"As any true type-A planner knows, creating lists and planning trips is a favorite pastime. As a planner myself, I’ve built many bucket lists, including a life vision board with everything from career goals to dream travel destinations. One vacation that had been sitting at the top of my travel bucket list for years was a girls’ trip to France with my mom and sister. This year, I was lucky enough to cross it off, and it turned out to be everything we had dreamed of—plus a few unexpected bumps along the way. I’m excited to share what I learned on my girls’ trip, our travel itinerary, and a few tips if you’re planning your own trip to France.
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Our goal for this unforgettable girls’ trip to France was to visit the iconic places featured in so many of our favorite books and movies—from the romantic streets of Paris to the picturesque South of France. France is a country rich in beauty, history, culture, and, of course, world-renowned food and wine. From strolling through the bustling streets of Paris to exploring the scenic countryside of Provence and soaking in the sun on the French Riviera, this trip quickly became the ultimate bucket list adventure. Traveling with family made it even more meaningful, and the experiences we shared—whether sipping coffee at a café during a rainy morning or dipping our toes in the Mediterranean Sea—are memories we’ll cherish forever.
Like many busy moms, my sister and I had limited time due to work and family commitments, so we planned a perfect seven-day girls’ trip itinerary to France. We visited Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera, hitting just a few of the highlights. In this article, I’ll share our full seven-day France itinerary for our girls’ trip, plus a detailed packing list to help you prepare for your own unforgettable adventure.
Why France is the Perfect Destination for a Girls’ Trip
As busy working mothers, my mom, my sister, and I lead hectic lives (who doesn’t these days?). Our goal for this girls’ trip to France was to reconnect, relax, and, let’s be honest—indulge! We wanted to embrace the French way of living and take it in slowly, enjoying the beauty and culture. We were looking for more relaxed days versus jam-packed schedules.
Fortunately, our itinerary from chic Paris to charming Provence to the stunning French Riviera all had different things to offer, so there was something for everyone. Knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we splurged more than we typically would when traveling. But France has so much to offer, no matter your budget, pace, level of adventure, interest in history, desire to shop, or more. It’s the perfect place for a girls’ trip, whether with friends or as a mother-daughter travel destination, and we truly did it all.
Day 1-2: Paris 2-Day Itinerary—Hotels, Cafés, and What to Do
The three of us had all been to Paris at least once before, which changed our two-day Paris itinerary compared to if we had not previously been there, so I want to share what we did, but also what I would do if it’s your first time there.
First, we flew directly into Paris from Chicago. It was an overnight flight, and unfortunately, two of us didn’t sleep a wink, which made for a very sleepy arrival into the City of Lights.
Getting Around Paris
I arranged for car transportation from Charles du Gaulle airport using the app Blacklane, which ended up costing less than the private transport the hotel wanted to arrange on our behalf, but more than had we just booked an Uber or taxi. I should note one really nice feature of the Blacklane private car was that it had a flat rate and tip included; we ended up getting stuck in awful traffic going into the city, but our rate stayed the same despite the lengthy ride time. The driver also met us in the airport with a sign and escorted us on the short walk to the car and handled our luggage.
I knew we were going to be tired from our flight and have quite a bit of luggage. It was also a more luxury experience with snacks and water and a comfortable ride. This was an amazing option, especially if you’re traveling with anyone who is less comfortable lugging luggage and navigating around a foreign airport.
During our trip, we took the Metro to a few destinations as well, but I should note one of my favorite ways to get around Paris is by using the bike share program, Velib, which operates very similarly to U.S. bike share programs. My mom was not comfortable doing it, but it’s exclusively how my husband and I got around the large city when we were there.
Where to Stay for a Girls Trip in Paris
We stayed at the Hotel du Louvre, a Hilton hotel next to the Louvre Museum in the very center of Paris. This central location was key to making the most of our two days in Paris. We were able to book a “family suite,” which consisted of two adjoining rooms. This was so nice having two large beds, two bathrooms, and more space for the three of us to spread out. Europe is known for small hotel rooms, but we found the Hotel du Louvre rooms to be luxurious and spacious, with amazing views and comfortable beds.
When booking a hotel in Paris, I recommend staying very central to get around easily; this includes the 6th or 7th arrondissements, or St. Germain neighborhood, which is full of shopping and picturesque cafés. I also recommend staying in the 1st or 2nd arrondissement where we stayed, just north of the Louvre and Tuileries Gardens. All of these areas, the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 7th, are just north and south of the river in the heart of the city, making it very easy to walk or bike all around or use the Metro. Other charming, quieter neighborhoods include Le Marais or Montmartre, but know that you will be venturing further to get to various destinations from either of these spots, and Montmartre means steep hills and steps.
