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.

Duration: 10 days Pace: Balanced Budget: Midrange
Lyon

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

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

  1. Day 1 (Paris): Arrival, Seine stroll, Île de la Cité, classic French dinner
  2. Day 2 (Paris): Louvre, Café Marly, Montmartre, cozy bistro dinner
  3. Day 3 (Versailles - Day trip): Palace, gardens, market area, return to Paris
  4. Day 4 (Lyon): TGV to Lyon, Les Halles, Vieux Lyon, traditional bouchon dinner
  5. Day 5 (Lyon): Fourvière, park, fine arts museum, classic bistro evening
  6. Day 6 (Annecy - Day trip): Old Town, Savoyard lunch, lake walk and boat ride
  7. Day 7 (Avignon): Train south, Palace of the Popes, famous bridge, Provençal dinner
  8. Day 8 (Avignon): Contemporary art, Rocher des Doms, markets and elegant dining
  9. Day 9 (Arles - Day trip): Roman amphitheatre, Van Gogh sites, Camargue atmosphere
  10. Day 10 (Avignon departure): Brunch, final stroll, transfer to Avignon TGV

Planning tips for this France itinerary

Practical tips for France

Use trains between bases

Paris to Lyon and Lyon to Avignon are straightforward by TGV, while Annecy and Arles work well as day trips from their nearby bases.

Book major sights early

Reserve popular Paris museums, Versailles, and major Provence sights in advance, especially during spring, summer, and holidays.

Carry some cash

France uses the euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted, but small bakeries, cafés, markets, and local shops may still prefer cash.

Plan meals seriously

Lyon and Provence are food highlights of this route, so leave time for bouchons, market lunches, Provençal dinners, and relaxed evenings.

Balance cities and slow moments

This route covers big cities and smaller historic towns, so mix museums and landmarks with riverside walks, cafés, markets, and scenic breaks.

Always say "Bonjour" first

"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

  • Paris 3 areas
    Le Marais Central, atmospheric, and great for walking to cafés, shops, and the Seine.
    Best overall
    Saint-Germain-des-Prés Elegant and classic, with easy access to museums, gardens, and the Left Bank.
    Best atmosphere
    Opéra / 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 overall
    Vieux Lyon Historic and atmospheric, ideal for old streets, traboules, and classic bouchons.
    Best atmosphere
    Part-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 overall
    Place de l'Horloge Central and atmospheric, ideal for cafés, evening walks, and easy sightseeing.
    Best atmosphere
    Avignon Centre Station area Practical for train connections and day trips, while still staying close to the old town.
    Best for transport
Keep transfer days lighter

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.

Jan
Cold · Quieter
Feb
Cold · Museums
Mar
Spring starts
Apr
Best
May
Best
Jun
Warm · Long days
Jul
Busy · Warm
Aug
Peak season
Sep
Best
Oct
Autumn
Nov
Cool · Rainier
Dec
Festive · Cold

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.

Customize this itinerary in minutes

Generate an editable plan with maps, photos, and day-by-day views.

Complete 10-day France itinerary (day-by-day plan)

Full written version of the 10-day France itinerary, including the main stops, transfers, meals, and highlights for each day.

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.

  • 14:00 — Arrival and check-in in central Paris
  • 15:30 — Walk along the Seine River
  • 18:00 — Visit Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame Cathedral exterior
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Le Petit Pont

Transport: 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.

  • 09:00 — Visit the Louvre Museum
  • 13:00 — Lunch at Café Marly
  • 15:00 — Walk and visit Montmartre neighborhood
  • 19:30 — Dinner at Le Relais Gascon

Transport: Walking and metro in Paris.

For a route focused on Paris take a look at our Paris 3-day itinerary or Paris 4-day itinerary.

Day 3: Versailles day trip from Paris

Day trip to Versailles to explore the palace and gardens, returning to Paris for dinner.

  • 08:30 — Paris → Versailles
  • 09:15 — Visit Palace of Versailles
  • 13:00 — Lunch at La Petite Venise
  • 15:30 — Explore Versailles Market and town center
  • 17:00 — Versailles → Paris
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Le Procope

Transport: 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.

  • 09:00 — Check-out and transfer Paris → Lyon
  • 11:30 — Accommodation check-in in Lyon city center
  • 13:00 — Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
  • 15:00 — Walk in Vieux Lyon (Old Town)
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Bouchon Les Lyonnais

Transport: 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.

  • 09:30 — Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
  • 12:30 — Lunch at Le Bouchon des Filles
  • 14:30 — Walk in Parc de la Tête d'Or
  • 18:00 — Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
  • 20:30 — Dinner at Le Café du Peintre

Transport: Walking and metro in Lyon.

For a route focused on Lyon take a look at our Lyon 3-day itinerary.

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.

  • 08:00 — Pick up rental car in Lyon city center
  • 10:00 — Arrival and walk in Annecy Old Town
  • 12:30 — Lunch at Le Freti
  • 14:00 — Walk and boat ride on Lake Annecy
  • 16:30 — Drive Annecy → Lyon
  • 18:30 — Drop off rental car in Lyon city center
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Le Poêlon d'Or

Transport: 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.

  • 09:30 — Check-out and transfer Lyon → Avignon
  • 11:00 — Accommodation check-in in Avignon city center
  • 12:30 — Lunch at La Fourchette
  • 14:00 — Visit Palais des Papes (Papal Palace)
  • 17:00 — Walk on Pont Saint-Bénézet (Avignon Bridge)
  • 20:00 — Dinner at La Table d’Uzès

Transport: 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.

  • 09:30 — Visit Collection Lambert Museum of Contemporary Art
  • 12:30 — Lunch at Les 5 Sens
  • 14:30 — Visit Rocher des Doms Park
  • 16:30 — Explore Avignon’s local market and shopping streets
  • 20:00 — Dinner at La Mirande

Transport: 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.

  • 08:30 — Avignon → Arles
  • 09:15 — Visit Arles Amphitheatre
  • 11:00 — Visit Van Gogh Foundation and scenes
  • 13:00 — Lunch at L’Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel
  • 15:00 — Walk in Camargue Natural Regional Park outskirts
  • 17:00 — Arles → Avignon
  • 20:00 — Dinner at L'Épicerie

Transport: 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.

  • 09:30 — Brunch at Café Ducros
  • 11:00 — Stroll around Place de l’Horloge
  • 12:30 — Transfer Avignon City Center → Avignon TGV Station

Transport: Local walking and taxi in Avignon.

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.