A 10-Day Southwestern France Itinerary
Wine, Chateaux, and History
Thinking about an extraordinary journey around Southwestern France 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 10-day expedition. After all, the region is full of delicious food, couples, museums, and nightlife making it a terrific place to explore.
The reasons to visit Southwestern France are plentiful. You'll find historic towns, famous chateaux, local wines, delicious food, and beautiful countryside. Below we'll start with some of the highlights of the area before working through the specifics of the route, budget, things to do, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Le Mans (1 day)
- Centre and Loire Valley (2 days)
- Nantes (2 days)
- La Rochelle (2 days)
- Bordeaux (3 days)
La Rochelle, France
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Delicious Food
- Small Town Charm
- Historic Sites
- Museums
- Beautiful Locations
Delicious food is one of the main reasons why many people travel, and a trip to Southwestern France is no exception. You'll find so many amazing restaurants and local dishes worth tasting on this trip, so throw that diet plan away when you come. Dining opportunities in Nantes, La Rochelle, and Bordeaux are particularly amazing, so plan ahead.
Don't miss out on exploring the lovely and quaint small towns scattered throughout the region. You'll have a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local culture while tasting delicious food and soaking in the history. You'll find plenty of small town charm in La Rochelle.
Southwestern France 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.
You'll find plenty of great museums along the way, so make sure you take some time to explore. The museums of La Rochelle and Nantes are particularly good.
The stunning scenery of Southwestern France is one of the main reasons visitors come to this region. Bring your camera, as it's even better in person. You don't want to miss Bordeaux and Nantes for the beautiful scenery.
Bordeaux
When is the best time to visit?
When summer rolls around, Southwestern France becomes a hotspot, buzzing with activity. Anticipate a lively atmosphere with plenty of visitors; however, the silver lining is that during this time, everything is accessible and ready for exploration.
Spring is a terrific time to visit Southwestern France. You'll find plenty of natural beauty, great weather, and inspiring destinations.
If you can, consider visiting during autumn. This is when the weather takes on a slightly cooler edge, the natural scenery transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, and, as an added bonus, the tourist crowds typically dissipate by this time of year.
Who is this itinerary for?
Traveling as a couple? Let's dig into the romance in Southwestern France. It's renowned for being an ideal destination for couples, offering an enchanting atmosphere. If you're journeying with your significant other, get ready for a treat. For romantic charm, Nantes, La Rochelle, and Bordeaux especially should not be missed.
Southwestern France makes for a terrific family-friendly trip. You'll find a good number of kid-friendly activities on this journey. In the sections below, we'll cover this in more detail so that the entire family has an amazing trip. For example, families love all of the activities in Nantes.
Plenty of budget-friendly and backpacker-friendly travel options are available in the area, too. From affordable hostels and budget-friendly hotels, to free activities, affordable food options, and a great social vibe, you can have a great trip if you're on a shoestring budget.
Chateaux of the Loire Valley, France
Transportation
Getting around between these destinations in Southwestern France isn't too difficult. Most of these places are around 3 hours apart.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Le Mans to Bordeaux because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Bordeaux instead of Le Mans. To get to Le Mans, 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 Southwestern France 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 Southwestern France 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 10 days enough time in Southwestern France?
Yes, 10 days is generally enough time to see the major destinations of Southwestern France. We have planned out this itinerary in such a way so that you can take in these destinations in 10 days while having a relaxing and enjoyable trip. You could always spend more time in the area if you want to visit more of the local sights, or spend even more time in each destination. Plenty of day trip options are available, after all. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can modify this suggested itinerary to make it shorter. Cutting out a few places would save you time, although we don't recommended it as you really need around 10 days to see everything.
Le Mans, France
How much does a 10-day trip to Southwestern France cost?
Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting 10-day journey across Southwestern France. 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.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Mans | $112 | 1 | $112 |
| Centre and Loire Valley | $0 | 2 | $0 |
| Nantes | $140 | 2 | $280 |
| La Rochelle | $152 | 2 | $303 |
| Bordeaux | $170 | 3 | $509 |
| Total per person | $1,205 | ||
| for 2 People | $2,409 | ||
The anticipated expenses for this 10-day journey in Southwestern France tallies up to $1,205 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 Southwestern France 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.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price |
|---|---|
| Le Mans | $77 |
| Centre and Loire Valley | no data |
| Nantes | $76 |
| La Rochelle | $103 |
| Bordeaux | $112 |
Hostel Prices
Looking to be budget-savvy on your journey? Hostels are an excellent choice, especially for the younger crowd or solo adventurers. The prices provided below outline the average costs for a dorm bed in a hostel in each destination. Yes, you might sacrifice a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, but the lively atmosphere often turns these shared spaces into social hubs, offering fantastic opportunities to forge new connections. Keep in mind that many hostels also provide private rooms, albeit at a higher cost than dorms, coupled with additional amenities such as kitchens, social activities, and strategic locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data thoughtfully provided by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Nantes | $32 |
| La Rochelle | $30 |
| Bordeaux | $27 |
Southwestern France Itinerary
1. Le Mans
1 Day
Le Mans is located in northwestern France, and it's the host of the 24 hour car race, The Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans. You can visit the race track and experience simulator rides and go-karting. The town itself also has a cathedral and a long running history with museums and city walls.
Le Mans offers museums and nightlife. It's also a great place for backpackers due to all of the activities.
What to See in Le Mans
How to Spend 1 Day in Le Mans
Don't miss the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans during your trip to Le Mans, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.
Public transit in Le Mans is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).
