

Exploring Montmartre

If you're looking for the Paris you picture in your head, Montmartre is probably it. The neighborhood feels a world away from the grand boulevards and busy tourist attractions, with winding cobblestone streets, charming cafés, small boutiques, and artists around every corner.

spent time browsing local shops, including a ceramic store where I picked up an espresso cup and an art shop where I found a bookmark to bring home. Around Place du Tertre, artists filled the square, sketching portraits and selling paintings that added to the neighborhood’s creative energy. I didn’t get one done myself, but there were plenty of artists drawing portraits in real time, which was fun to watch and would make for a really unique souvenir.

The hilltop location at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica also offers beautiful panoramic views over Paris, stretching across the city’s rooftops all the way to landmarks in the distance.

Arc de Triomphe

We climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for one of the best views in Paris. From the observation deck, you can see the Eiffel Tower in one direction and the city's famous avenues, Champs-Élysées, stretching out below.

We tried to time our visit for sunset, but since we were visiting in late spring, the sun didn't set until surprisingly late. Even so, the views were incredible and well worth the climb.

Take some time to watch the traffic circle at the Arc de Triomphe. It is fascinating to see this multi-lane rotary where, surprisingly, cars seem to weave in and out without collisions. It looks chaotic at first, but there is a strange rhythm to it that somehow works. Wouldn’t it be wild to drive through that yourself?

Provence

Getting from Paris to Avignon was easy by train and took about three hours. I really wanted to experience the Provence region after seeing so many photos of lavender fields, colorful markets, and slower countryside living. It felt like the perfect contrast to the energy of Paris.

Avignon

We based ourselves in Avignon for this part of the trip, which made it easy to explore the surrounding region by train. While we did rent a car to visit some of the smaller villages, I would not necessarily recommend it unless you are very comfortable driving in Europe. The roads, signage, and driving patterns are quite different, and parking can also be tricky and expensive. In hindsight, a guided tour would have been much more stress free.

That said, I really loved Avignon itself. It had a great mix of restaurants, shops, and beautiful streets, and it was a lovely place to come back to each evening.

Rocher des Doms Gardens, Avignon

One of the highlights in Avignon was the Rocher des Doms Gardens, located just above the Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace), the city’s most iconic landmark. The gardens sit on a hilltop and offer incredible panoramic views over the city and the Rhône River. It is absolutely worth a visit and easy to walk to from the center.

Another important landmark visible from the gardens is the Pont d'Avignon, the famous bridge you can see in the photo below. Built in the 12th century, the bridge once crossed the entire Rhône River but was repeatedly damaged by floods over the centuries. Today, only four arches remain, creating one of Avignon's most iconic and photographed sights.

Dinner at Numero 75, Avignon

One of the best meals of the entire trip was at Numero 75 in Avignon at a seasonal, chalkboard-style restaurant where the menu changes daily based on what is fresh and available. I started with asparagus, followed by pork with a honey sauce, and finished with an orange cheesecake for dessert.

Everything felt simple, seasonal, and perfectly executed. It was also a great reminder to step just a little off the main squares and follow where the locals are eating instead of sticking to the more tourist-heavy spots.

Pont du Gard

A must-see in the region is the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct that is incredibly well preserved. It is one of those places that feels even more impressive in person, especially when you see the scale of it stretching across the landscape.

There are walking trails along the river that give you different viewpoints of the bridge, and you can even cool off with a swim in the water below. We saw people jumping in from the rocks and others kayaking through the river, which looked like such a fun way to experience it.

Arles

Arles was one of the most interesting stops in Provence, especially for its connection to Vincent van Gogh. We visited several spots where he painted some of his most famous works, walking through recognizable scenes from his time in the city.

The modern Luma Arles building was a surprising highlight. You can explore quite a bit for free, including the viewpoint at the top of the tower, and even take a spiral slide down, which definitely brings out your inner child.

The Roman amphitheater was another impressive reminder of Arles' long history, standing right in the middle of town and still hosting events today. We climbed to the top of one of the towers, which offered beautiful views over the city’s rooftops.

Lunch at Le Criquet, Arles

Lunch at Le Criquet was unforgettable, especially the seafood soup, which was easily one of my favorite meals of the trip (okay, there were a lot of favorite meals). It came with a little ritual on the side: bread, garlic, garlic butter, and cheese. You rub the garlic onto the bread, spread on the butter and cheese, and then place it into the soup like a little floating boat. It was simple, interactive, and so good.

Roussillon and Gordes

I loved visiting the villages of Roussillon and Gordes. We were able to get there easily with our rental car, though parking is limited so it’s best to arrive early. There are also tours that visit both villages, since they are such popular stops in the region.

Roussillon in particular felt almost surreal, with its striking red ochre cliffs and sandy trails that reminded me of parts of Utah. Even the village buildings blend into the landscape with their warm ochre tones, giving the whole place a cohesive, almost painted look that feels incredibly unique and picturesque.

We happened to visit on market day, which ended up being my favorite market of the entire trip. It felt more artisanal and handmade, and I found myself picking up small pieces of artwork, a cat drawing, and some glass jewelry. I also had to stop myself from buying even more ceramics.

We didn’t spend much time in Gordes, but even a quick stop was worth it for the classic viewpoint of the medieval village perched on the hill. It is one of those places that looks exactly like the photos, maybe even better in person.

Abbaye de Sénanque, Gordes

Even though it was a bit early for the lavender fields to be in full bloom, visiting the Abbaye de Sénanque was still beautiful. The setting alone, surrounded by rolling countryside, made it one of the most peaceful stops in Provence. The abbey itself is nestled in a small valley where you can tour the grounds and browse the gift shop, which offers plenty of lavender products.

