Rhone Road Trip Two-Week Itinerary

Wine, History, Food, and the Countryside

Thinking about an extraordinary journey around the Rhone Valley but unsure about the starting point, the best places to go, the expense, or the length? This itinerary is your go-to companion, loaded with all the details to put together an unforgettable 14-day expedition. After all, the region is full of nightlife, delicious food, museums, and small town charm making it a terrific place to explore.

While visiting the Rhone Valley, you'll find local wineries, colorful towns, historical sights, and beautiful countryside. We've put together plenty of specific plans below, starting with with the many reasons why you should visit this amazing region. We then cover estimated costs, where to stay, the route, and things to see and do along the way.

This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:

1. Marseille (2 days)
2. Arles (2 days)
3. Avignon (2 days)
4. Lyon (2 days)
5. Annecy (2 days)
6. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (2 days)
7. Geneva (2 days)

Lyon, France, as viewed from the Saone River

Itinerary Highlights

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

It's essential not to bypass the picturesque and charming small towns in the region. They grant you a superb opportunity to embrace and enjoy the local culture. You'll find plenty of small town charm in Avignon and Annecy.

Many travelers embark on journeys with the pursuit of mouthwatering cuisine, and the Rhone Valley is no exception. This trip promises a plethora of exceptional restaurants and local delicacies that demand a taste. Dining opportunities in Arles, Marseille, and Avignon are particularly amazing, so plan ahead.

the Rhone Valley is a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered. Make sure to soak in the richness of the area through its historic architecture, museums, and charming atmosphere. It's an experience you can't miss.

Hiking in the Rhone Valley is an absolute must, so don't even think about skipping it. Take the time to hit the local trails for panoramic views, rejuvenating fresh air, and a healthy dose of physical activity. Some of the best hiking trails are found around Lyon, Arles, and Marseille.

One of the primary attractions in the Rhone Valley is its jaw-dropping scenery, drawing visitors from far and wide. Make sure to pack your camera because seeing it in person is better than you've heard. You don't want to miss Lyon, Arles, and Marseille for the beautiful scenery.

Vegetable Market in Marseille, France

When is the best time to visit?

As summer unfolds in the Rhone Valley, it becomes a magnet for travelers seeking a memorable experience. Brace yourself for bustling crowds, but take comfort in the fact that this is when everything is open and at its peak accessibility.

Who is this itinerary for?

the Rhone Valley has earned a reputation as a go-to spot for couples. If you're traveling with your better half, brace yourselves for an exceptional experience. Down below, you'll find plenty of insight around romantic activities for your trip. For romantic charm, Arles, Avignon, and Marseille especially should not be missed.

Looking for a perfect family-friendly destination? Look no further than the Rhone Valley, where a multitude of kid-friendly activities awaits to make your trip an absolute delight. In the various sections below, we'll discuss this even more. For example, families love all of the activities in Lyon, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and Annecy.

If you're watching your wallet or embarking on a backpacking escapade, the area has got you covered with a range of budget-friendly options. From economical hostels and budget hotels to free activities, affordable eats, and a vibrant social atmosphere, your trip is set to be fantastic without breaking the bank. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Lyon and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc tend to favor budget travelers.

Geneva, Switzerland

Transportation

It's fairly easy to get between these destinations in the Rhone Valley, as most of these places are an average of 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.

Exploring with this itinerary is a blast if you've got a car. If you can't bring your own, just rent one. Having your own set of wheels in the Rhone Valley is the ticket to total freedom and flexibility. Cruise at your own pace and pull over whenever the mood strikes.

Efficient and budget-friendly, train travel through the Rhone Valley is a breeze, swiftly linking major cities while smaller destinations may require a bit more time, possibly involving transfers to local buses. Stick to the primary routes, and you'll find it easy to navigate, offering ample opportunities to sit back and appreciate the picturesque scenery outside your window. Don't forget to check ticket prices and schedules ahead of your trip.

Is 14 days enough time in the Rhone Valley?

