59 days in France & Monte-Carlo Itinerary

Lyon is a historical city with a vibrant cultural scene as the birthplace of cinema, the silk capital of the globe, and the second biggest Renaissance city following Venice.

Lyon is known for sightseeing, museums, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, walk around Parc de la Tete d'Or, examine the collection at Musee des Confluences, and get to know the fascinating history of Vieux Lyon.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Lyon trip itinerary builder app.

Boston, USA to Lyon is an approximately 12-hour combination of flight and train. The time zone difference when traveling from Boston to Lyon is 6 hours. Expect a daytime high around 74°F in September, and nighttime lows around 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sun) so you can drive to Annecy.

The canals is in Annecy helped earn the medieval town the nickname the Venice of the Alps.

Kick off your visit on the 5th (Mon): don't miss a visit to Pont des Amours and then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Annecy. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 6th (Tue): take in the awesome beauty at Mont Saleve and then make a trip to La Vieille Ville.

For ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Annecy trip planning website.

You can drive from Lyon to Annecy in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 70°F, and evening lows to 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Chamonix.

Situated near the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and, most notably, the Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and known as the Alpine Capital of the World.

Start off your visit on the 7th (Wed): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Brevent Cable Car. On your second day here, take in the awesome beauty at Aiguille du Midi, then take in the awesome beauty at Glacier des Bossons, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Lac Blanc.

To find ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Chamonix trip itinerary website.

You can drive from Annecy to Chamonix in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Grenoble.

At the foot of the French Alps where the river Drac joins the Isère (the lion and the serpent), Grenoble offers you tons of winter and summer activities to keep the entire family busy, like hiking, climbing, skiing, and snowboarding, as well as swimming in clean mountain lakes.

On the 10th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the world behind art at Musee de Grenoble, then pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral de Notre Dame, and then contemplate the long history of Jardin des Fontaines Petrifiantes.

To find ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Grenoble online trip builder.

Traveling by car from Chamonix to Grenoble takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In September, daily temperatures in Grenoble can reach 70°F, while at night they dip to 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) to allow time to fly to Nice.

Well-known for the beautiful views of its famous Promenade des Anglais waterfront, Nice is an ethnically-diverse coastal port city on the French Riviera and the fifth most populated city in France.

Nice is known for sightseeing, museums, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: wander the streets of Vieille Ville, pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas a Nice, steep yourself in history at La cité médiévale, and take some stellar pictures from Colline du Chateau overlook.

To find maps, reviews, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Nice travel planning tool.

Traveling by flight from Grenoble to Nice takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Grenoble in September, things will get a bit warmer in Nice: highs are around 76°F and lows about 65°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) so you can go by car to Monte-Carlo.

Located at the base of the Alps along the French Riviera, the upscale city of Monte Carlo boasts a famous casino.

Monte-Carlo is known for zoos & aquariums, casinos, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the fascinating underground world of Jardin Exotique de Monaco, don't miss a visit to Place du Palais, take in nature's colorful creations at Japanese Gardens, and pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedrale Notre-Dame-Immaculee.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Monte-Carlo road trip planner.

Monte-Carlo is just a short distance from Nice. In September, plan for daily highs up to 76°F, and evening lows to 65°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Tue) early enough to drive to Cannes.

Although its luxury shops, nightlife, casinos, and high-end restaurants give Cannes a feeling of exclusivity, this classic French Riviera city has alternatives to suit every budget.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Wed): step off the mainland to explore Île Sainte-Marguerite, appreciate the extensive heritage of Le Sentier du Littoral, Cap d'Antibes, and then explore the world behind art at Musee Picasso. Here are some ideas for day two: pick up some local products at Marche Forville and then stroll through Lérins Islands.

Ask Inspirock to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Cannes fast, fun, and easy.

You can drive from Monte-Carlo to Cannes in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Traveling from Monte-Carlo in September, Cannes is a bit cooler at night with lows of 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu) to allow time to take a train to Saint-Raphael.

Saint-Raphael vacations have so much more to offer than an indulgent splurge on a beach.

Venture out of the city with trips to Domaine Val d'Iris (in Seillans) and Parc Zoologique de Frejus (in Frejus). There's lots more to do: don't miss a visit to Massif de l'Esterel, trek along Les Balcons du Cap Roux, take in the dramatic natural features at Calanque du Petit Caneiret, and admire the natural beauty at Kuentz le Monde des Cactus.

For more things to do, photos, reviews, and tourist information, use the Saint-Raphael online day trip planner.

Take a train from Cannes to Saint-Raphael in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. In September in Saint-Raphael, expect temperatures between 78°F during the day and 59°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Thu) so you can go by car to Saint-Tropez.

Saint-Tropez is a town, 100km west of Nice, in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. Start off your visit on the 30th (Fri): explore the historical opulence of Chateau de Grimaud, then stop by Port Grimaud, then examine the collection at Citadelle de Saint-Tropez - Musee d'histoire maritime, and finally stop by Rondini. On the 1st (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: brush up on your military savvy at Musee de la Gendarmerie et du Cinema, then enjoy the sand and surf at Plage de Pampelonne, and then get to know the fascinating history of St. Tropez Harbor.

