One of the most beautiful summer trips I took was a journey through France for 10 days in late June through early July 2018 for my 27th birthday where I followed the dreamiest itinerary. During this lovely trip to France, I got to explore the capital city of Paris along with the Champagne, Alsace, Provence and Burgundy regions. Overall, France has something for everyone to enjoy and there is nothing like sitting at a charming café with a glass of wine and a sweet chocolate croissant in hand while admiring the stunning architecture and beauty all around.
France is known to be the most visited country in Europe, mainly due to its iconic capital city – Paris. Most visitors of France do not make their way outside of Paris, which is rather unfortunate because this breathtaking Western European country has so much to offer and each city and region features its own culture. Just like in many other countries you visit in Europe; it is almost impossible to see all of France in one trip. If you want to see a good chunk of France like myself, I recommend doing separate trips for each area. I have only been to France once, but I definitely want to make my way back there in the future to see more regions and also revisit my favorite spots.
If you are looking to see the best of France, I recommend starting with this wonderful France itinerary that showcases everything you must see within 10 days. There is nothing like visiting France during lavender season, so that is why this itinerary is catered for the summer.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
10 Days in France Itinerary
Getting to France:
For this specific itinerary, it is best that you book your flights to and from Paris. There are two major international airports in Paris that you could fly into: Roissy Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY).
Getting from Charles de Gaulle to Paris’ city center can be done by train, bus or taxi/Uber. The cheapest transfer option is by taking the regional RER train that takes a little less than an hour to reach the city. It only costs around 10 euros to take the train. Another affordable transfer option is taking the local bus that costs 11.50 euros, but it will take over an hour to get from the airport to the city center. There is also a direct bus service called Le Bus Direct that costs 17 euros. The fastest way to get to the city center from CDG is by taking a taxi or requesting an Uber. Both will cost around the same, which is anywhere between 50-60 euros.
An important thing to note about transferring from Orly to the city center is that there are no direct train lines. You could take the Orlyval metro to the Anthony Train Station and change to lines RER B or RER C. It will cost you a little over 12 euros and it will take around an hour to get from the airport to the city center. There is also an Orlybus that costs over 8 euros and will take you into the city within 45 minutes. You could also take a taxi or Uber as well and that will cost you around 30-40 euros and it will take around a half hour to get into the heart of Paris from the airport.
When it comes to traveling around France, it is best to take the TGV train, which is a high-speed train. There are also local trains throughout the country and in specific regions. The best and most convenient way to figure out how to get around France during your 10 days there is by using Omio, which will help you direct your entire itinerary. You could also rent a car and drive around the country as well.
Day 1: Arrive in Paris
Where to Stay in Paris:
Luxury: Hôtel Lutetia
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Le Fabe Hotel
Budget/Hostel: Enjoy Hostel
After arriving in Paris and checking into your accommodation, I recommend heading to an authentic Parisian café. Now, on your first day in Paris, it is best to check out Paris’ 6th and 7th Arrondissements. If you do not know what Arrondissements are, they represent the different municipalities and districts within the city. One of the best cafés to check out near Le Jardin du Luxembourg is Le Café de la Place. It is a charming café that features stringed lights all around. During your time at this lovely café, I recommend trying a true French crêpe with chocolate along with a café au lait (coffee with milk) on the side.
When you are finished enjoying your first proper French snack, walk over to Le Jardin du Luxembourg, which is one of Paris’ most popular city parks. Overall, I love Le Jardin du Luxembourg because it is absolutely beautiful as it features an inner-city oasis filled with gorgeous terraces, gardens, fountains and a palace called Palais du Luxembourg.
From Le Jardin du Luxembourg, visit the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, which is known to hold books that are written by some of the most iconic writers in history such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Allen Gingsberg. Not too far from that area is the world-famous Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris. This beautiful Gothic cathedral cannot be missed during a trip to Paris. It features sculptures, flying buttresses and magnificent stained-glass windows.
After seeing the Notre Dame, walk over the bridge to the 1st Arrondissement to see the iconic pyramid of the Musée du Louvre and then wander to the Jardin des Tuileries. If you are looking to actually walk through the Louvre, I recommend waiting until the end of your trip when you have more time because it does take around five hours to see everything. If you work up an appetite, ensure to grab dinner at one of the many authentic French restaurants around the Jardin des Tuileries. There is L’Ardoise, Le First, Le Soufflé and Camélia to name a few.
Day 2: A Day in Champagne/Reims
(It takes around an hour and a half to get from Paris to Reims.)
Where to Stay in Reims, Champagne:
Luxury: Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Golden Tulip Reims L’Univers
Budget/Hostel: Hotel Reims Tinqueux
As you head east from Paris, you just HAVE to stop in the Champagne region to taste the best of our favorite celebratory beverage. Now, you don’t necessarily need more than one full day here during your 10 days in France itinerary, but there are quite a few memorable things you cannot miss out on.
Reims is the best city to base yourself in during your time in the Champagne region and one of the top things to do is participate in a Champagne tour. During my time in Reims, I did a tour through Champagne Lanson. One of the best parts about visiting Champagne Lanson is that it is the only “Grande Maison” in Reims that offers an experience straight from the local vine. The tour guide took my group through the different stages of the Champagne production and also explained the history of Lanson. During the tour, we got to see the first fermentation buildings that consisted of numerous stainless-steel tanks. One of the best parts of the tour was walking through the caves (cellars) that were both eerie and beautiful. In fact, the cellars were once an old passage during numerous French wars. It also used to be a hospital for wounded soldiers. At the end of the tour, we did a tasting of Lanson’s best Champagnes that ranged from prestige to non-vintage. To top it all, we also tried a vintage Champagne!
