3 Weeks in France - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Off-the-Beaten-Path France: History & Gastronomy

Gastronomy-forward travelers will feel right at home on this food and drink-centered itinerary in France. Spend four nights in historic Paris, sampling the culinary pleasures of the capital, then head to lesser-frequented destinations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Beaujolais to sample the local vintages. Explore Roman history in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and revel in a gourmet food tour in Nice.

Arrive in the capital city of Paris for four nights. You'll see the classics, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, enjoy the café culture in the Le Marais neighborhood, and sail along the Seine on a romantic dinner cruise. A two-hour train ride takes you to Lyon, where you'll explore the Old Town and the Fourviere Basilica. Taste the valley's best red wines in Beaujolais, then board another train into the heart of Provence. Go wine-tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, sample sweet treats at Chocolaterie Castelain, and make your way to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to experience the region's olive oil production.

Learn about Roman history in Arles, then take in the views from the Notre-Dame de la Garde and embark on a half-day culinary tour in Marseille. Drive to the renowned region of Saint-Tropez on Day 14 to enjoy the beaches of Plage de la Bouillabaisse and Pampelonne. Spend an afternoon in Cannes, then head to Nice for a gourmet food tour among local open-air markets. A six-hour journey takes you to Toulouse, where you'll spend one night before concluding your trip in Bordeaux. Indulge in more wine-tasting in Saint-Émilion and savor the delights of the Capucin Farmer's Market before departing France. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore France's Western Route

This three-week adventure in Western France is perfect for visitors looking to explore more of the country's hidden gems, as well as some of the classic highlights. Hit the major sights in Paris, then take off north on a route toward Rouen, Honfleur, and Bayeux. See the famous Mont-Saint-Michel, explore the many châteaux in Tours, and enjoy wine, cognac, and oysters in Cognac and Bordeaux.

In Paris, climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, see the Notre-Dame and take a guided tour of the nearby Palace of Versailles. Journey to Rouen, stopping in the charming village of Giverny on the way to see where the famed Claude Monet lived. Continue to the harbor city of Honfleur for two nights. See the world-renowned Museum of the Tapestry and the Bayeux Cathedral in Bayeux, then embark on a full-day trip to the D-Day landing beaches. Another day trip allows you to discover the breathtaking Mont-Saint-Michel before you travel along a section of the Brittany coast.

Join a crêpe-making class in Saint-Malo and cruise along the Les îles Chausey archipelago in the afternoon. Head to Tours to explore the region's many historic châteaux, including Château de Chenonceau and Château d'Amboise. Drive two hours to Cognac to sample the double-distilled spirit that shares the same name as its birthplace. Explore Bordeaux on a gastronomy tour with an oenophile guide, sampling local sweet and savory treats. Tour the city at your own pace on a 6-mile (10 km) bicycle ride. Take a trip to the seaside town of Arcachon before bidding adieu to France. Learn more

Itinerary #3: France Scenic Self-Drive Getaway: Castles, Forts & Vineyards

This scenic self-drive is perfect for travelers looking to explore France at their own pace as it takes you on a storybook adventure through the castles and châteaux in the Loire Valley, the medieval villages in the Dordogne, and the Vin de pays in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Burgundy.

Land in Paris and immediately collect your rental car to drive two hours to Rouen. Visit the Historial Jeanne d'Arc ("Joan of Arc Museum") and the Cathedral, then continue along the coast of Normandy, stopping at Bayeux for two nights. See the famous Bayeaux Tapestry and take a day trip to Juno Beach and the Canadian Cemetery to learn about the D-Day landings. Travel to Saint-Malo, detouring via Mont Saint-Michel, to see the Museum of Ethnography and the Grand Tower. From here, explore the aptly named Emerald Coast before visiting the picturesque town of Amboise.

A self-guided bike tour takes you through the stunning countryside in the Loire Valley, while a private group tour will transport you to Château de Chambord and Château d'Amboise. Spend a few days in the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, the perfect place for embarking on day trips to the Dordogne Valley and Rocamadour. The fortified city of Carcassonne feels like a scene from a fairy tale, whereas the city of Toulouse combines modern restaurants with ancient architecture. Enjoy wine tours in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Beaune, and Burgundy before driving back to Paris for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ultimate French Road Trip: Paris to the French Riviera

This French road trip itinerary takes you on a culinary and cultural journey from Paris to the French Riviera, covering multiple regions, by train, car, bike, hot air balloon, and foot. Indulge in cheese, wine, and chocolate in the capital, then take 18 days to explore the cuisine in Lyon, the markets and villages in Saint-Rémy, and the unparalleled beaches and scenery in Nice.

Bonjour, Paris! In the French capital, cruise along the Seine River, stroll through romantic Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and sample the delights at the many bakeries and chocolate shops. Board the five-hour train to Annecy and explore its quaint Vieille Ville (Old Town). Appease your appetite with cheese fondue at La Ferme de la Charbonniere, then head to Chamonix to explore the dramatic landscapes of the French Alps. A scenic train takes you to the northern slopes of Mont Blanc. Alternatively, the Aiguille du Midi cable brings you to an altitude of 12,604 feet (3,842 m) for striking vistas.

After a picturesque hot-air balloon ride in the Beaujolais province, drive to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to see the Triumphal Arch and the Jules Mausoleum at the Glanum archaeological site. Hire an e-bike and take to the winding roads of Alpilles, then venture on a tour of the best vineyards in the Rhône Valley. Tour the Luberon region before heading south to Marseille to enjoy some of the best beaches in France. Day 16 takes you on a full-day cruise around the islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles. Visit the medieval village of Eze on your way to Monaco before saying bon voyage from Nice. Learn more

More Great 3-Week France Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to France? Check out these other 21-day France itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.