France 14-Day Itinerary

Two weeks is enough time to experience several different sides of France without feeling rushed. You'll start with the iconic sights of Paris, continue through Lyon's famous food scene and the Alpine scenery around Annecy, explore the historic towns of Provence, and finish on the French Riviera with Mediterranean views, beach walks, and long evenings in Nice. For shorter alternatives, see the France 10-day itinerary or France 12-day itinerary.

Duration: 14 days Pace: Balanced Budget: Mid-range
Nice

Route at a glance

A two-week France route linking Paris, Lyon, Avignon, and Nice, with scenic and cultural day trips to Versailles, Annecy, Arles, and Cannes.

  • 1 Paris Days 1–3
  • 2 Versailles Day 3 · Day trip
  • 3 Lyon Days 4–6
  • 4 Annecy Day 6 · Day trip
  • 5 Avignon Days 7–9
  • 6 Arles Day 9 · Day trip
  • 7 Nice Days 10–14
  • 8 Cannes Day 12 · 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

Planning tips for this France itinerary

Practical tips for France

Use trains between bases

Paris, Lyon, Avignon, and Nice connect well by train, while Versailles, Annecy, Arles, and Cannes work as practical day trips.

Book key visits early

Reserve popular Paris museums, Versailles, Provence sights, and Riviera activities ahead of time, especially in spring and summer.

Carry some cash

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

Plan meals by region

This route moves through several food regions, from Lyon bouchons and Provençal markets to Niçoise cuisine on the Riviera.

Balance sightseeing and slower days

Two weeks gives you room to mix museums, historic towns, Alpine scenery, Mediterranean walks, beaches, cafés, and relaxed evenings.

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 cafés, shops, and Seine walks.
    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
  • Nice 3 areas
    Old Town Best for atmosphere, restaurants, markets, and easy access to the promenade.
    Best atmosphere
    Jean-Médecin / City Centre Practical for shops, trams, train access, and day trips along the Riviera.
    Most practical
    Promenade des Anglais Best for sea views, beach access, and a more classic Riviera stay.
    Best for views
Keep transfer days realistic

Paris to Lyon, Lyon to Avignon, and Avignon to Nice are all manageable by train, but station transfers and hotel check-ins still take time.

Best time to visit France

A quick seasonal view for this route across Paris, Lyon, Annecy, Provence and the French Riviera.

Jan
Cold · Quieter
Feb
Cold · Museums
Mar
Spring starts
Apr
Best
May
Best
Jun
Warm · Long days
Jul
Busy · Hot
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, Provençal towns, and the French Riviera. July and August still work, but they are busier, hotter, and more expensive, especially in Paris and along the Mediterranean coast. Winter is quieter and can be good for museums and city breaks, though Annecy, Provence, and the Riviera feel less lively than in warmer months.

Details

France 14-day itinerary overview

This itinerary combines Paris, a day trip to Versailles, Lyon, a side trip to Annecy, Avignon, Arles, and a final stretch on the French Riviera based in Nice with a day trip to Cannes. It is designed as a major two-week France trip: big city icons, history and gastronomy, Alpine scenery, Provençal towns, and a final Mediterranean finish.

Route at a glance

  • Paris (Days 1–3) + day trip to Versailles
  • Lyon (Days 4–6) + day trip to Annecy
  • Avignon (Days 7–9) + day trip to Arles
  • Nice (Days 10–14) + day trip to Cannes and final departure

Day-by-day highlights

  1. Day 1 (Paris): Arrival, Seine walk, and dinner near the Eiffel Tower
  2. Day 2 (Paris): Louvre, Café Marly, Tuileries Garden, Musée d'Orsay, and a classic dinner
  3. Day 3 (Versailles - Day trip): Palace, gardens, Grand Trianon, and return to Paris
  4. Day 4 (Lyon): TGV to Lyon, traditional bouchon lunch, Vieux Lyon, cathedral, and Fourvière
  5. Day 5 (Lyon): Fine arts museum, riverside walk, park, and Croix-Rousse district
  6. Day 6 (Annecy - Day trip): Old town, lake, gardens, and Alpine castle
  7. Day 7 (Avignon): Train south, Palace of the Popes, ramparts, and Provençal dinner
  8. Day 8 (Avignon): Market, museum, Rhône walk, and relaxed evening
  9. Day 9 (Arles - Day trip): Roman amphitheatre, Van Gogh Foundation, and historic sites
  10. Day 10 (Nice): Train to the Riviera, old town, promenade, and Niçoise dinner
  11. Day 11 (Nice): Matisse Museum, beach, Castle Hill, and local cuisine
  12. Day 12 (Cannes - Day trip): La Croisette, market, beach, and return to Nice
  13. Day 13 (Nice): Chagall Museum, Villefranche-sur-Mer, shopping, and farewell dinner
  14. Day 14 (Departure from Nice): Final stroll, brunch, and airport transfer

