A Summer Route Through France: From Paris to the Riviera

In the summer, France can pull you in different directions all at once. You have the draw of the city, the pull of the coast, and the quieter inland regions where the pace changes almost without even noticing.

The key isn’t trying to cover all of it in one sweep, but choosing a route that lets you meet each place in your own time.

You can start in Paris, then take the train south to Nice. From there, you can move along the coast and into the hills before heading inland to Provence. The distances are manageable, and the changes in the landscape will make for a beautiful journey.

Paris

There are many ways to approach Paris, but starting along the Seine will keep everything grounded. You can walk the stretch between Île de la Cité and the Left Bank, where the river bends, and the bridges fall into a steady rhythm.

The bouquinistes, or bookstalls, along the quay are part of daily life here, and you can browse them for hidden treasures. Be sure to stop at a café when something catches your eye. A small table, a coffee, and something simple to eat will keep you from rushing between landmarks.

Then, there are the gardens. The Jardin du Luxembourg is the place to settle in for a while, with its famous green chairs set around the basin and shaded paths that loop outward. The Tuileries runs between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, and is easy to return to more than once.

For bookshops, you should definitely step into Shakespeare and Company for its literary history, then walk over to Librairie Galignani, where the selection is broader and more structured. Abbey Bookshop is another gem; it’s smaller, but will definitely reward your time and patience.

Lyon

Before heading to the coast, it’s worth breaking up your trip in Lyon. The train from Paris is quick, and the city will give you a different view of France, one that’s tied closely to food and daily life, rather than landmarks alone.

You can walk through Vieux Lyon, where the streets are narrow, as well as the traboules, or hidden passageways, that connect the buildings.

Lyon is also one of the country’s best places to eat without overthinking it. Bouchons, the traditional restaurants here, serve dishes that are rooted in the region, rather than adapted for visitors.

You can sit down, order a simple, yet delicious, meal, and let it carry the experience before continuing south the next morning.

Nice

From Lyon or directly from Paris, the train to Nice will bring you straight into the center of the city. Once you arrive, the layout makes it easy to move on foot. You can start along the Promenade des Anglais and follow the curve of the coastline, where the sea sits just beyond the line of chairs and cafés.

Then, you can move into Vieux Nice when you’re ready. You’ll enjoy an array of markets, small restaurants, and local shops. For a wider view of Vieux Nice, you can walk up to Castle Hill, where you can look back across the bay and see how the city tucks neatly into the coastline.

Èze

A short trip from Nice will bring you to Èze, set high above the Mediterranean. The approach is steep, whether you arrive by bus or by car. Once you’re there, you can continue on foot through narrow stone streets that climb up toward the top of the village.

Take your time moving upward. The path will lead you to the Jardin Exotique, with stunning views out over the water. You’ll also pass small galleries and quiet corners that don’t require much planning. Èze is compact, but it’ll hold your attention if you let it unfold gradually.