Paris to Provence: A 15-Day Family-Friendly France Itinerary

15 Day Tour of Paris, Bayeux, Rennes and Aix en Provence

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Trip Map
Itinerary
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15 Days 14 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Cultural Exploration

Families With Children

Discover a whole new world in the Old World with your family! Incomparable Paris will share its glorious history with you; the Eiffel Tower, Mona Lisa, and Notre Dame await! Disneyland Paris will fulfill your most fantastical visions of the City of Lights before traveling to Normandy's Bayeux, a city close to the D-Day beaches and their sobering memory of WWII. Next is modern and medieval Rennes, filled with the taste and charm of Brittany. Finally, a quick flight sees you to sunny Aix-en-Provence. Sunshine glinting off of the Mediterranean, ancient palaces, and lavender will inspire you like they did Cezanne and van Gogh!

Visit classics like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but make Paris your own with our handy guides!
Can Mickey Mouse speak with a French accent? Find out at Disneyland Paris!
Understand the sacrifice of World War II soldiers on a private tour of the D-Day beaches.
After a visit to Mont-St.-Michel, taste the rich pastries and fabulous dishes of Brittany in Rennes!
Discover what drew Impressionists to Provence. Was it the colors, the light, or the cuisine?

Visit classics like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but make Paris your own with our handy guides!
Can Mickey Mouse speak with a French accent? Find out at Disneyland Paris!
Understand the sacrifice of World War II soldiers on a private tour of the D-Day beaches.
After a visit to Mont-St.-Michel, taste the rich pastries and fabulous dishes of Brittany in Rennes!
Discover what drew Impressionists to Provence. Was it the colors, the light, or the cuisine?

Eiffel Tower

Historic Landmarks

Louvre Museum

Museums & Galleries

Arc de Triomphe

Architecture

D-Day Tour

The Great War & WWII

The Bayeux Tapestry

European History

Mont-Saint-Michel

Churches & Monasteries

Dinan

Small Towns

Cours Mirabeau

Markets & Shopping

Lavender Fields

Natural Beauty

Must see sights

Eiffel Tower

Historic Landmarks

Louvre Museum

Museums & Galleries

Arc de Triomphe

Architecture

D-Day Tour

The Great War & WWII

The Bayeux Tapestry

European History

Mont-Saint-Michel

Churches & Monasteries

Dinan

Small Towns

Cours Mirabeau

Markets & Shopping

Lavender Fields

Natural Beauty

Starting from

$3990

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Paris

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Upon arrival at one of Paris's Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airports, it's fairly easy to catch a taxi from outside the main terminal building to your hotel. This is cheaper than a pre-arranged private transfer, although that option is also available if you wish - just ask your consultant. Parisien taxi drivers are generally reliable and honest, but we will provide you with instructions on how to avoid possible scammers and charlatans. If you want to save money, and often quite a lot of time as well, we will also give you alternative instructions on taking public transport into the city center. Details are contained in the full itinerary and mobile app available to our travelers. If on the other hand, you are arriving at Paris's third airport, Beauvais Airport (BVA), then you should always take the shuttle bus. The taxi fare might cost more than the flight - it's nearly 50 miles (75km) outside the city.

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined:

Airport Taxi Pick-Up

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Tuileries Gardens & Nearby Museums

Late Afternoon:

Arc de Triomphe

Day 1

Arrive Paris

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Mid-Day/Afternoon

A Jaunt Through the Tuileries Garden & Nearby Art Museums

Stroll in the Tuileries and attend one of the nearby museums, a classic way to spend your free hours in Paris. Originally cultivated in 1564 as the grounds for the Tuileries Palace, the gardens are the oldest in Paris. Its succession of royal owners ended and the garden became a public park in the 19th century; Parisians congregated to relax and socialize beside the fountains and leafy horse chestnut trees - they still do today. The Musée de l'Orangerie, in the Western corner of the gardens, exhibits many Impressionist and 20th-century artworks, including Claude Monet’s famous water lilies.