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Complete 14-day France itinerary (day-by-day plan)

Full written version of the 14-day France itinerary, including the main stops, transfers, meals, and highlights for each day.

Day 1: Paris (arrival and Seine introduction)

Arrival in Paris in the early afternoon, settling into the accommodation and enjoying an introductory stroll along the Seine followed by dinner near the Eiffel Tower.

  • 14:30 — Check-in in central Paris accommodation
  • 16:00 — Stroll along the Seine River
  • 19:30 — Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien

Transport: Local metro and walking in Paris. No intercity travel.

Day 2: Paris (Louvre, Tuileries, and Orsay)

Full day exploring central Paris landmarks including museums, gardens, and French dining.

  • 09:00 — Visit Louvre Museum
  • 13:00 — Lunch at Café Marly near the Louvre
  • 15:30 — Walk through Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde
  • 17:00 — Visit Musée d'Orsay
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Le Petit Cler

Transport: Using Paris metro and walking for city exploration. No intercity travel.

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 visit the palace and gardens followed by an evening back in Paris.

  • 08:30 — Paris → Versailles
  • 10:00 — Visit Palace of Versailles
  • 13:00 — Lunch at La Petite Venise
  • 15:00 — Walk in Versailles Gardens and Grand Trianon
  • 17:30 — Versailles → Paris
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Le Procope

Transport: RER train Paris ⇄ Versailles, local metro and walking in Paris.

Day 4: Paris to Lyon

Travel to Lyon by train and explore the historic old town, ending the day with local gastronomy.

  • 08:30 — Paris → Lyon
  • 11:00 — Check-in in central Lyon accommodation
  • 12:30 — Lunch at Café des Fédérations
  • 14:00 — Visit Vieux Lyon and Saint-Jean Cathedral
  • 16:30 — Walk up to Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Transport: TGV train Paris → Lyon, local metro, funicular, and walking in Lyon.

Day 5: Lyon (museums, riverbanks, and Croix-Rousse)

Full day exploring Lyon’s museums, river walks, and historic districts, with dinner in Croix-Rousse.

  • 09:30 — Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
  • 12:30 — Lunch at Le Café Comptoir Abel
  • 14:30 — Walk along the Rhône riverbanks and Parc de la Tête d'Or
  • 18:00 — Visit Croix-Rousse district
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Le Bistrot du Potager

Transport: Walking and local metro within Lyon. No intercity travel.

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

Day 6: Annecy day trip from Lyon

Day trip by rental car to Annecy to enjoy the lake, old town, and Alpine scenery, then drive back to Lyon for overnight.

  • 07:30 — Pick up rental car in Lyon city center
  • 09:30 — Drive Lyon → Annecy
  • 11:30 — Walk through Annecy Old Town
  • 13:00 — Lunch at Le Freti
  • 14:30 — Walk along Lake Annecy and Jardins de l'Europe
  • 16:00 — Visit Château d'Annecy
  • 17:30 — Drive Annecy → Lyon
  • 19:30 — Drop off rental car
  • 20:30 — Dinner at Les Adrets

Transport: Rental car roundtrip Lyon ⇄ Annecy, local walking in Annecy and Lyon.

Day 7: Lyon to Avignon

Transfer from Lyon to Avignon by train; afternoon exploring the Palace of the Popes and evening outdoor dining.

  • 08:30 — Lyon → Avignon
  • 10:30 — Check-in in Avignon accommodation
  • 12:30 — Lunch at La Fourchette
  • 14:00 — Visit Palais des Papes
  • 16:30 — Walk along Avignon ramparts and Pont Saint-Bénézet
  • 20:00 — Dinner at La Table d'Uzès

Transport: TGV train Lyon → Avignon, walking in Avignon.

Day 8: Avignon (markets, museum, and riverside)

Leisurely day discovering Avignon’s markets, museums, and local artistic atmosphere.

