Planning a trip to France? With so many amazing French cities, it’s hard to pick the best ones to visit.
I’ve traveled to France over half a dozen times (Paris is my favorite travel destination!). My trips across the country have ranged from the sunny French Riviera to the beaches of Normandy.
Travel Tip! For those looking to elevate their experience, custom luxury tours of France offer an unparalleled way to discover the country’s hidden gems with personalized itineraries and exclusive access to some of the most coveted spots.
I’ve put together the perfect 10-day France itinerary to help you explore some of the best cities in France.
Plus, you can travel to all these destinations by train for a stress-free French vacation.
Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
Paris
Recommended duration: 3-5 days
Paris is the number one tourist destination in the world, so it’s no surprise that your French itinerary begins here. Plus, with two major airports (Charles de Gaulle and Orly), Paris is the easiest point of entry for most international visitors.
Paris is also a hub for the efficient French railway system, so it’s easy to travel around France from Paris.
Best Things to Do in Paris
I recommend starting your trip to Paris by taking a cruise along the Seine. It’s a great way to get your bearings in the city, even if you have jet lag.
The banks of the Seine are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and many top Paris attractions are visible from the river. Pass by the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
For a more romantic experience, why not take a Seine River dinner cruise? Paris is beautiful at night, with its monuments illuminated (it is known as the City of Light, after all!). You won’t want to miss the Eiffel Tower light show at the top of the hour.
Climbing the Eiffel Tower is at the top of bucket list experiences for many travelers. If you want to ascend the tower, purchase your tickets in advance. If you’re looking for great Eiffel Tower pictures, cross the river and take in the stunning views from the Trocadéro.
For another iconic Paris viewpoint, head to Montmartre. This is where you’ll find the fabulous Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It’s the second most visited French church, and for good reason. The basilica is incredible, and so are the views of Paris.
Paris is filled with gorgeous parks and gardens. These are great places to relax, enjoy the flowers and statues, and do some people-watching. I love to pick up cheese and a baguette from a local market and head to the Luxembourg Gardens for a picnic!
If you love gardens, you’ll want to take a day trip to Versailles. Even if you’re not interested in touring the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the gardens alone are worth a trip. The fantastic gardens are free to visit, except on days of the musical fountain shows.
Best Museums in Paris
Paris is an art lover’s dream! There are so many world-class art museums in Paris that it can be tough to choose. If you plan to visit several museums during your stay, consider purchasing the Paris Museum Pass to save time and money.
The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world, and it is home to countless treasures of the art world. I love classical statues such as the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. One of the most famous pieces in the Louvre is da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
If you love Impressionist art, you’ll want to visit the Musée d’Orsay. This stellar museum is housed in a former train station, making a dramatic showcase for the art. Enjoy works by Impressionist masters such as Monet and Degas.
Prefer sculpture? You won’t want to miss the Musée Rodin. The highlight is the sculpture garden, where you can enjoy gorgeous pieces such as The Thinker in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Lyon
Recommended duration: 3-4 days
From the capital city of Paris, we journey to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France.
The best way to get from Paris to Lyon is by train. It’s a fast 2-hour trip on a high-speed train from the Gare de Lyon in Paris to the Lyon Part-Dieu station.
A great way to save money during your stay in Lyon is to purchase the Lyon City Card. Not only does it grant you free access to over 20 museums, but it also comes with free city tours and unlimited use of Lyon’s public transportation network.
Best Things to Do in Lyon
Foodies will love visiting Lyon. Whether you dine at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in Lyon or prefer a more casual meal at a cozy bouchon, Lyonnais cuisine is sure to please!
Try a savory quenelle (fish dumpling) or treat your sweet tooth to the praline rose (pink sugared almonds). Don’t miss the famous gourmet food market, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse!
One of the best things to do in Lyon is to explore its charming historic neighborhood, Vieux Lyon. Wander along the picturesque cobblestoned streets and search out Lyon’s secret passageways, called traboules.
