France is a country that offers visitors incredible diversity. It is loved by so many and is one of the most visited countries in the world. There is truly something for everyone in France.
Its landscapes range from sprawling cities to wide open fields, rolling green hills, snow-capped mountains and sunny coastlines. The country is full of history dating back to the Roman times right up until the last few decades. And then there’s the culture, one of the most alluring in the world because of its wealth of art and good food.
Our France two week itinerary covers just about everything that France has to offer. It brings together the best bits of France so you can get a taste for this beautiful country and make the most of your precious vacation time.
France Two Week Itinerary
Day 1 to 4 – Paris
Day 1 – arrival in Paris. This itinerary assumes that you arrive in the morning giving you three quarters of a day to start seeing the sights.
The City of Lights, Paris, is one of the most visited cities in the world and rightly so. It is dripping with amazing architecture, world class art and culture and mouth-watering food. Paris is a city for everyone and it’s highlights can easily be explored in just a few days.
What to See & Do in Paris
Eiffel Tower – The icon of Paris is the perfect place to start your visit. Admire the architecture of what was once the world’s tallest tower before being whisked to the top in an elevator to enjoy the most spectacular uninterrupted views of the city.
Arc Du Triomphe – Take a walk up the famous Champ Elysees to enjoy the approaching view of this imposing arch. Built to honour those who fought and died for France, check out the inner and outer surfaces of the Arc for the names of French war victories and generals inscribed in the stone. You can climb the steps to the top for nice views over Paris and down the avenues that run off the centre of the Arc.
Notre Dame Cathedral – One of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world, Notre Dame is famous for its incredible stained glass windows and for the gargoyles that guard the cathedral from above. Inside it is simply breathtaking and the view from the top allows you to get a closer look at those gargoyles, the cathedral’s roof and spires and over the city.
The Louvre – Home of the famous Mona Lisa, the world’s largest and most visited museum is spread across three wings with eight different departments and around 35,000 works of art and artifacts on display. One visit is most certainly not enough to take it all in so a little forward planning about what you want to see is a must.
Montmartre & Sacre Coeur – For many hundreds of years the area of Montmartre has attracted artists from around the world. Today the area has a very bohemian vibe with tons of character and notorious nightlife. The most notable structure in the area is the lovely Sacre Coeur Basilica which holds services daily for locals and visits. Make sure you enjoy the view from the area in front of the Basilica looking out over Paris.
Cruise the Seine – Some of Paris’s best architecture and landmarks line the Seine River making a sightseeing cruise a must do. My top tip is to hop aboard the Bateaux Mouches for a one hour cruise at night on an open top boat that will take you under all of the city’s famous bridges and past its famous sites.
Palace of Versailles – This grand chateau was once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and is simply spectacular inside and out. Grand rooms filled with priceless works of art, furniture and antiquities on the inside and sprawling perfectly manicured gardens on the outside make this a worthy half to full day trip from the centre of Paris.
Enjoy the Gardens – Paris has some really stunning gardens that are a haven from the busy streets of the city. Stroll the length of the Jardin des Tuileries from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde or enjoy the spectacular flower displays of the Jardin du Luxembourg, just to name two of the city’s best green spaces.
Where to Stay in Paris
Budget: Hotel Marignon | Mid: Hotel Passy Eiffel | Lux: Grand Hotel du Palais Royal
Read More: 30 Things to Do in Paris
Be Inspired: Paris Photo Gallery | 5 of the Best Views from Above in Paris
Day 5 to 6 – The Normandy Region
Drive: Paris to Caen – approx. 2.5 hours. Leave Paris early to give yourself plenty of time to stop along the way.
Suggested Stop: Like Paris, Rouen is set on the River Seine and has a rich medieval history. In just a few hours you can easily check out the city’s Gothic Cathedral (a favourite subject for artist Monte), wander the medieval quarter and visit the site where Joan of Arc met her demise.
From its dramatic coastal landscape to its rolling green fertile hills and rich history, Normandy is one of France’s hidden gems. Visit to delve deeper into its Norman, Medieval and War Time history; taste the freshness of the regions orchids, seafood and cheese; and explore the dramatic yet charming coastal towns.
What to See & Do in Normandy
Arromanches – On the 6th of June 1944 during World War II, Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy beginning their victory on the Western Front. You can visit those beaches, including Arromanches, where you will see remnants of the ‘Mulberry’ harbour the troops built. Then head up to the cliff tops to the 360 Cinema to get just a small feel for what it would have been like for the troops.
