France itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

Ever wandered through a Paris market, caught the smell of fresh bread and pastries, then found yourself two hours later in a lavender field in Provence? France has a way of keeping every day different, which is why thinking about where to go and how to move around helps you make the most of it.

You can do a quick tour hitting the main sights or spend a couple of weeks really getting into different areas. The trick is picking what matters to you. Here are some of our favorite France itineraries.

Or, skip the stress and let Rough Guides' local experts handle the planning and bookings. 
 

Best France itinerary at a glance

France has a lot to see, and the amount of time you spend will shape how you experience it. Most visitors choose a week, 10 days, or two weeks, each giving a different sense of the country and its regions.

• 7 days in France itinerary: Perfect for first-time visitors focusing on the classic triangle of Paris, Loire Valley châteaux, and either Normandy's D-Day beaches or a taste of Provence. This itinerary covers the essential French experiences while allowing time to savor meals and soak in the atmosphere without rushing.
• 10 days in France itinerary: Ideal for travelers wanting to combine major highlights with deeper regional exploration. You might spend four days in Paris, explore two Loire Valley châteaux, then dedicate four days to either the romantic villages of Provence or the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais.
• 14 days in France itinerary: The ultimate French adventure for those seeking comprehensive coverage. This allows for five days in Paris, château-hopping in the Loire Valley, wine tasting in Bordeaux or Burgundy, exploring Provence's hilltop villages, and potentially including the French Riviera's glamorous coastline or Normandy's historic sites.

Rather not deal with the logistics? Our France travel experts can handle that part for you.

7 days in France itinerary

How to plan a trip to France that's only a week long? For this France itinerary you’ll base yourself in Nice for a week and you’ll cover a good mix of coastal cities, hill villages, and Mediterranean life without rushing around. You’ve got time to dip into Monaco, take a day in Saint-Tropez, and spend an afternoon in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Day 1: Welcome to Nice

You’ll likely land at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is right on the water. The Promenade des Anglais is the first place to stretch your legs, running for miles with old hotels on one side and the sea on the other.

Head into Vieux Nice and you’ll find winding alleys painted in ochre tones, and washing lines between shuttered windows. Place Masséna is the main square, with red façades and a big fountain you can use as a landmark when you’re finding your way around.

Insider’s tip: Pick up a carnet of 10 tram tickets at a kiosk. It’s cheaper and you’ll use them quickly.
 

Day 2: Nice

Castle Hill is the best viewpoint in the city, and you can get up there by stairs, elevator, or the little tourist train. The view takes in the Bay of Angels and stretches back to the Alps.

Back down in the old town, Cours Saleya market fills up with flowers, produce, and Provençal snacks like tapenade. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral is worth a look too. It was built for Russian visitors in the 19th century and still stands out with its colorful domes.

Insider’s tip:  Skip the tourist stalls and get your socca at Chez Pipo on Rue Bavastro. It’s where locals go.

Day 3: Monaco, Monte Carlo and Èze

Travel time: 30 minutes by train from Nice to Monaco, then another 20 minutes by bus to Èze Village.

Hop on the train to Monaco, it’s only about half an hour. In Monaco-Ville you can walk up to the Prince’s Palace and watch the guard change just before noon. The cathedral nearby holds Grace Kelly’s tomb. Down in Monte Carlo, the casino is a landmark in itself, with luxury cars outside and ornate rooms inside.

From there, make your way up to Èze. It’s a small medieval village perched above the sea, with narrow lanes and a garden built into the old castle ruins. The views from up here are wide open across the coast.

Insider’s tip:  Tourists pay €17 to enter the casino, but you get the same value back in chips to play with.
 

Day 4: Saint-Tropez

Travel time: 2 hours via car rental or organized tour

Saint-Tropez has a reputation for glitz, but when you walk its pastel lanes you still feel the atmosphere of a small Provençal town. Down at the Vieux Port, grab a coffee and watch crews polishing yachts while locals go about their day.

Place des Lices is where pétanque games play out under the plane trees, and twice a week the market brings in regional produce. If you’ve got time, head to Port Grimaud, a 1960s experiment in canalside living, or spend an afternoon on Pampelonne Beach, a long stretch of sand lined with private clubs once made famous by Brigitte Bardot.

