A 10 Day France Itinerary For First Time Visitors

Last Updated on 20th July 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

France is the most visited country in the world, and for good reason! A country of many landscapes, from one of the most iconic cities in the world, to enchanting châteaux, medieval towns, and a jade coloured coastline, there’s a lot to be explored (and, we haven’t even got started on French gastronomy!)

As there’s so much to experience, when it comes to booking your first trip to France you might be wondering where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a 10-day itinerary introduction to France, as well as top travel tips and suggestions of where to stay, so that you can get a taste of La France!

Paris in February: Where to Go, What to See & All the Eats in the French capital of France
The River Seine, Paris

Please note: (Within this article you will find plenty of links to other relevant articles within our site which will help you with top tips, more in-depth information on specific destinations and even more suggestions of guided tours and where to stay).

Travel tips for first time visitors to France

I’ve travelled through France extensively. From North to South and East to West, I’ve experienced the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower, the crashing waves of Brittany’s coast and sipped on the fine wines of Provence with the scent of Lavender filling the air.

So, when it comes to travel tips, you best believe I’ve picked up a thing or two! Check out my 30+ France Travel Tips You Need to Know Before Visiting guide here.

Also, as someone who has spent many years of my life living in Paris, I’ve come to know all the important things to know when it comes to safety, as well as ease of travelling when visiting for the first time. Here are some of my top guides for travelling to Paris:

While thinking about the worst-case scenarios might be scary or off-putting, it’s always best to be prepared when travelling as a tourist, so you can know how to either avoid or deal with them if they should occur.

vieux nice
A street in Nice, Brittany

10 day France itinerary

France is a huge country, so you would need a lot more than 10 days to explore its regions (count on several months if you want to get an in-depth view of all of it!). However, this 10-day itinerary highlights a good variation of the different landscapes to be explored.

We’ll take you on a journey through (of course) Paris, and a variety of sparkling coastlines to castle studded valleys in the centre and fishing ports in the north.

Day 1 & 2 Paris

There’s no better introduction to France than starting in its capital, Paris. Known to many as The City of Lights or The City of Love, Paris is easily the most iconic and talked about city in the world – a place which is endlessly romanticised to the point where it seems too good to be true. You’ll soon discover for yourself why the city has become a cliché destination for a reason.

Spend your first two days exploring the main sights you’ve likely heard so much about. Taking in the fresh scents of baked baguette in the morning, strolling along (or take a boat cruise down) the River Seine and soak up the cityscape while simultaneously people-watching.

Explore Île de la Cité the literal birthplace of the city, and the nearby historic Latin Quarter. Of course, a first visit to Paris has to include a trip to the Louvre, the world’s most famous and visited museum which is home to countless masterpieces (including Mona Lisa herself!)

You’ll also want to visit the artists haunt Montmarte, as well as view the Eiffel Tower from every possible viewpoint in the city! And, of course, sampling fine French wine and delicious cuisine should be of top priority.

Truth be told, two days isn’t nearly enough time to visit Paris, but it’s certainly enough to get a feel for the city, see some of the top attractions, and enjoy some of the foodie culture that the city is so known for. Check out our Paris in 2 Days Itinerary & Travel Guide here.

what to book in advance in paris
areas to avoid in paris

Day 3 & 4 Brittany: Saint-Malo & Mont Saint Michel

Next, you’ll want to head out of the hustle and bustle of Paris and explore the French region of Brittany! A trip from Paris to Saint-Malo, which is where we suggest you base yourself, takes between 3-4 hours one-way.

From its French châteaux and rugged coastline, this northern pocket of the country is surrounded by the sea and home to some mouth-watering cuisine! Base yourself in Saint-Malo for both nights while exploring the region.

Where to stay in Saint-Malo –

Thanks to its status as a top Brittany attraction, the town and its surrounds have no shortage of well-rated accommodations to suit every budget. However, as St Malo can get pretty busy, especially during the peak season (i.e. Summer), then I highly recommend booking your place to stay well in advance. Check the best Saint-Malo accommodation prices here.

Day three

Start by exploring your base surroundings. Saint-Malo is situated in a place where the land meets the sea and where myth is often hard to separate from legend and history itself. The windswept, walled city feels as though it was plucked straight out of a storybook, and it was founded as early as the 1st Century CE by the Gauls!

Some of the best things to do while in Saint-Malo are to head to the golden beaches to soak up the beauty of France’s coastline, meander along the medieval Les Ramparts, and discover La Cour La Hussaye, a fairytale turret in the heart of the town!

It’s also the perfect opportunity to sample some food from the region. If you’re a particular fan of all things pastry-related and anything sweet, then you can’t miss out on sampling the Kouign-Amann, a regional speciality!

Kougin-Amann
The Kouign Amann is one of the most iconic pastries to come from Brittany.

Day Four

Spend your fourth day embarking on a trip to the beautiful tidal island of Mont Saint Michel. Gothic, imposing, and often said to be the most photographed of all French destinations, Mont Saint Michel is possibly one of the most breathtaking places you’ll ever lay eyes on!

This conical tidal island has a rich and varied history and is technically situated in the region of Normandy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, with impossible architecture where all manner of buildings are fitted into the tight space like the jigsaw pieces of an overly complicated Tetris game. Read our guide on the Best Things to do in Mont Saint Michel here, for more detailed information.

Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, Northern France
mont saint michel

Day 5 & 6 Loire valley : Tours & Amboise

Spend a couple of days exploring the Loire Valley, home to countless castles and known as the ‘Garden of France’.

This part of France is a haven for lovers of history and French architecture, and it’s here you’ll find plenty of traditional French food, a rich history of the French monarchy, and some of the most beautiful gardens the country has to offer!

Day four

We suggest basing yourself in the town of Tours for both nights. Spend the first day exploring Tours, nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, the town boasts many historic châteaux, the picturesque Place Plumereau, a popular spot for dining, and Les Halles de Tours, a bustling indoor market.

Don’t miss out on a visit to Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, which has been widely regarded to be one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France, Tours Cathedral was constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries.

And, for a more unusual shopping experience, visit the Rue du Commerce. Here you’ll find what seems like its out of place, a Harry Potter shop called Les Trois Socieres, and they sell a wide selection of magical collectibles and clothing inspired by the world famous series.

old tours france
A street in Tours

Day five

On the second day, take a day trip to the stunning town of Amboise,  full of medieval history and timber-framed buildings it feels like something straight out of a fairytale! Characterised by its crooked little lanes that form a maze around a towering French Château.

What’s more, Amboise has pretty intense ties with none other than Leonardo da Vinci. Indeed, the famous Italian painter, sculptor and innovator spent the last few years residing in the Château du Clos Lucé, which is open to the public today.

Check out our 3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary here, of course, you’ll want to adapt it to using just the last two days. It’s worth noting, that travelling from Tours to Amboise is best done using your own transport. By public transport it takes 50 minutes and then a 25-minute walk.

Where to stay in Tours:

Budget: One of the most affordable and yet cosy places to stay in Tours is The People. This chic hostel offers private rooms as well as mixed-gender and female-only dorms. There’s a bar onsite with a terrace. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: Those in search of an affordable luxury option when it comes to staying in Tours can check out this cosy little hotel. Amenities include air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a fairly central location. Check prices and availability here.

Château Royal d'Amboise
Château Royal d’Amboise

Days 7 – 9 French Riviera

Next on your travels is the charming French Riviera. Filled with postcard-perfect villages, all-year-round sun, and the glittering Mediterranean Sea: it doesn’t get much more dreamy than the Côte d’Azur, a slice of paradise on Earth in Southern France. 

The glittering Côte d’Azur has attracted tourists for centuries, and you won’t be surprised as to why upon visiting. You’ll want to base yourself in Nice for the two nights, using it as a base to explore the wider region.

Where to stay in Nice –

Thanks to its status as one of the most popular places to visit in France (even among the French), there’s no shortage of wonderful places to stay in Nice to suit plenty of different budgets and needs.

Budget- The Maioun Guesthouse: This hostel is set against the backdrop of a restored 19th-century temple and is just over a ten-minute walk away from the nearest beach. There are mixed dorms where each bed has a privacy curtain or private rooms for an extra fee. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range- Hotel Cresp: This laid-back hotel is conveniently located close to Nice’s Opera House. All rooms have facilities such as TVs and complimentary WiF. Check prices and availability here.

Day Seven

Start by exploring your base, Nice. A dazzling city with bucketloads of character, this stunning pocket of southern France is best known for its stunning beaches, vibrant markets, and charming old town.

It has to be said, Nice is a pretty huge city so you’ll only get a taste for it from exploring for just one day – but it’s enough to leave you wanting to come back! Read our How to Spend The Perfect One Day in Nice Itinerary here.

Day Eight & Nine

Spend the other two days in the French Riviera, taking a day trip from Nice and exploring the smaller, yet gorgeous, villages of the coastline. While you can adapt the itinerary if you see somewhere you prefer to visit, we’ve made a 3-Day French Riviera Itinerary here, to make things easier!

Monaco harbour on a sunny day with palm trees

Day 10 Paris (again!)

Head back to Paris and fall in love with the city all over again for your tenth and final day. After having explored some of the most iconic main sights of the city in your first couple of days, why not spend time uncovering the hidden and secret spots of Paris!

Indulge in French cuisine on one of these mouthwateringly tasty Paris food tours or treat yourself to an ultimate experience and dine in one of the city’s finest establishments, Le Train Bleu.

Illustrious and ornate, the restaurant is nestled within Paris’ Gare de Lyon and offers one of the best places to dine in the city if you’re looking for a historic experience with great food and plenty of charm.

Check out our Guide on How to Spend the Perfect 5 Days in Paris which you can adapt, and get more suggestions of spots to visit within your last 24 hours in France!

How to Visit Avenue de Camoëns, 16th Arrondissement

Getting around

Luckily, France has some of the fastest trains in the world, the emblematic TGV (train à grande vitesse or high-speed train) connects Paris to almost every corner of the country, including neighbouring countries like Italy, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany!

Further out, there’s a great system of smaller railway and bus services which you can take, or of course, for those who love cycling – France is filled with amazing cycle routes.

However, with some of the more remote parts along the coastline, I do recommend renting a car if you want to have more autonomy when exploring. You’ll find within each itinerary we’ve mentioned the best ways to get around each destination.

When it comes to travelling around Paris specifically, read our Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Paris Metro Tickets guide here.

gare du nord

Enjoyed reading our 10-day itinerary in France for first-timers? Pin this article, and read it again later:

10 days in france itinerary
10 days in france itinerary for first time travellers

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.