10 Day France Couple Itinerary: Paris to Nice
10 Day France Couple Itinerary: Welcome to the ultimate romantic journey through France. This carefully curated route takes you from the iconic boulevards of Paris down to the sparkling Mediterranean coast. Since this trip relies heavily on high-speed TGV trains to maximize your time, we strongly advise booking your rail tickets well in advance. Get ready to explore world-class art, savor exquisite cuisine, and create unforgettable memories together.
Last update: March 13, 2026
No. Of Days
10
Countries
France
No. Of Steps
20
Travel As
A Couple
Itinerary Quick Overview
Step By Step Itinerary
10 Day France Couple Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrival in Paris
2 hours
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Stroll Through Jardin du Luxembourg
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Begin your romantic French getaway with a leisurely stroll through the stunning Jardin du Luxembourg. These formal gardens, created in 1612 by Marie de' Medici, offer a peaceful oasis in the heart of the Left Bank. Admire the Medici Fountain, relax on the iconic green chairs, and soak in the Parisian atmosphere.
🧭 Transit: Take the RER B from Charles de Gaulle Airport directly to the Luxembourg station.
3-4 hours
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Eiffel Tower & Sunset Seine Cruise
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No romantic trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Head to the Champ de Mars for iconic photos, then ascend the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Afterward, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Seine River to see Paris illuminated at night.
🧭 Transit: Take Metro Line 10 from Odéon to La Motte-Picquet Grenelle, then walk 10 minutes to the Eiffel Tower.
Day 2 - Parisian Art & Culture
4 hours
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Masterpieces at the Louvre
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Spend your morning marveling at the masterpieces inside the Louvre Museum. As the world's largest art museum, it houses thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Focus on the Denon Wing for Renaissance art and the stunning Apollo Gallery.
🧭 Transit: Take Metro Line 1 or 7 to Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre station.
3 hours
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Explore Bohemian Montmartre
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In the afternoon, head to the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. Wander the cobblestone streets, watch artists at work in Place du Tertre, and climb the steps to the magnificent Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a sweeping view of Paris as the sun goes down.
🧭 Transit: Take Metro Line 1 from Palais-Royal to Concorde, then switch to Line 12 up to Abbesses station.
Day 3 - Royal Retreat to Chantilly
4 hours
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Discover Chateau de Chantilly
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Escape the city for a day trip to the magnificent Chateau de Chantilly. Explore the opulent suites, the incredible Condé Museum (boasting the second largest collection of antique paintings in France after the Louvre), and the expansive formal gardens designed by Le Nôtre.
🧭 Transit: Take a 25-minute direct TER train from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux, then walk or take the local bus to the Chateau.
2 hours
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Afternoon in Chantilly Town
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After visiting the Chateau, spend some time exploring the charming town of Chantilly. Famous for its lace and, of course, Chantilly cream, it's the perfect place to enjoy a romantic afternoon tea or coffee before heading back to Paris.
🧭 Transit: Walk 15 minutes from the Chateau back into the town center, then return to the train station for the ride back to Paris.
Day 4 - High-Speed to Lyon
3 hours
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Arrival & Vieux Lyon
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Board a high-speed TGV train to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and head straight to Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon). This Renaissance district is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colorful facades, cobblestone streets, and traditional 'bouchon' restaurants.
🧭 Transit: Take the TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu (approx. 2 hours). Book this ticket well in advance.
2 hours
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Discover the Hidden Traboules
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Spend the afternoon hunting for 'traboules'—hidden covered passageways that connect streets through building courtyards. Originally used by silk weavers to transport goods without getting them wet, they are a fascinating and uniquely Lyonnais architectural feature.
🧭 Transit: The traboules are scattered throughout Vieux Lyon and the Croix-Rousse district; easily explored on foot.
Day 5 - Gastronomy & History in Lyon
2-3 hours
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Gourmet Lunch at Les Halles
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Dive into Lyon's culinary scene at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. This legendary indoor food market features the finest local produce, cheeses, cured meats, and pastries. Grab a seat at one of the oyster bars or charcuterie stalls for an unforgettable gourmet lunch.
🧭 Transit: Take the Metro or Tram to the Part-Dieu - Servient stop, just a short walk from the market.