American Cemetery at Colleville – Laid out over 70 hectares overlooking the beaches where the troops landed and the chalky cliffs of the Normandy coast is the largest American cemetery in the area. Start your visit in the Visitors Centre which details the mission. Then head outside to wander the 9,387 gravestones perfectly aligned on a majestic expanse of green lawn. At the end of every day you can watch the ceremony of the Lowering of the Colours to the sound of a military hymn.
Bayeux Tapestry – Known to the French as La Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde, this 230-foot long tapestry is one of the largest and most detailed in the world, and tells the story of the events leading up to the Norman invasion in 1066. While you’re in Bayeux the town itself is also worth a look.
Camembert – France’s most famous cheese, Camembert comes from the village of the same name right in the heart of Normandy. You can take a tour to see how it is made and taste this creamy brie-like cheese at the President farm located in the heart of Camembert.
Where to Stay in Normandy
Budget: Hotel Carline, Caen | Mid: Hotel Du Chateau, Caen | Lux: Aparthotel Adagio Caen Centre
Day 7 to 8 – Loire Valley
Drive: Caen to Tours – approx. 2.5 hours OR 4.5 hours with a detour to Mont St Michel. Leave Caen early to make the most of the day.
Detour: Mont Saint-Michel – Pictures of Mont Saint-Michel are among some of the most iconic images of France. The town which is topped with a monastery is built on a rocky outcrop in the middle of a tidal flat and connected to the mainland by a causeway. Try to get there early to wander the steep winding streets up to the monastery without the crowds.
Famous for its abundance of chateau, The Loire Valley has to be one of the most beautiful regions of France. Explore the chateau, wander the sprawling gardens and orchids, taste the local produce and wine and just simply soak up the beauty of the landscape.
What to See & Do in the Loire Valley
Chateau Chambord – The biggest and most famous of the chateau in The Loire Valley, Chateau Chambord was built by King Francis I as a hunting lodge. Of course it has been upgraded and expanded considerably since then. It is one of the best examples of renaissance architecture in the world. A small number of the 440 odd rooms in the chateau are open to the public to explore.
Ainy-le-Vieil Chateau & Gardens – One of the many chateau in the region, what sets Ainy-le-Vieil apart from the rest is the incredible gardens which are split into a series of rooms each with a different theme. The chateau itself has been in the same family since 1467 and can explore the interiors to check out some of the personal mementos left behind by past family members.
Cycle along the Loire River – The Loire Valley is relatively flat making it the perfect place to hire a bike and take a ride. There are bike hire places in most villages along the river and the path is well sign posted. Whether its just a short ride or a full day you’ll see plenty of beautiful chateau and stop by lots of quaint little villages on your ride.
Bourges Cathedral – One of the most remarkable Gothic cathedrals in France, the Bourges is located in the town of the same name and dates back to the 12th century. Modelled on Notre-Dame in Paris, the cathedrals biggest draw card is its spectacular stained glass windows intricately depicting biblical stories.
Explore the Vineyards – The Loire Valley has some of the best wine-making soil in France and some of France’s most well-known wine are grown and produced in the region. You can explore the vineyards on your own in the car or hire a bike. Maps are available from local tourist offices making it easy to navigate between the vineyards.
Where to Stay in the Loire Valley
Budget: Hotel Vendome, Tours | Mid: Hotel Des Chateaux De La Loire, Tours | Lux: Hotel Oceania L’Univers Tours
Day 9 to 10 – Lyon
Drive: Tours to Lyon – approx. 4.5 hours. Leave Tours early to make the most of the day and allow time for plenty of scenic stops along the way.
If the main reasons you’re visiting France are for the culture and the food then you’ll love Lyon. France’s third largest city is home to interesting museums, cultural events year round and food offerings for those with an adventurous palate.
What to See & Do in Lyon
Explore the Vieux – Lyon’s Vieux (old town) is a great place to start your visit. Take a wander around the cobblestone streets through narrow passageways past delicatessens, artisan stores and sidewalk cafes. Keep your eye out for an old traboule which are passageways used in medieval times by the silk industry, some of which have been recently renovated.
Dine in a bouchon – These small restaurants serve the most traditional of Lyonnaise cuisine and are best suited to those looking to try something a little different. Dishes on the menu might include ingredients such as tripe, bone marrow or pork offal.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere – Perched high above the old town, this impressive white church dominates Lyon’s skyline and offers great views over Lyon from the promenade out the front. You can walk up the steep steps to get there or take the funicular for a few euros to save your legs. Nicknamed “the upside down elephant” because of its outside shape, inside its interior is quite pretty with lots of ornate features.