Day 5: Cannes and Antibes

Travel time: 30 minutes to Cannes, then 15 minutes to Antibes via train

Cannes is all about the Croisette. Walk the seafront promenade, check out the hotels and boutiques, and join the crowd climbing the steps at the Palais des Festivals. Then hop on the train a few stops down to Antibes, where life slows inside the old Vauban ramparts. The Picasso Museum shows pieces he made here in the 1940s, and the covered market is packed in the mornings with cheese, seafood, and fresh produce.

Trains run every 15–20 minutes and a day pass (€15) covers unlimited trips. It’s worth leaving the option open to stop at smaller stations along the way, like Juan-les-Pins.

Insider’s tip: Go to Antibes market before 1 PM. Most of it clears out after lunch.

Day 6: Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Travel time: 45 minutes

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is known for narrow streets, old stone houses, and views across the valley. A walk along the ramparts takes about 20 minutes and gives you a full circle of the town. Just outside is the Fondation Maeght, a modern art museum where Giacometti sculptures stand in the garden and Miró ceramics cover the terrace. Inside the village you’ll see plenty of small galleries, and the cemetery holds Marc Chagall’s grave, a simple spot overlooking the hills he painted for decades.

You can continue a little further to Vence, where Matisse designed his final masterpiece, the Chapel of the Rosary.

Insider’s tip: Head to Fondation Maeght after 3 PM. The big tour groups are gone by then.

Day 7: Nice

Use your last morning to see a side of Nice most visitors miss. Liberation Market is where locals pick up olives, pasta, and cheese for the evening meal. If you prefer something quieter, Musée Masséna shows how the Riviera evolved, with Belle Époque interiors, vintage posters, and even Napoleon’s death mask. Its gardens are shaded and calm, an easy place to pause before you leave.

Travel with ease using itineraries designed by our local experts.

10 days France itinerary

This 10-day France  itinerary is split up with time in Paris with Normandy and Brittany’s coastlines, small towns, and WWII history. You’ll have enough days to see Mont-Saint-Michel, the D-Day beaches, and Monet’s gardens in Giverny, with Paris at both the start and the finish.

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

Start this France itinerary in Paris. You’ll likely land at Charles-de-Gaulle or Orly. Head straight for the Latin Quarter to get a feel for the city. The Panthéon dominates the neighborhood and holds the tombs of Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie. Around Boulevard Saint-Michel, you can wander past bookshops and cafés that have been here for generations. In the evening, walk along the Seine. The booksellers’ green stalls and the lit bridges are a good introduction to Paris.

Insider’s tip:  Pick up a Paris Museum Pass at the airport. It saves time at places like the Panthéon and covers several attractions.

Day 2: Travel to Saint-Malo

Travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Catch the TGV from Montparnasse to Rennes. It’s just over two hours, then you switch to a short regional train that gets you into Saint-Malo. Buy your tickets in advance on SNCF, as they’re usually cheaper. First class can be worth it if you want more space. The ride takes you from city outskirts into Brittany’s farmland pretty quickly.

Once in Saint-Malo, walk the old ramparts that surround the town. They were rebuilt after WWII and give you views over the Emerald Coast, while the sea hits the walls below. Inside the walls, cobbled lanes and granite houses remind you of the town’s privateer past. Towers like Tour Bidouane and Tour Solidor are still standing watch.

Insider’s tip:  Go when the tide is high. The waves crashing over the seawall are something to see.

Day 3: Cruise and coastal towns

Take a traditional Breton sailing boat across the bay. You’ll pass Fort National and Grand Bé, where the writer Chateaubriand is buried. Dinard is just across the water, with Belle Époque villas and striped beach tents. If you head inland, Dinan is worth the trip. The half-timbered houses lean over cobbled streets, and you can walk the ramparts around the old town.

Insider’s tip:  If you’re there on a Thursday morning, Dinan’s market fills Place du Guesclin with local produce, cider, and cheeses.

Day 4: Pink granite coast

Ploumanac’h is known for its pink granite rocks, shaped into odd forms by the sea and wind. The Sentier des Douaniers is the coastal path that winds through them from Perros-Guirec, with sea views the whole way. Trestraou Beach is nearby if you want some time on the sand. You can also take a boat out to the Sept-Îles archipelago, where you’ll find puffins, gannets, and a big grey seal colony.

Insider’s tip: Bring your own lunch and eat among the rocks. It’s more relaxed than heading back into town.