French Riveria

From Provence, we made our way down to the French Riviera, which looks deceptively close on a map but is actually about a three-hour drive or train ride depending on your route. It’s one of those stretches where you realize how much variety France packs into a relatively short distance.

After the slower pace of villages and countryside, arriving on the coast felt like a complete shift in energy. The Riviera is all about sunshine, turquoise water, and that classic seaside glamour you imagine when you think of the South of France.

Nice

We based ourselves in Nice for the remainder of the trip, staying near the train station which made it an easy launch point for exploring nearby coastal towns and villages.

Beaches & Seaside Promenade in Nice

A must-do in Nice is spending time along the coastline, walking the seaside promenade and taking in the views of the Mediterranean. One evening, we had dinner at Le Galet right on the beach, which was the perfect way to end a warm Riviera day.

There’s also a great viewpoint where you can see the curve of the coastline and the beach stretching out along the city. There is supposedly an elevator, but it was out of service when we visited, so be prepared for a lot of stairs. It is worth it in the end, though, and you’ll definitely earn your dinner.

Èze Village and Jardin Exotique d’Èze

One of the standout stops on the Riviera is Èze Village, perched high above the coast. We made the hike down from the village to Èze itself, which took about 45 to 60 minutes. I would not necessarily recommend it. It is mostly steep, uneven steps and, for the effort involved, it did not feel like there was quite enough payoff since you already get those incredible views from the village itself.

What is absolutely worth it, though, is the Jardin Exotique d’Èze. I always love a good garden, and this one is especially memorable. It sits dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, with winding paths and panoramic views that feel like pure French Riviera.

Fragonard Perfume Factory

We also visited the Fragonard Perfume Factory, which offers a free tour explaining the history and process behind French perfume making. I learned that becoming a perfumer is serious business. It involves years of training and a highly disciplined lifestyle, including avoiding things like smoking, drinking, and even spicy foods to protect your sense of smell.

Of course, I left with souvenirs. I picked up a set of small perfume bottles in beautiful gold packaging, which felt like the perfect keepsake from France.

Lunch in Èze Village at Le Cactus

We grabbed lunch in the village at Le Cactus and ordered a Niçoise salad, which honestly felt like exactly what I needed at that point in the trip. After all the pastries and rich meals, some fresh vegetables were very welcome.

Monaco / Monte Carlo

Monaco is just a quick train ride from Nice, and it is a no-brainer to check out since it’s such an easy day trip. There is no passport control, so you can quite literally hop into another country for the day.

We visited the Prince’s Palace, where you can explore the grand rooms with an audio guide and learn more about the royal history of Monaco.

We also stopped by the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, which is exactly as iconic as you would expect. There were plenty of luxury cars parked out front, like Lamborghinis, and you cannot actually enter the casino without a passport and a dress code.

One of my favorite surprises was the Japanese Garden, which felt like such an unexpected contrast to the surrounding modern city and skyline. It is small but beautifully designed and very peaceful.

Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer

I originally planned far too much for one day in Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer, so we had to narrow it down to the highlights. In Antibes, we walked part of the coastal trail along Sentier du Littoral, which offered stunning sea views.

In Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, we visited the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. It’s this beautiful pink villa surrounded by multiple different gardens, each one with its own vibe, from the Provençal, woodsy-style garden to the cactus-filled tropical one, to a rose garden lined with rows of blooms.

Everything feels incredibly picture perfect, especially with the sea in the background peeking through as you wander around. It’s the kind of place where you don’t really rush, you just kind of wander and take it all in.

Afterwards, we were a bit hot, and since Saint-Jean is known for its beaches, we decided to take a dip at Plage de Passable. It ended up being one of the most relaxing moments of the trip. The water felt refreshing and not too cold even in May, and the views of Villefranche-sur-Mer across the bay were beautiful.

We ended the day and the entire trip with a final dinner in Villefranche-sur-Mer at Les Garçons. I had fish with a berry pavlova for dessert, while my husband ordered the seven-hour slow-cooked beef, which felt like the most French way to end the journey.

General Tips for Traveling in France

French cuisine

Food is such a central part of French culture, and experiencing it is a huge part of the trip itself. Beyond the big-name restaurants, I highly recommend looking at Michelin Guide recommendations rather than focusing only on starred restaurants. Some of our best meals were simple, local spots that were featured in the guide.

Timing of meals is different

Meal timing in France is a bit different than what many Americans are used to. Lunch is typically served around 12 to 2 pm, and dinner usually starts around 7 pm and can run later in the evening. Many restaurants close in between service, especially outside of major cities, so it helps to plan your meals around these windows rather than expecting all-day dining.

Reservations matter (a lot)

France is not super “walk in and hope for the best,” especially in Paris and Nice for popular restaurants, museums, and even some gardens in peak season. Booking timed entries and dinners ahead saves a lot of stress and wasted time.

Public transportation

Public transportation in France is excellent, especially the train system. Definitely take advantage of it and get the appropriate travel card if needed. It makes getting around incredibly easy and honestly made me a little envious compared to how limited public transit can feel in the States.

Greetings and language

Greeting people is a big part of daily life in France and can feel like a bit of a culture shift, especially coming from New England where we tend to keep to ourselves. Always say “bonjour” when entering shops or cafés. Most people we interacted with were bilingual and would often ask “parlez-vous français?” If you do not speak French, a simple “no, sorry” is completely fine and they will usually switch to English right away.

Don’t overpack your itinerary

This is especially true for Provence and the Riviera. Distances look small on a map, but villages, transport, and lingering in places all take longer than expected. Building in downtime actually makes the trip better.