France, the way
the French actually live it.

France is not one country but many packed into one. Paris requires no justification. Normandy’s coast carries the weight of history in a way that changes you. Provence moves at a pace that belongs entirely to itself. The Loire Valley’s châteaux are fairy tales made from stone. The Riviera is exactly as beautiful as advertised. Juniper designs every France itinerary from scratch around what matters most to you.

Best Time to Visit
May – June & Sept – Oct
Typical Trip Length
9 – 14 Days
Your Specialists
Lexi Blade · Taryn Harrison
Trip Types
Custom · Honeymoon · Food & Wine · History

Plan My France Trip

History, food, art, and landscape — France delivers on every front.

France rewards the traveler who approaches it without rushing. Paris alone could occupy two weeks, but the country beyond Paris is where the deepest experiences live — the D-Day beaches in Normandy that reduce grown travelers to silence, the lavender fields of Provence visible from your hotel window, the châteaux of the Loire Valley at golden hour. Getting France right means knowing which combination works for you and giving each region the time it deserves.

Lexi Blade designs France itineraries from Florence — inside the continent, with personal relationships to the properties and guides that make the difference. Taryn Harrison adds depth from 25 years of designing multi-country European itineraries. Between them, there is no corner of France they haven’t covered.

Paris & the Île-de-France
The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, the food markets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés — Paris rewards as much time as you can give it. Most Juniper clients spend three nights as a minimum, with four or five for a first trip.

Castle Stays & Boutique Hotels
The Loire Valley’s châteaux are unlike anything else in Europe — Chenonceau spanning the Cher river, Chambord’s rooftop skyline, Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. Best experienced with a private guide and at least two nights in the valley.

Food, Wine & the Art of French Cuisine
Cooking classes in Paris, Michelin-starred dining in Lyon, provencal markets in Apt, cheese caves in Burgundy, wine tastings in Bordeaux and the Loire — French food culture is a travel destination in its own right. Juniper builds the food experiences into every France itinerary as a core component.

Great European travel is an investment. Most clients spend $5,000–$15,000 per person for a complete custom France itinerary — trips start at $2,500 and your specialist will walk through exactly what that looks like for yours.

Best of France — 11 Days

Paris · Normandy · Avignon · Nice

This is a sample itinerary — for inspiration only. Every Juniper trip is designed from scratch around you. Many clients love an itinerary very similar to this one — if something here resonates, your specialist can build something just like it (or better) specifically for your travel style, dates, and group.

1
Arrive in Paris
Paris
+
Welcome to France! A private driver collects you from Charles de Gaulle Arrivals Hall and brings you to your city-center hotel. Check in and enjoy the city at your leisure — your specialist will have pre-arranged a gentle introduction based on your interests. An evening stroll along the Seine as the lights of Paris come on is an experience that never gets ordinary.

Overnight: Paris
2
Paris — Louvre & the Food Markets
Musée du Louvre · Saint-Germain
+
After breakfast, you will make your way to the Louvre for a private guided tour with skip-the-line access. With approximately 380,000 pieces in its collection, your guide will help you see the highlights — the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory — and provide context that transforms the visit from overwhelming to extraordinary. After working up an appetite, a food walking tour of the city follows: your guide brings you through Paris’ finest spots for sampling food and wine, from market stalls to hidden caves à vins.
3
Paris — Eiffel Tower & Versailles
Eiffel Tower · Palace of Versailles
+
Two of France’s most iconic experiences, both done properly. Morning at the Eiffel Tower with pre-arranged access — tickets to the top by elevator, with the option to take the stairs to the second floor for those who prefer it. The afternoon is given to Versailles: for over 100 years the primary royal residence in France. The gold and marble-filled rooms, the Hall of Mirrors, and the gardens — one of the most famous in the world — are best experienced with a private guide who can give the place proper context. Return to Paris for a classic evening Seine river cruise.

Overnight: Paris
4
Paris to Bayeux
Normandy
+
After breakfast you depart Paris and make your way to Bayeux — a scenic train journey of approximately two and a quarter hours. Bayeux is one of the few Norman cities to have survived World War II intact, and it remains one of the most historically rich small towns in France. With relics dating back to 1066 and the famous Tapestry depicting the Norman conquest of England, the town rewards exploration even before the following day’s WWII history. Leave your bags at the accommodation and explore at your leisure.

