France - Central and East itinerary

This trip centers on traveling by train and visiting great cities along a train route every 3 hours - Lyon, Besancon, Strasbourg, & Paris

2 day(s) at this Destination

Destination

01. Lyon, France (General), France

The city is underrated but absolutely beautiful, and a must for foodies. Also, a great gateway into France with an accessible int. airport.

Cant Miss this...

• Activity: Walk the Old Lyon - just beautiful to walk around. Look out for Traboules
  Fourvière - top of Lyon, an arduous climb. The basilica and Roman theater are here
  Resistance & Deportation History Centre (Museum) - housed in old gestapo building
  
• Restaurant: Les Adrets - authentic, reasonable, very good
  Toutes les Couleurs - organic, vegetarian place that is truly worth it
  Farmers Market - there are enough restaurants but this market is amazing (Sa, Su)
  

1 day(s) at this Destination

Destination

02. Besancon, France (General), France

The capital of the Franche-Comté region, and on the railway from Lyon is another underrated gem.

Cant Miss this...

• Activity: Citadelle de Besançon - UNESCO site, built by the famous Vauban for Louis XIV
  
• Restaurant: Les Zinzins du Vin (wine bar and store) - many natural, beyond organic wines
  Mirabelle - inspired seasonal, organic menu
  

1 day(s) at this Destination

Destination

03. Strasbourg, France (General), France

Capital of Alsace region, that has a mix of German and French cultures

Cant Miss this...

• Activity: Strasbourg Cathedral - truly an incredible sight from the outside and inside
  'Le Petit France' neighborhood - charming place to walk around and explore
  
• Restaurant: Christian Patisserier - one of many really great cafes
  Patisserier Barthelemy - another great cafe. great macarons!
  Chez Yvonne - very authentic, reasonable priced dinner, and very delicious food.
  

3 day(s) at this Destination

Destination

04. Paris, France (General), France

Paris needs no description but a must visit. A great gateway or a way to leave the country with multiple airports and train stations