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Where To Go in France: Best 10-day Itinerary

Destinations, France Leave a Comment

Last updated on March 21st, 2026 at 04:01 am

Ten days in France sounds generous until you’re standing in the Louvre and realizing you’ve allocated forty-five minutes for the entire Renaissance.

France rewards the unhurried, which means resisting the temptation to see everything and instead seeing a few things properly.

Visit two regions: Paris, which needs no introduction, and the south: Provence, the Luberon, and the Riviera, which rewards every traveler who makes it past the capital.

A colorful image of the coastal town of Menton in southern France, with pastel buildings, boats in the harbor, and the text "Best of France: 10 Days in Paris & the South" displayed prominently.

My recommended itinerary gives you three days in Paris, four days in Provence, and two days on the Riviera. It’s not enough, but it’s a very good start.

This post is part of my guide to artsy & independent travel in France, where I share my best tips for exploring France’s creative cities, historic sites, landscapes, and cultural experiences.

Overview of 10-Day France Itinerary
France Itinerary Map
Paris on Your Best France Itinerary
To the South on Best Your France Itinerary
Tour Options on the French Riviera
Accommodation Options on the Riviera
Eating in France
Keep Exploring France with Artsy Traveler

Overview of 10-Day France Itinerary

Here’s an overview of an itinerary that provides a taste of fabulous Paris (just enough to make you want to return!), four days split between two of the most scenic areas of Provence, and finally, two days of sun and fun on the Riviera.

Days 1 to 3: Arrive in Paris on Day 1 and spend three nights in Paris, leaving on the morning of Day 4.
Days 4 and 5: Take the TGV to Avignon, pick up a rental car at the TGV station and drive east into the Luberon. Spend two nights in Roussillon or Gordes for a super Provence hit.
Days 6 and 7: Drive to Aix-en-Provence and spend two nights there; explore nearby Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, or the Camargue.
Days 8 to 10: Drive to the coast and spend two nights in Antibes, Vence, or Cannes. Drop off the car at Nice airport and fly home.

Following are my suggestions for what to see in Paris and the South (particularly artsy sites!) and some recommended accommodations.

France Itinerary Map

Map thanks to Wanderlog, a road trip planner on iOS and Android

Paris on Your Best France Itinerary

Three days in Paris is not nearly long enough to fully enjoy one of the world’s most fabulous cities, but it is long enough to explore most of the big-bang sites.

I’ll get to sightseeing suggestions in a minute, but first, consider where you wish to put down temporary Parisian roots. To my mind, making sure you stay in an interesting part of Paris is almost as important as seeing the sights.

A lively cobblestone street in Montmartre, Paris, featuring colorful shops, outdoor art stalls, and people strolling past the Le Consulat café. — Find an interesting Parisian neighborhood to settle in, even if only for a few days.

Choosing Your Parisian Neighborhood

Before and after you go touring around the city, you want to be able to walk to great restaurants and cafés, enjoy people-watching, and have quick access to the Seine for long, leisurely evening strolls to see the lights.

My preferred neighborhoods in Paris are the 6th, 14th, and 5th arrondissements (in that order) on the Left Bank.

Yes, you can save money by getting a hotel near the péripherique (the multi-lane ring road that circles Paris) and then taking the Métro into Paris for sightseeing, but don’t succumb to the temptation unless your budget is really tight.

A few times over the years, I’ve stayed at soulless chain hotels on the edges of Paris, and each time it was a mistake.

I may have saved a few euros, but I also wasted too many hours getting to and from the cool areas of Paris.

Instead of ending each evening watching the illuminated bateaux-mouches glide along the Seine with the sparkling Eiffel Tower in the distance before tumbling a few minutes later into a warm bed, I endured long, rattling Métro rides followed by quick walks through some pretty sketchy neighborhoods.

Like all major cities, Paris has its fair share of dreary and sometimes even unsafe areas, I’m sorry to say, and while you can still find some nice places to eat and enjoy Parisian street life out by the péripherique, I’d stick with the arrondissements closest to the river and Île de la Cité.

If you’re in Paris for longer than a few days, consider renting an apartment.

I’ve stayed in some great apartments in Montparnasse, the Marais, and Saint-Germain. But for short stays, I almost always head for the 5th and 6th arrondissements on the Left Bank, and occasionally the 14th arrondissement.

Where to Stay on the Left Bank

Sixth Arrondissement

Sometimes referred to as Luxembourg because it contains the Luxembourg Gardens, the 6th arrondissement is still the area of Paris I prefer to stay in. In recent years, it’s gotten very chichi and can be a bit touristy and expensive, but I still love wandering its narrow streets, window shopping and finding great little cafés to while away an afternoon.

I like the area so much that I had the heroine of my novel Love Among the Recipes rent an apartment on rue Bonaparte right across the street from Les Deux Magots, one of the most famous cafés in Paris.