During your time in this lovely town, it is best to see Cathedral of Notre-Dame at Reims, which is a 13th Century Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral. What is awesome about this beautiful cathedral is that it holds over 900 years’ worth of royal coronations of the kings of France and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located right next to the Reims Cathedral is the Episcopal Palace of Tau, which is where the cathedral’s treasury is kept. Other places to see in Reims is the Place Royale that honors King Louis XV. It is also cool to see La Porte de Mars, which is a fascinating Roman arch.
If you are looking for great places to eat in Reims, I recommend L’Assiette Champenoise, which is a Michelin star restaurant, Racine for Japanese French food, L’Alambic for authentic French cuisine and Le Bocal for seafood.
Day 3: Exploring Colmar in Alsace
(It takes around four hours to get from Reims to Colmar.)
Where to Stay in Colmar, Alsace:
Luxury: La Maison des Têtes Colmar
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Hôtel Saint Martin
Budget/Hostel: ibis Budget Colmar Centre-Ville
The beautiful area of Alsace is where France meets Germany and the two cultures come together through architecture, language and food. You cannot leave out Alsace in your itinerary for your 10 days in France. During my time in this beautiful region back in 2018, I based myself in Colmar because it is centrally located to all the other towns in the region.
After settling into Colmar, it is best to stroll around and get lost. The villages of Alsace are known for their colorful timber-framed medieval and early Renaissance houses and buildings. During your day in Colmar, I recommend taking a boat tour through La Petite Venise, which is a canal that runs through the city. It is a great way to admire all of the beauty in the village!
The village of Colmar has a plethora of cute cafés all throughout and I recommend savoring a lovely tarte and café au lait at Au Croissant Doré, which is situated on a little side street. Afterwards, walk through the Collégiale Saint-Martin. This stunning Gothic cathedral suffered extensive damage during the French Revolution, but was later restored. It is beautiful!
Later on in the evening, you have to indulge in a delicious Alsatian dish. Most traditional Alsatian meals consist of pork, Munster cheese and spätzle. One of the best places to enjoy dinner is at Koifhus Winstub! Another great staple that you must try during your time in Alsace is tarte flambée, which is similar to pizza made with a thin crust, French cheese, bacon, onions and cream.
Day 4: The Alsace Region of France
Your second day in Alsace is when you should explore the other fairytale villages in the area. You could either take a taxi to get around or rent a bike and explore the area on your own. During my time Alsace, I took a taxi because I was wearing a dress, but I would love to experience this region by bike in the future.
The first village you should explore is Eguisheim, which is known as Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast town. (It takes around 15 minutes to get from Colmar to Eguisheim.) What I loved about Eguisheim is that there weren’t as many tourists in this village as there were in Colmar. As you wander through Eguisheim, you cannot miss seeing the house from the opening scene of Beauty and the Beast. Another beautiful attraction to visit in Eguisheim is the fountain that is located in front of the Presbytère Catholique, which is the town church.
One of the most prominent figures you will see during your time in Eguisheim is the stork. You can spot storks above churches and cathedrals along with houses that have slanted rooftops. The reason why storks choose tall buildings with slanted roofs to build their nests is because it makes it easier for them to locate while they roam around, find food and bring it back.
Another great thing to do during your time in Eguisheim is savor a delicious lunch and taste Alsatian wine. I recommend enjoying lunch at Restaurant Edel, which is located in the heart of town, and trying Choucroute Garnie, which is a staple Alsatian dish of different cured meats. Alsace also has a renowned wine route, so I recommend that you either do a tour through this thousand-year-old wine producing region or simply do a tasting at a local winery in one of the villages. The best winery to do a tasting in Eguisheim is at Paul Schneider. My personal favorite wines were the Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.
After spending the first part of the day in Eguisheim, haul a taxi and make your way over to Kaysersberg, which is another storybook town that features a medieval fortress that surrounds the village. (It takes around 20 minutes to get from Eguisheim to Kaysersberg and then it takes another 15 minutes to get back to Colmar from there.) Kaysersberg is quieter than the other Alsatian towns and it is another wonderful village to get lost in. My favorite part of Kaysersberg was the beautiful Weiss River falls. I also recommend checking out the Château de Kaysersberg while you are there. It is an 11th Century castle that features a large cylindrical dungeon, which is one of the oldest in France. During your time here, I recommend sitting at a café and enjoying a crème brûlée at Flamme & Co.
Day 5: Arrive in Avignon, Provence
(It takes around five and a half hours to get from Colmar to Avignon.)
Where to Stay in Avignon:
Luxury: Hôtel La Mirande
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Régina Boutique Hotel
Budget/Hostel: Hôtel Danieli
During your trip to Provence, which is in the South of France, it is best to base yourself in the city of Avignon. The trip from Colmar to Avignon will be the longest journey included in your 10 days in France itinerary, but it is totally worth it for three days in the beautiful Provence region. When you first arrive, it is best to check into your accommodation and then wander around the city. I recommend grabbing food at a delicious French restaurant such as La Cuisine du Dimanche, Restaurant Christian Etienne and L’Agape. A delicious French staple is salmon or beef tartare, which is a spread of raw salmon or beef with seasonings. (I personally am not a beef eater, so I tried the salmon tartare and it was delicious!)
During your time in Avignon, you must see the Palais des Papes, which is the Palace of the Popes. Next, walk over the Pont D’Avignon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once played an important role in the pilgrimage route between Italy and Spain during the Middle Ages. Next, make your way over to the beautiful Parc Rocher des Doms, which is a lovely spot to cool off and enjoy ice cream (which means glace in French) or even sip a glass of wine. It is also nice to walk around the city and admire all of the quaintness.
Day 6: Explore the Lavender Fields in Provence
During your second day in Provence, it is best to see the lavender fields in the area. If you have a rental car, it is best to visit the lavender fields in Provence on your own. If you do not have a car, you could either do a half day or full day lavender tour. Since it was my first time in France and I wasn’t as well traveled at that time, I booked a half day tour and missed out on seeing the infinite lavender fields in Valensole. (It gives me a reason to go back one day.) It was still a beautiful day though!