Yes, 14 days provides a comfortable window to explore the major attractions in the Rhone Valley. Our meticulously planned itinerary ensures you can absorb the essence of each destination, creating a trip that's not only enjoyable but also leisurely. If you find yourself yearning for more local flavor, extending your stay or dedicating extra time to specific areas is an option. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. Conversely, for those with time constraints, consider adjusting this proposed itinerary for a condensed yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around 14 days to truly savor everything.

Chamonix Mont Blanc, France

How much does a 14-day trip to the Rhone Valley cost?

Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting 14-day journey across the Rhone Valley. Our cost estimates are based on the average daily expenses of real travelers, coupled with data from major companies. Keep in mind, these costs are per person and exclude transportation between destinations. Consider this a helpful guide, because opting for mid-level hotels, regular dining, and covering main attractions will keep you on par with these averages. For those on a tighter budget, hostels and budget hotels, along with more affordable dining options, can keep you below these estimates. Conversely, indulging in luxury accommodations, upscale dining, and private tours might push you well above this budget.

The anticipated expenses for this 14-day journey in the Rhone Valley tallies up to $4,294 per person. Keep in mind that this figure excludes the cost of moving between destinations, as that will depend on the transportation option you use.

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

The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Calculated from Kayak's hotel data, please note that taxes and fees are not factored into these figures. Consider these prices as a gauge for mid-range hotel experiences. Yet, keep in mind that it's easy to spend more or less, especially if you opt for budget-friendly stays or treat yourself to high-end luxury hotels. During peak travel season, these prices will also be higher.

Hostel Prices

Seeking to stretch your travel dollars? Hostels are a fantastic option, especially for younger or solo travelers. The prices outlined below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel at each location. While privacy may be a bit limited in hostel dorms, the ambiance is usually social, creating a wonderful opportunity to form new friendships. Keep in mind that many hostels also offer private rooms, but at a higher cost compared to dorms. Moreover, you can benefit from amenities such as communal kitchens, social activities, and convenient locations. These average prices are computed using 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.

Many travelers come to Marseille because it has beaches, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for backpackers due to all of the activities.

Marseille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.

This is one of the most popular destinations in the world for nightlife. It's considered by many to be a fun party-oriented city, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.

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

In Marseille, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.

See More Activities and Tours for Marseille

For more ideas to help you plan your time 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

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Marseille hovers around a reasonable $195 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Marseille here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Marseille have an average price of $95 based on the average from 161 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Marseille here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Marseille, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $24. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Marseille here.

Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Marseille to Arles.

2. Arles

2 Days

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.

Many travelers come to Arles because it has museums, nightlife, and beautiful locations.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. You'll want to make a plan of how to see everything on your list. Set aside at least enough time to see the highlights.

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 2 Days in Arles

Day 1:

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.

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 large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Arles is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. This small city is famous for inspiring works by Vincent Van Gogh.

Public transit in Arles is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

More Activities

In Arles, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.

See More Activities and Tours for Arles

For more ideas to help you plan your time in Arles, see The Best Walking and History Tours in Arles, The Arles Amphitheatre, The Cryptoportiques, and The Saint-Trophime Cloister.

Arles Costs

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Arles hovers around a reasonable $196 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Arles here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Arles have an average price of $112 based on the average from 74 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Arles here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Arles, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $31. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Arles here.

Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are 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.

Many travelers come to Avignon because it has small town charm, museums, and delicious food. It's also a great place for backpackers due to all of the activities.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. You'll want to make a plan of how to see everything on your list. Set aside at least enough time to see the highlights.

Avignon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.

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

In Avignon, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.

See More Activities and Tours for Avignon

For more ideas to help you plan your time 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

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Avignon hovers around a reasonable $790 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Avignon here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Avignon have an average price of $114 based on the average from 90 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Avignon here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Avignon, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $16. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Avignon here.

Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are 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.

Many travelers come to Lyon because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for families and backpackers due to all of the activities.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lyon has many famous sights for visitors. You'll want to make a plan of how to see everything on your list. Set aside at least enough time to see the highlights.

Lyon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.

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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