12 days in France

Paris, Lyon, Provence and Nice

Travellers combining a major capital, food, southern towns and the Mediterranean. Paris and Provence both reward more time. Use Avignon as the practical Provence rail base.

4 stopsTrain

1
Days 1 to 4
Paris
Settle in before beginning the longer route.
4 nights
Next: TrainConfirm the current operator timetable before travel.
2
Days 5 to 6
Lyon
Use this stop as a practical base rather than rushing through it.
2 nights
Next: TrainConfirm the current operator timetable before travel.
3
Days 7 to 8
Provence
Use this stop as a practical base rather than rushing through it.
2 nights
Next: TrainConfirm the current operator timetable before travel.
4
Days 9 to 11
Nice
Use this stop as a practical base rather than rushing through it.
3 nights

Why this route works

Travellers combining a major capital, food, southern towns and the Mediterranean. The order keeps the main journeys logical and leaves useful time in each base.

Pace and transport

Paris and Provence both reward more time. Use Avignon as the practical Provence rail base. Check current operator information before booking because services and engineering work can change.

When to travel

Late spring and early autumn give this north-to-south route the most balanced conditions.

Useful alternatives

Skip Lyon for a slower southern route, or replace Nice with Marseille for easier Provence links.

Planning information reviewed 28 August 2026.