If you’re planning your first trip to France, it can be a bit overwhelming. How do you choose between all of the amazing cities?

Never fear, I’ve taken several multi-city vacations in France. I’m here to share my fabulous 2-week France itinerary – perfect for first-timers!

And, since it can be stressful to drive in a foreign country, this France itinerary is designed so that you can easily travel between all of the cities by train.

Ready to experience a smorgasbord of fantastic French cities and attractions?

Lace up your shoes, and let’s go!

Best Two-Week France Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

We’ll start our France itinerary in Paris, because (in my opinion) everyone must visit Paris at least once! Plus, as the French city with the most international flight options, it’s easy to get to Paris from just about anywhere.

Then, we’ll journey south through Lyon, the capital of French gastronomy. Next up is Avignon, the historical home of the papacy, followed by Nîmes, known for its incredible Roman ruins. Your itinerary ends in Marseille, a bustling port city on the Mediterranean Sea.

Everyone has different travel priorities, likes, and dislikes. So, I’ve given each city a recommended duration range and some ideas for easy day trips.

Depending on which cities sound more (or less) interesting to you, this allows you to craft your perfect France itinerary. Get ready to check some items off of your travel bucket list!

Paris

Recommended duration: 3-5 days

Paris is the capital of France and is my favorite travel destination. Paris is known as the City of Love and is a magical place to explore with that special someone.

There are countless famous attractions to see and activities to enjoy in Paris. You must realize that you can’t do everything and see everything in a few days. But you can certainly see a lot!

Best Things to Do in Paris

The best way to start your trip in Paris is by taking a sightseeing cruise on the Seine. You’ll get an excellent orientation to the city since so many Paris attractions are located on the banks of the Seine. You’ll pass by the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre.

If you want to ascend the Eiffel Tower, it’s best to buy your tickets in advance. (This is especially true if you want to take the elevator up to the summit.) But if you just want some fantastic photos of the Tower, one of the best photo spots is across the river at the Trocadéro. Get there early to get a great shot without the crowds!

 

If you love museums, you’ll be in seventh heaven in Paris. See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre and view fabulous Impressionist masterpieces at the Musée d’Orsay. If you appreciate sculpture, don’t miss the Musée Rodin (and spend some time in the outdoor sculpture garden)!

During your trip, give yourself some time to stop and smell the flowers and relax. Paris boasts many gorgeous gardens — filled with beautiful flowers, classical statuary, and fountains. One of my favorite things to do in Paris is to have a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens – it’s a great way to catch your breath and enjoy the beauty of Paris!

 

Your days in Paris don’t end when the sun goes down! The city’s monuments are illuminated at night, and you’ll want to watch the glittering lights show on the Eiffel Tower. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the City of Light is by taking a romantic night tour of Paris, such as a dinner cruise or a private sightseeing tour with champagne.

Day Trip to Versailles

While you’re in Paris, I highly recommend taking a day to visit the Palace of Versailles. Versailles is one of the best day trips from Paris by train, and one of the easiest, as it only takes about an hour to reach Versailles via the RER train.

Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance to tour the palace and see the ornate palace décor and the famous Hall of Mirrors. I think it’s worth a trip just for the stunning gardens! (Plus, entrance to the gardens is free except on the days of the Musical Fountains Show.)

Lyon

Recommended duration: 2-4 days

Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France, and it’s my second-favorite French city. With its winning combination of food, art, and history, Lyon has something for everyone to enjoy.

Traveling from Paris to Lyon is very easy. Take the TGV (France’s high-speed train) from Paris’ Gare de Lyon station, and in about two hours, you’ll arrive in Lyon.

Best Things to Do in Lyon

If you’re traveling with your sweetie, you’ll find plenty of romantic things to do in Lyon. Take the funicular to the top of Fourvière Hill to see Lyon’s stunning basilica. Its architecture is amazing, and the interior walls are decorated with intricate gilded mosaics. Plus, this is where you’ll find the best panoramic views of Lyon!

