The Ultimate 10 Days in France Itinerary

After countless trips to France, I’m putting together the ultimate 10 days in France itinerary. From the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-soaked villages of Provence and the sparkling coastline of the French Riviera, this France travel guide will give you a detailed itinerary to follow.

France is a country I’ve fallen in love with time and time again. Each region has its distinct charm, culture, and cuisine, offering an incredible variety of experiences. Whether it’s wandering the iconic boulevards of Paris, exploring lavender fields and hilltop towns in Provence, or enjoying the glamour of Nice and the Côte d’Azur, you’ll be in awe at every turn.

As a French-American myself, my earliest travel memories begin in France. We returned often to visit family, so it’s a country I’ve had the great pleasure of visiting countless times. I always find myself dreaming about the food scene. Especially in Paris, where I love spending hours tucked away in cozy bistros and sampling pastries from neighborhood patisseries.

So I’ve put together the “best of” France — all of the places I’ve loved the most, wrapped into a single, concise itinerary. I’ve designed it with practical travel in mind, including smart tips like flying into one city and out of another (often for the same price!). The itinerary is easy to follow, with built-in flexibility to extend your trip and explore a few extra destinations I highly recommend.

I hope you enjoy this itinerary, and happy planning for your France travels!

Short on Time? Here’s the Ultimate France Itinerary (10 Days):

Stop 1: Paris — 3 nights

Arrive in Paris and explore the romantic capital. Visit the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay (book tickets ahead), stroll the Marais, and enjoy a Seine River cruise.

1. Relais Christine ($$$), for classic luxury
2. Hôtel National Des Arts Et Métiers ($$), for a local vibe

Stop 2: Provence — 3 nights

Take the TGV to Avignon (2.5-3.5 hours), rent a car, and discover Provence’s charm. Explore hilltop villages like Gordes and Roussillon, shop Saint-Rémy markets, and taste wine in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

1. Airelles Gordes, La Bastide ($$$), for iconic luxury
2. Le Saint-Rémy ($$), for the best central base

Stop 3: French Riviera — 3 nights

Drive or train to Nice, drop the car, and soak in the Côte d’Azur. Wander Nice’s Old Town, visit Èze’s gardens, and relax at Paloma Beach.

1. Hôtel du Couvent ($$$), for chic elegance
2. Mama Shelter ($$), for the best design for dollar hotel

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

See my Paris, Provence, and French Riviera itineraries for everything you need to know about each stop!

Travel Tip: The best way to explore France is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

The 10-Day France Itinerary:
Paris to Provence to French Riviera

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What to Know Before Choosing Your Itinerary

How Much Time is Needed to Visit France?

While I normally recommend at least two weeks in any country, you can do a condensed 10-day itinerary in France. It will give you time in Paris, alongside other popular destinations easily reached by train.

What is the Best Way to See France?

For this trip, I’m recommending a combination of a rental car and train. The long distances are covered by high-speed trains. For the time spent in the countryside, I recommend using cars for better access and ease. You could consider doing a car-less trip. I have some suggestions on that below.

Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

What’s the Best Airport to Fly Into for France?

For this itinerary, I recommend flying into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to begin your itinerary. For your return flight, consider flying back from Nice International (NCE), which offers direct nonstop flights to US-based airports, such as Newark, to reduce travel time.

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Editor’s Note: How I Structured this 10-Day Itinerary in France

As a French-American, I have spent the majority of my travels over my adult years in France. It’s a country that amazes me with its diversity of regions. So I’ve taken what I believe are the three must-see regions of France to experience on a first-time trip.

The incredible city of Paris, the quintessentially Provençal countryside, and a seaside escape on the Riviera. I’ve had the chance to visit all three of these several times, so I’m pulling in my knowledge to craft an itinerary that reflects memorable travel in iconic destinations.

