Provence · Paris · Champagne

Andrea's 40th Birthday France Adventure

An 8-day journey through Provence and Paris

Day-by-Day Itinerary

May 3
May 4
May 5
May 6
May 7
May 8
May 9
May 10

May 3 · Michelle, JP, Stephanie, Sebastian Arrive

Arrival DayMichelleJPStephanieSebastian
May 3
Arrive in Paris & Hotel Check-in
Michelle, JP, Stephanie, and Sebastian arrive in Paris on May 3 and settle into the hotel.

Provence Group Arrives in Paris

Everyone Together
Evening
Provence Group Joins Paris Group
Light dinner near hotel, then head out for the Seine sunset cruise.

Eiffel Tower Picnic Day

Everyone TogetherPicnic #1
Morning/Afternoon
Picnic Lunch at Eiffel Tower
See Eiffel Tower daytime + have a picnic. Grab baguettes, cheese, wine. Sit in Trocadéro area.
Late Afternoon
Explore Trocadéro & Champs-Élysées
Free viewpoint at Trocadéro. Walk Champs-Élysées if energy allows.
Evening
Relaxed Dinner + Early Night
Early to bed — Mont-Saint-Michel requires a 6:30 AM hotel departure the next day. day.

Mont-Saint-Michel Full Day (by Train)

Everyone TogetherBucket-List MomentTRAIN BOOKED

Booking References (SNCF — Train du Mont-Saint-Michel)

7VG62X  •  EFDXJA

5 travelers per booking (€320 ($376) each) — €640 ($752) total (€64/person ($75) R/T, 2nd class)

6:30 AM
Leave Hotel
Be inside Montparnasse by 7:00 AM. Hall Vaugirard (platforms 24/25) is a 10–15 min walk inside the station from the main hall.
07:32
Depart Paris Montparnasse
Hall 1 & 2, Voies 24/25 (Hall Vaugirard). NOMAD Train 3451 to Pontorson, then included NOMAD coach shuttle (CAR NOMAD 87143).
12:07
Arrive Mont-Saint-Michel
12:07–12:40 PM: shuttle to the Mount + Le Passeur shuttle across the causeway (or 40-min causeway walk).
12:40 PM – 5:25 PM
On the Mount (~5h 18m on-site)
Lunch, guided tour, abbey visit, free time to explore ramparts and Grande Rue.
5:25 PM
Catch Return Shuttle
Shuttle from the Mount back to Pontorson station.
17:25
Depart Mont-Saint-Michel
Shuttle bus + return train toward Paris.
22:09
Arrive Paris Montparnasse
Back in Paris by ~10:09 PM.

Still TODO (not yet booked)

  • Abbey-licensed English-speaking guide (~€180–300 ($212–$352) for 2-hour group tour) — book via ot-montsaintmichel.com
  • Abbey entry tickets (~€13/adult ($15), free for EU under-26) — book via billetterie.monuments-nationaux.fr
  • Lunch reservation for 10 — recommend La Sirène, Le Mouton Blanc, or Hôtel Du Guesclin. Skip La Mère Poulard.

Important: Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Print tickets as backup — the Mont-Saint-Michel route has specific print requirements.

Manage SNCF Booking →

ANDREA'S 40TH BIRTHDAY — Versailles & Birthday Dinner

Everyone TogetherBIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONPALACE BOOKED

Palace Ticket: Passport (9:00 AM entry)

Full-day access: Palace + Estate of Trianon + Gardens + audio guide. Entry A — Pavillon Dufour.
€35/person ($41) × 10 = €350 ($411). Total day cost (palace + RER): ~€440 ($517) (~€44/person ($52)).

7:15 AM
Leave Hotel
Head to nearest RER C station.
7:30 AM
Buy RER C Tickets
Ticket: "Paris ↔ Versailles Rive Gauche" (zones 1–4, NOT a standard metro ticket). €4.50 ($5.29) each way × 10 × 2 = ~€90 ($106) R/T for the group.
Boarding stations near 5th/6th arr: Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Musée d'Orsay, or Invalides.
7:45 AM
Board RER C toward Versailles Château Rive Gauche
Train codes heading to Versailles Rive Gauche: VICK, VITY, NORA, MONA. ~40 min journey.
8:30 AM
Arrive Versailles Station
~10 min walk to Pavillon Dufour entrance.
9:00 AM
Enter Palace (Pavillon Dufour, Entry A)
Earliest slot, lowest crowds. 2–2.5 hours inside — Hall of Mirrors, King's & Queen's apartments, chapel.
11:30 AM
Lunch
La Petite Venise in the gardens, or packed picnic.
1:00 PM
Trianon Estate
Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen's Hamlet.
4:00 PM
Main Gardens
Latona Fountain, Grand Canal, formal parterres.
5:30 PM
Walk Back to Station
Head to Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
6:00 PM
RER C back to Paris
~40 min back to central Paris.
Evening
Birthday Dinner for Andrea's 40th
Group birthday dinner to celebrate Andrea's milestone. Restaurant TBD — reservation still needed. For a group of 10 on a special night, book 2–3 weeks ahead. Consider a restaurant with an Eiffel Tower view (Les Ombres, Le Jules Verne) or a classic Parisian bistro (Le Comptoir du Relais, Bouillon Pigalle, L'Ami Jean).

