You are ready for the trip of a lifetime. France in 2026. It is a dream destination for people all over the world. You will see the romantic streets of Paris. You will see the sun-soaked villages of Provence. You will see the blue water of the French Riviera. This Paris and South of France Itinerary 10 Days plan covers it all. It is the perfect balance of art, food, and culture.
Perhaps you only looked for a france itinerary 5 days before. However, ten days is the real sweet spot for a first trip. You can see the main sights. You can taste the best food. You can learn about the French way of life. On top of that, you can do it all with a mix of fast trains and easy driving.
First of all, you need to know about the weather. This trip is best from late spring to early autumn. You want warm weather for the beach. You want the sun for the lavender fields.
Days 1 to 3: The Magic of Paris
You arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. You have many choices to get into the city. A private transfer takes about 45 to 60 minutes. A taxi is another easy choice. Flat rates are around €56 for the Right Bank and €65 for the Left Bank. Additionally, the RER B train costs only €11.80 and takes 35 minutes.
Paris is a large city with twenty districts called arrondissements. The city looks like a clockwise spiral or a snail shell. Most people love the Marais area in the 3rd and 4th districts. It is a local favorite. You will find great restaurants and shops there.
First of all, visit the Louvre. It is a world-famous museum. You must book your tickets weeks in advance. At that time, you should also visit the Musée d’Orsay for more art.
The Paris Museum Pass: A Secret Tool
You should consider the Paris Museum Pass to save money.
- A 2-day pass costs €70.
- A 4-day pass costs €90.
- A 6-day pass costs €110.
If you visit several museums, you can save a lot of money. One traveler saved €66 over six days. Though you save money, the real prize is the convenience. You walk past long lines. You feel like a VIP. However, you must still book time slots for the biggest museums.
Experience the Seine
The River Seine flows through the heart of the city. A boat ride is a must. You can take a Seine River Dinner Cruise for a romantic night. It takes about two and a half hours. You see the Eiffel Tower glow in the dark. It is a magic feeling. Pure Parisian charm.
Later, you should walk through the Jardin du Luxembourg. It is a wonderful place to sit and watch people. You can even bring a picnic of cheese and bread. Similarly, the Jardin des Tuileries is beautiful for a walk.
For a great meal, try Café Hugo in the Marais. You might also like Restaurant Au Passage for fresh French food. They write the menu on a chalkboard every day. It is very local. It is very tasty.
Transitioning from the city to the countryside is very easy.
Moving South: The TGV Train Experience
You do not need a car in Paris. However, you will want one for the next part of your paris and south of france itinerary 7 days journey. You take the TGV high-speed train from Paris to Avignon. The trip takes about 2 hours and 36 minutes.
Train tickets can cost between $35 and $100. I recommend a 1st class ticket for a long trip. It often costs only $20 more. It is comfortable. It is fast. At that time, you can relax and watch the French countryside fly by.
If you are looking for a france itinerary 14 days or even a 2 weeks in france itinerary by train, you can easily extend this part. You can stop in Lyon. Lyon is the food capital of France. You can visit the Les Halles de Lyon food market. It is a gourmet dream. Plus, you can explore the Beaujolais Wine Route nearby.
Days 4 to 6: The Charm of Provence
You arrive in Avignon. You rent a car at the train station. Rental cars are the best way to see the small towns. You should use a trusted company like Hertz or Sixt.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a perfect base. It has a central location. It feels like an authentic French community. On top of that, it has incredible markets every Wednesday and Saturday. You will find fresh olives, bread, and crafts there.
The Villages of the Luberon
The Luberon area is full of hilltop villages. They are built with golden stone. They have narrow streets too small for cars.
- Gordes: It is a stunning village on a hill. It has a Renaissance castle.
- Roussillon: It is famous for its red and orange earth. You can walk the Sentier des Ocres trail there.
- Saignon: It is a quiet village with amazing views.
Though these towns are small, they are very popular. You should arrive early. First of all, visit the Sénanque Abbey near Gordes. It is surrounded by lavender fields. The lavender blooms from mid-June to early August. It is a sea of purple. The smell is heaven.
Wine Tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
You must visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape if you love wine. It is a world-famous wine region. The village is full of small wineries. You can walk from one to another.