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France 10 Days Itinerary Overview

• Days 1-4: Paris (3 nts)
• Days 4-7: Provence (3 nts)
• Days 7-10: French Riviera (3 nts)

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Stop 1: Paris

Welcome to Paris, the city of lights, the icon of France. It’s a city in Europe that, truthfully, takes a couple of visits to understand. The Seine River splits the city into the Left Bank and the Right Bank, each with its very own unique “arrondissement.” Ask a local which is their favorite, and you’ll get a different answer each time. Paris hits all of the high notes in the categories of art, food, culture, and city life. Bring your best walking shoes, and with careful planning, you can see quite a bit.

Recommended Time: 3 Nights

My recommendation is 3 nights minimum to explore Paris. If you do have an extra night to give in your itinerary, I would put it here in Paris to maximize your time. While it’s a large city, the main sights and things to do are quite centrally located, so know that you can cover some proper ground while there.

Getting into Paris From the Airport

There are a few ways to get from CDG Airport into Paris proper. I have my personal favorites, depending on the type of trip I’m taking. Your options are:

• Private transfer (45-60 minutes): You can consider pre-booking a driver. I often do this when I am traveling with a lot of luggage.
• Taxi on arrival (45-60 minutes): Flat Rates: Right Bank: €56 or Left Bank: €65, this is the easiest option in terms of not having to commit. *This is my preferred option
• Take the train (35-45 minutes): RER B Train takes about 35 minutes to Gare du Nord, where you can then get a taxi or continue. The cost is €11.80

Where to Stay in Paris

There are many incredible hotels in Paris. I have an entire guide on where to stay in Paris for first-timers, which breaks out the best neighborhoods and hotels. In short, the Marais (3rd and 4th) is my personal favorite for a local stay, the 1st is great for family travelers, and the 6th is a classic Parisian experience. Hôtel National Des Arts Et Métiers is best for first-time visitors, My Maison in Paris — Louvre is great for family travel, and Relais Christine is wonderful for experiencing local life.

My Favorite Things to Do in Paris

• Spend time in Le Marais — It’s one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris to soak in the local life. You’ll have plenty of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques to shop in here. I’d start in Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in the city.
• Hit the Museums — Paris has many museums to choose from. For me, the must-sees on any trip include the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. Both require advance tickets, so be sure to plan accordingly. Some other great museums that often get overlooked are Musée Carnavalet and Musée National Picasso-Paris.
• Ride the “Bateaux-Mouches“ —  One of the best ways to see Paris is by taking a boat ride down the Seine, especially come night for the lights at the Eiffel Tower. The tickets are $17 a person, it’s 70 minutes, and the best way to see Paris at night. Make sure to get a ticket in advance.
• See the Jardin du Palais Royal — A really charming square with a small park inside, it’s lined with designers and art studios.
• Spend time in the gardens — Two standout gardens that I love to visit are  Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg. Both are wonderful places to sit in a chair and take in the view. Consider even bringing a picnic!
• Explore Île Saint-Louis — It’s like a small village within Paris. This island directly across from Notre Dame has a few streets to enjoy. The main Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, which cuts through the island, is home to several local boutiques and shops.

Read: The Perfect Paris Itinerary in 4 Days for more tips!

The Best Restaurants in Paris

• Cafe Hugo — One of my favorite brasserie-style restaurants, I eat here every trip.
• Restaurant Au Passage — Another classic go-to for me is Restaurant Au Passage. I’ve directed my family here many times. They write the menu fresh each day on the chalkboard, and it showcases regional and seasonal French cuisine.
•  Le Nemours — A good bistro option near the Louvre, it’s always happening, and I love their outdoor seats.
• Le Saint-Regis — A lovely brasserie on île Saint-Louis for either a quick classic meal or even a drink on the patio.
• Terra bar à vins — One of the incredible wine bars in Paris, but this one is heavier on the food menu, which I love. Great spot to meet up with friends, too!
• Septime — One of the better elevated dining spots for Scandinavian meets French cuisine.
• Racines — For chic bistro dining, look no further.

