France Trip

April 26 – May 3

Simple. Easy. Romantic.

The best version of this trip is Strasbourg first, then Paris last, with Colmar as the extra day trip and Versailles on Thursday.

Travel day → Strasbourg → Colmar → Paris → Versailles

Trip in one glance

The whole idea in 20 seconds.

Two bases, one easy extra day trip, and enough room for the trip to actually feel good instead of packed.

Stay Only two hotel bases
Extra city Do Colmar, skip Lyon
Best day Versailles on Thu Apr 30

Departure day

Sunday travel plan.

A quick, clean timeline from leaving the apartment to getting on the overnight flight to Paris.

Sunday, April 26 Apartment → Union Station → Port Authority → Midtown → JFK → Paris
Leave apartment and start the day.
Metro for about 44 minutes.
Arrive at Union Station.
Bus from Union Station to Port Authority.
Arrive in NYC. Grab lunch before heading out to the airport.
Midtown to JFK.
Arrive at JFK.
Estimated boarding.
Flight to Paris.

Daily plan

Tap a day if you want more.

The first line tells you the day. Open it only if you want the extra context.

26
Sun • Apr

Travel day to Paris, then onward toward Strasbourg ›

Long travel day from home to NYC, then the evening flight to Paris. Keep expectations low and make the goal simply getting there smoothly.

Travel day
This is a logistics day, not a sightseeing day. The win is arriving calm, fed, and ready for vacation mode.
27
Mon • Apr

Strasbourg arrival and easy first evening ›

Get into Strasbourg, settle in, clean up, unpack, and do a relaxed dinner nearby.

Arrival day
Keep this intentionally light. Do not try to do too much on first arrival. This should feel like landing, exhaling, and easing into the trip.
28
Tue • Apr

Slow Strasbourg day ›

Petite France, the cathedral area, pastries, coffee, and just enjoying the city.

Relaxed day
This is the settle-in day. If you want one structured thing, a boat ride is the best low-effort option.
29
Wed • Apr

Colmar day trip ›

Easy train, pretty streets, canals, lunch, wander, then back to Strasbourg for dinner.

Best extra stop
Colmar gives you the beauty without adding stress. It keeps the trip charming and simple.
30
Thu • Apr

Strasbourg morning, then Paris ›

One last relaxed morning, then head to Paris and keep the evening easy.

Move day
This keeps the trip flowing well. Do not stack a major sight on top of the transfer.
1
Fri • May

Versailles day ›

Give Versailles its own day so it feels like one of the highlights instead of something squeezed in.

Big outing
This is one of the main anchors of the Paris portion. Start early and let the day revolve around it.
2
Sat • May

Outdoor Paris day ›

Montmartre, Seine walks, cafés, gardens, and a slower rhythm.

Paris day
Let this be the romantic city day. Less checklist, more atmosphere.
3
Sun • May

Final Paris morning and flight home ›

Keep the final morning light, then head out without rushing.

Return day
The whole point is to end cleanly. No big plans on departure day.

Quick notes

Fast reference during the trip.

Trip shape

Strasbourg first. Paris last. Colmar as the easy day trip. Versailles as one dedicated outing.

Keep it light

Arrival days and move days should stay intentionally easy. That is part of what makes the trip feel good.

Best vibe

This week works best when it feels spacious: long walks, slow meals, pretty streets, and no over-scheduling.

Packing idea

Layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light waterproof jacket are the right move for late April and early May.