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One-Week Itinerary

One Week in France: The Ultimate Itinerary

If you've only got a week to visit France, you'll have to plan your trip carefully. How to cover plenty of ground while still enjoying the country's diverse regions and popular attractions? This guide is designed to help you just do that.

Your week in France begins in Paris, then gives you options for day trips to Normandy and Champagne, making it unnecessary to change hotels every day. This also gives you a base in the capital so you can take full advantage of its charms. We then head south to the French Riviera and Provence, before moving north to Lyon. On your last day, return to the French capital to explore it further before concluding your adventure.

Day 1: Paris

TripSavvy / Leopoldine Bauer

Welcome to France! After arriving at Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport and arriving in the city, drop off your bags at your hotel and grab some breakfast or lunch from a French bakery . It's then time to start your adventure. Buy some Paris metro tickets , and make sure you have a map or access to online directions.

Your first day begins with a sightseeing cruise of Paris that takes you along the Seine River, giving you a first glimpse of some of the city's big-ticket attractions and an educational audio tour. Choose a cruise that suits your tastes and budget.

In the afternoon, head to the Louvre or the Musée d'Orsay to take in a few masterpieces within their world-class collections. Buying tickets in advance is advised.

Next, take the metro or walk to the Latin Quarter and wander its centuries-old streets, famous for their photogenic details and long history. We recommend wandering at a leisurely pace and stumbling upon quiet corners to explore at random, in addition to seeing the area's main attractions.

Cap off your day with dinner at one of the city's historic brasseries , sitting out on the terrace if the weather permits. Make a reservation during high season.

Day 2: Day Trip to Mont St-Michel or Giverny

Moment/Getty Images

It's time to take advantage of the capital's easy access to other, equally fascinating regions.

Since you only have a day to explore highlights in Normandy, we recommend choosing between two options: a whirl through Monet's Gardens at Giverny or a guided bus tour to Mont St-Michel. Giverny is recommended in spring and early summer, while Mont St-Michel is superb year-round.

Giverny: Located at the edge of Normandy and just over an hour from Paris by train and a quick shuttle, Giverny was long home to French impressionist master Claude Monet. It was here that he painted his famous "Waterlilies" series, inspired by his own Japanese-style gardens. Make sure you arrive by late morning to fully enjoy the site. Stroll through the gardens, explore the house, and have lunch at one of the village's charming local restaurants.

See our full guide to Giverny and Monet's gardens for more info on getting there, highlights to see, and tips on how to make the most of your visit.

Mont St-Michel: Unless you prefer to rent a car, the best way to visit Mont-St-Michel in a day is to take a bus tour, such as the ones offered by Viator. Tours generally leave early in the morning and include round-trip transportation to the UNESCO World Heritage site and medieval abbey, as well as lunch. Explore the centuries-old site and the natural wonders of the surrounding Bay, before returning to Paris.

Day 3: Day Trip to Champagne

Sylvain Sonnet/Corbis Documentary/Getty Images

On day three, you'll once again hop on a train for a short day trip eastward, to the Champagne region. Inexpensive trains to the region depart nearly every hour from the Gare de l'Est, to hub cities including Reims and Troyes.

While it's best known for its world-famous sparkling wines, Champagne also has much to offer by way of architecture, history, food, and contemporary life. It's difficult to see all of the region's highlights in just a day, so we recommend focusing on the cathedral city of Reims and nearby Epernay . You can travel between the two via a short train, bus, or taxi ride (about 30 minutes).

Both are home to some of the region's most famous champagne makers, from Taittinger to Veuve-Cliquot, Dom Perignon, and Mercier. They also house picturesque, rolling vineyards, and fascinating networks of underground cellars, some dating back hundreds of years.

In Reims, after visiting the breathtaking Notre-Dame Cathedral, make sure to see les crayeres, an extensive network of chalk quarries that partly serve as cellars for several champagne producers. These are so historically important that they were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to see as much of the region's highlights as possible in a single day, consider taking a guided bus tour to Champagne that includes tastings at several famous cellars and wineries, lunch, cultural attractions, and round-trip transport from Paris.

Day 4: Nice

Frederic Pacorel/Photolibrary/Getty Images

Head to the south of France to see a different side of the country. Nice , a centuries-old city on the Mediterranean and the French Riviera, is your first destination. We recommend boarding a short, direct flight from Paris to save time. Air France, Easyjet, and Lufthansa offer daily flights.

Drop off your bags and go explore the Promenade des Anglais, a 2.5-mile boardwalk stretching along the coast from the Old Town in the east to the airport in the west. Admire the azure-blue sea water and buildings that exemplify 18th-century Belle-Epoque architecture, including the famous Le Negresco hotel.

Take the boardwalk to Nice's Old Town ( Vieux Nice ), whose highlights include 17th-century squares such as the Place Rossetti, winding cobblestone streets, the Opéra de Nice , and an array of shops selling traditional Provencal products and souvenirs. There, browse locally made goods such as olive-oil and lavender-scented soaps.

Next, take the stairs (or Art Deco elevator) at the end of the Quai des États-Unis to reach the  Colline du Château , or Castle Hill. The original, medieval city of Nice was located here within a citadel that has since been dismantled. From here, enjoy fantastic views over Old Town and the Baie des Anges (Angel Bay).

For dinner, get a taste of typical regional cuisine at one of Nice's best restaurants . For a nightcap, consider heading back to the Promenade des Anglais and enjoying a cocktail with sea views, at bars such as  Waka  and  Movida .

Day 5: Aix-en-Provence

TripSavvy / Julie Magnussen

It's your second day in the south, and it's time to head a bit inland to Aix-en-Provence . You can catch a train from Nice to Aix; the trip takes around three hours and 30 minutes, so we recommend that you leave early in the morning to make the most of your destination.

Aix was beloved by resident Paul Cézanne, who remains deeply associated with the town. He painted numerous landscapes of Aix and its surrounding natural scenery, famously capturing what many say is incomparable light. Start your visit of the town by taking a walk along a route known as the Cézanne Trail , allowing you both to get acquainted with some of Aix's most-iconic sites and learn a bit of art history. You can also take a guided tour if preferred.

Next, visit the town's beloved market square at Place Richelme, a food market open daily. Take in the busy-yet-relaxed scenes of Provencal life on the square, browse the market stalls, and enjoy dappled light playing on the warm stone buildings.

You can have lunch (al fresco, if weather permits) at one of the traditional restaurants or brasseries lining the square.

Wondering what else to do in town? See this page for a complete guide to enjoying Aix to the fullest.

Day 6: Lyon

 TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Grab an early breakfast, then hop on the high-speed TGV train from Aix-en-Provence to Lyon. The journey takes about an hour and 10 minutes.

Lyon , nestled in the Rhone Valley and surrounded by spectacular vineyards, is one of France's most-important cities in terms of both population and cultural history. It's a culinary capital, home to legendary chefs such as the late Paul Bocuse. It also boasts thousands of years of history, having served as the Roman capital of Gaul.

After checking into your hotel, explore the city by foot, local bus or metro. We especially recommend exploring Old Lyon ( Vieux Lyon ) around the banks of the Saone river. See the breathtaking St-Jean Cathedraland wander through the medieval and Renaissance-era streets, before taking a guided tour of the area's "traboules," passageways between buildings once used by silk workers to transport textiles. During World War II, French resistance fighters used them to hide from the Gestapo.

If time allows, visit the Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization and see two well-preserved Roman theaters that crown the hill at Fourvière; one dates to 15 BC. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views over the city. For dinner, enjoy typical regional dishes and wines at a bouchon , one of Lyon's traditional eateries.

Day 7: Return to Paris

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

On your final day, head back to Paris for a last chance to explore the city during this trip. You'll take the TGV train from Lyon to Paris (taking around two and a half hours) and arrive at Gare de Lyon.

It may be close to lunchtime when you arrive. If so, we recommend having lunch at Le Train Bleu , a grand restaurant situated on the second floor of the Gare de Lyon station. Its ornate, sprawling dining room and traditional menu offer a memorable, old-world Parisian experience.

Next, it's time to explore the right bank a bit. Take the metro (line 1) to Hotel de Ville. Get off and admire Paris City Hall before exploring the Marais district, with its well-preserved Renaissance mansions, picturesque squares, fashionable boutiques and delicious street food .

Around sunset, head south from the Marais back to the banks of the Seine and enjoy picturesque views of the water and Ile St-Louis from the Pont Marie , one of the city's loveliest bridges. If time allows, take a stroll on the natural island that connects to it across the river.

For your last evening, choose between dinner in arty, historic Montmartre followed by a show at a typical Parisian cabaret, or a delicious meal of wine, cheese, and small plates at one of the city's   inest wine bars . We recommend Frenchie Bar à Vin and Le Verre Volé.

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Fabulous 10-Day France Itinerary:  See the Best of France!

Planning a trip to France?  With so many amazing French cities, it’s hard to pick the best ones to visit.

I’ve traveled to France over half a dozen times (Paris is my favorite travel destination!). My trips across the country have ranged from the sunny French Riviera to the beaches of Normandy. 

I’ve put together the perfect 10-day France itinerary to help you explore some of the best cities in France. 

Plus, you can travel to all these destinations by train for a stress-free French vacation.

Lace up your shoes and let’s go!

Table of Contents

Recommended duration:  3-5 days

Paris is the number one tourist destination in the world, so it’s no surprise that your French itinerary begins here.  Plus, with two major airports (Charles de Gaulle and Orly), Paris is the easiest point of entry for most international visitors. 

Paris is also a hub for the efficient French railway system, so it’s easy to travel around France from Paris.

Best Things to Do in Paris

I recommend starting your trip to Paris by taking a cruise along the Seine.  It’s a great way to get your bearings in the city, even if you have jet lag.

The banks of the Seine are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and many top Paris attractions are visible from the river.  Pass by the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

For a more romantic experience, why not take a Seine River dinner cruise?  Paris is beautiful at night, with its monuments illuminated (it is known as the City of Light, after all!).  You won’t want to miss the Eiffel Tower light show at the top of the hour.

Climbing the Eiffel Tower is at the top of bucket list experiences for many travelers.  If you want to ascend the tower, purchase your tickets in advance.  If you’re looking for great Eiffel Tower pictures, cross the river and take in the stunning views from the Trocadéro.

For another iconic Paris viewpoint, head to Montmartre.  This is where you’ll find the fabulous Sacré-Cœur Basilica.  It’s the second most visited French church, and for good reason. The basilica is incredible, and so are the views of Paris.

Paris is filled with gorgeous parks and gardens. These are great places to relax, enjoy the flowers and statues, and do some people-watching.  I love to pick up cheese and a baguette from a local market and head to the Luxembourg Gardens for a picnic!

If you love gardens, you’ll want to take a day trip to Versailles.  Even if you’re not interested in touring the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the gardens alone are worth a trip.  The fantastic gardens are free to visit, except on days of the musical fountain shows.

Best Museums in Paris

Paris is an art lover’s dream!  There are so many world-class art museums in Paris that it can be tough to choose.  If you plan to visit several museums during your stay, consider purchasing the Paris Museum Pass to save time and money.

The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world, and it is home to countless treasures of the art world.  I love classical statues such as the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace .  One of the most famous pieces in the Louvre is da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

If you love Impressionist art, you’ll want to visit the Musée d’Orsay.  This stellar museum is housed in a former train station, making a dramatic showcase for the art.  Enjoy works by Impressionist masters such as Monet and Degas.

Prefer sculpture?  You won’t want to miss the Musée Rodin. The highlight is the sculpture garden, where you can enjoy gorgeous pieces such as The Thinker in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Recommended duration:  3-4 days

From the capital city of Paris, we journey to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France.

The best way to get from Paris to Lyon is by train.  It’s a fast 2-hour trip on a high-speed train from the Gare de Lyon in Paris to the Lyon Part-Dieu station.

A great way to save money during your stay in Lyon is to purchase the Lyon City Card.  Not only does it grant you free access to over 20 museums, but it also comes with free city tours and unlimited use of Lyon’s public transportation network.

Best Things to Do in Lyon

Foodies will love visiting Lyon.  Whether you dine at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in Lyon or prefer a more casual meal at a cozy bouchon , Lyonnais cuisine is sure to please! 

Try a savory quenelle (fish dumpling) or treat your sweet tooth to the praline rose (pink sugared almonds).   Don’t miss the famous gourmet food market, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse!

One of the best things to do in Lyon is to explore its charming historic neighborhood, Vieux Lyon.  Wander along the picturesque cobblestoned streets and search out Lyon’s secret passageways, called traboules . 

Ride the funicular up to the top of Fourvière Hill.  One of the must-see attractions in Lyon is the stunning Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica.  Go inside — you won’t want to miss the magnificent gilded mosaics and stained-glass windows.

Visitors don’t just come here for the basilica – the panoramic views of Lyon from this hilltop vantage point are spectacular.  Gaze down and see the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral in Vieux Lyon, with the Rhône and Saône rivers lazily twisting through the city.

Take a sightseeing river cruise on the Saône and marvel at the architecture of Lyon.  It’s a unique blend of Renaissance buildings in Old Lyon and ultra-modern architecture such as the Orange Cube and the Musée des Confluences.

In addition to its gastronomy, Lyon is known for its incredible trompe-l’oeil murals. As you stroll through the city, keep your eyes open for these spectacular frescoes.  Le Mur des Canuts and the Fresque des Lyonnais will have you doing a double take to figure out what is real and what is a painted scene!

Best Museums in Lyon

No matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find a museum in Lyon that you’ll love.

If you prefer fine arts, spend an afternoon at the Musée des Beaux-Arts.   This fine arts museum is housed in a former 17 th -century abbey off the Place des Terreaux.  Be sure to take a moment to relax in the museum’s serene courtyard, where classical statues are sprinkled throughout the garden.

History buffs will enjoy a journey back to Roman times at the Lugdunum Museum.  This museum features artifacts from Lyon’s Roman history.  It’s built into the side of Fourvière Hill overlooking the Gallo-Roman theater, so it’s easy to visit the ruins along with your trip to the museum.

Lyon is the birthplace of cinematography.  Learn about the Lumière brothers and their invention of the Cinématographe at the Musée Lumière.  Or visit the Cinema and Miniatures Museum and immerse yourself in the world of special effects and props from blockbuster films.

Recommended duration:  1-2 days

Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region of France and, like Lyon, is known for its food and wine.

The train is the best way to get from Lyon to Dijon, with the fastest routes taking just over an hour and a half. (When you’re ready to head back to Paris at the end of your France trip, hop on the high-speed train. You’ll arrive in Paris in about an hour and a half.)

Best Things to Do in Dijon

Dijon has quite a culinary reputation.  It is best known for mustard, but don’t miss out on regional specialties such as boeuf bourguignon and pain d’epices .   (This take on gingerbread differs from the classic holiday cookies you’re used to but is still delicious!)

One of the best ways to see the highlights of Dijon is to follow the Owl’s Trail, or Le Parcours de la Chouette .  Just follow the markers built into the cobblestones of Dijon’s streets to find the 22 main attractions in Old Dijon. 

You’ll see the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Darcy Gardens, the Porte Guillaume, Les Halles de Dijon, and the Tour Philippe le Bon.  Feeling energetic?  Climb the tower for fabulous views of Dijon and the Place de la Libération.

Be sure to keep your eyes open to spot the Owl of Dijon, carved into the façade of the Notre-Dame de Dijon church.   The owl is Dijon’s good-luck charm.  It’s said to be lucky to stroke the owl, or maybe you’ll even have a wish granted.

The colorful rooftops in Dijon are sure to catch your eye!  Colorful glazed tiles arranged in geometric patterns are a signature of Burgundian architecture.

Best Museums in Dijon

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon is housed in the eastern wing of the Palais des Ducs.  The extensive collection includes paintings, classical statues, and the tombs of some of the Dukes of Burgundy.  It’s easy to spend several hours admiring the artwork here.

Other top Dijon museums include the Natural History Museum (located at the edge of the lovely Arquebuse Botanical Garden) and the Museum of Burgundian Life.

Best of all, admission to all public Dijon museums is free!

Final Thoughts

This fantastic ten-day France itinerary will make travel memories you’ll treasure. 

From the iconic sights of Paris to the tantalizing cuisine of Lyon and Dijon, it’s easy to love exploring some of the best cities in France.

I bet you will want to come back to experience more of what France has to offer!

Bon Voyage!

About the Author

Lisa is an engineer by profession, a traveler by obsession, and the founder of the Waves and Cobblestones and Travel to Lyon travel blogs.  Whether you are planning a two-week trip to France or have just one day in Cabo San Lucas on a cruise, her destination guides and travel tips will help you have an amazing trip.  Lace up your shoes and let’s go!  

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Ultimate 10 Days in France Itinerary: 10 Ways to See France in 10 Days in 2024

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A 10 days in France itinerary creates a great amount of time to see some truly phenomenal parts of the country. It is enough time to sightsee, try delicious foods, and get a small insight into French culture. 

However, as it is a pretty large country, which is the best 10-day France itinerary? That can be a real challenge to come up with, especially as every visitor wants to see different things. 

So to help you figure out the best way to spend 10 days in France, I came up with the top 10 itineraries. Whether you want to road trip in the South of France or sip Champagne and see castles, these are the best ways to spend ten days in France. 

Ultimate 10 Days in France Itinerary Ideas

After having lived in France and traveled there many times, I’ve actually been on many 10-day trips. So, I made a list of great places to visit for your 10 days in France.

Option 1: Paris and South of France Itinerary in 10 Days

• Days 1-3: Paris
• Days 4-5: Avignon & Chateauneuf-du-Pape
• Day 6: Luberon Villages Trip
• Day 7: Aix-en-Provence & Cassis
• Days 8-9: Cannes
• Day 10: Nice

This is one of the more popular France itineraries as it combines Paris and the South of France, which are namely the most frequented places by visitors. 

But if you have 10 days in France, instead of 5 days in Paris and 5 in Nice, explore a bit more of the South of France and get a good feel of the magic of Provence. 

In this itinerary, you’d spend 3 days in Paris to see the main sights, spot a couple of hidden gems , and overall enjoy the City of Lights. Then, you’ll take a train down to Avignon and begin a 7-day South of France road trip . 

Now, I have a detailed itinerary for the South of France road trip, so you can look there for more information. But, you’d visit places like Avignon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the Luberon Villages , Aix-en-Provence, Cassis , Cannes , and then spend a day in Nice . 

This enables you to have some beach time, explore places like Calanques National Park from Cassis, perhaps spot lavender fields in the Luberon (if you visit mid-summer), and enjoy all the tasty seafood and markets in the south. 

This itinerary is best during the late spring through early autumn months, so you can take advantage of the warmer weather for the beach. 

Where to Stay in Paris:

I have a whole guide about this , but here are a few hotels to choose from based on budget.

• Budget: Libertel Canal St-Martin
• Mid-Range: Au Manoir Saint Germain des Pres
• Luxury: Grand Hotel du Palais Royale

Where to Stay in Avignon:

• Budget: Regina Hotel
• Mid-Range: Aux Augustins
• Luxury: La Mirande

Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence: 

• Budget: Hotel des Augustins
• Mid-Range: Maison Dauphine
• Luxury: Villa Gallici

Where to Stay in Cannes:

• Budget: Novotel Suites Cannes Centre
• Mid-Range: Hotel de Provence
• Luxury: Hotel Barriere Le Majestic Cannes

Where to Stay in Nice:

• Budget: Arome Hotel
• Mid-Range: Hotel Palais Saleya
• Luxury: Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Medditeranee

Option 2: Paris and the Alsace 

• Days 1-5: Paris
• Days 6-8: Strasbourg
• Days 9-10: Colmar

This 10-day tour of France includes spending 5 days in the Alsace region of the country. While you could do this anytime of the year, especially as the Alsace is lovely in the summer and fall, this is a perfect itinerary for the holiday season. 

I spent 5 days exploring the best Christmas markets in the Alsace last year, and it was super magical. Before that, you can enjoy Paris in 5 days , where you have plenty of time to see the main attractions as well as partake in the Christmas markets if you visit around the season. 

You even have time for a day trip to a place like Versailles ! 

Then, you’ll take the train to Strasbourg and use it as a base. Spend a day exploring Strasbourg (plus the markets during that time of year ), take a day trip along the Alsace Wine Route , and perhaps pop over to Obernai for a day to enjoy its Christmas markets or just its lovely small-town vibe.

After that, you’ll base yourself in Colmar for a couple of days where you can wander the town to your heart’s content and perhaps visit other towns in the area like Ribeauville , Riquewihr , and Kaysersberg . This is fantastic during the holiday season! 

Don’t forget to wander around Petite France in Strasbourg and Petit Venise in Colmar for dreamy canals lined with half-timbered houses. 

Where to Stay in Strasbourg: 

• Budget: Hotel Beaucour
• Mid-Range: Hannog Hotel & Wine Bar
• Luxury: Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa

Where to Stay in Colmar:

• Budget: Hotel Turenne
• Mid-Range: Colmar Hotel
• Luxury: Maison des Tetes

Option 3: 10 Days in Provence Itinerary

• Days 1-2: Avignon & Chateauneuf-du-Pape
• Day 3: Luberon Villages
• Day 4: Aix-en-Provence & Cassis
• Days 5-6: Cannes
• Days 7-10: Nice 

Want to spend the whole time in the South of France during your 10 days? Then, you can copy this road trip itinerary where you start in Avignon and visit Chateauneuf-du-Pape, perhaps swing by Pont du Gard during that time, and then continue on to the Luberon Villages for a day. 

Then, you’ll explore Aix-en-Provence and Cassis, have some beach time in Cannes , and then spend the remainder of your 10-day road trip in France in Nice.

This is very similar to the 7-day South of France road trip, only in this itinerary, you’ll spend more time in Nice. 

The main reason for that is that you can base yourself in Nice for several days while you explore places like Monaco, Menton, Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and more. And Nice is a lovely city with tons to offer between its beaches and its markets. 

This is another great itinerary for the spring through autumn months! 

• Mid-Range: Aux Augstins

Option 4 of a France Itinerary in 10 Days: Paris, Dijon, and Annecy

• Days 1-4: Paris
• Days 5-7: Dijon
• Days 8-10: Annecy

Want a great mix of visiting Paris, a delightful foodie city where you can explore Burgundy, and some time in the Alps? This is the idyllic itinerary for you! 

I’ve actually done this itinerary and really enjoyed it! Start out in Paris for 4 days to see the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and other main sites as well as explore iconic neighborhoods like Saint Germain, Montmartre, and Le Marias. 

After that, hop on a train to Dijon, where you’ll stay for a few days to explore the lovely town, enjoy Dijon mustard at a shop, tour a pain d’epice factory, eat at delicious restaurants, and more. 

You’ll also take a day trip to Beaune , where you’ll bike around vineyards and enjoy delightful Burgundian wines. 

After that, hop on the train again to one of my favorite places in France: Annecy . This place is along Lake Annecy, a crystal-clear lake with stunning views of the Alps on the other side. 

Stay in Annecy for a couple of days to enjoy its sprawling market, take a paddleboat on the lake, wander around the old city, go for a hike or two, and definitely take a day trip to the Savoie wine region to sample some of France’s best wine (in my opinion).

Also, being in the Alps, you can enjoy all the hearty alpine fare like tartiflette, fondue savoyarde, and raclette. 

Honestly, this can be done year-round, but if you want to explore Burgundy on a bike, I highly recommend doing this in the summer and autumn months. 

Where to Stay in Dijon: 

• Budget: Hotel Le Jacquemart
• Mid-Range: Hotel Oceania Le Jura Dijon
• Luxury: Grande Hotel La Cloche Dijon

Where to Stay in Annecy:

• Budget: IBIS Styles Annecy Gare Center
• Mid-Range: Atipik Hotel Alexandra
• Luxury: Les Loges Annecy Vielle Ville

Option 5: Paris, Champagne, and the Loire Valley in 10 Days

• Days 4-6: Loire Valley
• Days 7-10: Champagne

The City of Lights, castles, and bubbly; the trifecta of a 10-day itinerary for France. In this France in 10 days itinerary, you’ll be sticking to central France. 

Start the trip off by spending a lovely 3 days in Paris, where you’ll wander along the Seine, take in some museums , perhaps take a food tour of Le Marais, and enjoy the Eiffel Tower as it glitters at night. 

Then, you’ll want to rent a car to enjoy a few days in the Loire Valley. This area is known for its delicious Sancerre wine as well as amazing chateaux. Chateau de Chambord is rumored to be the inspiration for the Beauty and the Beast Castle. 

The prior hunting lodge is a massively gorgeous castle with sprawling gardens. 

I also love Chateau de Chenonceau, otherwise known as “The Lady Castle,” as it has switched hands between various prominent women other the years, including Diane de Poitiers. This iconic castle crosses the river Cher, and the gardens here are full of flowers in the summer. 

And finally, you’ll end your trip with 4 days in Champagne . I recommend splitting time between Reims and Epernay so that you get the full experience. Both have famous and smaller Champagne houses where you can taste bubbly. 

So take your time to enjoy both the Champagne and major sites like the Reims Cathedral and Porte de Mars. 

This itinerary is best enjoyed from spring through summer. 

Where to Stay in the Loire Valley:

• Budget: Manoir du Parc Amboise
• Mid-Range: Chateau d’Artigny
• Luxury: Chateau de Nazelles Amboise

Where to Stay in Epernay:

• Budget: Les Epicuriens
• Mid-Range: Au Jeu de Paume
• Luxury: Les Suites du 33

Where to Stay in Reims:

• Budget: Mercure Reims Centre Cathedrale
• Mid-Range: La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa
• Luxury: Domaine Les Crayeres

Option 6: Paris and Normandy 10-Day Trip

• Days 1-2: Paris
• Days 3-4: Rouen
• Days 5-7: Deauville
• Day 8: Bayeux
• Day 9-10: Mont St Michel

Okay, so you want to explore Paris for a bit and then Normandy. Perhaps this isn’t your first time in France and you want to see this region. Perhaps you want to see the D-Day beaches and Mont St Michel . 

Either way, spend 2 days in Paris hitting up the main sites or exploring hidden gems before embarking on a road trip through Normandy . Hit the road and stop by Monet’s home in Giverny before continuing on to Rouen. 

Then, spend a few days in the gorgeous beachside town of Deauville . In the summertime, you can enjoy the beaches here. From Deauville, you can explore places like Honfleur, Etretat, and even the Cider Route . 

And, of course, you cannot forget to visit the D-Day beaches as well in Normandy. Then, you must venture out to Mont St Michel for its astounding beauty. For the D-Day beaches, stay in Bayeux, and there are a few hotels in and nearby Mont Saint Michel for visiting the tidal island. 

This 10 days in France trip is perfect for summer and very early autumn, especially if you want to enjoy the beaches. 

Where to Stay in Rouen:

• Budget: Hotel Cardinal
• Mid-Range: Radisson Blu Hotel Rouen Centre
• Luxury: Hotel du Bourgtheroulde

Where to Stay in Deauville:

• Budget: IBIS Styles Deauville Centre
• Mid-Range: Villa Augeval Hotel & Spa
• Luxury: Hotel Barriere Le Royal Deauville

Where to Stay in Bayeux:

• Budget: Hotel Le Bayeux
• Mid-Range: Hotel Reine Mathilde
• Luxury: Chateau La Cheneviere

Where to Stay in Mont St Michel: 

• Budget: Aux Chambres du Mont
• Mid-Range: Hotel Mercure Mont Saint Michel
• Luxury: Ermitage Mont Saint Michel

Option 7: Normandy & Brittany Road Trip

• Days 1-3: Deauville
• Day 4: Bayeaux
• Day 5: Mont St Michel
• Days 6-8: Saint-Malo
• Days 8-10: Brest

Want to dive into Normandy and Brittany during a 10-day French road trip? Definitely split time between the two. Start in Deauville and enjoy the beaches, plus take a day trip over to Honfleur or Etretat. 

Then, be sure to check out the Cider Route, and then stop by Bayeaux for a night to see the nearby D-Day beaches.

On day 5, you’ll want to explore Mont Saint Michel before heading to Saint Malo and Brest for the remainder of the trip. 

While you could just use those days in the towns themselves, you can road trip around to see various sites like the Stones of Carnac, Closed City of Concarneau, castles, and even smaller Medieval towns like Vannes, or perhaps hop over for a day on an island. 

Like the prior itinerary, avoiding winter is best because this area can be quite rainy and cold. Instead, opt for late spring through early autumn for a lovely time. 

• Luxury: Chateaux La Cheneviere

Where to Stay in Saint-Malo:

• Budget: Hotel San Pedro
• Mid-Range: Hotel Beaufort
• Luxury: Hotel Oceania Saint-Malo

Where to Stay Near Brest:

• Budget: L’Amiraute
• Mid-Range: Hotel Oceania Brest Centre
• Luxury: Sainte-Barbe Hotel & Spa

Option 8: 10-Day Corsica Trip

• Day 1: Ajaccio
• Days 2-5: Bonifacio
• Days 6-8: Porto-Vecchio
• Days 9-10: Calvi

Perched just above Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea is the lovely French isle of Corsica. Known both for its stunning seascapes and gorgeous mountains, Corsica is the beachy and mountain escape that you need. 

Start out in Ajaccio, as that is the most accessible via plane and boat. Head to the local market to try some Corse specialties. Then, be sure to stop by the Ajaccio Cathedral and learn more about Napoleon Bonaparte at the National Museum of the Bonaparte Residence. 

Next up is Bonifacio, where you’ll enjoy some iconic beaches and lovely churches in and around the town as well as the Citadelle de Bonifacio. Take some time to snorkel and kayak in the area, and definitely do the coastal hike to the lighthouse. 

Porto-Vecchio is up next. This is another great beach destination, and from here you can take a day trip to the Lavezzi Archipelago . 

Then, wrap up the trip in Calvi, where you can enjoy the lovely town, the Citadella de Cavli, and go on some hikes in the area. 

Between hiking, snorkeling, swimming, and exploring, Corsica is an idyllic 10-day trip in France!

Corsica is lovely to visit year-round. However, if you want to enjoy the beaches and go for a swim, it is best to visit between late May through September. 

Where to Stay in Ajaccio:

• Budget: Hotel Marengo
• Mid-Range: IBIS Styles Ajaccio Napoleon
• Luxury: Hotel Les Mouettes

Where to Stay in Bonifacio:

• Budget: L’Escale
• Mid-Range: Hotel Genovese
• Luxury: Hotel & Spa Version Maquis Citadelle

Where to Stay in Porto-Vecchio:

• Budget: Les Pavillons de Belvedere
• Mid-Range: Casa Santini X Roc Seven
• Luxury: Hotel Casadelmar

Where to Stay in Calvi: 

• Budget: Hotel Casa Bianca
• Mid-Range: Hotel Corsica
• Luxury: La Villa Calvi

Option 9 of the France in 10 Days Itineraries: Southwest Road Trip

• Days 1-4: Bordeaux
• Days 4-6: Biarritz
• Days 7-10: Lourdes/Pyrenees

A visit to the Southwest of France is always a good idea for lovers of wine and off-the-beaten-path hiking destinations. Spend several days in Bordeaux, where you can sample various wines from Saint-Emillon to Medoc. 

Also, Bordeaux has the fabulous La Cite du Vin museum dedicated to wine, the lovely Garonne River, the Bordeaux Cathedral, and, of course, several vineyards surrounding the town. 

You can take several day trips to various vineyards, including this fun bike tour ! And if you have a car, you can also take your own day trips to places like the Lascaux Caves! 

Then, head south to France’s Basque country to the lovely town of Biarritz. This coastal place has some beautiful beaches, and you’ll love partaking in all the delicious seafood. 

And finally, spend the last several days in the Pyrenees, with Lourdes as your base. This town is known for its Notre Dame de Lourdes church and pilgrimages to the grotto and is considered a holy place.

This is also a great place to base yourself to go hiking in the Pyrenees to places like Cirque de Gavarnie, Caves de Bedat, and Lac de Lourdes. 

For hiking and some time at the beach, definitely opt for summertime to visit. 

