My wife, 12yo daughter and I are planning a trip this summer to France, flying from Toronto. My wife and I visited Paris and the Loire Valley 20 years ago, and my daughter has never been to Europe.
We've bounced around some ideas:
- 3-4 days in Paris—all the usual stops.
- 3-4 days in Lyon—take TGV from Paris, see the sights, soak in the culture, eat good food.
- 3-4 days in Arles/Avignon—take TGV from Paris/Lyon. See some Gallo-Roman stuff. Rent a car locally if necessary.
- 2-3 days in the Alps—rent a car, drive up into the mountains. Hiking, zip lining (100% must, per my daughter), tram up to see mountain vistas
If we go to the mountains, perhaps fly home through Geneva. Otherwise, train back to CDG.
That seems like too much to fit into 10-12 days!
Paris is locked in.
1-2-4 Paris/Lyon/Chamonix (for example) to GVA is a relatively tight triangle.
1-2-3 Paris/Lyon/Avignon would perhaps avoid renting a car and have the least travel. Flights into/out of CDG seem cheapest from YYZ.
The ancient ruins in the south look super interesting, but that much more travel. Is Lyon distinctive enough from Paris to merit a visit, or would 1-3-4 be more interesting?
Is there a great option 5 to consider? Is more time in less places better? If the Alps, suggestions for resorts? (This would also serve as scouting for future ski trips!)
Edit 2025.05.20, corrected my daughter’s age.