- Boutique Famille Perrin: They have a wide range of red and white wines.
- Domaine Durieu: They make wines that are easy to enjoy young. Their entry-level wine is about €21.
- Château La Nerthe: It is the oldest estate in the area, dating to 1590.
You should also see the Palais des Papes in Avignon. It is a giant Gothic palace. Several popes lived there in the 14th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Gradually, you will feel the relaxed pace of Provence. It is called l’art de vivre (the art of living).
The Practical Side: Driving and Costs
You will spend money on this part of the trip. The South of France is not a budget destination.
- Car Rental: Around €310 for 7 days.
- Gas: Around €130.
- Parking: About €25 per night.
However, driving gives you control. You stop whenever you see a beautiful field. You find hidden gems that trains cannot reach.
Finally, you head towards the coast for the last part of your france itinerary 12 days or 10-day trip.
Days 7 to 10: The Dazzling French Riviera
You drive from Provence to Nice. You can stop in Aix-en-Provence on the way. Aix is a city of water and art. It was the home of the painter Paul Cézanne. It has many fountains and leafy trees.
You should drop your rental car in Nice. You do not need a car in the city. You can use trains to see the small towns along the coast. They are usually on time and easy to use.
Nice: Your Coastal Base
Nice is a major beach resort. The Promenade des Anglais is the famous waterfront. You can sit in a blue chair and look at the azure water. You should also explore the Old Town. It has narrow streets and a flower market called Cours Saleya.
Later, take a short train ride to Menton. It is near the Italian border. The houses are painted in warm yellow and orange colors. It is an unspoiled gem. Similarly, the town of Èze is a must-see. It sits high on a cliff. You will get spectacular views of the sea from the Jardin Exotique.
Villa Life and Calanques
You might want to visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Cap Ferrat. It is a pink palace with nine themed gardens. It is insanely beautiful. Tickets cost about €17.
If you want adventure, go to Calanques National Park. You can take a full-day sailing trip from Marseille. The rocky inlets and clear water are stunning. On top of that, the Verdon Gorge is great for kayaking. It is often called the “Grand Canyon of France”.
Food You Must Try
You will find amazing food in the south.
- Ratatouille: A vegetable stew with herbs.
- Salade Niçoise: A salad with tuna, eggs, and olives.
- Bouillabaisse: A rich fish stew from Marseille.
- Calisson: A sweet candy from Aix-en-Provence made with almonds and fruit.
On top of that, you should drink Rosé wine. Traditional Provençal rosé is dry and light. It is perfect for a summer afternoon.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
You should plan for a france itinerary 7 days if you are short on time. However, a france itinerary 14 days or even a paris and south of france itinerary 14 days is better to see everything.
Remember these tips:
- Book early: Big sites like the Louvre and Versailles fill up weeks in advance.
- Use the TGV: It saves hours of driving time between major cities.
- Rent a car in Provence: You need it for the tiny hill towns.
- Stay safe: Pickpocketing can happen in big cities like Marseille and Nice. Keep your bags close.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the best way to get around the French Riviera without a car?
You should use the local trains. They connect Nice to towns like Cannes, Menton, and Villefranche-sur-Mer very easily. You can also use Uber for short trips.
When do the lavender fields bloom in Provence?
Lavender fields usually bloom from mid-June to early August. The best time is often in July. After that, the farmers start to harvest the plants.
Do I need an international driver’s license in France?
If your license uses the Roman alphabet, you usually do not need an international permit for a short trip. A valid license from the US, UK, or Canada is enough.
How much does a taxi from the airport to central Paris cost?
A taxi has a flat rate. It is about €56 to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank. This is much better than getting a random price.
Is the Paris Museum Pass worth it?
It is worth it if you plan to see more than two museums a day. It saves you money and lets you skip the ticket lines. However, it does not let you skip security lines.
Concluding Words
This Ultimate Paris and South of France Itinerary 10 Days Guide 2026 shows you the very best of France. You start with the art and history of Paris. You move south on a high-speed train to the quiet villages of Provence.
You end your journey in the sun and glamor of the French Riviera. It is a trip full of great food, world-class wine, and beautiful views. You will have memories to last forever.