Walking through the cobbled street of Vieux Lyon is like taking a journey back in time. Spend some time seeking out Lyon’s traboules (hidden covered passageways). These hidden covered passageways were used to transport silk (one of Lyon’s most important industries) and were used by the French Resistance during WWII.

If you love history, you’ll want to check out the ruins of Lyon’s Gallo-Roman Theater. The well-preserved theater is still used for festivals and concerts, notably the Nuits de Fourvière festival in the summer. Adjacent to the ruins you’ll find the Lugdunum Museum, a museum devoted to the history and artifacts of the Romans in Lyon.

Be on the lookout for Lyon’s famous trompe-l’oeil murals, one of the city’s most unique attractions. The massive paintings cover entire buildings and are incredibly detailed and realistic. The two most impressive murals are Le Mur des Canuts and the Fresque des Lyonnais, and you’ll discover plenty of public art as you explore the city.

 

Lyon is, of course, famous for its cuisine, so get ready for some fabulous food! Start your visit with a Lyon food tour so you don’t miss out on local favorite dishes like quenelles de brochet and the delicious praline rose (pink sugared almonds). Whether you prefer dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, eating at a cozy bouchon, or visiting the gourmet market Les Halles Paul Bocuse, you’re sure to eat well in Lyon!

Lyon Money-Saving Tip

If you’re the kind of person who likes to keep busy on vacation, you’ll want to get the Lyon City Pass. These come in different durations and give you free access to most of Lyon’s museums, free sightseeing tours, and unlimited public transportation, including the metro, bus, and funicular.

Avignon

Recommended duration: 1-3 days

Avignon has a unique claim to fame in that it was the seat of the papacy during the 14th century. It’s also worth a visit if you’re a big theater fan!

Traveling from Lyon to Avignon takes just over an hour via France’s high-speed train.

Tip: When traveling on the TGV, buy your tickets in advance, as seat reservations are required. If you’re traveling on a regional (slower) train, you can be more flexible with your ticket purchase.

Best Things to Do in Avignon

Avignon is a much smaller city than either Paris or Lyon. Most of the top attractions are in the historical center, so it’s easy to explore Avignon on foot.

One of the must-see attractions in Avignon is the Palais des Papes, where popes lived when conditions in Rome were too unstable. The Palais des Papes is a magnificent medieval Gothic building and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

After visiting the papal palace, head north and explore Avignon’s hilltop gardens, the Jardin des Doms. You’ll love the views of the Rhône River and Avignon’s famous medieval bridge, the Pont Saint-Benezet (also known as the Pont D’Avignon).

Hop on the ferry to visit the island in the middle of the Rhône. Then, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks while enjoying phenomenal views of the palace and the Pont D’Avignon across the river.

If you’re a theater fan, plan to spend extra time in Avignon. The city is bursting with theaters offering live entertainment year-round. In July, the Festival D’Avignon is a theatrical extravaganza, with performances from dance to theater held at venues across the city.

Day Trip to the Pont du Gard

I recommend spending one of your ‘Avignon days’ taking a day trip to the Pont du Gard. The Pont du Gard is a marvelous example of Roman engineering, as this aqueduct bridge was built 2000 years ago. The sight of this three-level bridge spanning the Gardon River is one you’re not likely to forget!

It’s not exactly convenient to access via public transportation. Fortunately there are many tour companies offering day trips from Avignon to visit the Pont du Gard, and you’ll also get to see some of the fantastic hilltop cities in the region.

Nîmes

Recommended duration: 1-2 days

The next stop on our itinerary is Nîmes, which has some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in France.

It’s only about a 40-minute train ride from Avignon to Nîmes, meaning you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city. (If you’re not a huge fan of Roman ruins, one day in Nîmes is probably sufficient for you.)

Best Things to Do in Nîmes

Most visitors to Nîmes are coming to see its well-preserved Roman ruins.

