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!

2 Weeks in France: The Exact Route

If this is your first time visiting France, the biggest question is usually not what to see—it’s how to fit everything together without spending your whole trip in transit.

This itinerary follows a simple, logical route that lets you see France’s most iconic regions without backtracking or rushing. You’ll start in Paris, then move through castles and countryside, coastal history, and finally end in the South of France.

Route:
Paris to Loire Valley to Normandy to Provence to French Riviera

This route works especially well for first-time visitors because it balances:

• major highlights (Paris, Provence, Riviera)
• unique regional experiences (castles, coastline, small towns)
• manageable travel days

It’s busy—but in a way that still feels doable and enjoyable.

2 Weeks in France Itinerary (Day-by-Day Overview)

Here’s how I would break down your 14 days in France so you can see the highlights without feeling completely exhausted:

Day 1–3: Paris
Arrive, adjust to the time change, and explore the city’s most iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and your favorite neighborhoods.

Day 4–5: Loire Valley
Head out of the city to visit fairytale châteaux, charming villages, and enjoy a slower pace.

Day 6–7: Normandy
Explore D-Day beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel, and the beautiful coastal scenery.

Day 8–10: Provence
Lavender fields (in season), hilltop villages, local markets, and that classic South of France charm.

Day 11–14: French Riviera
End your trip with sunshine, coastal towns like Nice and Monaco, and a more relaxed pace before heading home.

Best Two-Week France Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Day 1–3: Paris (What to Prioritize)

Paris is one of those cities where you could fill a week without trying—but with just a few days, the key is focusing on the highlights and not overpacking your schedule.

Here’s what I would prioritize so your first few days feel amazing, not exhausting:

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Day 1: Arrive + Ease Into Paris

After arriving, keep this day simple. Check into your hotel, take a walk along the Seine, and get your first views of the Eiffel Tower.

Grab an easy dinner, sit outside if the weather is nice, and just soak in the fact that you’re in Paris.

? Priority: Stay awake, walk a little, don’t overdo it.

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Day 2: The “Must-See” Paris Day

This is your big sightseeing day—hit the iconic spots your trip is built around.

Focus on:

• Eiffel Tower (go up or view from Trocadéro)
• Arc de Triomphe + Champs-Élysées
• Walk along the Seine

In the afternoon, pick one:

• Louvre (if this is a must for you)
• OR wander a neighborhood like Le Marais or Saint-Germain

? Priority: Hit the big sights, but don’t try to do everything.

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Day 3: Choose Your Paris Style

This is your flexible day depending on what you enjoy most.

Option 1: Art + Culture

• Musée d’Orsay (more manageable than the Louvre)
• Walk through Saint-Germain

Option 2: Neighborhood + Views

• Montmartre + Sacré-Cœur
• Coffee + wandering smaller streets

Option 3: Relaxed Paris

• Markets, cafés, shopping, and just enjoying the city

? Priority: Slow down and enjoy Paris—not just check boxes.

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Final Tip for Paris

If you try to do too much in Paris, it can quickly become overwhelming.
If you focus on a few key sights + time to wander, it becomes one of the best parts of your trip.

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.)

 

 

Day 4–5: Loire Valley (What to Prioritize)

The Loire Valley is where your trip slows down a bit—and honestly, that’s part of why it’s so memorable. You’re trading city energy for castles, countryside, and small towns.

The biggest mistake here is trying to see too many châteaux.

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Day 4: Travel + One Château

Head out of Paris in the morning (this is one of the best spots to rent a car if you haven’t already).

Plan to visit one major château on your way or in the afternoon:

• Château de Chambord (grand and dramatic)
• Château de Chenonceau (more elegant and set over the river)

Then settle into your hotel in a small town or countryside setting.

? Priority: Travel + one great château—not three rushed ones.

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Day 5: Castles + Villages + Slow Travel

This is your day to actually enjoy the region.

Pick 1–2 châteaux max, then spend the rest of the day:

• exploring a village
• browsing a local market
• enjoying a relaxed lunch

This is one of the best spots in your trip to slow down and not feel like you’re rushing from place to place.

Priority: Quality over quantity—this is not a checklist day.

Day 6–7: Normandy (What to Prioritize)

Normandy is a very different feel from the Loire Valley—more coastal, more historical, and a little more emotional depending on what you choose to see.

Day 6: Travel + Settle In
Travel from the Loire Valley to Normandy. This is a longer travel day, so keep things simple.

Day 7: Choose Your Focus

Option 1: D-Day Beaches

• Omaha Beach
• American Cemetery

Option 2: Mont-Saint-Michel

• Explore the island
• Walk the surrounding area

? Priority: Don’t try to fully do both

Day 8–10: Provence (Based in Avignon)

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Day 8: Travel to Avignon + Settle In

Travel south and base yourself in Avignon.

• Walk the old town
• See the Palais des Papes
• Easy dinner + relaxed evening

? Priority: Travel + settle + first Provence feel

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Day 9: Hilltop Villages + Countryside

Use Avignon as your base to explore:

• Gordes
• Roussillon
• Luberon villages

? Priority: Scenic villages + slow pace

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Day 10: Markets + Lavender / Wine

Depending on season:

• Lavender fields (summer)
• Local markets
• Wine tasting

 Priority: Experience Provence, not just see it

Avignon

 

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.

Day 11–14: French Riviera (What to Prioritize)

The French Riviera is the perfect way to end this trip. After a lot of moving around, this part should feel more relaxed—coastal views, smaller towns, and time to actually enjoy where you are.

Base yourself in Nice so you can explore the surrounding towns without constantly changing hotels.

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Day 11: Travel to Nice + Settle In

Travel from Avignon to Nice. This is one of your longer travel days, so keep expectations low.

Once you arrive:

• check into your hotel
• take a walk along the Promenade des Anglais
• grab a relaxed dinner

? Priority: Travel, settle in, and get your first feel for the coast

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Day 12: Explore Nice + Monaco

Spend the morning exploring Nice:

• Old Town (Vieux Nice)
• local markets
• seaside views

In the afternoon, take a quick trip to Monaco:

• Monte Carlo
• harbor views
• old town

? Priority: Easy mix of exploring + one iconic stop

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Day 13: Riviera Towns (Pick 1–2)

This is one of the most beautiful days of your trip—but it’s also easy to overdo.

Choose 1–2 towns max:

• Èze (dramatic hilltop views)
• Antibes (charming and less crowded)
• Cannes (classic Riviera feel)

Take your time. Sit at a café. Walk slowly.

? Priority: Enjoy the scenery, don’t rush from place to place

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Day 14: Relax + Favorite Spots

Use this as your buffer day.

You can:

• revisit your favorite place
• spend time at the beach
• wander Nice again
• take it slow before heading home

? Priority: Do less, enjoy more

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Final Tip for the French Riviera

The Riviera is not a checklist destination. The more you slow down and enjoy where you are—whether that’s a long lunch, a seaside walk, or just sitting with a view—the better this part of the trip will feel.

How to Use This France Itinerary

This itinerary is designed to give you a clear path through France—but you don’t have to follow it exactly.

You can:

• spend more time in places you love
• skip a stop that doesn’t interest you
• swap in destinations like Lyon or Marseille

The goal is to give you a structure that makes planning easier, not overwhelming.

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!