A week in France

[Isthisit2025]

As the title says, I’m spending a week in France using the train. My plan is an overnight in Paris, on to Lyon for a couple of days. Lyon to Avignon, then on to Nimes ending up in Montpellier before departing back to Paris.

Is this a tad ambitious? I have never been to any of these cities/towns before so it’s all uncharted territory not knowing what to expect ie will one day be enough in Avignon etc. Any advice/suggestions would be most welcome.

Sounds marvellous! Although very busy. Would be worth researching each place to get the most out of it

I think it is a bit ambitious even with the speed of the TGV.

Bit ambitious. Avignon (do not go in July) get the little tourist train round to see everything, Nîmes arènes, musée de la romanité and maison carré (& museum opposite which I've forgotten the name of), Montpellier place de la Comédie and shops.

Hmmm. I may have to reduce the itinerary. It’s hard to decide though. Thank you all!

It depends what you want to do in each place.

I've been to Avignon Friday-Monday and I'm going to Nimes for the same in April. I wouldn't do more than 2 towns by train unless it's a whistle stop tour.

I've got a week in Germany in October- Cologne and Trier.

Oh, I would do similar, so maybe I'm also a nutter 😆

However, what I would do is base myself in Marseille and go on a day trip to Avignon, cutting Lyon and maybe Nimes out. Or having just one night in Lyon.

I bloody love Marseille, me.

I think you're trying to do too many things. I absolutely love Lyon and could easily spend a week there and whilst you were there you could get the train through the alps to Geneva, I've actually done this as a day trip and its lovely.

Try and get to Arles from Nimes, small town with Roman buildings,Van Gogh gallery and quaint streets. One of the nicest French towns I’ve visited.

@crackofdoom my partner says I’m a lunatic! I think the ambition is only trying to do too much and not actually able to do it if that makes sense. Because we’ve never been to any of these places we have no idea what we will want to do (apart from the obvious).

I am desperate to go to Marseille too but that’s another trip.

So many places in France and on the borders, absolutely spoilt for choice.

Thank you all for your insight and appeasing my slightly unhinged intinerary!

I’d stick to Lyon, Avignon and Nimes personally - plenty to do there if you only have a week and you could always make side trips to eg. Arles, or Uzes for the Pont du Gard. Save Montpellier for another time.

@stringbean I have decided to be more realistic (and chilled) about the trip. I think having time to take it all in is the priority here. Thanks for your post.

Nimes is a re
al must, as per a PP id also recommend Uzes, Pont du Gard and Arles. If you’d like some time by the beach (an hour from Nimes) La Grande Motte / La Grau du Roi is amazing

When are you going? That will make a big difference!

@AlicePottery late March. Decided to go South for a little bit of better weather

Ooh it will be lovely then, not too hot, probably nicest time of the year to visit unless you have bad pollen allergies 😅
I'd definitely stick to the Avignon/Nîmes/Uzès triangle. Public transport between the three is pretty good (lio busses, 2€ a ticket), definitely go to the Pont du Gard too while you're here.