Since I saw the lavender fields that were closest to Avignon, our tour first stopped in Bonnieux, which is a hillside country town an hour east from where we were staying. It was my first time ever seeing a lavender field and it was absolutely beautiful and smelled amazing! One thing to note about visiting the lavender fields is that there are numerous bees. If you are someone like myself who is afraid of bees, do not fret because they are more interested in the lavender than you. (Just don’t bother them at the same time!)
After wandering through a lavender wonderland, the tour took us to the earth-toned town of Roussillon, which is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Roussillon is located atop a hill and features red ochre cliffs, making it known as the Grand Canyon of France. If you have time in Roussillon, walk the trail of the Sentier des Ocres, which has beautiful views. I also recommend strolling through the town and savoring lavender ice cream to cool off. Just outside of the village are more lavender fields that are absolutely breathtaking!
From Roussillon, the tour took us to the dreamy hilltop village of Gordes and then to the Abbaye Notre Dame de Senanqué. The picturesque Cistercian abbey features beautiful lavender fields and is a sacred place, so you cannot actually walk through them. The lavender fields at Notre Dame de Senanqué are also not in full bloom because the lavender itself is not directly exposed to much sunlight.
Day 7: Enjoy the Best of Provence
During your third day in Provence, there are a plethora of different things to do. If you plan to relax and stay in Avignon, you could enjoy nature at Île de Piot, which is Avignon’s island on the Rhône River. You could ride bikes, take a hike, have a picnic, go camping and enjoy food and wine with a view at Le Bercail on the water.
You could also take the TGV south to Marseille on the French Riviera and enjoy a relaxing beach day! If you want to see more lavender fields or even a sunflower field, you could also do that as well. In addition, you could also consider visiting other charming villages in Provence such as Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Nimes, Saint Remy de Provence or any other town or city in the South of France.
For nature and adventure lovers, I recommend discovering the waterfalls at Les Cascades de Sillans, exploring the canyons and sailing Verdon Gorge or touring the factory and lavender of L’Occitane.
Day 8: A Day in Beaune, Burgundy
(It takes around four hours to get from Avignon to Beaune.)
Where to Stay in Beaune:
Luxury: L’Hôtel de Beaune
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Najeti Hôtel de la Poste
Budget/Hostel: Central Hotel
The city of Beaune is a walled city that is located in the heart of the Burgundy winemaking region. It is a quaint city that is known for an annual wine auction that is held at the famous Hôtel Dieu (Hospices de Beaune).
Just like in Reims, you could see most of Beaune within one day. One of the first places you must see is the Hôtel-Dieu Museum, which is recognized by its colorful and geometric-patterned tiled roof and medieval architecture. It was once a hospital and almshouse that was ordered by the Duke of Burgundy. On the third Sunday in November, Hôtel-Dieu hosts the famous charity wine auction where Burgundy’s most important vinters will be seen.
After exploring the hotel, make your way over to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune, which is a beautiful Gothic cathedral that features Romanesque wonders and its 15-century tapestries that illustrate the life of the Virgin Mary and the birth of Jesus Christ. Beaune is also a picturesque town that is perfect to stroll around and get lost in.
For lunch, I recommend sitting at a quaint café in the Place de la Halle. When I was there, I enjoyed a sandwich au jambon (ham sandwich) at Bar à Vins. Afterwards, I did a great wine tasting at Patriarche Pere et Fils. I was given an old medieval-style wine glass and made my way into the cellars, where I did a self-tour of the wine producing process. I also got to taste delicious white, red, rosé and sparkling wine. At the end of the tour, I even got an added bonus by tasting some of Patriarche Pere et Fils’ liquor.
Other great things to do in Burgundy is visit the city of Dijon, where you could go mustard tasting and you could also visit several castles in the area!
Day 9: Ending Your 10 Days in France Itinerary in Paris
(It takes around three hours to get from Beaune to Paris.)
Where to Stay in Paris:
Luxury: The Peninsula Paris
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Hôtel Monceau Élysées
Budget/Hostel: Generator Paris
When you arrive back in Paris, I recommend checking out the charming Montmarte area. Montmarte is located in the 18th Arrondissement of Paris and it is one of my favorite areas in the city because it is super quaint. You could find the cutest cafés here along with picturesque architecture. The best places to visit in Paris are the adorable cafés Le Consulat and La Maison Rose. I also recommend seeing the Sacré-Coeur church; the Sinking House; Moulin Rouge theater and colorful street Rue Crémieux.
Later into the afternoon, you could either walk through the Louvre where you could see Michaelangelo’s Merisi da Caravaggio – Death of the Virgin, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Jacques-Louis David – The Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon and many more. If you don’t visit the Louvre, wander through the gorgeous Monceau Parc, which is a lovely English-style garden filled with beautiful fountains, bridges, a carousel and more.
In the evening, stroll along the Champs Élysées and watch the sunset near the Arc de Triomphe, which honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. I recommend getting dinner along the Champs-Élysées at a great Belgian restaurant called Léon de Bruxelles. After dinner, walk to the Pont Alexandre, which is known as the most ornate and extravagant bridge in Paris. It is on the Pont Alexandre where you could admire stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and Seine River.
As the sun goes down, make your way on over to the iconic Eiffel Tower and enjoy the romantic vibes from all around. I recommend grabbing a glass of Champagne and a snack (like macarons) while you enjoy the beauty of this wrought iron lattice structure named after the engineer, Gustave Eiffel, who designed and constructed this worldwide icon in 1887 for the 1889 World’s Fair. Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night is magical and, on some nights, especially on a holiday, you may actually catch the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights.
Day 10: Visit Versailles
On your last day in Paris, head 40 minutes west of Paris to Versailles, where the Palace of Versailles is situated. This magnificent palace was the royal residence of France under King Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution. Marie Antoinette was King Louix XIV wife from May 1770 to January 1793 and she also resided in the palace. (A fun fact is that I am actually a distant relative to Marie Antoinette that I found out through Ancestry! How cool is that?!)