What to Do On a Mother-Daughter Trip to Paris
We were only in Paris for two days and had all visited the Louvre and seen the Mona Lisa before, so that was not on our list. If it’s your first time to Paris, I recommend touring the Louvre or Musee d’Orsay or visiting Notre Dame, all must-sees in Paris depending on your interests. I recommend going first thing in the morning or trying to book a private tour for the best experience.
Our two-day itinerary in Paris was more simple. We arrived in the city around lunchtime. The hotel room was not yet ready, but we were able to drop off our bags and set out in search of lunch. It was cold and rainy, which we did not expect, but we ended up dining at Bistrot Richelieu, a charming café near the hotel, enjoying French onion soup, Croque Madame, a salad, and much-needed cappuccinos on a covered patio while the rain fell. Service was wonderful; food was delicious. It was a picturesque French café moment, like out of a book.
Le Marais
After lunch, we strolled through the Palais-Royal, a historically significant as well as Instagram-famous destination. Then we headed into the Le Marais neighborhood for some shopping. After a few hours, we headed back to our hotel room to freshen up and rest before getting dressed and venturing out for dinner.
St. Germain and Latin Quarter
Dinner the first night was a spontaneous let’s-walk-until-we-find-something adventure. We headed across the Seine into the St. Germain and Latin Quarter neighborhoods (for Emily in Paris fans, the Latin Quarter is the neighborhood where Emily and Gabriel live).
The city really comes to life around these parts: crowded cafés, shops open, people all around. We stumbled upon a secret pedestrian alley aglow from overhanging twinkle lights; it was a spot I discovered with my husband years ago that we were unable to find again. It felt like kismet. We wandered down it and ended up dining at Procope—the oldest restaurant in all of Paris, where Benjamin Franklin and many other famous historical figures have dined. We sat at a table in the back pedestrian alley, which was beyond charming, but the inside of the restaurant was just as wonderful. I recommend starting with the salmon tartar and getting either the Coq au Vin or fresh fish as entrees. Also—don’t skip the bread and wine. You’re in France. Enjoy it all!
Our walk back that evening was as much an experience as anything in Paris—taking in the sights, sounds, architecture, music, and culture. Stop for another glass of wine or to people-watch.
Montmartre
Day two of our Paris itinerary started with sleeping in as late as we could to catch up on the missed night of sleep from the flight. We enjoyed cappuccinos and croissants in bed that my sister so kindly ventured out to get us before a 10 a.m. pick-up for what was ultimately the highlight of the trip: a sidecar tour of Paris.
Retro Cars picked us up directly at our hotel; we needed two cars for the three of us since one person sits in the side car and one can sit on back. We opted for a slightly shorter, hour-long ride, which took us through the 8th and up into Montmartre. The Paris sidecar tour was so fun; we were laughing from sheer enjoyment the entire time. And once we were exploring the Montmartre area, we became the tourist attraction, with the Montmartre and Sacre Couer tourists taking photos of us! It was a great way to see the city and get us to a destination we wanted to go: charming Montmartre, which is farther north in the city and up a steep incline.
The sidecar tour guides let us out at Sacre Couer, which had an insanely long line to get in; so we headed toward the popular artist market instead to browse. Again, if it’s your first time in Paris, try visiting Sacre Couer first thing before the crowds arrive for a more serene experience in and around the gorgeous church.
After wandering around for a bit, we enjoyed lunch in Montmartre at La Boite Aux Lettres, a lovely café that is off the beaten path. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but we shared the goat cheese spread, a Caesar salad, and a hamburger split three ways.
Luxembourg Gardens
From Montmartre, we got on the Metro to head toward the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, which are a must-see in Paris and many consider a favorite spot in the city. Again more strolling, people watching, talking, laughing, and sweating (the temperature swung to hot and sunny that day).
The Eiffel Tower and Paris at Night
Eventually, we made our way back to our hotel to get ready for our big dinner at La Girafe, a top-rated Paris restaurant with unmatched views of the Eiffel Tower. Note: The hotel concierge made our reservation at La Girafe over a month in advance as it books up.
We took a taxi to dinner and arrived early, so we grabbed a glass of wine at a café across the street. Once the restaurant opened, we were met with disappointment that the famous terrace that overlooks the Eiffel Tower was in fact closed due to rain earlier in the day, so no view while dining. Fortunately, the food and service were as amazing as we had hoped; we all got the Dover Sole, a real treat. Note: The menu at La Girafe is a la carte, and the side dishes are large, so plan to split the sides. Fortunately, we were able to step outside after eating and enjoy the view of a sparkling Eiffel Tower with our drinks before heading back.
