Itinerary Summary
The trip opens with three days in central Paris - the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the Arc de Triomphe - followed by a full day at Versailles. A TGV ride to Brittany brings you to Mont Sai…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Landing at Charles de Gaulle and a Seine sunset cruise
09:30
2h
RER B transfer from Charles de Gaulle
Follow signs from arrivals to the RER B platforms and ride to Chatelet or Saint-Michel in about 35 minutes. Buy a single ticket from the machine and keep luggage zipped; these carriages are a known pickpocket area.
📍 Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris
13:00
1.5h
Hotel check-in near Saint-Germain
Drop bags at a Left Bank hotel and take a short orientation walk past the Deux Magots cafe terraces. Most Paris hotels hold luggage before the 15:00 check-in, so ask at the desk rather than waiting in the lobby.
📍 Saint-Germain-des-Pres
18:30
1.5h
Golden-hour Seine cruise from Pont Neuf
Board a cruise at Pont Neuf as the bridges light up, with about an hour on the water toward the Eiffel Tower. Reserve a sunset departure online a few days ahead and arrive 20 minutes early for a top-deck seat.
📍 Seine River, Paris
💡 Pro Tip: Clear passport control at CDG, then ride the RER B into the centre in about 35 minutes; keep bags zipped on the crowded carriages and buy tickets from the machines rather than touts. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the France visa section before booking. France runs on UTC+1, moving to UTC+2 from late March to late October. Book the evening cruise online for a departure around sunset.
Days 2-12 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$92035%
Mid-range hotels and B&Bs, 11 nights
Food & DiningUS$52020%
Bistros, cafes and market meals
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US, UK and Australian passport holders need a visa for France?+
Most US, UK, Canadian, Australian and Japanese passport holders can enter the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Other nationalities need a Schengen short-stay visa before travel. Rules depend on your passport, so check the France visa section and confirm ETIAS status before booking.
What is the best month to visit Mont Saint-Michel and the Loire Valley?+
April to June and September to October give mild weather and thinner crowds than midsummer. July and August are hot and busy, especially at Versailles. Tides at Mont Saint-Michel shift daily, so check the official tide timetable and plan your abbey visit around high water.
How much does this 12-day France itinerary cost per person?+
Budget roughly $2,240-2,990 (about EUR 1,950-2,600) per person excluding international flights. That covers mid-range hotels, TGV tickets, a rental car for the Brittany and Loire legs, and daily meals. Michelin dining or upgraded hotels cost extra.
Should I rent a car for the Loire Valley chateaux or join tours?+
This route takes the TGV to Brittany and picks up a rental car from Rennes for Mont Saint-Michel and the Loire. A car is the practical way to reach Chambord, Chenonceau and Cheverny, which sit outside towns. Book an automatic early if you need one and check toll and vignette rules.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 12 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $2,240–2,990 (≈ €1,950–2,600), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: City Explorers
Budget Spreadsheet
Download the customizable budget template for this itinerary.
Unlock Budget DownloadPrint / Save as PDF
Open a print-ready version, then choose Save as PDF in the print dialog.
Unlock Print / PDFYou May Also Like
- Scenic TGV: Paris, Bordeaux & the French Riviera in 8 DaysFrance · 8 days · Comfort · approx. $1,640–2,390 (≈ €1,430–2,080), excl. int'l flights
- Paris Shopping: Galeries Lafayette & La Vallee Village in 5 DaysFrance · 5 days · Shopping · approx. $1,200–1,790 (≈ €1,040–1,560), excl. int'l flights & shopping
- Paris Fairy-Tale & Disneyland: 7-Day Family TripFrance · 7 days · Comfort · approx. $1,640–2,240 (≈ €1,430–1,950), excl. int'l flights; per family of 2 (1 adult + 1 child)