Highlights of France: 10-Day Itinerary

Wine, History, and Famous Sights

If you're trying to plan an amazing trip through France, but are not sure where to start things off, where to go, or how much money you'll need, then this itinerary is for you. This trip will let you take in all of the big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food along the way. Consider this your go-to guide, giving you all the details to schedule an epic 10-day adventure through the region.

Along the way, you'll discover world-famous sights, local wines, delicious food, and colorful cities. 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:

1. Paris (2 days)
2. Versailles (1 day)
3. Lyon (2 days)
4. Avignon (3 days)
5. Bordeaux (2 days)

The Louvre, Paris

Itinerary Highlights

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

You'll want to make sure you set aside enough time to visit the larger cities with their sights, attractions, vibrant nightlife, delectable restaurants, shopping, and more. The cities of France are a great way to immerse yourself in its distinctive culture and dynamic urban allure. Make sure you specifically visit Paris and Lyon if you love urban vibes.

It's no secret that amazing food is a major draw for travelers, and France holds its own with fantastic cuisine. Your journey promises an abundance of remarkable restaurants and local dishes that deserve your attention. Dining opportunities in Paris, Lyon, and Avignon are particularly amazing, so plan ahead.

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'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 for that quintessential small town charm.

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 Versailles, Paris, and Lyon, the museums offer great experiences.

The mesmerizing landscapes of France 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 Versailles, Lyon, and Paris for the beautiful scenery.

Pont d'Avignon, France

When is the best time to visit?

Summer is a very popular time of year for a trip to France. While you might experience plenty of crowds, everything will be open and accessible.

Who is this itinerary for?

Let's make sure to talk about the romantic aspects of France. 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 Paris, Versailles, and Lyon 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 Lyon and Paris.

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.

Versailles, France

Transportation

Traveling between these destinations in France should be fairly easy for you, considering that most are around 4 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.

Efficient and budget-friendly, train travel through 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 France?

To see all of the highlights, 10 days will give you a comfortable amount of time to explore the highlights in France. 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 10 days to truly take it all in.

Bordeaux

How much does a 10-day trip to France cost?

Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting 10-day journey across 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.

The anticipated expenses for this 10-day journey in France tallies up to $3,929 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 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.

Hostel Prices

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.

France Itinerary

1. Paris

2 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.

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