From the Louvre to Lavender Fields | The Ultimate France Itinerary for Indian Explorers

So, you've finally decided to book that dream trip to France. Whether it was the whisper of the Eiffel Tower in Bollywood movies, your Pinterest board packed with macaron photos, or just the fact that your Instagram bio needs a “Paris, je t'aime” moment , you're ready to go full “French mode.”

But where should you go beyond the obvious selfie under the Iron Lady? And more importantly , how do you plan an itinerary that isn’t just wine and cheese but also oozes culture, charm, and a little bit of "bonjour drama"?

Worry not. We’ve put together the ultimate France itinerary tailor-made for Indian travelers, mixing iconic spots with offbeat adventures, cultural nuances, and plenty of reasons to fall in love with the country , slowly, like a well-aged camembert.

Oh, and before we start , make sure you get your France visa for Indians sorted in advance. Trust us, once that’s done, all you need to worry about is choosing between a croissant or pain au chocolat every morning (spoiler: the answer is both).

Day 1-3: Paris – Love, Lights & Louvre

Vibe: Romantic, artistic, painfully photogenic.

Start strong in the city where carbs and couture co-exist. Paris is more than just the Eiffel Tower, although we totally support getting 47 photos of it from every angle.

Must-Dos:

• Eiffel Tower: Go up if you want the view. Stay down if you want the ‘gram.
• Louvre Museum: Say hi to Mona Lisa. She’s smaller than you think.
• Montmartre: Artists, bohemians, and tourists with sore feet unite here.
• Champs-Élysées: For luxury shopping or pretending you can afford it.

Food to Try:

• French onion soup (has cheese, so obviously Indian-approved).
• Macarons from Pierre Hermé or Ladurée.
• Crêpes so thin they make dosa look chunky.

Desi Tip:

Head to Gare du Nord for some great Indian restaurants if you're missing home flavors. Or just pack some thepla. We won't judge.

Day 4-5: Loire Valley – Castles, Countryside & Wine Tasting

Vibe: Fairytale-esque, scenic, slow travel.

Rent a car or hop on a regional train to explore the Loire Valley, a region dotted with stunning châteaux (castles), riverside villages, and vineyards.

Castles to Visit:

• Château de Chambord: Renaissance architecture meets ridiculous grandeur.
• Château de Chenonceau: Built over a river. Romantic. Ridiculously photogenic.
• Château d'Amboise: Leonardo da Vinci is buried here. That’s right. Da Vinci.

Bonus:

Enjoy local wines (yes, even Indian travelers can swirl and sniff like sommeliers).

Tip:

Stay in a countryside B&B. Think rolling vineyards, morning croissants, and a host named Marie who talks only in French but smiles like your auntie.

Day 6-7: French Riviera – Glitz, Glam, and Gelato

Vibe: Movie-star energy, beachy bougie, Mediterranean chill.

From Nice to Cannes and Monaco, the south of France is all about sun, sand, and showing off your sunglasses.

Activities:

• Stroll along Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
• Visit Eze Village – a hilltop village that feels like a perfume commercial.
• Drop by Cannes and pretend you’re here for the film festival.
• Take a quick hop to Monaco — because, why not?

Food Break:

• Niçoise salad (it’s like a health-conscious chaat).
• Socca (a chickpea pancake – perfect for vegetarians).
• Gelato every 2 hours. You’re on vacation. Relax.

Cultural Note:

Don’t be surprised if everyone is sunbathing in styles that would make your grandma faint. It’s Europe, baby.

Day 8-9: Provence – Lavender Fields & Quiet Villages

Vibe: Pastoral poetry, rural magic, Instagram heaven.

Visit during summer (June–August) and you’ll find rolling fields of lavender straight out of a Monet painting. Even if you’re not into flowers, the calm beauty of Provence will convince you that quitting your job to make artisanal goat cheese might be a good idea.

Top Stops:

• Gordes: A clifftop town that looks like it belongs in a postcard.
• Roussillon: Ochre-colored houses and earthy vibes.
• Valensole Plateau: Lavender fields for miles.

Optional:

Book a lavender farm tour. You’ll leave with a camera roll full of purple and possibly a lavender-infused skincare routine.

Must-Eat:

• Ratatouille (the dish, not the rat).
• Fresh cheeses, olives, and baguettes.
• Lavender ice cream (yes, that’s a thing).

Day 10-11: Strasbourg – German Vibes, French Heart

Vibe: Storybook-like, cross-cultural, underrated gem.

Located near the German border, Strasbourg blends the best of both worlds – half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and rich Alsatian culture.

Key Attractions:

• La Petite France: Not a Parisian bakery, but a charming district.
• Strasbourg Cathedral: Gothic and gorgeous.
• Boat tour: Float through town like you're in a French Venice.

Local Flavors:

• Tarte flambée (like a thin crust pizza with cream instead of tomato).
• Bretzels (pretzels but with attitude).
• Mulled wine if you visit in winter.

Day 12-13: Chamonix – Alps, Adventure, and “OMG” Views

Vibe: Alpine cool, adrenaline-pumped, nature-packed.

Want snow in summer? Head to Chamonix, a town nestled under Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak. Great for hikers, skiers, or anyone who likes looking at mountains while sipping hot cocoa.

Activities:

• Cable car to Aiguille du Midi – insane panoramic views.
• Glacier hike (with a guide, not by yourself with Google Maps).
• Take the scenic Mont Blanc Express

Food:

Cheese fondue. Melted cheese + bread = joy.

Day 14: Back to Paris – Shopping, Souvenirs & Saying Au Revoir

Wind up your France adventure with a final lap around Paris. Visit the spots you missed. Buy those souvenirs you said you didn’t need. Eat one last croissant. Cry a little.

Pro-Tip:

Visit Galeries Lafayette for last-minute gifts or just to stare at the stunning stained-glass dome. Get some Eiffel Tower keychains — your cousin back in Delhi will ask for one.

Important Tip Before You Fly: Visa First, Croissants Later

Many Indian travelers forget the crucial first step: the France visa for Indians. Get that sorted before you start dreaming of cobblestone walks and café hopping. The process is straightforward if you’ve got your documents lined up — passport, travel plans, insurance, and that hopeful sparkle in your eye.

Once that visa is stamped in, the entire country opens up — and trust us, you’ll want every single moment of it.

Final Thoughts: France, the Fancy Frenzy

France isn’t just a country — it’s a mood. A delicious, stylish, occasionally rude, but utterly unforgettable mood.

From Parisian sophistication to lavender-scented countryside, snowy mountains to sun-soaked beaches — it’s a country that matches every vibe. Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a seasoned traveler, France will surprise you, challenge your spice tolerance, and make you say “Ooh là là” at least once unironically.

So go ahead. Plan big. Pack bold. Take that leap.

And when you’re ready to turn this itinerary into real memories, OneVasco is your go-to partner for all things visa. Let them handle the paperwork while you pick out your travel outfits and perfect your bonjour.