Overnight: Bayeux
5
Normandy — The D-Day Beaches
Omaha Beach · American Cemetery · Pointe du Hoc
+
A full day with a private guide exploring the sites of the WWII Allied landings — one of the most moving and important historical experiences available to an American traveler in Europe. Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, the British and Canadian beaches of Gold and Juno, Pointe du Hoc where the Rangers scaled the cliffs, and the German bunkers that still stand along the coast. Your guide will bring the history to life in a way that no guidebook can replicate. Return to Bayeux for an evening at your leisure.

Overnight: Bayeux
6
Bayeux to Avignon
Provence
+
After breakfast, you board the train to Avignon — a journey of approximately six hours with connections. Avignon is the gateway to Provence and one of the most beautiful walled medieval cities in France. Check into your accommodation and explore this charming Provençal town at your own pace. The Palais des Papes — the enormous Gothic papal palace that dominates the old city — and the famous Pont d’Avignon are both within easy walking distance.

Overnight: Avignon
7
Provence — Pont du Gard & the Countryside
Pont du Gard · Les Baux · Provençal Villages
+
A full day exploring Provence with a private driver-guide. The day takes in the Pont du Gard — a UNESCO World Heritage Roman aqueduct that is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in the world — as well as the olive groves and limestone plateaus that inspired Van Gogh’s most famous paintings. A visit to a local market and time for lunch in a genuine Provençal village is built into the day. In summer, lavender farm visits and Senanque Abbey can be added. Return to Avignon for an evening at your leisure.

Overnight: Avignon
8
Avignon to Nice
Côte d’Azur
+
After breakfast, you take the train to Nice — the capital of the Côte d’Azur. Check into your hotel and set out to explore this extraordinary seaside city. The Promenade des Anglais, Old Nice’s maze of narrow streets and cafes, and the Cours Saleya market are all within walking distance. The Mediterranean light in Nice at this time of day is particularly extraordinary.

Overnight: Nice
9
Nice & the French Riviera
Villefranche · Èze · Monaco
+
A full day exploring Nice and the surrounding Rivièra. Your destination specialist can help you choose between a fully leisurely day soaking in the sunshine, or a day tour of the legendary Rivièra towns. Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, and Monte Carlo are all within easy reach. The Monte Carlo Casino is extraordinary whether you gamble or not. The coastal town of Èze — perched dramatically on a cliff above the sea — is one of the most photographed villages in France for good reason.

Overnight: Nice
10
Nice — At Your Pace
Nice · French Rivièra
+
A final full day on the Côte d’Azur, entirely at your pace. This may be the day to relax on the beach and simply absorb the quality of light that made this coastline the obsession of Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir. Or, you may choose more sightseeing — the Musée Matisse, the MAMAC contemporary art museum, or a boat excursion along the coastline. Your specialist can help you choose the right way to spend your final day in France.

Overnight: Nice
11
Depart for Home
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
+
After breakfast, a private driver collects you from your Nice accommodation and brings you to the airport. Most travelers leave France already planning when they can return — and which region they were not ready to leave. Your Juniper specialist remains reachable throughout departure day.

Love this route? Let’s build it around you.

This is a starting point, not a fixed package. Many Juniper clients travel something very similar — customized for their travel style, dates, city preferences, and accommodation level. Book a free call and your specialist builds from here.

Build My France Trip

Luxury custom France tour ideas to inspire your trip

Every itinerary below is a starting point, not a fixed package. Click any card to see the day-by-day — then book a free consultation and your specialist will build something just like it (or better) around you.

Sample
Most Popular
11 Days

Best of France

Paris · Bayeux · Avignon · Nice

Three nights in Paris for the Louvre, Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower. Normandy for the D-Day beaches. Provence for the Pont du Gard and the lavender-scented countryside. Three nights in Nice for the Côte d’Azur. France done properly in eleven days.

View Day-by-Day


1–3ParisParis

Louvre, Versailles, Eiffel Tower, food walking tour, Seine river cruise.

4–5Bayeux & NormandyNormandy

D-Day beaches, American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, German bunkers.

6–7Avignon & ProvenceProvence

Pont du Gard, Provençal countryside, lavender farm, Van Gogh sites.

8–10Nice & the RivieraCôte d’Azur

Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, Èze, Promenade des Anglais.

11DepartNice Airport

Private transfer, departure.

10 nights · 4★+
Daily breakfast
Private transfers & guides
Pre-booked experiences
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Sample
City
6 Days

Paris City Stay

Paris · Versailles · Seine

Five focused days in one of the world’s great cities. Private Louvre tour, Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, a food walking tour, and a Seine river cruise. Paris done properly, not rushed.

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1Arrive ParisParis

Private airport transfer, panoramic city tour, first evening.