In addition to the Palace of Versailles, you could also visit other landmarks, restaurants and museums in Paris that weren’t on this 10 days in France itinerary.
I hope you all enjoyed reading about the best 10 days in France itinerary that you could reference for your upcoming summer trip. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]
Also, if you alter this itinerary and do day trips instead of staying overnight in certain cities and villages, I recommend using the Nannybag app to help you find a place to store your luggage if you’re not renting a car.
Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!
Basic Facts of France:
Currency: Euro, Capital: Paris, Time Zone: Central European Time
Click here to join my private blog sharing Facebook group.
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop my France look:
Related posts
100 Travel Quotes for Instagram for Each Niche
Top 20 Trips to Take in Your 20s
Every Blogging Course You Need for Success
54 Comments
Leave a Comment
One of the most beautiful summer trips I took was a journey through France for 10 days in late June through early July 2018 for my 27th birthday where I followed the dreamiest itinerary. During this lovely trip to France, I got to explore the capital city of Paris along with the Champagne, Alsace, Provence and Burgundy regions. Overall, France has something for everyone to enjoy and there is nothing like sitting at a charming café with a glass of wine and a sweet chocolate croissant in hand while admiring the stunning architecture and beauty all around.
France is known to be the most visited country in Europe, mainly due to its iconic capital city – Paris. Most visitors of France do not make their way outside of Paris, which is rather unfortunate because this breathtaking Western European country has so much to offer and each city and region features its own culture. Just like in many other countries you visit in Europe; it is almost impossible to see all of France in one trip. If you want to see a good chunk of France like myself, I recommend doing separate trips for each area. I have only been to France once, but I definitely want to make my way back there in the future to see more regions and also revisit my favorite spots.
If you are looking to see the best of France, I recommend starting with this wonderful France itinerary that showcases everything you must see within 10 days. There is nothing like visiting France during lavender season, so that is why this itinerary is catered for the summer.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
10 Days in France Itinerary
Getting to France:
For this specific itinerary, it is best that you book your flights to and from Paris. There are two major international airports in Paris that you could fly into: Roissy Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY).
Getting from Charles de Gaulle to Paris’ city center can be done by train, bus or taxi/Uber. The cheapest transfer option is by taking the regional RER train that takes a little less than an hour to reach the city. It only costs around 10 euros to take the train. Another affordable transfer option is taking the local bus that costs 11.50 euros, but it will take over an hour to get from the airport to the city center. There is also a direct bus service called Le Bus Direct that costs 17 euros. The fastest way to get to the city center from CDG is by taking a taxi or requesting an Uber. Both will cost around the same, which is anywhere between 50-60 euros.
An important thing to note about transferring from Orly to the city center is that there are no direct train lines. You could take the Orlyval metro to the Anthony Train Station and change to lines RER B or RER C. It will cost you a little over 12 euros and it will take around an hour to get from the airport to the city center. There is also an Orlybus that costs over 8 euros and will take you into the city within 45 minutes. You could also take a taxi or Uber as well and that will cost you around 30-40 euros and it will take around a half hour to get into the heart of Paris from the airport.
When it comes to traveling around France, it is best to take the TGV train, which is a high-speed train. There are also local trains throughout the country and in specific regions. The best and most convenient way to figure out how to get around France during your 10 days there is by using Omio, which will help you direct your entire itinerary. You could also rent a car and drive around the country as well.
Day 1: Arrive in Paris
Where to Stay in Paris:
Luxury: Hôtel Lutetia
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Le Fabe Hotel
Budget/Hostel: Enjoy Hostel
After arriving in Paris and checking into your accommodation, I recommend heading to an authentic Parisian café. Now, on your first day in Paris, it is best to check out Paris’ 6th and 7th Arrondissements. If you do not know what Arrondissements are, they represent the different municipalities and districts within the city. One of the best cafés to check out near Le Jardin du Luxembourg is Le Café de la Place. It is a charming café that features stringed lights all around. During your time at this lovely café, I recommend trying a true French crêpe with chocolate along with a café au lait (coffee with milk) on the side.
When you are finished enjoying your first proper French snack, walk over to Le Jardin du Luxembourg, which is one of Paris’ most popular city parks. Overall, I love Le Jardin du Luxembourg because it is absolutely beautiful as it features an inner-city oasis filled with gorgeous terraces, gardens, fountains and a palace called Palais du Luxembourg.
From Le Jardin du Luxembourg, visit the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, which is known to hold books that are written by some of the most iconic writers in history such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Allen Gingsberg. Not too far from that area is the world-famous Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris. This beautiful Gothic cathedral cannot be missed during a trip to Paris. It features sculptures, flying buttresses and magnificent stained-glass windows.
After seeing the Notre Dame, walk over the bridge to the 1st Arrondissement to see the iconic pyramid of the Musée du Louvre and then wander to the Jardin des Tuileries. If you are looking to actually walk through the Louvre, I recommend waiting until the end of your trip when you have more time because it does take around five hours to see everything. If you work up an appetite, ensure to grab dinner at one of the many authentic French restaurants around the Jardin des Tuileries. There is L’Ardoise, Le First, Le Soufflé and Camélia to name a few.
Day 2: A Day in Champagne/Reims
(It takes around an hour and a half to get from Paris to Reims.)
Where to Stay in Reims, Champagne:
Luxury: Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Golden Tulip Reims L’Univers
Budget/Hostel: Hotel Reims Tinqueux
As you head east from Paris, you just HAVE to stop in the Champagne region to taste the best of our favorite celebratory beverage. Now, you don’t necessarily need more than one full day here during your 10 days in France itinerary, but there are quite a few memorable things you cannot miss out on.