It was only 9:30 p.m., which is early by Paris standards, so if you’re not ready for bed like we were, I recommend checking out one of Paris’ popular jazz clubs or wine bars. Or enjoy more people watching with a drink at a café, many of which are open late on busy streets. If you can handle more steps (I think we clocked around 20,000 that day), a stroll along the Seine to see Notre Dame at night is breathtaking.
Day 3: Traveling from Paris to Provence by Train
Before we knew it, our girls’ trip to Paris was over, and we were on to the next destination. We enjoyed breakfast at our hotel before packing up and calling a taxi to take us to the train station. Next stop: Provence!
We took a high-speed train from Paris to Avignon. I had booked all of these tickets in advance of arriving, so we had our tickets on our phones. The ride itself was smooth and comfortable, with seating chosen in advance and bathrooms on board. We grabbed lunch at the Paris train station to eat on the ride, but we mostly read and slept and took in the views of the French countryside as we headed south.
Overall, the train was quick and easy to navigate; getting to the train station an hour in advance is more than enough time. The most challenging part of traveling by train in France was storing our luggage because the first level of storage filled up quickly, so my sister and I had to lug our heavy bags up the narrow train stairs onto the second level where our seats were.
The high-speed trains in Europe are an amazingly efficient way to travel, and we arrived in Avignon by midday. We rented a car at the Avignon train station, which was a very quick and easy process. I had booked with Sixt online well in advance and arranged to pick the car rental up in Avignon with plans to drop it off at the Nice Airport five days later.
The train stations in the South of France have many popular car rental options depending on your preference. Just make sure you book an automatic car since manuals are very common in Europe.
Visiting Gordes
We loaded the car and drove to the popular Provence destination of Gordes, voted the prettiest place in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2023. Gordes is a picturesque medieval town built into the side of a mountain, constructed of stone. The long drive up to it has streets lined with brick walls that go on for miles; I couldn’t help but wonder how on earth were these all built? Then you take in the view of Gordes with the sun hitting it just right, and my jaw dropped; I had never seen anything like it.
Gordes is small but mighty—literally as a former fortress but also in terms of what it offers. It has lovely restaurants, cafés, shops, and even a Lauderie. The Instagrammable, luxurious hotel Arielles sits in downtown Gordes, offering luxe interiors and sweeping views but with a steep nightly rate. I recommend having lunch at the Orangerie there to enjoy the beauty of the hotel and take in the surrounding views.
But truth be told, the narrow paths and roads in Gordes, while unbelievably charming, are made up of cobblestone streets and steep inclines and might be challenging for anyone less sure on their feet.
We had planned to stay three nights at a villa we booked on Airbnb, but it ended up not working out for a few reasons—namely, no screens on the windows and no AC led to open windows and a number of bugs and critters getting into the house. It wasn’t the most comfortable for three women who run hot and who mosquitoes love, but it was the sizable lizard in my bedroom that sealed the deal that we needed an alternative place to stay. I messaged the owner, who said that bugs and lizards were to be expected, but we didn’t know to expect them, so he agreed on a cancellation, and now we are all the wiser.
We ended up spontaneously driving to Aix-en-Provence that night after exploring Gordes and deciding against the Airbnb. It is what it is, but quite frankly, we needed some of our familiar creature comforts on this girls’ trip, notably soap in the bathrooms, air conditioning on 95-degree days, and no rogue lizards. We landed on the Marriot in Aix that fit the bill.
Day 4-5: Two Days in Aix-en-Provence and Cassis
The next two days, we made the most of exploring Aix-en-Provence and surrounding areas. Popularly known as Aix for short, it’s a picturesque town in the South of France whose historical neighborhood looks like it is out of Beauty and the Beast. Yes—I had a full-on Belle moment reading my Kindle and walking down the streets one morning. We grabbed breakfast at a café in town, and after looking at the forecast for the days ahead, which showed rain, we decided to once again get in the car and make the most of the sunny day and head to the coast.
Visiting Cassis
Cassis is one of the smaller seaside towns in the French Riviera and only 45 minutes from Aix-en-Provence. It’s a popular destination among the French and less common with American tourists compared to Cannes, St. Tropez, and Nice. The beach is public and has one beach club, but you need to have booked chairs in advance, which we did not do. If you’re like us, just make sure you bring a towel or two and find any spot on the gravely beachfront. The water is crystal clear, the views are breathtaking, and there are boat rentals to enjoy.