2Louvre & Food TourParis

Private Louvre experience, skip-the-line, food walking tour of the city.

3Eiffel Tower & Seine CruiseParis

Eiffel Tower access, afternoon at leisure, evening Seine river cruise.

4Palace of VersaillesVersailles

Private half-day tour of the royal palace and gardens.

5Musée d’Orsay & CityParis

Musée d’Orsay guided visit, Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame, final evening.

6DepartCDG Airport

Private transfer, departure.

5 nights · 4★+
Daily breakfast
Skip-the-line access Louvre & Eiffel Tower
Seine river cruise
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Sample
Food & Wine
9 Days

Wine Tour of Central France

Lyon · Bordeaux · Loire Valley · Amboise

France’s greatest wine regions in one itinerary. Burgundy’s vineyards from Lyon. Bordeaux’s grand châteaux and a wine-blending class. The Loire Valley’s extraordinary combination of Chenin Blanc and medieval châteaux. Designed for serious wine travelers.

View Day-by-Day


1–2Lyon & BurgundyLyon

Arrive, food tour, private Burgundy vineyard day.

3Lyon → BordeauxBordeaux

Transfer, arrive in France’s wine capital.

4–5BordeauxBordeaux

Grand château tours, tastings, wine-blending class, city exploration.

6Bordeaux → AmboiseLoire Valley

high-speed rail north to the Loire Valley.

7–8Loire ValleyAmboise

Loire Valley vineyards, two grand château tours, final evenings.

9DepartParis CDG

Transfer to Paris for departure.

8 nights · 4★+
Private vineyard guides
Wine-blending class in Bordeaux
Daily breakfast
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Sample
Scenery
8 Days

A Week in Southern France

Nice · Monaco · Cannes · Marseille · Avignon

Seven days in the south of France at its most spectacular. The Côte d’Azur — Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, the Ferrari coastal drive — followed by the Calanques of Marseille and the lavender countryside of Provence. A private driver-guide throughout.

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1–3Nice & RivieraNice

Arrive, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco Casino, Antibes, Cannes.

4Marseille & the CalanquesMarseille

Parc National des Calanques boat tour, Aix-en-Provence.

5–6Avignon & ProvenceAvignon

Palais des Papes, Rhône wine region, Provençal countryside.

7Provence VillagesLuberon

Village-hopping with driver-guide, lavender fields, markets.

8DepartMarseille or Nice Airport

Private transfer, departure.

7 nights · 4★+
Private driver-guide throughout
Calanques boat tour
Daily breakfast
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Sample
Gastronomy
7 Days

Gastronomy Tour of Paris & Provence

Paris · Avignon · Aix-en-Provence · Luberon

France through its food — Parisian pâtisseries and bistros, Provençal markets overflowing with lavender and olives, cooking classes in a Luberon farmhouse, and wine tastings in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards. A culinary journey from capital to countryside.

View Day-by-Day


1–2ParisParis

Le Marais food tour, pâtisserie class, bistro dinner, Rue Montorgueil market.

3high-speed rail to AvignonAvignon

High-speed train to Provence. Palais des Papes, Pont d’Avignon, Provençal dinner.

4–5Luberon & Wine CountryGordes · Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Luberon village markets, cooking class, Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard tasting.

6–7Aix & DepartAix-en-Provence

Cours Mirabeau, Cézanne’s studio, calisson tasting, farewell dinner. Depart Marseille.

6 nights · 4★+
Cooking class included
Wine tastings
Daily breakfast
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Don’t see your France?

Brittany’s coast, Alsace’s wine villages, a Champagne cellar tour, the Alps — tell your specialist what you have in mind and they’ll build from there.

Talk to a Specialist

Planning a France Honeymoon?

France is one of the world’s great honeymoon destinations, and not only because of Paris. The Loire Valley’s château stays, Provence’s hilltop villages and lavender landscapes, and a clifftop hotel on the Côte d’Azur above the Mediterranean — Lexi Blade and Taryn Harrison design France honeymoons regularly and know exactly which properties deliver.

France Honeymoon Guide

Everything handled. Nothing left to chance.

Hand-Selected Accommodations
4 and 5-star hotels, historic castle stays, and character-rich boutique properties — chosen specifically for your travel style, not from a generic list.

Private Transfers & Transport
Airport pickups, inter-city transfers, self-drive car rental with GPS, or a private driver-guide — all arranged and confirmed before you travel.

Daily Breakfast
Breakfast is included daily (except arrival day) at your accommodation — whether that’s a Paris grand hotel, a Loire Valley château, or a Provençal mas.

