7 days in France Itinerary
Created using Inspirock France vacation builder
Start: Chicago
Fly to Paris CDG, Train to Bayeux
1
Bayeux
— 3 nights
Fly
2
Carcassonne
— 1 night
Fly
3
Paris
— 2 nights
Fly
End: Chicago
Sun, May 14 - Sat, May 20
Edit
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Bayeux — 3 nights
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Most travelers take a trip to Bayeux to see the famed tapestry depicting the legendary Norman Conquest from the 11th century.Popular historic sites such as Normandy American Cemetery and Cathedrale Notre-Dame are in your itinerary. Do some cultural sightseeing at Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux and Omaha Beach. The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Pointe du Hoc, learn about all things military at Memorial de Caen, examine the collection at Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema, and explore the different monuments and memorials at Bayeux War Cemetery.
To find maps, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Bayeux day trip planning site.
Chicago, USA to Bayeux is an approximately 14.5-hour combination of flight and train. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time to Central European Standard Time is 7 hours. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Chicago in May, with highs in Bayeux at 62°F and lows at 46°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Carcassonne.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 14 — 17:
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Carcassonne — 1 night
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Medieval Heart of France
Best known as a fortified town, Carcassonne is a walled city that provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the location for many scenes in Kevin Costner's movie "Robin Hood." For a daily dose of excitement, medieval jousting tournaments are held twice per day between the two walls--while this may sound like a typical touristy show, it's actually an entertaining display of combative competition and horsemanship.On the 18th (Thu), step into the grandiose world of Chateau Comtal, contemplate the long history of Cathar Castles, then pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, and finally take a stroll through Cité de Carcassonne.
For ratings, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Carcassonne trip itinerary maker site.
Traveling by flight from Bayeux to Carcassonne takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Bayeux in May, you will find days in Carcassonne are a bit warmer (69°F), and nights are about the same (51°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) to allow time to fly to Paris.
Find places to stay May 17 — 18:
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Paris — 2 nights
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City of Light
A beautiful and romantic city fit for any itinerary, Paris brims with historic associations and remains vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design.On the 19th (Fri), admire the masterpieces at Musee d'Orsay, then pause for some serene contemplation at Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre, and then wander the streets of Montmartre. Here are some ideas for day two: admire the striking features of Sainte-Chapelle, then see the interesting displays at Musee Rodin, then admire the landmark architecture of Arc de Triomphe, and finally contemplate the long history of Eiffel Tower.
To find photos, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Paris tour itinerary planner.
Traveling by flight from Carcassonne to Paris takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train; or drive. When traveling from Carcassonne in May, plan for slightly colder days and about the same nights in Paris: temperatures range from 64°F by day to 49°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sat) so you can catch the flight back home.
Find places to stay May 18 — 20:
Highlights from your trip
France travel guide
France has been the world's most popular tourist destination for decades, and geographically, it is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Its cities are holiday hot spots and contain some of the greatest treasures in Europe, its countryside is prosperous and well tended, and it boasts dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris, the French Riviera, the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport resorts of the French Alps, as well as the castles of the Loire Valley, Brittany, and Normandy. The country is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly wines and cheeses, as well as its history, culture, and fashion industry.
You'll find that the French people are very polite and may react coldly to you if you forget this. You might be surprised as you're greeted by other customers and the proprieter when you walk into a restaurant or a shop. Be sure to take your sightseeing off the beaten path in France. Besides the famous Eiffel Tower and the chic resorts of the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera) you'll find many places to visit in the form of museums filled with fine art, crafts, and archaeological relics, wonderful medieval villages and castles, diverse national parks, and local shopping direct from artisans themselves.
Whether you're touring the Christmas Markets or going skiing during winter, viewing the springtime influx of color in Provence, sunbathing on the Mediterranean coast in the summer, or watching the fall foliage against the backdrop of the châteaux in the Loire Valley, you're sure to find just the right place to be. Spring is a time when the tourist attractions are just starting to expand their hours, but it may still be cold in the mountainous regions and the north. Summer is the busiest time in France with the longest hours for many museums and attractions, but it's often when you will experience the most crowds. Winter in France is filled with winter carnivals, Christmas Markets, and of course, skiing. Fall is a time to celebrate the release of Beaujolais nouveau wine in November, as well as experience Nuit Blanche, a day in October when major attractions, museums, galleries, parks, and swimming pools remain open all night.
