2 Weeks In France Itinerary To See The Best Of France

France

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France is a country that offers modern cities, medieval towns, alpine villages to the beautiful countryside, and from Mediterranean beaches to mountains.

As one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations, France offers something for every type of traveler.

After experiencing the country during our own two-week road trip, we’ve designed this itinerary that allows you to easily explore France’s highlights by car.

Recommended
Renting a car

Best Way to Enjoy This Itinerary

We recommend renting a car through Discover Cars to explore the regions and destinations with ease and at your own pace.

This route takes you through the country’s most stunning regions, to discover both iconic landmarks and hidden gems at your own pace.

2 Weeks In France Road-Trip Itinerary

Our two weeks in France itinerary will take you to some of the best places to see in France.

Paris | 3 Nights

Your Parisian adventure begins in the City of Light, where iconic landmarks meet charming café culture and world-class art awaits around every corner.

  • Day 1: Arrive and explore central Paris (Louvre area, Tuileries, Place Vendôme)
  • Day 2: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Seine River cruise
  • Day 3: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, and final Parisian moments before departure

Where to Stay in Paris

1st/2nd Arrondissement (Louvre Area):

7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower Area):

  • Hotel La Comtesse (boutique charm) – walking distance to Eiffel Tower with elegant decor
  • Hotel Muguet (budget-friendly) – quiet street with tower views

Mont-Saint-Michel | 1 Night

mont saint michel

Today begins your French countryside adventure as you leave for Normandy’s charming coastal towns and the legendary Mont-Saint-Michel.

Morning: Rental Car Pickup & Departure

  • Pick up your rental car from Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport to avoid Paris city center traffic and parking hassles – grab the cheapest rental car from DiscoverCars here.
  • Departure time: Leave by 8:00am to maximize your day and avoid afternoon crowds

Midday: Honfleur Lunch & Exploration

Honfleur France
  • Driving time: 2.5 hours from Paris airport to Honfleur
  • Enjoy lunch in this picturesque harbor town with its colorful 16th-century houses
  • Stroll around the Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor) and visit Sainte-Catherine Church
  • Leave Honfleur by 1:30pm at the latest.

Afternoon: Journey to Mont-Saint-Michel

Le Mont-Saint-Michel in France
  • Driving time: 2 hours from Honfleur to Mont-Saint-Michel
  • Arrival target: Reach the island commune by 3:30pm for optimal abbey exploration
  • Explore the magnificent Abbey and medieval village streets before sunset

Evening: Overnight at Mont-Saint-Michel

Alternative Option:

You can also visit Mont Saint Michel and Amboise (our next stop) on day trips from Parisdriving times: 3.5 hours to Mont Saint Michel, 2.5 hours to Amboise – a great option for those who prefer a steady base for exploring.


Amboise | 2 Nights

Chenonceau Castle 1

The next morning, head for the châteaux country in the Loire Valley.

Morning: Departure to Loire Valley

  • Driving time: 3.25 hours from Mont-Saint-Michel to Amboise
  • Departure: Leave Mont-Saint-Michel by 9:00 AM to arrive in Loire Valley by midday

The next morning, head for the châteaux country in the Loire Valley.

Afternoon: Château de Chambord & Amboise

  • Driving time: 20 minutes from Amboise to Chambord
  • Enjoy a tour through Chambord, the Loire Valley’s most magnificent Renaissance castle with its famous double-spiral staircase
  • Return to explore your base town, Amboise, visiting Château d’Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence at Clos Lucé

Day 2: Loire Valley Château Hopping

Where to Stay in Amboise (2 nights):


Nice | 3 Nights

Top Things to do in Nice France

Nice is one of the best places to visit on the French Riviera. It is also a great city to base yourself in if you want to add on some day trips.

Morning: Return Car & Flight to Nice

Afternoon: Nice Old Town (Vieux Nice) Exploration

Nice Old Town in France

Nice is one of the best places to visit on the French Riviera, and its charming old town is the perfect introduction to Riviera life.

  • Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of Vieux Nice with colorful baroque buildings
  • Visit the famous Cours Saleya Market for fresh flowers, local produce, and Provençal specialties
  • Climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views over the Baie des Anges
  • Stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais at sunset
  • Dinner Recommendation: Chez Pipo for authentic socca (chickpea pancake) in Old Town

Day 2: Beach Day & Riviera Relaxation

Nice in France

Relax on Nice’s famous pebble beaches at Plage Beau Rivage or Plage Neptune, or upgrade to a beach club like Hi Beach for loungers and service.

Take a dip in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and enjoy beachside dining at La Petite Maison for Mediterranean cuisine.

Day 3: French Riviera Highlights Tour

Cannes in France

Discover the glamorous Côte d’Azur on a guided tour visiting medieval Èze village, Monaco and Monte Carlo, artistic Saint Paul de Vence, and Cannes – all while enjoying spectacular coastal views.

