France in 3 days

Sainte-Chapelle

Attraction · Timed entry

Book the first slot — morning sun through the east windows is when the glass really glows.

Marché des Enfants Rouges

Lunch · Market stalls

Paris’s oldest covered market (1615). The Moroccan stall and Chez Alain Miam Miam sandwiches are the moves — go before 12:30.

Louvre Museum

Museum · Book ahead

Enter via the Carrousel entrance, not the pyramid. Check official hours and buy a timed ticket before relying on this slot.

Eiffel Tower sparkle from Pont de Bir-Hakeim

Evening · No booking needed

The tower sparkles for 5 minutes on the hour after dark — this bridge is the classic photo angle.

Vieux Lyon traboules walk

Walk · Self-guided

The traboules are hidden passages through private courtyards — push doors gently; if it opens, you may walk through quietly.

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Lunch · Food hall

Sit at Chez Léon for oysters or grab quenelles at Giraudet. Locals lunch here — it hums by 12:45.

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Attraction · Viewpoint

Skip the crypt queue and take the rooftop tour at 16:00 — the view sweeps both rivers and, on clear days, Mont Blanc.

Dinner at Daniel et Denise Saint-Jean

Dinner · Book ahead

A true bouchon by MOF chef Joseph Viola — order the pâté en croûte. Check live availability and reserve directly.

Cours Saleya flower & food market

Market · Morning only

Monday it flips to antiques — every other morning it’s flowers and produce. Tastings are expected, not rude.

Socca at Chez Pipo

Lunch · Local institution

Chickpea-flour socca straight from the wood oven since 1923 — order two portions and a glass of rosé, eat it hot.

Castle Hill viewpoint

Viewpoint · Free

Colline du Château has the postcard curve of the Promenade — the waterfall side is shaded on hot afternoons.

Promenade des Anglais at golden hour

Evening · Golden hour

Grab a blue chair facing the bay — sunset lights the Baie des Anges pink. Dinner after at La Merenda (cash only, no phone — walk in at 19:00).