Where to Stay in Bordeaux:

• Budget: Mama Shelter Bordeaux
• Mid-Range: Hotel de Tourny
• Luxury: Hotel Cardinal Bordeaux

Where to Stay in Biarritz: 

• Budget: Le Windsor Grande Plage Biarritz
• Mid-Range: Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalossa Sea & Spa
• Luxury: Hotel du Palais Biarritz

Where to Stay in Lourdes:

• Budget: Hotel Sainte Marie
• Mid-Range: Grand Hotel Gallia Chappelle & Spa Nuxe
• Luxury: Belfry & Spa By Ligne St Barth

Option 10: Paris, Lyon, Annecy, and Nice

• Days 4-5: Lyon
• Days 6-7: Annecy
• Days 8-10: Nice

The last of the 10-day itineraries for France, this one combines quite a few great places to visit including some time in Paris, a couple of days in France’s gastronomical capital, a couple of days in the Alps, and finally, some beach time in Nice. 

Partake in a few days in Paris taking in all the art, architecture, and incredible neighborhoods. Then, spend some time in Lyon enjoying things like Vieux Lyon, the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière, and the 2,000+-year-old theatre, and definitely take a food tour ! 

Then, take the train to Annecy to enjoy its stunning alpine lake, delicious, hearty food, and its charming canals. 

And then hop back on the train to get some beach time in Nice as well as explore the Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, eat some delicious seafood, and perhaps take a day trip to places like Monaco, Eze, or Villefranche-sur-Mer. 

This is a great itinerary for late spring through early autumn for the beaches in the south. 

Where to Stay in Lyon: 

• Budget: Elysee Hotel
• Mid-Range: Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux Arts Hotel
• Luxury: Cour des Loges

These are the best possible ways to spend 10 days in France! Whether you want to enjoy the exciting city of Paris, frolic around castles, or have fun in the sun, these 10-day France itineraries offer a fantastic insight into this amazing country.

Which itinerary would you most like to use? 

Want more France travel? Check out these posts!

• Ultimate 5-Day French Riviera Itinerary
• Best French Gifts
• Top Day Trips From Annecy
• 23 Travel Tips for First Timers to Paris
• Best French Cheeses
• Top Things to do in Grenoble
• Best Time to Visit Paris
• Top Weekend Trips From Paris
• Romantic Things to do in Paris
• 55 Bucket List Things to do in France
• Most Beautiful Cities in France
• Annecy in Winter
• Paris Bucket List
• 1 Day in Paris
• Helpful French Phrases to Know
• Paris in January
• Paris in the Fall Guide
• Ultimate Paris 2024 Olympics Travel Guide
• Top 15 France Road Trips
• Best French Pharmacy Beauty Products
• Roussillon Ochre Trail Guide
• 31 Top Paris Gifts
• Ultimate Solo Travel Guide in Paris

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2 thoughts on “Ultimate 10 Days in France Itinerary: 10 Ways to See France in 10 Days in 2024”

I recently read your article about France itineraries, and I found it to be very informative and helpful. I am planning a trip to France soon, and I am using your article as a resource to help me plan my trip.

I am especially interested in the itinerary that you suggested for Paris, Lyon, Annecy, and Nice. I think this itinerary would be a great way to see some of the most popular tourist destinations in France, and I am excited to start planning my trip.

Yay thank you!!

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The Ultimate 10 Day France Itinerary

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: January 30, 2024

This 10 Day France Itinerary shares the best places to visit in France in 10 days, so you can see everything the country has to offer.

Embarking on a journey to the land of croissants, vineyards, and iconic landmarks. Bienvenue à la France! There is so much to see and experience in the country; there are so many reasons to visit France .

Planning the perfect 10-day France itinerary can be overwhelming so we have put together the perfect trip for you, including France travel tips and the best places to visit in France.

A tapestry of experiences awaits you every day, from the chic streets of Paris to the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera. 

Get ready to immerse yourself in the art, history, and romance of France, as each day unfolds with discoveries and unforgettable moments, creating a journey that will stay with you for a lifetime.

10-Day France Itinerary

1 Day in Normandy

Kickstart your journey with a riveting military historical tour by Band of Brothers Tours . Pay tribute to the hallowed grounds of Normandy as you retrace the steps of the Allied Forces during World War II.

The tour will take you to the awe-inspiring Omaha Beach and pay homage to the American cemetery. This experience offers a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom. 

Immerse yourself in the soldiers’ poignant stories and heroic acts as you visit the well-preserved bunkers and learn about the challenges they faced during the D-Day landings. 

This tour provides a profound and educational experience, allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation for the bravery and resilience of the Allied Forces during this pivotal moment in history.

3 Days in Paris

What is a trip to France without exploring its glamorous capital, The City of Lights. There are so many things to do in Paris , it is overflowing with culturally renowned experiences and is a must on your France bucket list .

The peaceful hallways of The Louvre offer exhibits of some of the most canonical artworks of the Western world. The sidewalks are bustling with charming cafes serving croissants and a nice milky coffee. 

And you cannot miss admiring the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower even if it is a workout climbing to the top! But to truly see the city in all its glory, take a sunset boat cruise along the Seine to witness the city sparkle at night.

A visit to the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre provides a glimpse into the artistic heart of Paris, with its quaint streets, lively squares, and the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

For a touch of magic, a stroll through the enchanting gardens of Luxembourg Palace.

1 day in Versailles 

About, an hour outside of Paris is the opulent Palace of Versailles, which makes a great day trip from Paris during your 10 day France Itinerary. Explore the adorned hall of Mirrors, stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, and relive the magnificence of royal life. 

Step back in time and uncover the stories of some of France’s most famous and influential leaders. The backstories of Sun King, Louis XIV, and Marie Antoinette will entice you. Get lost in the rich history and artistic magnificence of this iconic palace. 

As you wander through the opulent chambers and grand halls, you will be transported to a bygone era of extravagance and power, gaining a deeper appreciation for the historical significance of this architectural masterpiece. 

The Palace of Versailles truly offers a captivating glimpse into the grandeur and legacy of the French monarchy, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and admirers of art and architecture.

This is a unique and one of the best experiences in France so make sure to include it on your France itinerary.

2 Days in Lyon 

As one of the most beautiful cities in France , Lyon is another popular place to visit next on your France itinerary.

When the hustle and bustle of the city becomes too overwhelming, take a train south to the student town of Lyon. It is not only an academic hub, this city is also the gastronomic capital of France. And it will offer you unforgettable culinary experiences.

To complete the experience, stroll along the cobbled streets of Old Lyon and discover the hidden Traboules. The charm of traditional bouchon, like Le Bonnes Manières, will delight you with local delicacies.

You cannot come all the way out to Lyon without taking a trip to the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. It is a stunning hilltop masterpiece that offers panoramic views of the city.

Lyon also has a rich history and vibrant culture that is beautifully showcased in its many museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts, making it a well-rounded destination for travelers seeking a blend of culinary delights, historical exploration, and scenic beauty.

1 Day Provence 

Now that you’ve whetted your palette with some of the best food in the world take a train south to Provence . Its idyllic landscapes will enchant you endlessly.

Its rolling hills are famously adorned with lavender fields. Its quaint, medieval towns have inspired many a renowned painter. And the slow pace of Provençal life makes for the perfect retreat.

As you explore the charming villages and vibrant markets, the region’s rich cultural heritage and the warm hospitality of its people will captivate you.

To help you immerse yourself in this lavender-scented region, hire a bike and take a leisurely ride through the vineyards. You can even stop and sample some of the exquisite wines from local cellars like Château Romanin and Domaine de la Vallongue. 

The stunning natural beauty of Provence, with its olive groves, sunflower fields, and picturesque vineyards, creates an atmosphere of tranquility and romance, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating escape.

2 Days in French Riviera

When you are planning your trip to France, not adding the French Riviera into your itinerary would be a crime. It is a sun-soaked paradise where azure waters meet glamorous coastal towns.

In Nice, unwinding on the pebble beaches and exploring the Promenade de Anglais will be an unforgettable highlight. And if you like lemon groves and a pastel mosaic of houses then the vibrant streets of Menton will be exactly what you are looking for.

Immerse yourself in the artistic air of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. It is a medieval town long cherished by creatives. And as the sun sets, consider embracing the allure of Monaco, with its ritzy casinos and luxurious atmosphere. 

The French Riviera offers the best of the sun and the sea but it also has a rich cultural tapestry, from the modern art museums to the historic charm.

Exploring the narrow cobblestone streets and art galleries of Saint-Paul-de-Vence will transport you to a world of artistic inspiration, while the glitz and glamour of Monaco provide a taste of luxury and opulence, a blend of relaxation, culture, and sophistication.

Mont Saint-Michel 

What better way to conclude your French journey than with a visit to the enchanting Mont Saint-Michel? It is a dramatic medieval masterpiece rising dramatically from the sea. 

As the tide shifts, watch the island transform into a secluded fortress or an ethereal mirage. Mont Saint-Michel is a poetic conclusion to your journey. It weaves history, architecture, and natural beauty into a beautiful tapestry. 

The ever-changing landscape of Mont Saint-Michel, with its surrounding tidal flats and the mesmerizing play of light and shadow, creates a truly magical and unforgettable experience.

As you explore the abbey and its surroundings, you’ll be transported back in time, feeling the weight of history and the spiritual significance of this iconic site. 

The poetic allure of Mont Saint-Michel serves as a fitting conclusion to your French journey, leaving you with lasting memories of the country’s rich heritage and natural splendor.

Beautiful cities in France

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France Itinerary with Paris, Versailles & Colmar Tour for First-Timers

When we were planning our first trip to Europe, France was not included in the itinerary I initially had in mind.

Yes, I was in love with the thought of visiting France for the first time, but I wasn’t sure if it was a good choice considering: (1) We were starting/ending our trip in Greece; (2) We only had three weeks for our Euro trip; and (3) There were a lot of other equally compelling places we wanted to see that were closer to our starting/end destinations.

In the end, we somehow managed to fit a quick trip to France after realizing it won’t be a proper 1st Eurotrip without stopping by Paris. Visiting a lot of places in Europe in a short time is easy to do thanks to the region’s well-connected flight and high-speed train network.

I’m am relieved that we did not skip Paris! I got emotional many times during the trip, especially with the experience of seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, getting close to Mona Lisa, watching Moulin Rouge live etc. Clichéd and touristic as it may seem, these are still very worthy travel goals to achieve.

Wanting to see a bit of France outside of Paris, we found ourselves in Colmar, a charming fairytale-esque city near the Swiss-French border.

How to spend 5 days in France?  Check out my recommended France itinerary below. The sample itinerary is easy to follow or customize in case you plan to go for 4 days, 6 days or more. Scroll down to see the detailed do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary blog, followed by a budget/expenses breakdown and lots of extra travel tips.

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Trip Checklist

Before we go on with the actual itinerary, here are things you might need to prepare and bring for a hassle-free trip.

I’ve posted a lot of discounts on this guide. Make sure to check them out and pre-book online to save money, time & avoid the hassles of bringing/exchanging cash during your trip.

France Itinerary Blog Contents

France Trip Checklist

France Itinerary

France budget, where to stay in paris, where to stay in colmar.

France Travel Tips

See More Travel Guides & Blogs

This sample 5 days and 4 nights (5D4N) France itinerary will take you to many of the top attractions in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe & more. It also includes a day tour to the Palace of Versailles from Paris and a 1-night side trip to Colmar Old Town.

Three days in Paris should be enough to cover the main tourist spots. Add more days if you want to enjoy the trip at a relaxed pace, experience more of Paris, or extend to see more places in France.

Me and my travel buddy,  Gael , actually went to all three places (Paris, Versailles & Colmar) in just 4 days. The trip was doable but the pace was a bit rushed.

We chose Colmar because it was one of Gael’s top travel goals, and it was conveniently located near Zurich (Switzerland), our next destination. You can replace Colmar with any of the myriads of beautiful places to visit near Paris.

Feel free to tweak the activities & timings based on your traveling style, schedule, & attractions that interest you the most.

5 Days France Itinerary – Paris, Versailles & Colmar

Day 1:  eiffel tower & paris tourist spots, flight to paris.

Find cheap flights

Take the earliest flight to Paris to maximize your first day in France.

1000 am: Paris airport arrival

There are three main airports serving Paris:

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)  — The biggest airport serving most international flights.

Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)  — Closest to Paris city center.

Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA)  — Served mostly by budget airlines. Beauvais Airport is located farthest from Paris city center.

In our case, we arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

1030 am: Airport to hotel / Paris city center transfer

We used Uber during our trip but I also recommend pre-booking hassle-free private transfers online or going by train.

Getting to Paris city center by train from the airport

The RER B (blue) train line connects Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center of Paris. This is a good option if you’re looking for a quick and cheap way of getting to your hotel in Paris. Travel time by train takes up to 50 minutes.

Navigo Découverte Card

Get a “Navigo Découverte Card” at the airport train station. This contactless smart card offers unlimited rides in Paris RER/Metro trains & buses. It can be used for train rides in Paris’ public transport zones 1 to 5. A weekly pass costs EUR 22.80 + EUR 5 one-time fee for the card.

Here’s a summary of public transport zones in Paris:

Zone 1 to 3 — Central Paris & La Défense.

Zone 4 to 5 — Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, Versailles, Disneyland Paris, Fontainebleau.

Paris Airport-hotel private car transfers  — Enjoy easy transfers to your hotel from the airport (or vice-versa). Travel time by car should take around 40 minutes.

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Paris Visite Card

Designed for tourists, this smart card offers unlimited travel on Paris’ public transport network, including the metro, buses, and trams. The Paris Visite Card is more expensive compared to the Navigo Card. However, the Navigo Card has timing considerations you need to know when buying. I’ll post more about this in detail later.

The conventional way of taking the train is using single-use tickets. The one-way fare from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the stations in Paris city center costs EUR 10.30.

1130 am: Paris hotel check-in

Ideally, you’d want to stay in a central location near Paris’ top tourist spots. In case you find a nice place to stay that’s farther afield, make sure it’s located near a metro/train station.

Paris hotels, hostels & guesthouses

Cheapest rates Best reviews

Claim tours + attraction tickets booked online

Carefully read the “activity info” & “how to use” info of attraction tickets & tours that you pre-booked online.

The for activities booked on Klook, the designated claiming area of many activities is PARISCityVISION (2 Rue des Pyramides). Stop by here to confirm your tours and get all the physical tickets. You can find their office near the Louvre Museum, which is a convenient area to start a tour of the city.

0100 pm: Start Paris top attractions half-day tour

Paris Hop-on Hop-off Bus  — Book the “Deluxe Tour” with Seine River Cruise, which is inclusive of 2 days HOHO bus pass & Seine River cruise ticket by Bateaux Parisiens. Discount price online is EUR 41.25.

The discount price of the HOHO bus without the Seine River cruise is EUR 29.70 for the 1-day pass and EUR 33.85 for the 2-day pass.

I highly recommended this easy way of getting around Paris. Drop-off/Pick-up points are strategically located near top tourist spots, which means less walking compared to taking the metro trains. PLUS, you can enjoy views on the open-top bus & an audio guide of famous landmarks.

Paris Museum Pass  — This convenient multi-attraction pass offers unlimited access to over 50 museums in Paris and the surrounding region. The 2 days pass costs EUR 48.

You will save money by getting the Paris Museum Pass compared to buying individual tickets to museums featured in this itinerary. Not to mention, it’s also a huge time saver. The total cost of individual entry tickets to the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Notre Dame Towers & Arch de Triomphe viewpoint already costs over EUR 50.

Louvre Pyramid (Pyramide du Louvre)

Enjoy a quick photo stop at this famous landmark. Remember not to spend too much time here (for now) because we will be visiting again in the next days, including going inside the museum.

Arc de Triomphe

Climb up the tower to see panoramic views of the Paris skyline & cityscape. From the top, don’t miss the view facing the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées shopping street & La Defense skyline.

Access to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop is included in the Paris Museum Pass. Check below if you want to book separately

Arc de Triomphe rooftop access skip-the-line-ticket

Redeveloped for the Exposition Internationale of 1937, this complex of buildings and gardens is very popular on Instagram because of its beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

I’m sure this one needs no introduction. While the sun is out, see the panoramic views from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower skip-the-line entry ticket  — Get this fast-track entry ticket with access to the glass elevator that connects the 2nd-floor view deck to the 276-meter summit.

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Before sunset, you’d want to head out to a good spot where you can enjoy a romantic view of the Eiffel Tower under the golden and twilight hours.

The best views can be seen from Trocadero, on a Seine River Cruise, at the top of Montparnasse Tower, or from Champs de Mars (picnic park/green space).

After sunset, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower sparkle! This spectacular show is scheduled for 5 minutes every hour, on the hour until 1 or 2 am.

0630 pm: Seine River Cruise

Cap your first day with a relaxing cruise along the Seine River. The best time to do this is right before sunset or at night when you can enjoy a (literally) lit view of Paris’ famous buildings.

A Seine River cruise is included in the “Deluxe Tour” of this package . You can also check the links below for more options including drinks, snacks or a dinner cruise.

Seine River sightseeing cruise with optional champagne or snacks

Seine River dinner cruise

Day 2:  Louvre, Montmartre & Moulin Rouge

0800 am: notre dame cathedral & sainte-chapelle.

Start early at Notre Dame Cathedral to avoid the bigger crowds later in the day. Explore the interiors of the church and go up the tower of this world’s most famous Gothic cathedral. Nearby, you can find Sainte-Chapelle, especially known for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Access to Sainte-Chapelle and the towers of Notre Dame Cathedral is included in the Paris Museum Pass. Check below if you want to book separately:

Skip-the-Line Notre-Dame Towers & Sainte-Chapelle Tour

0930 am: Louvre Museum

If you’re an art lover, this is definitely going to be the highlight of your Paris trip!

Don’t miss these Louvre highlights: Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (painting), Winged Victory of Samothrace (sculpture), Venus de Milo (sculpture), Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People (painting), Michelangelo’s The Dying Slave and The Rebellious Slave (sculpture), Lamassus (Sculpture) & Hammurabi’s Code to name a few.

The Louvre museum is the largest art museum in the World and it takes days to explore all the galleries & exhibits. For a casual visit, however, 2 to 3 hours is recommeneded. This way, you’d have time to fit more museums/attractions in your Paris trip.

Entry to The Louvre Museum is included in the Paris Museum Pass. Check below if you want to book separately:

The Louvre skip-the-Line admission ticket with audio guide

Louvre district

The area surrounding the Louvre is a good place to wander around on foot. It’s an old part of Paris, so you’re going to find lots of buildings built in different French/European architectural styles, historical sites, as well as shopping and dining spots.

If you’re looking for an affordable French restaurant, we found this place called Bistrot Victoires (6 Rue de la Vrillière). It is one of the top-rated places to eat in the area. The Confit Conard (Duck Confit) is one of their best sellers.

Orsay Museum (Musée d’Orsay)

Cross the Seine River & visit the Orsay Museum. Housed in a stunning (former) railway station building, this museum is where you can find the World’s largest collection of impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces.

Entry to Orsay museum is included in the Paris Museum Pass. Check below if you want to book separately:

Orsay museum skip-the-line ticket

0230 pm: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Montmartre is primarily known for its history as a haven for artists. The most famous landmark here is the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. Montmartre’s hilly terrain offers nice views overlooking Paris.

Moulin Rouge Show

Before arriving in Paris, the Moulin Rouge show was honestly not in my list of top things to do. While I was watching the show though, I was taken aback with how much I truly appreciated the experience … considering the history and legacy of the Moulin Rouge. If you have the chance, go and watch it. It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to watch this show!

You’ll need to dress up for the Moulin Rouge show. Formal attire is advised but there are also a lot of people in the audience wearing long-sleeved shirts, slacks & smart shoes. I recommend that you enjoy the show with champagne.

Moulin Rouge show with dinner or champagne

Day 3:  Versailles and Paris museums

The major activity today is a half-day trip to Versailles. You can either pick a morning or afternoon schedule for the tour. If you prefer not to start your day so early, pick the afternoon trip and spend the morning however you like.

Here are a few suggestions on things to do in Paris during your free time:

Continue your Paris city tour.

Visit more museums + attractions.

Go shopping.

Seek out interesting Parisian cafés & restaurants.

Explore the catacombs.

Have a picnic at Champs de Mars with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Wander through the cool neighborhoods of Paris.

Marvel at Paris’ architectural gems.

0130 pm: Arrive at Palace of Versailles tour meeting point

The meeting point of this tour (see link below) is conveniently located near the Louvre. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure time at 2 pm.

We thoroughly enjoyed this half-day tour to Versailles, which included roundtrip transfers, a professional guide, and most importantly, skip-the-line access to the Palace of Versailles & gardens. They hand out individual headsets, so you can hear audio commentary from the guide while you’re busy taking Insta snaps.

Palace of Versailles & gardens guided tour + transport from Paris

0200 pm: Depart from Paris

Palace of versailles.

This was definitely my #1 travel goal in France and it did not disappoint. The royal rooms and halls were impressive! We would have missed a lot of interesting facts & details had we not gone on the guided tour.

Gardens of Versailles

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to roam around the palace and the gardens on your own.

0600 pm: Arrive back in Paris

Montparnasse tower.

The highlight here is the amazing view of The Eiffel Tower. The best time to go is before, during, and just after sunset. The entrance fee costs EUR 18 per adult.

Montparnasse Tower observation deck admission ticket

Day 4:  Colmar trip from Paris

0720 am: paris to colmar train.

Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure. If it is your first time to travel by train in France, allot a longer allowance, especially if you plan to book your ticket at the station.

Trains to Colmar usually depart from Paris at Gare de l’Est station. Travel time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes on direct high-speed trains. Pre-book your train ticket online (well ahead of your travel date) to grab cheaper fares. The train fare is usually around EUR 50 for tickets booked in advance and could go up to EUR 100+ on the day of departure.

Paris to Colmar train tickets & schedule

0940 am: Arrive at Colmar Train Station

The main train station in Colmar (Gare de Colmar) is conveniently located just outside the Old Town. Walking distance is around 15 minutes.

1000 am: Colmar hotel check-in

Book a room in Colmar City Center or near the train station. There many places to stay within easy walking distance to the main tourist spots in Colmar Old Town.

Colmar hotels & hostels

1030 am: Start Colmar walking tour

Little venice (la petite venise) & colmar canal.

Our favorite spot in Colmar! Little Venice (La Petite Venise) is where you can find pretty houses lined on both sides of the canal. We went here early morning on our second day and enjoyed the whole place all to ourselves.

Colmar Old Town

Colmar Old Town was compact and filled with lots of beautiful centuries-old buildings. The place looked like it could pop right off a storybook. It’s not hard to imagine being transported in the charming village location of Beauty and the Beast.

Colmar is a lovely place to get lost in. It’s a small and very walkable. You could see the main highlights in half a day. Make sure to get your fill at the many streetside pastry shops and cafes.

Day 5:  Train to Paris or onward destination

You have lots of options on what to do next: (1) Continue your walking tour of Colmar, (2) take the train back to Paris or (3) move on to a huge list of other places to visit in the surrounding region.

Stay in a central location near Paris’ top tourist spots. In case you find a nice place to stay that’s farther afield, make sure it’s located near a metro/train station.

Check discounts See more

Click below to compare rates and Paris hotel reviews within your budget.

Where to book

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Booking.com Airbnb Agoda

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Click below to compare rates and Colmar hotel reviews within your budget.

France Travel Tips Before You Go

How much does the train cost from the airport to paris city center, paris metro cards and train ticket fares, paris transport zones, should i get a navigo card or a paris visite card, pre-book your france tours & attraction tickets online, should i book my france hotel online.

The one-way fare from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris city center costs EUR 10.30 using a single-use ticket. From Orly Airport, the one-way fare is EUR 8.30. There are no direct trains from Beauvais Airport to the city center. The one-way shuttle bus fare from Beauvais Airport to the city center is EUR 17.

For convenient train rides on the Paris Metro train lines (Central Paris) and the RER train lines (greater Paris/Île-de-France area), consider a “Navigo” or “Paris Visite” metro card instead of buying individual train tickets. These contactless smart cards are time and money savers, especially if you plan to travel often by train.

Here is a summary of Paris metro cards and train ticket fares:

Navigo Découverte card  — Offers unlimited rides on Paris Metro/RER public transport network. This electronic smart card is sold as a weekly or monthly pass. In addition, you can choose a “two zones” coverage (if you’re traveling within Central Paris only, for example) or the “five zones” coverage that includes trains to CDG Airport, Versailles, Disneyland & the greater Paris area. The Navigo card cannot be used on trains to/from Orly Airport.

Paris Visite card  — Similar to the Navigo Card, it also offers unlimited rides on the Paris Metro/RER public transport network. Designed for tourists, this electronic smart card is sold as a 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day or 5-day pass. In addition, you can choose a “three zones” coverage for Central Paris or a “five zones” coverage for the greater Paris area. The Paris Visite card is valid for trains to/from Orly Airport.

Mobilis day pass  — A one-day travel pass (magnetic ticket) that allows unlimited travel in your choice of selected zones, or all zones.

Single-use tickets  — One-way/point-to-point tickets. The train fare is EUR 1.90 for single journey tickets called “t+ tickets” valid within Central Paris.

Here’s a summary of notable places covered by public transport zones in Paris:

Zone 1 to 3  — Central Paris & La Défense.

Zone 4  — Versailles & Orly Airport.

Zone 5  — Charles de Gaulle Airport, Disneyland Paris & Fontainebleau

The Navigo card is a much cheaper option compared to the Paris Visite card. The Navigo card, however, has some timing considerations you need to know.

On a 5-day trip to Paris, I recommend that you get a Navigo weekly pass if you arrive in Paris on a Monday up to Thursday. If you are arriving on Friday or on a weekend, I suggest you get the Paris Visite card covering zones 1-3 (for Central Paris) and buy the airport train tickets individually. You can easily get these cards at the airport train stations.

The Navigo weekly pass is sold on a per week basis. Meaning, you can only buy the pass valid for the current week if you arrive in Paris on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. The validity ends on Sunday. If you arrive and purchase the Navigo card on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it will be valid for the next week (starting next Monday) so, you’ll need to purchase separate passes/tickets to use for the current weekend.

Here’s a comparison of costs for your reference:

I often book online to enjoy discounts and cashless convenience during my actual trip. Always check prices of tours and attraction tickets on these booking sites:

Klook GetYourGuide

Prices are often cheaper than booking on-site. Huge discounts on many activities.

Maximize your trip! Avoid wasting time queueing at ticket booths & shopping for tours.

Get a good idea what to expect. Knowing all the inclusions/non-inclusions & reading user reviews is very helpful to make an informed decision.

Earn rewards points for every booking.

Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies.

If you’re booking tours and you’ve already finalized your travel dates, book early, especially if you are traveling with family/friends to lock-in those open slots for everyone in your group.

Book your stay sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms tend to get fully-booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

I frequently book my stay with the sites below to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy hassle-free trips. Click below to see today’s lowest prices.

Agoda Booking.com

Having hotel reservations is very important when traveling abroad because immigration officers often require tourists to provide the address of their accommodation. In addition, here top reasons why I prefer to book online & why you should too:

Wide selection of hotels/hostels.

Often cheaper prices than walk-in rates. Earn rewards points for every booking. The more you book, the more you earn!

Trusted by millions of travelers. Read reviews from actual staying guests.

Instant confirmation and free cancellation on most properties.

Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies. Convenient & secure payment by credit card or Paypal.

Fast customer support.

Don’t Stop Here

Did you find this travel guide helpful? Share your France experience & tag #detourista. Follow trip updates on:

Instagram  @detouristaHQ

Facebook  @detourista

Check out these pages for more travel inspiration beyond France:

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July 27, 2019 at 7:36 pm

Hi just wanna ask po kung sa UAE ka nag apply ng schengen visa at ilang mons binigay sa inyo? Thanks po. God bless :)

July 28, 2019 at 12:37 am

I applied in PH po

October 12, 2020 at 9:04 pm

Thanks for sharing this post.. France is really a great place to explore..

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9 Days In France – The Ultimate Itinerary

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Your journey will start in the bustling city of Paris before you head south to the French Atlantic coastline and Bordeaux. Following your time in Bordeaux, you will hit up the med coastline and explore Marseille, the Calanques National Park, Nice, and if you want, the tiny country of Monaco.

Table of Contents

What to do:, where to eat, where to stay in paris, check out our further earth curious content on paris to prepare:, what to do and see, where to stay, best wine tours in bordeaux, where to eat, leaving france:, the best time to visit france:, what is the currency of france, can you drink tap water in france, the language of france:, is france safe, final thoughts:, other europe itineraries:.

Assuming that you are traveling from outside of Europe, you will most likely be traveling into the country via plane.

Once in France, you will travel way more efficiently and cheaply by taking high-speed public trains between cities. Most tickets cost between €10-30 and can get you to destinations faster than by car in most situations.

Day 1: Arrive in Paris – Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles

You have just arrived in France! The most accessible city to travel to is Paris, the country’s capital city. To get from the airport to the city center, you can hire a cab to take you directly to your hotel. If you are a budget traveler, you can take one of the regional express trains, which run every 10 minutes.

Depending on the time you arrive and how long your flight was, you may need some time to recharge in your accommodation. When you are ready to get into the city, your first stop is to see the Eiffel Tower – one of the most recognized monuments in the world.

See the Eiffel Tower: Make sure your camera is fully charged when heading down to the Eiffel Tower, which is the symbol of France. It measures over 1,000 feet in height, known colloquially as the “Iron Lady” The Eiffel Tower is free to see from afar, but you will have to buy a ticket in order to enter the tower. Depending on your budget, it may be worth it to pay the price, as you will be able to explore the first and second floors, which have various cafe and lounging areas, as well as the summit, which offers panoramic views of all of Paris.

Visit the Palace of Versailles: Another one of the most visited attractions of France, the Palace of Versailles dates back to the 17th century and was the residence of French kings Louis XIV and Louis XVI. You will have to buy a ticket to enter, but the entrance allows you access to the immaculate gardens, the main palace (which consists of over 2,000 rooms), and the Queen’s Hamlet.

Chez Lazare

Madam Brasserie (located in the Eiffel Tower)

• $$$ – Shangri-La Paris
• $$ – Hotel Sophie Germain
• $ – The People Hostel – Paris Le Marais

Day 2: Paris – See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum

You cannot leave Paris without visiting some of its most popular museums, which are recognized globally

Go to the Louvre Museum : The Louvre Museum in Paris is globally recognized because it houses arguably one of the most popular paintings in history – the Mona Lisa . Other famous pieces in the museum include Vénus de Milo , La Liberté Guidant le Peuple , and Victoire de Samothrace . Admission to the Louvre costs €17 for foreign visitors. The outside architecture of the Louvre is also not to be missed, as the museum is also recognized for its glass pyramids outside.

Louvre Repaille

• Is Paris Expensive To Visit?
• The Best Days Trips From Paris By Train (Perfect to extend your trip!)
• The Best Time To Visit Paris To Avoid Crowds (This article can apply to visiting France in general!)
• Is Paris Safe to Visit? (2023 Guide)

Note: All of the above links will open in a new tab, so you can save them for reading after you are done with this article.

Day 3: Paris – Montmatre and The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre

After a full two days of sightseeing, take some time for relaxation and a brisk stroll.

Explore the neighborhood of Montmartre : Montmartre is known for its cozy village feel and bustling art scene, which has inspired artists over the years such as Van Gogh and Picasso. For a more in-depth look into the neighborhood, go on a free walking tour, where you can learn the history of the area from a local guide. Make sure to stop at one of the cozy cafes for a coffee along your exploration.

Visit the Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre : Another important monument of Paris, and is one of the most important religious sites in the city. Visitors can enter and climb to the top of the dome for views of the city, or lounge in the grass of the grounds.

Cafe Montmartre

La Mére Catherine

Day 4: Train to Bordeaux, Place de la bourse

Travel time: to travel from Paris to Bordeaux, take the high-speed SNCF TGV train, which is the most economical and fastest option that takes just over 2 hours. standard class tickets start at about €16 one-way.

Known as the heart of the wine region of France, Bordeaux is known for its gothic architecture and idyllic French countryside.

Place de la bourse : Known as the iconic symbol of the city of Bordeaux, this palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the 18th century. The Palace offers free admission for visitors, but it is worth it to pay a little extra for a guided tour to learn about the historical and cultural significance.

