For a solid France itinerary that covers two regions plus Paris, a 10-day trip is a great choice. With less time, a well-rounded trip is still within reach, especially if you’re willing to forego time in Paris to see more of the country. And, of course, the lucky travelers with two weeks or more will have no shortage of things to see and do. Check out some possible itineraries from 5 to 14 days below.
## Planning Your Trip to France: An Extended Guide
For a truly immersive holiday in France, one that encompasses a multitude of regions and unforgettable highlights, most travelers should meticulously plan on spending approximately 10 days. This generous timeframe allows for a comprehensive exploration of several distinct regions, achievable by a variety of transportation methods, including the efficient train system, domestic flights, or the freedom of a self-driven road trip, all undertaken at a pleasantly relaxed and unhurried pace.
Within a 10-day itinerary, you can dedicate a significant portion of your time, perhaps several days, to thoroughly explore the iconic highlights of Paris, the capital city of France, renowned for its historical landmarks, artistic heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. Simultaneously, you could embark on a journey to the picturesque Provençal villages, characterized by their rustic charm and stunning natural beauty, and venture towards the alluring Mediterranean coast, making strategic stops in the bustling port city of Marseille and the breathtaking Calanques National Park, a natural preserve of dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. Alternatively, you could choose to venture further east, towards the sun-drenched landscapes of the renowned French Riviera, known for its glamorous resorts, luxurious hotels, and stunning coastal scenery. As another option, you could focus your attention on Bordeaux and Lyon, widely recognized as the wine and gastronomy capitals of France, respectively, indulging in the culinary delights and oenological experiences that these cities offer. Should your travel plans extend to two weeks or more, the possibility arises to include a visit to the captivating island of Corsica, with its diverse landscapes and unique cultural identity, or perhaps explore the high-altitude towns nestled within the majestic French Alps, such as Annecy, often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps” due to its picturesque canals, and Chamonix, a renowned mountaineering hub at the foot of Mont Blanc.
If your time is more constrained, limited to less than a week, you will have just enough time for quick stops in Paris and either Normandy or the Loire Valley. Both are conveniently accessible via a short train ride from Paris, allowing for a swift immersion into the historical and cultural richness of these regions. While a full week at your disposal opens up opportunities to explore the enchanting hilltop villages that dot the landscape around Provence and bask in the sun on the inviting beaches of the French Riviera.
## France in 5 to 6 Days: A Concise Exploration
For trips with durations less than four days, it is generally advisable to concentrate your efforts on exploring the 20 arrondissements that constitute the vibrant city of Paris, delving into its historical landmarks, artistic treasures, and captivating neighborhoods. To add variety to your itinerary, consider incorporating an excursion to the enchanting gardens of Giverny, the opulent palace of Versailles, or the prestigious Champagne region, allowing you to sample some of the world’s finest sparkling wines. However, by extending your stay with a few extra days, you will gain a bit more flexibility and breathing room, providing the opportunity to explore smaller cities and their surrounding areas, discovering hidden gems and immersing yourself in the local culture.
Consider this scenic Provençal road trip. Beginning in Marseille and culminating in Avignon, two cities renowned for their exceptional dining options and rich historical monuments, this itinerary will lead you through charming hilltop medieval towns and picturesque vineyards, offering a taste of the authentic Provençal lifestyle. For a more niche experience in Provence, you can opt for a self-guided electric bike (e-bike) tour, allowing you to traverse the region’s breathtaking landscapes at your own pace. Furthermore, there are a number of culinary-themed itineraries available, such as this gourmet food tour, offering the opportunity to participate in two separate cooking classes with local chefs, gaining hands-on experience in preparing traditional Provençal dishes.
In contrast, this French Riviera getaway will guide you through some of the most captivating coastal and countryside villages in southeastern France. Beginning and ending in Nice, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant Mediterranean culture, exploring pristine beaches, fascinating museums, bustling farmers’ markets, and scenic hiking trails in the nearby mountains, experiencing the diverse attractions that the French Riviera has to offer.
## France in 7 to 8 Days: A Week of Discovery
One week is a popular duration for visitors coming to France, affording them the opportunity to explore one or two distinct regions in greater depth, leading to a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse cultural and geographical landscape.
This Normandy tour, set in northern France, encompasses a captivating mix of historical sites and scenic areas, with overnight stays in three distinct locations, allowing you to thoroughly explore charming small cities such as Caen and Rouen, both steeped in history and brimming with cultural attractions. Part of the itinerary is also dedicated to exploring coastal towns, such as Vieux Bassin (old harbor) and Honfleur, evoking the maritime history of Normandy, a region with strong ties to the sea. The twin cliffs also frame the small and delightful village of Étretat; this is where fashionable Parisians came to build extravagant villas in the 19th century, adding to the town’s architectural charm.