Back in the day, French intellectuals such as Simone de Bouvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre discussed philosophy at Les Deux Magots and its equally historic neighbor, Café de Flore.

Nowadays the prices for a café crème at either place might make you weep, so walk a few blocks toward the Luxembourg Gardens and you’ll find more reasonable and less crowded alternatives.

The façade of the famous Café de Flore in Paris, adorned with lush greenery, flowers, and a black wrought-iron balcony.

Here’s a great choice in the 6th arrondissement.

Hôtel de L’Universite

The Hôtel de l’Université is a reasonably-priced (for Paris) hotel on a quiet side street in the 6th arrondissement, a few blocks from the lively area around rue Bonaparte and Boulevard Saint-Germain.

I stayed there for three nights and loved the neighborhood, which is quintessentially Parisian and not too touristy. I spent many happy hours writing and people-watching at a café on the corner of the Boulevard Saint-Germain and Rue du Bac (where there’s also a convenient Métro station) about a three-minute walk from the hotel.

The staff was great, the beds comfy, and the location quiet but still central.

Fourteenth Arrondissement – Montparnasse

A little farther south past the Luxembourg Gardens is Montparnasse, another cool and less touristy area.

Back in the 1920s, Montparnasse was the haunt of artists, including Giorgio de Chirico, Amedeo Modigliani, Vassili Kandinsky, Max Ernst, Joan Miró, and Alberto Giacometti. For that reason alone, I enjoy staying in Montparnasse.

It’s a few Métro stops from the Seine, but within walking distance of the Luxembourg Gardens. The area abounds with cool restaurants such as La Rotunde on Boulevard Montparnasse where many artists and intellectuals congregated back in the day.

Hotel prices can also be a little more reasonable in this area.

Hôtel A La Villa des Artistes

I recommend the Hôtel A La Villa des Artistes, which is the first hotel I stayed at on my first trip to Paris with my family when my daughter was eight years old.

Located close to the Vavin Metro, the hotel is also a short walk to the Luxembourg Gardens where my daughter spent many happy hours in a smartly designed playground.

Fifth Arrondissement

I also enjoy staying in the 5th arrondissement near the Boulevard Saint-Michel. Like the 6th, the 5th is one of the oldest areas of Paris with plenty of winding side streets and one of my favorite museums, the Cluny.

Hôtel Le Clos Médicis

I recommend the H ôtel Le Clos Médicis, located about a block from the Luxembourg Gardens near the Boulevard Saint-Michel.

The rooms are pricey and quite small but very well-appointed and comfortable.

A cozy and elegant hotel lobby with plush chairs, a wooden coffee table, decorative beams, and warm ambient lighting. — Comfortable lobby in Hôtel Le Clos Médicis

Search for more hotels in Paris. Also check out my post about general tips to find good places to stay in France.

What to See in Paris

Where to start? On your three days in Paris, I recommend the sites described below. Check out just two or three each day, leaving plenty of time for wandering around your new neighborhood, sipping coffee in cafés and going out for dinner.

Eiffel Tower

Yes, it’s touristy and overpriced and super-crowded, but you have to go up the Eiffel Tower at least once. I recommend going at night when the crowds are considerably smaller and the views just as breath-taking.

Buy tickets in advance from the official website or consider a package that includes dinner:

The Louvre

The Louvre is massive, overcrowded, expensive, and magnificent.

The key to visiting the Louvre with ease is to focus on one or two areas at most. There’s a great deal of art in the Louvre, and while all of it is amazing, some pieces are more amazing than others.

The glass pyramid entrance of the Louvre Museum in Paris, reflecting sunlight and surrounded by historic buildings under a bright blue sky. — A visit to the Louvre is a must-do in Paris for art lovers.

When you enter the pyramid and descend the escalator to the center of the Louvre, you’re faced with three wings: Sully, Richelieu, and Denon.

Most visitors make a beeline for the Denon wing because that’s where some of the most famous artworks in the world are displayed, including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.

Unless you have a burning desire to stand in a massive crowd bristling with pickpockets so you can peer over the tops of heads to see a tiny, glass-enclosed painting on a single wall, I’d give Mona a miss.

If you do want to see her, arrive early, or drop by just before the museum closes.

Suggested Way to Enjoy the Louvre

A better and less headache-inducing option is to head to the far end of the Denon wing and work your way back.

You’ll pass several remarkable pieces, including The Raft of the Medusa by Géricault, Autumn by Giuseppe Arcimboldo, Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix, Saint John the Baptist by Leonardo da Vinci, and La Grande Odalisque by Ingres (one of my faves).

Depending on your interests, you may also want to take a quick walk through the Greek, Roman, and Egyptian Antiquities in the Sully wing. The key to enjoying the Louvre is to pace yourself. You absolutely cannot see all of it in one visit.

Visiting the Louvre

You must book a time-slot to visit the Louvre. Check the website for details. The museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily (until 9 pm on Wednesday and Friday) and is closed Tuesdays.

