France is a dream destination for travelers, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, food, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to the romantic streets of Paris, the lavender fields of Provence, or the vineyards of Bordeaux, a two-week itinerary allows you to experience the best that France has to offer.
This itinerary is designed to give you a mix of iconic sights, hidden gems, and unique experiences, with enough flexibility to tailor it to your travel style.
Day 1-3: Paris – The City of Light
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and Seine River Cruise
- Arrive in Paris and check into a centrally located hotel near the Champs-Élysées, Latin Quarter, or Le Marais.
- Start your adventure at the Eiffel Tower, taking in the city views from the top.
- Stroll along the Seine River, stopping at Notre-Dame Cathedral and the charming streets of Île de la Cité.
- Visit Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece with stunning stained-glass windows.
- End the day with a Seine River cruise at sunset for breathtaking views of the city lights.
Day 2: Museums and Montmartre
- Spend the morning at the Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces.
- Have lunch at a café in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
- Explore Montmartre, visiting the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic city views.
- Wander through the artistic streets where Picasso and Van Gogh once lived.
- Enjoy dinner at a classic Parisian bistro.
Day 3: Versailles Day Trip
- Take a half-day trip to Versailles, where you can explore the opulent Palace of Versailles and its gardens.
- Return to Paris in the afternoon and visit Musée d’Orsay or shop along the Champs-Élysées.
- Have a farewell Parisian dinner before heading to your next destination.
Day 4-6: The Loire Valley – Fairytale Castles
Day 4: Travel to the Loire Valley and Château de Chambord
- Take a morning train or rent a car to reach the Loire Valley (about 2 hours from Paris).
- Visit Château de Chambord, a stunning Renaissance castle with intricate architecture and vast gardens.
- Stay overnight in Amboise, a charming town along the Loire River.
Day 5: Château de Chenonceau and Wine Tasting
- Visit the elegant Château de Chenonceau, often called the “Ladies’ Castle” for its historical connection to powerful women.
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour at a vineyard in Vouvray or Sancerre, known for their exquisite white wines.
- Return to Amboise for a relaxing evening by the river.
Day 6: Château de Villandry and Travel to Bordeaux
- Tour Château de Villandry, famous for its meticulously designed Renaissance gardens.
- Take an afternoon train to Bordeaux (about 2.5 hours) and settle into your hotel.
- Stroll along the Garonne River and enjoy dinner in the Saint-Pierre district.
Day 7-9: Bordeaux and the Wine Country
Day 7: Exploring Bordeaux
- Start your day at Place de la Bourse and its stunning Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror).
- Visit La Cité du Vin, a world-class wine museum.
- Walk through the historic Saint-Émilion district, filled with charming cafés and wine cellars.
Day 8: Wine Tour in Saint-Émilion
- Take a guided wine tour through the vineyards of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO-listed wine region.
- Visit Château La Dominique or Château Troplong Mondot for wine tastings.
- Return to Bordeaux and enjoy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a local bistro.
Day 9: Arcachon and Dune du Pilat
- Take a day trip to Arcachon, a coastal town famous for oysters and sandy beaches.
- Climb Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe, for spectacular Atlantic Ocean views.
- Return to Bordeaux and relax before your next destination.
Day 10-12: Provence – Lavender Fields and Hilltop Villages
Day 10: Travel to Avignon and Explore
- Take a morning train to Avignon (about 5 hours).
- Visit the Palace of the Popes, a grand Gothic palace with incredible history.
- Walk across the Pont d’Avignon, an iconic medieval bridge.
- Enjoy a relaxing dinner in a Provençal-style courtyard.
Day 11: Lavender Fields and Gordes
- Rent a car and drive through Luberon, home to stunning hilltop villages.
- Visit Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
- Explore the Abbaye de Sénanque, surrounded by lavender fields (best seen in summer).
- Stop by Roussillon, famous for its ochre-colored cliffs.
Day 12: Aix-en-Provence and Calanques National Park
- Spend the morning exploring Aix-en-Provence, known for its elegant streets and fountains.
- Visit Cézanne’s Studio, where the famous painter worked.
- Take an afternoon trip to Calanques National Park for breathtaking coastal hikes or boat tours.
- Return to Avignon for the night.
Day 13-14: The French Riviera – Glamour and Seaside Charm
Day 13: Travel to Nice and Explore
- Take a morning train to Nice (about 3 hours).
- Walk along the Promenade des Anglais for stunning sea views.
- Visit the Old Town (Vieux Nice), filled with colorful buildings and local markets.
- Enjoy a classic Niçoise salad for lunch.
- End the day at Castle Hill, which offers panoramic views of Nice.
Day 14: Day Trip to Monaco or Èze
- Choose between:
- A day trip to Monaco, where you can visit the famous Monte Carlo Casino, Prince’s Palace, and luxury boutiques.
- A visit to Èze, a medieval hilltop village with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with fresh seafood in Nice.
Final Thoughts
This two-week itinerary allows you to experience the best of France, from the romance of Paris and the grandeur of Loire Valley castles to the vineyards of Bordeaux and the stunning landscapes of Provence and the Riviera. Whether you’re indulging in world-class cuisine, sipping fine wine, or exploring charming villages, France offers an unforgettable journey.
Bon voyage! 🇫🇷✨