For ratings, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Saint-Tropez trip planner.

Drive from Saint-Raphael to Saint-Tropez in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. September in Saint-Tropez sees daily highs of 81°F and lows of 57°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) to allow time to drive to Toulon.

Toulon is a city in southern France and a large military harbour on the Mediterranean coast, with a major French naval base. Start off your visit on the 2nd (Sun): head outdoors with Dune La Londe and then get to know the fascinating history of Vieille Ville. Here are some ideas for day two: learn about all things military at Musee National de la Marine, then head off the coast to Ile des Embiez, and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Rade de Toulon.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Toulon online travel planner.

You can drive from Saint-Tropez to Toulon in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Toulon can reach 71°F, while at night they dip to 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Mon) so you can drive to Cassis.

Cassis is a commune situated east of Marseille in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southern France.It is a popular tourist destination, famous for its cliffs (falaises) and the sheltered inlets called calanques. On the 4th (Tue), admire all the interesting features of Calanque de Port-Miou, stop by Pastis Et Compagnie, and then take in the waterfront at Port de Cassis. On the next day, take a memorable drive along Route des Cretes, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Montagne Sainte Victoire, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saint Michel Church.

To find other places to visit, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Cassis vacation planner.

You can drive from Toulon to Cassis in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train. In October, daily temperatures in Cassis can reach 71°F, while at night they dip to 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Wed) so you can drive to Marseille.

The 2013 European "Capital of Culture," Marseille is the largest port city on the breezy Mediterranean coast and the second largest city in France.

Change things up with these side-trips from Marseille: Aix-en-Provence (Paul Cezanne’s Studio, Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence, &more). Spend the 7th (Fri) exploring nature at Parc National des Calanques. There's much more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, take a stroll through The Panier, take a leisurely stroll along Le Vieux Port, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Chateau d'If.

To find ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Marseille sightseeing tool.

Getting from Cassis to Marseille by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 72°F in October, and nighttime lows around 54°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Avignon.

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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Avignon: Pont du Gard (in Vers-Pont-du-Gard), Les Baux de Provence (Chateau des Baux de Provence & Carrieres des Lumieres) and La Maison Carree (in Nimes). Next up on the itinerary: explore the historical opulence of Palais des Papes, admire the masterpieces at Musee Angladon, trek along Le Sentier des Ocres, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque.

To see photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Avignon online route planner.

You can drive from Marseille to Avignon in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Avignon are 70°F, while nighttime lows are 52°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Sun) early enough to go by car 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Carcassonne side-trips: Orgues d'Ille Sur Tet (in Ille-sur-Tet), Le Moulin à Papier de Brousses (in Brousses-et-Villaret) and Castillet (in Perpignan). Next up on the itinerary: take a stroll through Cité de Carcassonne, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Carcassonne Cathedral, explore the activities along Canal du Midi, and contemplate the long history of Cathar Castles.

For other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read Carcassonne online trip itinerary builder.

Drive from Avignon to Carcassonne in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 70°F, and evening lows to 52°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can go by car to Toulouse.

On the Garonne River, Toulouse is on the site of an ancient Roman settlement, and even today, many of the smaller streets follow their Roman counterparts, while many of the red brick buildings are built in a pseudo-Roman style.

On the 22nd (Sat), make a trip to Le Capitole, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of Les Jacobins, then explore the world behind art at Musee des Augustins, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilique Saint-Sernin. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun): get engrossed in the history at Musee Toulouse-Lautrec, admire the striking features of Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile, then take in nature's colorful creations at Les Jardins de la Berbie, and finally see the interesting displays at Musee Georges Labit.

Start your trip to Toulouse by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Toulouse takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In October in Toulouse, expect temperatures between 70°F during the day and 52°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) early enough to drive to Biarritz.

A popular holiday destination with world-class surfing, Biarritz has interesting coastal rock formations and stellar waves that make this luxurious seaside town popular with tourists and surfers alike.

On the 24th (Mon), observe the fascinating underwater world at Aquarium de Biarritz, then take some stellar pictures from Rocher de la Vierge, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at La Cote des Basques. On the 25th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get engrossed in the history at Villa Arnaga and then visit a coastal fixture at Phare de Biarritz.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Biarritz trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Toulouse to Biarritz by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or fly. In October in Biarritz, expect temperatures between 70°F during the day and 54°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Tue) so you can go by car to Bordeaux.

With a long history of producing regional wines since the Romans brought grapevines here during the first century, so many people consider Bordeaux to be the wine capital of the world.

Change things up with a short trip to La Grande Dune du Pilat in Pyla-sur-Mer (about 1h 10 min away). And it doesn't end there: don't miss a visit to Place de la Bourse, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Andre Cathedral, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Tour Pey-Berland, and explore the galleries of La Cite du Vin.

To see where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Bordeaux vacation planning site.

Drive from Biarritz to Bordeaux in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 68°F in October, and nighttime lows around 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly back home.