Another good option for art lovers is to take a guided tour. This Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Access is a good option from GetYourGuide:

Sainte-Chapelle

The exquisite Sainte-Chapelle on Île de la Cité is still one of my all-time favorite Parisian sites. I make time for a visit every time I go to Paris. Its other-worldly beauty will literarlly stop you in your tracks. Guaranteed.

The best way to see and really enjoy Sainte-Chapelle is to get tickets for a concert. You’ll experience its awesomeness without crowds while soaring to the heavens on the wings of sublime music.

For me, a perfect Parisian evening starts with a 7 pm concert at Sainte-Chapelle followed by a walk across Île de la Cité to enjoy dinner on medieval Île Saint-Louis. Check out this website to buy concert tickets.

And for more about Sainte-Chapelle, check out my post about the top cathedrals in Europe.

The stunning stained glass windows inside Sainte-Chapelle, featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colors illuminated by natural light. — The upper chapel in Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is open from 9 am to 7 pm (to 9 pm April-Sept. 30) and reservations are required. Get tickets for priority access.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

After the devastating fire in 2019 and five long years of reconstruction, Notre-Dame Cathedral is again open to the public. Notre-Dame has long been one of my favorite cathedrals in Europe.

The cathedral is free and open to all. However, you can reduce your waiting time by booking your access online. Here’s the link: Reservation.

The Musée d’Orsay

I love visiting the Musée d’Orsay maybe even more than the Louvre. It’s a little less crowded and not nearly so large.

It also displays some of the most-loved works of art by Manet, Morisot, van Gogh, Monet, and many more. To avoid the crowds, buy your tickets in advance and go early in the day or on a Thursday evening when the museum is open until 9:45 pm (last entrance one hour before closing).

Head first for the fifth floor so you can enjoy the most popular paintings in relative peace.

Take your time wandering from room to room and then stop by the café behind the large clock, the original from when the Musée d’Orsay was a train station.

The historic Musée d'Orsay building along the Seine River, with boats docked on the water and the Eiffel Tower in the background. — The Musée d’Orsay is on the Left Bank in Paris.

Here’s an option for a guided tour of the Musée d’Orsay:

Quai Branly Museum

Also known as the Musée du quai Branly Jacques Chirac, the Musée quai Branly deserves a place on your Paris itinerary if you are interested in art and objects created by Indigenous cultures from around the world.

The collection is displayed in four distinct areas representing Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

Plan to visit the Branly on the day you visit the Eiffel Tower. It’s within walking distance and is one of the few other noteworthy sites in the Eiffel Tower area.

If you’re in Paris on a Thursday, visit the museum around 6 or 7 pm (it’s open until 10 pm on Thursdays), go up the Eiffel Tower to see the sunset and the lights (depending on the time of year), and end with dinner at a restaurant in the area.

There aren’t many restaurants in that area, so check before you go and make reservations to avoid long, hungry walks up and down the relatively restaurant-free streets.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 7 pm (Thursdays until 10 pm). Get tickets in advance to book your time slot and avoid lines.

The Orangerie

Monet’s water lily paintings take center stage at The Orangerie and are well worth a visit (go early or late to avoid crowds).

The Orangerie makes a nice stop after spending a few hours in the Tuileries Gardens watching the world go by. Get tickets in advance.

A vibrant springtime scene in a garden with blooming pink trees, colorful red tulips, and green grass, with classic Parisian buildings in the background. — Tuileries near the Orangerie in spring

Paris has many more amazing museums in addition to the Big Three (Louvre, d’Orsay and Pompidou). If you have time, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

My post on Paris Art Museums provides you with some ideas.

And for even more details about my suggested sites and their tie-ins with Love Among the Recipes, along with descriptions of dozens of other things to see in Paris, check out my post on Paris Sightseeing.

Here are some options for taking a bus tour around Paris to see the main sites in comfort. A good strategy is to take a tour when you first arrive in Paris to orient yourself.

To the South on Best Your France Itinerary

After three full days of touring Paris, you’ll be ready for a relaxing morning riding the TGV, France’s high speed train, to the south of France. You catch the TGV to Avignon from Gare Montparnasse. Check the SCNF website to buy tickets, or book through Trainline.

A sleek, blue and silver high-speed TGV train moving along tracks surrounded by green fields and trees under a clear sky.

I love riding the TGV. It’s so smooth and fast! Within about four hours, you’ll arrive at the sleek, modern train station in Avignon and step into the warm southern air.

I suggest renting a car for pick-up at Avignon station. The traffic around the station isn’t too frenetic, and very quickly you’ll be on your way east to the Luberon.

For information and tips about driving in Europe, see my post Top Tips for Driving in Europe.

Prefer not to drive in Provence? Daytrip offers private transfers between Avignon, the Luberon villages, and Aix-en-Provence with fixed pricing and the option to add a scenic stop along the way.