Day 5: Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel rises straight out of the bay. The abbey is at the top, with narrow streets spiraling up past stone houses and small shops. Inside the abbey, the arches and filtered light show why monks have been here for a thousand years. If you join a guided walk across the bay at low tide, you’ll see how the quicksand and fast tides worked as protection. Guides also point out the wildlife that thrives in the estuary.

Day 6: Bayeux and D-Day Beaches

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

From Mont-Saint-Michel it’s about an hour and a half to Bayeux. The drive takes you through countryside dotted with apple orchards and dairy farms, where Camembert and Calvados come from. You’ll notice the houses change too, from Brittany’s granite to Normandy’s timber frames.

In Bayeux, start at the cathedral, then head to the Bayeux Tapestry. It’s long, detailed, and interesting to follow, even if you’re not into textiles. After that, make your way to the D-Day beaches. Omaha looks wide and calm now, but knowing what happened there makes it feel different. At Pointe du Hoc you can walk through the bomb craters and old bunkers. The American Cemetery, with rows of white crosses above the sea, is a quiet and powerful stop.

Insider’s tip: Download the D-Day Overlord app. It gives you GPS-triggered commentary at each site.
 

Day 7: Honfleur and transfer to Rouen

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Honfleur’s old harbor is small but packed with atmosphere. Tall houses line the water, and you’ll see why painters came here again and again. The Sainte-Catherine Church is unusual, built from wood by shipbuilders, and the bell tower stands apart from the main building. The Boudin Museum shows how the Impressionists got their start. Around town, you’ll find cobbled streets, galleries, and plenty of places serving seafood straight from the boats.

To get to Rouen, the autoroute is quickest and takes you across the Pont de Normandie with sweeping estuary views. If you’d rather go slow, take the bus that follows the Seine through small towns and past chalk cliffs that look a lot like those in Dover.

Insider’s tip: Try a plate of mussels cooked in cider with a glass of the same on the side.

Day 8: Rouen and Monet’s Giverny

Rouen Cathedral is famous for inspiring Monet, and when you see it you’ll understand why. Inside, look for Richard the Lionheart’s tomb and the stained glass that spans centuries. In the main square you’ll find the site where Joan of Arc was executed, now marked with a modern church shaped to suggest flames.

Giverny is about an hour from Rouen. Monet’s garden is set up so it always has something blooming. The water lilies and Japanese bridge look just like the paintings, and inside the pink house you can see the Japanese prints he collected.

Insider’s tip: Book Giverny tickets in advance. Numbers are limited in busy months and it does sell out.

Day 9: Paris

From here, head to Paris where you will start at the Eiffel Tower. Climb the stairs to the second floor for views of the structure itself before heading higher. From the Trocadéro Gardens you’ll get the best overall view. Walk up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, then spend time at the Louvre. Don’t just head for the Mona Lisa: the museum is huge, and you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.

In the evening, take a Seine cruise. It’s a great way to see the city lit up, with landmarks like Notre-Dame and the bridges glowing in the dark.

Insider’s tip: Summit tickets for the tower go fast. Book early, and know that stairs are often quicker than the elevator.

Day 10: Departure

Spend your last morning in Montmartre. Head up to Sacré-Cœur for wide views of Paris, then wander around Place du Tertre where artists still work in the square. The cafés here are touristy, but the area still feels tied to its past as the home of painters like Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec.

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14 days in France itinerary

Two weeks gives you enough time to see Paris, check out castles in the Loire Valley, spend a few days in Bordeaux’s wine country, and still head down to the Riviera. The pace works well. You cover a lot without feeling like you’re rushing from place to place.

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

Most flights land at Charles de Gaulle in the evening. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, head out for a walk along the Seine. Passing Île de la Cité gives you a first glimpse of medieval Paris, with Notre-Dame lit up across the water. It’s a nice way to settle in. End the night with dinner at a neighborhood bistro. Go for something simple like steak frites or duck confit and just enjoy the atmosphere.

Insider’s tip: Bistros around Île Saint-Louis are usually quieter than the ones on the main tourist streets.

Day 2: Paris

Start your day at the Louvre. Get there early if you want to see the Venus de Milo or Winged Victory before the crowds build up. From there, walk through the Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde. Later, head to Sainte-Chapelle. The stained glass is incredible when the light shines through. In the evening, take a river cruise on the Seine. You’ll see the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and the bridges lit up from the water.

Insider’s tip: Buy a combined Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie ticket online. It saves you time and gets you into both.