  • 09:30 — Visit Avignon Market at Les Halles
  • 12:30 — Lunch at Le Caveau du Théâtre
  • 14:00 — Visit Musée Calvet
  • 16:30 — Walk along the Rhône river promenade
  • 20:00 — Dinner at L'Agape

Transport: Walking only in Avignon. No intercity travel.

Day 9: Arles day trip from Avignon

Day trip to Arles to explore Roman ruins and Van Gogh-related sites before returning to Avignon.

  • 08:30 — Avignon → Arles
  • 09:15 — Visit Arles Amphitheatre
  • 11:00 — Walk to the Van Gogh Foundation and Place du Forum
  • 13:00 — Lunch at Le Café Van Gogh
  • 14:30 — Visit the Roman Baths and Church of St. Trophime
  • 16:30 — Arles → Avignon
  • 19:30 — Dinner at L'Épicerie

Transport: Regional train Avignon ⇄ Arles, walking in Arles and Avignon.

Day 10: Avignon to Nice

Travel by train to Nice on the French Riviera with an afternoon visit to the old town and seafront promenade.

  • 08:30 — Avignon → Nice
  • 12:30 — Check-in accommodation near Nice Old Town
  • 13:30 — Lunch at La Rossettisserie
  • 15:00 — Explore Nice Old Town (Vieux Nice)
  • 17:30 — Walk along Promenade des Anglais
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Acchiardo

Transport: Train Avignon → Nice, walking within Nice city centre.

Day 11: Nice (museums, beach, and viewpoints)

Full day enjoying Nice with museums, beach time, and a traditional Niçoise dinner.

  • 09:30 — Visit Musée Matisse
  • 12:30 — Lunch at Le Safari
  • 14:30 — Relax at Blue Beach Nice
  • 17:00 — Visit Castle Hill Park
  • 20:00 — Dinner at La Merenda

Transport: Local buses, walking, and beach access in Nice. No intercity travel.

Day 12: Cannes day trip from Nice

Day trip to Cannes by train to enjoy La Croisette, local markets, and the beach before returning to Nice.

  • 09:00 — Nice → Cannes
  • 09:30 — Explore La Croisette boulevard
  • 11:00 — Visit Marché Forville
  • 13:00 — Lunch at Astoux et Brun
  • 14:30 — Relax at Plage de la Croisette
  • 17:00 — Cannes → Nice
  • 20:00 — Dinner at La Table Alziari

Transport: Regional train Nice ⇄ Cannes, walking in Cannes and Nice.

Day 13: Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer

Last full day in Nice with a museum visit, a short excursion to Villefranche-sur-Mer, shopping, and a farewell dinner.

  • 09:30 — Visit National Marc Chagall Museum
  • 12:30 — Lunch at Chez Palmyre
  • 14:30 — Excursion to Villefranche-sur-Mer
  • 17:00 — Return to Nice and walk along Rue Masséna
  • 20:00 — Farewell dinner at Le Séjour Café

Transport: Local train Nice ⇄ Villefranche-sur-Mer, walking in Nice.

Day 14: Nice departure day

Relaxed final morning with a light brunch and last stroll before transfer to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport for departure.

  • 09:30 — Leisurely morning stroll in Promenade du Paillon park
  • 11:00 — Brunch at Emilie's Cookies Cafe
  • 12:30 — Transfer to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

Transport: Local tram or bus transfer to Nice Airport with walking in Nice city center.

Frequently asked questions

Can this itinerary be customized?

Yes. MyTripBlueprint generates editable plans. You can change the pace, interests, and transport preferences.

Does the full plan include maps and photos?

Yes. Generated plans include an interactive day-by-day view with maps, routes, and place photos.

Is 2 weeks enough for France?

Yes—2 weeks is an excellent amount of time for France. It gives you enough flexibility to combine Paris with several regions while keeping a more comfortable and varied pace.

What is a good 14-day itinerary for France?

A good 14-day France route often combines Paris with a few major regional stops such as Lyon, the Riviera, Provence, or Alsace depending on your interests. This itinerary is planned to keep transfers logical and the trip balanced.

Can this 14-day France itinerary be customized easily?

Yes—this itinerary is designed as a realistic sample, not a fixed plan. With MyTripBlueprint, you can create your own editable version and tailor the route, pace, and transport style to your trip.