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A week in a half in France! CDG to Nice and back!

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I'm going to France with a group of 5 friends this spring and we're looking to set our itinerary! We're flying in and out of Paris CDG, and wanted to see as much as we can while still being able to enjoy our time. Our friends on the trip have been to Paris a few times, so you'll notice the itinerary does not include much of the city. We're planning to rail everywhere as a rental car seems like a bit much with a group of 6. We're welcome to all suggestions and ideas! Please let me know your thoughts :)

Day 1 : Arrive at CDG ~1pm. Take TGV train direct to Nice.

Day 2 : Explore Nice

Day 3 : Potential day trip to Monaco, Cannes & Eze (guided)

Day 4 : Beach & leisure morning in Nice... TGV to Dijon/Beaune

Day 5 : Beaune / Dijon leisure

Day 6 : Burgundy wine by bicycle. Will either self guide from Dijon, or consider a group trip leaving from Beaune

Day 7 : Beaune / Dijon leisure. TGV to Paris.

Day 8 : Day trip - Epernay (Moet & Perrier-Jouet)

Day 9 : Paris leisure day

Day 10 : Day trip - Versailles

Day 11 : Depart Paris ~10am

Posted by
11136 posts

Day 3. To Monaco and Cannes? They are in opposite directions! Stay in Nice.

Posted by
3592 posts

Two things about the beach in Nice:

It is rocky, and the water in spring will be quite cold. Of course, you can always change your plan, if you find the beach is not to your liking. There’s plenty to do in Nice.

Posted by
548 posts

Just two things:

  • I assume you are aware of the usual caveats about taking a TGV straight from CDG after arriving on a flight the same day (i.e. difference between refundable/flexible and cheaper/nonrefundable/nonflexible tickets) and have built in a sufficient buffer time after your international flight?
  • As noted, Monaco and Cannes are in opposite directions. I personally find Monaco to be a bit dull unless you're in the income bracket to be partaking of the casinos available, but YMMV.
Posted by
4037 posts

If you are flying trans-Atlantic, you could probably connect to Nice for not much more money. Then fly home from Paris, using a multi-destination search function to set up the itinerary.

Posted by
675 posts

If you book ahead, you can pick up a low cost air connection to Nice via CDG. It can be quite affordable and quicker if you are already at the airport.

It sounds like you are doing a package tour? Monaco and Eze can be combined via public transport (bus there, train back - a bit more complicated). Cannes is super easy via the train, adding Antibes is simple on the same ticket. The tour value is maximized by heading into the countryside, to places less reachable by public transport. Spring can be too cold on any beach but lunch on the beach is nice is great. My favorites beach side lunch cafes are the Beau Rivage, le Galet and in the Port, the platform on the sea at Le Plongeur. Villefranche sur Mer and Cap Ferrat make another great destination.

Posted by
4132 posts

If you catch a connecting flight to Nice, you will get the equivalent of an extra day on your trip, be in better shape to overcome jet lag, and feel like a super savvy bunch of travelers. Do it!

(Or just buy tickets to Nice and fly open jaw.)

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