The Luberon

Made famous by Peter Mayle’s book A Year in Provence, the Luberon region of Provence has been thoroughly discovered. But it’s still a magical area and one which I visit as often as possible.

I never tire of driving around the little villages, taking walks through the glorious countryside, eating fabulous al fresco meals and poking around the little shops. I always come away with a bag full of lavender and honey soaps.

The villages I like best are Gordes, Roussillon (an absolute must-see) and Bonnieux.

I suggest settling into a country hotel in the area and taking day trips to explore the villages and just soak up the Provençal vibe. Other attractive villages are Menerbes, Lacoste, and Saignon where we stayed for two weeks back in the ’90s.

Roussillon deserves a special mention. Not only is the village itself delightful with plenty of good restaurants and shopping, but it’s also close to Le Sentier des Ocres. This area of stunning ochre cliffs and pathways is an easy walk from the village. For more information, check out this post.

The striking ochre cliffs and vibrant red rock formations of the Sentier des Ocres trail in Roussillon, France, surrounded by lush green pine trees. — Ochre cliffs in the Sentier des Ocres near Roussillon

Wine Tasting in the Luberon

The Luberon and surrounding Provence countryside produce some of France’s most distinctive wines, including the roses that have made the region famous worldwide. Winedering has some excellent tastings and winery visits in the area:

Staying in the Luberon

Here are two highly recommended hotels in the Luberon, one in Roussillon and one in Gordes.

Les Sables d’Ocre

A 15-minute walk from the village of Roussillon, Les Sables d’Ocre sets the bar for what a country-style, family-run, low-key, easy-on-the-budget place should be.

Book one of the rooms that includes a terrace. You’ll have your own private outdoor space and be steps from the pool.

Domain de l’Enclos

Close to lovely Gordes, the Domain de L’Enclos is wonderful. On a spring trip to the Luberon , I snagged a room with a terrace which Gregg made use of to do some drawing.

The views from the garden over the Luberon are spectacular. Check out his work on his website.

A man sketching outdoors at a table surrounded by old stone walls, greenery, and lavender bushes in a tranquil French countryside setting. — Gregg drawing at our hotel near Gordes in the Luberon

Avignon

On your way to Aix-en-Provence from the Luberon, consider stopping for an afternoon to see Avignon. I loved touring the Pope’s Palace (the Palais des Papes) where, back in the 14th century, several popes lived when the papacy was moved from Rome to Avignon.

The palace is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe.

The imposing medieval architecture of the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, France, with its fortified walls, towers, and golden statue glistening against a blue sky. — Palace of the Popes in Avignon

The town of Avignon is pleasant and compact, and it’s always fun to see the famous pont d’Avignon that stretches only halfway across the Rhone River.

The historic Pont d’Avignon bridge in France, partially extending over the Rhône River, with a serene reflection of the structure in the water during golden hour. — The Pont d’Avignon made famous in the song *Sur le pont d’Avignon*

Aix-en-Provence and Arles

You could choose to homebase either in Aix-en-Provence or Arles. Both have their charms and both are within easy driving distance of plenty of fabulous Provence landscapes.

Consider spending a day in the Camargue, where you’ll see flamingos, bulls, and the Mediterranean; wander Arles in the footsteps of van Gogh; and enjoy a meal on the picturesque and car-free Le Cours Mirabeau, the main drag in Aix-en-Provence.

The key to enjoying this area is to just relax and soak up the atmosphere.

A lively street in Aix-en-Provence, France, with cafés, shops, and trees lining the boulevard on a sunny day. — The main drag in Aix-en-Provence

For an off-the-beaten-track adventure, check out Château La Coste in the hills north of Aix-en-Provence. It’s a vineyard and sculpture park with a great restaurant. Another option is to take a half-day wine tour of the region. Here’s a GetYourGuide tour:

The Riviera

Drive east from Aix-en-Provence and within two hours, you’ll see signs to Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Menton and Monte Carlo.

You’re on the fabled Riviera!

A woman posing in front of Monaco’s harbor, featuring yachts, boats, and waterfront buildings lined with palm trees under a bright blue sky. — Enjoying the high life in Monaco on the French Riviera

There is a lot to do on the French Riviera so I suggest finding a home base and then taking day trips. Here are just a few of the highlights.

Antibes

Visit the Picasso Museum and wander the picturesque back streets. Enjoy great views of the Mediterranean and watch the boats.

Cannes

Promenade along the famous seaside and mingle with the beautiful people, enjoy a cocktail on the terrace of the famed Carlton Cannes Hotel, then check out the high-class shops.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Located on Cap Ferrat just east of Nice, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is worth a visit for the gardens alone (and the house is no slouch either). The nearby Greek Villa Kerylos is also fun to visit, particularly for the spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

Nice

Nice is a large and bustling city and, although a bit iffy in some areas, a great place to homebase.

Avoid the areas near the train station. Spend an afternoon and evening exploring the narrow streets of Old Nice to sample great food and stimulate all your senses.

