France 10-Day Itinerary
France is one of those countries where every region feels different. This 10-day route starts with the museums, cafés, and landmarks of Paris, then heads south through Lyon's food scene, the lakeside charm of Annecy, and the historic streets of Provence. If you have more time see the 7-day itinerary or the 12-day itinerary.
Route at a glance
The route combines Paris, Lyon, Annecy, and a Provençal finish in Avignon with an Arles day trip.
- 1 Paris Days 1–3
- 2 Lyon Days 4–6
- 3 Annecy Day 6 · Day trip
- 4 Avignon Days 7–10
- 5 Arles Day 9 · Day trip
Where this trip comes to life
A quick visual preview of where this route settles in.
Day-by-day plan
Click a day to view the details
Day 1: Paris (arrival, Seine, and Île de la Cité)
Arrive in Paris early afternoon, settle into accommodation, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Seine before dinner.
Local metro, walking around central Paris.
Day 2: Paris (Louvre and Montmartre)
Explore Paris museums and landmarks, including the Louvre and Montmartre, with local meals in charming neighborhoods.
Walking and metro in Paris.
Day 3: Versailles day trip from Paris
Day trip to Versailles to explore the palace and gardens, returning to Paris for dinner.
RER train Paris ↔ Versailles, walking in Versailles and Paris.
Day 4: Paris to Lyon
Travel from Paris to Lyon by train, afternoon city walk and dinner in the historic district.
TGV Paris → Lyon, walking in Lyon city center.
Day 5: Lyon (Fourvière, park, and museum)
Discover cultural sites and parks of Lyon with a leisurely pace and enjoy dinner in a charming neighborhood.
Walking and metro in Lyon.
Day 6: Annecy day trip from Lyon
Day trip to picturesque Annecy by rental car with lakeside sightseeing and return to Lyon for the night.
Rental car Lyon → Annecy round trip, local walking in Annecy and Lyon.
Day 7: Lyon to Avignon
Travel from Lyon to Avignon by train; afternoon explore the Papal Palace and local sites.
TGV Lyon → Avignon, walking in Avignon.
Day 8: Avignon (markets, park, and museum)
Full day discovering Avignon’s cultural gems, including museums, markets, and a relaxed evening.
Walking in Avignon.
Day 9: Arles day trip from Avignon
Day trip to Arles exploring Roman and Van Gogh sites, returning to Avignon in the evening.
Regional trains Avignon ↔ Arles, walking in Arles and Avignon.
Day 10: Avignon departure day
Relaxed final morning in Avignon with light brunch before transfer to the train station for departure.
Local walking and taxi in Avignon.
Details
France 10-day itinerary overview
This itinerary combines Paris, a Versailles day trip, Lyon, an Annecy day trip, Avignon, and an Arles day trip. It is designed as a strong 10-day France journey: major icons and museums first, then Lyon’s culinary identity, followed by a scenic and historic Provence finish with papal heritage, Roman ruins, and southern atmosphere.
Route at a glance
- Paris (Days 1–3) + Versailles day trip
- Lyon (Days 4–6) + Annecy day trip
- Avignon (Days 7–10) + Arles day trip
Day-by-day highlights
- Day 1 (Paris): Arrival, Seine stroll, Île de la Cité, classic French dinner
- Day 2 (Paris): Louvre, Café Marly, Montmartre, cozy bistro dinner
- Day 3 (Versailles - Day trip): Palace, gardens, market area, return to Paris
- Day 4 (Lyon): TGV to Lyon, Les Halles, Vieux Lyon, traditional bouchon dinner
- Day 5 (Lyon): Fourvière, park, fine arts museum, classic bistro evening
- Day 6 (Annecy - Day trip): Old Town, Savoyard lunch, lake walk and boat ride
- Day 7 (Avignon): Train south, Palace of the Popes, famous bridge, Provençal dinner
- Day 8 (Avignon): Contemporary art, Rocher des Doms, markets and elegant dining
- Day 9 (Arles - Day trip): Roman amphitheatre, Van Gogh sites, Camargue atmosphere
- Day 10 (Avignon departure): Brunch, final stroll, transfer to Avignon TGV
Planning tips for this France itinerary
Practical tips for France
Paris to Lyon and Lyon to Avignon are straightforward by TGV, while Annecy and Arles work well as day trips from their nearby bases.
Reserve popular Paris museums, Versailles, and major Provence sights in advance, especially during spring, summer, and holidays.
France uses the euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted, but small bakeries, cafés, markets, and local shops may still prefer cash.
Lyon and Provence are food highlights of this route, so leave time for bouchons, market lunches, Provençal dinners, and relaxed evenings.
This route covers big cities and smaller historic towns, so mix museums and landmarks with riverside walks, cafés, markets, and scenic breaks.
"Bonjour" means hello. Always say this to staff before ordering or asking questions, as skipping it is considered rude in France.
Where to stay for this itinerary
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Paris 3 areas
Le Marais Central, atmospheric, and great for walking to cafés, shops, and the Seine.Best overallSaint-Germain-des-Prés Elegant and classic, with easy access to museums, gardens, and the Left Bank.Best atmosphereOpéra / Louvre Practical for first-timers who want central access and easy transport connections.Most practical -
Lyon 3 areas
Presqu’île Best overall base between the Rhône and Saône, close to restaurants, shops, and main sights.Best overallVieux Lyon Historic and atmospheric, ideal for old streets, traboules, and classic bouchons.Best atmospherePart-Dieu Convenient for train connections, especially for arrival, departure, and the Annecy day trip.Best for transport -
Avignon 3 areas
Intra-Muros Best overall base inside the old city walls, close to restaurants, squares, and major sights.Best overallPlace de l'Horloge Central and atmospheric, ideal for cafés, evening walks, and easy sightseeing.Best atmosphereAvignon Centre Station area Practical for train connections and day trips, while still staying close to the old town.Best for transport
Paris to Lyon and Lyon to Avignon are easy by train, but station transfers, luggage, and hotel check-ins still take time.
Best time to visit France
A quick seasonal view for this route across Paris, Lyon, Annecy and Provence.
Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to October) are usually the best times for this France itinerary, with comfortable weather for Paris sightseeing, Lyon food exploring, Annecy lake scenery, and Provence's historic towns. July and August still work, but they are busier and hotter, especially in Paris and southern France. Winter is quieter and can be good for museums and city breaks, though Annecy and Provence feel less lively than in warmer months.
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FAQ
Is this itinerary customizable?
Yes—MyTripBlueprint generates editable plans. You can change pace, interests, and transport preferences.
Does the full plan include maps and photos?
Yes—generated plans include an interactive day view with maps, routing, and place photos.
Is 10 days enough for France?
Yes—10 days is enough to combine Paris with other rewarding regions or cities while still keeping the trip comfortable. This itinerary is designed to balance sightseeing with realistic transfer days.
What is the best route for 10 days in France?
A strong 10-day France itinerary often combines Paris with destinations such as Lyon, Provence, Normandy, or the south, depending on priorities. This route is structured to stay efficient and enjoyable.
Can I use this France itinerary as a planning starting point?
Yes—this sample itinerary is meant to be a practical foundation. In MyTripBlueprint, you can generate an editable version and adapt the route, pace, and stops to match your trip.