Hi everyone! My partner and I are traveling through France, Andorra, Monaco, and Italy from Dec 19 to Jan 18, along with family (we’ll be 7 adults until Jan 4, then 4 of us). I’m Brazilian, and this will be my first time in Europe! We’ll also be celebrating two birthdays, and our “home base” will be Montpellier, where my mother-in-law is temporarily living for work.
Not sure if I’ve built a solid itinerary (I’m still new to this) so I’d really appreciate any feedback on the route, train logistics, realistic winter expectations, or anything else that might help. Since the trip is still a few months away, nothing is set in stone.
- Paris (3 nights)
Dec 19 (Thu): Arrival in Paris. I’ll probably be exhausted from the flight and a bit disoriented with the neighborhood. But I definitely want to see the Eiffel Tower, the Christmas lights and all that magic.
Dec 20 (Fri): I know it’s cliché, but I want to see it all. Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Galeries Lafayette. Open to suggestions beyond the obvious, though!
Dec 21 (Sat): It’s my sister-in-law’s birthday and she wants to go to the Louvre.
- Montpellier + day trips
Dec 22 (Sun): Paris to Montpellier. Probably by train.
Dec 23 (Mon): Getting to know the city, no plans yet.
Dec 24 (Tue) e Dec 25 (Wed): Christmas Eve and day. I assume things will be pretty quiet and cozy. Looking foward the christmas markets tho.
Dec 26 (Thu): Trip to Toulouse by train.
Dec 27 (Fri): Day trip to Andorra with Andbus maybe. Thinking of taking the Andbus. Walk around, do some duty-free shopping, then head back to Toulouse for the night.
Dec 28 (Sat): Return to Montpellier
Dec 29 (Sun): My mother-in-law’s birthday. They’re thinking of booking a vineyard lunch nearby.
- Nice and Monaco
Dec 30 (Mon): By train. Walk along the Promenade des Anglais, dinner with a sea view... Idk.
Dec 31 (Tue): NYE in Nice. Hopefully fireworks and festive vibes.
Jan 1 (Wed): Side trip to Monaco. Quick hop over, just to say I’ve been. Might be a quiet day overall.
Jan 2 (Thu): Return to Montpellier.
- Montpellier and short trips (yep, again)
Jan 3 (Fri): From now on, it's just me, my partner and my in-laws. I’ll have to work remotely on some days, so this week will be slower.
Jan 4 (Sat): Day trip to Sète.
Jan 5 (Sun): Plan is to visit Marché des Arceaux, maybe picnic in a park.
Jan 6 (Mon): Day trip to Aigues-Mortes. Walled medieval town near the Camargue. Still figuring out transport.
Jan 7 (Tue): Probably just hanging out
- Lyon & Annecy
Jan 8 (Wed): Train to Lyon. Really excited to explore the old town and climb to Fourvière Basilica.
Jan 9 (Thu): Lyon to Annecy by train. Hoping to catch some winter postcard vibes by the lake.
Jan 10 (Fri): Annecy to Lyon (for connection to Milan). Heading back just to stay overnight before going to Italy.
- Milan
Jan 11 (Sat): Train to Milan. Not sure if this is a great idea or not, but it’s my first time in Europe and I’m excited to see as many countries as possible.
Jan 12 (Sun): Exploring Milan
Jan 13 (Mon): Torn between Lake Como or Bergamo. Not sure if either looks nice in winter, so I’m open to tips!
Jan 14 (Tue): Back to Montpellier. Still figuring out the best route, direct train, or go through Lyon again?
- Farewell France
Jan 15 (Wed): Last day in Montpellier. Picking up the things we left and saying goodbye.
Jan 16 (Thu): Back to Paris. We’ll stay either in the city or near the airport. Hoping to squeeze in some shopping and maybe visit the Musée d’Orsay.
Jan 17 (Fri): Planning to relax at the Luxembourg Gardens. Maybe have afternoon tea or do a night cruise to wrap it all up.
Jan 18 (Sat): Flight back home
If you’ve read this far, thank you! I’d really appreciate any advice or gut-checks on the plan.