Late Afternoon

Survey the Lights from the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is an enduring icon of Paris and offers a spectacular view across the city. In fact, some people say the best view of Paris is from the Arc de Triomphe, as the sweeping vista found at the top includes the Eiffel Tower. 'De l'Étoile' or 'star' refers to the junction on which the Arc de Triomphe stands. This is the meeting point of 12 straight avenues including the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, famous for its theatres, cafés, and luxury shops, and the inspiration for the catchy, eponymous song by Joe Dassin. Although this area of Paris bustles with shoppers, tourists, and commercial enterprises there is still much to explore, see, and do here, and some secret places to be found away from the crowds.

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Private Guided Walking Tour of the Center of Paris

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from your accommodation, you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Afternoon to Early Evening

Tour Paris' Heart, Notre Dame and the Île de la Cité

Discover the origins of Paris on the Ile de la Cité, it's glorious heart. The original settlement from which Paris grew overwhelms with the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Revolutionary history of the Conciergerie, the numinous kaleidoscope of Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass, and a plethora of other interesting sights. This island is a captivating blend of Parisian history and beauty, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn. A visit here traverses the river Seine and centuries, perfect for capturing the spirit of Paris.

Early Evening/Evening

Cruising Along the Seine's Waters

Embark on an enchanting Seine River Boat Cruise that offers an unparalleled view of the City of Light. Glide past iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre, all while basking in Paris' famed romantic ambiance. Whether you choose a daytime voyage to admire the city in its full glory or a nighttime excursion to see Paris illuminated against the night sky, a Seine River Boat Cruise is an unforgettable highlight that offers a new perspective on the timeless beauty of Paris.

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

Morning

Coffee, Paint, & Bones: A Tour of Montparnasse

Montparnasse grew in esthetic stature in the earlier 20th century, as artists congregated their for inexpensive living close to the center of Paris. Vestiges of this bohemian era remain, lively cafes and restaurants allude to painterly luminaries like Alphonse Mucha and Paul Gauguin. As interesting as their lives were, as busy as the neighborhood is, still more dramatic is what lies under Monparnasse: the Paris Catacombs, the final resting place of over 6 million Parisians dating back centuries.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Invade the Hôtel des Invalides

The Eglise du Dome Church close to the Eiffel Tower is where you observe the gilded tomb of the historic French General and Emperor, Napoleon, but his bones are just a miniscule part of the gigantic Hôtel des Invalides housing the French National Army Museum. Spend some time learning about French warfare from the earliest times to the wax and wane of the Napoloenic Wars and on to the modern French army and a new section dedicated to the life of General Charles de Gaulle.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

The Eiffel Tower From Above and Below

Maybe the most recognized landmark in the world, the Eiffel Tower never fails to impress and inspire. Its elegance has always drawn crowds, and it demands a little logistical planning in order to expedite the security checks and avoid the crowds. We'll provide you with very detailed information on how to do this in the Full Itinerary, along with how to purchase tickets to speed up your visit. Let your consultant know if you wish to have your Eiffel Tower tickets purchased for you - they require a very specific time slot. We will also provide you with information on the other grand sights to visit nearby, including the famous Museum of Man across the river at Trocadero, and the Quai Branly Museum.

Day 4

Paris

Day 4

Paris

Day 4

Paris

Day 4

Paris

Early Morning to Early Evening

A Magical Visit to Disneyland Paris

Discover the magic of Disneyland Paris, a world where dreams come alive amidst thrilling rides, beloved characters, and dazzling parades across five unique lands. From the fairy-tale splendor of Sleeping Beauty's Castle to the adventures of Frontierland and the creativity of Walt Disney Studios Park, every corner promises unforgettable memories. Embrace the enchantment and make your holiday a Disney dream you will never forget!