Reims is the best city to base yourself in during your time in the Champagne region and one of the top things to do is participate in a Champagne tour. During my time in Reims, I did a tour through Champagne Lanson. One of the best parts about visiting Champagne Lanson is that it is the only “Grande Maison” in Reims that offers an experience straight from the local vine. The tour guide took my group through the different stages of the Champagne production and also explained the history of Lanson. During the tour, we got to see the first fermentation buildings that consisted of numerous stainless-steel tanks. One of the best parts of the tour was walking through the caves (cellars) that were both eerie and beautiful. In fact, the cellars were once an old passage during numerous French wars. It also used to be a hospital for wounded soldiers. At the end of the tour, we did a tasting of Lanson’s best Champagnes that ranged from prestige to non-vintage. To top it all, we also tried a vintage Champagne!
During your time in this lovely town, it is best to see Cathedral of Notre-Dame at Reims, which is a 13th Century Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral. What is awesome about this beautiful cathedral is that it holds over 900 years’ worth of royal coronations of the kings of France and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located right next to the Reims Cathedral is the Episcopal Palace of Tau, which is where the cathedral’s treasury is kept. Other places to see in Reims is the Place Royale that honors King Louis XV. It is also cool to see La Porte de Mars, which is a fascinating Roman arch.
If you are looking for great places to eat in Reims, I recommend L’Assiette Champenoise, which is a Michelin star restaurant, Racine for Japanese French food, L’Alambic for authentic French cuisine and Le Bocal for seafood.
Day 3: Exploring Colmar in Alsace
(It takes around four hours to get from Reims to Colmar.)
Where to Stay in Colmar, Alsace:
Luxury: La Maison des Têtes Colmar
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Hôtel Saint Martin
Budget/Hostel: ibis Budget Colmar Centre-Ville
The beautiful area of Alsace is where France meets Germany and the two cultures come together through architecture, language and food. You cannot leave out Alsace in your itinerary for your 10 days in France. During my time in this beautiful region back in 2018, I based myself in Colmar because it is centrally located to all the other towns in the region.
After settling into Colmar, it is best to stroll around and get lost. The villages of Alsace are known for their colorful timber-framed medieval and early Renaissance houses and buildings. During your day in Colmar, I recommend taking a boat tour through La Petite Venise, which is a canal that runs through the city. It is a great way to admire all of the beauty in the village!
The village of Colmar has a plethora of cute cafés all throughout and I recommend savoring a lovely tarte and café au lait at Au Croissant Doré, which is situated on a little side street. Afterwards, walk through the Collégiale Saint-Martin. This stunning Gothic cathedral suffered extensive damage during the French Revolution, but was later restored. It is beautiful!
Later on in the evening, you have to indulge in a delicious Alsatian dish. Most traditional Alsatian meals consist of pork, Munster cheese and spätzle. One of the best places to enjoy dinner is at Koifhus Winstub! Another great staple that you must try during your time in Alsace is tarte flambée, which is similar to pizza made with a thin crust, French cheese, bacon, onions and cream.
Day 4: The Alsace Region of France
Your second day in Alsace is when you should explore the other fairytale villages in the area. You could either take a taxi to get around or rent a bike and explore the area on your own. During my time Alsace, I took a taxi because I was wearing a dress, but I would love to experience this region by bike in the future.
The first village you should explore is Eguisheim, which is known as Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast town. (It takes around 15 minutes to get from Colmar to Eguisheim.) What I loved about Eguisheim is that there weren’t as many tourists in this village as there were in Colmar. As you wander through Eguisheim, you cannot miss seeing the house from the opening scene of Beauty and the Beast. Another beautiful attraction to visit in Eguisheim is the fountain that is located in front of the Presbytère Catholique, which is the town church.
One of the most prominent figures you will see during your time in Eguisheim is the stork. You can spot storks above churches and cathedrals along with houses that have slanted rooftops. The reason why storks choose tall buildings with slanted roofs to build their nests is because it makes it easier for them to locate while they roam around, find food and bring it back.
Another great thing to do during your time in Eguisheim is savor a delicious lunch and taste Alsatian wine. I recommend enjoying lunch at Restaurant Edel, which is located in the heart of town, and trying Choucroute Garnie, which is a staple Alsatian dish of different cured meats. Alsace also has a renowned wine route, so I recommend that you either do a tour through this thousand-year-old wine producing region or simply do a tasting at a local winery in one of the villages. The best winery to do a tasting in Eguisheim is at Paul Schneider. My personal favorite wines were the Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.
After spending the first part of the day in Eguisheim, haul a taxi and make your way over to Kaysersberg, which is another storybook town that features a medieval fortress that surrounds the village. (It takes around 20 minutes to get from Eguisheim to Kaysersberg and then it takes another 15 minutes to get back to Colmar from there.) Kaysersberg is quieter than the other Alsatian towns and it is another wonderful village to get lost in. My favorite part of Kaysersberg was the beautiful Weiss River falls. I also recommend checking out the Château de Kaysersberg while you are there. It is an 11th Century castle that features a large cylindrical dungeon, which is one of the oldest in France. During your time here, I recommend sitting at a café and enjoying a crème brûlée at Flamme & Co.
Day 5: Arrive in Avignon, Provence
(It takes around five and a half hours to get from Colmar to Avignon.)
Where to Stay in Avignon:
Luxury: Hôtel La Mirande
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Régina Boutique Hotel
Budget/Hostel: Hôtel Danieli
During your trip to Provence, which is in the South of France, it is best to base yourself in the city of Avignon. The trip from Colmar to Avignon will be the longest journey included in your 10 days in France itinerary, but it is totally worth it for three days in the beautiful Provence region. When you first arrive, it is best to check into your accommodation and then wander around the city. I recommend grabbing food at a delicious French restaurant such as La Cuisine du Dimanche, Restaurant Christian Etienne and L’Agape. A delicious French staple is salmon or beef tartare, which is a spread of raw salmon or beef with seasonings. (I personally am not a beef eater, so I tried the salmon tartare and it was delicious!)
