4-Day France Travel Itinerary: Daily Routes in Paris & Lyon

Come and see, this is a great 4-day travel itinerary in France!

There’s a reason millions of people visit France every year. Between history that will take your breath away, exuberant culture, and energetic cities, there’s nowhere quite like it.

But with all that choice, and so much to see and do, where do you begin? How about right here?Here’s a good, solid 4 day France itinerary for you to get your teeth stuck into.

1. Considerations When Planning Your France Travel Route

When planning your trip to France, think about several key factors to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

• Budget: Decide your budget up front, as it will dictate where you stay, what you eat, and what you do. France has everything from budget hostels to super high end hotels, and dining options that ice your wallet or you eat like a king.

• Accommodation Options: Your wallet, and how far you want to commute, are everything. Staying close to the action – Le Marais the downtown museums, the top tourist sights – shaves hours off your day.

• Time of Year: Concentrate on experiences you will enjoy, whether visiting museums, exploring historical sites, or just dining.

• Interests and Activities: Focus on activities that match what you like, whether it's visiting museums, exploring historical sites, or enjoying French cuisine.

• Health and Safety: Double check visa details and when your passport expires. Read about any travel restrictions or advisories here.

• Travel Restrictions and Visas: Check visa requirements and make sure your passport is valid. Stay informed about any travel advisories or restrictions.

2. Detailed 4-Day France Itinerary

This itinerary through Lyon and Paris offers a rich tapestry of experiences, balancing historical insights, cultural encounters, and culinary delights to provide a comprehensive glimpse into French life and heritage.

4-Day France Itinerary Table

Day 1: Lyon

Begin your journey in Lyon, a city famed for its history and, far more importantly, its food. Then go to the mix of old-world charm and modern France that best encapsulates the spirit of the trip.

Activities:

• Bocuse d'Or: Sample the world of fine dining at the Bocuse d’Or – a cooking competition with serious prestige, as top chefs compete to create culinary masterpieces. Foodies won’t want to miss the ultimate in culinary contests.

• Bellecour Market: Wander Bellecour Market, a lively spot where locals and tourists gather to enjoy fresh produce and regional food. It’s a great place to experience local life and taste some Lyonnaise flavors.

• Saône River: Meander along the Saône River for a pleasant, picturesque walk. It’s a refreshing escape with some great views in a city of hills, letting you take in the city from a new angle.

• Fourvière Hill: Head up Fourvière Hill for a fantastic view of Lyon. The grand Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is unmissable, and an insight into both the city’s spiritual and architectural heritage.

• Dinner at Petit Ogre: Finish day one with a meal at Petit Ogre, a neighborhood restaurant full of Lyonnaise comfort food. A perfect end to a day of exploration

Accommodation: 

Opt for a place near Bellecour Square in Lyon, offering easy access to both historic sites and culinary hotspots.

Day 2: Paris

Welcome to Paris, the heart of French culture and history, and home to landmarks that encapsulate the spirit of the grand city. Today is all about the beauty and architectural marvels of the French capital.

Activities:

• Arc de Triomphe: At the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe stands as a massive monument honoring France’s military past, and the war dead of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic conflicts. 

  You can climb 284 steps to the top, offering unparalleled views of the 12 radiating avenues of Paris, perfect for panoramic pictures of the city.

• Champs-Élysées: Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful avenues in the world, the Champs-Élysées is nothing short of the height of Parisian elegance. 

  The avenue runs from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, and is lined with luxury shops, charming cafés, and theaters. 

  Perfect for a leisurely walk, a spot of luxury shopping, or to relax with a coffee and people-watch the day away.

• Eiffel Tower: The most famous iron structure on Earth is not to be missed. 

  Climb the tower for views spanning the city from a handful of observation decks, or take a leisurely moment or two on the Champ de Mars, the vast green space directly under the tower, ideal for a picnic and photos with the iconic structure in the background.

• Seine River Walk: A serene end to your day, a walk along the Seine river brings the city’s historic past to the fore, with picturesque riverbanks, ancient buildings, and charming bridges flanking its course. The ideal spot to soak up some of the romance of the city, this route offers quiet but stunning snapshots of the city by night.

Accommodation: 

Stay near the Eiffel Tower or along the Seine River in Paris, which provides a central location to the day’s landmarks and beautiful evening strolls.

Day 3: Paris

Spend the day taking in some of the world’s most famous art museums and strolling in the lush greenery that sits between them.

Activities:

• Louvre Museum: Grumpy locals will tell you it’s overrated, but even if the colossal Louver is, its sheer scale and some of the pieces it holds certainly aren’t. Never been? You can tick the Mona Lisa and the beautiful Venus de Milo's box.

• Tuileries Garden: For all its undeniability, the Louvre can make even the hardiest museum vet a bit stir crazy. Luckily, the Tuileries Garden sits just outside its doors, offering hectares of beautifully crafted green space to wander in.

• Shopping at France Spring: Get your shopping in for the day as you explore the clothing boutiques at France Spring, a striking shopping mall boasting everything from high fashion to locally made crafts.

• Dine at Little Korea: You can’t visit Paris and eat only French food, and Little Korea offers a blend of traditional Korean dishes served with a modern twist and contemporary cuisine.

Accommodation: 

Consider staying near the Louvre or in the 1st arrondissement, which will keep you close to museums, gardens, and upscale shopping areas.

Day 4: Paris

Explore Montmartre and Marais, two of Paris's most distinctive and charming neighborhoods.