A narrow street in the South of France lined with colorful, pastel-hued buildings, potted plants, and green shutters, capturing a charming European atmosphere.

Menton

Menton is a great choice for a town that is less crowded than some of its more famous cousins. I’ve spent several afternoons in Menton and can’t wait to go back. Its old town is charming and its beach long and sandy.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Located in the hills above Cannes, the enchanting (achingly so!) village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is delightful, even though it’s become very upscale in recent years.

I’ve enjoyed some good meals there overlooking spectacular views. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is also very close to the Fondation Maeght, a modern art museum set in gorgeous gardens with very cool sculptures.

Vence

A few kilometers beyond Saint-Paul-de-Vence and closer to the mountains that buttress the French Riviera is Vence, one of our favorite places to relax away the hubbub on the coast.

The pedestrian-only medieval streets of this walled town are peaceful and shady with plenty of restaurants available. Vence feels like a place where people actually live.

If you’re a fan of Matisse, a visit to the Matisse Chapel (the Chapelle du Rosaire) a fifteen-minute walk from Vence, is a must. Matisse designed every detail of the chapel. The interior is very spare and modern with stunning stained glass windows.

Tour Options on the French Riviera

Here are some options with Tiqets.com for touring the French Riviera. A boat trip would be fun!

And here are some GetYourGuide tours of the area.

Accommodation Options on the Riviera

Nice or Cannes both make good home bases on the Mediterranean. You’ll find lots of hotels here, some on the waterfront.

Another option is to homebase in a village like Saint-Paul-de-Vence or Vence and then drive to the towns on the Mediterrenean.

One drawback of this plan is that traffic can be horrendous the closer to the waterfront you get. On the other hand, the villages above the Riviera are so spectacular that it would be shame not to spend some time there.

Here are some options:

Les Villas du Parc: I stayed at this gorgeous villa on the outskirts of Antibes for a week. If you have a car, this is a great choice.

Hôtel Marc Hély: We enjoyed a room with a view over Saint-Paul-de-Vence and a tasty breakfast in the courtyard. This is a great choice in La Colle-sur-Loup, which is about a ten-minute drive from the Fondation Maeght.

Miramar: This hotel is in Vence, which is just up the hill from Saint-Paul-de-Vence and a larger town with more services. FYI, we had the best pizza at an outdoor café in the Old Town of Vence! The Miramar is reasonably priced and well located, great for drivers.

Search other hotels in Vence.

Eating in France

Enjoying French cuisine in the thousands of small restaurants all over France is a huge highlight. You can get a bad meal in France (and I’ve endured some doozies), but that’s usually the exception.

Check online reviews of the restaurants in the area you’re traveling to and make reservations.

Check out my general tips on dining well on a budget in Europe.

Keep Exploring France with Artsy Traveler

Here are more posts about traveling in France:

About Carol Cram

Carol M. Cram is the author of five award-winning historical novels inspired by art and the women who shaped it, the creator of Artsy Traveler, an arts-focused travel blog, the founder of Art In Fiction, a curated database of 2,500+ novels inspired by the arts, and the host of The Art In Fiction Podcast. She also authored 60+ textbooks on computer applications and taught at Capilano University for over two decades. She lives with her husband, artist Gregg Simpson, on beautiful Bowen Island near Vancouver, BC.

Six Favorite Regions in France: What to See & Do

Destinations, France Leave a Comment

Last updated on April 1st, 2026 at 08:48 pm

France is one of those countries where the hardest part of planning a trip is deciding what to leave out.

I’ve been more than a dozen times and still haven’t exhausted it, which is either a testament to France’s inexhaustible variety or my own inability to stay home.

These are the six regions I recommend most often to artsy travelers, with links to more detailed posts on each one.

Normandy: Gorgeous countryside & steeped in history
Brittany: Rugged coastlines, ancient history & galettes
Loire Valley: Fabulous châteaux and gourmet cuisine
Dordogne: Prehistory rules in a storybook landscape
Provence/Côte d’Azur: Heat, art, & sea: there’s nowhere like it
Paris & Île-de-France: Top destination in the world for good reason

Map of France showing recommended regions to explore in France — Recommended regions to explore in France

This post is part of my guide to artsy & independent travel in France, where I share my best tips for exploring France’s creative cities, historic sites, landscapes, and cultural experiences.

Getting Around France
Normandy
Brittany
The Loire Valley
The Dordogne Valley
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Where to Stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Paris and the Île-de-France
Other Regions in France
Keep Exploring France with Artsy Traveler

Getting Around France

If you want to fully explore France, consider renting a car. My post on Driving in Europe gives you some pointers gleaned from our three decades of experience exploring Europe by car.

Another option is to link each region by train and then find tours in each destination, rent a car for just a few days, or even hire a private guide.

For point-to-point transfers between regions without the stress of driving, Daytrip offers private transfers across France with fixed pricing and no meter watching.