Day 3: Montmartre and museums

Go up to Montmartre and climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur. The basilica looks out across Paris, and it’s worth the view alone. Around Place du Tertre, artists still set up to sketch portraits. Later, cross the river to the Musée d’Orsay, which has one of the best collections of

Impressionist paintings. It’s all inside a converted train station, which adds to the experience. In the evening, wander the Latin Quarter. The bookshops, cafés, and the Panthéon give you a sense of the area’s history and energy.

Day 4: Versailles day trip

Take the train out to Versailles and plan to spend the whole day. The Hall of Mirrors is the main draw, but the royal apartments are also worth stopping at. Don’t miss Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon, which she used as her escape from the palace. The gardens stretch in every direction, and the Grand Canal once hosted boat parades and events for the king.

Insider’s tip:  Download the free Palace app. The audio guide is good, and you don’t need to rent a device.
 

Day 5: Paris to Loire Valley

Travel time: 1 hour by TGV train to Tours

Trains leave Paris Montparnasse throughout the day and get you to Tours in about an hour. Tours is a good base if you want to see the castles nearby.

In Amboise, the château looks over the Loire River. Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years here, and you can visit his tomb in the chapel. Clos Lucé, just down the road, was his final residence. The gardens have life-size models of his designs, which makes it easy to picture how they worked. The old town below has narrow streets and a lively market square where you’ll see plenty of local wine and cheese.

Insider’s tip: Take the time to walk through the gardens at Clos Lucé. The models are worth seeing up close.

Day 6: Loire Valley Châteaux

Chambord is the castle everyone remembers. It’s massive, with 440 rooms and that double-spiral staircase that’s linked to da Vinci. Walk up to the terraces for the best part: views over the old hunting grounds with a skyline of turrets and chimneys all around you.

The formal gardens have been brought back to their 18th-century design and are easy to wander. Cheverny feels different. It’s been lived in by the same family for six centuries, so the furniture and tapestries are still in place. Outside, you’ll see their hundred hunting dogs lined up for feeding.

Insider’s tip: The feeding happens at 11:30am, except Sundays and Tuesdays in hunting season.

Day 7: Loire Valley to Bordeaux

Travel time: 4 hours total with Cognac stop

Trains from Tours to Bordeaux take about three hours, but if you drive you can stop in Cognac. It only adds half an hour. The route shifts from vineyard country to chalky soils around Cognac. The big names like Hennessy and Martell run tours that walk you through the darkened warehouses, where the “angel’s share” evaporates through the barrels.

You can smell it all over town. Tastings explain how clear eau-de-vie slowly turns into amber cognac with years in oak. When you reach Bordeaux, the Place de la Bourse with its reflection in the Water Mirror is the city’s classic view.

Insider’s tip: Book Cognac tours ahead of time. The English-language slots go quickly.

Day 8: Bordeaux

Bordeaux is built in pale limestone, and the whole center has UNESCO status. The Grand Théâtre is a highlight, with its big row of columns outside and the original gold-and-blue interior inside. For something more down to earth, head to Marché des Capucins, where locals shop for oysters, cannelés, and produce. It’s been running since the 1700s.

The Cité du Vin takes wine in a totally modern direction, with interactive exhibits that finish with a glass in a panoramic tasting room. In the Chartrons district, old wine warehouses now hold bars and antique shops.

Insider’s tip: Your Cité du Vin ticket includes one tasting in the belvedere.
 

Day 9: Saint-Émilion wine region

Saint-Émilion is a medieval hill town with wine history going back to the Romans. The Monolithic Church is carved straight into the rock, with huge underground chambers you can walk through. Beneath town, limestone caves keep wine stored at the right temperature.

Vineyards here focus on Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with the most famous estates fetching huge prices. Walking through the vines, you’ll notice how the soils change from limestone to clay to gravel, each one shaping the wine differently.

Insider’s tip: Climb the church bell tower for vineyard views.

Day 10: Médoc wine region

The Médoc runs northwest of Bordeaux and is where Cabernet Sauvignon rules. Appellations like Pauillac and Margaux are the ones to know. Estates such as Château Margaux and Château Pichon Baron are as much about architecture as wine, and both are worth seeing. The 1855 classification still defines the region, with first growths leading the pack. Vines here grow in gravel soils near the Gironde estuary, which keeps the ground well-drained and stable in temperature. Tours show how tradition and modern methods work side by side.