Certainly, the most popular attraction is the arena. While not as grand as the Colosseum in Rome, the Arènes de Nîmes is a two-tiered arena that could hold 24,000 spectators for gladiatorial fights. You can download an audio guide to learn more as you tour the arena.

The arena is the heart of Nîmes, and there are plenty of restaurants right next to the arena. Sure, they’re aiming at the tourists, but how often can you dine with such an incredible view?

 

Just across from the arena is the Museum Romanité, which focuses on Roman history and displays artifacts such as ancient statues and mosaics. Be sure to check out the miniature models of the Roman monuments in Nîmes and the more famous ones in Rome!

Don’t miss the Maison Carrée, about a five-minute walk from the arena. This stunning classical Roman temple dates from the 1st century and recently was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Les Jardins de la Fontaine is a lovely green space within the city. Head up the hill to the Tour Magne, once part of the city walls. Climb to the top of the tower for some great views over Nîmes!

Nîmes Money-Saving Tip

If you plan to visit all Roman attractions in Nîmes (including the museum), you’ll want to purchase the ‘Romanité’ pass. This will save you money vs. purchasing individual tickets at each attraction. Or consider the Nîmes City Pass, which includes more museums and some city tours.

Marseille

Recommended duration: 2-3 days

Our last stop on our whirlwind trip through France is Marseille. This vibrant city is one of the largest ports on the Mediterranean Sea and is a melting pot of cultures.

When choosing your train, be sure to check the schedules closely. There are many routes from Nîmes to Marseille, but some involve a lot of backtracking. The most direct (and quickest) train journey is just under an hour and a quarter long.

Best Things to Do in Marseille

The first stop for most visitors to Marseille is the Vieux Port (Old Port). This is the heart of Marseille, and there is always something to do here. Check out the day’s catch at the fish market, or hop on a ferry and see the stunning Calanques. Dine at one of the many restaurants surrounding the harbor, and be sure to try bouillabaisse, Marseille’s famous seafood stew.

Look past the boats in the harbor and see Marseille’s top attraction, the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. This is a breathtaking basilica, and from its hilltop vantage point, the views of Marseille and the harbor are fabulous! It’s a bit of a hike, so it’s best to take the bus, which you can catch directly from the Vieux Port.

 

If you’re in the mood for a museum, you’ll want to check out MuCEM. The Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean is the most popular in Marseille, specializing in the history and civilizations of the Mediterranean. Its modern architecture is a striking contrast to the adjacent Fort St. Jean, and a narrow pedestrian bridge connects the two.

If you prefer fine arts, head over to the Palais Longchamp. The building is worth a trip to marvel at its architecture and the dazzling central fountain. But it’s also home to the Fine Arts Museum of Marseille and the Natural History Museum. Plus, both of these museums are free to visit!

Marseille Money-Saving Tip

The attractions in Marseille are quite a bit further apart than in the smaller cities of Nîmes and Avignon. Since you’ll have done quite a bit of walking already on your France itinerary, it’s a smart move to purchase a Marseille transit pass. There are 24-hour and 72-hour passes available, allowing unlimited public transportation use in Marseille.

Final Thoughts About A Two-Week France Itinerary

This fabulous two-week itinerary of France will allow you to experience a cross-section of its fascinating cities and attractions.

From its romantic capital of Paris to the culinary Lyon attractions  and down to the beautiful Mediterranean coast, this trip has something for everyone.

Cobble together your perfect itinerary, and you’ll be sure to spend a memorable two weeks in France.

Bon voyage!

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Author bio: Lisa Garrett

Lisa is an engineer by profession, a traveler by obsession, and the founder of the Waves and Cobblestones and Travel to Lyon travel blogs.  Whether you are planning a two-week trip to France or have just one day in Cabo San Lucas on a cruise, her destination guides and travel tips will help you have an amazing trip.  Lace up your shoes and let’s go!