Restaurant Influences

Le Petit Atelier des Faures

• $$$ – Villas Foch Bordeaux
• $$ – ibis Bordeaux Centre Mériadeck
• $ – Central Hostel

Day 5: Go on a wine tour in Bordeaux

The Bordeaux region is known for its extensive wineries, so you cannot leave without trying some world-class wine. The best time to visit is in September, which is grape harvesting season in France.

Château Bernateau: a family-owned winery that operates tours in French and English. Prices range between €6-10 per person.

Château Coutet: Located about 20 minutes from the center of St. Emilion – another winery that is family owned and operated. A special aspect of this winery is the extensive gardens and ponds on the property, which are frequented by many ducks and geese.

Château Lafaurie Peyraguey

La Table de Plaisance

Day 6: Arrive in Marseille and explore the Old Port of Marseille

Travel time: Direct trains from Bordeaux to Marseille last about 6.5 hours, so it may be more efficient to fly, which only takes about an hour. There are also options for overnight trains, so you can get a night’s sleep while you travel.

The next stop on your France itinerary is the quaint city of Marseille, located on the southern coast of the country.

Walk around the Old Port of Marseille: With a rich maritime history and cultural significance, the Old Port of Marseille is a great place to stroll and interact with the locals. Make sure to stop by the Quai des Belges Fish Market, which is the heartbeat of the Old Port. When you get hungry, enter one of the many cafes, restaurants, and bars that are located along the main streets.

La Délicatesse

La Poule Noire

• $$$ – Le Petit Nice Passedat
• $$ – Les Bords de Mer
• $ – Vertigo Hostel Vieux-Port

Day 7: Marseille – Go to Calanques National Park

Travel time: You can get to the Calanques National Park very easily from Marseille. Check out the park’s website here . You can travel by public bus, sea shuttles, in your own car/rental car or by bike.

Hike in Calanques National Park: Located in the south of France, this national park boasts over 20 kilometers of coastline and is the only European park to have land, sea, and urban areas in the same park. You can easily spend the entire day exploring some of the many hikes that Calanques has to offer. The most notable trails to check out are the Calanques de Cassis Trail, Calanque de Sugiton, and Calanque de Marseilleveyre.

Brasserie Des Calanques

Day 8: Nice

Travel time: The most efficient way to get from Marseille to Nice is by train, specifically the TVG “OuiGo” trains. The trip lasts about 2.5 hours, and tickets are about €20 one-way.

Nice is known as France’s most popular beach city. Use the end of your trip to relax!

Walk the Promenade de Anglais: Literally translating to “walkway of the English” this promenade stretches about 7 kilometers along Nice’s coastline. It is extremely pedestrian-friendly and has bike lanes for cyclists as well. Along the way, you can find many cute shops, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Take a day or afternoon trip to Monaco: Monaco is the epitome of luxury and grandeur. A tiny country nestled on the glorious French Riviera, Monaco has long been a haunt for the rich and famous, thanks to generous tax laws, beautiful scenery, and fantastic weather. Best of all, it’s only 25 minutes away from Nice by train! Read our full Earth Curious guide on getting to Monaco from Nice, and what to do when you get there.

George’s Roll Seafood

Le Panier Restaurant

Day 9: Head to the beaches in Nice

Don’t leave Nice without putting on your bathing suit and heading to the beach.

La Réserve beach: a lesser-known beach with less tourist traffic. It is tucked away but still very accessible to the downtown area.

Opéra Plage beach: A private beach that also has a former opera house pavilion.

Plage Beau Rivage: Another private beach located very near the Old Town with access to plenty of luxury restaurants and accommodations.

Le Negresco

Chez Acchiardo

After your time in Nice, you can either leave from Nice airport (year-round, Nice has flights to most major cities in Europe, and during summer months there are a fair number of international destinations too.

Otherwise, you can easily get a high-speed train back up to Paris and leave France from there. The fastest trains take just under 6 hours, and when booked in advance tickets cost around €30 one-way.

Useful tips for traveling in France:

For the most pleasant weather conditions, the best time to visit France is in the summer, between June and August. Because of the favorable weather, this season is also the peak tourist season in France. Although everything operates at full capacity during this time, it also means you will be competing with crowds and higher prices. If you want to save money and avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Not only is the weather cooler, but there are fewer tourists.

The national currency of France is the Euro. The Euro is also the currency for many other neighboring European countries, such as Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and more. So, if your trip to France is part of a longer trip throughout Europe, you won’t have trouble constantly exchanging currency.

Yes! The tap water in the entirety of the country is safe to drink. You should not have a problem filling your bottle with tap water in most given regions in France, especially in large cities like Paris.

The national language of France is French , which is the first language of 88% of the population. It is a great place to practice your French if you are actively trying to learn it. If you don’t know any French, you should download some language apps or a translator, as only 39% of the population has some degree of English proficiency. For larger tourist areas, you most likely will not have a problem, as English is more widely spoken in these areas. You will have more luck speaking English with younger people, as older generations over the age of 50 were generally not formally taught English in school.

France is overall a safe country to travel to solo or in a group. Rates of violent crime are generally low, and the most common crimes against tourists are petty theft and pickpocketing. With this in mind, always proceed with caution no matter how safe you perceive an area to be.

Related: 15 Of The Best Places To Visit In France

If you are looking for an adventurous itinerary with many diverse places to see, look no further than France. Not only does the country have much historical relevance, but you will be blown away by its incredible art, food, and views. The best aspect of traveling in France is its access to efficient and cheap transportation by train, which can allow you to see the entire country in one trip.

Here at Earth Curious, it is our goal to have amazing content published about every country in the world! We are slowly getting there!

If you’re thinking of spending some more time in Europe and fancy visiting other countries and not just France, then why not check out some of our other country itineraries below?

Note: all of the below countries, border France and you can easily take a train to get to the next country. If you’re using trains in multiple European countries you might want to consider getting an interrail pass, there is more on that here .

• 7-Day Germany Itinerary (A 2023 Guide)
• The Ultimate 3-5 Day Belgium Itinerary
• The Best 9-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Detailed Guide
• The Ultimate 2-Week Italy Itinerary: Exploring The Entire Country

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The Best of France: A Two Week Itinerary

France is a country that offers visitors incredible diversity. It is loved by so many and is one of the most visited countries in the world. But the majority of those people only visit Paris. This two week France itinerary aims to get you outside of Paris and exploring other equally incredible parts of the country.

My France two week itinerary covers key areas of France to give you balanced itinerary to follow taking in its physical beauty, culture, history and culinary delights. It brings together the best bits of France in two weeks so you can get a taste for this beautiful country and make the most of your precious vacation time.

If you follow this trip to a tee you’ll be driving close to 2,000 km so you’ll want a vehicle that is comfortable for both the driver and passengers, plus one that has plenty of space for your luggage (and the goodies you might pick up along the way!.

For all my car hire bookings I use and recommend Hertz . I’ve found they offer the most comparable prices, let you search and compare multiple vehicle types and they have a great customer service team who can help if you come into any unexpected troubles.

France Two Week Itinerary

Days 1 to 4 – Paris

Day 1 – Start off your two weeks in France by arriving in Paris. This itinerary assumes that you arrive in the morning giving you most of the day to start seeing the sights.

The City of Lights, Paris, is one of the most visited cities in the world and rightly so. It is dripping with amazing architecture, world class art and culture and mouth-watering food. Paris is a city for everyone and its highlights can easily be explored in just a few days.

What to See & Do in Paris

Eiffel Tower – The icon of Paris is the perfect place to start your visit. Admire the architecture of what was once the world’s tallest tower before being whisked to the top in an elevator to enjoy the most spectacular uninterrupted views of the city. Skip the queues and pre-booked your visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower here .

Arc Du Triomphe – Take a walk up the famous Champ Elysees to enjoy the approaching view of this imposing arch. Built to honour those who fought and died for France, check out the inner and outer surfaces of the Arc for the names of French war victories and generals inscribed in the stone. You can climb the steps to the top for nice views over Paris and down the avenues that run off the centre of the Arc. Avoid long queues with this pre-booked ticket to the top.

Notre Dame Cathedral – One of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world, Notre Dame is famous for its incredible stained glass windows and for the gargoyles that guard the cathedral from above. Inside it is simply breathtaking and the view from the top allows you to get a closer look at those gargoyles, the cathedral’s roof and spires and over the city.

The Louvre – Home of the famous Mona Lisa, the world’s largest and most visited museum is spread across three wings with eight different departments and around 35,000 works of art and artifacts on display. One visit is most certainly not enough to take it all in so a little forward planning about what you want to see is a must. You might also want to nab yourself a timed entry ticket here to avoid the really long queues.

Montmartre & Sacre Coeur – For many hundreds of years the area of Montmartre has attracted artists from around the world. Today the area has a very bohemian vibe with tons of character and notorious nightlife. The most notable structure in the area is the lovely Sacre Coeur Basilica which holds services daily for locals and visitors. Make sure you enjoy the view from the area in front of the Basilica looking out over Paris. With so much interesting history in this area, a short tour with a local guide is a must!

Cruise the Seine –  Some of Paris’s best architecture and landmarks line the Seine River making a sightseeing cruise a must do (especially this evening illuminations cruise where you will see Paris sparkle!). My top tip is to hop aboard the Bateaux Mouches for a one hour cruise at night on an open top boat that will take you under all of the city’s famous bridges and past its famous sites.

Palace of Versailles – This grand chateau was once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and is simply spectacular inside and out. Grand rooms filled with priceless works of art, furniture and antiquities on the inside and sprawling perfectly manicured gardens on the outside make this a worthy half to full day trip from the centre of Paris. As with most popular Paris attractions, having a skip the line entry ticket is a must.

Enjoy the Gardens – Paris has some really stunning gardens that are a haven from the busy streets of the city. Stroll the length of the Jardin des Tuileries from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde or enjoy the spectacular flower displays of the Jardin du Luxembourg, just to name two of the city’s best green spaces.

Where to Stay in Paris

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities. You can also check out my whole post dedicated to places to stay in Paris here .

Budget – Hotel Marignan

Mid-Range – Hotel Le Relais des Halles

Luxury – Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

Read More About Paris

30 Things to Do in Paris

The Best Tours in Paris for Sightseeing

The Best Day Trips from Paris

Days 5 to 6 – The Normandy Region

Drive:  Paris to Caen – approx. 2.5 hours. Leave Paris early to give yourself plenty of time to stop along the way.

Suggested Stop

Like Paris, Rouen is set on the River Seine and has a rich medieval history. In just a few hours you can easily check out the city’s Gothic Cathedral (a favourite subject for artist Monte), wander the medieval quarter and visit the site where Joan of Arc met her demise.

From its dramatic coastal landscape to its rolling green fertile hills and rich history, Normandy is one of France’s hidden gems. Visit to delve deeper into its Norman, Medieval and War Time history; taste the freshness of the regions orchids, seafood and cheese; and explore the dramatic yet charming coastal towns.

What to See & Do in Normandy

Arromanches – On the 6th of June 1944 during World War II, Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy beginning their victory on the Western Front. You can visit those beaches, including Arromanches, where you will see remnants of the ‘Mulberry’ harbour the troops built. Then head up to the cliff tops to the 360 Cinema to get just a small feel for what it would have been like for the troops.

American Cemetery at Colleville – Laid out over 70 hectares overlooking the beaches where the troops landed and the chalky cliffs of the Normandy coast is the largest American cemetery in the area. Start your visit in the Visitors Centre which details the mission. Then head outside to wander the 9,387 gravestones perfectly aligned on a majestic expanse of green lawn. At the end of every day you can watch the ceremony of the Lowering of the Colours to the sound of a military hymn. (Book a guided tour that includes the cemetery and other American D-Day sites.)

Bayeux Tapestry – Known to the French as La Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde , this 230-foot long tapestry is one of the largest and most detailed in the world, and tells the story of the events leading up to the Norman invasion in 1066. While you’re in Bayeux the town itself is also worth a look.

Camembert – France’s most famous cheese, Camembert comes from the village of the same name right in the heart of Normandy. You can take a tour to see how it is made and taste this creamy brie-like cheese at the President farm located in the heart of Camembert.

Where to Stay in Normandy

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located in the town of Caen, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – B&B Hotel Caen Memorial

Mid-Range – Ibis Styles Caen Centre Gare

Luxury – Hotel Restaurant Spa Ivan Vautier

Days 7 to 8 – Loire Valley

Drive:  Caen to Tours – approx. 2.5 hours OR 4.5 hours with a detour to Mont St Michel. Leave Caen early to make the most of the day.

Suggested Detour

Pictures of Mont Saint-Michel are among some of the most iconic images of France. The town which is topped with a monastery is built on a rocky outcrop in the middle of a tidal flat and connected to the mainland by a causeway. Try to get there early to wander the steep winding streets up to the monastery without the crowds.

Famous for its abundance of chateau, The Loire Valley has to be one of the most beautiful regions of France. Explore the chateau, wander the sprawling gardens and orchids, taste the local produce and wine and just simply soak up the beauty of the landscape.

What to See & Do in the Loire Valley

Chateau Chambord – The biggest and most famous of the chateau in The Loire Valley, Chateau Chambord was built by King Francis I as a hunting lodge. Of course it has been upgraded and expanded considerably since then. It is one of the best examples of renaissance architecture in the world. A small number of the 440 odd rooms in the chateau are open to the public to explore. See this incredible building without the queues by booking here in advance.

Ainy-le-Vieil Chateau & Gardens – One of the many chateau in the region, what sets Ainy-le-Vieil apart from the rest is the incredible gardens which are split into a series of rooms each with a different theme. The chateau itself has been in the same family since 1467 and you can explore the interiors to check out some of the personal mementos left behind by past family members.

Cycle along the Loire River – The Loire Valley is relatively flat making it the perfect place to hire a bike or take a bike tour ( like this one !). There are bike hire places in most villages along the river and the path is well sign posted. Whether its just a short ride or a full day, you’ll see plenty of beautiful chateau and have the opportunity to stop by plenty of quaint little villages on your ride.

Bourges Cathedral – One of the most remarkable Gothic cathedrals in France, the Bourges is located in the town of the same name and dates back to the 12th century. Modelled on Notre-Dame in Paris, the cathedrals biggest draw card is its spectacular stained glass windows intricately depicting biblical stories.

Explore the Vineyards – The Loire Valley has some of the best wine-making soil in France and some of France’s most well-known wine is produced in the region. You can explore the vineyards on your own in the car, hire a bike or take a tour like this one . Maps are available from local tourist offices making it easy to navigate between the vineyards.

Where to Stay in the Loire Valley

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located in the town of Tours, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Hotel Italia

Mid-Range – Best Western Plus l’Artist Hotel

Luxury – Chateau Belmont Tours

Days 9 to 10 – Lyon

Drive:  Tours to Lyon – approx. 4.5 hours. Leave Tours early to make the most of the day and allow time for plenty of scenic stops along the way.

This is my personal favourite place on this France 14 day itinerary. If the main reasons you’re visiting France are for the culture and the food then you’ll love Lyon. France’s third largest city is home to interesting museums, cultural events year round and food offerings for those with an adventurous palate. 

What to See & Do in Lyon

Explore the Vieux – Lyon’s Vieux (old town) is a great place to start your visit. Take a wander around the cobblestone streets through narrow passageways past delicatessens, artisan stores and sidewalk cafes. Keep your eye out for an old traboule which are passageways used in medieval times by the silk industry, some of which have been recently renovated. A guided tour, like this one , will help you find all those hidden spots.

Dine in a Bouchon – These small restaurants serve the most traditional of Lyonnaise cuisine and are best suited to those looking to try something a little different. Dishes on the menu might include ingredients such as tripe, bone marrow or pork offal.

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere – Perched high above the old town, this impressive white church dominates Lyon’s skyline and offers great views over Lyon from the promenade out the front. You can walk up the steep steps to get there or take the funicular for a few euros to save your legs. Nicknamed “the upside down elephant” because of its outside shape, inside its interior is quite pretty with lots of ornate features.

Roman Amphitheatre  – Right next to Notre Dame is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres outside of Rome. The theatre holds up to 10,000 people and is used by the city to host many festivals and events throughout the year. When there’s nothing going on, visitors are free to wander around the theatre and picture themselves enjoying a concert in roman times.

Museum of Fine Arts – This museum has one of the broadest collections of fine art pieces of any museum in the world with their collection ranging from ancient Egyptian antiquities to modern art pieces from the last few decades. The Museum of Fine Arts also holds pieces that are among the finest in all of Europe. For art lovers, this place is heaven and not to be missed.

Hire a bike – Lyon is laid out on relatively flat ground and running right through the city are two rivers. This makes Lyon a great place to hire a bike and explore. There are Velo bike stations all over the city where you can pick up a bike any time of day for a few hours or a full day and explore along the rivers or around the city. It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground in less time.

Take a River Cruise – A great way to see most cities in Europe is on a river cruise and Lyon is no different. This one hour Saone River cruise will give you a new perspective of the most famous landmarks of Lyon and its interesting and unique architecture.

Where to Stay in Lyon

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Hotel Saint Vincent

Mid-Range – Hotel ParkSaone

Luxury – Villa Maia

Days 11 to 12 – Aix-en-Provence

Drive:  Lyon to Aix-en-Provence – approx. 3.5 hours. Leave Lyon early to allow time for plenty of stops along the way.

Allow plenty of time to stop at two French gems. First make stop at the Pont du Gard for a stroll out to this ancient roman aqueduct. Then head into Avignon to check out the Palais des Papes, walk over the Pont Saint-Benezet, wander the cobblestone streets browsing the boutiques and relax in one of the sidewalk cafes.

Food to the people of Provence is everything, so foodies will love exploring this region on this 2 week France itinerary. From the markets to the cafes and rolling fields of produce, Provence is a region for the senses. Its naturally beautiful landscapes and pretty little towns have been attracting artists for hundreds of years who come for the light and create masterpieces that can now be found in some of the best galleries all over the world.

What to See & Do in Provence

Aix-en-Provence – Basing yourself in Aix-en-Provence will give you plenty of time to explore this picture perfect town. Dine in one of the many fantastic restaurants that use only the best local produce. Wander the cobblestone lanes to see exactly why artists like Cezanne were so inspired by this town. And browse through the chic boutiques scattered through the town.

Arles Amphitheatre  – During the summer months this ancient roman amphitheatre comes alive with plays and concerts. For the rest of the year it is open to visitors. Take a walk around and picture yourself back in the roman days watching sporting events, wild-animal hunts, executions of prisoners, and gladiatorial contests.

Marseille’s Vieux Port – The Old Port of Marseille is the beating heart of the city and the Provence region. It is the place where locals and visitors go to relax, eat, drink, shop and just generally enjoy life. Wander through the shops and markets, have a drink or a bite to eat in one of the restaurants, bars and cafes or just stroll along the harbour people watching.

Saint-Remy-de-Provence – This quaint, traditional Provençal village is rather sleepy these days but back in Roman times it was a thriving Roman settlement, the ruins of which can still be seen today. However, this isn’t the town’s only claim to fame. It was also where Van Gogh was housed while being treated for his many psychiatric problems. It’s a lovely town to explore on foot and enjoy a break at one of the many cafes.

Moustiers Sainte-Marie – Hiding up the Gorges du Verdon is the town of Moustiers Sainte-Marie. The drive to this beautiful medieval town is on a long and winding road up the gorge with some spectacular scenery. The village itself is charming and well worth the effort to get there as it seems like time has stood still of hundreds of years.

Digne les Bains Lavender Fields – Take a drive through the rolling hills of Digne les Bains to see field after field of lavender mass planted. Stop by one of the road-side stalls or country shops to buy all sorts of lavender products from soaps and fragrance sprays to honey and other food products. The lavender blooms from June to August and the locals celebrate with a festival over a few days in August at harvest time.

Where to Stay in Provence

Budget – Hotel Le Mozart

Mid-Range – Hotel du Globe

Luxury – Villa Gallici Hotel & Spa

Days 13 to 14 – French Riviera

Drive:  Aix-en-Provence to Nice – approx. 5 hours if you take the slower coast road the whole way or 3 hours if you take the inland faster route. Leave Nimes early to make the most of the day and allow time for plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Optional Detour

To get to Nice you can take the quick route shown in the map above. Or if you have a bit more time you can detour the French Riviera coast stopping in Saint Topez, Cannes and Antibes .

A France 2 week itinerary would not be complete without a visit to the heart of the French Riviera. Nice is everything you have heard it is and so much more. Nice is a mixture of grit and opulence drenched with lots of sunshine. While the beaches and corso are the places to be and be seen, it’s the winding cobblestone lanes of the old town you’ll want to get lost in and find your own little piece of Nice.

What to See & Do in the French Riviera

Soak up with sun on the beach – While the beaches of Nice aren’t like the white sandy beaches most will be used to, the warm Mediterranean seas are more than enough to get most people over having to walk on pebbles. Whether you hire a sun lounger and umbrella for a day or brave it on the pebbles, a day by the water in Nice is an absolutely must!

Stroll the Promenade des Anglais – This palm fringed promenade runs for five miles along the beach at Nice and is the place to be and be seen when the sun is shining. You could easily spend a few hours strolling up and down the promenade watching the people enjoy life and this beautiful part of the world.

Nice Old Town – Once you’ve had your time in the sun, head to the old town to wander around the colourful winding cobblestone lanes. It’s a labyrinth you could easily get lost in passing but tiny local cafes, green grocers and artisan stores. There’s usually a market going on too which gives you a great glimpse into the lives of the locals.

Monaco – The nicest time of day to enjoy Monaco is just before the sun sets. You can take a bus or train from Nice (20-30 minutes) in the late afternoon to explore Le Palais des Princes de Monaco then watch the sun set over the billions of dollar’s worth of yachts in the marina. Finishing off the night in the Monte Carlo Casino or just outside in one of the sidewalk cafes checking out some of the world’s most expensive cars and the wealthy people who own them. This evening tour is also a great way to experience the very best of Monaco on short trip from Nice.

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art – Get your final art fix of the trip at this museum famous for its Pop Art collection. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has a large collection of permanent exhibitions which are free to visit as well as ever-changing temporary exhibitions for a small fee. The building itself is also a work of art and worth a look, as is the view from the roof.

Where to Stay in Nice

Budget – Hotel des Dames

Mid-Range – Ibis Styles Nice Centre Gare

Luxury – Hotel Negresco

Read More About Nice

Things to Do in Nice

Got More Time?

If you have more than 2 weeks in France you have a few options to extend you’re time there.

You can choose to add some additional days at the places mentioned above. This will give you more quality time to spend in each place and will allow you to see more and spend a bit more time relaxing.

Alternatively you can add another destination or two to your journey. Just a few of these options include the Bordeaux wine region, the French Alps (I love the mountain town of Annecy), Dijon for the cuisine or Strasbourg on the German border to see how the cultures mix together to form a truly unique city.

Your can read more about some of these additional places to visit in France here .

Short on Time?

Check out my 10 day France Itinerary to see the best of this amazing country if you have a little less than two weeks to spend in France.

Over to you!

What is your favourite part of this France vacation itinerary or where are you most keen to visit?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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27 thoughts on “The Best of France: A Two Week Itinerary”

This looks like an incredible itinerary! I’ve only been to Paris and for not that long, would love to go back and do it properly!

Thanks Madi!

Hello, is there another way to follow this itinerary if we won’t drive on our own? Can we go there by train?:) thanks

Hi Dez, You could absolutely do parts of this itinerary by train. Check out https://www.bahn.com/i/view/index.shtml for timetables. Or send me an email and I can see what I can do. Cheers Jen

When you end in Monaco, what are the options to get back to the US? Is there an airport so you can fly back to Paris then US?

Hi There, There is an airport in Nice that you can fly direct to the US from depending on the city you are going to. Otherwise you can fly via most major European cities from Nice to the US. Hope this help.s Cheers Jen

I am coming with my wife and 6 year old. We would like to tour the above (possibly shorter in Paris). Outside Paris – 05 Jun (from Paris) to 13 Jun (Nice). Is there any tour groups we can join for this itinerary or it can be done easily on our own ? Any reasonable recommendation for tour organizers for a similar tour ?

Hi Chidam, I don’t know of any tours that run for this short amount of time in France sorry. However, this trip would easily be done on your own if you hire a car. With your shorter amount of time, you would need to skip a few places and spend a few longer driving days. Cheers Jen

Hi The two week itinerary is very helpful but can you tell me if you have a valid indian licence can we drive in France and if not then how can we do this trip – suggest an alternative say bus train or cycle

Hi Surekha, I am unsure about licence validity for India I am afraid. Might be best to speak with your local licence registery to find that one out. A bus could definitely replace this whole itinerary, a train may be more tricky but not impossible. Cycling would be big distances and you would need a lot more time to cover the long distances. Cheers Jen

Hello I like you article as we are all in great need to discover new adventure in unique destination such as France, The best thing about your article that it is well organised in term of using just few lines to tell us more about France and about thing to do there, places to visit and lifestyle , Thanks for your talented lines, Your professional photos and the great destination you selected

Thanks Reem.

Hi Jen, I am planning to do this itinerary this Oct’18 last weekend upto early week of Nov’18. Is this doable? Should I be worried about any Snowfall during the drive?

HI Thejas, All you need is 2 weeks to do this itinerary. If you have less time, you can remove one or two places to make it more achievable. More time, you can add extra time in some places or some of the other suggested stops at the end. It is flexible. At that time of the year it is unlikely to snow but if it does the areas you are travelling to are well equipped to help you if it does. Have a great trip! Cheers Jen

Thank you for this wonderful article. I have pinned it for when I have more time to visit the southern area. This dec we will be in paris for 5 night and as part of that, I have been trying to find vineyards that we can visit as a day trip or spend a night in town. however, I noticed some vineyards are closed in december time – do you have any experience with that?

Thanks Anish for the kind words. I hope you enjoy Paris. I haven’t had any experience visiting Paris at that time of year i’m sorry Maybe you could find a tour that would be able to help you get to the ones that are open.

I love your itennery and descriptions! We are coming to France 4June for 7-8 days. We think 2-3 days in Paris then we want to immerse in smaller villages either by car or train. Can you recommend the best route given our limited time please Thanks, Susan

We have 8 days outside Paris and would like to visit the ff: 1. Strasbourg 2. Loire Valley 3. Bordeaux 4. Mont Saint Michel

I think its impossible to visit all 4, in 8 days. Which would you suggest we prioritise for this trip and how would you arrange them? We intend to take the train from one city to another.

Thanks so much in advance!

Hi Joanna, GOod to hear you are getting out of Paris. France is so much more than Paris. If you can squeeze in more than 8 days you will have more time to enjoy this. Otherwise suggest dropping one to give you more time to spend in each place and there is also quite a distance between some of them so you will loose whole days travelling. Suggest dropping Bordeaux only because it is so far south. All the other are up north. Order I’d suggest if you dropped Bordeaux would be Mont Saint Michel, Loire Valley and Strasbourg. Have a great trip!

Thanks for sharing your itinerary. We are planning a trip to france in Aug, and yours is pretty much a blue print for us. Having said that, i understand you drove through all these places, and i won’t be having that option. My itinerary will be pretty close to yours except that i will be using public transport to travel between cities. I know that can be more time consuming, but i don’t have any other option. With this limitation, i feel it’s better for me to stay for more nights in a place to avoid carrying luggage. I have divided your itinerary with 4 places to stay. Paris, tours, lyon and Nice. Do you think they are good choices as to embark my journey to visit near by places? These are the places we will be staying.

Dear Jen, My family of 6 with 4 kids ages 17-7 will be traveling to France Oct. 13-Oct. 30. Are there any adjustments you would make to this schedule for fall weather? Also, is Disney Paris worth a day of the trip? Any idea if the train for a family of 6 would be cheaper than renting a large vehicle? I have been so stressed about planning our trip and your schedule is a huge blessing! Thank you!

Hi Amy, Glad to hear this has been helpful! This itinerary is good for travel all year round, so no adjustments required. I have been to Disney Paris as an adult and to be honest found it a bit boring in comparison to Disney in the US. Having said that, I think the kids would love it, it is Disney after all and made for kids. For the car vs train, I would weigh up the cost between the two but also take into account fuel and parking costs. Most likely you will find the train will be cheaper when you factor everything in. Have a fantastic trip!

Hi. Thanks for the info, this is wonderful. I have 14 days of actual visit time and will be doing Paris and Saint Michel. I’ll probably do some of the loire valley, but rather than Nice, Cannes, etc, I’d like to do the french alps. I have to be back in Paris on day 15. Ideas for the Alps?

Hi Jonathan, Thanks your message. I can suggest Annecy as a beautiful village at the foothills of the Alps. It has enchanting canals, great atmosphere and incredible local food.. Hope this helps and enjoy your trip.

I like your travel plan, but will stop in Angers along the way because I went to school there in 1986-1987. I want to visit the university (l’université Catholique de l’Ouest) where I studied and visit some of my host families. Do you have recommendations for hotels? I haven’t been back to France since and it’s been thirty-six years.

Hi Mari, Glad I could help with the itinerary. Sounds like it will be a very nostalgic trip for you. Let me know what type of accommodation and/or per night budget and I will get you some recommendations. Cheers Jen

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• Itineraries

14-day itinerary in France: the best things to do in 2 weeks

• Posted by Louis and Emilie
• September 11, 2023

A 14-day itinerary in France is perfect for visiting the main sights. Let’s see in detail how to prepare for this trip, with a travel plan day by day. During these 2 weeks, you will see multiple faces of France, probably making you want to come again! Welcome to France!

Good to know for an itinerary in France of 14 days

• Plug outlets
• Internet connectivity
• Plane tickets

1. Do I need a visa to stay 2 weeks in France?

UE & Schengen area . Citizens from UE and the Schengen area can travel visa-free to France.

Visa Exemption. US Citizens can travel visa-free in France. You can arrive in France and travel without applying for a visa beforehand. That’s also the case for over 60 countries, for instance, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Brazil.

Travel Authorization. If you travel with a visa exemption, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization ( ETIAS ). It works like the American ESTA or the Korean KETA. It will be mandatory in 2024. Travel authorization is not required if you have a visa.

Visa. Citizens who cannot benefit from the visa exemption must apply for a visa before traveling. The visa is European and valid for the whole Schengen area for up to 90 days.

See here our comprehensive guide about France entry requirements .

2. Plug outlets

France uses electricity sockets type E. The voltage is 230V.

Europe. Not grounded Type C plugs are compatible with sockets in France. Grounded Europlugs Type F are NOT compatible with the E Socket: you will need an adapter.

US, Canada, Mexico. US plug type A or B (grounded) are NOT compatible with the sockets in France. You need an adapter ( see prices here ). Moreover, the voltage is 230V, while 120V is in the US. It means you must check that your device is compatible with this voltage. Nowadays, most devices are built to be compatible with the US (120V) and the rest of the world (220V – 240V) voltage. See here an adapter with voltage converter .

UK, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. The Type G plugs are not compatible with electricity sockets in France. You will need an adapter.

Pro tip. Buy one adapter, and pack a power strip to power all your devices simultaneously.

3. How do you get Internet connectivity in France?

It is always helpful to have Internet connectivity while traveling. For instance, locate yourself with Google Maps, order an Uber, and read information about a place. Here are the best ways to get Internet connectivity in France.

Roaming. Roaming is the easiest way to get Internet connectivity in France. It is also costly. Prices depend on your provider. For instance, AT&T has an International Pass for 10$ a day. So it will cost you 140$ to get Internet connectivity with roaming.

Free WiFi. There is Free WiFi in many cafés and restaurants. Unfortunately, it is not reliable. You will have to ask for the WiFi password ( Puis-je avoir le mot de passe du WiFi, s’il vous plait? ). It is usually a hassle, so we don’t recommend it.

Pocket WiFi Box. Pocket WiFi boxes are small battery-powered devices you keep with you every day. It is a 4G modem that shares its Internet on a private WiFi. You can then connect all your devices to this private WiFi. You can rent a Pocket WiFi Box in many places or have it delivered to your hotel when you arrive. The rent covers Internet usage, so you won’t have an unexpected fee later. The drawback is that you need to recharge this device daily and hope it stays on the entire day. Prices are about 200$ for 14 days in France. Not worth it. See prices here .

Local SIM. You can buy a SIM when you arrive. It is usually cheap. The drawback is that you must find a seller when you arrive. Store your SIM in a safe location to avoid losing it. Since you have a new number, it also messes up your iMessage/FaceTime configuration. Lastly, you must change the SIM if you need to connect somewhere where you receive a 2FA code on your phone. It’s not convenient at all.

