The best 10-day France itinerary

Dive into the heart of France with this 10-day itinerary —kicking off in Bordeaux's wine country and wrapping up on the sun-soaked Riviera. This whirlwind tour is a fantastic mix of crowd-pleasing highlights and off-the-beaten-track gems. From medieval castles to lavender fields, and bustling markets to tranquil vineyards, here's the best 10-day France itinerary, with travel tips and suggestions from our Rough Guides travel experts. 

The best 10-day France itinerary

Here’s a quick overview of your 10-day adventure. We’ll go into more detail below on how to plan it all.

• Day 1: Arrive in Bordeaux, explore the historic city center, visit Cité du Vin, or enjoy wine tasting in the Chartrons district.
• Day 2: Choose between a wine-tasting tour to Saint-Émilion or Château Loudenne, or spend the day exploring more of Bordeaux's attractions.
• Day 3: Travel to Sarlat in the Dordogne region, known for its 1,500 castles and beautiful scenery.
• Day 4: Explore the Dordogne, visiting La Roque-Gageac, taking a gabarre boat ride, and touring Château de Beynac and Jardins de Marqueyssac.
• Day 5: Journey to Toulouse, exploring its pink terracotta architecture and iconic sites.
• Day 6: Travel to Aix-en-Provence with a stop in the medieval citadel of Carcassonne.
• Day 7: Explore Aix-en-Provence, visit markets, wander the old town, and enjoy local art and cuisine.
• Day 8: Take a day trip to Calanque de Sormiou for hiking and swimming.
• Day 9: Visit the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
• Day 10: End the trip in either Nice or Fréjus, both offering a mix of history, culture, and coastal beauty.

Looking for more vacation ideas in France? Check out our 7-day France itinerary - you might like it!

Day 1: Arrive in Bordeaux

On Day 1, as you land at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport, you've arrived in the wine capital of France. After settling into your place, start by checking out the UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the historic city center. At its heart is the famous place de la Bourse.

From there, head over to Cité du Vin, a modern museum and exhibition space dedicated to the history of wine. The interesting building itself resembles a twisting vine.

Or if you’re feeling low energy, instead try local wines in the trendy Chartrons district. Wine bars like Le Verre ô Vin and L'Autre Petit Bois offer local wines alongside tasty bites like canelés and entrecôte à la bordelaise.

Wrap up your day in Bordeaux with a stroll along the Garonne River. Don't miss the stunning illuminated views of Place de la Bourse and the water mirror.

Day 2: Explore Bordeaux or visit vineyards

For your second day, choose between these two options: 

Option 1: Wine tasting 

The Bordeaux Wine Region, with its perfect climate, surrounds the city and is home to some of the most famous vineyards in the world. You can join a guided tour to Saint-Émilion, a charming medieval village nestled among these prestigious vineyards. While you're there, explore the underground monuments, visit famous châteaux like Château Angélus or Château Pavie, and enjoy some top-tier wine tastings.

For something a bit different, head north to the "Pink Château," Château Loudenne. This Médoc estate not only offers wine tastings but also beautiful gardens and even kayak tours along the Gironde estuary. You can easily get there by train or bus. There are plenty more vineyards to explore, so be sure to check out our guide to the best spots!

Travel times:

• To Saint-Émilion: 45 minutes by car, 1 hour by train
• To Château Loudenne: 1.5 hours by car

Option 2: Explore Bordeaux 

If wine tasting isn't calling your name today—or you’re still shaking off the jetlag—there's plenty more of Bordeaux to explore. Start with a traditional French breakfast at the Marché des Capucins, the city's largest market. Then, if you're up for a bit of exercise, climb the 229 steps of the Tour Pey-Berland for some stunning city views.

Afterward, check out the Grand Théâtre, a stunning building, or visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts to admire a rich collection of European art. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe.

Day 3: Travel to Sarlat in the Dordogne

Say goodbye to Bordeaux and make your way east to the Dordogne region. This area is famous for its more than 1,500 castles and stunning scenery.

Travel times:

• By car: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
• By public transport: 3 hours and 30 minutes (train to Périgueux, then bus to Sarlat)

Truly, one could spend 10 days in the Dordogne alone, but for your quick dip into the region, we recommend basing yourself in the charming town of Sarlat.

Here you can spend the afternoon remarkably preserved medieval old town. Sarlat holds the title for having the most listed historical buildings per square foot in France.

