21 days in France Itinerary
Created using Inspirock France journey planner
Start: Paris
Drive
1
Versailles
— 2 nights
Drive
2
Ville de Lisieux
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Chartres
— 1 night
Drive
4
Orleans
— 1 night
Drive
5
Amboise
— 2 nights
Drive
6
Les Epesses
— 1 night
Drive
7
Arcachon
— 2 nights
Drive
8
Lourdes
— 1 night
Drive
9
Carcassonne
— 2 nights
Drive
10
Nimes
— 2 nights
Drive
11
Arles
— 3 nights
Drive
12
Apt
— 1 day
End: Apt
Wed, May 10 - Tue, May 30
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View full calendar
Versailles — 2 nights
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Royal Paradise
On the 11th (Thu), make a trip to La Galerie des Batailles, admire the landmark architecture of The Hall of Mirrors, make a trip to Palace of Versailles, then make a trip to The Water Parterres, and finally contemplate the long history of The Trianons & The Hamlet. Here are some ideas for day two: stroll around Jardins du Chateau de Versailles, then explore the wealth of natural beauty at L'Orangerie, then admire the natural beauty at Fondation Claude Monet, and finally ponder the world of politics at Hotel de Ville.
To find ratings, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Versailles route planner.
Paris to Versailles is an approximately 1-hour car ride. You can also drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Versailles can reach 21°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Ville de Lisieux.
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To find ratings, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Versailles route planner.
Paris to Versailles is an approximately 1-hour car ride. You can also drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Versailles can reach 21°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Ville de Lisieux.
Side Trip
Find places to stay May 10 — 12:
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Ville de Lisieux — 2 nights
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Start off your visit on the 13th (Sat): enjoy the sand and surf at Deauville Beach, then make a trip to Les Halles de Dives-sur-Mer, then step into the grandiose world of Chateau Guillaume-le-Conquerant, and finally explore the historical opulence of Chateau de Saint-Germain-de-Livet. Here are some ideas for day two: learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Cerza, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedrale Saint-Pierre de Lisieux, and then make a trip to Sanctuaire Sainte Therese.
For photos, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Ville de Lisieux trip builder website.
You can drive from Versailles to Ville de Lisieux in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In May in Ville de Lisieux, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 9°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) early enough to drive to Chartres.
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For photos, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Ville de Lisieux trip builder website.
You can drive from Versailles to Ville de Lisieux in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In May in Ville de Lisieux, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 9°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) early enough to drive to Chartres.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 12 — 14:
Highlights from your trip
Chartres — 1 night
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On the 15th (Mon), pause for some serene contemplation at église St Pierre, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Chartres Cathedral, and then wander the streets of Chartres Historic Preservation Area.
To see reviews, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Chartres trip planning website.
You can drive from Ville de Lisieux to Chartres in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus; or take a train. May in Chartres sees daily highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Mon) so you can drive to Orleans.
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To see reviews, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Chartres trip planning website.
You can drive from Ville de Lisieux to Chartres in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus; or take a train. May in Chartres sees daily highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Mon) so you can drive to Orleans.
Find places to stay May 14 — 15:
Highlights from your trip
Orleans — 1 night
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Kick off your visit on the 16th (Tue): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Orléans Cathedral, make a trip to Place du Martroi, then grab your bike and head to Loire a Velo Cycle Path, then walk around Parc Floral de La Source, and finally look for gifts at L'Atelier des Chimeres.
For ratings, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Orleans online tour planner.
You can drive from Chartres to Orleans in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and bus; or take a train. May in Orleans sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Amboise.
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For ratings, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Orleans online tour planner.
You can drive from Chartres to Orleans in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and bus; or take a train. May in Orleans sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Amboise.
Find places to stay May 15 — 16:
Highlights from your trip
Amboise — 2 nights
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Start off your visit on the 17th (Wed): stop by Galland Epicerie de Terroirs, step into the grandiose world of Chateau Royal d'Amboise, then make a trip to Le Chateau du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo da Vinci, and finally savor the flavors at Food & Drink. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 18th (Thu): see the interesting displays at Chateau de Chenonceau and then step into the grandiose world of Chateau de Cheverny.
For traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read our Amboise tour builder tool.
Traveling by car from Orleans to Amboise takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In May, daily temperatures in Amboise can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) early enough to drive to Les Epesses.
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For traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read our Amboise tour builder tool.
Traveling by car from Orleans to Amboise takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In May, daily temperatures in Amboise can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) early enough to drive to Les Epesses.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 16 — 18:
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Les Epesses — 1 night
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Kick off your visit on the 19th (Fri): get in on the family fun at Puy du Fou.
For other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Les Epesses holiday builder site.
Getting from Amboise to Les Epesses by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In May, daily temperatures in Les Epesses can reach 20°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) so you can drive to Arcachon.
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For other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Les Epesses holiday builder site.
Getting from Amboise to Les Epesses by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In May, daily temperatures in Les Epesses can reach 20°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) so you can drive to Arcachon.
Find places to stay May 18 — 19:
Highlights from your trip
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Arcachon — 2 nights
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Start off your visit on the 20th (Sat): tour the pleasant surroundings at La Grande Dune du Pilat and then steep yourself in history at La ville d'Hiver. On the 21st (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise Notre-Dame-des-Passes, identify plant and animal life at Réserve Ornithologique du Teich, and then take a memorable tour with Tours.
You can plan Arcachon trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.
Getting from Les Epesses to Arcachon by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: drive; or fly; or do a combination of bus and train. In May, daily temperatures in Arcachon can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) to allow time to drive to Lourdes.