Local eSIM. eSIMs are virtual SIM cards. To install an eSIM on your phone, you only need to download it. Your smartphone must be compatible. It has worked on the iPhone since the Xs/XR was released in September 2018. Since it is a virtual SIM, you don’t need to remove yours. An eSIM is dirt-cheap and very easy to use. Since it is installed on your phone, it works flawlessly. An eSIM for 14 days in France with 2Go of data costs 7,50$. It is the cheapest option to get Internet Connectivity in France. We recommend buying an eSIM on the Airalo app, which we use. See prices here .

5. Payments in France

Credit Card.  France’s only currency is the Euro. Credit cards are broadly accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard. AMEX is often limited to big stores or hotels. For example, don’t expect to use an AMEX to pay for public transportation.

Apple Pay. Apple Pay is accepted almost wherever you can already pay by credit card.

Minimum amount.  Some small shops can have an amount minimum to accept credit cards, for example, 10€. They will only accept cash for smaller amounts. 

Cash.  You can get cash in any ATM. You will find ATMs in every city on this 2 weeks itinerary in France. They are often free of charge, meaning you will not have to pay the French bank to withdraw. Nonetheless, your bank provider can charge you, for example, for withdrawing in another country or another currency. 100€, 200€, and 500€ notes are (almost) never used in France.

5. Taxi in France

Taxi. You can hail a cab in the street in Paris. In other cities, there are rarely taxis. Taxis do not have a specific color. You must look for the “Taxi” sign on top of the car. In Paris, there are taxi stations where taxis are sometimes parked.

Uber. Uber is available in France. There are often drivers available. Expect to wait about 10 minutes for the driver to arrive. There are fewer drivers in smaller cities, but it is available. There are other Uber-like apps in France, for instance, FreeNow or Bolt.

6. Plane tickets

Finding the ticket.   Google Flights  is the site to go for finding the best plane ticket. There are many international direct routes from all over the world, especially the US or Canada. There are even direct flights to Paris from Raleigh, North Carolina, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Book on the company site.  Always book your plane ticket on the company site directly. When using travel agencies to buy your tickets, you can get fewer services, for example, no choice of seating. When problems happen, it is always a hassle with intermediaries, whereas the company usually has good customer service.

2 Airports. There are 2 main airports in Paris: Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) in the north and Orly (ORY) in the south. CDG is the biggest airport in Paris. You will find many direct flights to CDG. You can find flights to ORY with a stopover. ORY is closer to Paris and less convenient with public transportation. If your accommodation is south of the Seine, and you plan to take a taxi from the airport to the city center, you can opt for ORY. Otherwise, prefer CDG.

7. Etiquette

Tip.  Service is always included in France, so tipping is not mandatory. Tipping is a clear sign you enjoyed the service. A 10% tip is a great tip.

Speak baguette. It is always welcome when a foreigner tries to speak the local language. If you can write and thank in French, you may have a significantly better experience. On this 14-day itinerary in France, it is especially true in less busy areas like Amboise or Caen.

• Bonjour: literally “good day”, to be used from the morning till the evening
• Bonsoir: literally “good evening”, to be used in the evening or at night
• Merci: thank you

The best time to visit France on a 14-day itinerary

May to September. The best time for this 14-day itinerary in France is from May to September. The weather is rarely too hot in the French Riviera, Normandy, and Paris during the summer, so that is not an issue. Instead, it will be clear and mild weather, perfect for a vacation. Moreover, it is the tourist season so you can enjoy ferry service on the French Riviera.

June. The best time to visit France for 2 weeks is in June. It’s not already the vacation break, so it is not the peak season. Moreover, the lavender fields are blooming. The weather is excellent. It’s the perfect time to enjoy France.

Winter. The best season to visit France while it is not busy is during the winter. The French Riviera is not at its best during this season. You might prefer to see the Alsace region, especially the Strasbourg Christmas Market .

March, April, October and November. During these months, the weather on the French Riviera can still be good. Paris is still busy, but it is not the peak season. Normandy is still enjoyable even though it can be rainy: it gives a new atmosphere. It is a great period to visit France on a 2 weeks itinerary if you aren’t looking for Californian weather.

14 days itinerary in France

Day 1 – 5: paris.

We begin this 2 weeks in France by visiting Paris.

Accommodation. To avoid wasting time on transportation, choose a place to stay in Paris in the center. The best area is between the Eiffel Tower, the Garnier Opera and the Pantheon. You will be able to do some sightseeing on foot! See here the best places to stay in Paris .

Click here for the best things to do in Paris .

Day 1. Arrival in Paris

Arrival.  You should arrive at CDG Airport. There are 3 airports in Paris, and Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) is the main one, with international flights. It is far from Paris, expect at least 1 hour travel time to the city center.

Airport transfer.  You can take a Taxi or Uber from the airport to the city center. There are no taximeter as there are 2 fixed prices: one if you go north of the Seine river, another a little bit higher if you go south. With luggage, it is the best way to go from the airport to the city center. There is also a train, the “RER B”, but it can be unsafe – especially in the evening – as the train stops in some bad districts. Also, you will probably need to transfer to another metro to reach your place of stay, so it’s not worth it.

Money.  The best way to get Euros is to withdraw cash in an ATM at the airport. If you have a Visa or a Mastercard, you can pay almost everywhere by card, so you will not need much cash. There are ATMs in every city on this 14-day itinerary in France, so you don’t need to withdraw a lot of money at a time.

Evening.  The best thing to do in Paris on the first evening is a dinner cruise on the Seine. You will get an overview of the city from the river and a first glimpse of the sights in Paris: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the islands, and Notre Dame de Paris. Click here to see the best dinner cruise in Paris .

Day 2. Eiffel Tower & Champs Elysées

Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower, or the Iron Lady as the French call it, is the main sightseeing in Paris. It was built temporarily for the World Expo 1889. But it found a new use as a radio tower in 1910 and thus stayed. Did you know the legendary  con artist Victor Lustig sold the Eiffel Tower twice ?

Best views.  There are 2 best views of the Eiffel Tower. The first is from  the Trocadero Esplanade . It is right in front of the Eiffel Tower. Bonus: It is elevated so that you can get a great photo of the whole tower. The second best view is from  the Passy Bridge . Here you will have a great of the Eiffel Tower with the Seine River. If you are still reading, here is a secret spot:  the Camoens impasse . Here you will have a great view of the Eiffel Tower between typical Parisian buildings. The drawback is that you must walk here only for it, as it is not on an itinerary.

Climb the Eiffel Tower. There is always a queue to climb the Eiffel Tower, so consider taking a skip-the-line ticket in advance ( click here to see prices ). There is a restaurant on the 1st floor and 2nd floor. A great place to eat for a romantic stay in Paris! Click here to see our guide for visiting the Eiffel Tower .

Saint Dominique Street. Head to the Saint Dominique street. You will find many restaurants and authentic bakeries with the famous croissant and baguette. You can stop here to eat or to drink. Follow the street until you arrive on Invalides Esplanade.

Invalides. The Hôtel des Invalides is a building dedicated to war veterans, especially the wounded. It was a hospital and a retirement home. Today, it is still a military building, home of the Paris military governor. There is a museum of the French army,  the most victorious army in the world , so a visit is worth it if you like military history. You can also find the tomb of Napoleon.

Alexandre III bridge. Head towards the Seine River and the bridge Alexandre III, a gift from Russia celebrating the friendship between France and the Russian Empire. It is the most beautiful bridge on the Seine. You can also get a great view of the Eiffel Tower from the middle of the bridge.

Grand & Petit Palais. At the end of the Alexandre III bridge, you will find the Grand Palais on the left and Petit Palais on the right. They were built for the World Expo 1900 as an exhibition hall. The Grand Palais is still an exhibition hall today. It is often used for fashion shows. The Petit Palais is a free museum. Free museums are always a good choice if you are looking for toilets: the bathrooms are clean and spacious. Now, the insider tip: There is a restaurant in the courtyard of the Petit Palais. The place is gorgeous, and prices are decent. Furthermore, you won’t find anything in this area.

Champs Elysées. You will now arrive at the Champs Élysées. It is the most prestigious avenue in Paris. Many brands like Apple, Louis Vuitton, and Paris Saint Germain football club try to have a flagship store here. Coming from the Grand Palais, you will be in the lower part of Champs Élysées, so head towards the upper part, towards the Arc de Triomphe.

Arc de Triomphe. The Arc de Triomphe is a monument dedicated to the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. It is in the center of the Place de l’Étoile (Star Square). This place represents  the traffic madness in Paris : it is a roundabout (we love roundabouts in France!) with no lanes, so you go where you want. Do not cross the road to the Arc de Triomphe. It is hazardous! There are underground passages. You can climb the Arc de Triomphe and get an incredible view of the Champs Elysées and the Eiffel Tower ( see photos here ).

Day 3. Disneyland Paris

There are 2 Disney parks in Paris: Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios. You can visit both with combined tickets. It is an excellent activity for everyone when traveling with the family. A fun visit during a 2 weeks itinerary in France. Plan for the entire day at Disneyland Paris. You will need about 1 hour to get to the park from the city center with the “RER A”.

Click here to see our visitor’s guide to Disneyland Paris .

Good to know. The park often closes late at night, 10 pm or 11 pm, during the summer, weekends, or vacation breaks. Take advantage of it! Many visitors come and leave early, so there are fewer queues in the evening. You can also enjoy the fireworks at night.

Alternative Park. If you are traveling during summer with teenagers, you may prefer to visit the Parc Astérix (Coming Soon). It is based on the eponym comic series: a gallic warrior living in the only remaining independent village resisting the Roman Empire. You will find more thrill rides and water-based rides in Parc Astérix. It does not have the magic of Disney for the little ones, but it still is a great amusement park.

Historical Park. The most fabulous historical amusement park in France is the Puy du Fou. There are no rides but spectacular shows about historical periods like the Roman Empire or the Vikings. It won  the “Applause Award” in 2014 , consecrating it as one of the best parks in the world, with Europapark and Tokyo DisneySea. Click here to see how to visit the Puy du Fou (Coming Soon).

Alternative Day 3. Day-trip to Versailles

For those who do not want to visit an amusement park during this 14-day itinerary in France, head to the remarkable Palace of Versailles. It was the last residence of French Kings until the revolution in 1789 and the guillotining of Louis XVI.

The French Kingdom was powerful. The Versailles Palace shows how wealthy and powerful the kingdom was. A stunning palace, extraordinary gardens, and beautiful fountains await you.

You can go to Versailles Palace by public transportation: “RER C” station “Versailles Chateau”. There are other stations in Versailles, but further away. You can also book a guided tour with the transfer included. Public transportation in outer Paris is complex due to different pricing depending on the area.

Click here to see a guide for visiting Versailles Palace .

Day 4. Louvre & Montmartre

Louvre. Let’s start the day with the 2nd biggest museum in the world: the Louvre Museum! The highlight of the visit is the Mona Lisa. Be prepared for some queues to access the painting. You can spend a whole day inside the museum, but visitors usually stay for 2 to 3 hours. The Louvre is the must-visit museum during this 2 weeks itinerary in France. Click here to see our guide for visiting the Louvre .

Alternative Museum. If you prefer Impressionism, you can visit instead the Orsay Museum, on the other side of the Seine. It is an excellent museum with many paintings from Manet, Degas, and Caillebotte. Click here to see our guide for visiting the Orsay Museum .

Tuileries Garden. After the Louvre, walk to the beautiful Tuileries garden adjacent. You will then reach the Concorde square with an authentic Egyptian obelisk from the Luxor temple. Now let’s head to Montmartre! You have a direct metro here, line 12, from station “Concorde” to station “Abbesses”.

Montmartre. Montmartre has a different atmosphere in Paris, an arty vibe. A unique visit on this 14-day itinerary in France. Tertre Square is where many painters come and sell their paintings of Paris. It is always bustling. There is even a vineyard in Montmartre and 2 windmills.

Walking tour. Starting from the Abbesses metro station, begin with the  “Mur des je t’aime” , a wall painted with the words “I love you” in every possible language on the planet. Next, go to  the funicular station  (or climb the stairs if you want) to reach the top of Montmartre, with the church. Here, you will enjoy a magnificent view of Paris’ roof. There is an observation deck on top of the church for those who want an even better view. Next, head to  the Tertre Square  with the painters. You will also find great places to eat here.

Evening. Let’s see a unique show for a great evening in Paris: a cabaret! There are multiple places to see one in Paris. If you are still in Montmartre,  the famous Moulin Rouge  is nearby!

Click here to see the 4 best cabarets in Paris .

Day 5. Notre Dame, Pantheon, Luxembourg Garden

Île de la Cité. Here is the origin of Lutetia, the Roman town before Paris. Some historians believe a gallic town was also here, even though a large necropolis was found near the La Défense, Paris’ business district.

Sainte Chapelle. The Sainte Chapelle is a beautiful religious site since the 12th century! It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, especially if you like stained glass. Since Notre Dame de Paris is closed due to the fire in 2019, there is a massive queue at the Sainte Chapelle. A skip-the-line ticket is strongly recommended. See our guide for visiting the Sainte Chapelle here .

Notre Dame de Paris. The cathedral of Paris is closed now due to renovation following the 2019 fire. You still view it from it from the outside. The fire destroyed the roof, so you can still admire the facade from the outside. See here our guide for visiting Notre Dame de Paris .

Latin quarter. The Latin Quarter is south of Île de la Cité, so you only need to cross a bridge. You can buy a book at  the unique bookshop “Shakespeare & Co” . Walk in the tiny streets of the Latin Quarter, pass by  the remains of Roman Thermes , the chapel of  Sorbonne University , and you will soon arrive at the Pantheon.

Pantheon. It was supposed to be a church dedicated to Genevieve, Paris’ patron saint. But the revolution happened, and it was reused as a mausoleum for distinguished French citizens. See here our guide for visiting the Pantheon .

Emily in Paris. A stone’s throw from the Pantheon, you can find the apartment of the Netflix show “Emily in Paris”, and the famous restaurant. It is located on  the Estrapade square . You can even eat in the same restaurant, but don’t expect Gabriel to cook for you! Another place from a Netflix series on this 14-day itinerary in France is Etretat and the show “Lupin”.

Luxembourg Garden. Let’s end this day in the gorgeous Luxembourg garden. Many locals are hanging out here, sitting on the many chairs available. For children, if there is enough wind, you can rent a small sailing ship and play with it, let it sail in the pond. Don’t miss the Medicis fountain. Click here to see our guide for the Luxembourg Garden .

Optional. If you like to see skulls and bones, you can visit the Catacombs of Paris. It is 15 minutes south of the Luxembourg Garden. It is a fascinating visit, but not for everyone. There are thousands of human remains. Tunnels are under all of Paris, but only a tiny part is open to the public. Some Parisians often try to visit the forbidden area. Underground events sometimes take place in it. Some entries are very well known. Unfortunately, as there are many tunnels, some visitors don’t find a path to get out and sometimes die in the tunnel. So stay in a safe public area! There is always a huge queue, so consider the skip-the-line ticket ( see prices here ).

Day 6 – 7: Normandy & Mont Saint-Michel

After visiting Paris, let’s see another face of France. With 14 days in France, the itinerary has to include one of France’s jewels: the Mont Saint-Michel. Click here to see our guide for visiting Normandy .

Caen or Bayeux. To enjoy Normandy, you can stay in Caen or Bayeux. Caen is a bigger city, the hometown of William the Conqueror, King of England. Bayeux is smaller and closer to the D-Day landing beaches. If you want to experience life in an old small town and want to visit many sites related to World War II, stay in Bayeux. If you want to rent a car and visit Normandy, stay in Caen.

• Accommodation in Bayeux
• Accommodation in Caen

Train to Caen or Bayeux. It is the same train for Caen and Bayeux.  You can buy tickets here . In Paris, it starts from Saint Lazare station. You can enjoy the typical French landscape along the way.

Day 6. Afternoon in Caen

Move around. The best way to visit the region is by renting a car. There are multiple places, and it is easier to see by car. You can  book a rental car here . If you stay in Bayeux, you must book a guided tour with a transfer to visit Normandy. You can keep the vehicle for multiple days if you plan to visit Mont Saint-Michel by yourself and even the Loire Valley Castles. Click here to see the travel time to visit Etretat and Honfleur .

Etretat. Etretat is famous for its huge white cliffs. You can hike freely on it and enjoy the magnificent landscape. Lately, they are also renowned thanks to  the Netflix series Lupin . Getting here without a car is challenging. That’s why we recommend renting a car in Caen and getting here by yourselves. On the way to Etretat, you will cross the Seine with one of the most giant bridges in France. Click here to see our guide for visiting Etretat .

Honfleur. On your way back from Etretat, we recommend stopping at Honfleur, just after the Normandy bridge. It is a pretty town on the seaside, with colorful half-timbered houses. A charming visit during this 2 weeks itinerary in France!

Caen. Caen itself is worth a visit. It is the hometown of William the Conqueror, king of England. Click here to see our guide for visiting Caen (Coming Soon).

Day 6. Afternoon in Bayeux

D-Day Landing beaches. It was a critical operation and a turning point during the World War 2. Thousands of men from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada landed on these beaches to help free France from the Nazi Germany. See here photos of a guided tour from Bayeux .

Click here to read our guide for visiting the D-Day landing beaches .

Day 7. Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a  UNESCO World Site Heritage . A unique place in the world. It is an abbey built on top of a rocky islet. Even though it will probably be crowded, it is still worth it! It is often a highlight on a 14-day itinerary in France. You must climb uphill on foot for about 30 minutes to reach the abbey’s entrance.

From Bayeux. You can go to Mont Saint Michel on a day tour from Bayeux. See prices here .

From Caen. You can rent a car and go to Mont Saint Michel by yourself. There is also a direct bus ( See timetable here ). There are also day trips from Caen ( see prices here ).

Click here to see our guide for visiting Mont Saint-Michel .

Alternative Day 6 & 7. Stay in Paris

If you prefer to stay in Paris, you can also visit the major sights of Normandy on a day trip. You will have more travel time but not have to leave your hotel.

• Mont Saint-Michel: See a day trip from Paris here
• Etretat, Honfleur, and Rouen: See a day trip from Paris here
• D-Day landing beaches: See a day trip from Paris here

You can also read our guides:

• visiting Rouen from Paris
• visiting Giverny from Paris
• visiting Deauville and Trouville from Paris

Day 8 – 9: Loire Valley Castles

Let’s see another face of France during this 2 weeks itinerary with the Loire Valley Castles. These magnificent castles were built during the 14th and 15th century. The French Royal Court used these castles as residency. They were less used after the construction of Versailles in the 17th century. The Loire Valley Castles are listed as  a UNESCO World Site Heritage . On a 14-day itinerary in France, the Loire Valley Castles are a lovely visit.

Click here to see our guide for visiting the Loire Valley castles .

Day 8. Amboise

Travel to Amboise. The easiest way is to take a rental car in Caen and return it in Amboise or Tours. It is also doable by bus and train, but it involves at least 2 transfers or going back to Paris.  See here for rental cars in Caen .

Amboise. Amboise is the best place to stay to visit the Loire Valley Castles. Amboise itself has a Royal Castle and lots of history.  See here for accommodations in Amboise .

Chateau d’Amboise. It is worth visiting thanks to its splendid view over the Loire, the city, and its immaculate garden. You can also visit Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb!

Chateau du Clos Lucé. Home of Leonardo da Vinci! He arrived in Amboise in 1516 and lived and worked in the Chateau du Clos Lucé until he died in 1519. It is very close to the Chateau d’Amboise, only 500m. There is also an underground passageway that links both castles.

Day 9. Chambord and Chenonceau castles

Chateau de Chenonceau. It is one of the most famous: passing over a river! It was built as a bridge over the Cher River. It is only 20 minutes from Amboise by car.  Click here to see our guide for visiting Chenonceau .

Chateau de Chambord. The masterpiece of Loire Valley Castles, the most magnificent castle. It is also the largest castle, so take your time to visit the inside and the gardens. By car, it is 50mn from Amboise.

Another castle? If you read and like the Belgian comic series “The Adventures of Tintin” by Hergé, you should also visit Cheverny Castle. It is Marlinspike Hall in real life! Blois is also a splendid castle to add to an itinerary of 14 days in France.

Alternative with children. You can visit the Beauval Zoopark, close to Amboise. It is the best zoopark in France and  the 4th best in the world . It takes a whole day to visit it. It is located in Saint Aignan, 45 minutes by car from Amboise.

Alternative Days 8 & 9. Stay in Paris

You can also stay in Paris to visit the Loire Valley Castles. You will have more travel time, but you can stay in the same hotel in Paris without needing to pack the luggage again. During a 2 weeks itinerary in France, it can make sense to book a more extended stay in Paris. You can book a day trip with a transfer to visit the main castles:

• Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise: day trip from Paris

You can also read our guide for visiting Chambord from Paris here .

Day 10 – 14: French Riviera

Another highlight of your trip to France during this 14-day itinerary is the French Riviera. Its great weather, azur water, and fantastic scenery make it a perfect location for vacation or to enjoy life. That’s why it is so popular among stars and royalties from all over the world. You will feel this atmosphere in Saint Tropez, Cannes, Nice, and Monaco.  Click here to see the best things to do on the French Riviera .

Accommodation on the French Riviera. You can stay in multiple cities on the French Riviera.

• Nice : The most convenient location. It is the biggest city where the airport is located ( click here to see the best hotels to stay at in Nice ). On the other hand, it is a pebble beach with less of a chill-out vibe. The train station in Nice allows you to go to other cities on the seaside without transfer.
• Cannes : The best city to stay on the French Riviera. You have a lovely sand beach, a great seaside vibe, and legendary places. There is also a train station, ideal for going to Nice or Monaco. ( Click here to see the best places to stay in Cannes )
• Saint Tropez : One of the most famous places on the French Riviera. It’s great if you want to see celebrities’ yachts or hang out in popular places. The only drawback is its location at the far end of the French Riviera, the further away. There is no train station here. Thus, you must take a car if you want to visit other cities. ( Click here to see the best hotels to stay in Saint Tropez )
• Monaco : Stay in Monaco is the most expensive on the French Riviera. There are few hotels and almost only luxury ones. If you can afford it, it’s worth it! Monaco has a train station, even though people staying in Monaco tend not to use public transportation.
• Antibes : Antibes is fantastically located between Nice and Cannes. It is the most affordable location, as it is the least famous. The vibe is less oriented towards tourism here. ( Click here to see the best places to eat and to stay in Antibes )
• You can also  rent a countryside villa  to live on the French Riviera like a prince.

Travel between the cities of the French Riviera. Many towns on the French Riviera have a train station. There are 2 lines: the east side of Nice and the west side of Nice. The train stops at Saint Raphaël, Cannes, and Antibes on the east side of Nice. On the west side of Nice, the train stops at Èze ( the most beautiful village on the French Riviera ) and Monaco. Saint Tropez is not connected to the train.

Day 10. Nice

Travel to Nice. You have to cross France to reach Nice. France is a country very oriented towards its capital city, Paris: you will have a transfer in Paris. There are 2 options. The first one, the fastest and cheapest, is to take a shuttle to Paris Orly Airport, then a flight to Nice. The second is to take a shuttle or train for Paris, head to the Gare de Lyon station, then a train to Nice. This train will be a high-speed train until Marseille (3h travel time), then it will run slower until Nice (3h travel time) because there are no high-speed rail tracks here. On a 2 weeks itinerary in France, the shuttle to Paris and plane to Nice is recommended.

Promenade des Anglais. The Promenade des Anglais (the English stroll), is an avenue along the sea. You can stroll here or take a bike and admire the Mediterranean Sea.

St Nicholas Cathedral. It is a surprisingly orthodox cathedral with its iconic bulbs. An exceptional place on this 14-day itinerary in France. Many Russians flew the Empire during the Bolshevik revolution and settled in Nice. Before the pandemic, there was even a direct train (without any transfer) from Nice to Moscow!  See the location here .

Colline du Château. Climb this hill, or take the elevator, to enjoy a stunning view over Nice and the sea. Worth it!  See the location here .

Click here to see our guide for visiting Nice .

Day 11. Monaco

You can go to Monaco with a rental car or by train. There is a train station, “Monaco-Monte-Carlo”, in Monaco, with frequent trains from and to Nice.

The Rock. Not talking about Dwayne Johnson. Monaco is built on a steep hill overlooking the sea. The city is called “Le Rocher” in French, literally “The Rock”.

Not in France. Monaco is an independent city-state, not a part of France. The Grimaldi family has ruled it for over 700 years, since 1297! The legendary American actress Grace Kelly became Princess of Monaco when she married Prince Rainier III. Its only son is now the ruler of Monaco.

Luxury cars. Monaco is a luxury place. You can expect many supercars. You can rent for a 30mn or 1 hour a Ferrari or a Lamborghini to experience this life. ( See prices here )

Sightseeings. Monaco’s sightseeing includes the Royal Palace, the Old Town, Saint Martin Garden, and the Casino district. Click here to see our guide for visiting Monaco .

On the way. You can stop at Èze between Monaco and Nice to discover this beautiful village, the most beautiful one on the French Riviera, during this 14-day itinerary in France. The train station is on the beachside. Hike on the Nietzsche path to reach the old village uphill. Plan for at least 40 minutes walk.  Click here for our guide to the best 7 villages on the French Riviera .

Day 12. Cannes and St Tropez

You can go to Cannes by train, visit the city first, then go to Saint Tropez by bus or boat.

Cannes. The most famous place in Cannes is La Croisette. It is the walk along the sea. There are also the stairs to the Palais des Festival, where the Cannes Film Festival is held.  Click here to see our guide for visiting Cannes .

Saint Tropez. Strolling along the picturesque alleys of the old town, walking on the old port, and admiring the stunning panorama from Citadel are the best things to do in Saint Tropez. Don’t miss the coastal path if you like hiking! Click here to see our guide for visiting Saint Tropez .

Day 13. Verdon Gorges + Lavender fields

Let’s discover another gem on the French Riviera during this 2 weeks itinerary in France, but not on the seaside.

Verdon Gorges. The Verdon Gorges is a stunning canyon about 2h30 from the French Riviera. The turquoise watercolor is unique, thanks to its glacier source and minerals of rock flour. It is a beautiful outdoor setting for hiking, climbing, and canoeing.  See the location here .

Lavender fields. The countryside of the French Riviera hosts an ideal climate and topography for lavender growth. You can marvel at a landscape full of lavender fields with its unique purple color. Lavender is usually blooms between May 15th and July 15th.

The most convenient way to visit Verdon Gorges and Lavender fields is by renting a car ( see prices here ) or booking a day trip ( see prices here ).

Day 14. Reflect on this 14 days itinerary in France

If you book a return flight from Paris, you must return to Paris. Be aware that there are 2 airports in Paris, so book a flight to the correct airport. International flights for the US usually land at Paris CDG airport.

By train. The train is very long: plan for 7h to 8h. Usually, it is also expensive, from 40$ to 250$ per ticket. There are few direct trains, so you may need to transfer somewhere. There are direct trains to the airport, so book one that stops at Paris CDG Airport, not in the city center.

By plane. Travel time is about 1h40, and tickets cost about 100$. It is the best way to go from Nice to Paris.

See you soon in France!

Louis and Emilie

We once heard visitors in Paris saying that the French are not the most welcoming people. It made us sad. That's why we started this blog! So you can get the best information for your travel to France! Of course, we love Paris. We have lived in multiple areas, from Canal St Martin to right next to the Eiffel Tower. We also explore regions of France whenever we can. Our favorites for a weekend away from Paris are Etretat and Mont Saint Michel. The beautiful French Riviera is a marvelous place to explore for a week.

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France in 1 Week

France in 2 Weeks

Provence Cycling Tour in France

Top France Travel Packages

France in 7-10 days, highlights of france in 1 week.

Day 1-2, Paris : Visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre museum, stroll the Champs Elysees, and enjoy the bustle of one of the world’s most popular and picturesque cities.

Day 3, Normandy : Take a day to visit the historic Normandy beaches and learn about the pivotal WWII events that took place there.

Day 4-5, Dijon : Absorb the art culture, visit a country chateau, and marvel at the incredible architecture.

Day 6-7, Provence : Scenic drives, wine tasting, picnics, and rustic country French cuisine.

See All One Week France Itineraries

Highlights of France in 2 Weeks

Day 3, Normandy : On the way to Normandy, stop in Giverny to visit the Monet House and Gardens. Rouen, Notre Dame cathedral.

Day 4, Mont St. Michel : Spend a day at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring the Abbey.

Day 5, Normandy Beaches : Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Bayeux Tapestry.

Day 6-7, Loire Valley : Villandry, wine tasting at Chateau de Chambord and Saumur.

Day 8-9, Paris : Return to Paris for a few days. Take a day trip to tour Versailles.

Day 10, Avignon : Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Provence. Admire the gothic architecture of Avignon, visit the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon.

Day 11, Provence : Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence, Church of St. Vincent.

Day 12, Marseille to Cassis : Enjoy a walking tour of Marseille, a vibrant city and the second largest in France. Continue onto the cliffside fishing town of Cassis.

Day 13-14, Nice : Spend your last two days in Nice. Enjoy the beauty of the Cote D’Azur, Promenade des Anglais with its Baroque architecture. See Colline du Chateau and visit the Picasso museum in Antibes.

See All France in Two Weeks Itineraries

1 Week Cycling Tour in Provence

France is one of the most popular cycling destinations in the world, with it’s gorgeous views and country roads. Just be careful not to drink too much wine along the way!

Day 1, Avignon : Picturesque classic French countryside, wine tasting.

Day 2-3, Châteauneuf-du-Pape : Experience a more forested landscape, biking on beautiful country roads, before reaching the Rhone wine country. Enjoy the classic wines of the region, and French country cuisine.

Day 4-5, St. Remy : Visit the idyllic French village of Les Baux, enjoy farm style picnics, and beautiful art galleries.

Day 6, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer : Cycle along the seashore all day, have dinner in Arles before departing the tour.

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2 Weeks in France: 3 itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Do you know that France is the most visited destination in the world ? Year after year, France receives 90 million tourists from all over the world. It’s undeniable that choosing where to spend 2 weeks in Europe is difficult.

There are so many to see with so little time. But with France, a person has to visit it at least once in their lifetime. If there are other places in Europe you want to see, you can plan a 2-week South Europe trip .

France is a country well-known for many things, including fashion, food, wine, football, and of course, Paris, the city of love. The French language is even dubbed the most romantic language.

Europe’s highest mountain can be found here, and their gastronomy was even granted a UNESCO world heritage status. For cheese lovers, France has 1,600 different types of cheese, you’ll never run out of options. Escargot is also something distinctly French that is a must-try for those who are adventurous in terms of food exploration.

Aside from that, a lot of people include France in their bucket list of places they want to visit, that’s why it’s the world’s most popular tourist destination. The reasons are endless, whether it’s because of the museums or the Eiffel tower.

Below, you will see three different itineraries for those who want to stay for 2 weeks in France. Aside from that, we’ll also provide you with travel tips on how to make your vacation more seamless.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING FRANCE

Before we get into the itineraries, there are a few things that you need to know first, such as getting around, the best time to go, as well as the language and currency.

It is imperative to know the modes of transportation available in various locations to account for the time it would take you to travel from one place to another. The information below will help you plan and write your own itinerary for 14-day France.

When is the best time to go to France

The best time to go depends on what season you prefer. April to May is their springtime, June to August is summer, and September to October is their autumn season. Their winter season is from December to February, so this is perfect for those who love or want to do winter activities.

However, please take note that summer is a peak season. There are more tourists, and the prices of accommodations and tours skyrocket. If you prefer the off-peak season, this is during February, right after the end of the winter season or sometimes after summer.

Getting around

There are various modes of transportation in France, including riding a train, ferry, taking a bus or coach, or boarding a plane and of course, you can use a bicycle, rollers, or segway.

Taxis are the most commonly used mode of transport here, but you could also drive if you want to, though there are some things you have to have before being allowed to drive, such as if your driver’s license is valid in France.

Renting a car to travel around France is actually one of the most affordable and convenient modes of transportation. You will have control of your time and the freedom to change your mind about the destination. You don’t need to book domestic flights and buses beforehand.