Activities:

• Montmartre: This neighborhood’s reputation for bohemian living, plus historic associations with artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh, have become well-established. Wander the whimsical streets, pop into artist studios, and take in the city panorama from Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

• Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Perched on the summit of Montmartre, the basilica serves up some of the best views of the city. White domed and decorated with elaborate mosaics, it is also a site of pilgrimage.

• Moulin Rouge:  No bookings are included for a flouncy dance spectacle and only slightly less stiff drinks, but no visit to the French capital is complete without at least pausing for a photo in front of this iconic cabaret venue.

• Marais Shopping: Two feet of walking off your meal and you arrive in the Marais, a former swamp drained in the 13th century and now home to some eateries that should not be missed, and some that should. It's also one of the city's most architecturally intact areas pre-Revolution, and famed for its shopping, from the unique designer boutiques to the sweet scent of the patisseries.

• Dine at L'Alma: Your final dinner should be one to remember, and L'Alma promises a decadent mix of classic and contemporary French cookery, a fitting closer for your own well-cooked Parisian escapade.

Accommodation: 

Stay in or near the Montmartre or Marais neighborhoods to be immersed in the historic and artistic heart of Paris, with easy access to both vibrant areas and a seamless departure the next day.

• Take your time to explore each area, soaking in the unique atmosphere. 

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the cobblestone streets.

Tips for Shortening/Extending the 4-Day Route

• If you need to shorten your trip, focus on key attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. 

• For an extended trip, consider day trips to Versailles or Giverny for a more in-depth experience.

3. Top 10 French Food and Drink

The food and drink of France is renowned worldwide for its rich flavor profiles and expert cooking techniques. 

Here are ten classic French dishes you just have to try to experience the best of French culinary tradition:

1. Croissant:

The French breakfast favorite is served throughout the day in its native land. Enjoy the soft, flaky pastry with a coffee or hot chocolate.

2. Baguette:

Another classic French treat, the loaf's crusty outer and fluffy inner make it a perfect sandwich bread or side to cheese and charcuterie.

3. Escargot:

Snails in garlic and herb butter may not be to all tastes, but the signature gastropod dish remains a French staple, enjoyed as an appetizer.

4. Coq au Vin:

Another hearty plate, this chicken stew slow-cooked with wine and lardons, mushrooms, and at times garlic, perfectly captures the depth of slow-cooked flavors.

5. Quiche Lorraine: 

The eggy treat hails from the north-eastern region of Lorraine, and usually features bacon and cream bound in a pastry crust. A versatile dish, it can be served hot or cold, at any meal.

6. Ratatouille:

The vegetable stew is one of the most famous dishes hailing from Provence, and is typically made up of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and ripe tomatoes, flavored with Herbes de Provence, and served as a side dish.

7. Crème Brûlée:

A creamy custard topped with caramelized sugar, providing a sweet snap to its smooth texture.

8. Boeuf Bourguignon:

Originating from the Burgundy region, this beef stew cooked in red wine with the likes of carrots, onions, and a bouquet garni, before being garnished with mushrooms and lardons, is a worldwide favorite that almost defines French comfort food.

9. Soupe à l'Oignon:

The rich onion soup typically comes floating with croutons and melted cheese or a large piece of crusty bread. A hearty dish, popular in colder months.

10. Macarons:

The colorful, flavorsome mini cakes are made from almond flour, eggs, and sugar, with a ganache, buttercream, or jam filling offering a variety of tastes along with different colors. Great for the taste buds and the eyes, it makes them a versatile treat, from everyday reward to formal gift.

4. Additional Tips for France Traveling

Packing Essentials

• For the summer months, load up on as light and breathable clothing as possible, but prepare for chillier winter temperatures with a couple of layers. 

• No matter the season, you'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you have a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes to pound the pavement.

• If you plan on bringing electrical appliances, pack an adapter. 

Cash and Local Apps

• While cards are widely used for bigger transactions, it's essential to have cash available (especially for smaller purchases at markets or in some rural areas). 

• In larger urban areas there's also now the option of digital wallets such as Paylib.

• If you will be in a massive metropolitan tangle, Citymapper is a cracking app for negotiating public transport and fares. It's also likely to be easier than paper tickets.

Local Etiquette and Customs

• Learn some basic French greetings – “bonjour” (hello) and “merci” (thank you) will get you a long way – and use them every day. When in any shop, even if it's just a supermarket, always say “bonjour” as you enter, and “au revoir” (goodbye) as you leave.

•  Dress modestly if you'll be visiting any churches or religious sites. Politeness and respect are very important to the French.

Transport Options

France has a great public transport system, with metro, buses, and trams serving most major urban areas. For the capital, look into the France Visite Pass, which can get you unlimited public transport in the city, and potentially save you money, too.

Renting a Car or Scooter

• If you want to head out into the countryside for day trips beyond the city, it may be worth looking into renting a car. 

• For city centers, especially if you're in a traffic-heavy area, consider a scooter or moped.

• Easier to maneuver than a car when around buses, trams and the helmet of public opinion, it's also worth noting to always obey local road traffic laws.

Communication: Language Tips

A little French goes a long way—'please' ('s'il vous plaît') and 'where is…?' ('où est…?') will see you right. 

• Even if it's just a few words, an attempt with the language is more appreciated than you'll ever know. 

• For the brave, invest in a phrasebook or a translation app.

Summary

And that’s the detailed 4-day itinerary for France!

 We hope this guide to the city’s most iconic sights, must-see cultural experiences, and fantastic food stops helps you plan your own trip. 

Carefully planned so you can enjoy everything without a rush, this plan should offer a good balance of sightseeing, downtime, and culinary treats, really allowing you to get a feel for the city. 

However you choose to explore the City of Light, we hope you make memories that will last a lifetime!