Insider’s tip: You need reservations for most estates. 
 

Day 11: Bordeaux to Nice

Travel time: 1.5-hour direct flight

It’s easy to get from Bordeaux to Nice. Flights leave throughout the day, mostly with EasyJet or Air France, and the trip takes about an hour and a half. Book a morning flight and you’ll have most of the afternoon to spend on the Riviera.

When you arrive, start with the Promenade des Anglais. It runs for miles along the sea and is great for an easy walk. In Vieux Nice, you’ll find narrow streets, Baroque churches, and ochre-colored buildings that feel distinctly Mediterranean. The Cours Saleya market is busy with flowers, produce, and food stalls, and the small squares are full of terraces where locals gather for drinks or a game of pétanque.

Insider’s tip: Grab socca, a chickpea pancake, at Chez Pipo. Locals line up for it, and it’s worth the wait.

Day 12: Monaco

The train from Nice to Monaco takes only 20 minutes and runs along the cliffs with views of the Mediterranean. In Monte Carlo, step inside the casino even if you don’t gamble. The frescoes, sculptures, and old-world style are impressive.

The Prince’s Palace opens its State Apartments, and you can watch the guard change outside. In the old town, Monaco-Ville, walk to Saint Nicholas Cathedral where Princess Grace is buried. The Oceanographic Museum is set right on the cliffs and has historic aquariums, a shark lagoon, and displays of Mediterranean marine life.

Insider’s tip: The Japanese Garden near the Grimaldi Forum is a quiet place to step away from the crowds.
 

Day 13: Cannes and Antibes

Take the train to Cannes and stroll the Croisette, the boulevard that runs past beaches, luxury hotels, and boutiques. The Palais des Festivals is here, home of the film festival, and you can climb the red-carpet steps year-round.

Antibes has a different character. Behind the old ramparts, the streets feel more lived-in. The Picasso Museum in Château Grimaldi shows work he made during his stay in 1946. If you walk the coastal path around Cap d’Antibes, you’ll pass rocky coves and catch glimpses of hidden villas behind the walls.

Insider’s tip: Walk the ramparts in the early morning before the cruise ship groups show up.

Day 14: Departure

On your last morning, visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint-Nicolas. Built by the Russian community who wintered here, it stands out with its colorful domes and detailed icons.

If you still have time, Avenue Jean Médecin is Nice’s main shopping street. It runs from Place Masséna up to the train station and has both French brands and smaller boutiques. From there, the tram to the airport is straightforward. It takes about 20 minutes.

Insider’s tip: The airport tram ticket is €10. Validate it as soon as you get on, as inspectors are common near the airport stops.
 

Personalize your France travel itinerary

Everyone experiences France differently, and our local travel experts can create an itinerary that matches your interests and pace. You might want private access to museums, a cycling route through vineyard-covered hills, or family-friendly activities that keep both adults and children engaged. The goal is a route that fits the way you want to explore.

Our team takes care of the logistics so you can focus on your trip. This includes arranging restaurant reservations, booking private château visits, and organizing travel between regions. Private guides can share local knowledge and point out experiences that typical tourists often miss. Accommodation is chosen to suit your style, whether that means a boutique hotel in Saint-Germain or a château conversion in the countryside.

To see France in a way that feels personal and manageable, reach out to our local experts. They can plan the itinerary so you can move at your own pace and focus on the experiences that matter most.
 

Other France travel itineraries

France has plenty to explore, so it helps to choose a focus. You could follow the Loire Valley for castles and vineyards, stick to the Riviera for beaches and coastal towns, or head north to Paris and Normandy for history, markets, and museums. There’s also the Alps if you want hiking, skiing, or mountain villages. Here are some other France itineraries for inspiration.

Best Provence France itinerary

In eight days you’ll cover Provence’s main highlights: papal palaces, Roman ruins, vineyards, and small towns. You’ll also have time for markets and scenic villages that show a quieter side of the region.

