16 days in Avignon, Languedoc-Roussillon & Paris Itinerary

An ancient town center surrounded by medieval ramparts, Avignon is a major city of Provence and a Mediterranean city in the Vaucluse department on the left bank of the Rhône River.

Explore Avignon's surroundings by going to Marseille (Cathédrale La Major, Le Vieux Port, &more), Saint Michel Church (in Cassis) and Room Escape Games (in Aix-en-Provence). There's lots more to do: admire the masterpieces at Carrieres des Lumieres, admire the striking features of Chateau des Baux de Provence, stop by Le Moulin du Cacao, and step into the grandiose world of Palais des Papes.

To find maps, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Avignon trip itinerary maker site.

Vancouver, Canada to Avignon is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. Traveling from Vancouver to Avignon, you'll lose 9 hours due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Vancouver in March, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Avignon: temperatures range from 18°C by day to 5°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Montpellier.

"Montpellier is a modern, compact, and fast-growing city about 10 km (6 mi) inland from the Mediterranean coast with an active, youthful vibe.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Montpellier: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (promenade a cheval & Le Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau). There's still lots to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Maison de la Nature, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, take in the awesome beauty at Pic Saint-Loup, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedrale St. Pierre.

For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Montpellier travel route site.

Drive from Avignon to Montpellier in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In March, daily temperatures in Montpellier can reach 19°C, while at night they dip to 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sat) early enough to drive to Carcassonne.

Best known as a fortified town, Carcassonne is a walled city that provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the location for many scenes in Kevin Costner's movie "Robin Hood." For a daily dose of excitement, medieval jousting tournaments are held twice per day between the two walls--while this may sound like a typical touristy show, it's actually an entertaining display of combative competition and horsemanship.

On the 24th (Sun), explore the historical opulence of Chateau Comtal, contemplate the long history of Cathar Castles, then pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, then take an in-depth tour of Musee De L'ecole, and finally wander the streets of Cité de Carcassonne. On the next day, snap pictures at Le Pont Vieux (The Old Bridge), make a trip to La Porte D'aude, then step into the grandiose world of Chateaux de Lastours, and finally examine the collection at Le Moulin à Papier de Brousses.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Carcassonne road trip site.

Traveling by car from Montpellier to Carcassonne takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In March, daily temperatures in Carcassonne can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 6°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Paris.

A beautiful and romantic city fit for any itinerary, Paris brims with historic associations and remains vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design.

Change things up with a short trip to Palace of Versailles in Versailles (about 48 minutes away). The adventure continues: admire the masterpieces at Louvre Museum, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, stroll around Luxembourg Gardens, and take a stroll through Le Marais.

To find ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Paris trip itinerary planner.

Fly from Carcassonne to Paris in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train; or drive. When traveling from Carcassonne in March, plan for little chillier days in Paris, with highs around 13°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Sun) early enough to catch the flight back home.