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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 in 2022, 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 Paris:
- Budget: Libertel Canal St-Martin
- Mid-Range: Au Manoir Saint Germain des Pres
- Luxury: Grand Hotel du Palais Royale
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!
Where to Stay in Avignon:
- Budget: Regina Hotel
- Mid-Range: Aux Augstins
- 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 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 Paris:
- Budget: Libertel Canal St-Martin
- Mid-Range: Au Manoir Saint Germain des Pres
- Luxury: Grand Hotel du Palais Royale
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 1-3: Paris
- 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 Paris:
- Budget: Libertel Canal St-Martin
- Mid-Range: Au Manoir Saint Germain des Pres
- Luxury: Grand Hotel du Palais Royale
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 8-9: Bayeux
- Day 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 Paris:
- Budget: Libertel Canal St-Martin
- Mid-Range: Au Manoir Saint Germain des Pres
- Luxury: Grand Hotel du Palais Royale
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.
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: Chateaux 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
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 Thalassa 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 1-3: Paris
- 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 Paris:
- Budget: Libertel Canal St-Martin
- Mid-Range: Au Manoir Saint Germain des Pres
- Luxury: Grand Hotel du Palais Royale
Where to Stay in Lyon:
- Budget: Elysee Hotel
- Mid-Range: Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux Arts Hotel
- Luxury: Cour des Loges
Where to Stay in Annecy:
- Budget: IBIS Styles Annecy Gare Center
- Mid-Range: Atipik Hotel Alexandra
- Luxury: Les Loges Annecy Vielle Ville
Where to Stay in Nice:
- Budget: Arome Hotel
- Mid-Range: Hotel Palais Saleya
- Luxury: Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Medditeranee
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?
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Hi,
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.
Thank you!
Yay thank you!!