Book Your Spot: Reserve your place on this French Riviera in One Day tour (9 hours) for the ultimate Côte d’Azur experience

Where to Stay in Nice (3 nights):

  • Hotel Negresco (luxury) – iconic Belle Époque palace on the Promenade des Anglais
  • Villa Victoria (boutique charm) – elegant hotel near Old Town with rooftop terrace
Further Reading: Enjoy a day trip from Nice on the train des Merveilles.

Annecy | 2 Nights

Things to do in Annecy Feature

Annecy is an alpine town in southeastern France where the Old Town resembles a colorful fairytale village with pastel houses, canals, and cobbled streets.

Getting to Annecy:

Afternoon: Annecy Old Town Discovery

Annecy France
  • Explore the winding canals that have earned Annecy the nickname “Venice of the Alps”
  • Wander through the medieval Old Town with its flower-lined waterways and historic architecture
  • Visit the iconic Palais de l’Isle, a 12th-century castle sitting in the middle of the Thiou River
  • Cross the famous Pont des Amours (Love Bridge) for romantic lake views

Day 2: Lake Annecy Scenic Drive

Lac d Annecy
  • Take a scenic drive around Lake Annecy’s 42km perimeter with stunning Alpine views at every turn
  • Stop in Talloires for lakeside lunch and photos of the crystal-clear turquoise waters
  • Visit Menthon-Saint-Bernard to see the fairytale Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard
  • Explore Doussard at the lake’s southern tip for mountain panoramas and peaceful walking trails

Where to Stay in Annecy (2 nights):

  • Hotel des Alpes (boutique charm) – historic property in the heart of Old Town

Colmar | 2 Nights

Best Alsace Villages in France

Discover Alsace’s most enchanting town with its perfectly preserved medieval architecture and German-French cultural blend.

Getting to Colmar:

  • Driving time: 4.5 hours from Annecy to Colmar (Leave Annecy by 7:00am)

Afternoon: Colmar Old Town

Most colorful places in France - Colmar
  • Explore Little Venice (Petite Venise) with its colorful half-timbered houses along the canals
  • Wander through Old Town’s cobblestone streets lined with flower-adorned buildings
  • Visit Unterlinden Museum to see the famous Isenheim Altarpiece
  • Stroll through Place des Dominicains and Rue des Marchands for authentic Alsatian atmosphere

Day 2: Alsace Villages Wine Route

Riquewihr, Alsace

Enjoy a full day of exploring the most adorable Alsace villages you could ever see!

  • Morning: Drive to Riquewihr (15 minutes) – the “Pearl of Alsace” with medieval ramparts and wine cellars
  • Midday: Visit Ribeauvillé (10 minutes) for lunch and exploring three medieval castles overlooking the town
  • Afternoon: Continue to Eguisheim (20 minutes) – voted France’s favorite village with concentric cobblestone streets
  • Late afternoon: End in Kaysersberg (15 minutes) – Alsace’s most beautiful village with its fortified bridge and vineyards

Where to Stay in Colmar (2 nights):

Paris | 1 Nights

pexels-photo-28826

At the end of your France trip, you will return to Paris, where you can relax on the last day of your vacation before returning home.

Where to Stay in Paris

1st/2nd Arrondissement (Louvre Area):

7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower Area):

  • Hotel La Comtesse (boutique charm) – walking distance to Eiffel Tower with elegant decor
  • Hotel Muguet (budget-friendly) – quiet street with tower views

Additional Recommendations for an Extended Trip:


France Calls – Book Now & Save!

🏩 Find the perfect stay

Book charming hotels across France – for every traveler on Booking.com!

🗺️ Plan Activities

Reserve insightful guided tours, and skip-the-line-tickets with Viator!

🚗 Rent a Car

Easily rent a car to enjoy this itinerary at your own pace with Discover Cars!


How to get around France

1.  Car Rental

If you follow our driving through France itinerary, you will cover a lot of kilometres in the space of three weeks.

It will be important to hire a vehicle that is comfortable and has plenty of space for your luggage.

The best car rental company in DiscoverCars – they quickly compare car rental prices across all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar to find you the cheapest price.

You will need to hire a car for:

  • 4 Days as you travel from Paris to Amboise
  • 4 Days as you travel from Annecy back to Paris

Find the most affordable cars for your trip here.

2.  Domestic Flights

We have also decided to break up the days of driving with two domestic flights. Fortunately, you can easily find cheap France flights, and these two flights won’t set you back by much at all!

We personally book our flights on Cheapo Air, we find that they are often the cheapest (even in comparison to Skyscanner).  Click to check on prices for your flights.