For more activities and things to do, check out Circuit de la Sarthe, Musée de l'Automobile de la Sarthe, Old Town of Le Mans, and Abbaye Royale of L'Epau.
Le Mans Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Le Mans hovers around a reasonable $112 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 Le Mans here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $14 | $33 | $62 |
| Food2 | $22 | $51 | $98 |
| Entertainment1 | $7 | $16 | $31 |
| Alcohol2 | $6 | $13 | $25 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Le Mans have an average price of $77 based on the average from 36 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Le Mans here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Le Mans to Centre and Loire Valley.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Le Mans to Centre and Loire Valley. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
2. Centre and Loire Valley
2 Days
The Loire Valley, part of the larger Centre region of France, is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River. It is referred to as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France because of the many vineyards, fruit orchards, and vegetable fields, which line the banks of the river. The Loire Valley has been inhabited since the Middle Paleolithic period, so it has many notable historic towns, architecture, and wines. The central part of the Loire Valley is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sights. This area is a great location if you are looking for French splendor, style, and cuisine. The Loire Valley was once of great strategic importance between the north and south of France, so there are many amazing castles and towers in the area. The Valley is best known for its outstanding wines and its lively, sophisticated cities. The area in general has a pleasant or laid back feel, and has been called a bit of a story-book wonderland. It is definitely a must see if you're planning a trip to France.
What to See in Centre and Loire Valley
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Centre and Loire Valley. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Loire Valley Chateaux Tours, Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Amboise.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Centre and Loire Valley to Nantes.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Centre and Loire Valley to Nantes. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
3. Nantes
2 Days
Located along the Loire River in western France, Nantes was historically a port city but today is has a mix of natural and historical beauty that attracts visitors from around the globe. Tourists come to see the city's castles and monuments, as well as sip the wine. There are many parks and gardens throughout the city that bring nature into the city center. There's also an impressive historical center that's found in the Bouffay District.
Nantes offers museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for families due to all of the activities.
Eat your way through Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
What to See in Nantes
How to Spend 2 Days in Nantes
Day 1:
Don't miss the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany during your trip to Nantes, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The culinary scene in Nantes is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).
Nantes is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.
Day 2:
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Nantes, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.
The public transit in Nantes is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Nantes. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Walking Tours in Nantes, The Machines of the Isle of Nantes, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes.
Nantes Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Nantes hovers around a reasonable $140 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 Nantes here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $17 | $39 | $75 |
| Food2 | $22 | $51 | $98 |
| Entertainment1 | $6 | $14 | $28 |
| Alcohol2 | $3 | $7 | $13 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Nantes have an average price of $76 based on the average from 76 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Nantes here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Nantes, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $32. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Nantes here.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Nantes to La Rochelle.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Nantes to La Rochelle. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
4. La Rochelle
2 Days
La Rochelle is a coastal town in southwestern France that has a charming atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and a long running history as a port city. Today it is a touristy town with many great seafood restaurants and fine wine. There are also beautiful coastal walks as well a nice beaches in town.
La Rochelle offers small town charm, museums, beaches, hiking, nightlife, and delicious food. It's also a great place for couples and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Eat your way through La Rochelle, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle
How to Spend 2 Days in La Rochelle
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 town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.
The delicious food of La Rochelle 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 coastal 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. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.
La Rochelle is a very walkable city. With only a day in the coastal town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.
Day 2:
Don't miss the Old Port during your trip to La Rochelle, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
This coastal town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.
Public transit in La Rochelle is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the coastal town quite easily. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in La Rochelle. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Segway Tours in La Rochelle, The Best Boat Tours and Cruises in La Rochelle, The Best Walking Tours in La Rochelle, and The Aquarium La Rochelle.
La Rochelle Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in La Rochelle hovers around a reasonable $152 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 La Rochelle here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $8 | $19 | $37 |
| Food2 | $28 | $65 | $127 |
| Entertainment1 | $6 | $14 | $27 |
| Alcohol2 | $8 | $18 | $34 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in La Rochelle have an average price of $103 based on the average from 55 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in La Rochelle here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in La Rochelle, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $30. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in La Rochelle here.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from La Rochelle to Bordeaux.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from La Rochelle to Bordeaux. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
5. Bordeaux
3 Days
Bordeaux is a the heart of France's winegrowing district. It's also a port city that's filled with a lot of history and architecture. The surrounding countryside is filled with vineyards and the city has many great restaurants where you can sample traditional cuisine and local wine.
Bordeaux offers big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for backpackers due to all of the activities.
Eat your way through Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
What to See in Bordeaux
How to Spend 3 Days in Bordeaux
Day 1:
Don't miss Cathédrale Saint-André during your trip to Bordeaux, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The culinary scene in Bordeaux is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.
Bordeaux is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.
Day 2:
Shopping in Bordeaux is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.
Bordeaux 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. The city is filled with beautiful architecture, parks, and gardens.
The public transit in Bordeaux is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.
Day 3:
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Bordeaux. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Wine Tours in Bordeaux, The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Bordeaux, The Best Affordable Food Tours in Bordeaux, and The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Bordeaux.
Bordeaux Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Bordeaux hovers around a reasonable $170 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 Bordeaux here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $7 | $17 | $33 |
| Food2 | $37 | $86 | $168 |
| Entertainment1 | $10 | $24 | $58 |
| Alcohol2 | $12 | $28 | $55 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Bordeaux have an average price of $112 based on the average from 134 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Bordeaux here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Bordeaux, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $27. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Bordeaux here.
Final Transportation
As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your 10-day trip in Southwestern France, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
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