Rhone Road Trip 10-Day Itinerary

Wine, History, Food, and the Countryside

Dreaming of a phenomenal trip around the Rhone Valley but feeling a bit overwhelmed on where to begin, the ideal destinations, the budget, or the timeframe? This itinerary will let you take in all of the nightlife, delicious food, museums, and small town charm. Let this be your travel guide, providing everything you need to put together a fantastic 10-day journey around the region.

If you follow this guide, you'll find local wineries, colorful towns, historical sights, and beautiful countryside. All of the specific planning information you need will be covered below, such as the route, expected budget, activities, and where to stay.

This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:

1. Marseille (2 days)
2. Arles (1 day)
3. Avignon (2 days)
4. Lyon (2 days)
5. Annecy (1 day)
6. Geneva (2 days)

Geneva, Switzerland

Itinerary Highlights

• Great for couples
• Family-friendly
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Small Town Charm
• Delicious Food
• Historic Sites
• Hiking
• Beautiful Locations

Ensure you include visits to the region's delightful small towns in your plans. They present a fantastic chance to connect with and experience the local culture. In particular, make sure you visit Avignon and Annecy for that quintessential small town charm.

Indulging in delectable cuisine is a major motivator for travel, and a visit to the Rhone Valley is no different. Brace yourself for an abundance of outstanding restaurants and local dishes that are simply a must-try. The food in Avignon, Marseille, and Arles is especially delicious.

So much history is to be found in the Rhone Valley. Don't miss the historic architecture, museums, and charming vibe of the area.

When you're in the Rhone Valley, the hiking is a game-changer, and you don't want to miss it. Make some time to explore the local trails, where you'll be treated to stunning views, revitalizing fresh air, and a solid workout. Some of the most amazing scenery is found around Arles, Marseille, and Lyon.

the Rhone Valley pulls in visitors for its breathtaking scenery, a key highlight of the region. Don't forget your camera - trust me, the real-life experience is even more awe-inspiring. You don't want to miss Arles, Marseille, and Lyon for the beautiful scenery.

Pont d'Avignon, France

When is the best time to visit?

You can easily dive into the vibrant energy of summer in the Rhone Valley, a season that attracts plenty of visitors. While crowds are part of the deal, the flip side is that all attractions and amenities will be at your fingertips, making it an ideal time to explore.

Who is this itinerary for?

the Rhone Valley isn't just a fun destination, it's also a haven for couples seeking a romantic getaway. If you and your loved one are on this adventure together, you're in for a special treat. Especially visit Arles, Avignon, and Marseille for the enchanting atmosphere.

If you're planning a family getaway, the area is an absolute winner for a fantastic, kid-friendly trip. There's a wide variety of activities tailored for the little ones. We'll dig into more details below. In particular, make a point to visit Annecy and Lyon.

This area offers a myriad of travel choices perfect for those on a budget or backpacking adventure. Whether it's budget-friendly hostels, affordable hotels, free activities, pocket-friendly dining, or the lively social scene, you're in for a fantastic trip even if you're pinching pennies. Spending more time in Lyon can especially help your budget.

Arles, France

Transportation

Getting from one destination to another in the Rhone Valley is generally easy, with the majority of these places being approximately 2 hours apart.

We selected Marseille as the starting point because it offers plenty of transporation options. At the end, this itinerary loops back around to the start to make it convenient, but you could also arrive or leave from any destination along the way. To get to Marseille, you can see flight prices and schedules here.

If you're following this itinerary, a car is a good way to do it. Don't stress if you didn't bring yours; renting a car is easy. Having your own car in the Rhone Valley means you're the boss of your schedule, and you can stop wherever and whenever you please.

Traveling by train through the Rhone Valley is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.

Is 10 days enough time in the Rhone Valley?

Yes, 10 days should give you ample time to explore the key destinations in the Rhone Valley. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you can savor these locales at a leisurely pace, making your trip both relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, if you're eager for more local experiences, feel free to extend your stay or delve deeper into each spot. Day trip options abound, offering flexibility. Conversely, if time is tight, you can customize this suggested itinerary for a shorter yet fulfilling visit. While trimming destinations is an option, we recommend sticking to around 10 days to truly appreciate everything.