Just remember that in France, most cars are still using a stick or manual transmission. So, make sure that you are comfortable using that.

Language and currency

I’m sure you already know that France’s main language is French. Now, it’s time to learn some of the most common phrases that each tourist should know

• bonjour – hello
• merci – thank you
• pardon – excuse me/sorry
• parlez-vous Anglais – do you speak English
• s’il vous plait – please
• au revoir – goodbye

France’s currency is the Euro, which can also be used in 18 other countries that are a part of the EU. Euro replaced France’s previous currency, which was called Francs, in 2002.

It’s easy to get around France and pay using your bank card. However, it is still best to bring cash in case your card doesn’t work or the terminal is glitching.

France implements the same visa policy as the entire EU. This means that if your passport is from North America, some Latin America, some East and Southeast Asia, and most of Oceania. Of course, if you have a passport from an EU member, you don’t need a visa to enter France, and you can stay for as long as you want.

Other travel tips

Top things to see in france (pinned map).

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN FRANCE ITINERARIES

France is one of the largest European countries regarding landmass and population. It is well-known for its culinary reputation, backed by the fact that it has the most Michelin-starred restaurants and chefs.

France is also famous for its historic towns, rich culture, and ancient waterways. 2 weeks in France might not be too much, but it’s enough to get a glimpse of its culture, history, and delicious food.

Itinerary #1: Paris, Calais, Dunkirk, Nice, Marseille

The first itinerary option for your 14 days in France includes the cities of Paris, Calais, Dunkirk, Niece, and Marseille.

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Aside from the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre-dame, it is also well-known for the terraces in its cafes. A family trip to Paris is also a great plan since you have Disneyland to visit together.

Calais, on the other hand, is a transport hub, a fishing port, and a centre for fish marketing. It is also France’s gateway to England. It’s also a known historical place, an awesome destination for history enthusiasts.

Nice is popular among tourists for its beautiful scenery, Mediterranean climate, and annual festivals and parades, one of which is the Carnival de Nice.

Marseille is the sunniest major city in the country, and since the historic sights are well-preserved, expect to be amazed by the castles, museums, churches, and old streets. It also has some local dishes, including Bouillabaisse and Pastis, which are both must-try.

Paris for 3 days

If you need further convincing to visit the city of love, then prepare to be amazed. For art enthusiasts, you’ll find one of the most famous paintings in the world here, in the Louvre Museum, it’s Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.

It also has an underground city called The Catacombs, and if you love taking long walks or going for a run and exploring nature, then you’re in for a treat because they have 450 parks and gardens. If you’re going to spend two weeks in France, you can allot 3 days in Paris and then spend the rest doing day trips around the city.

The capital can be an expensive city to explore, but there are many free things you can do in Paris . this includes visiting artworks and historical sites, all at no cost.

Calais and Dunkirk for 3 days

You can get to Calais from Paris by riding a bus, boarding a train, or driving. The fastest option would be to drive, and the cheapest would be to ride a bus. Both destinations are popular for having a lot of historical sites, including places related to World War II.

To reach Dunkirk, if you’re from Paris, you could either ride the train or drive. Some of the top tourist attractions here include Musee Portuaire, Beffroi de Dunkerque, Dunkirk 1940 museum, and Parc Zoologique de fort Mardyck, among others.

Nice for 4 days

From Calais to Nice, you could ride the train, ride a bus, drive, or a combination of taking a train and boarding a plane, which is the most recommended option as it is the fastest. If you’re coming from Dunkirk to Nice, you could also board the train, ride a bus, drive, or a combination of a train ride and boarding a plane, which, like the Calais to Nice route, is also the most recommended option.

Marseille for 4 days

You can go to Marseille from Nice by train, bus, or drive. The cheapest option would be to use a bus, and the fastest would be to drive.

Marseille is a popular destination because it is a lively and vibrant city. It has a well-known port that also carries a lot of historical value and still plays a big part in France’s economy. You can even take a ferry from Marseille all the way to Algiers in Africa. You can take boat trips or go on a cruise in Marseille.

However, if you want a true beach destination, Nice and Montpellier are the two best places to have stunning beaches near Marseille.

Itinerary #2: Paris, Bordeaux, Nice

The second itinerary option for your 2 weeks in France includes the city of Paris, Bordeaux, and Nice. Aside from being dubbed the city of love, Paris is also called the city of lights because it is among the first major cities in Europe to adopt street lighting.

Aside from the world-famous tourist attractions previously mentioned, Paris is also well-known for its contribution to world literature. Bordeaux is famous for its wine, so much so that it is considered the wine capital of the world. It is also well known for its mansions, art museums, and cathedrals. It is even declared a UNESCO world heritage site for its wealth of architectural treasures. Plus, it’s the region to go surfing.

Nice is famous not only for its beaches and natural scenery but also because of its museums, food, and Roman archaeological sites.

Paris for 5 days

You’ll already be able to enjoy a lot of famous sights and sceneries in Paris. However, it only gets better from there as it is also close to Calais and Dunkirk, cities filled with traces of history.

Some of Calais’ famous tourist attractions include Burghers of Calais, Town Hall, La Cite de la Dentelle et de la Mode, Calais Lighthouse, and Musee des Beaux-Arts de Calais, amo

Bordeaux for 4 days

To reach Bordeaux from Paris, you could take a train or bus or fly. The most recommended option would be to ride the train, but the fastest is to board a plane.

Bordeaux is perfect for wine connoisseurs and surfers. Some of the most famous tourist destinations in this area are Cathedral St. Andre, Chateau de la Brede, guided winery tours, Pont de Pierre, River Garonne cruise, Cote d’Argent surfing spot, and much much more.

Nice 4 days

If you’re coming from Bordeaux, you can go to Nice by train, bus, or plane. You will save a lot of time if you take a domestic flight.

This French Riviera coastal city is popular for many reasons. Beautiful sandy beaches, museums, historical sites, and a port that will take you to many places in the Medeterian Sea. From Nice, you can also reach the famous Cannes and Antibes.

Itinerary #3: Paris, Lyon, Nice

The third itinerary option consists of the cities Paris, Nice, and Lyon. Whether you’re sipping coffee or tea on one of the cafe terraces of the Boulevard of Saint Germain or having a cruise at the Seine River, you could do all of these in Paris.

Aside from having world heritage sites, Lyon is also known as the gastronomy capital of France and is famous for the production and weaving of silk. While Nice is a Mediterranean seaside city with a temperate climate all year round and looks most like Southern Italy.

Paris for 6 days

We couldn’t get enough of Paris, just like everyone else, and for a good reason. We fell in love at first sight upon seeing the Eiffel tower, but that’s not all there is with this magical city. Each neighbourhood (also known as a quartier) has its own charms.

The Latin Quarter has a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and pedestrian streets. Champs Elysees, on the other hand is brimming with energy, and Montmartre has an old-world village charm. Aside from that, Paris is close to both Dunkirk and Calais, which are both havens for history buffs.

Lyon for 4 days

You can go to Lyon from Paris by train, bus, driving, or boarding a plane. The travel time would take two to six hours, depending on your choice of mode of transport. The most recommended option would be riding a train.

Aside from all of the wonders Lyon offers, you could even have a day trip to Geneva, Switzerland, as it is only 2 hours away. Visiting two countries in a day is such a cool thing to experience.

The modes of transportation from Lyon to Nice include boarding a train, riding a bus, using rideshare, driving, and boarding a plane. The travel time would take anywhere between three hours to eight hours, while a plane ride would be the fastest.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN FRANCE

Now that you have an idea of places to include in your 2 weeks in France itinerary, it’s time to show you the top and most popular attractions in each city.

Paris and around

• Opera National de Paris
• Boulevard du Montparnasse
• Jardin du Luxemburg
• Eiffel Tower – you can skip the line and hike up the stairs or take the elevator
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Louvre Museum – get a skip-the-line ticket without a guide or with a live guide
• Arc de Triomphe – scale the rooftop
• Pompidou Centre
• Seine River Cruise – you can book a 1-hour cruise or a cruise with a yummy gourmet dinner
• Champs-Elysees
• Sacre-Coeur
• Musee de Montmartre
• Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show – enjoy with champagne or a dinner
• Musee d’Orsay
• Luxembourg Gardens
• Catacombs of Paris – explore with an audio guide
• Sainte-Chapelle
• Grand Palais
• Versailles – join a guided tour
• Tuileries Garden
• Shakespeare and Company

Lyon and around

• Quartier Saint-John and Quartier Saint-Georges
• Musee de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine
• Colline de la Croix-Rousse
• Presqu’ile District
• Parc de la Tete d’Or
• La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
• Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
• Rhone Valley – book a wine-tasting tour
• Place Bellecour
• Musee des Confluences – get your ticket in advance
• Teatro Galo-Romano
• Vieux Lyon – join a food tour or an Old Town walking food tour
• Lake Geneva, Switzerland – 2 hours from Lyon
• Musee Cinema et Miniature
• Saone River – get on a cruise and visit UNESCO sites or a cruise with a dinner
• Musee de l’imprimerir et de la
• Musée des Arts de la Marionnette
• Fresqye des Lyonnais
• Bartholdi Fountain
• Lyon Botanical Garden
• Vieille Ville
• Promenade des Anglais
• Castle Hill Park
• Musee Matisse
• Jardin Albert 1er
• Marc Chagall National Museum
• Villefranche Bay – enjoy a 1-hour cruise or have fun snorkelling
• Castle of Nice
• Modern and Contemporary Art
• Foundation Maeght
• Field of Lavender and Gorges of Verdon – best if visiting from spring to summer, then you must book a tour of the Lavender fields
• Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice
• Parc Phoenix
• Cimiez Monastery
• Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption
• Opera de Nice
• Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
• Abbaye Saint-Victor
• Chateau d’Ilf
• Mucem – Museum of Civilizations of Europe, you can skip the line and save some time
• Old Port of Marseille
• Cathedrale La Major
• Massif des Calanques – have fun on a 5-hour cruise or explore with an e-bike
• Palais Longchamp
• Parc National des Calanques – sign up for a kayak tour
• Calanque de la creme
• Do a day trip to Provence – best if you have a max of 7 people in your group or book a wine tour to Provence
• Winery tours
• Place de la Bourse
• La Cite du Vin
• La Grosse Cloche
• Porte Cailhau
• La Cité du Vin – learn everything about the wine of Bordeaux by joining this tour
• Bordeaux Cathedral
• Saint Emilion – book a day trip sightseeing with wine tasting
• Musee d’Aquitaine
• Gran Teatro de Burdeos
• Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts
• River Garonne – enjoy a cruise with a glass of wine
• El Espejo de Agua
• Jardin Public
• Book a walking tour to hit up the top sites in one go or a tour of Bayonne and Biarritz together
• Basque Museum
• Bayonne Cathedral
• Saint-Esprit
• Cathedrale Sainte-Marie de Bayonne
• Cerreau des Halles
• Bayonne Botanical Garden
• L’Atelier du Chocolat-Musee du Chocolat – book a chocolate tasting
• Plaine d’Ansot de Bayonne
• Miramar Beach
• Milady Beach
• Marinella Beach
• Plage d’Ilbarritz

ACCOMMODATIONS

Below is a compilation of places to stay in France, categorised by city. This list will help you find accommodations for your trip, depending on your budget. You should be able to find hotels, from budget ones to luxury resorts.

• Affordable: Hotel des Belges or City Inn Paris
• Mid-range: B&B Hotel Paris or Au Pacific Hotel
• Luxury: Pullman Paris or citizenM Paris
• Affordable: Alter’hostel or Away Hostel & Coffee Shop
• Mid-range: Bayard Bellecour or Hotel Edmon W Lyong Part-Dieu
• Luxury: Hotel Le Roosevelt or Cour des Loges Lyon
• Affordable: Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel or Hostel Ozz Nice
• Mid-range: Hotel Byakko Nice or Villa Berlioz or Centrum Nice
• Luxury: Hotel de France by AMMI or Hotel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo or Hotel Florence Nice
• Affordable: Hotel du Theatre or Central Hostel
• Mid-range: ibis Hotel or B&B La Maison Galiene or Gabylou
• Luxury: Maison Ferdinand B&B or Best Western Premier or Quality Hotel or Hotel de Tourny
• Affordable: Toyoko INN or Montempo Marseille Centre Dome
• Mid-range: Best Western Hotel or Maison Juste
• Luxury: La Residence Du Vieux Port or Hotel Belle-Vue Vieux-Port

Calais/Dunkirk

• Affordable to Mid-range: Holiday Inn Calais or Hotel Les Jardins Dunkirk or B&B Hotel Dunkirk or ibis Dunkirk
• Affordable to Mid-range: Hostel 20 or ibis Hotel or Hotel Cote Basque
• Luxury: Hotel Villa Koegui or Hotel des Basses Pyrenees or Boutique Hotel Un Appart en Ville or Libertitu B&B

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN FRANCE

2 weeks in France sounds like not a lot of time, and it’s true. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time in only 14 days. Thankfully, France has a pretty good transportation system making it easier for visitors to get from one place to another.

When making your own itinerary for France, don’t try to see and do everything. If you really like this country, leave some for your future visit. During this upcoming trip, list only 3-4 cities to see so you have plenty of time to enjoy it all without rushing yourself.

I hope that you found this 2 weeks in France itinerary helpful.

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Discover the best of French life with this spectacular France itinerary. Start your trip in beautiful Paris and let the train carry you down to the sunny Mediterranean, while cruising through hillside vineyards and endless lavender fields. Reserve a seat on France's TGV high-speed train for fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. Or take it easy and explore the French countryside with RET regional trains, one charming village at a time. When traveling with a Eurail Pass , you simply can't miss out on la belle France .

Itinerary in short

Cities visited in this trip:.

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner.

For this itinerary we recommend:

• Eurail pass: France
• Travel days:  7 days within 1 month

Most of the high-speed trains in France, like the TGV and some InterCités, require reservations. These reservations are not included in your Eurail Pass. Make sure to book your seats in advance, there are limited seats available for Eurail Pass holders. It's also possible to avoid reservations all together, simply by taking regional trains . 

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Paris, France

Paris is known as the city of love, and what a lovely place it is! Take a stroll underneath the famous Eiffel Tower and have a glass of wine on the banks of the Seine river. You can do some fancy shopping on the Champs Élysées by day and visit the magnificent Paris Opera by night. The city is a haven for culture vultures, who could spend days exploring the wonderful collection of the Louvre museum . Make sure to visit the art district of Montmartre , where famous painters like Picasso, Dalí, and Van Gogh used to work. Here you'll also find the pristine white Sacré-Coeur Basilica , the second most famous church in Paris, after the hunchback's hideout - the Notre Dame .

From Paris to Versailles

Travel time:

Gare Montparnasse

Versailles, France

Versailles-Chantiers

For splendor with a capital S, visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles . A symbol of flamboyance, it was the royal palace for two centuries right up to the French Revolution. Take a stroll around the Versailles Gardens to follow in the footsteps of Louis XIV, the infamous Sun King. Inside the palace, you’ll find extravagance in every room. Don’t miss out on the Royal Apartments and the fabulous Mirror Hall (Galerie des Glaces). Visit the Hall of the Battles (Galerie des Batailles) to see France’s military history in paintings and in sculptures.

From Paris to Mont St. Michel

Reservation needed:

Reservation required

Rennes, France

Gare de Rennes

Mont St. Michel, France

Mont St. Michel

Mont Saint-Michel, France

An hour out of Rennes, just off the coast of Normandy, you'll find the tiny island of Mont Saint-Michel. It is dominated by the monastery from which it draws its name and was an important place of pilgrimage in medieval times. These days, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the major tourist attractions in France. For centuries, you could only reach the island when the tide was low, but these days a bridge connects the town to the mainland. Take a regional train from Rennes to get to Mont Saint-Michel.

From Mont St. Michel to Bordeaux

Nantes, france.

Gare de Nantes

Bordeaux, France

Gare de Bordeaux-St. Jean

The port city of Bordeaux is France’s uncontested wine capital. You’ll find many luscious vineyards and charming chateaux in the region, which have been producing wine since Roman times. If you're interested in a wine tour , by foot or by bike, beautiful Bordeaux is the perfect place for it! The city itself is rich in architectural highlights from all periods. Climb to the top of the bell tower next to Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-André) for a stunning view of the city. In the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux you can find a large collection of masterpieces by famous European painters.

From Bordeaux to Carcassonne

Carcassonne, france.

Gare de Carcassonne

On your way to the sunny Mediterranean, hop off the train in Carcassonne for a sight you'll never forget. The town's medieval citadel will make you believe you’ve stepped out of a time machine. Take a walk through history and visit the Chateau Comtal and the gothic Basilica of Saint-Nazaire . Stand in front of the impressive Narbonne Gate where the centuries look down upon you.

From Carcassonne to Nice

Marseille, france.

Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles

Nice, France

The city of Nice is located on the Mediterranean coast near the Italian border. It’s one of the most popular tourist cities in France, second only to Paris. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze on the Promenade des Anglais and work on your tan on Nice’s beautiful beaches. Only twenty minutes away from Nice you’ll find the tiny city-state of Monaco . Take a daytrip there to see the yachts in the marina and the Lamborghinis in the streets. If you’re feeling lucky, you can place a bet at the famous Monte Carlo casino.

From Nice to Lyon

Avignon, france.

Gare d’Avignon Centre

Lyon, France

Lyon Part-Dieu

If you’re making your way back to Paris, the city of Lyon is the perfect stopover. For centuries now, Lyon has been known as the gastronomical capital of France. Go to a bouchon , a typical Lyonnais restaurant, to taste authentic local cuisine and have a glass of Beaujolais wine. In Lyon's bustling center, you’ll find plenty of interesting sights. Have a look inside the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and observe the city from the top of Fourviere hill. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, visit the Parc de la Tete d’Or , one of the most beautiful parks in France.

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The Tales of a Traveler

Beautiful Destinations | Luxury Resorts | Travel Tips & Itineraries | Travel Fashion

The Ultimate Guide – France Itinerary by Rail

July 4, 2023

In this blog post, we share some of the best places to visit in France, things to do, and loads of tips that it helps you in planning your Ultimate France Itinerary by Rail. 

France is much more than Eiffel Tower and Paris. 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Sep 4, 2018 at 3:31pm PDT

In this blog post, we share our France itinerary by rail that will take you to some of the fairy-tale towns, lavender fields, one of the highest dunes in Europe, mesmerizing lakes, stunning canyons,  sunflower fields, and a beautiful national park.

It is hard to narrow it down to just a few places when the country has so much to offer. 

We also have a few suggestions that you could incorporate if you are planning to do this trip by train like us or by road. Though by car it might take a bit more time in comparison to the train, as France is not a small country like Slovenia, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or Luxembourg.

France is a stunning country to explore and hopefully, by the end of this post, we can inspire you to plan an amazing trip to France.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TO VISIT FRANCE

France is an all-year-round destination. If lavender fields, sunflower fields, and beaches are part of your France itinerary then obviously from June – August when the weather is at its best, beaches are warm, and days are longer but that’s also the time when prices go up and it’s crowded as well. If budget and crowd are your concern, we would suggest visiting during the shoulder season. We did this trip in the month of July.

• Learn some French words and phrases.
• Greet with a smile and say “Bonjour ” before starting any conversation
• Locals are reserved and might not be over-friendly but they are quite helpful.
• Waiters might not greet you with a smile at some restaurants but don’t be rude to them in return
• Smile and try to interact with locals

Common French Words

Here are some common French words that you will come across. It will come in handy if you can remember these.

• Départ = Departure
• Arrivée =  Arrival
• Gare = Station
• Sortie = Exit
• Désolé = Sorry
• Excusez moi = Sorry, Excuse me
• Quai = Platform

Our first and last stop in France was Paris. We flew into Amsterdam as we got a dirt cheap flight and then took a train from Amsterdam to Paris with Thalys . 

Paris has been always high on our list and no doubt it’s a beautiful city somehow we felt it was way too crowded when we visited in July but we absolutely loved our time there. We had no fixed agenda and spent our days loitering, devouring Croissants and Macrons, and capturing tons of pictures. 

I think the best thing to do in Paris is to  Flâner aka “to stroll”.  Go with the flow but if you want to know our recommendation then we would highly suggest visiting the following places.

Things To Do In Paris 

• Visit the iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris
• Champs-Élysées is an amazing neighborhood to admire the Parisian buildings, shop, and eat.
• Pont Alexandre III
• Don’t miss the Grand Palais and   Petit Palais.
• If you love visiting Museums, don’t miss out –  Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée de l’Armée Invalides and Musée de Rodin .
• For Architecture lovers — head to Sainte-Chapelle, Le Moulin de la galette. Get lost in the world of Picasso at  Hôtel Salé which houses the largest collection of Picasso’s works in the world.
• Don’t miss the pretty neighborhood — Monmarte .  
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont which is the third-largest park in the city.
• Discover the statues and artwork of the Luxembourg Garden
• Jardin D’erivan
• For Shopping & Food Market – visit Marché des Enfants Rouges (The oldest  market in Paris where you can find a lot of options for food and fresh produce) ,  Galeries Lafayette Haussmann – a one-stop destination for shopping and gastronomical experience,  North Marais is also one neighborhood that is being loved by locals
• Offbeat Places – Les Catacombes ( Underground tunnels lined with skulls and bones ), Père Lachaise Cemetery
• Things to Eat – Try all-natural and chemical-free flavors of ice cream at Berthillon , Macaron at the famous Ladurée, and  hot chocolate at  Angelina’s.
• For views that include Eiffel Tower – Arc de Triomphe,  Montparnasse Tower, or Tour Saint Jacques, ( only open to visitors from June to September)  

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Sep 6, 2018 at 2:42pm PDT

Where to Stay in Paris

We stayed at CitizenM La Defense which is in the La Defense area and is quite close to the metro station but if you are looking for hotels with the iconic view of the Eiffel Tour then below are a few recommendations based on popularity and hospitality –

• Shangri La Hotel
• Plaza Athene

Other Options:  Hotels ( Booking.com )  

Getting Around in Paris

Getting around in Paris is pretty easy. We used the metro and train services to travel within Paris. The frequency is also very good and you don’t have to be stuck in traffic. There are different tickets for different zones. You can opt for the one based on your preference and stay. There are taxis and buses too that you can opt for . 

Alsace Region ( Strasbourg, Obernai, Colmar, Eguisheim )

If you ever google picturesque villages in France, you will find pictures of beautiful towns and villages of the Alsace region popping up on your feed. The half-timbered houses, colorful decorations on the exterior walls of the houses, and prettiness all around will charm you. No doubt the villages have been an inspiration for many Disney movies like Beauty and the Beast and many others. 

We stayed in Strasbourg for three days and explored the beautiful Alsace region — Strasbourg, Obernai, Colmar, and Eguisheim. We could not visit the other fairy-tale villages like Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, & Kaysersberg.

I won’t say that public transportation is great, there are public buses connecting to smaller towns but the timings and the frequency of the bus service are not that great.

Note: It is best to rent a car and explore these places. Another option to explore the Alsace region is you can opt for the Wine Trail which is quite famous and covers a lot of places and also takes you to some of the scenic destinations.

How to Reach – It is just an hour and a half from Paris. We took a fast train from Paris to Strasbourg with our Eurail Global Pass . From Strasbourg, you can either rent a car or travel to other places by train & bus.

Places To Visit/ Things To Do in Alsace Region

Things To Do In Strasbourg

• Visit the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral. There is no escalator so be prepared to climb up to the rooftop for the panoramic views.
• Stroll through the picturesque “Petite France”, one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Strasbourg by the river 
• Batorama boat tour
• Palais des Rohan

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Nov 9, 2018 at 6:46am PST

Things To Do In Colmar 

• Walk around and take in the beauty of the charming village.
• The beautiful “Petite Venice” can’t be missed – Petite Venice is one of the most attractive parts of Colmar. The river Lauch flows past half-timbered houses and bridges and the best way to see these is to take a canal boat tour.
• Visit the covered market of Colmar for some local produce. 
• Hop on a tourist train if you fancy one to know more about the village and all the major attractions.
• You can also visit the Museum Musée Bartholdi dedicated to French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi who is the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty in New York.
• You can also visit the Statue of Liberty, yes, there is one in Colmar as well. 😉 

Note: If you are planning to visit on Sundays, most of the shops will be closed so be prepared for that but, restaurants & cafes will be open in Petite Venice and public transportation is also not great compared to weekdays. The tourism office closes by 12 pm on Sundays.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Sep 24, 2018 at 2:32pm PDT

Things To Do In Eguisheim 

• Wander along the Rue du Rempart Sud
• Visit the Eguisheim Castle & Place du Chateau
• Don’t forget to try the local wine which is quite famous. 
• Enjoy your time in the Vineyards

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Oct 1, 2018 at 8:17am PDT

Where to Stay in Strasbourg

We stayed at IBIS Strasbourg and explored the Alsace region by train as we had EURAIL Global Pass . We highly recommend renting a car to explore the region if you are planning to do it at your own pace.

Other Options:  Hotels ( Booking.com )  Compare Prices before booking. 

Provence Region (Provence, Manosque, Valensole )

This region has to be one of our favorite regions in France. The rustic charm of the small towns, the warmth of the locals, and the endless Lavender and Sunflower fields for the company. We can’t wait to go back again this summer and chase the slow life. 

Things to do in Provence

• Visit Lavender Fields –  Rent a car and visit the famous Lavender fields of Valensole. Read our blog post on where to visit the lavender fields here.
• Visit one of the most beautiful lakes in France –  Sainte Croix du Verdon 
• Rent an Airbnb and enjoy the rustic charm of the Provence Region
• Visit Provincial villages like Aix, Provence, Sault, Gordes, and Mount Ventoux to name a few.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Jan 2, 2019 at 12:15pm PST

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Aug 20, 2018 at 5:59am PDT

READ: BEST LAVENDER FIELDS IN FRANCE

How to Reach – 

Plane  | You can either fly to Cannes, Marseille, Lyon, or Paris 

Train  | Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass are good options if you are planning to visit the Provence region. Avignon & Sault are the major stations. Public transportation in Manosque where we stayed was free of cost. 

Bus  | There are buses connecting to all the major destinations but it is advisable to check the timings beforehand during public holidays and weekends.

Car  | You can rent a car and drive. The roads are awesome. 

Note: You need to rent a car to explore the region as public transportation is not that great. There are multiple buses connecting cities and towns but always factor in the weekend schedules. 

Where To Stay in Provence

We stayed at Manosque instead of Provence because most of the hotels were sold out in Provence and we were not able to find a perfect Airbnb last minute. Manosque is also the headquarters of Lo’ocatainne and is close to the below Instagram spot.

Marseille  

A beautiful port city in the Mediterranean region, Marseille will enchant you with its interesting mix of culture, food, and vibes. We were in Marseille for just 2 days. We explored the city and the port area on day one and did all the touristy stuff. The next day we opted for a day trip to Calanques National Park. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do the hike as it was too hot on that day so we opted for a 4-hour boat ride.

Things To Do in Marseille

• Explore Le Panier neighborhood
• Hang out at the Old Port of Marseille
• Visit Cathédrale de la Major (Marseille Cathedral)
• Enjoy your time at La Corniche
• Don’t forget to buy the famous soap of Marseille – Savon – de – Marseille
• Take in the breathtaking view of the city from Notre Dame  de la Garde 
• Visit Chateau D’If
• Hop on a boat to explore Frioul Islands and don’t miss the stunning  Calanques National Park

Read More:  Things To Do in Marseille 

Marseille is well connected by rail, road, and air with all major cities of France and Europe. 

Plane  | You can fly to Marseille from Paris / London or any other major hub. 

Train  | Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass are good options if you are planning to visit multiple cities and countries. 

Car  | You can hire a car from any city and drive to Marseille. 

Where To Stay in Marseille?

We stayed at IBIS  which was right next to the train station. It was quite cheap and we just walked into the hotel at night 9 PM without any prior reservations and booked the room for 2 nights.  If you follow us on Instagram, you might know that Marseille & Bordeaux were initially not part of our France itinerary, we were supposed to do the French Riviera but we changed our itinerary on the go.

Options:  Hotels ( Booking.com ) |   Compare Prices before booking. Prefer staying close to the city center if you are planning to explore the city .

Bordeaux is located on the west coast of France and the city is famous for its wine region. It is also called the wine capital of the world. Though our intention of visiting Bordeaux was a little different, we wanted to visit the Dune of Pilat, which happens to be the highest sand dune in Europe. The city is a perfect base for a day trip to the Dune of Pilat and also for numerous vineyard tours.

We were in Bordeaux for 3 days and opted for the Bordeaux city pass. The city pass allows you to use public transportation for free and many attractions like La Cite Du Vin are also included in this pass. The city is known for its splendid 18th-century architecture. If you have time at hand then we would suggest a 4 to 5-day stay as you can visit many UNESCO world heritage villages nearby Bordeaux. We felt that the 3 days we spent at Bordeaux were not enough to explore the city and the neighboring areas.

Things To Do in Bordeaux

• Explore the origins of winemaking and varieties of wine at La Cite Du Vin . A museum dedicated to wines.
• Enjoy your time at numerous vineyards and stay in an Airbnb or Chateau amidst Vineyard for an experience to cherish.
• Porte Cailhau – A 35-meter tall tower from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the river and the oldest bridge, the Pont de Pierre.
• Water Mirror – A shallow pool of water on smooth granite, across the Place la de Bourse, which creates a beautiful reflection.
• Pont de Pierre – The oldest bridge in Bordeaux over the river Garonne.
• Basilica of St. Michael – A 114-meter bell tower and basilica. The basilica is one of the three monuments accepted by UNESCO as part of the French Pilgrim routes of Santiago de Compostela which is added to the list of World Heritage sites.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Nov 12, 2018 at 2:15pm PST

Read  – Things To Do In Bordeaux

How to reach bordeaux – .

Bordeaux is well connected by rail, road, and air with all major cities of France and Europe. 

Plane  | You can fly to Bordeaux from Paris / London or any other major hub. 

Where to Stay in Bordeaux 

We stayed at IBIS which is quite close to the train station. As it was a last-minute plan and most of the hotels were sold out, we ended up staying at the IBIS. 

You can check on Airbnb or find hotels on Booking.com .

OTHER BEAUTIFUL REGIONS TO VISIT IN FRANCE  

You can also include the below regions if you have more days on hand. We are planning to visit a few places this year. We will keep you posted with more details.

• Normandy Region   (Mont Saint-Michel, Rouen, Honfleur, Caen)
• French Riveria ( Cannes, Nice, Eze, Menton )
• French Alps ( Chamonix, Annecy, Grenoble, Aix-les-Bains )
• Cities you can include in your France itinerary if you are planning a month-long trip – Dijon, Lyon, and Metz to name a few. 

Related Posts

Things To Do in Bordeaux 

Things to Do in Marseille

Best Lavender Fields in France

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Share this:

February 17, 2019 at 7:42 pm

Love France and getting around by train is such a fun way to explore the country. Your yellow dress in the lavender fields is gorgeous. May I ask where you bought it from?

February 18, 2019 at 2:29 pm

It looks and sounds like you both had an incredibly romantic time traveling in France. The lavender fields are incredibly beautiful and oh so photogenic. Good to know that the best time of the year to visit if we want to see the fields is in June – August. Alsace also looks so great and I am loving all the old buildings. Ohhh if those buildings could talk, I could only imagine the stories they would share! And how I would love to explore Bordeaux and wine taste my way around this area. Good to know it’s very well connected by transport in France.

February 18, 2019 at 6:22 pm

Valensole is so stunning! I’ll be heading to Marseille this March, and looking forward to it already! I’ve not yet been to Alsace, or Bordeaux, though I love the wine from this region! I like your hotel options for each place too, they’re great places by the sound of it.

February 18, 2019 at 9:52 pm

I love traveling by train in Europe, but never took a train trip in France. It seems you had an incredibly beautiful time on this trip. I’d love to do this itinerary sometimes in spring. Europe is less crowded at that time of year. I’ve not yet been to Alsace, but I’m hoping to get there next year. Beautiful pictures, by the way (especially the ones at Trocadero).

February 18, 2019 at 10:05 pm

What a great article for planning to travel around France by rail. We have done a little bit of rail travel, but definitely need to see more of France in this way. Aren’t the lavender fields amazing? The colours and your photos are beautiful.