Day 5

Paris

Day 5

Paris

Day 5

Paris

Day 5

Paris

Morning/Mid-Day

All You Need is Louvre - A Visit to the World's Largest Art Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days. And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Afternoon to Evening

Tour the Quaint Streets of the Latin Quarter

If you are looking for a breezy stroll through Paris, look no further than the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement, on the Left Bank. The area’s many cafés and restaurants are laid-back and welcoming, and filled with Parisians, students, and tourists alike. There are several attractions to visit, among them the Pantheon and the Cluny Museum. As you adventure through the district you will discover the Sorbonne, one of the most illustrious universities in the world. For more visceral pleasure romp down the major shopping streets like Rue Mouffetard.

Late Evening

Discover Montmartre: Paris's Bohemian Village

Montmartre, Paris's bohemian heart, where countless artists have whiled away their time, beckons with its cobblestone streets and vibrant history. Ascend the butte to find the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a white-domed sentinel offering breathtaking views of the city below. Wander through Place du Tertre, where artists capture the essence of Paris on canvas. Delve into the nightlife at the Moulin Rouge, a testament to the area's hedonistic past. Montmartre, a blend of artistic legacy and lively modern culture, offers a captivating escape into the soul of Paris, where every corner tells a story, and every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of the city.

Day 6

Paris to Bayeux

Day 6

Paris to Bayeux

Day 6

Paris to Bayeux

Day 6

Paris to Bayeux

To Be Determined

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

Paris taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Parisian streets can get very congested, but if you are picked up one hour and 15 minutes prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. Instructions for calling a taxi and finding your way around your specific rail station are included in the Full Itinerary.

08:59 - 11:17

Rail Journey from Paris to Bayeux

Tickets and seat reservations for this approximately 2h20min rail journey from Paris to Bayeux (sometimes via a change of trains in Caen) are included in the purchase of the itinerary package. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stress-free are also included in the Full Itinerary.

11:17 AM

Gare de Bayeux Rail Pick-up by Taxi

Bayeux taxis are very reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Detailed information on navigating your way around the station and finding a taxi can be found in the Full Itinerary.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Privately Guided Walking Tour of Bayeux

Discover Bayeux's history on a 3-hour private tour, exploring its well-preserved landmarks from Roman times to the German occupation. Unaffected by D-Day bombings, Bayeux showcases original architecture. The tour, blending historical facts with anecdotes, includes the Cathedral and entry to the Bayeux Tapestry museum, providing a comprehensive insight into the town's rich history.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out in Bayeux

As a well populated tourist town in the heart of Normandy, the dining scene in Bayeux is replete with bars, restaurants, and cafes. One of the delights of dining in France is sampling the regional specialities; in Normandy these are seafood, dairy, and apples. You’ll find all three in one of the region’s classic dishes, Marmite Dieppoise. This is a shellfish stew cooked in crème fraîche, butter, and cider. Cider is also served with the meal. If you like apple-based drinks, you’re in for a treat. As well as producing some of the best cider in the world, the Normans love a glass of calvados, a strong apple brandy. You may also be offered a ‘trou Normand’, a dessert or digestif of apple sorbet with some calvados poured over the top. You’ll find apple tarts, pies, and pastries in abundance here. Regional cheeses include the infamous soft and creamy camembert, named for the local town where it was first made. A few tips: on Sundays many eateries in Bayeux may be closed. Make a reservation to avoid disappointment, especially in the busy season, and be advised opening hours may change.

Day 7

Bayeux

Day 7

Bayeux

Day 7

Bayeux

Day 7

Bayeux

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Private Guided Excursion to the American D-Day Beaches

Discover the somber and honorable history of the Normandy Invasion on this full-day, private, guided tour, exploring the D-Day landing beaches while learning about America's involvement in World War II. The tour takes 9 hours. Your private guide will pick you up and drop you off in your hotel, and includes visits to key places like Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Sainte-Mère-Église as well as Utah Beach. Your professional and educated private guide will tell you more about the battles fought and sacrifices made at each site. You will also visit the American Cemetery where you'll read the names of soldiers missing in action after the Normandy landing.

