Feedback on our first family trip to France itinerary

Hi everyone,

I’m planning our very first trip to mainland France in January 2027. There’ll be 2 adults and 2 kids, and we’ll mostly be traveling by train.

Here’s our itinerary:

Paris Rouen (Normandy) Lyon Aix-les-Bains (with day trips to Annecy and Geneva) Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (with Chamonix and a day in Aosta) Back to Paris

Do you think this itinerary is well-balanced? Any tips, must-see spots, or mistakes to avoid for a first-time visit?

Thanks in advance for your advice! !

Hello,

What a wonderful travel plan! How long do you plan to stay? What activities are you interested in? It’ll be winter in mainland France—is skiing your main focus? For train travel, I recommend getting one of the SNCF discount cards. The *Carte Avantage Adulte* will give you discounts on your trips, especially on the Paris-Lyon route.

Have a great trip!

hi, this looks great. Lyon to Aix-les-Bains takes about 2–3 hours—check on SNCF Connect

Hi Delphjne, My reply focuses on one specific point: the day trip to Geneva. Over the past ten years, I’ve spent about six months in winter near Les Rousses. As a skier, I’ve regularly gone—under sunny skies—to La Dôle, a Jura peak overlooking Lake Geneva (Léman). Out of at least 40 trips, I’ve seen the lake only twice; the rest of the time, we saw a ceiling of clouds with the occasional plane emerging from (or disappearing into) them (Geneva Airport). The running joke was, “Down there, they won’t be seeing the sun today.” If you’re heading to Geneva for the scenery, January seems like a very risky bet. If you’re going for other reasons (historical interest, museums, shopping), don’t let my comment—or the potential cloud cover—deter you.

Have a great winter trip to the mainland.

Hi there, Thank you for your reply. This is my very first trip, and I have no idea what the weather will be like over there. I used ChatGPT to help with the planning. We decided to go to the Alps just to see Mont Blanc and visit CHAMONIX (it’s my boyfriend’s dream). I think I’m going to cancel the day trip to Geneva. Otherwise, could you recommend any affordable hotels?

Here’s my itinerary:

January 12, 2027: Arrival in Paris (1 night) January 13–16 Rouen (Normandy): 3 nights January 16–19 Lyon: 3 nights January 19–23 Aix-les-Bains: 4 nights (Day trip to Annecy) January 23–26 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains: 3 nights (Day trips to Chamonix and Aosta) January 26–30 Paris: 4 nights ✈️ January 30, 2027: Departure from Paris

I’m on a tight budget. I’d love recommendations for hotels or Airbnbs that can accommodate 4 people. As for activities, I don’t have any ideas yet. We’re not used to the cold, so I’m hoping we can still enjoy the places despite the weather.

Hello, What’s inspiring your desire to visit Rouen?

Hi there, To be honest, it was CHAGT who suggested this to me, and it’s cheaper for both accommodation and transport.

4 nights in Aix-les-Bains in winter feels like a lot. Same for Rouen—the old town is pretty, but there’s more beautiful stuff to see in Normandy for a first trip. In January, I’d head south instead for milder temperatures and a chance to see some sun.

In January, I’d rather head south for milder temperatures and a chance to see the sun.

I kinda agree.

Which cities would you recommend? And what route should we take?

Hello, To be honest, it was CHAGT that suggested this to me, and it’s cheaper for accommodation and transport

Honestly, I’m curious what prompt makes ChatGPT send you to Rouen—no disrespect to my Norman friends 😅

Aix-les-Bains and Saint-Gervais in January—I hope you’re bringing your winter coats! You’ll encounter negative temperatures (possibly *very* negative) at that time of year. If you want to travel on a budget, skip Geneva—it’s not worth it in winter. You can visit Annecy from Saint-Gervais by train or by renting a car. I don’t see the point of staying in Aix.

At this time of year, ski resorts book up all the available lodging, and prices aren’t always great. If cost is a real concern, look in the valley (Passy/Sallanches).

