12 Day France Someday Dream Trip

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What 12-day trip in France will bring you the best in French culture, food and scenery? This itinerary by two of our someday trippers will give you a start on a perfect trip through France. The tour itinerary starts with 2 days in Paris, then Chenonceaux for 2 days, then 3 days in Bordeaux, and finally 5 days in Nice with day trips to Monaco and more. The journey started on October 24, 2016 with all the details summarized here and then captured live daily in new articles with all the full details of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure through France. Planes, trains and automobiles set this couple on a journey they will never forget. Let's follow Kelly and Charles as they explore France.

This 2016 itinerary for twelve days in France starts with us arriving by air from the United States and landing in beautifully romantic Paris. Tourism to Paris has been depressed by events but we are happy to get started in a capital with so many options to explore. The central tourist area will be our first base of operations for this trip with about two days in Paris. If you have been to Paris, as we have, then that is enough if you have not seen the rest of France. Our travel will end with us departing Nice and heading back to Paris for a trip home to the United States. The map below has the key points of interest in our twelve days of travel, with links to other articles.

Note: All photos courtesy of France Tourism unless otherwise noted

12 Days in France Map

Days 1 - 3 Travel and Paris, France

Our first stop is the amazing city of Paris where we arrive in the morning after a long flight overnight. Once clearing customs we whisk our way to central Paris taking the RER B train and drop our bags at Hotel Au Manoir St-Germain des Pres. We do a quick freshen up and change and we are off to the Eiffel Tower for a lunch with a view of Paris. What could be more perfect, great French food and a view that will inspire you to travel more often. The tower has four restaurant options at various price levels and we decided on 58 Tour Eiffel.

Atout France/HervØ Le Gac

Top Romantic Destination: Paris

Days 4-5 Paris to Chenonceaux France

Departing Paris on the TGC Atlantic our next destination is Chenonceaux France via Tours France. Paris is always a blast but we are ready for some more of France with plans to see the Chateau Chenonceau from above on a hot air balloon ride. Can you imagine gliding like an eagle over the French countryside in the Loire Valley and coming across this amazing architecture? We chose France Montogolfiere for our French Hot Air Balloon Ride.

Atout France/Maurice Subervie

Day 6-8 - Chenonceaux to Bordeaux France

We catch the TGV Duplex and head in to the lovely region of Bordeaux France. So what do we do in this province? Take a private wine tour to Saint Emilion vineyard, visit St. Andre Cathedral, Place de la Bourse, see Porte Cailhau and the famous bridge of Pont de Pierre. Did you know this is the captial of the wine world? This is making us think of that wine documentary Somm. If you haven't seen it and really like wines it is worth watching. Kelly recommended it to us a few years back.

Atout France/Olivier Roux

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Days 8 - 12 Bordeaux to Nice France

Next destination is Nice, France. This time we will take a short flight on Air France and land in the French Riviera region of France. This is the next base camp in this France travel itinerary that includes a quick day trip to another country. Can you guess which one? If you guess Monaco you are correct. From Nice, day trips are planned to Monaco, Eze and Antibes by bus. In Nice, take the lift to the top of Castle Hill for one of the most beautiful views of the city and explore the port area.