There is plenty of shopping and dining in the port-town of Cassis, but if you’re more adventurous, be sure to plan a hike of the Calanques near Cassis. This was above our adventure level on this girls’ trip, but something I did with my husband on a previous trip that was amazing. The hiking is not too intense, but the views are worth it, and you get access to private little beaches you otherwise can only access by boat. After an hour or so soaking up the sun and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea (my mom’s first time!), we enjoyed lunch in Cassis and walked around town before driving back to Aix for dinner.
Part of what we all really wanted to see in Provence was the beautiful scenery and historical grand villas of the French nobility. So we made reservations for dinner at Hotel le Pigonnet in Aix-en-Provence Hotel, which offered a stunning garden in which you can dine; it was one of our favorite meals of the trip because of the dreamy setting, amazing food, and great service. It’s also worth looking into staying at Hotel le Pigonnet on your own trip to Provence! Just note it’s a bit longer walk into town.
Visiting Aix-en-Provence
Our second day in Aix-en-Provence, we began with breakfast at Maison Weibel, which had a very robust breakfast menu more Americans would be used to (quiche, yogurt parfaits, eggs every which way, an endless assortment of pastry). We loved it so much we ate there the following morning, also! Aix had two French markets operating that day—the regular produce market as well as the market that comes into town once a week in the summer with various goods and offerings.
After strolling the markets, we took a tour of Hotel de Caumont in downtown Aix, another historic old mansion turned restaurant and tourist attraction. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the garden, but note the prices are a bit higher than many spots, and you have to pay the museum entry fee to access the garden restaurant.
Wine Tasting in Provence
That afternoon, we would have loved to visit Provence’s famous lavender fields, but those are mostly in bloom in June and July, and our trip was early September, so there would not have been much to see. So instead, we were on a mission for wine tasting. Most of the Provence wine-tasting tours we looked up were eight hours long, and considering we only had two days in Provence, we didn’t want to spend an entire day wine-tasting. We opted to find a local winery we could explore at our own pace and enjoy the fruits of their vineyards, wink wink.
We decided to visit Chateau de la Gaude, which, of course, is another gorgeous Provence hotel you can stay at should you choose. It is only a 10-15 minute drive outside downtown Aix-en-Provence. The Chateau had expansive grounds, an on-site luxurious spa, and top restaurants and wine tastings. It was very quiet when we were there; they had set times for tastings, which we missed, but instead we were able to roam the property freely, taking in the views of the gardens and vineyards and buildings.
Truthfully, it felt like I was in one of my favorite historical fiction movies or shows, taking a turn about the gardens with my mom and sister. After walking around, we sat and enjoyed wine and cheese and couldn’t quite believe we were there on this dream girls’ trip in the South of France. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true.
Day 6-7: Road Trip to Cannes and The Beautiful French Riviera
Before we knew it, the Provence part of our trip was over. We saw historical chateaus, manicured gardens, Provence vineyards, small coastal Cassis, mountain views, and ate like queens all in two days. Then it was off to Cannes in the French Riviera for the last part of our bucket list trip to France.
The drive from Aix en Provence to Cannes was easy and very beautiful. Unfortunately, upon our arrival in Cannes, which was essentially the beach portion of our girls getaway, it was pouring rain. And a lot of it. So we checked into our hotel, and this is where the splurge came into play. We decided to spend two nights at the historical and world-famous Carlton Cannes hotel, which was featured in To Catch a Thief and, more excitingly for me, French Kiss with Meg Ryan. The service, food, and room were luxurious—a true once-in-a-lifetime experience for the three of us. Two more budget-friendly options we had looked at were this centrally located AirBNB or Hotel Belle Plage.
We set out with umbrellas to explore the charming coastal town. I didn’t really know what to expect from Cannes other than the picturesque beach clubs, but there is shopping a plenty (every luxury store you can imagine) but also high street shops, top-rated restaurants including Michelin-starred restaurants, boating excursions, and casinos. We had our hearts set on food and beach relaxation, so that is what we did. I cannot recommend dinner at La Mome enough—that was easily a top meal of the trip, from the ambiance to the service to the food itself. That is a reservation you don’t want to miss!
For our last and final day in France, the weather gods shined upon us, gifting us a bluebird day and 80-degree temperatures. In other words, it was the perfect Cannes Beach Club day. We had made a reservation for three chairs at the Carlton Cannes Beach Club, so after an amazing breakfast at the hotel restaurant, we changed into our swimwear, grabbed our books, and headed for the crystal blue waters.