Lyon, France, as viewed from the Saone River

How much does a 10-day trip to the Rhone Valley cost?

The estimated budget breakdown for this 10-day trip through the Rhone Valley is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.

From these calculations, the estimated cost for this 10-day itinerary of the Rhone Valley costs $3,269 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.

Accommodation Costs

Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through the Rhone Valley based on calculated averages.

Hotel Prices

For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.

Hostel Prices

If you're on the lookout for budget-friendly options during your journey, hostels are a terrific option catering to younger or solo travelers. The prices listed below detail the average expenditure for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. While privacy may take a backseat in a hostel dorm, the vibrant atmosphere often transforms these shared spaces into social hubs, creating wonderful chances to meet up with fellow travelers. It's important to note that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, with additional benefits like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data from HostelWorld.

The Rhone Valley Itinerary

1. Marseille

2 Days

Marseille is a well known port city in southern France along the French Riviera. It has a fascinating old town and a long running history. There are many historic attractions and a lot to explore as a touristy.

Marseille brings plenty of visitors because it has beaches, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.

For foodies, Marseille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.

Marseille has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.

What to See in Marseille

How to Spend 2 Days in Marseille

Day 1:

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

The delicious food of Marseille is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Marseille is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

Day 2:

Marseille offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. The Old Port area is one of the most scenic parts of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and it remains quite busy today.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

Public transit in Marseille is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

More Activities

Marseille offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Marseille

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Marseille, see The Best Calanques National Park Tours from Marseille, The Best Cassis Tours in Marseille, The Best Affordable Wine Tours Around Marseille, and The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Marseille.

Marseille Costs

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Marseille is $195 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Marseille here.

Accommodation

Hotels

The average hotel room price in Marseille is $95 based on the average from 161 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Marseille here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Marseille, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $24. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Marseille here.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Marseille to Arles.

2. Arles

1 Day

Arles is located on the Rhône River in Provence. It is famous as an inspiration for paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and it is filled with Roman ruins and fascinating history. Today the town regularly hosts plays and concerts that visitors can enjoy.

Arles brings plenty of visitors because it has museums, nightlife, and beautiful locations.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll want to make sure to have at least enough time to see the highlights, but even more time to explore all of it.

Arles has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.

What to See in Arles

How to Spend 1 Day in Arles

Arles is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the town's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Arles is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

More Activities

Arles offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Arles

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Arles, see The Best Walking and History Tours in Arles, The Arles Amphitheatre, The Cryptoportiques, and The Saint-Trophime Cloister.

Arles Costs

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Arles is $196 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Arles here.

Accommodation

Hotels

The average hotel room price in Arles is $112 based on the average from 74 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Arles here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Arles, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $31. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Arles here.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Arles to Avignon.

3. Avignon

2 Days

Avignon is a town in the region of Provence that dates back to the 1300s. It sits along the Rhône River and is filled with history and beautiful landmarks.

Avignon brings plenty of visitors because it has small town charm, museums, and delicious food. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Avignon are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll want to make sure to have at least enough time to see the highlights, but even more time to explore all of it.

For foodies, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

Avignon has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.

What to See in Avignon

How to Spend 2 Days in Avignon

Day 1:

Avignon is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

The delicious food of Avignon is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Avignon is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Day 2:

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Public transit in Avignon is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

More Activities

Avignon offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Avignon

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Avignon, see The Best Luberon Villages Tours from Avignon, The Best Wine Tours in Avignon, The Best Ancient Roman Tours Around Avignon, and The Best Chateauneuf du Pape Tours from Avignon.

Avignon Costs

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Avignon is $790 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Avignon here.

Accommodation

Hotels

The average hotel room price in Avignon is $114 based on the average from 90 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Avignon here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Avignon, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $16. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Avignon here.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Avignon to Lyon.

4. Lyon

2 Days

Lyon is a beautiful city with a long history. It has one of Europe's best old towns, which climbs the hills above the River Saône and is filled with character. There are many traditional restaurants where you can try the local cuisine. The city is also known for its Marionette puppets and there is a museum as well as places to watch a production.

Lyon brings plenty of visitors because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lyon are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll want to make sure to have at least enough time to see the highlights, but even more time to explore all of it.

For foodies, Lyon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

Lyon has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.

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