Day Notes

  • Audio guide: included free with Passport OR download the official "Palace of Versailles" app (better — works in gardens via GPS)
  • Versailles is closed Mondays — Thursday is fine
  • May 7 is the day before VE Day (May 8 holiday) — expect afternoon crowds to build
  • Check for Musical Fountains / Musical Gardens day (adds €11 ($13), worth it if offered)
  • Security is airport-style: no large bags, tripods, or selfie sticks over 20cm
  • Wear very comfortable shoes — 15,000+ steps expected
  • Meetup point if group splits: Latona Fountain (center of gardens)
  • Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable
  • Strike backup: if RER C is striking, Uber from central Paris ~€60–80 ($70–$94) one way
Château de Versailles →

May 8: Champagne Tour Group (6 People)

Split Group AdventureMichelleJPAndreaStephanieGalielaSebastian
7:00 AM
Early Breakfast in Paris
Grab coffee and pastries before heading to Reims.
8:30 AM
Train to Reims
Cost: €60 ($66) roundtrip per person. 50-minute journey.
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Guided Champagne Tour
Cost: €200+ ($220+) per person. Includes winery visits, transportation, tastings, guides, and lunch options.
1:00 PM (Lunch Break)
Group Lunch in Reims
Meet the non-tour group at Brasserie du Boulingrin or Café du Palais.
5:00 PM
Train Back to Paris
50-minute return journey. Arrive Paris around 6 PM.

Total Cost (Champagne Group): €260+ ($286+) per person (train + tour)

May 8: Non-Champagne Group (4 People)

DanielaClaritaAlfredoVero

Choose 1 option or combine them (recommended).

Recommended Combos
Combo A: Food and Cathedral

Market/food crawl → Cathedral walk → group lunch → relaxed afternoon.

Approx €50 ($55) per person

Combo B: Food and Museum

Market/food → museum → group lunch → explore Palace of Tau.

Approx €60 ($65) per person

Group Lunch Sync: All 10 people meet around 12:30–1:30 PM for lunch.

Then each group continues its own afternoon activities.

Total Cost (Non-Champagne Group): Approx €85–95 ($93–104) with Combo A.

Some Travelers Depart for Miami

Michelle, JP, Stephanie, SebastianDeparture DayMichelleJPStephanieSebastian
Early Morning
Departure to Miami
Michelle, JP, Stephanie, Sebastian fly home. Early morning flights. CDG or Orly airport (~1 hour away).port (~1 hour away).

Bonus Day & Final Departure

Andrea, Daniela, Clarita, Alfredo, Vero, GalielaAndreaDanielaClaritaAlfredoVeroGaliela

Andrea, Daniela, Clarita, Alfredo, Vero, Galiela have an extra day!

  • Extended Museum Day: Louvre + Musée d'Orsay (Impressionist art)
  • Neighborhood Exploration: Montmartre (Sacré-Cœur), Marais, Canal Saint-Martin
  • Relax & Leisure: Café culture, final picnic at Luxembourg Gardens, sunset Seine walk

May 10: Final Travelers Depart for Miami

Andrea, Daniela, Clarita, Alfredo, Vero, GalielaDeparture DayAndreaDanielaClaritaAlfredoVeroGaliela
Early Morning (5–7 AM)
Departure to Miami
Andrea, Daniela, Clarita, Alfredo, Vero, Galiela fly home. Early departure, allow 2–3 hours for airport.