• Days 1 & 2: Avignon
  • Start in Avignon. The Palais des Papes has large Gothic halls and private chambers worth exploring. The Pont Saint-Bénézet is partially ruined but gives a sense of medieval engineering. Walk along the old ramparts and visit the gardens for views over the Rhône.
• Day 3: Gordes & Roussillon
  • Drive through the lavender valleys if you’re in season. Gordes climbs the hillside with stone houses, while Roussillon is known for its ochre cliffs. Local workshops sell pottery and lavender products, which make simple souvenirs.
• Day 4: Nîmes, Pont du Gard & Uzès
  • Head to Nîmes for Roman history. The amphitheater is still used for events, and the Maison Carrée shows how well a temple can hold up over two thousand years. Pont du Gard, a short drive away, is an impressive aqueduct. Stop in Uzès to see the Ducal Palace and wander the medieval streets.
• Day 5: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  • Spend the day in the vineyards. Large round stones cover the fields and help grapes ripen. Cellars around the village let you taste different blends, and the castle ruins above the town connect the wines back to the Avignon popes.
• Days 6 to 8: Aix-en-Provence
  • Finish in Aix. The town has fountains, wide boulevards, and morning markets. Visit Cézanne’s studio or hike out to Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the mountain he painted repeatedly. The Granet Museum is a good stop if you want to end with art.
     

Best Paris itinerary

Six days in Paris is enough to see the big names without cramming everything in. You’ll get the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Versailles, but you’ll also have time to wander through neighborhoods, linger in cafés, and end with a last look at the city from the Seine.

• Days 1 & 2: Seine
  • Start right in the middle of the Seine on the city’s islands. Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass is incredible when the light hits it, and from there it’s a short walk to the Louvre. Don’t try to see it all: just pick a few highlights and take your time. A river cruise is an easy way to take in Notre-Dame and the bridges without rushing around on foot. At night, head into the Marais. It’s a good neighborhood to grab dinner and settle into the rhythm of the city.
• Day 3: Montmartre
  • Make your way up to Montmartre for the view from Sacré-Cœur. Place du Tertre is full of painters working in the square, which gives you a sense of the area’s long connection to art. Down below, the Moulin Rouge district still carries its cabaret history, while the Musée d’Orsay has one of the best Impressionist collections you’ll see anywhere. In the evening, head to a rooftop bar and watch the sun drop over the city.
• Day 4: Versailles
  • Set aside a full day for Versailles. The Hall of Mirrors is impressive, but what really stays with you is the scale of the gardens stretching in every direction. Walk out to Marie Antoinette’s Hameau if you can. It feels like a small countryside retreat and gives you a different perspective on palace life.
• Days 5 & 6: Paris
  • Use your last days to see a more local side of Paris. Walk along Canal Saint-Martin and cross its little iron bridges, or duck into the old covered passages with their tiled floors and small shops. Place des Vosges is a nice square to sit for a while, and Père Lachaise Cemetery is fascinating if you like history. So many artists, musicians, and writers are buried there. On your final evening, take one more cruise on the Seine. Watching the city light up from the water is a pretty good way to say goodbye.

Best East France itinerary

This trip combines food and walking in a way that feels balanced. You start in Lyon, eating your way through the city, then head out on foot through Beaujolais and Burgundy. By the end, you’ll know the difference between the ten Beaujolais Crus, have cooked a few regional dishes yourself, and walked through some of France’s most famous vineyards.

• Days 1 to 3: Lyon
  • In Lyon, you’ll spend your days eating. Bouchons serve up heavy, traditional dishes, while Les Halles market is where you’ll taste cheese, charcuterie, and pastries straight from the producers. A cooking class lets you get hands-on, and walking through Vieux Lyon gives you a sense of the city’s silk-making past with its hidden traboules. One afternoon you’ll probably end up with a small glass of Chartreuse, which has been made in the region for centuries.
• Days 4 to 8: Beaujolais walking trail
  • Leaving the city behind, you’ll walk through Beaujolais’s rolling hills, staying in small villages along the way. The route shifts every day, from gentler ground near Chasselas to steeper slopes in Chiroubles. Along the way, you’ll step into wine cooperatives, sometimes in old churches, and taste through the ten Crus that make this region unique. Ridge paths bring big views, and if the weather is right you’ll catch Mont Blanc in the distance.
• Days 9 to 11: Beaune
  • Beaune is all about wine and history. The Hospices de Beaune, with its patterned roofs, is worth a visit before heading underground into the limestone cellars that have stored vintages for generations. You’ll also cycle out through the Côte de Beaune, passing some of the world’s most renowned vineyard plots like Montrachet. Along the way, you’ll get a sense of how differently Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grow here.
• Day 12: Market farewell
  • On your last morning, you’ll wander Beaune’s Saturday market, where tables are loaded with cheese, bread, and seasonal produce. Before leaving town, the Patriarche cellars make a good final stop, housed in what used to be a convent. It’s an easy way to wrap up your time in Burgundy.
     

