With five days in France, you could spend all your time in Paris or venture into another region—thanks, in part, to the network of high-speed trains that connect the country’s major cities. If you’re visiting for the first time, you won’t want to miss a day or two in the capital city. Provence, famous for its lavender fields, wineries, and charming villages, makes an easy side trip from Paris. Other great options include the French Riviera, known for beaches and nightlife, the wine-growing region of Bordeaux, and the coastline of Normandy, which is popular with history lovers.
See more options below, or check out 5 Days in France: 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas.
This relaxed, self-drive itinerary travels through some of the best coastal and countryside villages in the French Riviera. Starting and ending in Nice, you'll experience Mediterranean beaches, medieval architecture, local markets, perfumeries, and even hiking trails in the nearby mountains (if you so choose). Stay at a different scenic destination each night for a road-trip adventure you won't soon forget!
Ideal for history buffs, this Northern France itinerary spans an impressive timeline from the Norman invasion of England in 1066 to the D-Day landings of 1944. With the help of local guides, you'll experience the island monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel, pay respects at transfixing World War II memorials and museums, and enjoy free time in the evenings to explore the charming city of Bayeux—your home base for the trip.
This five-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to Bordeaux—the hub of the famed wine-growing region in southwest France. Known for its stunning architecture (both old and new), this lively UNESCO-listed city will be your base for a series of tours to markets, vineyards, beaches, and beautiful chateaux around the region, which you'll explore with the help of friendly English-speaking guides.
Perhaps no other region encompasses France's exceptional beauty better than Provence. During this five-day self-drive itinerary, you'll experience the highlights with stops in emblematic cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, as well as traditional villages in the scenic countryside. Finish the adventure in medieval Avignon and a wine tasting in nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
This relaxing 5-day jaunt focuses on the Loire Valley, a fertile region south of Paris dotted with hundreds of opulent châteaux (many that are UNESCO-listed) that once belonged to kings, queens, dukes, and influential artists. Enjoy a series of full-day private tours where you'll explore the area's best estates, gardens, game reserves, vineyards, and charming towns, especially Amboise—your home base for the trip.
If you're short on time but won't compromise on your experience, head to the French Riviera for a 5-day getaway. Explore grand plazas in Nice, stroll the narrow shopping streets of Cannes, and set sail to the Lérins Islands on a private boat. From 5-star dining to white sand beaches, this trip has it all.
If you're short on time and want to see Paris and western France, this five-day road trip is the perfect getaway. Start in the City of Lights to haggle with market vendors and view art at the Louvre, then hit the road for the Loire Valley to the south-west. Here, each château is more magnificent than the last, and an endless variety of French wines are waiting for you to taste them.
This short five-day trip is the perfect way to see highlights of Paris and the nearby countryside on a road trip tour. Start in Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, then head south to Dijon to see resplendent countryside chateaus and a medieval monastery.
Escape to one of France's most beguiling regions on this 5-day jaunt through coastal Brittany. A direct train ride from Paris takes you to the atmospheric walled city of Saint-Malo, where you'll sample local delicacies like crêpes and oysters and immerse yourself in Breton culture. Continue to the elegant resort of Dinard, explore the sweeping white sand beaches of Concarneau, then turn inland from the wild Brittany coast to end your journey among the half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets of Quimper.
Find some of your new favorite spots with five days in western France. Stroll through the streets of Le Marais, ascend the Eiffel Tower, and experience the fabulous wine and food scene in Bordeaux to leave you feeling relaxed and refined.
This quick five-day getaway reveals the culture and flavors of Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of the Provence region of southeastern France. You'll discover the secrets of "Aix" with a guided stroll through its ancient thoroughfares, sample regional gastronomic specialties, plus take a local cooking class. You'll even enjoy a bonus cooking class in a nearby village in the Alpilles Mountains.
Get away from it all on this luxurious 5-day trip to Normandy and Brittany. Fly in to Paris, then head to Bayeux on the coast. Check out the tapestry, tour Mont-Saint-Michel, and explore World War II history. At night, relax over fresh seafood dinners paired with chilled white wine at your neighborhood brasserie.
Experience the best of Provence in five days, with numerous guided cultural and gourmet experiences. You'll explore charming Aix-en-Provence and its surroundings via walking tours, a cooking class, and wine experience, all under the bright skies of southern France.
On this quick itinerary, you'll spend five days seeing the highlights of Provence, including the charming village of Aix-en-Provence, the natural parks of Calanques, Alpilles, and Luberon, and a number of other historic and cultural sites. Take a cooking class, cruise around scenic coves on a boat tour, stroll down the streets of France's oldest city, and more: this trip plan takes you there.
On this outdoorsy tour of Provence, you'll mix gourmet experiences with active pursuits. Start the trip in medieval Avignon, then take a tour of the Luberon on an electric bike before learning how to cook (and eat) like a local at a Provençal cooking class. You'll finish with a full-day tour of local wineries. Cheers!
This five-day French road trip takes you on a quick jaunt around the southwestern region, with an itinerary of outdoor excursions, cultural experiences, and of course, wine tasting. Start in the Auvergne countryside with a hike through the Parc des Volcans. Continue into the Dordogne for an exclusive château visit and hot-air balloon flight, then wind your way through rolling vineyards to reach Bordeaux, where you'll visit a prestigious winery in Saint-Émilion and end with a memorable gourmet dinner.