Ride the funicular up to the top of Fourvière Hill. One of the must-see attractions in Lyon is the stunning Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica. Go inside — you won’t want to miss the magnificent gilded mosaics and stained-glass windows.
Visitors don’t just come here for the basilica – the panoramic views of Lyon from this hilltop vantage point are spectacular. Gaze down and see the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral in Vieux Lyon, with the Rhône and Saône rivers lazily twisting through the city.
Take a sightseeing river cruise on the Saône and marvel at the architecture of Lyon. It’s a unique blend of Renaissance buildings in Old Lyon and ultra-modern architecture such as the Orange Cube and the Musée des Confluences.
In addition to its gastronomy, Lyon is known for its incredible trompe-l’oeil murals. As you stroll through the city, keep your eyes open for these spectacular frescoes. Le Mur des Canuts and the Fresque des Lyonnais will have you doing a double take to figure out what is real and what is a painted scene!
Best Museums in Lyon
No matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find a museum in Lyon that you’ll love.
If you prefer fine arts, spend an afternoon at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. This fine arts museum is housed in a former 17th-century abbey off the Place des Terreaux. Be sure to take a moment to relax in the museum’s serene courtyard, where classical statues are sprinkled throughout the garden.
History buffs will enjoy a journey back to Roman times at the Lugdunum Museum. This museum features artifacts from Lyon’s Roman history. It’s built into the side of Fourvière Hill overlooking the Gallo-Roman theater, so it’s easy to visit the ruins along with your trip to the museum.
Lyon is the birthplace of cinematography. Learn about the Lumière brothers and their invention of the Cinématographe at the Musée Lumière. Or visit the Cinema and Miniatures Museum and immerse yourself in the world of special effects and props from blockbuster films.
Dijon
Recommended duration: 1-2 days
Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region of France and, like Lyon, is known for its food and wine.
The train is the best way to get from Lyon to Dijon, with the fastest routes taking just over an hour and a half.
(When you’re ready to head back to Paris at the end of your France trip, hop on the high-speed train. You’ll arrive in Paris in about an hour and a half.)
Best Things to Do in Dijon
Dijon has quite a culinary reputation. It is best known for mustard, but don’t miss out on regional specialties such as boeuf bourguignon and pain d’epices. (This take on gingerbread differs from the classic holiday cookies you’re used to but is still delicious!)
One of the best ways to see the highlights of Dijon is to follow the Owl’s Trail, or Le Parcours de la Chouette. Just follow the markers built into the cobblestones of Dijon’s streets to find the 22 main attractions in Old Dijon.
You’ll see the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Darcy Gardens, the Porte Guillaume, Les Halles de Dijon, and the Tour Philippe le Bon. Feeling energetic? Climb the tower for fabulous views of Dijon and the Place de la Libération.
Be sure to keep your eyes open to spot the Owl of Dijon, carved into the façade of the Notre-Dame de Dijon church. The owl is Dijon’s good-luck charm. It’s said to be lucky to stroke the owl, or maybe you’ll even have a wish granted.
The colorful rooftops in Dijon are sure to catch your eye! Colorful glazed tiles arranged in geometric patterns are a signature of Burgundian architecture.
Best Museums in Dijon
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon is housed in the eastern wing of the Palais des Ducs. The extensive collection includes paintings, classical statues, and the tombs of some of the Dukes of Burgundy. It’s easy to spend several hours admiring the artwork here.
Other top Dijon museums include the Natural History Museum (located at the edge of the lovely Arquebuse Botanical Garden) and the Museum of Burgundian Life.
Best of all, admission to all public Dijon museums is free!
Final Thoughts
This fantastic ten-day France itinerary will make travel memories you’ll treasure.
From the iconic sights of Paris to the tantalizing cuisine of Lyon and Dijon, it’s easy to love exploring some of the best cities in France.
I bet you will want to come back to experience more of what France has to offer!
Bon Voyage!
About the Author
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!