Trip Logistics & Planning

Confirmed Bookings

BookingDateReferenceCost (10 pax)
Seine Sunset Cruise (Vedettes du Pont Neuf)Mon, May 4 — 9:15 PME-ticket€140 ($164)
Mont-Saint-Michel Train (SNCF NOMAD)Wed, May 6 — 07:32 dep7VG62X + EFDXJA€640 ($752)
Versailles Palace (Passport, 9 AM)Thu, May 7 — 9:00 AMPavillon Dufour, Entry A€350 ($411)
TOTAL CONFIRMED — EXCURSIONS€1,130 ($1,328)

Accommodation — Latin Quarter (5th/6th)

The group is split across 4 lodgings, all within walking distance in the Latin Quarter between the 5th and 6th arrondissements. Hotel French Theory is the geographic anchor — the other two hotels are nearby, and the Airbnb is slightly southwest of it.

LodgingGuestsTypeLocation
Hotel French TheorySebastian + StephanieHotelLatin Quarter (anchor)
HotelJP + MichelleHotelNear Hotel French Theory
HotelGaliela + VeronicaHotelNear Hotel French Theory
AirbnbAndrea, Daniela, Clarita, AlfredoApartmentSlightly SW of Hotel French Theory

Suggested group meetup point: Place Saint-Michel or Jardin du Luxembourg — both central to the 5th/6th and easy to describe over text.

Still to Book / Confirm

Mont-Saint-Michel: Local Guide (May 6)
Abbey-licensed English-speaking guide for ~2 hours, ~€180–300 ($212–$352) for the group.
Mont-Saint-Michel Tourist Office →
Mont-Saint-Michel: Abbey Entry Tickets (May 6)
Timed entry, ~€13/adult ($15) (free for EU under-26).
Monuments Nationaux Billetterie →
Mont-Saint-Michel Lunch (May 6)
Lunch reservation for 10. Recommend La Sirène, Le Mouton Blanc, or Hôtel Du Guesclin. Skip La Mère Poulard.
TheFork →
Birthday Dinner for Andrea (May 7)
Group of 10, special-occasion dinner. Book 2–3 weeks out. Options: Les Ombres (Eiffel Tower view), Le Jules Verne, Le Comptoir du Relais, Bouillon Pigalle, or L'Ami Jean.
TheFork →
Champagne Day Trip (May 8 — 6 pax)
Reims train + guided champagne tour for Michelle, JP, Andrea, Stephanie, Galiela, Sebastian. Train R/T ~€60/pax ($70), tour ~€200+/pax ($235+).
SNCF Connect (Reims trains) →
Group Dinner Reservations
For a group of 10, book 1–2 weeks ahead. Priority: welcome dinner May 4, birthday dinner May 7.
TheFork →

Transportation

RouteDurationCostNotes
Paris Local (Metro + RER in zones 1–5)DailyNavigo Semaine €31.60/pax ($37)Mon–Sun pass, buy by Thu. Covers RER C to Versailles.
Paris ↔ Mont-Saint-Michel (BOOKED)~4h 35m each way€64/pax ($75) R/TSNCF Train du Mont-Saint-Michel, May 6
Paris ↔ Versailles (BOOKED)~40 min€4.50 ($5.29) each wayRER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche (or covered by Navigo)
Paris ↔ Reims (May 8, 6 pax)~50 min~€60/pax ($70) R/TTGV from Gare de l'Est
CDG ↔ Central Paris~45 min€11.80 ($14) (RER B) or €16.60 ($20) (Roissybus)Or taxi flat rate €56 ($66) (Left Bank) / €62 ($73) (Right Bank)

Tip: Navigo Semaine (€31.60 ($37) Mon–Sun) is the best value if the group is in Paris from Mon May 4. Buy at any metro station with a passport photo. Covers all zones 1–5 including Versailles RER C and CDG airport train.

Airport Transfer CDG to Latin Quarter

CDG to the 5th/6th arrondissement is ~30–45 km. For a group of 10 arriving in different pairs/groups:

OptionBest ForCostTime
Paris Taxi (flat rate)Pairs arriving with luggage€56 ($66) total to Left Bank45–60 min
Pre-booked private van4-person group OR everyone together€90–130 ($106–$153) per van (up to 8 pax)45–60 min
RER B + metroTravelers with minimal luggage€11.80/pax ($14)~55 min with transfer
Uber / BoltFlexible, but surge-prone€55–90 ($65–$106)45–60 min

Recommended approach

  • Pairs: Take the official Paris taxi flat rate — €56 ($66) split between 2 is €28/pax ($33), cheaper than RER with luggage and door-to-door.
  • Airbnb group of 4: One taxi van at the taxi rank OR pre-book a Blacklane/Welcome Pickups van.
  • If several arrive on the same flight: pre-booking one 8-pax van is usually easier.
Welcome Pickups → Blacklane →

Details Still Needed

Send these over whenever you have them:

  • Champagne tour (May 8) — operator, who's actually going, cost, confirmation
  • May 7 birthday dinner — once the restaurant is picked
  • Airport transfer plan — once you decide between taxis vs. pre-booked van
  • Group dinners/lunches — welcome dinner May 4, other group meals as they're booked

Trip Memories

📷

No Memories Yet

Photos and memories will appear here once the trip begins.

