Eager to plan a memorable trip around the Rhone Valley but feeling a bit uncertain on where to begin, what to see, the budget, or the length? Consider this itinerary your personal travel advisor with all of your answers, laying out all the essential information to plan for an extraordinary 14-day adventure. This journey will let you experience all of the big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food that you've been eager to see.
Along the way, you'll discover local wineries, colorful towns, historical sights, and beautiful countryside. We'll start with some of the many reasons to visit this fantastic region. Then, we'll cover travel details such as the route, the estimated costs, things to do along the way, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
Aix en Provence
You're not going to want to miss the beautiful and charming small towns of the region. They will provide a great chance to experience the local culture. In particular, make sure you visit Avignon and Annecy for that quintessential small town charm.
It's no secret that amazing food is a major draw for travelers, and the Rhone Valley holds its own with fantastic cuisine. Your journey promises an abundance of remarkable restaurants and local dishes that deserve your attention. In particular, make sure you visit the restaurants in Paris, Lyon, and Annecy.
This region is also very popular for its world-class cities adorned with sights, attractions, vibrant nightlife, enticing restaurants, shopping, and more. On a trip through the area, you'll be able to spend time exploring these dynamic cities and everything they have to offer. Make sure you specifically visit Lyon and Paris if you love urban vibes.
You'll also be able to uncover the rich and vibrant history of the Rhone Valley. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic architecture, museums, and deep historical culture that permeates the area.
Don't overlook the incredible hiking opportunities in the Rhone Valley; they're simply too good to miss. Plan to spend some time on the local trails for jaw-dropping views, rejuvenating fresh air, and a satisfying workout to boot. Some of the most amazing scenery is found around Annecy, Paris, and Lyon.
The mesmerizing landscapes of the Rhone Valley are a major draw for visitors, defining the essence of the region. Grab your camera because the real-life view is far superior to anything you've seen in photos. You don't want to miss Annecy, Paris, and Lyon for the beautiful scenery.
Don't miss out on the wealth of great museums scattered along this itinerary. Take a break to immerse yourself in their large collections. When it comes to Avignon, Paris, and Lyon, the museums offer great experiences.
The Louvre, Paris
Summer is a very popular time of year for a trip to the Rhone Valley. While you might experience plenty of crowds, everything will be open and accessible.
Let's make sure to talk about the romantic aspects of the Rhone Valley. It's known to be such a great couples' destination. If you're traveling with your loved one, you're in for a treat. Especially visit Annecy, Lyon, and Paris for the enchanting atmosphere.
The region is a gem for families, offering plenty of kid-friendly activities that promise to turn your trip into an unforgettable and joy-filled experience. We'll get into some of the details later. In particular, make a point to visit Paris, Annecy, and Lyon.
Traveling on a shoestring budget or backpacking in the area? No worries, as there are abundant options for you. From budget-friendly hostels and economical hotels to cost-free activities, affordable dining, and an inviting social environment, your trip is sure to be fabulous without burning a hole in your pocket. Spending more time in Paris and Lyon can especially help your budget.
Annecy, France
Traveling between these destinations in the Rhone Valley should be fairly easy for you, considering that most are around 3 hours apart on average.
We selected Paris 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 Paris, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
To navigate this itinerary with ease, do it with a car. If you aren't in a position to bring your own, no problem, just rent a car. Having your own vehicle in the Rhone Valley means you're in control of your schedule and can make pit stops whenever you feel like it.
The train network in the Rhone Valley offers a hassle-free and economical way to explore the region. Major cities are well-connected with swift train services, though reaching smaller towns might involve additional time and potential transfers to local buses. Opting for main routes ensures a straightforward journey, allowing travelers to relax and take in the beautiful views from their seats. It's advisable to plan ahead by checking ticket prices and schedules for a smooth travel experience.
To see all of the highlights, 14 days will give you a comfortable amount of time to explore the highlights in the Rhone Valley. This detailed itinerary will make sure that you see the best parts of each place. You'll be able to plan a trip that's fun, relaxing, and efficient. If you find yourself wanting to see more, you can always extend your stay or schedule more time in a specific place, as it's entirely up to you. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. However, if you're short on time, consider adjusting this schedule for a shorter yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around 14 days to truly take it all in.
Lyon, France, as viewed from the Saone River
Let's break down the estimated budget for this specific 14-day adventure in the Rhone Valley, assuming you stick to the plan outlined below. Drawing on actual spending data from travelers and cost data from major travel companies, the daily average costs below are per person. They exclude transportation, as that can vary depending on your choices. Consider this breakdown as a financial roadmap, with mid-level hotels, regular dining, and key attractions aligning with these estimates. Anyone seeking cheaper options can opt for hostels, budget hotels, and more affordable food options. On the flip side, embracing luxury hotels, upscale dining, and private tours will make you go well beyond this budget.
City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Paris | $286 | 3 | $858 |
Lyon | $170 | 2 | $340 |
Annecy | $240 | 2 | $480 |
Avignon | $790 | 2 | $1,580 |
Arles | $196 | 2 | $392 |
Aix-en-Provence | $177 | 1 | $177 |
Marseille | $195 | 2 | $390 |
Total per person | $4,216 | ||
for 2 People | $8,433 |
The estimated cost for this 14-day adventure in the Rhone Valley is approximately $4,216 per person, according to our calculations. It's worth noting that this does not cover transportation between destinations. That part is entirely dependent on your chosen mode of travel.
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.
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Sourced from Kayak's hotel data, it's crucial to recognize that these figures exclude taxes and fees. Think of these averages as representative of mid-range hotel experiences, yet, keep in mind, that it's possible to spend more or less, particularly if you opt for budget-friendly lodgings or indulge in high-end luxury hotels. These prices will usually be higher during peak travel season, too.
City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Paris | $126 | 3 | $378 |
Lyon | $92 | 2 | $184 |
Annecy | $149 | 2 | $298 |
Avignon | $114 | 2 | $228 |
Arles | $112 | 2 | $224 |
Aix-en-Provence | $118 | 1 | $118 |
Marseille | $95 | 2 | $190 |
Total expected hotel cost* | $1,620 |
If you're looking to save some money on your trip, hostels are a great option for younger travelers or solo travelers. The prices below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel for each place. While you give up privacy in a hostel dorm, the atmosphere is usually very social and offers a great opportunity to make new friends along the way. Many hostels also offer private rooms for higher prices than dorms. Many also offer kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data provided by HostelWorld.
City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) | Days | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Paris | $35 | 3 days | $104 |
Lyon | $26 | 2 days | $52 |
Annecy | $29 | 2 days | $58 |
Avignon | $16 | 2 days | $33 |
Arles | $31 | 2 days | $63 |
Aix-en-Provence | $27 | 1 day | $27 |
Marseille | $24 | 2 days | $49 |
Total expected hostel cost* | $385 |
3 Days
Paris is not only the capital city of France, but it is one of Europe's most iconic cities. For many visitors, its a dream destination that is filled with wide boulevards, charming cafes, and world class landmarks. The food is widely recognized as some of the best in the world. The city sits along the River Seine, and a stroll down the river at night is a quintessential Parisian experience.
With big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Paris offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
You shouldn't miss the world-famous museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris. Make at least some time in your schedule to see the main sights, and plan for more if you want to see everything.
One of the best things to do in Paris is to see a show, and people come from around the world for the theater scene.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Paris is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.
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.
The music scene here is popular and famous around the world. Make sure to take some time to see a show.
Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse the local shops.