You will require tickets from:

  • Nantes to Nice
  • Nice to Annecy

Final Thoughts on Seeing France in 2 Weeks

Two weeks in France opens a world of possibilities, from the glittering lights of Paris to the Loire Valley castles and the French Riviera’s sun-soaked beaches.

Recommended
Renting a car

Best Way to Enjoy This Itinerary

We recommend renting a car through Discover Cars to explore the regions and destinations with ease and at your own pace.

This carefully crafted itinerary lets you experience France’s iconic highlights while discovering hidden gems along the way.

While you can’t see everything in France in 14 days, this route captures the essence of what makes France truly special – its rich history, stunning landscapes, and legendary cuisine.

Before you embark on your French adventure, make sure your trip goes smoothly by reading our essential guide on common mistakes to avoid when planning your trip to France.

France Vacation Travel Planning Guide:

**🚑 Do I need travel insurance for France?

100% YES! — Visitors need travel insurance for emergencies. I recommend SafetyWing.


**🚙💨 How to get around whilst traveling in France?

By Car: Renting a car through DiscoverCars gives you the freedom to explore charming hilltop towns and vineyards at your own pace.

By Train: For travel between major cities, trains are efficient and affordable – book tickets through Omio.


**📲 Will my phone work in France?

Maybe — But you might come back to massive bill as it might be pricey. For the best experience, I recommend getting an SIM Card online before you travel.


**🏩 What’s the best way to book accommodation?

My go-to for hotels is Booking.com. However we often prefer a more authentic experience, and book apartments and homes through VRBO.


**✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights?

For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

14-Day France Itinerary
The Only 2 Weeks in France Itinerary You Need
How to Spend 2 Weeks in France

Photo of author

Jolene Ejmont

Originally from South Africa, now living in Australia, Jolene is a wife and a mother to three beautiful daughters. Together with her family, she is embarking on a journey towards changing her current stress-filled life to one focusing on her dreams and her passion for travel. She wants to share her stories in the hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams!

27 thoughts on “2 Weeks In France Itinerary To See The Best Of France”

  1. France is so diverse and so vast, that no amount of time ever feels enough. Your itinerary has a lot of lovely places covered. Colmar and Annecy are really picturesque.

    • Great to hear Punita 🙂 I know that I could spend so much longer there, but we are leaving our two eldest kids behind and I can only survive that long without them haha 🙂

  2. If at all possible, see if you can squeeze Carcasonne, Mont Blanc and Monaco (not technically France) in there too.

    • Thanks for the recommendations! Monaco is a possibility, depending on how we go with Avie. I think we had Carcasonne on the list, might have a look at it again 🙂

  3. Wow!! I love France and it is the best country! This is such a great post, the tips, the photography etc! And the cheap flights is the great tips.

  4. What a wonderful itinerary! I live only a short train ride away from France and I still haven’t been to the beautiful country! This will definitely give me some tips for when I finally go!

    • Oh gosh Maggie! It is time to get on that train and go visit it! Although I am probably the same with Australia, I keep travelling internationally instead of exploring locally 🙂

  5. Annecy and Colmar are jumping out at me! We’ll be in France in a few weeks, crossing Europe by car. I’ll see if we can squeeze one or both of those in, cheers!

    • Your trip sounds fun Alyson! I really want to see more of Europe, just so tricky with my two school aged kids! We are planning on a bigger trip next year to see Poland and maybe touch on Germany as well 🙂

  6. We’ve been visiting France a lot this year. There are many things to do there. So I can see how a road trip for 2 weeks would be a great way to combine all of these places and see a lot. It would be really fun, I think.

    • I am really looking forward to France, probably mostly because we have been traveling to a lot of Asian countries, so a bit of European architecture will be a nice change!

  7. That is an impressive itinerary for 2 weeks in France. I wish I was so organised. I did see most of these during my 2 weeks trip there but there are some misses too. Thanks for those tips on how to book cheap flights.

  8. Great itinerary! I used to hop over to Comar for the day when I lived in Freiburg, Germany. It’s such a cute little town! My husband and I drove from Germany to Arles, Nice, and Chamonix several years ago and we loved having a car. The countryside is so beautiful. Enjoy your trip!

  9. Vive la France, one of the best countries for travelers. It’s got everything. Is two weeks enough?

    • We have managed to extend it to 3 weeks, but still not enough! We are leave our two eldest kids behind though, so 3 weeks is all this mummy can manage without my kids next to my side 😉

  10. Hello, my friend & I are traveling to France in June & are keen to copy your itinerary. Curious where you stayed during you trip, Airbnb or hostels? Any tips would be very welcomed!

    • Hi Lisa, we mostly used AirBnB as we had our toddler with us. We found that the AirBnB’s were so much cheaper than hotels! Have fun planning your trip 🙂

  11. Nice website. Your post really helped me a lot. I am planning to visit France in april. There are many things to visit there. Thanks for this

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