France

France is a strong first European trip because it combines famous cities with slower, atmospheric regions. The best itineraries usually center on one capital city, one coastal escape, and one countryside base rather than trying to tick off every region in a single week.

For most travelers, a balanced route looks like Paris for culture, a coastal stop such as Nice or Marseille for sea air, and one slow-paced town such as Lyon, Bordeaux, or a village in Provence. The country rewards pacing: be in the city for museums, then move outward for market mornings and long lunches.

Suggested 7-day route: Paris (3 nights), Lyon or Dijon (1 night), Nice or Aix-en-Provence (2 nights), return to Paris or depart from Marseille. This path keeps transit simple, gives you time to wander, and avoids the exhaustion of too many hotel changes.

Visa & policy: many short-stay visitors from visa-exempt countries can enter France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism. Always confirm the current Schengen rules for your passport, especially if you plan to move onward to other EU countries.