February 19, 2019 at 9:15 am

You have such wonderful pictures out there. No doubt your Instagram fans loved them. France is a beautiful country and the beauty is pretty evident in all your pictures. I have only been to Paris in France. So you know there is so much more to explore. Would love to see the lavender fields and explore Alsace and Marseille. Train is our favorite travel companion in Europe. So France will also be by rail in all probability.

February 21, 2019 at 8:30 am

I love your photographs, or should I commend your Instagram man here 😀 France is such a lovely place especially during the summer, no wonder my beau is bugging me to visit him this summer. And if things went well, I will definitely visit these places you’ve been too!

February 22, 2019 at 3:04 pm

Wow, you people had a fabulous time in France. I love all the pictures here. We could only manage to visit Paris on our trip to Europe. So nice to read about these amazing places in France. The lavender fields look exceptionally beautiful.

July 28, 2019 at 8:50 am

I’d love to visit Paris sometime soon, and your post has put my plans into perspective.

Hope fully, I’d have collected enough funds to visit there by the end of next year.

Love your blog, especially the design 🙂

December 5, 2019 at 6:17 pm

France is one of the most beautiful country i have visited… its the perfect blend of fairytale and high Street fashion… btw did you go to Moulin Rouge?

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3 Weeks in France Itinerary

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The first time I visited France was when I followed Tour de France. Although it was so much fun being with the crowd, staying in an RV, and following the tour, it also didn’t really give me time to explore unique places in France. My itinerary at that time included getting up early to ensure I could travel to the following finish line before they closed the roads.

So, I went back to spend about 21 days. Armed with an itinerary for 3 weeks in France, I was able to explore the country from top to bottom, ensuring I saw all the must-see places, ate so much food, and drank a lot of wine (I even brought some home).

I will share below some travel tips for France and how to write and plan your own itinerary when visiting. You don’t have to follow it day by day, it’s simply here to help you visualise and inspire you to create a vacation that is more suitable for you.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO FRANCE

Before we get to the knit and grit of day-to-day planning, let’s first talk about things that you should know about France, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

France is a very popular destination; it is stunning and has so much to offer. But it can also be confusing (not to mention lots of scammers prowling in Paris). The topics below should help you decide when to go and how to travel safely and comfortably.

When is the best time to go to France

This depends on what you plan to do. France is one of the places you can visit any time of the year because there are simply many things to do here, from going to the beach, visiting museums, hiking, and skiing.

The best time to visit France in summer is from May to September, for winter is between the end of November and early mid-February. I personally like May or September. During these months, the beach area crowd is not too thick yet. During winter, it’s best to come at the end of November or mid-march. The crowd is thinner but also lower prices.

Are 3 weeks enough for France

20 days is a great amount of time to explore France. Fortunately, the transportation system in France is pretty good and affordable. This makes travelling from one place to another more convenient and easier to organise.

For 3 weeks in France, you can visit 4-5 cities depending on your planning skills and mode of transportation. It will also be smart to choose a major city and then do a day trip from there. For example, plan to stay around Paris for 4 days. Travel around the city centre for the first 2 days, then use the remaining day to head to Dunkirk, Calais, and even all the way to Caen.

How to get around

French public transportation is pretty alright. It’s not the most reliable, but it’s available. There are trains, buses, and of course, planes. Taking domestic flights is quite affordable in France, and there’s always a flight going somewhere.

On the other hand, renting a car in France is a much better idea if you feel comfortable driving a manual or a stick. The country is not too big, the roads are fantastic, and the rental cost is also reasonable. You can rent an automatic, but it’s very rarely available.

Driving your own rented car is such a great and hassle-free way to spend 3 weeks in France. You don’t have to get up at such an annoying time to catch the bus, or you don’t have to waste 2 hours getting ready and getting to the airport to take a domestic flight. You have complete control of your day-to-day schedule.

Average travel cost for 20 days in France

France, in general, is not an affordable destination to go to for a holiday. Paris alone receives 80 million visitors every year. The demand is so high, so naturally, the prices go up too. Food, transportation, and also tours are often at a reasonable price, but accommodation can really skyrocket, especially during peak season.

On average, a single person should budget around $2,500 if you plan to stay in mid-range hotels and eat out most of the time. For backpackers who don’t mind sleeping in a shared dorm , you can bring your budget down to $1,600 . Luxury travellers, on the other hand, must plan at least $3,500 to enjoy high-end hotels and premium tours.

Keep in mind that this estimation is for one person and doesn’t include the flights to and from France, travel insurance, and other travel items.

For people who wish to visit France, the travel visa policy is the same as any other country that is a member of the EU or the Schengen States. Travellers with passports from most countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand can enter France without needing a visa for 90 to 180 days.

The rest of the world has to apply for a Schengen visa which is valid for the entire Schengen State for 90 days.

Other travel tips

When I plan my trip anywhere in the world, I use the following travel tools and websites to help me ensure that my holiday will have minimal hassle. Booking flights, hotels, finding great tours, and getting travel insurance are all part of my travel checklist.

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN FRANCE

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN FRANCE ITINERARY

Spending your vacation in France can be a little overwhelming. There are simply too many places to visit and food to try. Plus, the season is also a massive thing to consider. France is a great destination to head to regardless of the time of the year.

Summer? France’s beaches and hiking trails are the best. Winter? Well, there are plenty of slopes to ski on. Don’t get overwhelmed. You must first decide when you want to go before you start planning the things you want to see and do during your holiday in France.

Check out this itinerary for 3 weeks in Southern Europe and 3 weeks in Spain, France, and Italy .

Paris and the North for 7 days

If it’s your first time in Paris , make sure to visit these instagrammable spots in Paris . This city is undeniably one of the most popular places in the world. There are many reasons why Paris is popular.

Its romanticised idea of the place makes it one of the top locations people visit during their first international trip. The food is also incredibly interesting, its riveting history and the fashion industry made this city even more famous.

Disneyland even has a location in Paris, a great spot to go if you travel with young children. But if you are in Paris with teenagers , the places you want to visit together might be slightly different. But make no mistake, Eiffel Tower will always be on the top list of sights to see here.

Spending a week in Paris sounds like an awful lot because it is. You are actually not going to spend 7 days just in Paris. During this time you can take day trips around the north of France.

This is when you can head to places with lots of historical memories, such as Calais, Dunkirk, and Normandy. Both places can be reached by bus, train , or car. Depending on your mode of travelling, it could take between 2 hours to 4 hours trip.

You can also get to the beautiful coastal town of Caen, northwest of Paris and about a 2.5 to 3-hour trip. But if you want a little more around nature, head to Normandie-Maine National Park or Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande.

The best way to travel around Paris if you don’t want to rent a car is to get a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket for a day or two days. This will help you move around freely without paying for multiple bus tickets.

What to see in Paris

• Eiffel Tower – you can skip the line and hike up the stairs or take the elevator
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Louvre Museum – get a skip-the-line ticket without a guide or with a live guide
• Sacre-Coeur
• Arc de Triomphe – scale the rooftop
• Pompidou Centre
• Seine River Cruise – you can book a 1-hour cruise or a cruise with a yummy gourmet dinner
• Champs-Elysees
• Musee de Montmartre
• Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show – enjoy with champagne or a dinner
• Musee d’Orsay
• Luxembourg Gardens
• Catacombs of Paris – explore with an audio guide
• Sainte-Chapelle
• Grand Palais
• Versailles – join a guided tour
• Tuileries Garden
• Shakespeare and Company

Accommodations in Paris City

• Affordable: Hotel des Belges or City Inn Paris
• Mid-range: B&B Hotel Paris or Au Pacific Hotel
• Luxury: Pullman Paris or citizenM Paris or Hotel 31 or Hotel Vic Eiffel or Moris Grands or XO Hotel

What to see in Calais and Dunkirk

• Calais Beach
• Dragon’s Company
• Second World War Museum
• Citadel of Calais
• Parc Saint-Pierre
• Battery Oldenburg
• Tour de L’Horloge
• Batterie Waldam
• City of Lace and Fashion
• Les Bourgeois de Calais
• Dunkirk Lighthouse
• FRAC Grand Large – Hauts-de-France
• Fort of Petite-Synthe
• Museum Dunkerque 1940 Operation Dynamo
• Coquelle Castle Park
• Dunkirk Kursaal
• Fort des Dunes
• Plage de Leffrinkoucke
• Batterie de Leffrinckoucke
• Belfry Bergues

What to see in Caen

• Pointe du Hoc
• Normandy Beach – book a Normandy D-Day tour, pick-up from Paris
• Caen Castle
• Le Grand Bunker – Museum of the Atlantic Wall
• Site fortifié Hillman
• Memorial Free French Soldiers
• Radar Museum 1944
• Château de Fontaine-Henry
• D-Day Museum
• Liberators Museum Normandy 1944
• British Normandy Memorial

Lyon and around for 7 days

Lyon is sitting in an area very near the French Alps. You reach Lyon in many ways. By train , it will take about 2 to 3 hours, driving is about 5 hours, and flying takes only an hour.

The city’s history spans 2,000 years and is also a gateway to Switzerland if you want to take a quick look. You can reach Geneva in under 2 hours of driving or a train ride . Spending an entire week here is just perfect.

If you are coming to France during winter, visiting Lyon can be turned into the skiing part of your vacation since the best slopes are in this region. To make it easier to get around if you don’t have a rented car, you can buy a hop-on hop-off bus ticket or a Lyon city pass (public transport with an entrance ticket to more than 40 attractions).

What to see in Lyon and around

• Parc de la Tete d’Or
• La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
• Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
• Rhone Valley – book a wine tasting tour
• Place Bellecour
• Musee des Confluences – get your ticket in advance
• Teatro Galo-Romano
• Vieux Lyon – join a food tour or an Old Town walking food tour
• Lake Geneva, Switzerland – 2 hours from Lyon
• Musee Cinema et Miniature
• Saone River – get on a cruise and visit UNESCO sites or a cruise with a dinner
• Musee de l’imprimerir et de la
• Musée des Arts de la Marionnette
• Fresqye des Lyonnais
• Bartholdi Fountain
• Lyon Botanical Garden

Accommodations in Lyon

• Affordable: Alter’hostel or Away Hostel & Coffee Shop
• Mid-range: Bayard Bellecour or Hotel Edmon W Lyong Part-Dieu
• Luxury: Hotel Le Roosevelt or Cour des Loges Lyon

Cannes and Nice for 3 days

If you have 3 weeks in France, you must see the southern region of the country. Some people might only be familiar with Cannes due to its most-awaited and prestigious annual film festival. However, this coastal city is more than that. There are many things to see and do while you are in Cannes for three days.

If you also decide Cannes is not for you, heading to Nice is also an option. It’s only about a 30-minute train ride or a 45-minute drive. You definitely have to add at least one beach destination to your 3 weeks in France itinerary.

What to see and do

You can do a day trip to Monaco, Eze, and Monte Carlo from Cannes or Nice. This is a great way to see three amazing places in just one day.

• Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes
• Musee des explorations du monde
• Ste. Marguerite Island – get a round-trip ferry
• Lerins Islands
• St Tropez – get a round-trip boat trip
• Marche Forville
• Catamaran – book a cruise from Cannes
• Eglise Notre-Dame d’Esperance
• Monasterio de Lerins
• Vieux Port de Cannes
• Calanques of the Estrel – join a boat tour
• Port Pierre Canto
• Don’t forget to do snorkelling at Cannes
• Promenade des Anglais
• Marc Chagall National Museum
• Musee Matisse
• Villefranche Bay – enjoy a 1-hour cruise or have fun snorkelling
• Castle of Nice
• Modern and Contemporary Art
• Foundation Maeght
• Field of Lavender and Gorges of Verdon – best if visiting from spring to summer, then you must book a tour of the Lavender fields
• Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice
• Parc Phoenix
• Cimiez Monastery
• Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption
• Opera de Nice

Accommodations in Nice

• Affordable: Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel or Hostel Ozz Nice
• Mid-range: Hotel Byakko Nice or Villa Berlioz or Centrum Nice
• Luxury: Hotel de France by AMMI or Hotel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo or Hotel Florence Nice

Accommodations in Cannes

• Affordable: Azurene Royal Hotel or L’Estrel
• Mid-range: Sun Riviera Hotel or Hotel America
• Luxury: Hotel Barriere Le Gray d’Albion or Hotel Splendid

Marseille or Bayonne or Bordeaux for 4 days

Marseille is a popular harbour city and also rich in history. It’s only a 2-hour drive from Cannes or a 2.5-hour train ride . I recommend you choose between Marseille or Bayonne and Bordeaux. This is because Bayonne and Bordeaux can be combined together as they are both on the west coast of France. Get yourself a hop-on hop-off bus ticket to save money if you don’t plan to rent a car .

To help you decide, Bayonne and Bordeaux are great spots for surfing. The waves can be big depending on the season, but there are surf schools to help you start if you are only a beginner. Bordeaux is also a popular vineyard region, a great area to join some vineyard tours and wine tasting. It’s also the spot where you can buy wines to bring home.

Bayonne and Bordeaux are about a 2-hour drive or train ride from each other.

What to do and see

• Mucem – Museum of Civilizations of Europe, you can skip the line and save some time
• Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
• Old Port of Marseille
• Chateau d’lf
• Cathedrale La Major
• Massif des Calanques – have fun on a 5-hour cruise or explore with an e-bike
• Palais Longchamp
• Parc National des Calanques – sign up for a kayak tour
• Calanque de la creme
• Do a day trip to Provence – best if you have max of 7 people in your group or book a wine tour to Provence

Explore Bayonne by joining a walking tour that highlights the most significant and beautiful spots in Bayonne. You can also sign up for a Bayonne and Biarritz private tour .

• Cathedrale Sainte-Marie de Bayonne
• Musee Basque
• Cerreau des Halles
• Bayonne Botanical Garden
• L’Atelier du Chocolat-Musee du Chocolat – book a chocolate tasting
• Plaine d’Ansot de Bayonne
• Miramar Beach
• Milady Beach
• Marinella Beach
• Plage d’Ilbarritz

Get yourself a Bordeaux Metropole city pass to get free entrance to many popular locations in this city.

• La Cité du Vin – learn everything about the wine of Bordeaux by joining this tour
• Place de la Bourse
• Bordeaux Cathedral
• Saint Emilion – book a day trip sightseeing with wine tasting
• Musee d’Aquitaine
• Gran Teatro de Burdeos
• Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts
• River Garonne – enjoy a cruise with a glass of wine
• El Espejo de Agua
• Jardin Public

Accommodations for Marseille

• Affordable: Toyoko INN or Montempo Marseille Centre Dome
• Mid-range: Best Western Hotel or Maison Juste
• Luxury: La Residence Du Vieux Port or Hotel Belle-Vue Vieux-Port

Accommodations for Bordeaux

• Affordable: Hotel du Theatre or Central Hostel
• Mid-range: ibis Hotel or B&B La Maison Galiene or Gabylou
• Luxury: Maison Ferdinand B&B or Best Western Premier or Quality Hotel or Hotel de Tourny

Accommodations for Bayonne

• Affordable to Mid-range: Hostel 20 or ibis Hotel or Hotel Cote Basque
• Luxury: Hotel Villa Koegui or Hotel des Basses Pyrenees or Boutique Hotel Un Appart en Ville or Libertitu B&B

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN FRANCE ITINERARY

France is a perfect place to spend 3 weeks. The country is not too big and not too small; at the same time, it offers so much. From visiting historical places, going to the beach, spending time admiring arts, and of course the food!

The one thing I really recommend (which I already mentioned before) is to get your own rental car. It will make moving a lot easier, and you will have 100% control of your time and itinerary. If you are worried about driving a stick, the train, buses, and domestic flights are also an option and affordable.

I hope that this itinerary of 2 weeks in France has been helpful. You, of course, don’t have to follow it. My goal is to simply help you create and plan your own travel itinerary for France.

SAVE THIS TRAVEL ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:

France Travel Blog

First Time in France: Best 7-day Itinerary

It goes without saying, France is a marvelous country that has so much to offer. From the iconic landmarks of Paris to the awe-inspiring beauty of the French Riviera , there’s a lot you can see in only 7 days. If you’re looking for an exciting France itinerary but don’t know where to start, this blog post will provide you with some helpful tips on how to spend your time in France as well as what must-see attractions to visit!

Days 1-3: Dazzling Paris

Start your  trip to France  from its very heart, charming Paris. The bustling capital is a remarkable destination itself, but 2-3 days in the city will be enough to catch its most famous sights. Paris has some of the best tourist attractions around, and they are all conveniently within walking distance from each other. 

The Eiffel Tower, part modern engineering marvel, part art installation, is one of France’s most eye-catching jewels, which majestically dominates Paris’ skyline. This architectural wonder was built for the World’s Fair in 1889 and was just going to be torn down after. Still, now it is one of the most recognizable symbols of France. Don’t miss a chance to conquer the 324-meter (1063-feet) summit of the iron lattice tower to be wowed by the breathtaking views from above. 

You can’t also visit Paris without seeing the Louvre Museum . This baroque-style palace houses an extensive collection of art, sculptures, and ancient artifacts from France and beyond. Among numerous exhibits, you can even find one of the world’s most famous masterpieces: the legendary Mona Lisa. Another must-see during your tour!

Moreover, the left bank of the River Seine is home to some more treasures like the spectacular Pantheon with tombs for Voltaire, Curie, and other great Frenchmen, as well as Paris-Sorbonne University. Mount Montmartre with Basilica Sacré Coeur are worth checking out too!

To discover the city from a new perspective, hop aboard a Seine Cruise that will take you around the most scenic parts of Paris. The boat is equipped with the open-air observation decks providing spectacular panoramas from all angles as well as an audio guide to point out noteworthy landmarks as they pass by.

Also Read: Paris Travel Guide

Days 4-5: Stunning Avignon

Continue taking in the unmatched charm of France in glorious Avignon. Located in the south of France , this city has experienced many changes over its long history. With its beautiful medieval buildings, monumental churches, leafy squares, and high-class restaurants, Avignon will immediately steal your heart. It seems evident that tourism is Avignon’s primary industry now, but this wasn’t always the case. In fact, tourism didn’t come to be until after World War II! 

Charming Avignon was once the capital city after Pope Clement V moved it from Rome and now sits as an essential destination on anyone’s itinerary to France. Thus, the first stop for any visitor should be Palais de Papes, which holds some significant meaning in French culture with being one of Europe’s largest Gothic buildings ever constructed!

As you wander through the cobbled, winding streets of Avignon, you will also be able to admire the astonishing architecture from centuries ago on bridges like Pont d’Avignon or Pont St. Benezet, which is still standing today. This impressive structure was constructed over 800 years ago by a monk named Benoît, who became known for building more than 100 bridges throughout Europe.

Also, make sure to pop in the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d’Avignon (Avignon Cathedral) . This 12th-century building is a classic example of Romanesque architecture and has survived through tough times. It was eventually restored in 1995 by UNESCO, who recognized it as an important landmark for all time.

Did you know that the city of Avignon is also a hub for creativity? Each year, the Festival d’Avignon welcomes more than 150,000 visitors to witness performances by artists in each field on its stage, including famous and young talent alike. This festival has been held since 1947, where; it started as a small event with modest goals but now attracts international attention every July through an annual week-long celebration that showcases up-and-coming artistry across the region!

>>Also Read: Avignon Travel Guide

Days 5-7: Sun-kissed Nice

As a highlight of your ultimate France vacation, head over to Nice for a relaxing coastal break! The fifth-largest city in the country is also a genuine kaleidoscope of history. As Nice has only been part of France since 1860, it represents an organic mix of French and Italian culture.

From the moment you step foot in Nice, it becomes clear that this is not a typical tourist spot. The Art Deco buildings that line its streets are so beautiful and elegant they amuse people from all over the globe with their stunning Belle Epoque style and Baroque houses. The bright colors and cozy markets of every corner will make anyone feel like they’re at home. 

Each part of town offers something new: from Promenade des Anglais with its scenic views along the coast to Vieux Nice (old town), where locals go for wine tastings straight out of their own cellars. It’s impossible not to appreciate why this place is such a glorious pearl of France!

Furthermore, the city of Nice is not only famous for its luxurious beaches and exquisite cuisine. The “Queen of the Riviera” also has an extensive art scene encompassing many museums such as the Musee de Matisse set in a 17th-century Genoese villa or the Musée des Beaux-Arts with over 5,000 works on display from artists like Picasso and Monet.

After a saturated sightseeing day, go for an evening stroll through Cours Saleya market to delve even more into the incomparable local atmosphere. Spot some fantastic cheese shops in between tasting wine at one of the nearby vineyards or sampling countless gelato flavors like strawberries & cream until you find your favorite one!

Undoubtedly, the list of France must-sees can continue forever since the region packs in so many hidden wonders. Got inspired to start exploring this many-sided destination? If the answer is “yes”, consider choosing one of the ready-made  France tours  or creating your own unique itinerary, pack your bag, and let your unforgettable journey begin!

>>Also Read: Nice Travel Guide

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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South of France: The Ultimate 12-Day Travel Itinerary

The French Riviera: dazzling sea, sandy beaches, red & white candy-style parasols, and pastel-colored towns. This part of South France truly feels like something out of a vintage film, so it’s no surprise that it’s been used as the setting for many Hollywood movies. Spend around 2 weeks in the French Riviera, getting lost in the old towns, smelling the lemons, enjoying the shade of palm trees, and watching the sailing boats bob on the sparkling Mediterranean. It’s a vacation dream!

French Riviera Travel Guide

Traveling in the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) is an absolute dream. It’s easy to get around, every town has its own unique wow factor, and the coastline is as pretty as a picture. Enjoy all the top things to do with this complete French Riviera travel guide.

Day 1 – 2: Marseille

Marseille is the best place to start your Cote d’Azur trip, as the oldest city in France and the capital of the French Riviera! It’s a romantic city, with narrow alleys filled with pastel-colored houses, flowers, and elegant ancient buildings. However, it’s also dynamic and vibrant, with its street art, food markets, and modern architecture that pops out amongst the old.

There are so many great things to do in Marseille itself, however, it’s also a great jumping-off point to visit some stunning natural wonders in the area, such as Calanques national park. Here you can hike along sheer cliffs and among dense greenery, before reaching sheltered coves with stunning blue water. This is what the French Riviera is all about: the perfect combination of refreshing summer swims, warm nights, delicious dinners, and city sightseeing. 

Read: Things to do on a city trip to Marseille

Where to stay in Marseille

The best place to stay in Marseille is anywhere near the old port (Vieux Port). It’s right in the center of the old town and the best place to stay to see the sights and be at the heart of the action of the city. 

Hotels in Marseille 😴

Getting to Marseille

Despite being in the deep south of France, Marseille is really well connected by train to other cities in France, as well as other cities in Europe! For example, you can take a train from London, Paris , Rotterdam , or Amsterdam . This is a fantastic slow way to travel, allowing you to see beautiful landscapes and be more sustainable.

Find your train options to Marseille here.

Marseille also has its own airport, which has flights leaving to many other international destinations. This makes it a very easy place to fly into on your French Riviera trip!

Day 3 – 4: Cassis

Cassis is just 30 minutes away from Marseille, but a whole world away from the bustling city life. When you arrive in Cassis, you’ll immediately be transported to a slower pace of life, and the beauty of the town is truly like something from an old painting. There are pastel-colored houses that complement the charming harbor, and loads of delicious restaurants to choose from.

Food is very important here and the small town is famous for its extensive market, with beautiful locally sourced products. Grab your shopping bag and head here to buy the most delicious ingredients for your dinner! 

Read more about Cassis in the Marseille travel guide

Where to Stay in Cassis

Cassis is small, but there are plenty of great places to stay. If you’re looking for a little more luxury, there are some incredible hotels that sit high above the town on the surrounding cliffs, with views of the sea. There are also local guest houses too, which are the perfect place to stay to be in the heart of Cassis.

Hotels in Cassis 😴

Getting to Cassis

Cassis is only 30 minutes drive from Marseille, so use Marseille as your main hub for travel. From Marseille, you can travel to Cassis by train in 18 minutes for as little as 5 EUR.

Day 5: Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez used to be a small fishing village popular with artists. Over the years, it became known as a luxury destination. Now, the colorful town is home to chic cafes, beautiful houses, and a harbor full of elegant yachts. One of the best things to do is come, people-watch, and sit in one of the harbor-side restaurants with a cocktail in hand. 

All of the beaches in Saint-Tropez are beautiful! The water here is a stunning turquoise color that is reminiscent of a Caribbean island – perfect for a day of relaxing and swimming. Hire yourself the classic red and white parasol and live out your French Riviera dreams.

Tip: Saint-Tropez has a citadel that sits high up on the hill above the town. It’s the perfect place to go and catch some magical views, especially at sunset or sunrise.

Getting to Saint-Tropez , French Riviera

The nearest airport to Saint-Tropez is Toulon (50 minutes). Alternatively, there is Nice airport which is 90 minutes away.

Reaching Saint-Tropez by public transport is a little harder as there is no train station. However, you can take a train from Nice to the nearest station, ‘St Raphael’, which takes around 50 minutes. From here, you’ll need to take a taxi to Saint-Tropez (1 hour and 15 minutes).

Day 6: Cannes (or Antibes)

Known for the Cannes Film festival, the city is often in the spotlight as a place for celebrities, bringing it a certain exclusivity. However, it’s still a charming port town and there are ways to enjoy it without breaking the bank!

There are lots of great free things to do, from visiting the famous weekly market to finding murals in the old town (Le Suquet). You can also stand in the same spot as some of your favorite actors and actresses by visiting the Palais des Festivals, where you can see the red carpet and the ‘walk of fame’. Or, as an alternative to Cannes, visit Antibes!

Getting to Cannes

Reach Cannes from Saint-Tropez by car in 2 hours or by train from Nice in under half an hour.

Day 7 – 8: Nice , French Riviera

Nice is true to its name: one of the nicest cities in our French Riviera travel guide! Sandwiched between the majestic Alps and the dazzling blue of the Mediterranean Sea, it’s no surprise that Nice is one of the most popular places to visit on the Cote d’Azur.

As a seaside city, one of the best things to do here is to visit the many beaches. Follow the Promenade des Anglais, a long boulevard that follows the sea. Although it looks like there is one long stretch of beach, it’s actually split up into 30 different beaches (some private, some public) for you to choose from. 

In the evening, take a picnic with the food you’ve bought at the market and head to the top of Castle Hill. Here you’ll discover panoramic views out across Nice and the surrounding coastline; it’s the perfect place to sit as the sun goes down. 

Tip: Nice is oozing with history. One of the most unusual historical buildings is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, known as one of the most impressive of its type outside of Russia itself.

Where to Stay in Nice

Many people choose to base themselves in Nice for the entire duration of their stay on the French Riviera, as it’s such a good location to get to all the other delights of the Cote d’Azur. It’s also got loads of great accommodation options for a variety of prices. Whether it’s beachside or in the historic center, there’s something for every kind of traveler.

Hotels in Nice 😴

Getting to Nice

Nice has an international airport so it’s very easy to get to from all over the world. Trains from Cannes to Nice run regularly and take about 35 minutes. Book your train connection here.

Read: Complete Nice, France travel guide

Day 9: Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer is the hidden gem of the French Riviera. It’s much quieter than some of the more popular neighboring cities and towns on the coastline and this adds to its charm. Every old building has been beautifully preserved and it’s so picturesque that it’s been the setting for many famous films. 

The old town is the must-see on your trip to Villefranche-sur-Mer and you could easily spend a few hours getting lost in the narrow cobbled streets. Grab your camera and enjoy finding all the beautiful details of the colorful townhouses, painted shutters, and hanging flowers. There are even some spooky surprises when stumbling across the Rue Obscure: a 13th-century passageway that goes under the old town.

Tip: Finish your day at the Plage des Marinieres. This is a beautiful bay, with perfect water for swimming, which looks across to the colorful old town.

Where to Stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Most people choose to visit Villefranche on a day trip from Nice. However, if you have time to extend your itinerary, it’s well worth slowing down in this charming town. There are plenty of great accommodation options beachside, or you can find pretty apartments in the old town.

Hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer 😴

Getting to Villefranche-sur-Mer

The train from Nice only takes a few minutes and costs 2 EUR. This makes it the perfect day trip! Alternatively, it’s also a great base to explore the rest of the French Riviera, as it’s quieter and less crowded.

Read everything about Villefranche-sur-Mer !

Day 10: Monaco

Monaco is an independent state that’s so beautiful it has become an exclusive holiday destination for the rich and famous. There are grand houses, villas, and even a palace to see on a day trip to Monaco. 

Spend your morning exploring the city, your afternoon relaxing on the beautiful beach, and the evening enjoying the legendary nightlife!

Getting to Monaco

Take a train from Nice to Monaco in under half an hour. You can also drive in around 30 minutes but be aware that parking is very expensive.

Book your train tickets here .

Day 11 – 12: Menton – Pearl of the French Riviera

Menton is known as the ‘Pearl of the French Riviera’ and for good reason! The town has a beauty that is postcard-worthy, with its pastel-colored houses, terracotta roofs, and gardens of lemon trees.

Best of all, it’s thought to be one of the warmest places on the coastline, with over 316 days of sunshine a year! This means it’s the perfect place to visit the French Riviera at any time of year, and it’s the perfect place to grow lemons. The town is very proud of this, and you can find every type of lemon product imaginable. There’s even a lemon festival held every year at the end of February.

Just like Nice, there are plenty of town beaches to choose from. The ones to the east of Menton (towards Italy) are the sandier ones and are a great place to relax after a day of wandering the steep streets of the gorgeous old town.

Did you know? Menton is so close to the border of Italy that it can feel more Italian than French. Hello, pizza, pasta, and gelato!

Read: Menton – The Pearl of France

Where to Stay in Menton

Menton is small but perfectly formed, and anywhere in this beautiful town is a good area to stay. It’s particularly nice to choose from one of the hotels that look out over the sea and wake up to beautiful views! 

Hotels in Menton 😴

Getting to Menton

There are two railway stations in Menton, and it sits on the regional train line that goes between Nice and Italy. From Nice, it only takes 40 minutes, and it’s a beautiful train ride. 

Book your train tickets easily online here.

Extending your French Riviera Travels

If you’ve got more time, there are lots more incredible destinations to see on the French Riviera, like Antibes or Eze .

Costs of Traveling on the French Riviera

The French Riviera is known for its beautiful but expensive hotels and restaurants. However, there are ways you can budget for your trip. For example, travel in the off-season when the prices are lower, and it’s less busy. You can also stay in lesser-visited towns like Menton or Eze to reduce costs. Nice and Marseille are bigger cities that also offer a much bigger range of accommodation.

Costs of Traveling in France

Travel on a budget in France, from $340 − $670 USD weekly per person, mid-range $980 − $2160 USD, and high-end from $2070 − $3140 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $75 − $300 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $20 − $70 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $20 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $35 − $60 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $15 − $50 USD
• Activities: $5 − $30 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

How to Travel Around the French Riviera

Traveling around the French Riviera is super easy by car but also via public transport. There are great rail links between all the towns and tickets are generally very cheap

Find train tickets .

There are public buses, but roads can be busy at peak times on coastal roads. Additionally, hiring a car can give you the freedom to explore hidden corners of the French Riviera but make sure to factor in the costs of parking in the cities and towns. 

We recommend to rent a car in France through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Best Time to Travel to the French Riviera

The French Riviera is the warmest place in France, with over 300 days of sunshine a year! The summers are hot and dry, spring and fall are still warm, and the winters are mild. This means that any time is good to travel to the French Riviera. If you want fewer crowds and lower prices, we recommend traveling during the spring or fall.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
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• Find Flights to via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

Cotignac: The Cliffside Village of Provence, France

12 best things to do in paris: the ultimate 3-day trip, menton, france: the pearl of the french riviera.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Hey! This sounds amazing! Have you got any articles about travelling from south of France into Italy as part of your trip? Thanks!

Hi Kate, we don’t have guides that specific but you can have a look at our Italy travel guides .

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France by Train Itinerary – 6 Ways to Spend 2 Weeks in France by Train

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

2 Weeks in France Itinerary by Train – Where to Go?

So you’ve got a trip planned for  two weeks in France . Now what? Trying to decide how to visit France in 2 weeks isn’t an easy task. After all, there are so many beautiful places to see that it’s impossible to cover everything in 2 weeks in France.