Pre-Arranged Experiences
Louvre private tours, Versailles access, Eiffel Tower reservations, D-Day guide bookings, Provence driver-guides — all confirmed in advance so you never miss out.

Travel App & Offline Itinerary
Your full day-by-day itinerary, accommodation details, and specialist contact — accessible on your phone throughout France.

In-Destination Support
Local partner numbers for on-the-ground help, plus your Juniper specialist remains reachable for anything that needs escalation while you travel.

Your France specialists.

Lexi Blade is Florence-based with 8 years of living and working in Europe, designing France itineraries with firsthand knowledge of the properties and guides that make the difference. Taryn Harrison adds depth from 25 years of designing multi-country European itineraries.

Taryn Harrison
France · Ireland · Scotland · Iceland · UK
25Years
85+Ireland Visits
CMSCCertified

Juniper’s most tenured specialist, with 25 years of experience designing European itineraries. Taryn has been planning France trips for years alongside her Ireland and UK work — with particular depth on Normandy, the Loire Valley, and northern France. CMSC certified. Former Peace Corps volunteer. Her attention to detail is genuinely unusual.

Book a Consultation →


Lexi Blade
France · Italy · Greece · Croatia
7Years
FlorenceBased

Eight years living in Florence gave Lexi a firsthand command of European travel that no guidebook can replicate. She designs France itineraries with deep personal knowledge of Provence, the French Riviera, and Paris — which properties are genuinely extraordinary, which guides bring the history to life, and which restaurants are worth the reservation.

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What our France travelers say

★★★★★

“Definitely recommending Juniper Tours to all our friends and family! We had the best trip ever for our honeymoon exploring Ireland and Paris! Katie was wonderful to work with and helped us through the whole process making honeymoon planning stress-free! Our itinerary was easy to follow and had plenty of time to do free things as well as super fun activities!”

Bree A.M. · Ireland & Paris Honeymoon
★★★★★

“Everything planned by Juniper Tours went incredibly smoothly. Every driver and guide was wonderful and the one time we thought we might miss a train, because of unexpected traffic, our driver was on the phone with the 24/7 service desk working to book new tickets for us. I was very impressed with the service and the app.”

Hailey M. · Europe
★★★★★

“The trip of a lifetime. Juniper Tours listened to us and delivered above and beyond expectations. We definitely recommend them every chance we get. My wife referred to the trip as magical, and I couldn’t think of a better description. We will be back for more magic from Juniper Tours.”

Garry F. · Europe
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France travel questions

What is the best time of year to visit France?


Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal for most of France. Paris is beautiful year-round but at its best in spring and autumn. The French Riviera peaks in summer for beaches. Provence is most dramatic in June and July when the lavender blooms. Normandy is excellent from May through September.

How long should a trip to France be?


Most Juniper France itineraries run 9–14 days. Nine to eleven days covers Paris and one or two additional regions well. Fourteen days allows Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, and Provence or the Riviera without rushing. France’s high-speed rail covers most major routes efficiently.

Is France good for a honeymoon?


Absolutely — France is one of the world’s great honeymoon destinations. Paris sets a near-impossible standard for romance, but Provence’s lavender landscapes, the Loire Valley’s fairy-tale châteaux, and the French Riviera’s clifftop hotel terraces are equally extraordinary. Lexi Blade and Taryn Harrison design France honeymoons regularly.

What is the best way to travel between French cities?


France’s high-speed rail is one of the best in Europe — Paris to Lyon in 2 hours, Paris to Avignon in 2.5 hours. For Normandy, Provence, and the Loire Valley, a private driver-guide is the most practical and atmospheric option. Your Juniper specialist will design the transport mix that works best for your specific itinerary.

What should I not miss in France?


Paris is essential — the Louvre, Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, and the food markets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Beyond Paris: the D-Day beaches of Normandy are among the most moving historical sites in the world; the Loire Valley châteaux are extraordinary; and Provence offers a landscape and cuisine unlike anywhere else. The French Riviera — Nice, Monaco, Cannes — needs at least three nights.

How much does a custom France trip cost?


Most Juniper France clients spend $5,000–$15,000 per person for a complete custom itinerary. Trips start at $2,500. The range depends on trip length, accommodation level, and how many private guides and experiences are included. Your specialist will walk through exactly what the investment looks like for your specific trip during a free 30-minute consultation.

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Book a free call with one of our France Travel Specialists.

30 minutes, completely free. Great European travel is an investment. Most clients spend $5,000–$15,000 per person — trips start at $2,500 and your specialist will walk through exactly what that looks like for yours.

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