10-Day Romantic French Getaway: The Ultimate Guide to a Couple’s Journey Across France

Gorges du Verdon

Known as the "Grand Canyon of Europe," the dramatic limestone cliffs tower over turquoise waters. To experience the gorge from the water, rent a kayak or canoe. My personal recommendation is to hire a guide who will pick you up from Antibes, transport you to the Gorges du Verdon, rent an electric boat, plan a picnic lunch, and bring you back to your home base at the end of the day.

Monaco Casino

The iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo encompasses glamour, history, and timeless elegance. Beyond gambling, it's worth visiting for its breathtaking architecture and atmosphere of luxury, including exotic supercars and spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Two important points before going: make sure to bring your physical passport, and note that the cost of entry is €20.

Beach clubs

A short boat ride from Cannes, La Guérite is legendary for its afternoon DJ party atmosphere. If this is your vibe but you're looking for a more refined crowd, I suggest Verde Beach in Saint-Tropez. It is more chic, with stylish décor, live DJs, and an energetic crowd.

Catamaran

A half-day catamaran cruise is one of the best ways to experience the French Riviera. There are many luxury small-group or private excursions that can accomplish this. Most cruises include time for swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding.

Lavender fields (Valensole)

This is a season-specific day trip. The goal is to visit between mid- to late June and mid-July. It's a short window, but so worth the trip. Few experiences capture the beauty of Provence quite like the endless rows of vibrant purple lavender rolling across the countryside. Wander through the fragrant fields, browse charming lavender farms, sample local honey, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby village café surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. My top recommendation for a café is Aioli Cantine Provençale on your way back to Le Couvent des Minimes.

Cooking class

There are many different kinds of cooking classes in Paris. I first recommend deciding what kind of class you prefer:

• Croissants and pastries

• French dinner with wine pairing

• Macarons & other classic desserts

That will help narrow the endless supply of cooking classes. Some offerings also include a trip to the market to pick ingredients before the instructional class begins. Pay special attention to the class size, and if you want a market trip, make sure to schedule the class during the market's hours of operation. I personally like the smaller classes much better; they're more intimate and tend to be more social.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world's largest and most visited art museum. If this is your main reason for going to Paris, I would spread your visit across a couple of days to see more. For most people, I recommend spending a few hours and noting which key pieces you want to see; that will make your visit more efficient while not feeling rushed. Wander through the grand galleries, ornate halls, and sunlit courtyards.

Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Whether you choose to ride the elevator to the summit or enjoy the views from the second floor, it's an unforgettable experience. Although it's more crowded, I recommend visiting just before golden hour (this will vary depending on what time of year you visit). Then grab dinner at Café de l'Homme for one of the best evening views of the tower lit against the night sky. Seeing it during the day and at night are two different experiences.

Jan (Nice)

For a unique and unexpected dinner, Jan provides a heavy fusion of South African cuisine with the Cote d’Azur flair. Located in Nice, Jan received a Michelin star for its well-executed dishes, but please note this is an extremely small restaurant. Advanced reservations are a must.

Le Plongeior (Nice)

The food is pretty good, seafood-based, Mediterranean menu. What makes this restaurant spectacular is the setting. Enjoy Instagram-worthy views from a table on the platform over the water. Prime seating books well in advance, so this requires early planning. The platform is covered to help make the experience more pleasant during high-sun lunches.

LeFeuillee (Luberon)

On site at Le Couvent des Minimes, this 1-star Michelin restaurant features a menu highlighting seasonal vegetables and herbs tied to the rich terroir of Provence. Their elegant tasting menu can be paired with wines from the region. I recommend eating on the terrace (weather permitting) for a view of manicured gardens and olive trees.

Ble Sucre (Paris)

Arguably the best croissant in Paris and located in the 12th arrondissement, Ble Sucre is a small neighborhood bakery. Its lack of ornate atmosphere proves that a good croissant doesn’t require a big, fancy bakery to draw a crowd. This is where the locals eat, and it will be clear why. It’s a 25-minute walk from the Palais Royal hotel, meaning you’ll have some time to work up an appetite.

Caviar Kaspia (Paris)

If you are a caviar fan—or are looking to try it the right way—look no further. Caviar Kaspia is one of Paris’ most iconic dining destinations, famous for its signature caviar-topped baked potato. This legendary restaurant offers the finest caviar at many price-points, so everyone can get a taste. I recommend this for one day as a glamorous lunch (rather than a dinner venue) as well as selecting the flagship location at 17 Place de la Madeleine.

Le Coin des Amis (Paris)

Looking for a classic French bistro? This beloved, neighborhood bistro feels authentically Parisian. The cozy atmosphere and classic dishes like escargot, French onion soup, steak frites, and duck confit are thoughtfully prepared. This is a charming bistro away from some of the busy tourist crowds for a relaxed, memorable meal.

Plenitude (Paris)

For a milestone celebration, this 3-Michelin-star restaurant is one of the most esteemed dining experiences in the world. It’s located inside the Cheval Blanc and led by chef Arnaud Donckele. Be prepared for a tasting menu that unfolds over several hours. The dress code is more on the elegant side, but it’s paired with exquisite service, beautifully presented dishes, and impeccable precision. The food is classified as contemporary French haute cuisine, but you can expect fresh seafood (langoustines, scallops), premium meats (pigeon, lamb, veal), and seasonal vegetables. They are fairly accommodating if you let them know dietary restrictions ahead of time.