Here are some tour options:

Normandy

Rolling fields, picture-perfect villages, and searing World War II history make Normandy in northern France an awesome destination.

I lived for two months as artist-in-residence in the Perche region of Normandy a few years ago. When my husband, artist Gregg Simpson, and I weren’t being artists/writers-in-residence, we spent several happy days exploring this undertouristed area.

Favorite Places in Normandy

These are a few of my favorite places in Normandy. Consider stitching them together over at least three or four days. You can homebase in Honfleur or Bayeux, or stay one night in Honfleur, another night in Bayeux and round out the trip with a night near Mont-St.-Michel.

Slow down and take your time. Normandy rewards you with plenty of gorgeous vistas, sobering recent history, and a stunning medieval tapestry. The map below includes the places mentioned in this post.

Map created using Wanderlog, a road trip planner on iOS and Android

The Perche Region

This far-off-the-beaten-track area has no big sites, but the countryside is lovely. Detour through it while driving up to the coast. The main towns are L’Aigle (#1 on the map) and Argentan (#2).

If you have roots in Canada, consider stopping and touring the Museum of French Immigration to Canada in Tourouvre (#3). Back in the 16th and 17th centuries, 328 people from the Perche region left their homeland and traveled to far-off Quebec. The museum tells their fascinating story.

World War II Beaches

As a Canadian, I was moved by the museum at Juno Beach (#4) where Canadian troops landed on D-Day. You should also visit the Caen Memorial Museum (#5), considered France’s best World War II museum. I found it fascinating.

Honfleur and the Satie Museum

Honfleur (#6) is a mecca for artists, with lots of galleries and beautiful architecture. Linger at a café in the harbor and don’t miss the quirky Satie Museum (#7), an artsy traveler must-see.

Bayeux and the Bayeux tapestry

The clever way in which the tapestry is exhibited at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (#8) is almost as captivating as the tapestry itself. And the town of Bayeux is just delightful. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring.

Étretat

The stunning white chalk cliffs at Étretat (#9) were a favorite of Monet and other Impressionists. Wander along the cliff tops of this incredible coastline and marvel at the fascinating shapes sculpted by the wind.

Mont-St.-Michel

Mont-St.-Michel (#10) is crowded and touristy. Avoid visiting during the day. Instead, plan to stay nearby and then wander over in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and dinner after the crowds leave.

Tours to Normandy

If you’re not driving, consider visiting Normandy on a guided tour from Paris. Tours include the Normandy D-Day Beaches and the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel.

For more details about what to see and do in Normandy, read Top Normandy Sights for Art & History Lovers. I also include Honfleur on the Normandy coast in my post 17 Awesome Places in France You Might Not Know.

Where to Stay in Normandy

Check the map below to find accommodation options in Normandy.

Brittany

I adore Brittany. Every time I visit the area, I say We really ought to spend more time in Brittany.

I recommend visiting Brittany in the summer when the weather is pleasantly warm rather than torrid like it is farther south. Beautiful sandy beaches vie for your attention with craggy coves and spectacular rock formations.

You’ll need at least a week to explore Brittany, it’s that packed with interesting things to see and do. Consider at least a week’s stay in Brittany, or better still, three or four days on the north coast around Trégastel and three or four days on the south coast near Carnac.

The map below includes the places mentioned in this post.

Map created with Wanderlog, a road trip planner app on iOS and Android

Favorite Places in Brittany

Rennes

The charming town of Rennes (#1) with its half-timbered houses and walkable center is a delight. Stay the night and enjoy wandering around its virtually empty and picturesque streets.

Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo (#2), recently made famous by All The Light We Cannot See, is a walled coastal city that will captivate you with its striking views, lively harbor, and dramatic tides. Stroll along the ramparts to enjoy coastal panoramas and medieval rooftops. There’s a lot of history here!

Côte de Granit-Rose

This rugged coastline near Trégastel (#3) in northern Brittany is a photographer’s dreamscape. Stay a few days to enjoy the seaside and the fabulously shaped rocks.

A coastal landscape with large, rugged pink granite rock formations by a calm, blue sea under a clear sky. — Côte de granit rose in northern Brittany

Huelgoat

For a real off-the-beaten-track experience, stop in Huelgoat (#4) and commune with some amazing rock formations. Explore the Chaos of Rocks, a jumble of hundreds of large boulders below the dammed lake and check out La Roche Tremblante (Trembling Rock), a 137-tonne rocking boulder, pivoted so it can be made to rock by a person pushing against one point.

Pont-Aven

A visit to Pont-Aven (#5) is a must for art lovers. In the 1880s, it was a mecca for such notable artists as Gauguin and Serusier. Walk in their footsteps in the Bois d’Amour (the Wood of Love) and see why they loved the area so much. I recently spent a week there; check out my post Savoring Life in Pont-Aven: City of Artists.

