France is a country that never runs out of ways to surprise you. It’s where every corner feels cinematic—from Parisian cafés buzzing with life to lavender fields stretching across Provence, from sun-soaked Mediterranean shores to medieval towns carved in stone.

A 10-day trip in France can feel like three different holidays in one:

• The romance and grandeur of Paris
  
• The rustic charm of Provence’s countryside
  
• The glitter and sunshine of the French Riviera
  

This guide will take you through a perfectly paced journey across these three regions—so you can taste, see, and feel the best of France in just 10 days.

Best Time to Visit France

• April–June (Spring): Mild weather, blooming gardens, fewer crowds.
  
• July–August (Summer): Festivals, long days, but busier and warmer.
  
• September–October (Autumn): Harvest season, golden light, pleasant temperatures.
  
• November–March (Winter): Quieter, cheaper, but cold—best for Paris and museums.
  

World Tours Tip: Travel in May–June or September for the sweet spot between weather and crowds.

The Perfect 10-Day France Itinerary

Days 1–4: Paris — The City of Light

No matter how many times you see it in photos, Paris still takes your breath away. Start with the Eiffel Tower, then stroll the Seine, where booksellers line the riverbanks and bridges glow in the evening.

Spend a morning at the Louvre, admiring not just the Mona Lisa but masterpieces across centuries. Balance it with a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station. In Montmartre, wander cobbled lanes where Picasso once painted, then watch the city spread out below from the Sacré-Cœur.

Day trips from Paris are easy:

• Versailles Palace — golden halls and sprawling gardens
  
• Giverny — Monet’s dreamy gardens that inspired his waterlilies
  

In the evenings, linger in cafés, sip wine at Le Marais, and let Paris show you why it’s called the City of Light.

Days 5–7: Provence — Lavender, Villages & Vineyards

Trade the boulevards of Paris for Provence’s slower rhythms. Here, life unfolds in stone villages, rolling vineyards, and lavender fields that look like purple oceans in summer.

Stay in Avignon or Aix-en-Provence, both perfect bases to explore. Spend mornings in local markets with stalls of olives, cheeses, and herbs. Visit Gordes and Roussillon, perched villages with pastel facades and endless views. If you’re here in July, lavender in Valensole is in full bloom.

Take a wine tour in the Côtes du Rhône or Châteauneuf-du-Pape, tasting wines alongside rustic lunches. Afternoons are best for slow drives, stopping at farmhouses and quiet chapels that dot the countryside.

Evenings? Long dinners under the Provençal sky, with cicadas humming in the background.

Days 8–10: The French Riviera — Sun, Sand & Sophistication

The Riviera is where the Mediterranean meets glamour. Base yourself in Nice, a city with a relaxed seaside promenade and a bustling old town. Spend mornings strolling the Promenade des Anglais, afternoons on pebble beaches, and evenings enjoying fresh seafood at open-air restaurants.

Take short trips to:

• Monaco: A tiny principality of casinos, yachts, and views from the Prince’s Palace.
  
• Eze: A hilltop village with narrow lanes and panoramic terraces over the sea.
  
• Villefranche-sur-Mer: A colorful harbor town with beaches gentler than Nice.
  

If you have time, head to Cannes or even hop on a ferry to Saint-Tropez for a taste of Riviera luxury.

The Mediterranean sunsets here are unforgettable—the sky blushing pink as it dips into the sea.

Hidden Gems to Add

• Île de la Cité (Paris): Home to Notre-Dame, still magnificent despite restoration.
  
• Les Baux-de-Provence: Dramatic hilltop ruins and immersive art shows in old quarries.
  
• Antibes (Riviera): Picasso’s seaside studio and a lively old town.
  
• Arles: Roman amphitheatre and Van Gogh’s inspiration.

Practical Travel Tips for France

• Getting around: High-speed trains (TGV) connect Paris, Avignon, and Nice in hours.
  
• Book ahead: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Versailles sell out quickly.
  
• Dining: Lunch menus (formule) are affordable ways to taste French cuisine.
  
• Language: Basic French greetings go a long way—bonjour, merci, s’il vous plaît.
  
• Pace: Don’t overpack your schedule; France is best enjoyed slowly, with a glass of wine in hand.

Why Book Your France Trip with World Tours

• Handpicked hotels in central locations
  
• Pre-booked entry to museums and attractions
  
• Private transfers for Provence villages and Riviera trips
  
• Tailored itineraries for couples, families, and solo travelers
  
• “Turn your French holiday dream into reality. Book your France 2025 tour with World Tours today.”

France is not one story but many—a city of lights, a countryside of flavors, and a coast of sunshine. In 10 days, you can wake up to croissants in Paris, spend afternoons among lavender in Provence, and watch the sun set into the Mediterranean in Nice.

It’s a journey of contrasts, stitched together by one thing: the French love of living well. And by the time you leave, that joy will have rubbed off on you too.