2.5 hours
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Fourvière Hill & Basilica
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Take the funicular up Fourvière Hill to visit the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The intricate mosaics inside are breathtaking, and the esplanade outside offers the best panoramic views of Lyon. Nearby, you can also explore the ancient Roman theater ruins.
🧭 Transit: Take the funicular (F2 line) from Vieux Lyon station directly up to Fourvière.
Day 6 - South to Marseille
3 hours
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Arrival & Vieux-Port
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Catch a morning TGV train south to the vibrant port city of Marseille. Start your exploration at the Vieux-Port (Old Port), the historic heart of the city. Watch the fishermen sell their daily catch, grab a coffee at a waterfront café, and soak in the Mediterranean sun.
🧭 Transit: Take the TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu to Marseille Saint-Charles (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes). Walk or take the Metro to the Vieux-Port.
2 hours
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Views from Notre-Dame de la Garde
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Head up to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, the iconic symbol of Marseille that watches over the city. The neo-Byzantine architecture is stunning, and the 360-degree views of the city, the sea, and the Frioul archipelago are unmatched.
🧭 Transit: Take bus #60 from the Vieux-Port directly up the steep hill to the Basilica.
Day 7 - Calanques National Park
4 hours
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Cruise the Calanques
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Embark on a boat tour of the Parc National des Calanques. These dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into crystal-clear turquoise waters create some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Europe. A boat tour is the most relaxing and scenic way to experience these natural wonders.
🧭 Transit: Boat tours depart directly from the Vieux-Port in central Marseille.
3 hours
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Wander Le Panier
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Spend your late afternoon wandering through Le Panier, Marseille's oldest district. Known for its narrow, winding streets, vibrant street art, artisan boutiques, and charming squares, it's the perfect place to get lost and enjoy a romantic dinner.
🧭 Transit: Le Panier is located just north of the Vieux-Port, easily accessible on foot.
Day 8 - The French Riviera in Nice
3 hours
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Arrival & Promenade des Anglais
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Take a scenic coastal train ride to Nice, the glamorous capital of the French Riviera. Drop your bags and head straight to the Promenade des Anglais. Walk hand-in-hand along the azure waters of the Baie des Anges and relax on the iconic pebble beaches.
🧭 Transit: Take the TER or TGV train from Marseille Saint-Charles to Nice-Ville (approx. 2.5 hours).
3 hours
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Explore the Old Town
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Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Vieille Ville (Old Town). The narrow alleys are packed with pastel-colored buildings, lively cafes, and boutique shops. Stop for some traditional Socca (chickpea pancake) and enjoy the Italian-influenced architecture.
🧭 Transit: The Old Town is a short walk from the Promenade des Anglais.
Day 9 - Art & Views in Nice
2 hours
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Views from Castle Hill
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Start your morning by ascending Castle Hill (Colline du Château). Though the castle is long gone, the park offers the most spectacular, sweeping views over the red roofs of the Old Town and the sweeping curve of the Baie des Anges.
🧭 Transit: Walk up the stairs from the end of the Promenade des Anglais, or take the free elevator (Ascenseur du Château).
2 hours
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Marc Chagall National Museum
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In the afternoon, visit the Marc Chagall National Museum. This beautiful, light-filled museum houses the largest public collection of works by the artist, specifically focusing on his vibrant, dreamlike biblical message paintings.
🧭 Transit: Take bus #15 or #22 from the city center to the Musée Chagall stop.
Day 10 - Departure from the Riviera
2 hours
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Morning at Cours Saleya Market
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Enjoy your final morning in France at the famous Cours Saleya Market in the Old Town. Browse the vibrant flower stalls, pick up some local spices or lavender sachets as souvenirs, and enjoy a fresh croissant at a nearby cafe.
🧭 Transit: Located right in the heart of the Old Town, easily accessible on foot.
1 hour
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Depart from Nice
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It's time to say au revoir to France. Head to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport for your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of your romantic journey from Paris to the Riviera.
🧭 Transit: Take Tram Line 2 from the city center (Jean Médecin or Garibaldi) directly to Airport Terminals 1 and 2.
What'snext?
- Get more ideas for your trip on our Trip Planner.
- Read the full guides to learn about each destination: culture, costs, things to do, local food, and much more.
- Check out our free packing list to make sure you won’t forget anything.