During your time in Avignon, you must see the Palais des Papes, which is the Palace of the Popes. Next, walk over the Pont D’Avignon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once played an important role in the pilgrimage route between Italy and Spain during the Middle Ages. Next, make your way over to the beautiful Parc Rocher des Doms, which is a lovely spot to cool off and enjoy ice cream (which means glace in French) or even sip a glass of wine. It is also nice to walk around the city and admire all of the quaintness.
Day 6: Explore the Lavender Fields in Provence
During your second day in Provence, it is best to see the lavender fields in the area. If you have a rental car, it is best to visit the lavender fields in Provence on your own. If you do not have a car, you could either do a half day or full day lavender tour. Since it was my first time in France and I wasn’t as well traveled at that time, I booked a half day tour and missed out on seeing the infinite lavender fields in Valensole. (It gives me a reason to go back one day.) It was still a beautiful day though!
Since I saw the lavender fields that were closest to Avignon, our tour first stopped in Bonnieux, which is a hillside country town an hour east from where we were staying. It was my first time ever seeing a lavender field and it was absolutely beautiful and smelled amazing! One thing to note about visiting the lavender fields is that there are numerous bees. If you are someone like myself who is afraid of bees, do not fret because they are more interested in the lavender than you. (Just don’t bother them at the same time!)
After wandering through a lavender wonderland, the tour took us to the earth-toned town of Roussillon, which is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Roussillon is located atop a hill and features red ochre cliffs, making it known as the Grand Canyon of France. If you have time in Roussillon, walk the trail of the Sentier des Ocres, which has beautiful views. I also recommend strolling through the town and savoring lavender ice cream to cool off. Just outside of the village are more lavender fields that are absolutely breathtaking!
From Roussillon, the tour took us to the dreamy hilltop village of Gordes and then to the Abbaye Notre Dame de Senanqué. The picturesque Cistercian abbey features beautiful lavender fields and is a sacred place, so you cannot actually walk through them. The lavender fields at Notre Dame de Senanqué are also not in full bloom because the lavender itself is not directly exposed to much sunlight.
Day 7: Enjoy the Best of Provence
During your third day in Provence, there are a plethora of different things to do. If you plan to relax and stay in Avignon, you could enjoy nature at Île de Piot, which is Avignon’s island on the Rhône River. You could ride bikes, take a hike, have a picnic, go camping and enjoy food and wine with a view at Le Bercail on the water.
You could also take the TGV south to Marseille on the French Riviera and enjoy a relaxing beach day! If you want to see more lavender fields or even a sunflower field, you could also do that as well. In addition, you could also consider visiting other charming villages in Provence such as Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Nimes, Saint Remy de Provence or any other town or city in the South of France.
For nature and adventure lovers, I recommend discovering the waterfalls at Les Cascades de Sillans, exploring the canyons and sailing Verdon Gorge or touring the factory and lavender of L’Occitane.
Day 8: A Day in Beaune, Burgundy
(It takes around four hours to get from Avignon to Beaune.)
Where to Stay in Beaune:
Luxury: L’Hôtel de Beaune
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Najeti Hôtel de la Poste
Budget/Hostel: Central Hotel
The city of Beaune is a walled city that is located in the heart of the Burgundy winemaking region. It is a quaint city that is known for an annual wine auction that is held at the famous Hôtel Dieu (Hospices de Beaune).
Just like in Reims, you could see most of Beaune within one day. One of the first places you must see is the Hôtel-Dieu Museum, which is recognized by its colorful and geometric-patterned tiled roof and medieval architecture. It was once a hospital and almshouse that was ordered by the Duke of Burgundy. On the third Sunday in November, Hôtel-Dieu hosts the famous charity wine auction where Burgundy’s most important vinters will be seen.
After exploring the hotel, make your way over to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune, which is a beautiful Gothic cathedral that features Romanesque wonders and its 15-century tapestries that illustrate the life of the Virgin Mary and the birth of Jesus Christ. Beaune is also a picturesque town that is perfect to stroll around and get lost in.
For lunch, I recommend sitting at a quaint café in the Place de la Halle. When I was there, I enjoyed a sandwich au jambon (ham sandwich) at Bar à Vins. Afterwards, I did a great wine tasting at Patriarche Pere et Fils. I was given an old medieval-style wine glass and made my way into the cellars, where I did a self-tour of the wine producing process. I also got to taste delicious white, red, rosé and sparkling wine. At the end of the tour, I even got an added bonus by tasting some of Patriarche Pere et Fils’ liquor.
Other great things to do in Burgundy is visit the city of Dijon, where you could go mustard tasting and you could also visit several castles in the area!
Day 9: Ending Your 10 Days in France Itinerary in Paris
(It takes around three hours to get from Beaune to Paris.)
Where to Stay in Paris:
Luxury: The Peninsula Paris
Mid-Budget/Boutique: Hôtel Monceau Élysées
Budget/Hostel: Generator Paris
When you arrive back in Paris, I recommend checking out the charming Montmarte area. Montmarte is located in the 18th Arrondissement of Paris and it is one of my favorite areas in the city because it is super quaint. You could find the cutest cafés here along with picturesque architecture. The best places to visit in Paris are the adorable cafés Le Consulat and La Maison Rose. I also recommend seeing the Sacré-Coeur church; the Sinking House; Moulin Rouge theater and colorful street Rue Crémieux.
Later into the afternoon, you could either walk through the Louvre where you could see Michaelangelo’s Merisi da Caravaggio – Death of the Virgin, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Jacques-Louis David – The Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon and many more. If you don’t visit the Louvre, wander through the gorgeous Monceau Parc, which is a lovely English-style garden filled with beautiful fountains, bridges, a carousel and more.
In the evening, stroll along the Champs Élysées and watch the sunset near the Arc de Triomphe, which honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. I recommend getting dinner along the Champs-Élysées at a great Belgian restaurant called Léon de Bruxelles. After dinner, walk to the Pont Alexandre, which is known as the most ornate and extravagant bridge in Paris. It is on the Pont Alexandre where you could admire stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and Seine River.