Make sure to visit the Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos and take a ride up the panoramic elevator in the Sainte-Marie church bell tower for some fantastic views of the town. In the evening, treat yourself to some local gastronomic delights—foie gras, truffles, and confit de canard—at a cozy local restaurant. 

Our recommendation? Try Auberge de Mirandol, a rustic gem housed in a 17th-century building that serves up traditional Périgord cuisine.

Day 4: Explore the Dordogne

On day four, you’ll head to the picture-perfect village of La Roque-Gageac, located by the Dordogne River. 

Travel times:

• From Sarlat to La Roque-Gageac: 1.5 hours by car, 3 hours by train

A traditional gabarre boat ride is a must—it’s a great way to soak in the beautiful landscape and admire the castles lining the riverbanks.

In the afternoon, step back in time at the Château de Beynac, a 12th-century fortress perched high on a limestone cliff. Then, for a change of pace, visit the Jardins de Marqueyssac. This romantic 19th-century garden boasts over 150,000 hand-pruned boxwood trees and offers panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley.

Wrap up your day back in Sarlat with another delicious dinner. You could go for a casual but traditional meal at Restaurant L'entrepôte, or if you're in the mood for something extra special, treat yourself to the Michelin-starred Ô Moulin.

Day 5: Travel to Toulouse

On day five you’ll depart Dordogne and head to Toulouse, often called "La Ville Rose" (The Pink City) thanks to its iconic terracotta brick architecture.

Travel times:

• By car: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
• By public transport: 4 hours and 30 minutes (bus to Brive-la-Gaillarde, then train to Toulouse)

Once you arrive in Toulouse, check into your accommodation and dive into the city's lively atmosphere. Start with the Place du Capitole, the heart of Toulouse, featuring the grand Capitole building. Then, explore the Basilique Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Romanesque churches. Take a leisurely walk along the Garonne River, crossing the picturesque Pont Neuf for lovely city views.

In the evening, make your way to the lively Carmes neighborhood for dinner, where you’ll find local specialties like cassoulet and saucisse de Toulouse in one of the many charming bistros.

Day 6: Travel to Aix-en-Provence (Provence) with a stop in Carcassonne

On day six, you’re off to Aix-en-Provence, but not without a worthwhile detour to the medieval citadel of Carcassonne.

Travel times:

• By car:
  • Toulouse to Carcassonne: 1 hour
  • Carcassonne to Aix-en-Provence: 3 hours
• By train:
  • Toulouse to Carcassonne: 1 hour by train
  • Carcassonne to Aix-en-Provence: 3 hours and 30 minutes by train

Carcassonne is an absolute gem, with its stunningly preserved medieval fortress, La Cité. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest walled city in Europe, boasting 53 towers and two impressive rings of walls. 

You can easily spend a few hours wandering its streets, exploring the Château Comtal, and visiting the Gothic Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus. Make sure to walk along the ramparts for sweeping views of the countryside.

After your visit to Carcassonne, continue your journey to Aix-en-Provence. Once there, settle into your accommodation and take an evening stroll down Cours Mirabeau, a beautiful tree-lined avenue dotted with 17th and 18th-century mansions, fountains, and lively cafes.

Day 7: Explore Aix-en-Provence

You’ll spend day seven in Aix-en-Provence, a city that captivated the likes of Paul Cézanne and Émile Zola. Start your day at the morning market in Place Richelme, where you can sample local treats and pick up artisanal goodies like cheeses and Provençal textiles.

Wander the labyrinthine old town, where ornate fountains seem to spring from every corner (there are over 40 in total). Don't miss the grand Fontaine de la Rotonde on Cours Mirabeau.

For art lovers, Atelier Cézanne offers an intimate look at the painter's creative space. Follow it up with the Musée Granet, housing an impressive collection spanning Cézanne to Picasso.

Come evening, make your way to the cozy Chez Féraud for hearty Provençal classics. Try the rich bouillabaisse or perfectly layered ratatouille.

End your night with a moonlit stroll down Cours Mirabeau. The street's plane trees and grand buildings are beautifully illuminated after dark. 

Day 8: Make a day trip to Calanque de Sormiou

On day eight you’ll venture out to Calanque de Sormiou. This spot is a hidden gem in the Calanques National Park and totally worth the trip. The views are stunning, with clear turquoise waters that are perfect for a refreshing swim.