The Best Coffee Shops in Paris

• Le Peloton Café
• Café Kitsuné Louvre
• Ob-la-Di
• Maison Fleuret Paris
• Boot Café
• Saint Pearl
• Les Deux Magots
• Café de Flore
• Noir – Coffee Shop & Torréfacteur 

Where to Take a Day Trip From Paris

When it comes to choosing day trips from Paris, to me, the two most obvious options for ease are:

• Versailles — Make your way to Versailles on the RER to visit the Château de Versailles — and yes, you’ll want to pre-purchase tickets. You could do a guided tour if you want something more condensed, like this 90-minute guided tour, which would optimize your time. The palace opens at 9 am, so plan to be there by 8:30 if you have a ticket on your own, and budget until noon to visit. 
• Giverny — Home to Claude Monet’s famous gardens and home, it’s one of the most iconic day trips from Paris. You can train from Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris to Vernon-Giverny Station (45 minutes) and then hop on the shuttle bus from there to Giverny in about 15 minutes. If not, I would personally book myself on this half-day small group tour from Paris, or on this other half-day tour.

Sample Itinerary for Paris (Read my full 4-day itinerary here)

• Day 1 — Get settled in Paris and check into your hotel. Start with a walk through the Le Marais Quarter, see the Place des Vosges, get lunch at Café Hugo, and shop in the neighborhood. Consider visiting Musée Carnavalet for hidden gardens and Musée National Picasso-Paris if you want to be indoors. That night, book yourself dinner at Restaurant Au Passage and end with a Seine River cruise with Bateaux-Mouches.
• Day 2 — Start the morning with coffee at Café Kitsuné Louvre and make your way to the Louvre. After, stroll the Jardin des Tuileries and then get lunch at Le Nemours. Spend the afternoon in  Île Saint-Louis, see Notre Dame, and walk across the Pont Neuf Bridge. That night, head towards Le Centre Pompidou and enjoy the liveliness of Rue Montorgueil, and eat dinner at Terra bar à vins.
• Day 3 — Start in Saint-Germain-des-Prés with coffee at Maison Fleuret Paris before going to  Musée d’Orsay. Le Hibou is an easy lunch spot for the late afternoon before exploring Jardin du Luxembourg. Book a memorable dinner at Septime.
• Day 4 — Get a coffee and a pastry at Le Peloton Café before getting the train down to Avignon.
  

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Stop 2: Provence

Bienvenue to Provence, the charming countryside of France that is unlike any other. Full of charming hilltop villages in the Luberon, to quaint market cities like Aix-en-Provence, and rolling hills of olive groves and grapes. It’s an area that I think is the “chef’s kiss” when it comes to France. Think memorable hotels, long dinners outside, mornings at the markets, and afternoons by the pool.

Recommended Time: 3 Nights (Minimum)

3 nights in Provence will give you a small taste of this region. Over the years, I’ve done several weeks here and can never get enough, so this is another spot to consider adding a few nights if you have more time.

Getting to Provence from Paris

The best way to get to Provence from Paris is to start by taking the high-speed train from Paris to Avignon. The fastest direct TGV INOUI services can complete the journey in 2 hours and 36 minutes, but the average time is 3 hours and 25 minutes. From Avignon train station, I recommend renting a car for the four days you are there. It will make a world of difference in terms of exploring Provence, and you will see so much more.

I suggest picking up your rental car at Avignon Station, and either dropping it off at your next stop of Nice, or returning it to Avignon Station to train to your final stop.

Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

Where to Stay in Provence

I have an entire guide on where to stay in Provence for the best villages and hotels. While I love small villages like Gordes with iconic hotels like Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, and Ferme Oleicole Les Callis, you may want to stay somewhere a touch more central with only 3 nights. My recommendation for a shorter trip is to stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and use it as a base to do day trips. Le Saint-Rémy is an incredible in-town hotel, you could book a luxe countryside stay just outside at Le Château des Alpilles, or consider the boutique hotel, Hôtel de Tourrel.

Travel Tip: If you truly want to skip the car rental, your best option is Avignon, as it has the most buses and trains. From there, you can book guided tours and use the very limited public transport. Hôtel d’Europe, N°15 – Les Confidences, and Hôtel La Mirande are wonderful options here.

