I’ve had the pleasure of traveling though France multiple times. Fall has become my favorite time to visit. The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and it’s the perfect time to try some of France’s hearty cold-weather dishes.

I built this itinerary with two things in mind:

We’re going to visit a friend who is temporarily working in Lyon.
I’m traveling with someone who has never been to Paris.

We’re starting and ending the trip in Paris. The first few days we’re going to see the major sites in Paris and enjoying all the city has to offer. Then we travel to Lyon to take in its legendary food scene. After then we’re spending a few outdoorsy days in Annecy. On the back end of the trip, that’s when we’re taking advantage of Paris’ shopping scene.

How I planned it

I know Paris well, but this will be my first time in Lyon and Annecy. Everything on those legs of the trip comes from research, and I planned each day thoughtfully. I had so much fun researching these cities and can’t wait to experience them for myself!

A couple of things guided me along the way. Every day doesn’t need to be packed. Just have an idea of what you want to do, and buy tickets ahead for your must-do things, especially if they’re popular.

With my personal experience in Paris and my research on Lyon and Annecy, here’s how the itinerary shook out.

Paris

Day 1 (arrival day)

If you arrive at CDG, it takes about an hour to get to the city center by metro. It’s absolutely doable, but one of the things I’ve started splurging on is a hotel transfer upon arrival. When you’re jetlagged and have luggage, it makes life so much easier. Here’s the one I booked for this trip.

I emailed the hotel to let them know our arrival time. Most hotels won’t guarantee an early check-in, but I’ve had good luck being able to get in early if I reach out to the hotel beforehand. Hopefully we’ll be able to check in right away, shower, and take a power nap.

Once we’re out and about, we’re going to wander the city. I’ve got a few places mapped out for an easy stroll. Then we’re going to stop by Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame.

Walk through the Jardin du Luxembourg
Take the metro to the Eiffel Tower
Sainte-Chapelle (we have timed entry tickets)
Notre Dame (we are visiting at the end of the day, hoping for shorter lines)
Grab a glass of wine somewhere along the Seine

Day 2

I’m planning to spend about four hours seeing the Louvre. I’m excited to see their stunning art collection, but I’m also anxious to see the Napoleon Apartments. These are a preserved suite of reception rooms used by the imperial household when part of the Louvre served as a royal residence.

Paris is a great city for wandering, so I didn’t pack the agenda. Once we’re done at the Louvre, we’re going to walk through a few nearby spots and then head over to the Eiffel Tower.

The Louvre
Walk through Palais Royal and Jardin des Tuileries
Eiffel Tower

Day 3

Versailles is unreal. I went several years ago in the summer. I’m excited to visit it again without the summer crowds. Versailles is about 45 minutes outside of Paris by train. Once you arrive in the town of Versailles, the Chateau is only a fifteen-minute walk.

We bought timed entry tickets, so we don’t have to stand in line once we get there. We’re doing a self-guided tour with an audio guide, but guided tours are available.

Day trip to Versailles

Lyon

Day 4

The food scene in Lyon is supposed to be spectacular. I booked a food tour for our first night there so that we can get to know the city while learning about its cuisine.

Take the train to Lyon
Sunset food tour

Day 5

Today we’re going to take in the local sites and markets. You know I love a local market!

Explore old town
Parc de la Tete
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Roman Theatres
Fourvière Hill
Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière

Day 6

We’re going to venture into the Beaujolais countryside for a wine tour. The Beaujolais wine region is unique because it blends a single grape with a distinctive winemaking technique and highly specialized granite-rich soils. This area is where a lot of Gamay comes from.

Beaujolais wine tour

Annecy

Day 7

Annecy has been on my bucket list for years. From what I’ve read, it’s a popular lake town in the warmer months, but has plenty to offer in the cooler months as well. We’re looking forward to taking in the great outdoors while we’re there.

Train to Annecy
Explore Annecy tour

Day 8

I’m really excited about our biking day. We are going to rent ebikes and bike around the lake on the Voie Verte du Lac d’Annecy (Lake Annecy Greenway).

This path follows a former train route. Today, this section is completely flat, smooth, and asphalt-paved. We’re planning to stop and explore the towns along the route. The route we have planned is about 15 miles.

Rent ebikes and ride from Annecy → Sévrier → Saint-Jorioz → Duing and back.

Day 9

Flea market along Rue Saine-Claire (a famous monthly antique and flea market)
Marche de la Vieille Ville (the historic open-air market in the old town)
Musee-Chateau d’Annecy

Back to Paris

Day 10

I purposefully left our Paris shopping for the end of the trip to in an attempt to keep our luggage from getting heavier. During our last two days in Paris, I want to visit local shops that we don’t have easy access to back home.