As the sun goes down, make your way on over to the iconic Eiffel Tower and enjoy the romantic vibes from all around. I recommend grabbing a glass of Champagne and a snack (like macarons) while you enjoy the beauty of this wrought iron lattice structure named after the engineer, Gustave Eiffel, who designed and constructed this worldwide icon in 1887 for the 1889 World’s Fair. Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night is magical and, on some nights, especially on a holiday, you may actually catch the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights.
Day 10: Visit Versailles
On your last day in Paris, head 40 minutes west of Paris to Versailles, where the Palace of Versailles is situated. This magnificent palace was the royal residence of France under King Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution. Marie Antoinette was King Louix XIV wife from May 1770 to January 1793 and she also resided in the palace. (A fun fact is that I am actually a distant relative to Marie Antoinette that I found out through Ancestry! How cool is that?!)
In addition to the Palace of Versailles, you could also visit other landmarks, restaurants and museums in Paris that weren’t on this 10 days in France itinerary.
I hope you all enjoyed reading about the best 10 days in France itinerary that you could reference for your upcoming summer trip. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]
Also, if you alter this itinerary and do day trips instead of staying overnight in certain cities and villages, I recommend using the Nannybag app to help you find a place to store your luggage if you’re not renting a car.
Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!
Basic Facts of France:
Currency: Euro, Capital: Paris, Time Zone: Central European Time
Click here to join my private blog sharing Facebook group.
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop my France look:
54 Comments
Great guide for a beautiful Summer European trip to France ~ loved learning about some of the most beautiful regions that France has to offer ~ Awesome tips for how to travel from region to region, what restaurants to eat at and hotels to stay at ~ Very informative and loved all your beautiful photos ~ Love you, Mom xoxo <3
This guide is an excellent way to see some of the best regions in France! Reims is definitely one of my fave cities outside of Paris 😁
This is a great itinerary, Taylor 🙂 I visited France more than 5 years ago, so I need to go back and explore all these amazing places. I’d love to see the lavender fields.
This 10-day guide is great! I love the photos you shared, it helped capture the city along with your description. The lavender fields are something for a must-visit.
Wow, Taylor! Talk about itinerary off the beaten path. My travels took me to France for business several times. I most enjoyed Alsace on a Sunday moving along the Rhone River in late May. Shoulder season and I was able to experience the warmth of the local people. Your tips on Paris are spot on. I want to go back again!
Girl I love your photos, so neat, big and professional and you are always providing great content!
OMG! This is so dreamy Taylor! You’ve covered all my favorite destinations in one trip! Saving this for future and will probably add a few days to cover Bordeaux and Loire Valley. 🙂
OMG These photos! I’m saving this blog, so I can recreate all the photos.
It’s amazing how much France has to offer, right? The country is so diverse and you’d have to on multiple trips to see all parts. Your itinerary is great!
France is so beautiful, I was there only once but I’m longing to come back, your itinerary is certainly really helpful thanks for sharing
I would love to spend 10 days in France in summer! Can we please plan a trip like that for next year? Your photos look so dreamy!
I am impressed that you managed to visit so many places in so little time! You have chosen your destinations wisely, I really love all of those cities! I hope you will come back to France soon and we can meet!
Sadly, I’ve only really been to Paris, but I would love to be able to explore more of France. You forget just how many different regions there are and how it all changes. Thanks for a wonderful itinerary to inspire a long trip to France.
This made me miss my country too much Taylor!! You’ve been to so many great places in such a short period. Also reminded me the things I still didn’t do even though I’m French, oups…
Oh my gosh, Taylor, your France photos are absolutely dreamy! You’ve definitely convinced me to go back and explore more of this gorgeous country. I’m seriously drooling over the Alsace region and Provence!
I’ve mostly explored France while living there as a poor college student. Def looking to go back as an adult that actually has discretionary money to spend on travel! Beautiful memories looking at this.
This is such a great post. I want so badly to visit this part of France. I just love seeing your pictures of the charming towns and the great food! I’ll be saving it for future reference 🙂
Oh my, how everything about this post makes me miss travelling so much. How times have changed. I cannot wait to explore a bit more of France once things are back to normal travel again.
I’ve always wanted to do a proper France road trip! Especially to see Provence! This is such a great guide and now I’m desperate for a European summer ha!
There are so many beautiful places in France! It’s the perfect summer destination, great itinerary!
Love this post! Colmar is HIGH on my travel list. Really hoping I can make it there in 2020!
Love this! Have only done Paris, Versailles, and Giverny when visiting france but A few of these spots are on my lost for next time – especially Colmer!
You’re right that most visitors don’t leave Paris and explore the rest of the country. I love seeing all the other great things to do in France. Your itinerary is a really good mix of places and activities!
What an amazing itinerary, Taylor!! I especially want to go to Colmar, but you’ve introduced to me a whole lot of other places I didn’t know existed! Definitely keeping this handy 🙂 Thank you!!
Gorgeous photos Taylor! This sounds like such an epic itinerary. France is somewhere I haven’t been but I can’t wait to visit one day (soon hopefully!). Places like Colmar look incredible!
WOW! This post made me want to travel to France now more than ever this summer! Can’t wait to see where else you go.
~ Amanda
http://www.blondeoutofwater.comFrance looks so beautiful, I loved all your tips and recommendations! I have only visited Paris until now, but I really want to explore the whole country!
Leave a Comment
Related posts
100 Travel Quotes for Instagram for Each Niche
Top 20 Trips to Take in Your 20s
Great guide for a beautiful Summer European trip to France ~ loved learning about some of the most beautiful regions that France has to offer ~ Awesome tips for how to travel from region to region, what restaurants to eat at and hotels to stay at ~ Very informative and loved all your beautiful photos ~ Love you, Mom xoxo <3
Thank you mom! France is a beautiful country! Love you too <3
This guide is an excellent way to see some of the best regions in France! Reims is definitely one of my fave cities outside of Paris 😁
Ah thank you Tea! Yes, I loved Reims and sipping Champagne. 🙂
This is a great itinerary, Taylor 🙂 I visited France more than 5 years ago, so I need to go back and explore all these amazing places. I’d love to see the lavender fields.