Day 8

Bayeux

Day 8

Bayeux

Day 8

Bayeux

Day 8

Bayeux

Morning/Mid-Day

View the Wondrous Bayeux Tapestry and the Museum of Art and History Bayeux

How will you weave your story of seeing the Bayeux Tapestry? Depicting William of Normandy's conquest of England in 1066, the tapestry - which is actually an elaborate embroidery - is thought to be nearly 1000 years old and brings the medieval era to life. A close inspection might change the way you look at Normandy and England and their closely braided histories. If Bayeux's history draws you in, you can explore the town's past even further at the MAHB Museum of Art and History Baron Gérard.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Bayeux War Cemetery and the Museum of the Battle of Normandy

The Battle of Normandy Museum offers an in-depth examination of the Battle of Normandy in its entirety, from the D-Day landings to the final battle of Falaise. It is considered one of the most detailed museums on the subject, offering three pavilions that breaks down the entire Battle of Normandy into smaller battles and operations. After your tour of the museum, pay your respects to some of the fallen at the Bayeux War Cemetery, where Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives in Normandy are buried.

Day 9

Bayeux to Rennes

Day 9

Bayeux to Rennes

Day 9

Bayeux to Rennes

Day 9

Bayeux to Rennes

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Private Shuttle from Bayeux to Rennes with Stop in Mont-St.-Michel

Your own, personal, English-speaking driver will pick you up promptly at the designated time from your hotel. This is a pre-paid transfer, so you only need to sit back and enjoy the ride while your driver answers any questions you may have. While the drive takes about two hours, you have the opportunity for a three-hour self-guided stop at the breathtaking Mont-St.-Michel. One of the most evocative towns in France, this island / abbey / fortress repelled medieval England but has has captured thousands of hearts with its ambiance and views towards the sea. Should you prefer a different stop, we can also suggest other options, Fougères and its castle, or Granville.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Discover Medieval Rennes

"Une tête des Bretons," or, "A head like the people of Brittany," means, "stubborn, hard-headed," in colloquial French. True to this image, Rennes, the capital of Brittany rest at the Eastern extreme of the region, facing head-first the France it long resisted (And still does, a bit). In Rennes, Parisian French will start to blend with the very distict Breton language: It's demat instead of bonjour. One starts to find more seafood on the menu, and salty butter intstead of a myriad local cheeses. Rennes medieval half-timbered houses and the grand Rennes Cathedral have also endured, worth a look along with the tranquil Parc du Thabor. The city's museum of fine arts truly merits a visit. In the end, Rennes offers the visitor a chance to visit modern France and see how that modernity has its roots in the past.

Day 10

Rennes

Day 10

Rennes

Day 10

Rennes

Day 10

Rennes

Morning to Early Evening

Self-Guided Excursion to Dinan

Dinan guards its medieval heart of half-timbered homes and winding streets. An important crossing over the Rance River since time immemorial, written documents first mention the city in the 11th century, and its warriors even appear in the Bayeux Tapestry. Noteworthy sites include the Basilique St-Sauveur, the 14th-century Château de Dinan, and the artisan-lined Rue du Jerzual. The town's panoramic views and market in Place du Guesclin offer a taste of local life amid the well-preserved homes of a bygone era.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out in Rennes

Breton food is truly something special. From fresh seafood brought in off the coast each day, artfully formed sweet crepes and savory buckwheat galettes, to dry, crisp ciders, Brittany presents the best of its regional assets on the plate. Rennes has a range of low to upmarket offerings for dining out, that will ensure you leave the city well-fed and satisfied.

Day 11

Rennes to Aix en Provence

Day 11

Rennes to Aix en Provence

Day 11

Rennes to Aix en Provence

Day 11

Rennes to Aix en Provence

To Be Determined

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Rennes taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the bus/train to the airport.

To Be Determined

Flight to Marseilles

You will fly from Rennes to Marseilles, but you will need to purchase your own flight tickets . The Full Itinerary provides information on searching for and purchasing the best flights available, or your personal travel consultant is willing help you find the flight that suits you best, and we will provide you with information about what to expect when flying within France.

