Paris, Strasbourg & the Alps: How to see three sides of France in one week

Why take our Paris, Alsace & the French Alps tour

Paris may be France’s most famous destination, but it tells only part of the country’s story—and a multi-city trip will show you just that. Venture east and you’ll discover regions shaped by different histories, landscapes, and traditions; places where half-timbered houses replace luxe boulevards and Alpine peaks stretch for miles.

Fortunately, the country’s high-speed rail system makes seeing multiple regions of France by train remarkably comfortable. Looking for the best train trips in France? On our Paris, Alsace & the French Alps tour, you can glide from Paris to Strasbourg in just a few hours before continuing into the mountains, instead of spending valuable vacation time navigating logistics. The result is a France tour that feels expansive without ever feeling rushed, revealing just how much variety exists within this multi-faceted country.

What makes this itinerary different from a typical Paris trip

• Three distinct regions: Paris, Alsace, and the French Alps offer their own architecture, cuisine, landscapes, and cultural traditions—making every stop feel like a new destination.

• Train travel as part of the experience: France’s rail network turns transportation into sightseeing, connecting regions while offering a slower, more immersive rhythm of travel.

• Depth over breadth: Rather than rushing through countless destinations, this itinerary allows meaningful time to experience each region’s unique character.

• Accessible pacing: Comfortable travel days, thoughtfully planned sightseeing, and free time combine to create a tour experience that’s immersive without feeling exhausting.

What makes Paris so beloved

Few cities reward repeat visits like Paris. Yes, the landmarks are iconic, but the city’s true enchantment lives in the details: morning light on limestone facades, the scent of fresh baguettes drifting from neighborhood bakeries, and the easy rhythm of life unfolding at sidewalk cafes—and our Paris tours are your ticket to it all.

Travelers begin our Paris, Alsace & the French Alps tour with two nights in Paris, allowing time to experience both the city’s grandeur and its quieter charm. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Paris has a way of feeling simultaneously familiar and full of new possibilities. Its enduring appeal isn’t just about what you see—it’s about how the city makes you feel.

Essential Parisian experiences

• Marvelling at the Eiffel Tower: Whether you spot it peeking between buildings a few blocks away, rising above rooftops at sunset, or sparkling after dark, seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time never loses its majestic impact.

• Exploring the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay: Paris offers two of the world’s greatest art museums: the vast collections of the Louvre and the Impressionist masterpieces housed at the Musee d’Orsay.

• Visiting Notre Dame: Step inside the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral and admire one of the world’s most celebrated examples of Gothic architecture.

• Tasting French cuisine in Paris: A leisurely Parisian meal isn’t just about food—it’s a cultural ritual that celebrates conversation, craftsmanship, and the pleasure of slowing down.

What makes Strasbourg, France, worth the trip

On our Paris, Alsace & the French Alps tour, you’ll board a high-speed train in Paris and head east to Strasbourg, where you’ll spend three nights discovering one of France's most distinctive cities. Situated near the German border, Strasbourg blends French elegance with German influences, creating a culture all its own.

At the heart of the city lies the UNESCO-listed Grande Ile, the historic center where winding canals, half-timbered houses, and centuries-old landmarks create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in France. Strasbourg feels simultaneously historic and international—a place where medieval streets coexist with modern European institutions.

The best things to do in Strasbourg, France

• Admire la Petite France: Cruise through Strasbourg’s most picturesque neighborhood, where canals weave between flower-lined bridges and beautifully preserved half-timbered homes.

• Step inside Strasbourg Cathedral: The city’s rose-colored sandstone cathedral dominates the skyline, renowned for its soaring Gothic architecture and famous astronomical clock.

• Try Alsatian food and wine: Be sure to sample regional specialties, like tarte flambee, choucroute garnie, and local rieslings, which reflect the region’s unique blend of French and German traditions.

• Explore the European Quarter: As the seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg balances deep-rooted local culture with an unmistakably international outlook.

What makes Alsace special

While Strasbourg serves as Alsace’s capital, the surrounding countryside reveals why this region captures travelers’ imaginations. Rolling vineyards, flower-filled villages, and colorful half-timbered houses create scenes that feel lifted straight from a storybook.

Centuries of French and German influence have shaped Alsace’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions, giving the region an identity distinct from the rest of France. It’s often the part of a France trip travelers remember most—not because it’s the most famous, but because it feels like such a delightfully unexpected discovery.

The Alsace villages you should know

• Colmar: Known for its canal-lined Little Venice district and colorful historic center, Colmar is often considered one of France’s most breathtaking towns.

• Riquewihr: This remarkably preserved medieval village inspired Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and remains one of Alsace’s premier wine destinations. Go with us, and you’ll also enjoy a wine tasting here.

• Kaysersberg: A highlight of our Paris, Alsace & the French Alps itinerary, Kaysersberg charms visitors with cobblestone lanes, a fortified bridge, and a hilltop castle overlooking the village.

• The Alsace Wine Route: Stretching through vineyard-covered hills and picturesque villages, this celebrated route showcases world-class riesling, gewurztraminer, and pinot gris wines.

What makes the French Alps unique

After visiting vineyard-covered hills and medieval villages on our Paris, Alsace & the French Alps tour, the last stop delivers a dramatic shift in scenery. Towering peaks replace cathedral spires. Alpine meadows stretch beneath snowcapped summits. The sense of scale is immediate and unforgettable.

Our Paris, Alsace, and the French Alps itinerary includes three nights in the French Alps, with Chamonix serving as one of the journey’s defining highlights. Long celebrated as one of the world’s greatest mountain destinations, Chamonix combines breathtaking natural beauty with the charm of a classic Alpine town.

Can’t-miss French Alps highlights

• Aiguille du Midi cable car: Ascend more than 12,600 feet above sea level and take in extraordinary views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alpine peaks.

• Mer de Glace glacier: One of Europe’s largest glaciers, Mer de Glace dominates the horizon, creating some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on the continent.

• Chamonix: Browse local markets, linger in mountain cafes, and experience the unique blend of outdoor adventure and French culinary culture.

• The broader Alpine landscape: Beyond Chamonix, rolling meadows, forested valleys, and picturesque mountain villages reveal a quieter side of the Alps.

Unlock more travel tips in our France Travel Guide →

Wondering how to spend one week in France and hit these three different places? It might sound ambitious—but with the right planning (the kind our experts do!), it can be surprisingly seamless. That’s exactly what makes a guided itinerary, like our multi-city France vacation packages, so rewarding.

Opt for one of our France tours and, instead of coordinating trains, hotels, transfers, and sightseeing tours, you can focus on truly experiencing France. From the moment you arrive in Paris to your final Alpine views near Chamonix, every detail on our Paris, Alsace & the French Alps tour is thoughtfully curated to allow you to savor France at its finest.

Why traveling with Go Ahead is effortless

• All logistics handled: Transportation, accommodations, and transfers are arranged for you, creating a seamless travel experience.

• Expert local guides: Gain deeper insight into each destination through the stories, context, and local knowledge that bring places to life.

• Small group experience: Shared meals, meaningful conversations, and new friendships add another layer of richness to the journey.

• Designed with you in mind: Comfortable pacing, hand-selected hotels, and immersive experiences help you explore comfortably without feeling rushed. We even create perfect slow travel itineraries for France, like our A Week in Paris tour.