We then proceeded to spend the next six hours doing nothing but relaxing, eating, reading, swimming, laughing, napping, and enjoying all that is the French Riviera. The service was attentive, the meal and drink offerings delicious—albeit, again, a splurge. The water was crystal clear, and the views were breathtaking. I truly felt like I was in a movie.
The entire shoreline of Cannes is lined with beach clubs where you can make a reservation. Note you do not need to be a hotel guest, but you do need to book in advance, and there is a charge for just using the chairs and having access to the beach club (which includes restaurant, bathroom, chairs and umbrellas, towels, service, etc.). There is also a free public beach area that is centrally located, but you’d have to bring your own towels or beach chairs and purchase food from the food vendors along the sidewalks.
After a long, relaxing beach day, we showered and got ready for our last dinner. We were hoping for beautiful waterfront views, so we walked to B Fire by Mauro Colegreco for an Argentinean-inspired meal with views of the entire harbor and sunset. It was the perfect last hurrah of a perfect week in France.
Day 8: Reflecting on Memories and Departure from Nice
We were up and out early on Friday morning for the hour-long drive to the Nice Airport, where we were flying direct back to the States. Our connection home was through Newark Airport before coming to O’Hare in Chicago. We wanted a longer layover because international travelers have to clear customs and go back through security before the final domestic flight home. We ensured we had at least three hours, which was plenty of time. Having something like TSA pre-check also helps with this type of transfer. Overall, it was a relatively easy travel day, albeit long.
Tips for Planning Your Girls’ Trip to France
It’s been a few weeks since our trip as I’m writing this, and the memories are still so fresh in my mind. Sometimes, I can’t believe we were finally able to make this trip a reality, and I know we’ll all remember it fondly for the rest of our lives. There is very little I’d change!
What is the best time to go to France?
If you’re planning your own girls trip to France, I’d first settle on what dates work for you as a group. Know that summer months will be the most crowded, most expensive, and very hot, but you’ll also get to see the lavender fields in bloom in Provence and have amazing days on the beaches. My favorite times in Paris are the spring (the flowers!) or fall for more mild temperatures and fewer crowds. I love traveling to Europe on the bookends of peak season and highly recommend any time from April to October.
When do beach clubs close in the French Riviera?
Beach clubs in the French Riviera close at the end of September. Some might stay open the first week of October, but I would check with the individual club first.
What should I pack for France?
Here is a recommended packing list for a seven-day France girls’ trip itinerary in warmer months:
- Two dresses (one day, one more suitable for dinners)
- Two to three pairs of shorts or skirts (if summer, I recommend linen)
- Two to three pairs of pants (jeans, trousers, lots of linen if it’s summer)
- Two to three basic tanks or tees for layering
- Two to three dressier shirts
- Jacket or blazer (we did not expect a few days of low temperatures and were so glad we had this)
- Two pairs of pajamas
- Sandals
- Comfortable sneakers/walking shoes
- One dressier pair of shoes for dinners
- Swimsuit
- Coverup
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Crossbody bag
- Dressier purse (which could be the crossbody bag)
- Necessary undergarments for each day
- Workout attire is optional if you’re planning to carve out time for exercise on your trip
I did a lot of mixing and matching with the items I brought, and it definitely helps if you have access to laundry halfway through your trip. We did our best to pack light. The three of us namely packed one carry-on, one personal item, and shared one large checked bag because we knew we’d be moving around a lot and wanted to limit how much we were lugging around on and off trains and in cars.
Is it easy to rent a car in France?
If you are planning on day trips or traveling around Provence or the South of France, yes, renting a car is easy, and I recommend it! I would not advise renting a car to get around Paris—that would be stressful. The process is easy; you book online, and they drive on the same side of the road in France as they do in the United States. Make sure you have access to GPS; I prefer using it on my phone with cellular data, but some rental cars offer it for a surcharge. And have a credit card handy while driving to cover tolls. Make sure you get automatic and not manual if needed.
Final thoughts on planning a girls’ trip to France
Whether you spend four days in Paris or two weeks traveling around the country, you really can’t go wrong with France as your destination for a girls’ trip, girls’ getaway, family vacation, mother-daughter trip, etc. The country has so much to offer, even if you don’t want to plan anything at all and just relax, eat, drink, and people watch. There’s truly too many things to see and do for one visit, so figure out your priorities and keep some time unscheduled for unexpected discoveries. You can’t see it all… Plus, then you’ll have a reason to travel back to France.
Alaina Kaz, Chief Executive Officer
Alaina is the Chief Executive Officer, sole owner, and cofounder of The Everygirl and The Everymom. She is a mom to sons Henry and Charlie.