To Be Determined

Airport Pickup by Taxi

For your arrival at the Marseille Airport, we will provide information on the customs and passport procedures, advice on taking a taxi to your hotel, including an estimate of the cost and time of the ride to your hotel in Aix en Provence.

Late Afternoon

A Self-Guided Walk With Cézzane

Follow the path of the French artist, Paul Cézanne on this self-guided walk through the city. Sometimes considered the father of modern art because of his paintings structured from geometric shapes and his emphasis on light and color, his symapthetic story and character make this walk an exceptional way to spend one's time. See the places where the artist studied, lived, and worked as you explore museums housing his artwork and visit the studio in which this master painted.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out in Aix en Provence

You can eat and drink well just about anywhere in France. But you can enjoy some of the most excellent - and, even better, healthy - fare in Provence, in some of the most evocative settings in the world. We have complied a list of our favorite places to help meet your dining needs. Please note that many of the restaurants are closed between lunch and dinner times (2pm-6 or 7pm)

Day 12

Aix en Provence

Day 12

Aix en Provence

Day 12

Aix en Provence

Day 12

Aix en Provence

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Private Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence

Discover Aix-en-Provence, widely considered one of the most attractive cities in the South of France, on this 3-hour walking tour. Fountains and statues decorate the city, a tradition dating back to the Roman Empire. The city takes its name from the Roman word for "water." At a leisurely pace, you’ll soak up the history flowing through this city before learning about the Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The ‘father of modern art’ was born and died here, and spent his life desperately trying to capture the nearby Mount Sainte-Victoire in his paintings.

Mid-Day

Walks in Old Aix-en-Provence

The Old Town of Aix-en-Provence, or Vieil Aix, is a charming historical center famous for its narrow lanes, elegant buildings, and the bustling Cours Mirabeau, lined with cafes and fountains like the Fontaine de la Rotonde. It's a hub of Provençal culture, hosting lively markets and architecturally diverse quarters including buildings like Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, and Albertas Square. This area embodies the spirit of Provence, offering visitors a rich blend of history, art, and the vibrant daily life of its cafes and markets.

Day 13

Aix en Provence

Day 13

Aix en Provence

Day 13

Aix en Provence

Day 13

Aix en Provence

Early Morning to Late Afternoon

A Self- Guided Jaunt through Avignon

Avignon boasts a particular medieval history as the seat of the Roman Catholic church in the 14th century. Its grandeur, though illustrious, is tempered by the Provençal sun and wind, and the sometimes irreverent Festival d' Avignon, a summer theather event that draws crowds from all of France. Highlights of a visit include the Palais des Papes, a massive, Gothic structure fit for a pope, the Pont d' Avignon which will make you want to dan-ce, dan-ce, and les Halles, an exceptional food market with a verdant exterior.

Day 14

Aix en Provence

Day 14

Aix en Provence

Day 14

Aix en Provence

Day 14

Aix en Provence

Early Morning to Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion to Marseille

Greeks settled here in 600BC, and the port hasn't stopped since. Walk through at least 2600 years of history, try fresh fish, and get a feel for a French city that revels in its distance (geographically, culturally, gastronomically) from Paris. Grittier, louder, but no less charming, Marseille will pleasantly shock you with its energy and breathtaking panoramas of itself and the Mediterranean sea. And should you long for the crash of waves upon cliffs, the inestimably beautiful National Park of the Calanques.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Private Walking Tour of Marseille

Marseille prides itself on not being Paris, nor aspiring to be parisian. It's brasher, less sensitive, and has a sea. It's also older than Paris, truly France's entré into Western Civilization. On this 2-hour tour, your guide will explain this all while displaying the tender highlights of this brawny town.

Day 15

Depart Aix en Provence

Day 15

Depart Aix en Provence

Day 15

Depart Aix en Provence

Day 15

Depart Aix en Provence

To Be Determined

Marseilles Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Aix en Provence taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the train or metro to the airport.

Click to See Details

Paris to Provence: A 15-Day Family-Friendly France Itinerary

15 Day Tour of Paris, Bayeux, Rennes and Aix en Provence

$3990

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.