Read: Charming Hotels in the Countryside of Provence, France

My Favorite Things to Do in Provence

• Shop the markets in Saint-Rémy — Every Wednesday and Saturday, the village has an incredible market that takes over the main squares. It’s one I’d go out of my way for.
• Spend a Day in the Luberon — The Luberon is where all the charming hilltop villages are. You can easily spend an entire day here going from village to village. My personal favorites are Goult, Menerbes, Roussillon, and Gordes.
• Go for a drive to Lourmarin — A touch further afield is the village of Lourmarin. It’s one of my favorites, which is why I list it here. It’s small but feels less touristy. It’s great to combine with Bonnieux as well.
• Don’t Miss the Antique Market — If you’re there on a Sunday, head straight to L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue for the biggest antique market around. Combined with a farmer’s market, the two markets take over the entire town on Sunday. It’s one of the best things to do in Provence.
• Walk Le Sentier des Ocres — In Roussillon, it’s home to some of the largest ochre deposits. Two trails take you through the geological formations. It’s a great activity when it’s not hot out.
• See Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque — Home to one of the oldest cloisters and stunning lavender fields, this is one historical sight to combine with a visit to Gordes.
• See the Palace of the Popes — In Avignon, it is one of the largest Gothic palaces in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the residence of several popes during the Avignon Papacy (1309-1377) and features impressive architecture, including grand halls and chapels.
• Go Wine Tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape — Clos des Papes, Château du Beaucastel, and La Barroche are a few wineries to consider booking in for a tasting.

The Best Restaurants in Provence

• Chapeau de Paille – Bistrot Provençal (Saint-Rémy)
• L’Aile ou la Cuisse (Saint-Rémy)
• La Table d’Yvan Restaurant (Saint-Rémy)
• La Trinquette (Gordes)
• Restaurant L’Outsider (Gordes)
• La Bergerie, Restaurant & Bar (Bonnieux)
• La Mirande (Avignon)
• Fou de Fafa (Avignon)
• Chez Auzet (Ménerbes)
• Café de la Poste (Goult)
• Bacheto (Lourmarin)

Sample Itinerary for Provence (Read my full itinerary here)

Day 1 — Arrive in the morning in Avignon, pick up your rental car at the train station. Start with an afternoon in Avignon, see the Palace of the Popes and the Avignon Cathedral. Stop by Les Halles d’Avignon and have lunch at Fou de Fafa. Drive to St Rémy, and check into your accommodation. Stroll through town and have dinner at L’Aile ou la Cuisse.

Day 2 — Wake up early for a full day exploring the Luberon. Visit the villages in this order: Oppède, Ménerbes, Goult, Roussillon, and then end in Gordes. I would get breakfast in Menerbes at Café du Progrès. Have lunch in Roussillon at any of the cafes along the way, or book in for a meal at La Bergerie, Restaurant & Bar outside of Bonnieux. I would then visit the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque before ending your day in Gordes. Stroll the village and book a reservation at La Trinquette for dinner.

Day 3 — If it’s a Sunday, I’d spend the first half of the day in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for the markets. It’s an incredible experience, stay in the town from 8-2. Shop everything and eat lunch at one of the amazing brasseries. From there, you have two options: go wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape or consider visiting another destination, like Nimes or Lourmarin.

Day 4 — Spend the morning in St-Rémy and enjoy breakfast at Le Village before departing. I would recommend keeping your car and taking a wonderful road trip to Nice. Stop in Aix-en-Provence on the way.

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Stop 3: French Riviera

The dazzling Côte d’Azur, is there a more chic, iconic getaway in France? Welcome to Le Sud, also known as the South of France or, more specifically, the French Riviera. It’s a special part of the coastline, spanning from Cassis to the Italian border, with its own unique French culture. For this trip, I’ve narrowed down the must-sees starting with Nice and beyond. With a central home, you can explore a few gems in a matter of days, soak in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and visit beyond there.

Recommended Time: 3 Nights

Again, another place you can easily add more days — consider doing it here if you want more time on the coast. 3 nights with a smart base will give you access to lots of the French Riviera.