Travel times:

• By car: 1 hour 15 minutes
• By bus and train: 2 hours 30 minutes

The drive is pretty scenic, winding through the rugged beauty of the park. Once you get there, you'll park your car and then hike down to the Calanque — nothing too intense, just a moderate trail with some amazing views of the Mediterranean and the striking white cliffs.

When you reach the bottom, you'll find a picturesque pebble beach and those crystal-clear waters waiting for you. Spend your day swimming, lounging around, or just enjoying the peaceful vibe.  Be sure to pack water and a picnic lunch since there aren't many facilities around.

Before you head back, try to catch the sunset over the Mediterranean. 

Day 9: Explore the lavender fields of Provence

No trip to Provence is complete without experiencing its famous lavender fields. The best time to see the lavender in full bloom is from mid-June to mid-July, but the landscape is beautiful year-round.

Start your day with a drive to the Valensole Plateau, which is about an hour away. Once there, you'll be surrounded by endless lavender fields—it’s like something straight out of a postcard. Make sure to stop at a few viewpoints to snap some photos and just take in the unreal fragrance.

While you're in the area, visit the charming village of Valensole itself for lavender-infused goods. 

Later in the afternoon, make your way to the hilltop village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. This place is known for its beautiful porcelain and stunning views. Take your time exploring the artisan shops, then cap off your day with a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to Aix.

TIP - If you're keen to see the famous flowers of Provence, check out our tailor made trip to the lavender fields.

Day 10: End your trip in Nice or Fréjus

On your last day, you’ve got a couple of great options to finish your trip: Nice or Fréjus. Each has something special to offer on the French Riviera:

Option 1: Nice 

 If you’re looking for a mix of city vibes and coastal beauty, Nice is the place. You can take a stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, wander through the colorful streets of Vieux Nice (the old town), or check out the lively Marché aux Fleurs. For some amazing views, head up to Castle Hill, where you can see the whole city and the stunning Bay of Angels. Nice also has some impressive museums, like the Musée Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall, if you’re in the mood for art and culture.

Travel times:

• By car: 2 hours
• By train: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Option 2: Fréjus

If you’re leaning toward a more relaxed ending, Fréjus could be your spot. This place has a cool mix of history and beachy vibes. You can explore Roman ruins like the amphitheater and aqueduct, stroll through the medieval old town, and then kick back on the sandy beaches of Fréjus-Plage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Esterel Massif nearby offers some gorgeous hiking trails with breathtaking coastal views.

Travel times:

• By car: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• By train: 2 hours

How many days do you need in France? 

France is a country that rewards slow travel, but even if you're short on time, you can still get a taste of its charms. This gives you time to explore places like Paris, the South of France, and maybe even the Loire Valley or Normandy, without feeling too rushed.

If you’d rather stick to one area or take it slower, 7 to 10 days works well. For example, you could spend a week soaking up the culture in Paris and its nearby attractions, or dedicate 10 days to relaxing in the South of France.

If you want to see France without the hassle of planning and booking, let us handle the details. Our tailor-made trips are designed by local travel experts and are completely customizable. 

Looking for options for a shorter vacation in France? You might like our 7-day itinerary in Southern France.

When to go to France?

Generally speaking, late spring (April to mid-June) and early fall (September to October) are considered the ideal times to visit.

During these periods, you can expect mild temperatures, fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season, and a range of cultural events and festivals. You'll dodge the worst of the crowds and sky-high prices, plus you'll get to see France at its blooming best in spring or decked out in autumn colors.

Summer (mid-June to August) is the peak tourist season. This is great if you're after a beach holiday or outdoor festivals but prepare for crowds and higher prices. That said, it's the best time to catch Provence's Lavender fields in their full glory (late June to mid-July).

How to get around in France?

For a trip that covers multiple regions, a combination of train travel and car rental is your best bet. Take trains for the longer journeys between cities, and rent a car to explore more rural areas like the Dordogne or Provence at your own pace. Be sure to book high-speed trains in advance to get the best deals.

• Train: France’s rail network, run by SNCF, is extensive and efficient. The high-speed TGV trains connect major cities quickly, while regional trains (TER) and low-cost Ouigo services offer budget-friendly alternatives.
• Car: Renting a car gives you the freedom to visit rural areas and small villages. The highways are excellent, though expect toll charges on major routes.
• Buses: Long-distance buses, like Flixbus and Blablabus, are another affordable way to travel between cities, though they take longer than trains.
• Ridesharing: Apps like BlaBlaCar are also popular for intercity travel and can be a cost-effective option.