Roman Amphitheatre – Right next to Notre Dame is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres outside of Rome. The theatre holds up to 10,000 people and is used by the city to host many festivals and events throughout the year. When there’s nothing going on visitor are free to wander around the theatre and picture themselves enjoying a concert in roman times
Museum of Fine Arts – This museum has one of the broadest collections of fine art pieces of any museum in the world with their collection ranging from ancient Egyptian antiquities to modern art pieces from the last few decades. The Museum of Fine Arts also holds pieces that are among the finest in all of Europe. So for art loves, this place is heaven and not to be missed.
Hire a bike – Lyon is laid out on relatively flat ground and running right through the city are two rivers. This makes Lyon a great place hike a bike and explore. There are Velib bike stations all over the city where you can pick up a bike any time of day for a few hours or a full day and explore along the rivers or around the city. It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground in less time.
Where to Stay in Lyon
Budget: Hotel de Bretagne | Mid: Hotel Le Boulevardier | Lux: Villa Florentine
Day 11 to 12 – Aix-en-Provence
Drive: Lyon to Aix-en-Provence– approx. 3.5 hours. Leave Lyon early to allow time for plenty of stops along the way.
Suggested Stops: Allow plenty of time to spend some time at two French gems. First make stop at the Pont du Gard for a stroll out to this ancient roman aqueduct. Then head into Avignon to check out the Palais des Papes, walk over the Pont Saint-Benezet, wander the cobblestone streets browsing the boutiques and relax in one of the many sidewalk cafes.
Food to the people of Provence is everything so foodies will love exploring this region. From the markets to the cafes and rolling fields of produce, Provence is region for the senses. It naturally beautiful landscapes and pretty little towns have been attracting artists for hundreds of years who come for the light and create masterpieces that can now be found in some of the best galleries all over the world.
What to See & Do in Provence
Aix-en-Provence – Basing yourself in Aix-en-Provence will give you plenty of time to explore this picture perfect town. Dine in one of the many fantastic restaurants that use only the best local produce. Wander the cobblestone lanes to see exactly why artists like Cezanne were so inspired by this town. And browse through the chic boutiques scattered through the town.
Arles Amphitheatre – During the summer months this ancient roman amphitheatere comes alive with plays, concerts and bull fighting and for the rest of the year when there is nothing going on, it is open to visitors. Take a walk around the Arles Amphitheatre and picture yourself back in the roman days watching sporting events, wild-animal hunts, executions of prisoners, and gladiatorial contests.
Marseille’s Vieux Port – The Old Port of Marseille is the beating heart of the city and the Provence region. It is the place where locals and visitors go to relax, eat, drinks, shop and just generally enjoy life. Wander through the shops and markets, have a drink or a bite to eat in one of the restaurants, bars and cafes or just stroll along the harbour people watching.
Saint-Remy-de-Provence – This quaint, traditional Provençal village is rather sleepy these days but back in Roman times it was a thriving Roman settlement, the ruins of which can still be seen today. However this isn’t the town’s only claim to fame, it was also where Van Gogh was housed awhile being treated for his many psychiatric problems. It’s a lovely town to explore on foot and enjoy a break at one of the many cafes.
Moustiers Sainte-Marie – Hiding up the Gorges du Verdon is the town of Moustiers Sainte-Marie. The drive to this beautiful medieval town is on long and windy road up the gorge with some spectacular scenery. The village itself is charming and well worth the effort to get there as it seems a like time has stood still in the town.
Digne les Bains Lavender Fields – Take a drive through the rolling hills of Digne les Bains to see field after field of lavender mass planted which really is a stunning sight. Stop by one of the road-side stalls or country shops to buy all sorts of lavender products from soaps and fragrance sprays to honey and other food products. The lavender blooms from June to August and the locals celebrate with a festival over a few days in August at harvest time.
Where to Stay in Provence
Budget: Hotel Paul, Aix-en-Provence | Mid: Hotel Artea Aix Centre, Aix-en-Provence | Lux: Villa Gallici Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence
Day 13 to 14 – French Riviera
Drive: Aix-en-Provence to Nice – approx. 5 hours if you take the slower coast road the whole way or 3 hours if you take the inland faster route. Leave Nimes early to make the most of the day and allow time for plenty of scenic stops along the way.
Optional Detour: To get to Nice you can take the quick route shown in the map above or if you have a bit more time you can detour the French Riviera coast stopping in Saint Topez, Cannes and Antibes.
The heart of the French Riviera, Nice is everything you have heard it is and so much more. Nice is a mixture of grit and opulence drenched with lots of sunshine. While the beaches and corso are the places to be and be seen, it’s the winding cobblestone lanes of the old town you’ll want to get lost in and find your own little piece of Nice.
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