Getting into the French Riviera From Provence

My suggestion is to keep your rental car from Provence and to road trip into the Riviera. You can stop into a city like Aix-en-Provence on the way and enjoy the views. Drop off your car in Nice downtown, where you can do the rest of your trip with the coastal train and with local transport like taxis and buses. If you don’t want to drive down, take the train from Avignon by way of Marseille to Nice.

Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

Where to Stay in the French Riviera

While I normally suggest Villefranche-sur-Mer for a good base, with only 3 nights, I would personally stay in Nice for ease of transportation. It’s the best-connected city on the coast. Hôtel du Couvent is hands down the best design hotel. For the best family-friendly hotel, Hotel Amour Nice is a wonderful choice. Mama Shelter is a good choice for dollars and design. Casa MUSA, for the best B&B experience, and Palais Ségurane Boutique Hôtel, for the best boutique hotel.

My Favorite Things to Do in the French Riviera

• Visit Nice Old Town — A good starting point is Place Central, where narrow cobblestone streets make their way down to the waterfront. You can make your way past the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice, where the baroque church has incredible organs and a stunning interior. Afterward, head to La Promenade des Anglais —one of the most incredible attractions of the city. Don’t miss Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya. 
• Take the train to Menton — Set on the border of Italy, this yellow-hued village on the coast was my personal favorite. There’s a charming old center, a few great beaches, and wonderful restaurants to enjoy here.
• Explore Villefranche-sur-Mer — We based ourselves here for 10 days and loved the small village just 15 minutes away from Nice. It’s great for an afternoon at its beach and then time in the village before dinner.
• See Èze and Jardin Exotique d’Èze — Arguably the most beautiful village on the coast, Èze is a must. You can spend a late afternoon here visiting the village and gardens, and then have dinner. I would book a taxi or Uber to get here.
• Spend time at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This sensational blush-pink villa, built by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild in the early 20th century, features manicured gardens, a collection of antiques and art, and exceptional views from the peninsula.
• Spend an afternoon at Paloma Beach, which was named after Pablo Picasso’s daughter. Turquoise waters are set against lush hills, with a selection of private and public areas along the beachfront.

The Best Restaurants in the French Riviera

• La Mère Germaine (Villefranche-sur-Mer)
• Alma (Villefranche-sur-Mer)
• Pizzeria 430gradi (Menton)
• La Taverne d’Antan à Eze (Èze)
• Chez Thérésa (Nice)
• Rouge, Restaurant – Bar à vin (Nice)
• Brasserie de Castillon (Nice)
• Le Plongeoir (Nice)

Sample Itinerary for the French Riviera (Read my full itinerary here)

Day 1 — Arrive in Nice in the mid-afternoon. Get settled, and walk the old town. See the markets, see the coast, and enjoy a dinner at Le Plongeoir.

Day 2 — In the morning, head over to Villefranche-sur-Mer. Explore the village, get breakfast at Bakaro, and spend time at the beach. Eat lunch here in town or consider getting sandwiches to go. Take an Uber over to Plage Paloma, either eat at the beach club or have a picnic. To end the afternoon, Uber up to Èze to see the gardens and the village at sunset.

Day 3 — Take an early train to Menton. Follow this guide for a half-day visit and what not to miss there. Take a train back to Nice. Either end the day in Nice or visit another village along the way, like Beaulieu-sur-Mer, or even consider stopping in Monaco if it interests you.

Day 4 — Have breakfast in Nice and depart from Nice airport.

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If You Have More Time

For More Beaches and Small Towns

If you’d like to explore more of the coast, you could consider making your way towards Cassis and Marseille. Both are wonderful coastal areas in the south. I personally love Cassis, it’s a bit of a hidden gem and quite small.

For a Small City

If you’d like to add another quintessential French city to your trip in France, my second recommendation after Paris would be Bordeaux. You can easily spend three days in Bordeaux enjoying all that it has to offer. Some ideas would be to combine it with a visit to the Loire Valley on your way down. Or even head out to the Dordogne for another unique region of France to visit.

For the Mountains

My favorite lake town in the mountains is Annecy. It’s a direct 3-hour train from Paris and requires no car to visit. The town itself feels like a fairytale, and the lake has stunning blue waters set under the mountains.

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