15 days in France & Geneva Itinerary

Created using Klarna Trips Europe route planner
Make it your trip
Fly
1
Lyon, France
— 3 nights
Fly
2
Lourdes, France
— 1 night
Drive
3
Bordeaux, France
— 1 night
Fly
4
Lille, France
— 3 nights
Train
5
Geneva, Switzerland
— 3 nights
Drive
6
Annecy, France
— 1 night
Drive
7
Chamonix, France
— 2 nights
Shuttle to Geneva, Fly to Beirut

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Lyon, France — 3 nights

Culinary Capital of France

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.
You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon and Mur des Canuts. And it doesn't end there: admire the landmark architecture of Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, stroll around Parc de la Tete d'Or, ponder the design of La Place des Jacobins, and don't miss a visit to La Renaissance Du Vieux Lyon.

To find photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Lyon route planner.

Beirut, Lebanon to Lyon is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Beirut to Lyon. Traveling from Beirut in December, expect Lyon to be cooler, temps between 9°C and 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) so you can fly to Lourdes.
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Historic Sites · Tours · Parks · Museums
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Lourdes, France — 1 night

Lourdes is a small market town lying in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Kick off your visit on the 8th (Wed): appreciate the extensive heritage of Boulevard des Pyrenees and then surround yourself with nature on Caminando. On your second day here, step into the grandiose world of Chateau Fort of Lourdes, then pause for some serene contemplation at Basilique de l’Immaculee Conception, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Grotte de Massabielle, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Le Via Crucis/ Way of the Cross/ Chemin de Croix.

To see other places to visit, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Lourdes online day trip planner.

Fly from Lyon to Lourdes in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In December, daytime highs in Lourdes are 12°C, while nighttime lows are 1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Bordeaux.
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Historic Sites · Wildlife · Tours · Outdoors
Side Trips
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Bordeaux, France — 1 night

The Port of the Moon

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.
Start off your visit on the 10th (Fri): admire the striking features of Tour Pey-Berland, appreciate the extensive heritage of Place de la Bourse, then examine the collection at Musee du Vin et du Negoce, and finally take in the views from Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas.

To see photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Bordeaux trip itinerary maker website.

Traveling by car from Lourdes to Bordeaux takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In December, daytime highs in Bordeaux are 11°C, while nighttime lows are 3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Fri) so you can catch the flight to Lille.
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Lille, France — 3 nights

Cultural Heart of Northern France

On the Deûle River near the Belgium border, Lille has a very active cultural life as France's fifth-largest metropolitan area and the fourth-largest urban area with a large college student population.
Explore hidden gems such as Grand Place and Old Stock Exchange. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Lille: Lens (Musée du Louvre-Lens & Les Terrils Jumeaux du 11/19) and Arras (Carriere Wellington, Heroes Square, &more). There's lots more to do: admire the masterpieces at Le Palais Des Beaux Arts de Lille, examine the collection at Musee La Piscine, and make a trip to Grande Place.

For ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Lille online driving holiday planner.

You can fly from Bordeaux to Lille in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. In December in Lille, expect temperatures between 9°C during the day and 3°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Mon) so you can take a train to Geneva.
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Side Trips
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Geneva, Switzerland — 3 nights

Capital of Peace

Geneva brings the world to one small city with a huge expat population and the highest number of international organizations in any one city.
You'll discover tucked-away gems like Montreux Lakeside and Freddie Mercury Statue. Change things up with a short trip to Lake Geneva Marine (Genfersee Schifffahrt) in Montreux (about 1h 15 min away). There's still lots to do: stroll around Parc Des Bastions, admire the local landmark of The Geneva Water Fountain, explore the ancient world of Archeological Site at St. Pierre's Cathedral, and explore the activities along Lake Geneva.

To see photos, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Geneva day trip planner.

Traveling by train from Lille to Geneva takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Lille in December; daily highs in Geneva reach 6°C and lows reach 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Annecy.
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Parks · Nature · Museums · Historic Sites
Side Trip
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Annecy, France — 1 night

Venice of the Alps

The canals is in Annecy helped earn the medieval town the nickname the Venice of the Alps.
Start off your visit on the 17th (Fri): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Semnoz, get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then admire the natural beauty at Jardins de l'Europe, and finally take in the views from Pont des Amours.

For photos, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Annecy day trip tool.

You can drive from Geneva to Annecy in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or take a train. Traveling from Geneva in December, expect nights in Annecy to be about the same, around -1°C, while days are somewhat warmer, around 10°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Chamonix.
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Parks · Nature · Adventure · Tours
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Chamonix, France — 2 nights

Alpine Capital of the World

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.
On the 18th (Sat), glide through the air with a parasailing or paragliding tour, then stroll through Aiguille du Midi, and then get to know the resident critters at Parc de Merlet.

To see reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Chamonix online sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Annecy to Chamonix in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Sun) to allow time for travel back home.
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Parks · Outdoors · Winter Sports · Nature
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France travel guide

4.3
France has been the world's most popular tourist destination for decades, and geographically, it is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Its cities are holiday hot spots and contain some of the greatest treasures in Europe, its countryside is prosperous and well tended, and it boasts dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris, the French Riviera, the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport resorts of the French Alps, as well as the castles of the Loire Valley, Brittany, and Normandy. The country is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly wines and cheeses, as well as its history, culture, and fashion industry.

You'll find that the French people are very polite and may react coldly to you if you forget this. You might be surprised as you're greeted by other customers and the proprieter when you walk into a restaurant or a shop. Be sure to take your sightseeing off the beaten path in France. Besides the famous Eiffel Tower and the chic resorts of the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera) you'll find many places to visit in the form of museums filled with fine art, crafts, and archaeological relics, wonderful medieval villages and castles, diverse national parks, and local shopping direct from artisans themselves.

Whether you're touring the Christmas Markets or going skiing during winter, viewing the springtime influx of color in Provence, sunbathing on the Mediterranean coast in the summer, or watching the fall foliage against the backdrop of the châteaux in the Loire Valley, you're sure to find just the right place to be. Spring is a time when the tourist attractions are just starting to expand their hours, but it may still be cold in the mountainous regions and the north. Summer is the busiest time in France with the longest hours for many museums and attractions, but it's often when you will experience the most crowds. Winter in France is filled with winter carnivals, Christmas Markets, and of course, skiing. Fall is a time to celebrate the release of Beaujolais nouveau wine in November, as well as experience Nuit Blanche, a day in October when major attractions, museums, galleries, parks, and swimming pools remain open all night.
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