I’d love it if you could suggest some cities to visit. Since I don’t know anything about France and this is my very first trip, and I have to organize everything myself (hotel, trains, food), I’d really appreciate some advice. I’d still like to spend 3 nights in the mountains to visit Chamonix and Mont Blanc. Looking forward to your suggestions!

I agree with my fellow travelers. In December, it’s really cold and gray in some regions, so if you’re not used to it, it might be wise to spend more time in the south. If you’re not necessarily into skiing and want to visit Chamonix, it’s a terrible time because it’s peak ski season and prices will be sky-high. If you’re set on going to the mountains, I have a contact for a chalet in Les Deux Alpes. If you’re interested, I can check availability.

Some southern cities you could include in your itinerary:

Following the Paris-Lyon route, you have Aix-en-Provence, the city of Paul Cézanne Marseille, the country’s second-largest city, from which you can access the Calanques, like the one in Cassis, for example Nice, a coastal city with a lovely promenade Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez if you want a little taste of French glamour.

All these destinations are accessible by train. As for accommodation, in Marseille or Toulon, you’ll find options for every budget.

One last tip: only spend one night in Paris upon arrival. After such a long trip, a second night might be a good idea to acclimate and recover.

Safe travels, and don’t hesitate to ask if you need more details!

I tried to rework my itinerary, here it is for you to see 😊 Paris — 2 nights January 12 and 13

Arrival on the evening of the 12th. Rest after the flight. Start exploring Paris.

🏠 Lyon — 4 nights January 14 to 18

Vieux Lyon Basilique de Fourvière Parc de la Tête d'Or Musée des Confluences Possible day trip to Pérouges or Annecy (depending on how we feel)

⛷️ Saint-Gervais-les-Bains — 4 nights January 18 to 22

Discovering Saint-Gervais Day trip to Chamonix Day trip to Aosta 🇮🇹 Enjoying the mountains without rushing

🌿 Nice — 4 nights January 22 to 26

Nice (Vieux-Nice, Promenade des Anglais) Monaco Menton Cannes or Antibes

😊 Paris — 4 nights January 26 to 30

Louvre Eiffel Tower Montmartre Possible trip to Versailles Departure on January 30

That’s already an improvement. Chamonix is a prettier town than Saint Gervais, with lots of shops, cafés, etc. too. But yes, it’ll be more expensive. I highly recommend spending a day in Annecy—hopefully the weather will be clear—it’s a really beautiful town and the lake is stunning (okay, my family lives there, so my opinion isn’t 100% unbiased).

For the south, it looks great—I prefer old Antibes over Cannes. Between Monaco and Nice, stop by Èze.

Hello,

Winter is indeed a very expensive season in the mountains because of skiing (fortunately, you're traveling outside school holidays, so prices won't be at their peak).

However, more and more people are staying there without being skiers, as the snowy landscapes are truly worth it. The mountains in winter captivate travelers with their pristine white beauty. The cold also attracts those who aren’t familiar with it. I recommend planning 2 days for Chamonix and getting a 2-day pedestrian pass. (And forget about Aosta...)

Personally, I prefer the area between Marseille and Toulon (Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, the Calanques) over Nice, Monaco, etc.

You can also easily plan a day trip to Rouen from Paris by train.

Hi there, I’d skip the mountains in January! If you’re not into winter sports, I can’t really imagine how you’d spend your days in the cold, which can be intense, along with the frequent cloud cover in January. Annecy yes, Chamonix and St. Gervais no. You should go in summer or spring/autumn... On the other hand, I’d spend several days in Marseille—there’s plenty to do... as well as in other small towns on the Côte d'Azur like St. Raphaël (a walk at Cap Dramont is stunning), Antibes... Avignon is also worth visiting from Marseille (by bus). PS: If you do go to the mountains, make sure to buy very warm winter clothes! (Will you use them in the future?) My two kids live on Réunion Island—one in St. Pierre and the other in St. Paul (Plateau Caillou).

Also don't forget that in January in Chamonix and St Gervais (like everywhere in eastern France), it'll get dark around 4:30 PM / 5 PM...

