10 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

Perfect for first-time visitors to France eager to experience the country's renowned highlights, this 10-day trip features cities, coastlines, and countryside. Throughout, you'll gaze down on the twinkling lights of Paris during an evening Eiffel Tower tour, admire picturesque lavender fields and vineyards in Aix-en-Provence, and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean while sailing off the coast of Nice.

Welcome to France! Your adventure begins in Paris, and straight after refreshing at your hotel, you'll head to the Eiffel Tower for a spectacular evening tour. Then, spend the following day getting to know the city during a covered passage walking excursion before venturing to the rolling vineyards of Provence. Your destination is Aix, and over four days here, you'll have time to sink into its laid-back pace of life. Begin with a tasting session at Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards, then spend the following days frolicking through lavender fields, hiking in Calanques National Park, and meandering through Marseille. 

Departing Aix, a picturesque drive takes you along the French Riviera to Saint-Tropez on Day 6, where you'll enjoy a guided walk before continuing to Cannes. The next day in Cannes, delve into its glamorous side with a cinema tour, including the Cannes Film Festival Walk of Fame, and discover the art of perfume creation in Grasse. Then, journey to Nice, immersing yourself in the city's Mediterranean charm by savoring the flavors of Old Town and delighting in a sunset cruise. Lastly, spend a day hopping between the impressive country of Monaco and the enchanting villages of Eze and La Turbie. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley

Split your time between Paris' renowned highlights and quaint eateries, Normandy's medieval villages, and the Loire Valley's serene vineyards on this circuit to and from Paris. Ideal for those looking for an immersive trip featuring France's food-focused culture and artsy towns, there's never any hurry as you hop between wineries and join guides for unique tours. Plus, with five days of self-driving, enjoy the freedom of exploring independently and the joys of an open road.

Upon landing in Paris, your trip kicks off with a guided walking tour of Le Marais, featuring local cheeses and cool art galleries. Delve deeper into the city's culinary scene the following day during a visit to Le Marais' bakeries and the Temple neighborhood's markets, then walk off the indulgences at the Louvre Museum. While based in Paris, you'll also dedicate a day to visiting the nearby historic village of Giverny, embark on a Seine River sunset cruise, and head up the beloved Eiffel Tower. Next, take a train to Caen, collect a rental car, and drive to Bayeux for a picturesque village-hopping bike excursion.

A full day spent exploring Mont-Saint-Michel is next on your itinerary, where a guide will lead you through the island's quaint cobbled streets. Before leaving Normandy, you'll also visit three important World War II sites: Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and a US cemetery at Colleville. On Day 8, continue your road trip to Amboise, a charming town on the doorstep of Loire Valley. Devote your day here to roaming through the region's fairy-tale towns and sipping wine in picturesque vineyards; then, after a tour of Château de Chambord, you'll hop on a train to Paris to catch your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Lyon, Annecy & Chamonix

Crafted for travelers looking to soak up France's eastern mountain landscapes, this 10-day trip includes time in Lyon, Annecy, and Chamonix. Highlights include a gourmet dinner cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers, a wine-tasting experience in Beaujolais, and a scenic boat ride on Lake Annecy. Then, round off the adventure with a thrilling ice hiking excursion on Montenvers Glacier.

While your adventure officially begins in Paris, after landing, you'll head straight to the station to catch a train to Lyon. Spend your first evening cruising the Rhône and Saône rivers, then hop between Lyonnaise restaurants, informal brasseries, and the Michelin-starred Auberge de Collonges. You'll also experience Lyon's surrounding countryside during farm visits, a stop by Pilat Regional Park, and a wine-tasting tour in the Beaujolais region before boarding a train bound for Annecy. Here, a scenic lake cruise past historical lakeshore castles will ease you into your stay.

A full-day adventure in Savoy is next on the agenda, and while here, you'll sample local cheeses in Saint-Ours and help prepare tartiflette at a local's home. Enjoy a leisurely morning afterward, perhaps visiting the beach, and conclude your Annecy stay with a tour of historical sites and a lakeside stroll to the Impérial Palace. On Day 8, travel by train to Chamonix, where a guide will introduce you to the area's mountaineering history. Finally, cap off your journey with an exhilarating hike on Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier, followed by a relaxing evening to explore independently. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Provence Road Trip: Marseille, Les Baux, Forcalquier, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon & Aix

Take the reins on this road trip of Provence, which features a scenic loop from Marseille up to Avignon, east to Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, and back down to Aix-en-Provence. Throughout, you'll enjoy various adventure activities, including a boat trip to Calanques National Park, a hot-air balloon ride, and a kayak adventure in Gorges du Verdon. In addition, free time to explore the rolling hills of the Luberon area, trek up Mont d'Or, and tick off water activities in Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon makes this itinerary ideal for active explorers.

You'll pick up your rental car off the plane in Marseille and shrug off jet lag while checking out city highlights and swimming in hidden coves in Calanques National Park. Then, hit the road to the medieval mountain village of Les Baux-de-Provence, where you'll learn the secrets of olive oil at an authentic farmhouse, hike up Château des Baux, and admire masterpieces featured in Carrière de Lumières. A 40-minute drive brings you to Avignon next, which will be your base for two days. While here, sip wine in the lovely Châteauneuf du Pape and hop between the nearby villages of Fontaine de Vaucluse and Gordes. 

Midway through your adventure, it's time to hit the road to arrive at Forcalquier, a historic town tucked in the Alpes de Haute-Provence. After an evening admiring the town's medieval architecture, you'll wake early for a memorable sunrise hot-air balloon ride over lavender fields and hilltop villages. Next, continue to Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon for two days of adventure activities, including a kayak trip through the Verdon Gorge and time to swim, sail, or windsurf. Then, spend a day learning to cook traditional dishes in Aix-en-Provence before returning your rental in Marseille and catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Paris, Bordeaux & the Loire Valley 

Perfect for visitors seeking a gentle-paced trip, this 10-day itinerary brings you on a leisurely journey through vineyards, medieval castles, and Paris' iconic landmarks. Highlights include a farmer's market tour in Bordeaux, an afternoon hopping between wineries in Saint-Émilion, and a full-day castle excursion in the Loire Valley. Then, round off your trip with two days in Paris, where you'll cruise the Seine River and ponder the city from the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower.

Your trip begins in Paris, unwinding from your flight with a free afternoon to explore independently and a delightful Seine River sunset cruise. Next, take a train to Bordeaux and immerse yourself in this pedestrian-friendly city during a self-guided tour featuring the Herzog & de Meuron stadium and the La Cité du Vin wine museum. Continue the wine theme the following days while roaming Le Musée du Vin et du Négoce and visiting historic wine estates in the village of Saint-Émilion. You'll also embark on a tour along the enchanting Médoc wine route before boarding a train bound for the Loire Valley.

Your home base in the Loire Valley is Amboise, a charming town with historical links to the French royal family. Experience the region's many splendors over two days of tours, including visits to Château de Blois, Château de Cheverny, and Château de Chambord, and a trip to Leonardo da Vinci's last residence, Clos Lucé Manor. Afterward, return to Paris for a delightful afternoon admiring the Eiffel Tower and embarking on another Seine River cruise. Then, cap off your adventure by checking out Paris' highlights, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Latin Quarter, and the Louvre Museum. Learn more

More Great 10-Day France Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to France? Check out these other 10-day France itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.