Carnac and other prehistoric sites

Brittany is home to France’s most concentrated collection of Celtic and prehistoric sites, Carnac (#6) being the largest and most impressive. Standing stones abound in this history-steeped region. Check out my post on Prehistory Sites in Europe that includes several places in Brittany.

For more details about what to see and do in Brittany, see my post 17 Awesome Places in France You Might Not Know in which I include several locations in Brittany.

Where to Stay in Brittany

Check the map below to find accommodationoptions in Brittany.

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The Loire Valley

Châteaux are exceedingly thick on the ground in the Loire Valley thanks to the Loire Atlantique region being the playground for the kings of France until kings rather suddenly went out of fashion in the 18th century.

The map below includes the places mentioned in this post.

Map created with Wanderlog, a road trip planner app on iOS and Android

Favorite Places in the Loire Valley

Spend a week here to tour not only the big (and crowded) blockbuster châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau, but also the more intimate, even quirky ones like Villandry and Azay-Le-Rideau.

Rochemenier Cave Village (Rochemenier Village Troglodytique)

Visit the cave dwelling village museum (#1 on the map above) to discover the underground houses inhabited for centuries. This place is amazing!

Château de Chenonceau

It’s hard to choose the most beautiful château in the Loire Valley, but Chenonceau (#2) with its graceful arches spanning the River Cher is definitely a contender.

Château de Chambord

This is the largest château in the Loire—and the most crowded. Chambord (#3) is impressive, but go early or late in the day.

Château Azay-le-Rideau

This is one of my favorite châteaux in the Loire Valley. Azay-le-Rideau (#4) is incredibly photogenic!

Chinon

Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chinon (#5) makes a great home base for exploring the eastern Loire Valley, and it’s also famous for its wine, castle, and historic town.

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral (#6) has incredible stained-glass windows. Visit on a day trip from Paris or en route to the châteaux in the Loire Valley.

In addition to châteaux-hopping, consider an extended stay in the Loire Valley because, let’s face it, the region is drop-dead gorgeous. Rent a bike or go on a walking tour to immerse yourself in the fairytale landscape. Also, the food in the Loire is exceptional (and that’s saying something!).

If your time is limited, consider a day trip from Paris to tour at least a few of the châteaux.

For more about my favorite Loire châteaux, check out my post Six of the Best Loire Valley Châteaux You Should Explore.

Where to Stay in the Loire

Check the map below to find accommodation options in the Loire.

The Dordogne Valley

The Dordogne is an excellent choice for two reasons: prehistoric caves and amazing food. Spend at least a week exploring the beautiful towns and villages of this interesting region of France.

The map below includes the places mentioned in this post.

Map thanks to Wanderlog, a road trip planner on iOS and Android

Favorite Places in the Dordogne Region

Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

The charming little town of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil (#1 on the map above) is home to the National Museum of Prehistory, a must-see if you’re interested in the prehistoric history of the Dordogne.

Lascaux IV

Don’t miss the cave art sites scattered throughout the region, including the super-famous (and justifiably so) Caves of Lascaux (#2). I write about them in more depth in my post Prehistory Sites in Europe and Why Visit Lascaux in the Stunning Dordogne.

Montignac

The charming village of Montignac (#3) near Lascaux makes an excellent home base for exploring the area.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

This medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda (#4) hosts an indoor food market, and a glass elevator in the bell tower offers city views. Wander around its ancient streets in the early morning to catch the sunshine bouncing off the yellow sandstone buildings.

Bergerac

Famous for its vineyards and old town center, Bergerac (#5) is close to fortified medieval towns called bastides, with Monpazier and Eymet being particularly noteworthy examples.

If you have a hankering for gorgeous scenery mixed with compelling prehistory sightseeing followed by long, slow dinners where duck often plays a role, then meander down to the Dordogne.

Gorgeous villages are waiting to be explored in the Dordogne.

Where to Stay in the Dordogne

Check the map below to find accommodation options in the Dordogne.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

I dare you to say Provence without sighing!

Ah, Provence! See?

Enjoy lavender fields like this in the Luberon region of Provence.

Like Tuscany, Provence has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s most beautiful regions. Settle in for a good long visit to discover why so many artists made their homes here (Picasso, van Gogh, Renoir, Cezanne, Léger, Matisse, and a bunch of others I’m sure I’m forgetting).

I think it has a lot to do with the light. Every time Gregg and I visit Provence, Gregg is inspired by the unique way in which light floods a landscape of sharp contrasts—soft greens and lavenders, hard whites and ochers, startling blues.

The map below includes the places mentioned in this post.

Map courtesy of Wanderlog, a trip planner on iOS and Android

Favorite Places in Provence

Luberon

This is one of my favorite regions of Provence. Don’t miss Roussillon (#1 on the map above) with its ocher cliffs, along with the hill towns Bonnieux and Gordes. On a recent trip to Roussillon, I visited the Ochre Museum: Explore The Ochre Museum in Colorful Roussillon.

