A Week in France: How to Spend 7 Days in France

France is a dream destination for many travelers, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. From the bustling streets of Paris to the serene beauty of Giverny and the coastal charm of Étretat, this week-long itinerary covers some of the country’s most iconic and picturesque locations. If you’re planning to go for a week in France or looking for inspiration to revisit, this guide is packed with practical tips and insights to help you make the most of your time in France.

Friday, July 1st

Our adventure began with a 9:00 AM flight from ECP, with a layover in Atlanta before boarding a 4:30 PM flight to Paris. This schedule gave us plenty of time to grab a meal and stretch before the long-haul journey to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

Arrival and Travel to Giverny

We landed at CDG at 7:00 AM, slightly groggy but eager to start exploring. After picking up our rental car at Avis in Terminal 2 E/F (Reservation #27555101US0), we set off on the one-hour drive to Giverny. Arriving around 8:30 AM, we visited Monet’s Garden, a serene spot filled with vibrant flowers and the iconic water lilies. We spent about two hours wandering through the gardens and the artist’s charming house before stopping for lunch at a nearby café.

Exploring Rouen

Post-lunch, we drove another hour to Rouen. This historic city is a treasure trove of medieval architecture and cultural landmarks. We started with the Rouen Cathedral, admiring its intricate Gothic design, and then strolled under the Gros Horloge, an ornate astronomical clock. The Musée des Beaux-Arts was a must-see for art lovers, with its impressive collection of French paintings. We took a leisurely walk through Vieux Rouen, enjoyed the tranquil Jardin des Plantes, and marveled at the delicate architecture of the Church of Saint-Maclou. The day ended at the Old Market Square, rich with history and a great place to soak in the ambiance.

We checked into Domaine Le Clos des Fontaines in Jumieges by 3:00 PM. This charming hotel was the perfect place to unwind after a busy day.

Back to Paris

After checking out of Auberge Saint-Pierre at 11:00 AM, we began the four-hour drive back to Paris. We checked into Albe Hotel in the Latin Quarter by 2:00 PM. Dropping off the rental car at CDG’s Terminal 2 E/F marked the end of our driving adventures.

If you want to check out for more affordable hotels around Paris, check out the list here. 

Exploring Paris

We dedicated this day to exploring iconic landmarks. Starting with Les Invalides, we admired its stunning architecture and Napoleon’s tomb. The Eiffel Tower was next, and we recommend heading to Trocadéro for the best photo ops. Nearby, Avenue de Camoens and Pont de Bir-Hakeim also offered unique views. For a quieter perspective, we visited Square Rapp and strolled along Rue de l’Université.

The afternoon took us to the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde before ending at the Jardin des Tuileries. We wrapped up with a visit to Notre-Dame, where restoration work after the 2019 fire is ongoing but still worth a visit.

Dinner and Drinks

Dinner was at Ma Cachette on Rue des Chartreux, where we enjoyed classic French dishes. We ended the day with drinks at Le Requin Chagrin on Rue Mouffetard, a cozy spot with great vibes.

You might want to explore more of the stunning tourist attractions in Paris. If you don't have time to do a week in Paris, read our blog here for a shorter 3-day   Paris itinerary.

Louvre and Palais Royal

We started early, leaving the hotel at 8:00 AM to walk to the Louvre and Palais Royal. The morning light made for stunning photos, and we spent two hours soaking in the art and architecture.

Palais Garnier and More Louvre Time

At 10:00 AM, we visited the Palais Garnier, a masterpiece of opulence and history. By noon, we were back at the Louvre, where we spent another couple of hours exploring its vast collections.

Versailles

We secured 9:00 AM tickets to Versailles, a short train ride from Paris. Ticket prices for Versailles costs approximately €22 for adults. Plan to spend at least half a day here—the palace, gardens, and Trianon estates are expansive and awe-inspiring.

Evening Speakeasy Hopping

In the evening, we explored Paris’ speakeasy scene, starting with Baranaan on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin and then heading to La Cordonnerie on Rue Saint-Denis. Both offered unique drinks and atmospheres.

Montmartre Morning

We started our day at 6:00 AM with photos in Montmartre before it got crowded. The Sacré-Cœur and its views were magical in the morning light. We also stopped by the Moulin Rouge (just for pictures) and explored the charming streets, including La Maison Rose and Le Consulat.

Shakespeare and Company and Museums

At 10:00 AM, we visited the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore, followed by a tour of the Musée d’Orsay in the afternoon.

Evening at the Moulin Rouge

Our day ended with a 9:00 PM reservation (#1129) for the Moulin Rouge show—a quintessential Parisian experience that lived up to the hype.

If you want to watch a Moulin Rouge show, you can secure your tickets here. 

Saturday, July 9th

Relaxation and Photos

We kept this day light, taking relaxed photos at the Louvre and enjoying the city’s slower pace. It was a welcome break before our final day in France.

Sunday, July 10th

Departure

Our flight back home was at 1:00 PM from CDG, with a layover in Atlanta. By the time we landed, it was 8:00 PM—the end of an unforgettable week in France.

France is a country that captivates with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. This week-long itinerary was designed to balance iconic landmarks with hidden gems, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring the serene gardens of Giverny, marveling at the grandeur of Versailles, or simply enjoying the charm of Parisian streets, every moment is a memory in the making. We hope this guide helps you plan your own unforgettable journey through France.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo