Our researchers traveled throughout France. Our experts chipped in with their insights. Then we listened to what travelers themselves had to say: where they most want to go, what they most like to see, and what activities most turn them on. Finally, we assessed all their advice, studied all destinations and combinations, and factored in how much time average travelers to France are likely to have. The result? The following ultimate itinéraires française.
## Embark on an Unforgettable Journey Through France: A Detailed Guide
France, a land of captivating contrasts, beckons travelers with an irresistible allure. From the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean Sea to the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Alps, France offers a diverse tapestry of experiences that make it the world’s most popular tourist destination. Picture yourself strolling through historic chateaux, immersing yourself in world-class museums, and indulging in the exquisite flavors of French cuisine and renowned wines.
The itineraries presented below have been carefully crafted to showcase the remarkable diversity and vastness of France. They strategically combine regions and attractions that are located in close proximity to one another, facilitating ease of travel and allowing you to maximize your time and fully immerse yourself in the French experience. Consider these itineraries as a foundation upon which you can build, adding extra days or incorporating other captivating regions to create a personalized adventure that perfectly suits your preferences.
For a concise and immersive **five-day** exploration, we wholeheartedly recommend focusing your attention on a single, captivating region. **Provence** and the **French Riviera** stand out as exceptional choices, as they encapsulate a stunning array of attractions within relatively compact geographical areas. The sample itineraries we offer primarily emphasize self-drive adventures, allowing you to fully embrace the charm and allure of **Provence**, from the vibrant city of **Marseilles** to the historic **Avignon**, the artistic **Aix-en-Provence**, and the esteemed wineries of the **Rhône Valley**. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in the sun-kissed splendor of the **French Riviera**, exploring the glamorous cities of **Nice** and **Cannes**, venturing into the picturesque village of **Gourdon**, and discovering other idyllic, perched villages nestled inland. If you desire more inspiration for five-day excursions, you can discover a wealth of unique ideas in other articles.
Extending your stay to a **full week** in France opens up even more exciting possibilities. For instance, you could seamlessly blend the iconic landmarks of **Paris** with the quintessential charms of **Provence** or the dazzling beauty of the **French Riviera**. Imagine yourself basking in the glow of the Eiffel Tower one day and then, just days later, savoring the delicate flavors of Provençal cuisine amidst lavender fields. Further inspiration for seven-day itineraries awaits in other resources.
By adding **three more days** to your itinerary, transforming it into a remarkable ten-day journey, you gain the luxury of combining three distinct regions, allowing you to delve into the heart of **Paris**, immerse yourself in the rustic beauty of **Provence**, and bask in the sun-kissed elegance of the **French Riviera**. This extended timeframe provides a more comprehensive understanding of France’s diverse character and allows you to create lasting memories. More detailed information and itinerary suggestions for ten-day trips to France can be found elsewhere.
With **even more days** at your disposal, transforming your vacation into a luxurious fourteen-day escape, you can indulge in a truly immersive experience. Consider adding an extra day or two in **Paris**, **Provence**, or the **French Riviera** to delve deeper into their unique offerings. Furthermore, you can venture into the breathtaking **French Alps**, embarking on a memorable hike around the majestic **Mont Blanc**, crafting an unforgettable and well-rounded itinerary that captures the essence of France’s natural and cultural treasures. Additional details and inspiration for two-week trips to France can be found in other articles.
## Delving Deeper: Five-Day Explorations of Provence and the French Riviera
For those seeking a focused and enriching experience, we recommend dedicating your five days to either Provence or the French Riviera.
**(Image: Pont d’Avignon, Avignon)**
Caption: The iconic Pont d’Avignon, a testament to the rich history of Avignon.
### Provence: A Symphony of History, Culture, and Wine
**Key Highlights of a Provence Experience:**
* Immerse yourself in a harmonious blend of history, culture, and exceptional wine tasting, culminating in breathtaking sunset views along the Mediterranean coast.
* Explore the region’s most captivating towns and cities, from the bustling **Aix-en-Provence** and the historic **Avignon** to the vibrant **Marseilles**.
* Embark on an unforgettable wine tour of the renowned **Rhône Valley**, including the prestigious vineyards of **Châteauneuf du Pape**.
* Delight in scenic drives through picturesque landscapes, savor gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients, and witness the inspiration for the captivating ‘Impressionist’ paintings.
The five-day self-drive tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Provence. Begin your adventure at the **Marseilles** waterfront, then continue to the fragrant lavender fields surrounding **Aix-en-Provence**. Next, you will explore the famous vineyards of **Châteauneuf du Pape** and delve into the medieval history of **Avignon**.
Your first day is dedicated to immersing yourself in **Marseilles**, France’s oldest and second-largest city. Discover the captivating “old Marseilles” district of **Le Panier**, explore the fascinating **Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations**, and conclude your day with a refreshing pastis (an anise-flavored apéritif) at the vibrant **Vieux-Port**.
On day two, venture towards **Aix-en-Provence**, a quintessential Provençal town nestled amidst fragrant lavender fields, rolling vineyards, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Embark on a guided stroll through the city’s labyrinthine narrow streets, uncovering its rich heritage, artistic treasures, and vibrant culture.
Day three takes you to the enchanting **Les Baux de Provence**, recognized as one of France’s most beautiful and well-preserved medieval villages. Perched atop a dramatic limestone outcrop, this village offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the past. Visit the 10th-century fortified castle, the **Château des Baux de Provence**, and immerse yourself in the captivating **Les Carrières de Lumières** multimedia art show, where images of famous French painters are projected onto the walls of cavernous limestone quarries. Conclude your day with a scenic drive through the dramatically sculpted **Val d’Enfer** before arriving in **Saint Remy de Provence** for an overnight stay.
Your final full day is dedicated to exploring **Avignon**. Take a scenic drive through the area’s sprawling lavender fields en route to **Avignon**, where you will explore the iconic **Popes’ Palace** and the historic **Pont Bezenet**. In the afternoon, embark on a half-day wine tour of the southern **Côtes du Rhône** crus in the **Rhône Valley**, including a memorable tasting experience in the renowned vineyards of **Châteauneuf du Pape**. Return to Avignon to enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere, with its numerous bistros and gourmet restaurants.
On day five, bid farewell to the captivating beauty of Provence as you transfer to the Marseilles airport or TGV station to continue your journey.
### French Riviera: A Paradise of Coast, Countryside, Culture, and Cuisine
**Key Highlights of a French Riviera Experience:**
* Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of stunning coastlines, picturesque countryside, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine.
* Experience the allure of the region’s top seaside resorts, from the charming **Port Grimaud** to the glamorous **Monaco**.
* Explore the captivating medieval mountain villages, complete with ancient castles and invigorating hiking trails.
* Indulge in wine tastings, savor gourmet experiences, and visit renowned museums showcasing the region’s artistic heritage.
This five-day road adventure takes you along the stunning Mediterranean coast and into the nearby mountains, allowing you to experience the highlights of the French Riviera. Visit the vibrant city of **Nice**, the glamorous **Cannes**, the perched village of **Gourdon**, and the perfume capital of **Grasse**, along with the charming **Port Grimaud**, often referred to as the “Venice of Provence.”
Arrive in **Nice**, collect your rental car, and venture towards **Eze**, a tiny medieval hilltop village hailed as the jewel of the French Riviera. Continue to **Roquebrune-Cap-Martin**, home to a 10th-century castle overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Conclude your day in the picturesque town of **Menton**, nestled near the Italian border.
Day two takes you through the vibrant morning markets of Menton before continuing via **Tourette-Levens** to the medieval fortress-villages of **Gourdon** and **Saint Paul de Vence**. Enjoy panoramic views over the entire Riviera. The next morning, explore Saint Paul de Vence and cycle or hike through the serene foothills. Then, drive to the “perfume capital” of **Grasse**, nestled amidst mountains and flower-filled forests at 1312 feet (400 m) elevation. Here, visit the local perfumeries and the castle of **Mouans Sartoux**, which now houses the **Museum of Concrete Art**. Finally, make your way to charming **Port Grimaud**, nicknamed the “Venice of Provence” for its quaint canals.
On day five, relax in Port Grimaud and explore the surrounding area. Enjoy hiking and biking trails that lead into the **Massif des Maures**, or visit the “chestnut capital” of **Collobrières**, with its restaurants specializing in game dishes paired with chestnuts and local wines. Then return to Nice via **Villeneuve Loubet**, with its magnificent 13th-century castle.
The next day, depart Nice and continue your journey elsewhere in France, or return home.
**(Image: Sunset skyline over the City of Lights)**
Caption: A breathtaking sunset skyline over Paris, the City of Lights.
### Paris and Provence: A Blend of City and Countryside
**Key Highlights of Paris and Provence:**
* Experience a sublime combination of history, culture, and wine-tasting in both the vibrant city of Paris and the picturesque countryside of Provence.
* Immerse yourself in the iconic highlights of Paris, from the renowned Le Louvre to the majestic Eiffel Tower.
* Explore the medieval villages and rolling vineyards of the Rhône Valley and the Alpilles region.
* Enjoy hiking, bicycling, a boat ride, and memorable fine-dining experiences.
With seven days in France, you can experience the quintessential sights of **Paris**, plus highlights of **Provence**, such as Avignon, the vineyards of the Alpille by bicycle, and the pine-strewn promontories and jade waters of Calanques National Park.
Welcome to **Paris**, the City of Lights! After settling in to your hotel, spend the balance of day one visiting the **Eiffel Tower**, then relax over a fine meal and wine in the evening. On day two, explore the trendy **Le Marais** neighborhood, renowned for its boutique gourmet shops, which you’ll visit with a food connoisseur. The next day, spend your morning in awe at **Le Louvre Museum**, with skip-the-line-access tickets. Then explore Paris at leisure before savoring a dinner cruise on the Seine, with romantic musical entertainment included!
On day four, transfer to **Gare de Lyon** and thrill to a ride on the high-speed (TGV) train to **Avignon**, in Provence. Here, pick up your rental car and drive to **Fontaine de Vaucluse** for a canoeing excursion on the **River Sorgue**; and to historic hilltop villages such as **Bonnieux**, **Lacoste**, and **Menerbes**, the setting for author Peter Mayle’s book A Year in Provence. Your evening is spent in romantic Avignon.
More delightful medieval villages await on day five on an easy bicycling excursion from **Saint Rémy de Provence** through the vineyards of the **Alpilles**. Then drive to **Les Baux de Provence** for an incomparable vista; plus the unforgettable **Les Carrières de Lumières** multimedia art show.
On day six, drive to the Mediterranean port town of **Cassis** for a boat tour of the jade-colored inlets of **Calanques National Park**. Return to Avignon to enjoy your last night of the trip before departing for Paris by TGV train the next day.
### Paris and French Riviera: Coastal Glamour Meets Parisian Charm
**Key Highlights of Paris and the French Riviera:**
* Experience a great fusion of world-renowned resorts, charming mountain villages, and cosmopolitan cities.
* Immerse yourself in the architectural gems, pristine beaches, and exquisite seafood restaurants of the Riviera.
* Explore the iconic neighborhoods and landmarks of the ‘City of Light’.
* Enjoy scenic drives, guided tours, and unforgettable dining experiences.
This weeklong itinerary combines the **French Riviera** and the **‘City of Lights’** for a great introduction to France. Begin in Nice, then visit Riviera highlights such as **Monaco**, **Cannes**, and **Antibes** before flying to Paris, where your in-depth immersion includes a cruise along the Seine.
Begin in **Nice**, pick up your rental car, and spend the day exploring the unofficial capital of the **Côte d’Azur**, including its bayfront Promenade des Anglais. The next morning, after enjoying Nice at leisure, meet your local guide for a tour of the medieval village of **Eze** and the perfumery **Fragonard**. Then continue to Monaco to drive the Grand Prix circuit, admire the megayachts, and perhaps visit sites such as the **Cousteau Oceanographic Museum**. Then return to Nice via the spectacular **Lower Corniche**, and **Bay of Villefranche**.
Day three brings more French Riviera highlights, including **Cannes**, the medieval ramparted port city of **Antibes**, and the magnificent fortified village of **Saint Paul de Vence**, once home to Chagall, Matisse, and Picasso.
Next day, fly to **Paris** for three days exploring the ‘City of Light.’ Your first day’s highlights include a cruise on the Seine and not-to-miss museums such as **Le Louvre**. Then add a day-trip to **Versailles** for a guided skip-the-line ‘Chateau and Gardens’ tour; back in Paris, end your day with a thrilling sunset from atop the **Eiffel Tower**. On day six, a full-day gourmand’s experience focuses on exploring the food-rich **Le Marais** neighborhood with a food connoisseur. Depart Paris the next day.
**(Image: Villefranche-sur-Mer and the Mediterranean)**
Caption: Villefranche-sur-Mer, a picturesque town on the Mediterranean coast.
### Provence, French Riviera, & Paris: A Comprehensive French Experience
**Key Highlights of this Ten-Day Itinerary:**
* Experience a perfect combination of historical, cultural, and culinary treasures in three distinct regions of France.