Thank you so much Cristina! I would love to go back as well and see more beautiful spots in the country. 🙂
This 10-day guide is great! I love the photos you shared, it helped capture the city along with your description. The lavender fields are something for a must-visit.
Thank you Rebecca! It was definitely an amazing trip. 🙂
Wow, Taylor! Talk about itinerary off the beaten path. My travels took me to France for business several times. I most enjoyed Alsace on a Sunday moving along the Rhone River in late May. Shoulder season and I was able to experience the warmth of the local people. Your tips on Paris are spot on. I want to go back again!
Thank you so much Robert! It was such an amazing trip and I hope to go back again soon too.
Girl I love your photos, so neat, big and professional and you are always providing great content!
Thank you so much Valentina! 🙂
OMG! This is so dreamy Taylor! You’ve covered all my favorite destinations in one trip! Saving this for future and will probably add a few days to cover Bordeaux and Loire Valley. 🙂
Thank you Aswani! I want to go back and see Bordeaux and Loire Valley too. 🙂
OMG These photos! I’m saving this blog, so I can recreate all the photos.
Thank you so much Shelley! 🙂
It’s amazing how much France has to offer, right? The country is so diverse and you’d have to on multiple trips to see all parts. Your itinerary is great!
Oh yes! I loved it so much and want to go back in the near future. 🙂 Also, thank you so much!
France is so beautiful, I was there only once but I’m longing to come back, your itinerary is certainly really helpful thanks for sharing
Thank you Albi and I know you would love all of these wonderful cities. I hope to go back in the near future too. 🙂
I would love to spend 10 days in France in summer! Can we please plan a trip like that for next year? Your photos look so dreamy!
Yes, that would be so amazing Bettina! 🙂
I am impressed that you managed to visit so many places in so little time! You have chosen your destinations wisely, I really love all of those cities! I hope you will come back to France soon and we can meet!
Thank you Ophelie! I was traveling with a friend who had limited vacation time with work. I totally want to go back, hopefully in 2021. 🙂 It would be so nice to meet up with you again.
Sadly, I’ve only really been to Paris, but I would love to be able to explore more of France. You forget just how many different regions there are and how it all changes. Thanks for a wonderful itinerary to inspire a long trip to France.
Thank you April and yes, I highly recommend exploring beyond Paris. Don’t get me wrong, Paris is amazing, but there really is so much that France has to offer. 🙂
This made me miss my country too much Taylor!! You’ve been to so many great places in such a short period. Also reminded me the things I still didn’t do even though I’m French, oups…
Haha I totally get that. I still haven’t seen a lot here in the USA. 🙂
Oh my gosh, Taylor, your France photos are absolutely dreamy! You’ve definitely convinced me to go back and explore more of this gorgeous country. I’m seriously drooling over the Alsace region and Provence!
Thank you so much Elena and you would love both Alsace and Provence! You inspired me to go to the Riviera next. 🙂
I’ve mostly explored France while living there as a poor college student. Def looking to go back as an adult that actually has discretionary money to spend on travel! Beautiful memories looking at this.
Aw I totally get that! There are a few places I need to return to for the same reasons. I studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain. 🙂
This is such a great post. I want so badly to visit this part of France. I just love seeing your pictures of the charming towns and the great food! I’ll be saving it for future reference 🙂
Thank you so much Michelle! You would love these villages in France. 🙂
Oh my, how everything about this post makes me miss travelling so much. How times have changed. I cannot wait to explore a bit more of France once things are back to normal travel again.
Right?! I miss it so much! Also, I hope to go back sometime in 2021. 🙂
I’ve always wanted to do a proper France road trip! Especially to see Provence! This is such a great guide and now I’m desperate for a European summer ha!
Thank you Helena and yes, I was hoping to do a European trip this summer, but looks like I have to wait until fall and beyond.
There are so many beautiful places in France! It’s the perfect summer destination, great itinerary!
I agree Ann and thank you so much! 🙂
Love this post! Colmar is HIGH on my travel list. Really hoping I can make it there in 2020!
Thank you Melissa, I love the entire Alsace region. I’m hoping to go back for the Christmas markets one year. 🙂
Love this! Have only done Paris, Versailles, and Giverny when visiting france but A few of these spots are on my lost for next time – especially Colmer!
Thank you Jasmine! You would totally love Colmar and the Alsace region. 🙂
You’re right that most visitors don’t leave Paris and explore the rest of the country. I love seeing all the other great things to do in France. Your itinerary is a really good mix of places and activities!
Thank you so much Elizabeth! There really is so much to do in France. 🙂
What an amazing itinerary, Taylor!! I especially want to go to Colmar, but you’ve introduced to me a whole lot of other places I didn’t know existed! Definitely keeping this handy 🙂 Thank you!!
Thank you so much Jiayi! Colmar and the Alsace region in general is so beautiful, but I know you will love all the other cities and villages in France too. 🙂
Gorgeous photos Taylor! This sounds like such an epic itinerary. France is somewhere I haven’t been but I can’t wait to visit one day (soon hopefully!). Places like Colmar look incredible!
Thank you so much Emma! You would love France and Colmar has a lot of German influence. 🙂
WOW! This post made me want to travel to France now more than ever this summer! Can’t wait to see where else you go.
~ Amanda
http://www.blondeoutofwater.com
Ah thank you so much Amanda! You would love France so much. 🙂
France looks so beautiful, I loved all your tips and recommendations! I have only visited Paris until now, but I really want to explore the whole country!
You guys would totally love seeing all of France. So many beautiful cities and small towns. 🙂