France itineraries: 5 routes to see the best of the country

24.10.2024 - 14:23 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 24, 2024 • 13 min read

Sampling oysters on the northern coast of Normandy, sipping stellar vintages in Bordeaux and wandering the soul-stirring streets of Paris: the French holiday of your dreams awaits.

Whether you want to tick off the greatest hits or seek out more under-the-radar spots, these itineraries will take you all over the country. 

Ranging from a 3-day north-south journey from Calais to the Alps to a 9-day trip crisscrossing France to cover many highlights, these routes can be extended by adding extra days at various stops or combining multiple routes to make the perfect trip. 

Allow at least 9 days 
Distance: 1200km (746 miles) 

If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the best of France, this highlight-studded trip is for you. Expect world-class museums and châteaux, Roman relics and a dizzying dose of urban action by the sea. With more time, each stop can (and really should) easily be extended by a few days.

The bird’s-eye city view from the Eiffel Tower – especially by night – is a breathtaking introduction to the capital that never gets old. Alternatively, gorge on the Paris panorama that unfurls from atop the Arc de Triomphe instead. Don’t miss a concert in the soul-stirring Sainte-Chapelle and the splendor of Versailles. Factor in ample time for cafe lounging, bistro lunches and Seine-side strolls.

Next stop: Take a train from Paris to Blois (1.5 hours). 

Four centuries of French history come alive in the small town of Blois, the one-time feudal seat of powerful counts. Play the French flâneur in its old-town tangle of tuff mansions and half-timbered houses, then plunge into Château de Blois’ bloody history. Rent a bicycle or e-bike to devote the afternoon to the Renaissance confection Château de Chambord, 16km (10 miles) east.

Next stop: Drive from Blois to the Vezère Valley (4 hours). 

Descending into caves painted by prehistoric artists is the subterranean thrill of this rural valley in the Dordogne. Learn the back story at the Musée National de Préhistoire in the pretty riverside village of Les Eyzies before plunging into nearby Grotte de Font de Gaume and later Lascaux in Montignac. Buy tickets for both in advance online. 

Next stop: Drive from the Vezère Valley to Carcassonne (3 hours and 15 minutes). 

Detour: Break up the journey by stopping in Toulouse to explore the Canal du Midi (add 1 day). 

The drive south through honey-colored Sarlat-la-Canéda and cliff-hanging Rocamadour is beautiful. Along the way, stop at a farm to buy a round of the eponymous goat cheese. After the wilderness of the southern Lot’s Causses de Quercy (a UNESCO Geopark), crowded Carcassonne can jar. Linger over a late lunch of cassoulet and save the vast fairy-tale citadel for sunset.

Next stop: Drive from Carcassonne