France travel itinerary FAQ

These FAQs cover the basics to help plan your France itinerary.

How many days do you need in France?

Most trips to France need at least 7 to 10 days. You can spend three to four days in Paris and another three to four days exploring one region like Provence, the Loire Valley, or the French Riviera. Two weeks gives room to see three or four regions at a steady pace. Three weeks makes it possible to include Paris, wine regions, the Alps, and coastal areas. A rushed schedule can mean missing slower experiences like wandering village streets, stopping at cafés, or enjoying long meals.

What is the best time to visit France?

Spring from April to June and fall from September to October generally the best times to visit France. These months have good weather with fewer crowds and lower prices outside peak season.

Summer in July and August is warmer, especially along the Mediterranean, but Paris and the Riviera can be busy. Winter works for skiing in the Alps, visiting Christmas markets in Alsace, or checking museums without lines. Regional differences matter. Provence is lively May through September, while Paris has indoor attractions that make it interesting any time of year.

How do you get around France?

High-speed TGV trains connect major cities quickly, for example Paris to Lyon in two hours and Paris to Marseille in under three and a half. The SNCF rail network reaches most towns, though rural areas and wine regions are often easier to explore by car.

Regional trains connect smaller towns but run less frequently. Budget airlines link distant regions, and rental cars give flexibility for villages, countryside, and châteaux. Booking trains and flights a couple of months ahead can save money.

Should I rent a car or rely on trains for my France itinerary?

Trains are convenient for city-to-city travel, especially on main tourist routes. Cars are useful in regions like Bordeaux or Burgundy for visiting wineries, in Provence for hilltop villages, or in the Loire Valley to see multiple châteaux. 

A mixed approach works well: take a train to a region and rent a car locally. Driving involves fuel costs, highway tolls, and limited parking in towns. International licenses are usually enough for short stays. Cars can reach rural restaurants, markets, and accommodations beyond the reach of public transport, which is often worth it.

How much does a trip to France cost?

Budget travelers can manage on 150-200 euros per day by using hostels, groceries, and selective dining. Mid-range budgets are usually 250 to 350 euros per day for three-star hotels, meals out, and attraction entries. Luxury travel exceeds four hundred euros daily.

Paris is often twenty to thirty percent more expensive than other regions. Lunch prix-fixe menus, free museum days, and local markets help reduce costs. Wine tasting in smaller regions is cheaper than in famous appellations. Keep some budget for unplanned stops at cafés, pastries, or local wine.

Should I prioritize cities, countryside, or coastal areas?

It depends on what you want to get out of the trip. Cities like Paris or Lyon are easy to fill with museums, historic streets, and meals out, while the countryside shows a different side of France with vineyards, châteaux, and medieval villages. The coast has everything from the Riviera beaches to Brittany’s rugged cliffs and Normandy’s historic sites.

A lot of first-time visitors combine Paris with one contrasting region. Food lovers often lean toward Lyon or Burgundy, while Mediterranean beaches draw sun-seekers. Getting around the countryside or coast takes more planning, but you’ll spend less time in crowds and more time in local places.

Do I need to speak French to travel in France?

In most tourist areas you can get by in English, but knowing a few French phrases makes a difference and shows some respect. Simple greetings like bonjour or bonsoir, please and thank you, and asking “Parlez-vous anglais?” go a long way. Outside Paris and the main towns, English drops off, especially in rural areas and with older locals. Translation apps help, but making the effort yourself opens more doors. Staff at restaurants, taxis, and shops usually respond more warmly when you try. It also helps to know numbers, basic directions, and some food words.

What are some authentic French experiences?

Beyond major attractions, local experiences appear in daily markets, village games of pétanque, and aperitifs at cafés.

Look for bistros with menus that change daily, small wine caves for tastings, and boulangeries with locals lining up for morning croissants. Festivals celebrate everything from garlic to jazz. Some authentic activities to include in your France itinerary might be cooking classes in Lyon, truffle hunting in Périgord, or lavender picking in Provence. Weekly village markets, Sunday lunches, and evening walks in southern towns give insight into local routines.

If you want peace of mind while traveling, Rough Guides’ local travel experts are the way to go. They’ll design the itinerary, handle all bookings, and give you constant support while you explore. Learn more about our tailor made trips.