Except it’s her boyfriend’s dream and it’s non-negotiable, and I totally get it 🙁😉

I was just sharing my opinion with people who’ve never experienced winter in mainland France—and on top of that, in the mountains. In January, you hardly see the sun there. February, though still winter, is often much better, and the days are already longer...

Actually, if they’re lucky enough to get a bit of sunshine, it can be an interesting experience. But under a gray sky when you can’t see the peaks hidden in the clouds and night falls really early...

Yeah, I don’t really see the problem with going to the mountains???

It’s the perfect season—way better than anywhere else in France where winter often drapes cities and countryside in its gray, misty, rainy cloak. Isn’t snow better?

It’s a bit like saying you shouldn’t go to Canada or Lapland in January. 😛

Plus, coming from La Réunion, that endless white and possibly sub-zero temperatures will be such a change of scenery!

For clothes, thermal underwear, thermal leggings, a scarf, a beanie, and gloves (the cheapest at D will work just fine). The fleece and winter jacket will come in handy for other parts of your trip (Paris, Lyon, and even the South for the fleece).

The real issue is the price...

A few photos taken in the mountains in January:

The advantage of the mountains in winter in Europe is that you can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing—it's great exercise!

Snowshoes are often unnecessary since the trails are so well groomed.😄

Cross-country skiing does require a bit of a sense of balance... A lot more than downhill skiing. At least, that’s been my personal experience.

Hi, Just a 2-hour train ride from Lyon, you’ve got Nîmes—a great chance to explore Roman history with really nice weather.

Hello again everyone! I’ve read all your advice and taken notes on everything. I’ve updated my itinerary—let me know what you think: January 12–14: 2 nights in PARIS January 14–18: 4 nights in Bordeaux (hotel: MEININGER MOTEL BORDEAUX) January 18–22: 4 nights in Lyon (hotel: MEININGER MOTEL LYON) January 22–26: 4 nights in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (HOTEL LA CHAUMIÈRE) January 26–30: 4 nights in Paris If you’ve got any feedback on the hotels I’ve picked, I still need to find one in PARIS. If you’ve got any great recommendations, I’d love to hear them!

Bordeaux in January—I don’t know it, but why not? ⛅ Just watch the weather in January: grey skies and humidity are on the agenda. Be especially careful with transport: the Bordeaux/Lyon cross-country train route will inevitably take you back through Paris, so it’s a very long trip.

I’d have gone for the South (Marseille, Nîmes, Nice) instead—much easier for transfers.

Use Rome2rio (app or website) to get a sense of travel times.

For accommodation for four, take a look at the Adaggio chain—super practical apart-hotels with a kitchenette included.

One last thing: the cottage in Saint-Gervais is down in the valley, where it’s grey and overcast. Check if you can find something in Chamonix (or Les Houches) within your budget—it’s more in the heart of the mountains. Or look at Saint-Gervais’s ski resort instead.

Hello everyone, I’ve read all your feedback and taken notes. I’ve updated my itinerary—what do you think? January 12–14: 2 nights in PARIS January 14–18: 4 nights in Bordeaux (hotel: MEININGER MOTEL BORDEAUX) January 18–22: 4 nights in Lyon (hotel: MEININGER MOTEL LYON) January 22–26: 4 nights in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (HOTEL LA CHAUMIÈRE) January 26–30: 4 nights in Paris If you have any feedback on the hotels I’ve found, I still need to book one in PARIS. If you’ve got any great tips, I’m all ears!

Hi there,

France is a big country, so it’s best to focus on specific regions. And January really isn’t the best time—unless you’re a mountain and winter sports enthusiast. It’s cold (or at best, chilly) everywhere, the days are short... Plus, after the December excitement—lights, Christmas markets, celebrations—everything winds down in January. It’s kind of a dull, quiet period...

Anyway, is the timing of your trip set in stone?

Hi there, I wouldn’t go to Lyon for such a long stay in January. It’s cold, gray, damp, and often foggy. I’d also skip Bordeaux and stick to eastern France—you’ll lose too much time traveling otherwise. Personally, I’d do Paris, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Lyon (just one day to visit), Chamonix, and then back to Paris. That way, you’ll get a mix of cities, sunshine, and snow.