In recent years, the Luberon has become rather “chichi”, as in scores of well-heeled people driving nice cars and living in lavender-coated villas, but the food is still wonderful, the weather warm, and the landscape stunning.

Avignon

The Pope’s Palace in Avignon (#2) is a lot of fun to explore. The last time I was there, a Picasso exhibition was on. Before you go, check to see if any special art exhibitions are featured.

Arles

Van Gogh lived in Arles (#3) for only a few months but that was enough to put Arles on the map for art lovers. It’s a delightful town, worth a few days of your time to just kick back, relax, and enjoy the ambiance. Check out my post about three excellent museums to visit in Arles: Discover Three Unique Museums in Arles.

Aix-en-Provence

Home of Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence (#4) is a great place to kick back and spend a week.

Don’t miss the wonderful Hôtel de Caumont Art Center which almost always has excellent art exhibitions, drive out to Château La Coste to wander around the vineyards and forest paths looking at striking modern sculpture, and drop into the Fondation Vasarely to see Vasarely’s geometric masterpieces.

Gorges du Verdon

Provence is a region of mountains with many tiny, twisty roads leading up into the Alpes Maritimes and into the French Alps. Take some time to explore the rugged Gorges du Verdon (#5).

The French Riviera

Spend at least some of your time with the beautiful people. Cannes (#6) makes a goodhome base.

Another central option is Nice (#7), or my favorite, Menton (#8), very close to the Italian border.

And while you’re in the area, visit some of the many single-artist museums such as the Fondation Léger in Biot and the Matisse Museum in Nice.

Fondation Maeght

Nestled in the hills near Saint Paul-de-Vence above Cannes, the Fondation Maeght (#9) is one of my favorite small art museums in Europe. Read about it in my post Twelve of the Best Modern Art Museums in Europe.

Provence is big enough to merit a two-week stay, or at least a week divided in two. I suggest enjoying the stunning countryside in the Luberon region for a week and then driving down to the French Riviera to hang with the beautiful people (and see a ton of art) while basking in the Mediterranean sun.

Where to Stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Check the map below to find accommodation options in this beautiful area.

Paris and the Île-de-France

If you’re planning your first visit to France, Paris will likely be on your itinerary. It’s a must-see city in Europe if you are in any way artsy inclined.

Paris is home to dozens of art museums and galleries in addition to the big-ticket sights like the Eiffel Tower (go early or late to avoid the crowds), the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées.

La Tour Eiffel: see it early or late to avoid crowds

To truly appreciate Paris, rent an apartment and settle in for the long haul. For the entire month of March one year, Gregg and I stayed in an apartment in Montparnasse. He spent his mornings painting and I spent mine writing, and then we set out almost every afternoon to explore the artsy delights of Paris.

Favorite Places in Paris and the Île-de-France

Musée d’Orsay

With its world renowned collection of paintings from the late 19th century, the Musée d’Orsay is a who’s who of famous painters: van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Morisot, Renoir, Gauguin… you name it!

This museum is always on my must-see list every time I visit Paris.

L’Orangerie

Here’s where you’ll see Monet’s water lily paintings. The experience of walking through the two rooms surrounded by his tranquil and very large paintings is sublime.

Luxembourg Gardens

This is Paris’s playground that many visitors never see. Go there to relax and people-watch.

Musée Cluny

I adore medieval art and the collection at the Cluny AKA the Musée national du Moyen Âge is one of the world’s best. Don’t miss the Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries.

Île-de-France

There’s lots to see on a day trip from Paris including Versailles (the gardens go on forever and the Hall of Mirrors is jaw-dropping), Monet’s gardens at Giverney, and the château and forest of Fontainebleau where artists of the Barbizon school back in the 19th century did a lot of plein air painting.

I never run out of things to see in Paris. In fact, a stopover in Paris has been on my itinerary for almost all of our dozen-plus trips to Europe in recent years.

Here are some suggestions for things to see, skip-the-line tickets, and tours in Paris.

Where to Stay in Paris

Check the map below to find accommodation options in Paris. My favorite area is the 6th arrondissement near the river or the 14th arrondissement in Montparnasse.

Other Regions in France

I’ve limited myself to just six of the best regions to visit in France (in my opinion!), but if you have the time, there’s much more to explore. Every region in France has a great deal to offer.

In eastern France, tour the Alsace region, pop into lovely Strasbourg, take a canal trip in Burgundy (check out the wine route!), and visit Dijon with its half-timbered buildings and great food.

While touring southeast France, check out the Alps, with Mont Blanc a highlight.

In western France, don’t miss Bordeaux, Bayonne (the Basque Museum is marvelous), Biarritz, and Toulouse, then venture down to the Pyrenees.

Also check out the walled city of Carcassonne (go early or late to avoid crowds) and Albi, famous for the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.

And on your way to Provence, explore the Ardèche region (check out my post The Ardèche Gorge in France: Best One-Day Stay) and then stop by charming Lyon where you’ll discover lots to see as well as a wonderful culinary tradition.