That being said, you can have a fantastic trip to France and travel back home with the feeling you had a great taste of France.

But where to go? We’ve broken down six ways to spend 2 weeks in France by train, visiting different geographical areas and French regions with no rush. Starting from Paris , CDG Airport , or Nice , and traveling only by train, choose that France itinerary 14 days that tempts you most.

READ MORE – How to Plan a Trip to France

Touring France by Train – Itinerary and Tips

All these proposals are by train, with direct train connections most of the time. French trains are a fun and easy way to visit the country, you can read more in our quick guide to France by train .

Make sure you book the train tickets between the main stops online well in advance: TGV train connections between the main cities sold out fast! For your convenience, we’ve added links to our favorite trusty providers so you can book the train tickets directly from this post.

Most of the itineraries described below start from Paris. You can travel to Paris by train from many European cities in Germany, the UK, Catalonia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Italy. If you are traveling to France from overseas, use this link to book your flight tickets to Paris .

And don’t leave home without travel insurance. SafetyWing , our trusted travel insurance policy for long and short trips, covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and since April 2021, unplanned quarantine is covered, too.  Click here for more info and pricing .

2 Weeks in France by Train Itinerary #1: Paris – Avignon – Marseille – Nice

This 2 weeks in France by train itinerary explores the French capital and some of the best places in Provence and the French Riviera in Southern France.

Stop 1 | Paris (4 days)

Paris is a city that really needs no introduction. During your time in the French capital, you will want to visit some of the city’s main sights – perhaps with a couple of leisure strolls around the most picturesque areas – and a day trip to Versailles . If you need some inspiration on things to see and do, this 4-day Paris itinerary will be helpful.

If you count on visiting many museums and Paris landmarks, consider purchasing the Paris Museum Pass for 2 or 4 days . Château de Versailles and the Trianons are included in this Paris Museum Pass.

For your stay in Paris, book at the  Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne . Located just 500 meters from the Louvre Museum, this hotel offers its guests great facilities and always gets the best reviews.

Paris highlights:

• Louvre Museum
• Eiffel Tower
• Cruise on the Seine River
• Medieval Ile de la Cité
• Best things to do in Paris

For your day trip to Versailles , check out this Versailles guide , with all the information and our best tips to visit the Versailles Palace, Gardens, and more.

Stop 2 | Avignon (3 days)

Avignon’s main station is Avignon TGV , and it is well connected to Paris by TGV trains. Count on it taking 2 hrs 45 min from Paris Gare de Lyon train station. From Avignon TGV train station, there’s a train shuttle that takes you to Gare d’Avignon-Centre, in the city center, in only 5 minutes.

Click here to book your train tickets to Avignon

After your time in Paris, board one of the first trains to  Avignon for a different taste of France. Located in the South Bank of the Rhône River, Avignon was, for a brief moment in time, the center of the Catholic world, as the popes left Rome and came to live in this city. The  Papal Palace , built in Gothic style, is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a must-see of Avignon.

In Avignon,  Hotel Central  has a great and central location near the train station, and it comes with a pleasant front garden and an on-site bar. For something really special, check out  Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon . This hotel is set in a 16th-century building featuring arches and vaulted ceilings, and it has a beautiful garden and an outdoor swimming pool.

Enjoy  one day in Avignon . Here everything is within walking distance, and you can easily explore the city while strolling through its small cobblestone lanes. Be sure to visit the Papal Palace and walk through the Pont d’Avignon  (the famous bridge) or at least admire it from afar.

Use the second day in Avignon to explore the Luberon . During the lavender season in Provence , take this top-rated lavender tour  that includes the 12th-century  Senanque Abbey  and its surrounding  lavender fields , plus the oh-so-pretty village of  Roussillon . 

Out of this period, we recommend this  Best of Provence tour  that takes you to the Roman aqueduct of  Pont du Gard  and some of the most beautiful villages of Provence .

Stop 3 | Marseille (3 days)

Marseille’s main station is Marseille St Charles , and it is well connected to Avignon by TGV trains. Count on it taking 35 min from Avignon TGV train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Marseille

Marseille is the capital of Provence, a vibrant port city with a strong character and some beautiful places to visit. For your trip to Marseille, follow this Marseille 2-day itinerary or create your own itinerary from this list of best things to do in Marseille .

Marseille highlights

• Stroll around the Old Port, Marseille’s beating heart
• MuCEM, the Museum of the Mediterranean Cultures
• Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde
• Fort Saint-Jean
• Cathédrale La Major
• Le Panier neighborhood
• Best things to do in Marseille

For your stay in Marseille, Hotel la Résidence du Vieux Port is a great choice, with the perfect location – on the banks of the Old Port – and the best view of Marseille.

For your third day in the city, we recommend a day trip to the amazing Calanques de Marseille – Cassis . You can visit some of the Calanques on a day hike or on a boat tour with lunch .

Stop 4 | Nice (4 days)

Nice’s main train station is Nice Ville, and it is well connected to Marseille by TGV trains. Count on it taking 2 hrs 45 min from Marseille St Charles train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Nice

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera , the glitzy and perfect grand finale for these 14 days in France. Here, you will find beautiful baroque architecture, a picturesque Old Port, some of the best beaches on the French Riviera , and the famous Promenade des Anglais !

Nice highlights

• La Colline du Château
• The Old Port
• The Old Town
• Promenade des Anglais
• Cimiez Monastery
• Matisse Museum
• Chagall Museum
• Best things to do in Nice

For your stay in Nice, book at the Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges . This 4-star hotel is nestled into the Colline du Château, and it comes with a great view over the Baie des Anges.

We recommend spending at least two days in Nice . Use the rest of your time in the city to visit other places on day trips from Nice . We especially like Eze Village , but the city-state of Monaco is also a good option.

2 Week France Itinerary by Train #2: Paris – Colmar –Strasbourg – Nancy

This 2 week France itinerary by train explores Paris and some of the most beautiful places in the Grand Est region (Alsace and Lorraine).

If this is your first time in Paris, you can use this itinerary for 3 days in Paris , which dedicates two days to exploring the Seine’s right bank and one day on the left bank. For the last day, choose one of these day trips from Paris .

If you count on visiting many museums and Paris landmarks, consider purchasing the Paris Museum Pass for 2 days . There are many historical buildings outside Paris included in this Paris Museum Pass; check it out!

For your stay in Paris, book at the  Handsome Hotel by Elegancia . Located just 800 meters from the Louvre, this hotel offers its guests great facilities and always gets the best reviews.

Stop 2 | Colmar (4 days)

Colmar train station is connected to Paris by TGV trains or German ICE trains. There are 2-3 direct connections daily, while the rest of the connections imply a change of trains in Strasbourg. Count on it taking 2 hrs 50 min from Paris Gare de l’Est train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Colmar

This France 2-week itinerary continues in Colmar , one of the most picturesque cities in the Alsace region . Colmar’s Old Town has a beautiful ensemble of half-timbered houses, quaint canals, and many interesting sites. Colmar is also a must of the Alsace Wine Route and an excellent base to explore some of the most beautiful Alsace villages on day trips.

For your stay in Colmar, book at the  Hotel Le Colombier , a charming property located in the district of Little Venice, with spacious and stylish rooms, a bar, and a garden.

Colmar highlights:

• The Unterlinden Museum
• The Bartholdi Museum
• Little Venice
• The Food Market
• The Toy Museum
• The Choco-Story Colmar
• Best things to do in Colmar

Spend the first day in Colmar exploring the city – use this list of best things to do in Colmar to create your own itinerary. On day 2, take a day tour to visit other Alsace attractions . We like this Alsace Villages Tour and Wine Tasting , which visits pretty Alsace villages , the medieval Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg , and it comes with some wine tastings at a typical wine bar.

Stop 3 | Strasbourg (3 days)

Strasbourg is connected to Colmar by regional trains (TER) and TGV trains. The Swiss Railways also cover this connection. Count on it taking 33 min from Colmar to Strasbourg.

Click here to book your train tickets to Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital of the Grand Est region and the Alsace region. It is an interesting and lively city worth visiting during your France by train itinerary. Strasbourg is world-known for the Strasbourg Christmas Market , the oldest in France! The Old Town boasts some beautiful architecture and one of the best Gothic cathedrals in France.

Strasbourg highlights:

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• The Petite-France, a picturesque neighborhood
• The covered bridges and the barrage Vauban
• Strasbourg river cruise
• History Museum
• The European neighborhood
• Best things to do in Strasbourg

In Strasbourg, book two nights at the  Hotel Cathédrale , located just opposite Notre Dame de Strasbourg ,  with incredible and spectacular views over the cathedral.

For your stay in Strasbourg, check out this Strasbourg in 2 days itinerary , or choose some activities from this list of best things to do in Strasbourg . If you want to see more of the Alsace region, consider one of these day trips from Strasbourg .

Stop 4 | Nancy (3 days)

Nancy-Ville train station is connected to Strasbourg-Ville train station by regional trains (TER) trains. Count on it taking 1 hr 30 min from Strasbourg to Nancy.

Click here to book your train tickets to Nancy

Nancy is one of the most dynamic cities in the Grand Est region. Thanks to a rich past, the former capital of the Duchy of Lorraine boasts today a sumptuous architectural heritage and can rightfully be considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

For a long time, Nancy was considered the European capital of Art Nouveau. The 18th-century Stanislas Square , built in classic and rococo style, is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, if not the most beautiful one!

Nancy highlights

• Place Stanislas
• Parc de la Pepinière
• Musée des Beaux-Arts
• The Ducal Palace
• Villa Majorelle
• Notre Dame de l’Annonciation Cathedral

For your stay in Nancy, book at Hotel de Guise Nancy Vieille Ville . Set in a historic building in the Old Town, the hotel offers comfortable rooms and beautiful interiors and decorations.

France Itinerary 14 Days #3: Paris – Rouen – Bayeux – Mont St. Michel

This beautiful France itinerary 14 days by train, travels through Normandy , visiting vibrant cities, historical sites, and the wonder of Western France.

Stop 1 | Paris (5 days)

Start your France train itinerary in Paris , the City of Light. For your stay in the French capital, use the Paris 5-day itinerary , which covers the city’s main highlights and a couple of sites nearby. You can also check this list of the best things to do in Paris and craft your own Paris itinerary.

For your stay in Paris, book at the  Hotel de l’Abbaye , in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Located just 800 meters from the lovely Luxembourg Gardens, this hotel offers its guests great facilities and always gets the best reviews.

Stop 2 | Rouen (3 days)

Rouen’s main train station is Rouen Rive Droite which is well connected to Paris by regional trains (TER). Count on it taking 2 hrs from Paris Saint Lazare train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Rouen

Rouen is one of the main cities in Normandy , and it boasts the best-preserved medieval center in all of France, with beautiful architecture and picturesque cobbled streets. Nicknamed ‘the City of 100 Bell Towers,’ which dominate the city’s skyline, Rouen is also famous for being the place where Jeanne d’Arc was burned alive.

Rouen highlights

• Musée le Seq des Tournelles
• Historial Jeanne d’Arc – her trial site turned into a museum
• Tour Jeanne d’Arc
• Eglise Sainte Jeanne d’Arc de Rouen
• Old Market Square
• Notre Dame de Rouen Cathedral
• Picnic lunch in the Jardin des Plantes
• Best things to do in Rouen

For your stay in Rouen, book at the  Best Western Plus Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert , inspired by the French poet who was born in Rouen. The hotel has a central location in the Old Town and a beautiful terrace from where you can admire Rouen’s famous skyline.

Spend two days strolling around this beautiful city and visiting its main highlights. For your third day in Rouen, take a day trip to Giverny to see Monet’s gardens . You can travel by train to Vernon (40 min) and then jump on a bus to Giverny (10 min, five buses a day).

Stop 3 | Bayeux (3 days)

Bayeux is well connected to Rouen Rive Droite train station by regional trains (TER). All the options include a change of trains in Caen. Count on it taking 2 hrs 40 min from Rouen to Bayeux.

Click here to book your train tickets to Bayeux

The lovely city of Bayeux may not be large, but it boasts plenty of worthwhile sights. Bayeux’s attractive center is dominated by the imposing  Cathedral de Notre Dame , built in Gothic style and consecrated with the presence of William the Conqueror. However, a bigger drawcard is the Bayeux Tapestry , a 70-meter-long embroidery that depicts the Battle of Hastings when William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066.

For your night in Bayeux, we recommend  Clos de Bellefontaine B&B , a beautiful 19th-century private mansion set in a beautiful 2,000m2 park, with private parking on-site. Clos de Bellefontaine is located 200m from the Bayeux Tapestry.

Bayeux highlights

• Bayeux Cathedral
• The Bayeux Tapestry
• 19h-century Botanical Gardens (labeled Historical Site of France)
• Bayeux Market

Bayeux is also an excellent base to explore the D-day Landing sites of Normandy . This American D-Day Sites in Normandy Tour is a very informative and in-depth tour of the main battle points, and it always gets excellent reviews.

Stop 4 | Mont Saint-Michel (2 days)

The train journey from Bayeux to Mont Saint-Michel is easy to plan. Count on it taking 3 hrs 45 min by regional train (TER) with a change of trains in Pontorson . From Le Mont St-Michel train station, it’s a 7 min walk (570 m) to the abbey.

Click here to book your train tickets to Mont St.Michel

These two weeks in France by train end with a visit to Mont Saint-Michel . This stunning island abbey is also known as the Wonder of Western Europe.

Located at the border with Brittany, Mont Saint-Michel was for centuries one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, and today, 2.5 million tourists from around the world flock here every year. In the bay of Mont Saint-Michel, you will also see Europe’s highest tides!

You can visit Mont St-Michel alone – book your ticket with priority entrance . You can also fly over Saint-Michel Bay to admire the famous Abbey from the sky.

For a more relaxed trip, spend one night on-site in one of the hotels in Mont Saint Michel . Wander around the medieval streets when the crowds are gone and watch the waters rise to inundate the entrance to the island. The hotel Le Mouton Blanc is one of the best hotels in Mont St-Michel, nestled at the foot of the famous abbey. Le Mouton Blanc dates back to the 14th century, and it is perfect if you want to really soak in the island’s past.

14 Days in France Train Itinerary #4: Nice – Cannes – Marseille – Toulouse

This south of France itinerary by train starts in Nice , and it explores some of the most beautiful places in the regions of Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, with the possibility of many lovely day trips.

Stop 1 | Nice (4 days)

You can reach Nice by train from Paris and many other French cities. Nice Airport (NCE)  is the third busiest international airport in France , and it covers many international destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and America via regular or seasonal flights – Check out how to travel from Nice Airport to the city .

Click here to book your flight tickets to Nice

Nice is one of the best places to visit in the French Riviera , a must of any trip to Southern France. Spend two days in Nice and use the rest of your time visiting other places on day trips. We especially like Menton , but the city-state of Monaco and Eze-Village are also good options.

For your stay in Nice, book at the Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges . This 4-star hotel is nestled into the Colline du Château, and it comes with a great view over the Baie des Anges. Summers in Nice are hot, and you will be happy to book one of the Nice hotels with a pool .

For more information about Nice, jump to the France two-week itinerary #1.

Stop 2 | Cannes (3 days)

Cannes’ train station is well connected to Nice by regional trains (TER). Count on it taking 30 to 40 min from Nice Ville train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Cannes

Cannes is one of the most glamorous places on the French Riviera, world-famous for its cinema festival. However, Cannes has retained its authentic Provencal charms and offers visitors much more than walking the legendary carpet and social events.

Cannes highlights

• Le Suquet neighborhood
• La Croisette promenade
• Notre Dame d’Espérance Church
• Chic shopping at Rue d’Antibes
• Cannes’ sandy beaches
• Best things to do in Cannes

For your stay in Cannes, the Villa Pruly Hotel Cannes Centre is an excellent option. This 3-star hotel, recently renovated, is located a 5-minute walk from the beach, and it has charming rooms, a lush garden, and a terrace with sun loungers.

Use the first two days in Cannes to visit the city and relax on the beach. On the third day, you can opt for a catamaran cruise with lunch or explore Sainte-Marguerite – the biggest of the Lérins Islands – on a day trip. Located off the city of Cannes, Sainte-Marguerite is the easiest Lérins island to reach by ferry, and it has some lovely beaches far from the Cannes crowds – Book your ferry tickets to Sainte-Marguerite

Marseille’s main station is Marseille St Charles , and it is well connected to Cannes by TGV and regional trains. Count on it taking 2 hrs 10 min from Cannes train station.

The capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur , Marseille is an exciting and lively city great for culturally curious visitors and nature lovers.

For the list of things to do in Marseille, jump to the France by train itinerary Option 1. For your stay in Marseille, Hotel la Résidence du Vieux Port is a great choice, with the perfect location – on the banks of the Old Port – and the best view of Marseille.

Stop 4 | Toulouse (3 days)

Toulouse’s main station is Toulouse Matabiau, and it is well connected to Marseille by Intercités trains. Count on it taking 3 hrs 50 min from Marseille Saint-Charles train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Toulouse

Toulouse is the capital of the Occitanie region in Southern France. Nicknamed ‘the Pink City’ because of the color of the stone used for its buildings, Toulouse is a lively city with pretty little squares, elegant private mansions, interesting museums, and beautiful parks.

Toulouse highlights

• Place du Capitole
• The private mansions
• Saint-Sernin Basilica
• The Cité de l’Espace
• Things to do in Toulouse

Toulouse is easy to visit in two days. Use the third day to visit the medieval Cité de Carcassonne . The train journey to Carcassonne takes only 1 hour, and you will love the citadel and the history of the Cathars and the Crusaders behind it.

For your stay in Toulouse, the Ibis Styles Toulouse Capitole has an unbeatable location on the city’s main square, and it offers an excellent breakfast in a pleasant open space.

France 2 Week Itinerary #5: Paris – La Rochelle – Bordeaux – Biarritz

This 2 weeks in France itinerary by train starts from Paris , and it explores some of the most beautiful cities in Western France. Spend 14 days in France, combining sightseeing with relaxing days by the beach.

Stop 1 | Paris (3 days)

For your three days in the French capital, you can use this Paris 3-day itinerary or craft your own itinerary from this Paris bucket list . You can also use this itinerary for Paris in one day plus two of these day trips from Paris by train .

Stop 2 | La Rochelle (3 days)

La Rochelle’s main station is La Rochelle Ville, and it is well connected to Paris by TGV trains. Most of the train connections are direct, while others imply a change of trains in Poitiers. Depending on the train chosen, count on it taking 3 to 4 hrs from Paris Montparnasse train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to La Rochelle

La Rochelle  is a historic seaport in the Bay of Biscay along the sandy west coast of France. It is the perfect little city for a relaxing break by the ocean and a great base to explore the area.

La Rochelle’s main feature and attraction is the Old Port , which is central to nightlife and restaurants. La Rochelle is also rich in culture, architecture, and gastronomy.

La Rochelle highlights

• Towers of La Rochelle (14th century)
• La Rochelle Heritage Segway tour
• Local market
• The Aquarium

For your stay at La Rochelle, we recommend Hotel Les Brises . Located on the seafront, just 1.9 km from the Old Port, Hotel Les Brises offers lovely rooms with sea views.

After some busy days in Paris, you may want to take your time to visit La Rochelle and its surrounding area. Use one or two days to visit the city. For the rest of the days, head to Châtelaillon-Plage (15km south) to enjoy the beah. You can also take a sailing cruise to reach the famous Fort Boyard or cross the bridge to Ile de Re for a lovely day in one of the most beautiful French islands .

Stop 3 | Bordeaux (4 days)

Bordeaux’s main station is Bordeaux Saint-Jean, and it is well connected to La Rochelle by regional trains (TER) or Intercités trains. Count on it taking 2 hrs 40 min from La Rochelle Ville train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Home to some of the world’s best wines, sites like the Wine Museum or the Cité du Vin are ideal to start your wine explorations. Bordeaux is also known for its beautiful collection of 17th-century private mansions, excellent restaurants and pastry shops, and the world’s largest reflecting pool.

If you count on visiting many museums and landmarks in the city, consider purchasing the Bordeaux City Pass for 2 or 3 days .

Bordeaux highlights

• Port of the Moon (UNESCO perimeter)
• Place de la Bourse
• The Water Mirror
• Cité du Vin
• Garonne River Cruise
• Best things to do in Bordeaux

For your stay in Bordeaux, we recommend the Yndo Hotel , set in a 19th-century private mansion in the heart of Bordeaux, this chic hotel features individually decorated rooms, a fragrance garden, and a sun terrace.

Bordeaux is also a great base to explore the wine country or the Atlantic Ocean on day trips. Spend two days visiting Saint Émilion , a town world-known for its wines, and the Bay of Arcachon with Dune du Pilat .

Stop 4 | Biarritz (4 days)

Biarritz’s train station is well connected to Bordeaux by regional trains (TER). Count on it taking 2 hrs from Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station. Biarritz train station is far from the city center, but it is well connected to the city center by bus.

Click here to book your train tickets to Biarritz

This two weeks in France train itinerary ends in Biarritz , a splendid seaside resort nestled in the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic coast. You will most likely fall in love with Biarritz, a lively city with magnificent vestiges of the past, exceptional cultural sites, and rich natural heritage.

For your stay in Biarritz, book at Hotel Windsor Grande Plage . Located in an ancient private mansion facing the Grande Plage beach, the hotel is ideally situated close to the main attractions.

Biarritz highlights

• Les Halles (local market)
• Grande Plage with Sainte Eugénie Church and the Basta Rock
• Biarritz’s lighthouse
• Le Rocher de la Vierge
• Views from the Atalaya Plateau
• Best things to do in Biarritz

Visit Biarritz in one or two days and spend the rest of your time visiting other places in the Basque Country. The lovely town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the city of Bayonne are easy to reach by train from Biarritz.

2 Weeks in France by Train Itinerary #6: French Wine Regions

This two weeks in France itinerary explores some of the best wine areas in France . This France train itinerary starts from Paris CDG TGV airport, and it is perfect for wine lovers.

TIP:  If you plan to bring a few bottles home (who could resist?!),  make sure you pack your wine properly  so it arrives safely home!

Stop 1 | Lyon (3 days)

Lyon’s main station is  Lyon-Part-Dieu , and it is connected to Paris CDG Airport by TGV trains. Count on it taking 2 hrs from Paris CDG Airpot train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Lyon

Lyon  is a beautiful and cultural city, bisected by the river Rhône from north to south. The city has an interesting Roman heritage and interesting museums, and it is also an excellent place for enjoying good food and wine. The Old Town has a fascinating network of hidden passages, the traboules , that you must explore when visiting Lyon.

For your stay in Lyon, book at  Villa Florentine . This former convent, located in the heart of Old Lyon, offers elegant guest rooms and fabulous panoramic views of the city.

For your visit to Lyon, steal this  2 days in Lyon itinerary . or choose your favorite activities from this list of best things to do in Lyon .

If you count on visiting many museums and landmarks, consider purchasing the Lyon City Pass for 1 or 2 days .

Lyon highlights:

• Saint-Jean Cathedral
• Lugdunum – Musée et Théâtres Romains
• Fourvière Hill and Basilica
• Old Lyon and the Saône River Banks
• Parc de la Tête d’Or
• Lyon e-bike tour
• Musée des Confluences
• Best things to do in Lyon

Lyon is an excellent place to explore the Rhône Valley wine region , which produces some of the most renowned wines in France, most notably its full-bodied reds. Visit some wineries in the Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie appellations, meet the winemakers, and sample a variety of Côtes du Rhône wines with this guided tour from Lyon .

Also, Lyon is not far from the Beaujolais Wine Region (wines of Burgundy), which produces vibrant, fruity wines with the Gamay grape variety. The Beaujolais Wine Region also boasts an exceptional heritage of beguiling villages, old churches, beautiful estates, and country roads that complement this rural paradise. Discover Southern Beaujolais with this unusual and gourmet tour with tastings that will show the highlights of this beautiful region, from history to wine!

Stop 2 | Dijon (3 days)

Dijon’s main station is  Dijon Ville , and it has direct connections with Lyon with regional trains (TER), and there are also some TGV trains. Count on taking 2 hours from Lyon Part Dieu to Dijon Ville.

Click here to buy your train tickets to Dijon

Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region and is probably best known for its picturesque architecture and great wine. It was home to the Dukes of Burgundy, and as such, it has a fascinating cultural and architectural heritage. And of course, it also has incredible food, just like the rest of France.

In Dijon, the  Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon  is a good option, conveniently located close to all the main attractions. 

Visit the Old Town , which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 and is full of beautiful, half-timbered houses and little squares. Before exploring the surrounding vineyards, we suggest taking this wine master class with tastings to get to know the Burgundy wines.

Dijon highlights:

• Hotel de Ville
• Jardin des Ducs
• Musée des Beaux-Arts, in the Palace of the Dukes
• Notre Dame Church
• Central Market
• Best things to do in Dijon

Dijon is one of the main stops of the Route des Grands Crus , and you can visit some parts of it by train or with a guided bike tour .

Take a train to Beaune (no need to buy train tickets in advance) to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune and do some tastings. Domaine Chanson and Maison Champy offer tours with tastings in English (book in advance).

Stop 3 | Reims (3 days)

Reims’ main train station is Gare de Reims and it is connected with Dijon via regional trains and TGV trains. There is only one direct connection a day between Dijon and Reims , which we recommend taking. Connections with a transfer in Paris arrive at Paris Gare de Lyon and depart from Paris Gare de l’Est , so you will need to take the metro between the two train stations in Paris.

Click here to buy your train tickets to Reims

The capital of Champagne, with many historical gems to visit, is undeniably an important place for French history. Between sipping  champagne wine , visiting the main sites, and experiencing a memorable and moving visit to a critical piece of WWII history, there are many things to do in Reims .

For your night in Reims, we recommend the  Domaine Les Crayères , an iconic property in the city nestled in a seven hectares park, 300m from the Pommery Champagne House. Inaugurated by the Marquise de Polignac, this wonderful villa belonged to her descendants until 1978.

Reims is famous for its magnificent Cathedral Notre Dame de Reims , which is one of the  best Gothic Cathedrals in France . From King Clovis to the French Revolution, almost all the Capetian Kings of France were crowned in the Reims Cathedral. 

Reims highlights

• Palais de Tau
• Saint-Remi Church
• Champagne Tasting
• Art-Déco architecture
• Taste the rose biscuits
• Best things to do in Reims

If you go for a champagne tasting, which we recommend!, check out this article on the  best champagne houses in Reims . You can also explore the surrounding vineyards by e-bike or take a day trip by train to the champagne town of Epernay (no need to book train tickets in advance).

Stop 4 | Paris (1 day)

Paris Gare de l’Est is one of the capital’s main train stations. Gare de l’Est serves the main cities in Eastern France, and also Germany. Count on taking it 1 hour from Gare de Reims to Gare de l’Est .

Click here to buy your train tickets to Paris

This 2-week itinerary France only spends one night in Paris. If this is your first time in Paris, you can decide to stay more time in the French capital. For only one night in Paris, you can use this one-day Paris itinerary , which covers the main sights. If you have already been to Paris, go off the beaten path and check out a few of these lovely hidden gems in Paris .

For your stay in Paris, book at one of these lovely hotels near Gare du Nord , which is just in front of Gare de l’Est. When you arrive from Reims, avoid the hassle of taking the metro with your luggage. From here, you have direct metro connections to Gare de Montparnasse for the day after.

Stop 5 | Bordeaux (4 days)

Bordeaux’s main station is  Bordeaux Saint-Jean  and it has fast and direct connections from Paris (count on taking it 2 hrs 30 min from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Bordeaux Saint-Jean . On the way back home, you can take a train from Bordeaux directly to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport . Bordeaux has some (but not all) direct connections with Paris CDG Airport. Count on taking it 3h 45 m from Paris CDG Airport to Bordeaux St-Jean with direct trains.

This France itinerary 2 weeks ends in Bordeaux , home to some of the world’s best wines. The city is located in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine , in Western France, and it is bisected by the Garonne River . Don’t miss Bordeaux’s beautiful collection of private mansions from the 17 century, and of course, its wine shops and bars!

For your stay in Bordeaux, we recommend the  Hotel La Cour Carrée Bordeaux Centre , set in a 19th-century private mansion in the heart of Bordeaux. This beautiful hotel features individually decorated rooms, all air-conditioned, and a terraced patio.

For your visit to Bordeaux, we recommend starting with a guided walking tour to learn more about the city’s history. This top-rated Bordeaux wine master class will help you decode the complexity of Bordeaux wines. If you count on visiting many museums and landmarks, consider purchasing the Bordeaux City Pass for 2 or 3 days .

• The water mirror
• Bassin des Lumières
• Garonne River Cruise with a glass of wine

Bordeaux is the perfect base to explore the wine areas of Saint-Émilion and Médoc . There’s a direct regional train that connects Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Saint Emilion (30 min, one way). However, we recommend this Saint Emilion wine tour if you also wish to explore the wine châteaux.  

Take this Médoc guided tour with tastings to follow Medoc’s famous Route des Châteaux and learn all about different wine-tasting techniques along the way.

So there you have it, our selection of the best itineraries to spend 2 weeks in France. Which France by train itinerary tempts you most?

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The Ultimate 7 to 10 Days in the South of France Itinerary

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Planning a south of France itinerary is one of the highlights of visiting this incredible country. France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and, although many visitors will stay in Paris, plenty head down to spend 7 to 10 days in the south of France to soak up the sun on the pristine beaches, visit the stunning mountain ranges or learn about French culture on a city break.

A south of France itinerary can be extremely diverse, taking you to all of the above, or allowing you to pick and mix as you please. Whichever stops you end up choosing, you’re sure to have a fantastic holiday surrounded by lush natural areas, historic locations or beautiful city centres.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in the South of France?

To explore the whole of the south of France, from the Atlantic coast of Bayonne to the Mediterranean principality of Monaco , you would need at least two weeks to freely explore each wonderful town and city en route without rushing. However, to enjoy the Mediterranean coastline and its neighbouring cities, towns and quaint villages, 10 days in the south of France is ideal.

Although, if you want to concentrate your stops in one area, such as Languedoc-Roussillon or Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, you can spend a very pleasant 7 days in the south of France, without spending too much time on the road. 

Part of the fun of a south of France road trip is seeing the sights from a car window and stopping when your interest is piqued by a looming château or spectacular view. So it can be a great idea to plan a few days of activities but leave yourselves a day or at least an afternoon here and there for travelling and taking in the scenery.

Equally, if you prefer not to drive and would rather take trains or buses, you can pack picnics for your journeys and enjoy the views; you may still be on the move rather than on your feet or a sun lounger, but it’s a great way to make the most of every moment of your holiday.

The itinerary for the south of France outlined below covers a range of highlights to be found in the area. However, if you’re keen to dig deeper into various regions, make sure to check out our Provence itinerary or our French Riviera itinerary if you’ve already decided where you want to go.

Getting To & Around the South of France

Driving tends to be the best mode of transport to get around the south of France, as you’re then free to move around according to your own schedule, and there are many free (or at least cheap) places to park to be found in most cities and towns across the country.

All of the airports and city centres will have rental car companies where you can find various vehicles for reasonable prices, although it’s advisable to book in advance to guarantee you get the car of your choice.

The French have an expression that roughly translates to “there may not be work, but there are always roadworks”, so if you’re planning a south of France road trip itinerary outside of the summer months, it’s useful to have Google Maps open to have live traffic information for your journey so you can take alternative routes where necessary.

However, from June to September, as both French and foreign tourists travel around the country, there tend to be very few problems on the road, and you can almost guarantee excellent road surfaces to make your car journeys significantly more comfortable.

What’s more, the south of France has an excellent reputation for hitchhiking, so if you’re feeling adventurous and have a loose schedule for your trip to the south of France, this can be a great way of travelling around and getting some insider information about the hidden gems. Just make sure to follow safety precautions.

Getting to the south of France in the first place is also very simple as there are many airports located all along the south.

There are major airports in Toulouse, Montpellier, Marseille and Nice, so you can start your journey easily from any of these cities, although you can also arrive from the UK and other neighbouring European countries in the smaller cities of Carcassonne, Nîmes, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Toulon. You can book airport pickups here.