* Begin your adventure by exploring the iconic attractions of the ‘City of Light’.
* Immerse yourself in the medieval villages, rolling vineyards, and exquisite cuisine of Provence.
* Conclude your journey with a chauffeur-driven tour of the glamorous French Riviera.
Ten days allows you to check off three must-see regions, from the highlights of **Paris**, to exploring **Aix-en-Provence**, Cassis, Nice, Cannes and more on the **French Riviera**.
On day one, bienvenue to **Paris**. You’ll spend your first three days exploring the city with a private guide, taking in such must-sees as **Notre Dame**, the **Champs Elysees**, the **Eiffel Tower**, and **Le Louvre**, and the trendy **Le Marais** district. Plus, you’ll end with a romantic boat cruise along the **Seine**. Day three reveals a completely different side of Paris as you focus on the city’s many 19th-century covered passageways – a prelude to an afternoon exploring Paris at leisure.
Day four, take a ride on the TGV (high-speed train) from Paris to **Aix-en-Provence**, where you’ll enjoy a guided afternoon walking tour of the charming narrow streets. The next day, experience Provençal cuisine with a foodie tour, including shopping in Aix’s Old Town food markets, a stop at a local chateau to select some great wine, plus a cooking class and rewarding meal with other culinary enthusiasts on a country estate. On day six, a chauffeured drive includes the small port of **Cassis** and nearby **Calanques National Park**; then the afternoon exploring **Marseilles**. You’ll return to Aix-en-Provence for one last dinner.
Days 7, 8 and 9 immerse you in the sun-drenched **French Riviera**. Your chauffeur will follow scenic roads to **St Tropez**—a favorite of beach-loving celebrities—and other popular resorts before arriving in **Cannes**. From here, spend a full day exploring the charming hilltop village of **Grasse**, perfume capital of the world. Then take a third day with an expert local guide in the chic Mediterranean metropolis of **Nice**, with its landmark sites spanning Greek ruins to the **Musée Matisse**.
Depart Nice on day 10.
**(Image: Hiking Mont Blanc)**
Caption: A breathtaking view of hikers on the slopes of Mont Blanc.
### Two Weeks in France: A Grand Tour of Culture, Cuisine, and Scenery
**Key Highlights of this Two-Week Itinerary:**
* Embark on an ideal blend of four of France’s top regions, offering an unforgettable vacation experience.
* Dedicate a full week to exploring the enchanting Provence and the glamorous French Riviera.
* Spend three days in the breathtaking French Alps, including two days for hiking the majestic Mont Blanc.
* Conclude your journey with three days experiencing the iconic sights and attractions of Paris.
This two-week adventure covers four of France’s most popular districts, offering immersion in culture, cuisine, and scenery as you explore the **French Riviera**, **Provence**, and **French Alps**, ending in **Paris**.
Begin with your arrival in **Nice**, with time to explore the unofficial capital of the **Côte d’Azur** at leisure. On day two, learn the art of French cooking, including preparing a fabulous three-course meal, eaten accompanied by fine wines. The next day, take a guided excursion to medieval hilltop **Eze**, and to the chic Mediterannean counterpoint, **Monaco** and **Monte-Carlo**, including driving the Grand Prix circuit.
On day 4, pick up your rental car and explore languid **Provence**. The first stop is exquisite **Aix en Provence**, where the many cultural attractions include Cézanne’s art studio. Then head to nearby **Saint Remy de Provence** to soak in its charms and typical Provençal way of life. Next day add the fortified castle at **Les Baux de Provence**, and the unforgettable **Les Carrières de Lumières** multimedia art show. On day 6, enjoy a full-day exploring the beautiful hilltop villages of the **Luberon** with a private guide.
On day 7, you’ll depart Provence and drive to **Annecy**, in the French Alps, to explore its 16th-century castle and other attractions at leisure. Then spend two days hiking at the foot of **Mont Blanc**, with a night in a mountain hut, surrounded by breathtaking panoramas. On day 10, head to nearby **Savoy** to visit a cheese cooperative and help prepare one of Savoy’s famous tartiflettes (made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, and onions).
Finally, on day 11, travel to **Paris** by TGV high-speed train, for three days exploring the ‘City of Lights.’ You’ll experience the top sights, such as **Notre Dame**, and lesser-known gems, such as the **Musée Victor Hugo**, with an expert local guide.
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