The route at a glance
How long to stay in each city and how to get between them. Fares are typical one-way prices per person.
- 1ColmarDays 1–3Train · 27m · from €6Train times and fares
- 2StrasbourgDays 4–6Train · 1h 43m · from €49Train times and fares
- 3ParisDays 7–9Train · 1h 49m · from €24Train times and fares
- 4LyonDays 10–11Bus · 4h 30m · from €14Bus times and fares
- 5NiceDays 12–14
Days 1–3
Colmar
Colmar is a fairy-tale Alsatian town with half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and a blend of French and German cultures. This charming town inspired Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" village, offering world-class wines, cozy winstubs, and enchanting Christmas markets. Its "Little Venice" quarter is pure magic.
- Little Venice
- Maison Pfister
- Unterlinden Museum
- Wine Route Tours
- Christmas Markets
- Old Town Stroll
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €504 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€168 a day).
Days 4–6
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is where France meets Germany, a charming city of half-timbered houses, winding canals, and one of Europe's finest Gothic cathedrals. Home to the European Parliament, this UNESCO World Heritage city offers the famous Petite France quarter and legendary Christmas markets.
- Strasbourg Cathedral
- Petite France
- European Parliament
- Christmas Markets
- Boat Tours on Ill River
- Alsatian Food & Wine
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €504 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€168 a day).
Days 7–9
Paris
The City of Light enchants millions with its timeless elegance, world-renowned museums, iconic landmarks, and unparalleled culinary scene. Paris seamlessly blends historic grandeur with modern sophistication, offering romantic strolls along the Seine and unforgettable cultural experiences.
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Champs-Élysées
- Montmartre
- Palace of Versailles
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €681 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€227 a day).
Days 10–11
Lyon
Lyon is France's gastronomic capital, where two rivers meet and centuries of culinary tradition thrive. Beyond world-famous bouchons, discover Renaissance old town, Roman theaters, and cutting-edge contemporary art.
- Vieux Lyon
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
- Traboules
- Place Bellecour
- Roman Theaters
- Musée des Confluences
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €336 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€168 a day).
Days 12–14
Nice
Nice is the jewel of the French Riviera, where Mediterranean glamour meets Belle Époque elegance. This sunny city offers pebble beaches, vibrant markets, world-class art museums, and the quintessential Côte d'Azur lifestyle.
- Promenade des Anglais
- Old Town (Vieux Nice)
- Castle Hill
- Cours Saleya Market
- Matisse Museum
- Monaco Day Trip
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €504 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€168 a day).
Travel times and fares come from Omio and hotel prices from Traveloka; both change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
More France itineraries
France itinerary: FAQ
How many days do you need in France?+
14 days is enough for Colmar, Strasbourg, Paris, Lyon and Nice: 3 days in Colmar, 3 days in Strasbourg, 3 days in Paris, 2 days in Lyon, 3 days in Nice. With 7 and 10 days you can follow our 7-day and 10-day route instead.
What is the best way to travel around France?+
On this route every leg works by train and bus. Colmar to Strasbourg takes about 0h 27m from €6; Strasbourg to Paris takes about 1h 43m from €49; Paris to Lyon takes about 1h 49m from €24; Lyon to Nice takes about 4h 30m from €14. Total time on the move is about 8h 29m.
How much does a 14-day trip to France cost?+
Plan on about €1,078 per person on a budget or €2,529 mid-range for accommodation, food and sightseeing, plus around €93 for the transport between cities. Flights to France are not included.