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You can plan Arcachon trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.
Getting from Les Epesses to Arcachon by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: drive; or fly; or do a combination of bus and train. In May, daily temperatures in Arcachon can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) to allow time to drive to Lourdes.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 19 — 21:
Highlights from your trip
Lourdes — 1 night
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Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Mon): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilique de l’Immaculee Conception, take in the spiritual surroundings of Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Grotte de Massabielle, then browse the exhibits of Chateau Fort of Lourdes, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Le Via Crucis/ Way of the Cross/ Chemin de Croix.
For ratings, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Lourdes holiday builder app.
Traveling by car from Arcachon to Lourdes takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In May, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) so you can go by car to Carcassonne.
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For ratings, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Lourdes holiday builder app.
Traveling by car from Arcachon to Lourdes takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In May, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) so you can go by car to Carcassonne.
Find places to stay May 21 — 22:
Highlights from your trip
Carcassonne — 2 nights
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Medieval Heart of France
On the 23rd (Tue), contemplate the long history of Cité de Carcassonne, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, then stroll through Canal du Midi, then do a tasting at O'Vineyards, and finally ponder the design of Fountain of Neptune. On the 24th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: steep yourself in history at Cathar Castles, explore the historical opulence of Chateau Comtal, then admire the landmark architecture of Cathedrale St-Just, and finally examine the collection at Musee Archeologique.
To find ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Carcassonne trip itinerary tool.
Traveling by car from Lourdes to Carcassonne takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in May, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) so you can drive to Nimes.
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To find ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Carcassonne trip itinerary tool.
Traveling by car from Lourdes to Carcassonne takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in May, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) so you can drive to Nimes.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 22 — 25:
Highlights from your trip
Nimes — 2 nights
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French Rome
On the 25th (Thu), take in panoramic vistas at Tour Magne, contemplate the long history of Temple de Diane, admire the natural beauty at Jardins de la Fontaine, make a trip to Square Antonin, then explore the ancient world of La Maison Carree, and finally don't miss a visit to Place du Marche. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the world behind art at Musee des Beaux-Arts, delve into the distant past at Roman Theatre of Orange, and then snap pictures at Pont du Gard.
For photos, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Nimes trip planner.
Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Nimes takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In May in Nimes, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 15°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sat) so you can drive to Arles.
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For photos, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Nimes trip planner.
Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Nimes takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In May in Nimes, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 15°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sat) so you can drive to Arles.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 25 — 27:
Highlights from your trip
Arles — 3 nights
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Soul of Provence
Venture out of the city with trips to Les Antiques (in Saint-Remy-de-Provence), Tours et Remparts d'Aigues-Mortes (in Aigues-Mortes) and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (Notre Dame de la Mer - Église fortifiée, Horseback Riding Tours, &more). There's much more to do: admire the masterpieces at Carrieres des Lumieres, contemplate the long history of Le Sentier des Moulins d'Alphonse Daudet, take in the spiritual surroundings of St-Trophime Cloister (Cloitre St-Trophime), and explore the ancient world of Amphitheatre (les Arenes).
To find traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Arles trip planner.
You can drive from Nimes to Arles in an hour. Other options are to drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In May in Arles, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 15°C at night. On the 30th (Tue), you're off to Apt.
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To find traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Arles trip planner.
You can drive from Nimes to Arles in an hour. Other options are to drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In May in Arles, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 15°C at night. On the 30th (Tue), you're off to Apt.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 27 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
Apt — 1 day
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Start off your visit on the 30th (Tue): shop like a local with Art Gallery Contemporary Tapiezo, then trek along Le Sentier des Ocres, then go deep underground at Mines de Bruoux, and finally step into the grandiose world of Chateau St Saturnin Les Apt.
For traveler tips, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Apt journey planner.
Drive from Arles to Apt in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Tue) so you can travel back home.
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For traveler tips, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Apt journey planner.
Drive from Arles to Apt in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Tue) so you can travel back home.
Side Trip
Find places to stay May 30 — 31:
Highlights from your trip
France travel guide
France has been the world's most popular tourist destination for decades, and geographically, it is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Its cities are holiday hot spots and contain some of the greatest treasures in Europe, its countryside is prosperous and well tended, and it boasts dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris, the French Riviera, the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport resorts of the French Alps, as well as the castles of the Loire Valley, Brittany, and Normandy. The country is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly wines and cheeses, as well as its history, culture, and fashion industry.
You'll find that the French people are very polite and may react coldly to you if you forget this. You might be surprised as you're greeted by other customers and the proprieter when you walk into a restaurant or a shop. Be sure to take your sightseeing off the beaten path in France. Besides the famous Eiffel Tower and the chic resorts of the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera) you'll find many places to visit in the form of museums filled with fine art, crafts, and archaeological relics, wonderful medieval villages and castles, diverse national parks, and local shopping direct from artisans themselves.
Whether you're touring the Christmas Markets or going skiing during winter, viewing the springtime influx of color in Provence, sunbathing on the Mediterranean coast in the summer, or watching the fall foliage against the backdrop of the châteaux in the Loire Valley, you're sure to find just the right place to be. Spring is a time when the tourist attractions are just starting to expand their hours, but it may still be cold in the mountainous regions and the north. Summer is the busiest time in France with the longest hours for many museums and attractions, but it's often when you will experience the most crowds. Winter in France is filled with winter carnivals, Christmas Markets, and of course, skiing. Fall is a time to celebrate the release of Beaujolais nouveau wine in November, as well as experience Nuit Blanche, a day in October when major attractions, museums, galleries, parks, and swimming pools remain open all night.