Each of these cities also has excellent public transportation, so you can visit much of the south of France by train. However, if you’d like to spend time in more rural villages and historic sites, there may not be trains and only a few buses each day, so having your own car is definitely advisable.

Most of the stops on our southern France itinerary will be well-known towns and cities that can easily be accessed by train or bus, but there are a couple of more out-of-the-way destinations that will be harder to reach without a car. So try to choose the best stops for your own south of France itinerary accordingly. You can view train and bus schedules here.

7 to 10 Day South of France Itinerary

From cities and towns to lakes and villages, our southern France itinerary will show you the best that France has to offer, without spending too long on the road so you can make the most of the bright sunshine, bustling streets and beautiful landscape.

Day 1 – Toulouse

Toulouse is a great place to start your 7 days in the south of France, as the airport has excellent connections to major European cities like London , Paris , Amsterdam and Munich , without being so busy that you spend your whole first day waiting at border control.

You can rent a car from the airport to start your road trip, or take the tram into the city for just a few euros and arrive in the centre ready to explore.

The centre of Toulouse has a wonderful large square lined on one side by the beautiful pink and white building Le Capitole that houses the town hall and the theatre of Toulouse.

This square is a great welcome into the city, leading off into winding streets full of boutiques and restaurants showing off the famous red brick of the region and the amazing cuisine.

You can wander around the city and discover the other incredible red brick structures like the Saint-Sernin Basilica and the Jacobins Convent with its enormous stained glass windows and occasional evening light show on the exterior façade. You can also  organise a walking tour  or  a food tour  if you want to learn more about the area from a guide.

The Canal du Midi also flows through Toulouse, as does the River Garonne, which provides a lovely place for an afternoon stroll, admiring the Occitan architecture, sunbathing on the steps leading to the river and sipping a cocktail on one of the floating bars. Plus, if you look closely under the Pont Neuf, you can spot one of James Colomina’s curious little red statues…

As a city, you can find plenty of places to stay within Toulouse from budget hotels and B&Bs to luxury apartments. Or, for a more rural gîte, you can head slightly further out of the city to enjoy nature, which is particularly beautiful around the Tarn and Garonne Rivers.

Where to Stay in Toulouse

Hôtel Héliot – Mid-range visitors to Toulouse will love this cool, 3-star hotel. Located in the centre of the city, they have a range of lovely rooms along with a great breakfast on offer in the morning. Click here to check availability

Boutique Hotel SOCLO – This boutique hotel is an excellent option for those after a luxury stay in Toulouse. They have a range of plush rooms to choose from along with an excellent location for exploring all the city has to offer. Click here to check availability

Appartements Design Hypercentre – If you’d prefer to have your own flat while in the South of France, then these apartments in Toulouse are a great choice. They come fully furnished and have a great, central location. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Toulouse hotels!

Day 2 – Carcassonne

Moving further south from Toulouse, you come across the amazing walled city of Carcassonne – the perfect place for a day trip. You can visit independently or go on an organised trip such as this full-day tour or this full-day tour.

Having been occupied since 500 BCE, this land was transformed by the Romans into a walled city which was further enhanced in the 12th century to create the incredible 3 km of ramparts we see today.

You can see the 52 towers rising in the distance as you approach by car, train or plane and the inside of the city takes you back in time with its traditional French shops selling everything from sweets to swords.

In the summer, the city comes to life with jousting tournaments, battle reenactments, opportunities to learn how to write with a quill and ink and people dressed in traditional mediaeval clothing wandering around the city. It’s a great place to visit with the family, but equally interesting for anyone with an interest in history, architecture or French culture.

The highlight of Carcassonne is the mediaeval city, however, there is a more modern town on the other side of the river which has hotels, restaurants and some apartments to rent, so if you haven’t brought your campervan, this is an excellent place to stay.

Day 3 – Montpellier

Moving further south still, we get to the real entrance of the south of France: Montpellier . Located on the Mediterranean coast, the amazing city has everything, from Roman ruins and neoclassical architecture to beaches, parks and exquisite gastronomy.

Visitors can happily stroll around the streets of the city centre, coming across the main square La Comedie, named after the huge theatre on one end, where the locals gather for entertainment, or simply to pass through on their way to work.

A short walk will take you to the magnificent 17th-century Triumphal Arch and stunning 18th-century tiered aqueduct that’s still working to supply the city’s fountains with water.

If that’s not enough to entice you, Montpellier has a fantastic botanical garden, which is the oldest in France, as well as plenty of murals and trompe d’œils dotted around the city streets, making for a wonderful walking tour. You can also easily take the tram around the city if you don’t feel like walking too far, as well as to the enormous beach with wild flamingos nearby.

Montpellier is a large city and has a very popular university so you can find activities for young people around every corner, as well as cheap hotels and apartments so everyone can have the chance to explore this amazing coastal city. Even if you can only stay for 7 days in the south of France, make sure you stop by Montpellier – you won’t be disappointed!

Where to Stay in Montpellier

Hôtel Royal – This 3-star hotel in the centre of Montpellier is a fantastic choice for those looking for a central place to stay in this French city. They have a range of chic rooms to choose from along with breakfast on offer each morning. Click here to check availability

Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole – This chic hotel is an excellent choice for those after a luxury option while staying in Montpellier. They have an excellent, central location along with an array of plush rooms plus many other amenities available. Click here to check their availability

Appart’City Confort Montpellier Saint Roch – If you’re keen for a self-catering option while exploring the south of France, then these apartments are a great choice. They have an array of fully-furnished flats all within easy access of all Montpellier has to offer. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Montpellier hotels!

Day 4 – Arles

Carcassonne and Montpellier were simply appetisers for history buffs, who can now rub their hands in glee at our next destination, the fabulous city of Arles. Arles is a perfectly sized town to wander around the streets and get a glimpse of the Provençal architecture and Roman ruins, namely the spectacular amphitheatre, Arènes d’Arles.

This 20,000 seater, two-tiered arena was built in 90 CE for gladiator fights and chariot races to entertain the locals and had towers added during the mediaeval era and looks unbelievably incredible today.

You can easily spend a few hours learning about the history of the structure or even watching a performance as it now hosts live music, bullfighting and other events in Summer, before heading off to experience the city’s other claim to fame: van Gogh’s house.

Having lived in the city for just a year, Vincent van Gogh created hundreds of artworks during his stay, having been greatly inspired by the natural beauty and pastel colours of the houses. Unfortunately, the house where he resided (and cut off his ear) was destroyed during the Second World War, however, you can visit a museum dedicated to the artist nearby.

Don’t miss out on the amazing and spooky Alyscamps either, with its incredible Gothic sarcophagi on either side of the ancient road leading down to a 12th-century church.

There aren’t lots of hotels within Arles city centre, however, with the Rhône River flowing through the landscape, there are some wonderful campsites and gîtes surrounded by countryside just five minutes driving out of the city. It is also very feasible to continue onto Marseille for the next few nights.

Where to Stay in Marseille

Hôtel Life Marseille VP – Mid-range visitors to Marseille will love this cool 3-star hotel in the centre of the city. They have an array of wonderful rooms to choose from, a fantastic location and plenty of other perks to ensure you have an excellent stay. Click here to check availability

La Residence Du Vieux Port – This luxury hotel in the Old Port area of Marseille is perfect for those looking for a chic and romantic place to stay in this French city. There are plentiful rooms to choose from along with an excellent location for seeing the city. Located in the Old Port area of Marseille, those looking for luxury will love this opulent boutique hotel. Click here to check availability

Vertigo Vieux-Port – Those looking for a budget option or if you’re after a great social atmosphere will love this highly-rated hostel in the Old Port area of Marseille. They have great common areas and self-catering facilities along with both dorms and private rooms available. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Marseille hotels!

Day 5 – Marseille

There’s not much to be said about the oldest and third-largest city in France that hasn’t already been said, and all of the great things you’ve heard about Marseille are true. Founded by the Greeks over 2600 years ago, the port city has seen a great deal of migration from all across the world making it a spectacularly diverse melting pot of architecture, cuisine, culture and religion.

The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is a must-see place within the city, and fortunately, you can see it from all around Marseille as it towers high above the otherwise quite flat city.

On the opposite side of Marseille, close to the train station is the equally spectacular but less well-known black and white striped Cathedrale La Major, which looks particularly magnificent at sunrise when the daylight causes the domed roof to glow orange.

A short distance away is the famous fish market and port of Marseille where you can see the fishermen selling their catches, as they’ve done for centuries, and take amazing photographs with the beautiful boats in the fore and the basilica in the background.

It’s possible to spend a few days in Marseille and not get the chance to see everything, so it’s a great destination for a weekend break, but even if you’ve got 10 days in the area, you’ve got to spare one for Marseille – even if it’s just to eat seafood (or take a food tour ) and enjoy the views.

Similar to other cities in France, you can find many hotels across the city for all kinds of budgets, as well as smaller B&Bs in the suburbs.

But there’s great transportation in the city, so rather than driving in, it’s a good idea to leave your car parked by your accommodation and just take a bus in and out of the city when you need to. 

Day 6 – Gorges du Verdon

So far each destination has been easily reachable by public transport, however, it’s more difficult to reach our next stop if you’re seeing the south of France by train. But, the Gorges du Verdon is one of the most breathtaking locations in the whole of France, so if possible, you have to include it on your southern France itinerary.

This 25 km long canyon has been cut out of limestone by the brilliant turquoise Verdon River that reaches down 700 metres at its deepest and is a popular place to take a pedalo or kayak, or go hiking and even rock climbing.

You can travel through the gorge into the Sainte-Croix Lake which was created in the 1970s by flooding the small village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon, later rebuilt on the banks of the lake. You can stop here for lunch in any number of delightful restaurants with mesmerising lakeside views, or bring a picnic with you to enjoy a full day out exploring the canyon and surrounding lakes.

There are several hotels in the village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon and near the small village of Boulogne, on the south side of the gorges, and you can find plenty of campsites surrounding the Sainte-Croix Lake, some with cabins that you can rent if you haven’t got your own tent.

But be wary that the Gorges du Verdon is a very popular place to stay in Summer, so you’ll need to book your accommodation well in advance. Alternatively, continue onto Cannes for the evening, where you can be based for the next few days of this itinerary. There are also a number of other places to stay on the French Riviera that are great choices.

For those who don’t want to make the drive out to the gorge, there are other great options available for this day. You could, for instance, spend another day exploring Marseille. You could also opt to take a day trip to the lavender fields and take in a hilltop village in Provence.

Another great option would be to visit the Calanques du Marseille and the village of Cassis for a gorgeous area very close to the city.

Where to Stay in Cannes

Villa Claudia Hotel Cannes – If you’re on a mid-range budget while in Cannes, then this hotel is a good choice. It has a good location for exploring the city, breakfast is available in the mornings and there is a great garden to enjoy. Click here to check availability

Hotel Splendid – This hotel is a fantastic luxury option for those looking to live the high life while on the French Riviera. They have a myriad of incredible rooms to choose from along with a great location for exploring the city and area. Click here to check availability

La Bastide de l’Oliveraie – Those after a bit of an alternative accommodation option will love these plush suites in Cannes. They have an excellent, central location and there are plenty of rooms and suites available to choose from. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Cannes hotels!

Day 7 – Saint-Raphaël

Back down to the Mediterranean coast, between the picturesque but incredibly busy town of St Tropez and the large and equally popular city of Cannes , is the small yet delightful town of Saint-Raphaël.

With a small harbour, a huge cathedral and beautiful beaches, this lovely little town is a great place to spend a relaxing final day of a south of France itinerary if you’re on a week-long holiday.

The charming town is a wonderful place to wander around, perusing the little shops and soaking up the sun, but during the Summer, the town really comes to life after 7.30 pm with its famous night market! This is much different than market day in other Provençal towns.

Stalls line the boardwalk all evening, selling local products from traditional Provençal soaps and perfumes to sweet treats and jewellery, so after you’ve had your traditional fish soup, anchovy paste, stuffed peppers or Bouillabaisse, you can’t miss out on a wander around the market to bring your 7 days in the south of France to a close.

If you’ve got time, you’ve also got to check out the superb amphitheatre of Fréjus, just a ten-minute drive from Saint-Raphaël centre.

Saint-Raphaël doesn’t have its own airport, however, it’s just a 45-minute drive from Cannes Airport, or 1 hour along the coastal road so you can say your farewells to the Côte d’Azur as you head home.

If you’re staying on, you can find many different hotels and apartments to stay in for the night all along the coast, although as we head into the more glamorous coastline, you’ll notice the prices can jump up quite a bit from other properties on our itinerary.

Day 8 – Valbonne

For your eighth day in the south of France, it’s time to head away from the coastal towns and cities to experience life in a small village, and there’s none better than Valbonne.

Just north of Cannes and Antibes, you can easily reach Valbonne by car from Saint-Raphaël, or if you’re travelling on public transport you can take a bus from Cannes to Valbonne for just a few euros.

This little village may lack big landmarks and resorts, but it’s bursting with character, with charming cobbled streets leading you around the village, from quaint squares to historic churches.

This style of architecture and tiny community nestled into a valley surrounded by wilderness is archetypal of the area, so a must-visit place for anyone looking to get away from the busy cities and tourist-filled beaches to get a glimpse into the real south of France.

There are a number of wonderful places to eat, including Auberges, serving traditional dishes using produce sourced directly from the surrounding countryside to heighten your experience of rural French life. You can stay in the village, but there are only two hotels, so you’ll want to book well in advance if you want to stay overnight.

However, the large city of Cannes is not far away so there will be much more choice of hotels, as well as gîtes and B&Bs dotted around the countryside if you prefer to stay in a more rural location.

Day 9 – Nice

After a day in the countryside, it’s time to get back into the city, and one of the French Riviera’s most unmissable cities has to be Nice .

With its bustling city centre full of designer shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, you won’t be short of things to do as you walk from street to street, under the intriguing street lamps. But Nice isn’t your average city.

As you head out of the modern centre, you can come across the delightful old town, with more traditional boutiques and eateries, and you can even visit one of the first Russian Orthodox Cathedrals built in France, the beautiful Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.

With its intriguing shape, red brick exterior, turquoise domed roofs and pointed turrets, it may be small but it’s well worth visiting while you’re in Nice – just remember to wear long sleeves and trousers to be allowed entry.

You can also walk up the Colline du Château to see the ruins of an old castle and a beautiful waterfall as well as have incredible views over the whole of Nice.

There’s plenty to do in the city for all ages and interests, as well as accommodation for all budgets in the city centre and further out in the suburbs. You can also  organise a walking tour  or  food tour  if you prefer to explore with a guide.

Where to Stay in Nice

Nice Garden Hotel – This is a great mid-range hotel in Nice to round out your south of France trip. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from along with a great location within easy reach of the Promenade des Anglais. Click here to check availability

Palais Saleya Boutique hôtel – If you’re looking for a luxury hotel while in Nice, then you can’t go wrong with this lovely place. They have a number of delightful rooms to choose from along with plenty of amenities to ensure you have a great stay. Click here to check availability

Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice – Located in Old Nice, these apartments are a wonderful choice for those keen for their own space in this coastal metropolis. They have a number of great flats, all equipped with everything you may need for your stay. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Nice hotels!

Day 10 – Èze

Nice Airport is the best place to fly out of the south of France if you’ve come along the south coast from west to east, and fortunately, it’s not far from the wonderful village of Èze, which makes for a remarkably relaxing final day of your holiday.

Simply wander around the picturesque village with cobbled streets and stone houses, stunning views over the Mediterranean and the nearby millionaire’s playground that is Monaco.

Or, take a free tour of the renowned Fragonard perfume factory before heading to a cliffside restaurant to enjoy your final plat du jour and a crisp local vin blanc before heading home.

Have More Time?

If you have more than 10 days , there are plenty of other highlights to stop in en route.

Stop in one of the only papal seats outside the Vatican in Avignon to explore the Pope’s Palace, the famous destroyed bridge Le Pont d’Avignon and the nearby Pont du Gard for a day before visiting Arles, or continue your journey along the French Riviera to the flash principality of Monaco to see how the other half live or try your luck in the famous casino.

Or if Roman history piques your interest, stop by the incredible city of Nîmes near Arles to see a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre that gives Arles a run for its money, as well as its perfectly preserved white Roman temple La Maison Carrée.

En route from Carcassonne to Montpellier, you can also stop for a day of hiking and art in the community of Mayronnes to walk along the impressive 6 km long sculpture trail – but bring plenty of water with you as it can get very hot, especially in the height of summer.

Whether you take a south of France road trip or see the south of France by train, there is plenty to do across the whole region for all interests. Over a week or 10 days in the south, you’ll get to experience some amazing food, architecture and natural areas that will surely have you aching to get back as soon as your feet are off French soil.

Are you visiting the south of France? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Cannes or Nice: Which French City to Visit?

One Day in Dijon Itinerary: A Perfect Day Trip

The Essential Guide to Visiting Paris in Winter

About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

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The Best Places to Visit in France

By Monica Mendal

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The best places to visit in France shouldn’t only be consigned to Paris and the French Riviera . Sure, there’s nothing quite like watching the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night or reveling in the glamour of summer on the Côte d’Azur, but there’s much more to France than the traditional tourist path. So, where to begin? From 10 major wine regions sweeping the country, to its variety of diverse coastlines stretching from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, to a vast mountain range that shares its borders with Switzerland and Italy, there’s plenty to explore in France year-round.

If you’re crunched for time, there are tons of day trips from Paris reachable by train if you want a change of scenery without venturing too far. Can’t get enough of French cuisine? Then how about visiting the gastronomic capital of France. (Spoiler alert: it isn’t Paris.) And if the French Riviera is out of your price range come high summer, consider exploring the country’s alternative coastlines—of which there are many.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit in France.

Take a Day Trip From Paris

The most popular day trip from Paris is a visit to King Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles , a mere 45-minute train ride from the city center via the RER C metro line. The palatial estate is spread across over 2,000 acres, composed of the palace, gardens, park, Estate of Trianon, and stables. In 2021, French hotel company Airelles opened Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle in the heart of the palace grounds, with regal interiors inspired by Marie Antoinette’s Versailles estate, Petit Trianon. Here, guests can live out their own royal fantasies while benefiting from exclusive access and tailor-made experiences on the property. While Mont-Saint Michel follows Versailles as the third most visited monument in France (the first being the Eiffel Tower), there are plenty of other places to visit in Normandy as a day trip. A 50-minute train from Paris will land you in Giverny, the small village where Claude Monet famously lived and produced his illustrious water lily series. Travelers can visit his former home and gardens, which are open from late March to early November. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a seaside escape from Paris, you don’t have to travel all the way to the south of France. Normandy’s Côte Fleurie, often referred to as the Parisian Riviera, is a popular resort destination among Parisians—particularly Deauville and Trouville, which are a two-hour train ride from Paris.

Stay here: If you decide to turn your day trip into an overnight, Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle is the ultimate stay in Versailles, while Domaine de Primard , a bucolic stay situated in an 18th-century chateau, is located a mere 30 minutes from Claude Monet’s home.

Dine Your Way Through the Bouchons of Lyon

By Daniel Rodgers

By Georgia Day

By Alexis Bennett Parker

Lyon is known as the undisputed gastronomic capital of France. Unsurprisingly, it was women who earned this title for the capital city of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, specifically the Mères Lyonnaises, or mothers of Lyon. Typically women of humble origins, they left their homes after the French Revolution in search of work, landing themselves in the homes of Lyon’s bourgeois families, where they used local, inexpensive ingredients to prepare simple and delicious meals; many believe it to be their impact that helped define and shape French cuisine as we know it today. When they were released from their jobs during the economic crisis of 1929, many of these women decided to open their own restaurants, known today as bouchons, referring to homey, casual eateries serving affordable and hearty fare. Today, Lyon is still littered with its historic bouchons —in fact, there are more restaurants per head than in any other in France. Try traditional Lyonnaise dishes like the quenelles at Cafe Comptoir Abel, chef Joseph Viola’s award-winning pâté en croûte at Daniel et Denise Créqui, the tête de veau at Café des Fédérations, and everything else at La Meunière, Brasserie Georges, and Chez Georges.

Stay here: Situated in a former convent, Villa Florentine is located in the heart of Old Lyon, a stone’s throw away from the best restaurants in the city. In the warmer months, take a dip in the rooftop pool featuring panoramic views of the city.

Ski the French Alps

France is blessed by such a surfeit of the world’s top ski resorts that it’s almost impossible to decide where to go. Les Trois Vallées is among the most popular ski regions in France, connecting multiple resorts through its interlinked valleys accessible using a single ski pass. Apart from skiing, the upper-crust love Courchevel for its abundance of five-star resorts (the most in France after Paris), magnum rosé-filled lobster lunches, and high-end luxury boutiques—some of which, like Moncler, are even located sur piste. If it’s refined subtly you’re going for in Les Trois Vallées, Meribel is the ideal option not only for its optimal location and famous slopes, like La Face, which was created for the 1992 Winter Olympics, but for its friendly-friendly atmosphere and bounty of ski-in ski-out chalets and hotels, including the beloved Hôtel Le Coucou , helmed by the same owners as Provence’s Crillon Le Brave and Paris’s buzzy new Le Grand Mazarin. Head to Chamonix at the base of Mont Blanc, often primed with fresh powder, to tick skiing the world’s longest ski run, the Vallée Blanche, off your bucket list. For a less advanced resort (or if it’s not the skiing alone that entices you), the nearby Megève will feed your appetite for a romantic sojourn in a charming alpine village with cobbled streets littered with high-end restaurants and chic stays. Val d’Isère is quickly becoming the French Alps’ latest hot spot with a flurry of buzzy openings, from Airelles Val d’Isère and the upcoming Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère signaling a new awakening.

Stay here: The Pierre Yovanovitch-designed stay Hôtel Le Coucou is a stylish ski-in ski-out hotel with excellent dining options, from a traditional Savoyard restaurant to its beloved Beefbar. Airelles Val d’Isère is another ski-in ski-out hotel, host to its own assortment of critically acclaimed dining establishments, from Loulou to Nobu Matsuhisa’s Matsuhisa. The historic Grand Hôtel Soleil d’Or , recently acquired by the hotel group behind Mallorca’s Cap Rocat and Christian Louboutin’s hotel in Melides, Portugal, is a romantic alpine retreat with just 18 rooms and three adjoining chalets and home to La Chocolaterie, Megève village’s beloved social hub.

Explore the Central and Northern Wine Regions

You can find wine production in nearly every corner of France, but it’s always worth visiting the regions located within close proximity to Paris—from Champagne and Alsace in the north, to Loire Valley and Burgundy in central France. In Champagne, Reims and Épernay would be the best base to explore the five regions. If you’re inclined to visit one of the big names, Ruinart in Reims offers the most organized experiences, from cellar tours to tastings to custom-designed brunch, lunch, or dinner experiences on-site. For a more intimate experience near Épernay, head to the family estate of Billecart-Salmon , where visitors are made to feel like they’re a part of the family with tastings held in the estate’s dining room. Ahead of the Olympics, Uber will also be introducing a new travel product in the champagne region, which will be announced next month. Much like its wines, the Loire Valley provides the most variety. With the Loire Valley’s vast wine regions spanning the Muscadet region on the western coast, all the way to the Sancerre region in the central north, there’s more to enjoy here than just wine. From charming medieval villages, to its lush ethereal gardens—the grounds of the Château de Villandry are among the most famous—to fairytale castles, like the iconic Château de Chambord, Loire Valley maintains the perfect balance for a well-rounded holiday in wine country. It’s also worth exploring Burgundy, with a jaunt in its capital city Dijon, known for its mustard, or explore the German and Swiss-bordered Alsace region, with visits to both its capital city of Strasbourg and the charming old town of Colmar.

Stay here : In the Loire Valley, you can’t go wrong with a pastoral stay at the iconic Les Sources de Cheverny or if you prefer something less traditional, check out Château de la Haute Borde , known for its seasonal artist residencies. For an immersive stay in Champagne, the beautiful 12-room Château de Sacy sits in a charming village in the heart of the vineyards.

Sip Your Way Through Bordeaux

While the lesser-known wine regions in the south of France, such as the Rhône Valley and the Languedoc, are certainly not to be missed by wine aficionados, your introduction to French wine should undoubtedly begin with Bordeaux. Spend a night or two in the city of Bordeaux itself before heading to the countryside, and take a stroll through the vibrant Chartrons neighborhood or enjoy dinner at Au Bistrot. The type of experience you’ll have in Bordeaux’s wine country is characterized by which side of the Dordogne River you’re on. The right bank, which you can read about here , is distinguished by its shorter distances, hilly terrain, and famous medieval villages, while the left bank is formed by the Médoc, land that stretches all the way from the city of Bordeaux to the coast. The Médoc is famous for its palatial wine estates—many of which are open by appointment for tours and tastings. These wine castles, as they’re appropriately monikered, not only produce some of the finest wines in France, but are destinations in themselves—from some of the oldest and most historic, like Chateau d’Arsac and Château Livran , to the women-owned Château Larrivaux , which has been run by women of the same family since 1580. Among the many reasons to visit the Médoc wine region is due, in part, to its proximity to the coast. After a week of wine tastings, spend a few days on the sandy beaches of Soulac-sur-Mer, a timeless seaside village whose simplicity and belle époque nostalgia lend it a feeling of laid-back glamour.

Stay here: On Bordeaux’s left bank, stay at Maison d’Estournel , a refined country house set on the vineyards of its adjoining wine estate Cos d’Estournel . On the right bank, Logis de la Cadène puts you right at the center of the iconic Saint-Émilion wine village, and its Michelin-starred restaurant is among the most popular in the region.

Take a Scenic Drive Through Provence

Plan some tastings ahead of your (ideally, late spring or early summer) visit to Provence at Château La Mascaronne or Château Gassier —after all, Provence is the land of rosé. When your rosé-tinted glasses have worn off, however, it’s time to hit the road, and there’s no better way to discover Provence’s surfeit of charming hilltop villages set against the backdrop of its sweeping fields of lavender, vines, and sunflower fields, than from a vintage car with the top down. Rent a car with Provence Classics , beginning your road trip in the Luberon, where you can pick up some local market produce and souvenirs from the hilltop village of Gordes, then drive past the lavender fields at Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque on your way to stroll through the red cliffside village of Roussillon. From there, begin your journey to Avignon, stopping through Provence’s antique capital, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, for some antique shopping at notable shops, like 50 Cinquante and Bernard Durand . Arriving at Avignon, visit the Palais des Papes and the Jardin des Domes or meander through the city’s labyrinth of cafés and shops, before following the Van Gogh route from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Arles. For a truly enchanting conclusion to your road trip, head 20 minutes south of Arles for a journey into the wilds: the Camargue, western Europe’s largest delta, featuring a wild landscape of lagoons, reeds, and salt marshes—a place where wild horses roam free and a colony of pink flamingos comes to nest in the warmer months. No, it’s not the rosé-tinted glasses you’re wearing—this place is real .

Stay here: The elegant La Bastide de Gordes will place you right in the center of the iconic hilltop village. You can alternatively opt for a stay at the charming La Bastide de Mourre nearby or in its sister property Domaine de Chalamon in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. For an ultra-luxurious and romantic retreat, book a room at Crillon le Brave , located a short distance from the best antique shops in the region. In June, the much-anticipated Les Bains Gardians will open in the heart of Camargue National Park.

Hike the Calanques

After exploring the countryside of Provence, it’s time to hit the seaside. With its influx of trending hotel and restaurant openings, it’s no secret that the weird and wild Marseille has become a hotbed for the creative class in recent years. But before stylish crowds descended on the vibrant port city, its wild limestone cliffside extending between Marseille and Cassis, known as the Calanques, had always been its natural draw. The Calanques National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with many of its trails ending at secret coves and white sand beaches that are only reachable by foot or sea, like Calanque of Port-Miou, Calanque of Port-Pin, and Calanque of En-Vau. If you prefer to explore the calanques by sea, book a public or private charter aboard Le Don du Vent for a day of sailing and swimming.

Stay here: Optimally situated on a rocky shore in the fishing village of Les Goudes, Tuba Club is the perfect place to stay given it’s located at the gateway to the Calanques National Park. Book a room at the 5-star Hôtel Les Roches Blanches in the neighboring Cassis if you’re looking for a more elegant stay outside of the frenetic city center of Marseille.

Oyster Tasting in the Bay of Arcachon

Head southwest for a week of oyster tastings on the Bay of Arcachon. Base yourself in the chic seaside village of Cap Ferret, the southern tip of the Lege-Cap-Ferret peninsula, known as the oyster capital of France. A scenic seaside town characterized by its quaint fisherman villages and oyster farms, Cap Ferret has long been a chic holiday hamlet and a best-kept secret among the French for its abundance of beautiful beaches and al fresco seafood restaurants. Flanked by the Atlantic beaches primed for surf and the quieter beaches on the bay, lined with oyster shacks and framed by the famed Dune Du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, Cap Ferret is a unique summer destination for travelers seeking a more laid back alternative to the French Riviera. Don’t forget to grab a bike and explore the many picturesque fishing villages located deeper in the peninsula, from Le Canon to l’Herbe, or book a boat day with Des Hommes et Des Mers to explore it all by sea.

Stay here: Last summer the oldest hotel on the peninsula dating back to the 1970s, Hôtel des Dunes re-opened as a cool surf lodge of sorts, with each of its 13 rooms designed in the spirit of Cap Ferret’s oyster shacks, and located just across the street from Cap Ferret’s best surf beach. If you prefer to stay in Arcachon, the Philippe Starck-designed La Co(o)rniche is a five-star stay in the upmarket Pyla-Sur-Mer neighborhood, boasting panoramic views of the Dune du Pilat from its lively restaurant bar.

Surf the French Basque

Begin your road trip in the French Basque Country’s gateway city, Bayonne, where you can scoop up some of the famous Bayonne cured ham and chocolate before making your way to the coast. It’s no secret to surf enthusiasts everywhere that France’s southwest is world-renowned for its epic surf breaks—so much so that it’s been nicknamed the “French California.” Many of the best surf beaches can be found in the French Basque’s beloved seaside towns, like Biarritz , which has also experienced an advent of new hotels and restaurants as of late, making it an ideal base for your Basque holiday. In Biarritz, you’ll find beginner beaches, like Côte des Basques or La Grande Plage, and Le Miramar for more advanced surfers. Another charming and lesser-known town nearby is Guethary, a tiny village with a surplus of great local restaurants and sceney sunset bars for post-surf fun. Among the best surf beaches in Guethary include the reef break of Parlementia, which shares its border with Bidart, another beloved surf town, and the more isolated beach of Alcyons. Intermediate surfers can also head to the neighboring town of Saint Jean de Luz to ride out one of the French Basque’s rare point breaks at Lafitenia beach.

Stay here: Regina Experimental Biarritz opened just last summer and is optimally located across the street from La Grande Plage.

Scenic Swims in Corsica

With its close proximity to Italy, located just 10 nautical miles from beautiful Sardinia, international travelers often overlook Corsica altogether when considering their options for a summer holiday in France. Their oversight leaves the island spared from crowds—save for the French families who return each summer to bask in their unspoiled paradise on the Med. From natural pools to secret coves to white sand beaches, Corsica is known for its pristine turquoise coastline. Tourists tend to flock to the southern part of the island, famous for its white sand beaches, like Palombaggia (the first tobacco-free beach on Corsica), Campomoro, Cupabia, and Roccapina, as well as its scenic bays, such as Cala di Conca and Fazzio. As southern Corsica is more built up with tourist stays, the northern beaches remain slightly more wild and untouched; among the best beaches in northern Corsica include Ostriconi, Lotu, Saleccia, and Bodri. But Corsica’s pristine swimming spots aren’t consigned to the island’s dazzling coastline—many of the island’s best swims can be found inland, in the natural pools concealed among the island’s many hiking trails and cultural sites, from les Piscines naturelles de Cavu to the Vallée du Fango and Ponte Vecchiu, and those fed by waterfalls like Polischellu and Aïtone.

Stay here: Nestled on the Cap Corse peninsula in the northeast corner of the island, Hôtel Misincu is a chic eco-luxury retreat on a 54-acre estate with a restaurant, spa, and pool. In the south, stay at the beloved family-run U Capu Biancu , a waterfront property overlooking the bay of Sant’ Amanza.

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