Venture farther south and embrace this Corsican adventure, which encircles the entire island, offering a comprehensive exploration of its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. You will not only traverse some of the oldest vineyards in Europe, utilizing a variety of transportation methods including car, bicycle, and horse-drawn carriage, but also have the privilege of meeting actual wine growers, who will personally showcase their estates and elucidate the different traditional processes involved in winemaking on the island, providing valuable insights into the art and science of viticulture. In between your vineyard visits, you will have ample time to relax and rejuvenate on stunning beaches, admire captivating landscapes, and explore charming towns such as Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio, and Bonifacio, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Or why not experience Provence like the Obama family, who famously chose a village near Avignon as their base for exploring the region during a recent vacation? The village is full of historic architecture and interesting shops. It also offers great restaurants, including the Michelin-starred La Mirande, where the Obama family celebrated Father’s Day during their visit. You can even spend some time in the same off-the-beaten-path hamlet called L’Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue, where you can stroll the open-air market in the morning to taste some fresh produce. This little town is nicknamed the ‘Provençal Venice,’ with different canals creating tiny islands and little spots for relaxing.
Having a week also allows you to cleanly divide the trip into two overnight destinations like this Paris & South of France itinerary. Starting in Nice, you’ll explore on your own before a local guide shows you around Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes (to name a few). Then, fly to Paris, where you’ll cruise along the Seine, skip the line at Versailles, and summit the Eiffel Tower to complete the adventure.
## France in 9 to 12 Days: An Extended Stay
With a little more than a week at your disposal, a range of excellent options becomes available, catering to the preferences and interests of different types of travelers.
This family-friendly itinerary features heart-pumping fun and adventure centered around southern France’s Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe. Over the course of nine days, you’ll go whitewater rafting in the Verdon River, hike the edge of the canyon, paddle nearby Lac de Sainte-Croix, and climb Via Cordata while staying at an ecolodge in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The trip also includes more relaxing activities like biking through the Provençal landscape and shopping for local delicacies at the Aix-en-Provence market.
This train adventure combines three of France’s easternmost gems. Start by joining a culinary-themed walking tour in France’s gastronomy capital of Lyon, and then head into the countryside of Savoy, where you’ll learn how to make a famous dish called tartiflette. Then train to Annecy, a beautiful medieval town nicknamed the ‘Venice of France’ where you can choose between medieval art and culture and beaches in the nearby Lac d’Annecy. Finish in the alpine town of Chamonix, next to the tallest peak in France—Mont Blanc—where you’ll hike to a famous glacier in the French Alps.
There’s also this Basque country itinerary that travels along the Atlantic coastline from Bordeaux to Bilbao. After experiencing the famous wine region, you’ll make your way to Biarritz and explore the seaside glamour of what was once the Monte Carlo of the Atlantic Coast and the stomping ground of celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, Rita Hayworth, and Ernest Hemingway. From here, you’ll cycle along 9 miles (14 km) of the Basque coast on an e-bike, taking in the views between Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz before finishing the trip across the border in Spain.
## France in 2 Weeks: A Luxurious Indulgence
Having this much time to spend in France is a treat, an opportunity to delve deep into the country’s cultural fabric and explore its diverse landscapes at a leisurely pace.
This epic trip to Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley loops around three beloved regions in France with a nice mix of free time and guided tours. You’ll start in Normandy to visit a number of D-Day sites between Bayeux and Omaha Beach with the help of a local guide. Next is Brittany, where you’ll have free time (and a car) to explore the hilly peninsula and rugged coastline dotted with beach resorts at your own pace. Then continue toward the UNESCO-listed villages and castles in the Loire Valley before finishing with two days in Paris.
Another great road trip option is this itinerary through Western France. Over the course of two weeks, you’ll spend quality time in Paris, Normandy, and Bordeaux, as well as the Dordogne region, specifically the small town of Sarlat la Canéda. This picturesque tangle of honey-colored buildings, alleyways, and secret squares boasts some of the region’s best-preserved medieval architecture and is a popular base for exploring the Vézère Valley—a favorite location for film directors. One recommended activity is to rent canoes and paddle along the Dordogne River from Carsac to Beynac, passing six castles on both sides of the river.
You can also choose a north-to-south itinerary between Paris and Nice, with stops in Lyon and Provence for cooking classes and winery visits before arriving at the French Riviera, where you’ll have time to hit the beach in Nice. On the last day of the trip, you’ll day-trip to the perfume capital of the world, Grasse—a great place to pick up souvenirs like Provencal stew, aioli, anchoïade, herbes de Provence, olive oil, truffle, figs, and honey. You’ll also partake in a session at a perfume gallery and create your own unique fragrance, which will be preserved in a confidential database for future orders.
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