Trip Information

👥
Travelers
10 People
📅
Duration
8 Days
✈️
Dates
May 3–10
🎂
Birthday
May 7th in Paris

The Plan: 3 Phases

Phase 1 (May 3): Split Adventures

  • Provence Group of 6 (Andrea, Daniela, Clarita, Alfredo, Vero, Galiela): Avignon, Pont du Gard, Uzès
  • Paris Group of 4 (Michelle, JP, Stephanie, Sebastian): arrive in Paris on May 3 and stay in Paris
  • By evening May 4, the Provence group joins the Paris group in Paris

Phase 2 (May 4–8): Everyone in Paris

  • May 5: Eiffel Tower picnic + Seine cruise
  • May 6: Mont Saint Michel full-day adventure
  • May 7: ANDREA'S 40TH BIRTHDAY! Versailles + Eiffel Tower at night
  • May 8: Flexible day (Louvre, museums, neighborhoods)

Phase 3 (May 9–10): Departures

  • May 9: Paris Group of 4 departs for Miami
  • May 9–10: Provence Group of 6 gets bonus day in Paris!
  • May 10: Provence Group of 6 departs for Miami

Bucket-List Moments

  • Eiffel Tower: Daytime picnic (May 5) + Illuminated night view (May 7)
  • Mont Saint Michel: Epic full-day pilgrimage (May 6, 3.5-hour drive)
  • Versailles: Palace, Hall of Mirrors, gardens (May 7 morning — Andrea's birthday!)
  • Seine River Cruise: Romantic sunset cruise (May 5)
  • Picnics: Eiffel Tower + Luxembourg Gardens (classic Parisian experience)
  • Museums (optional): Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle

Why This Itinerary Works

  • Split start works smoothly (Provence trip + early Paris arrival group)
  • Everyone together for main events (Mont Saint Michel, Versailles, birthday celebration)
  • Andrea's 40th is the centerpiece — Versailles + night Eiffel Tower = unforgettable!
  • Built-in rest time and flexibility on May 8
  • Group of 6 gets bonus day in Paris (May 9) before departure
  • All major Paris landmarks covered with picnics and memorable moments

Budget Per Person (Paris Group of 10)

CategoryPer PersonStatus
Seine Sunset Cruise€14 ($16)Booked
Mont-Saint-Michel Train R/T€64 ($75)Booked
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey + Guide + Lunch (est.)€45–60 ($53–$70)Pending
Versailles Passport€35 ($41)Booked
Eiffel Tower Night (summit est.)€30–35 ($35–$41)Pending
Navigo Semaine (Metro + RER, 7 days)€31.60 ($37)Buy on arrival
Food & cafes (€50–80/day × 7)€350–560 ($411–$658)
SUBTOTAL (excursions + transit + food)€570–800 ($670–$940)ex. hotels

General Paris Travel Info

ElectricalType E plug (two round pins), 230V / 50Hz. US devices need a plug adapter; most phone chargers/laptops are dual-voltage.
Emergency Numbers112 — EU general emergency
15 — Medical / SAMU
17 — Police
18 — Fire
Money & TippingService compris — tip is included on restaurant bills. Round up or leave €1–2 per person for good service. Tap-to-pay works nearly everywhere. Carry ~€50 cash for small shops/markets.
ConnectivityCheck T-Mobile/Verizon international plans. Airalo eSIM for France ~$15/10GB is an easy alternative. Free public Wi-Fi at most cafes and metro stations.
Passports & EESUS passports must be valid 3+ months beyond May 10 return. EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is rolling out — expect fingerprint/photo registration at CDG on first entry.
PickpocketsStay alert on metro Line 1, at Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Montmartre. Front pockets only, crossbody bags zipped.
Weather (early May)Typical highs 17–20°C (63–68°F), lows ~10°C (50°F). Light rain likely. Pack a light rain jacket and layers. Comfortable walking shoes essential.
Holidays on the TripFri May 1 (Labour Day) — most shops/museums closed.
Fri May 8 (VE Day) — public holiday, reduced service, some closures. Plan ahead.

Search the Itinerary

Trip Assistant