The Perfect 2 Week France Itinerary By Train | 2025

2 Week France Itinerary Overview

If you want to discover as much of France as possible in 2 weeks, this is the best route to follow.

• DAY 1: Paris Highlights
• DAY 2: Paris Hidden Gems
• DAY 3: Train to Strasbourg
• DAY 4: Alsace Villages and Wine Route
• DAY 5: Train to Lyon
• DAY 6: Day trip to Annecy
• DAY 7: Train to Nice
• DAY 8: Day trip from Nice
• DAY 9: Train to Marseille
• DAY 10: Day trip to Calanques
• DAY 11. Train to Montpellier and sightseeing
• DAY 12: Train to Toulouse and sightseeing
• DAY 13: Train to Bordeaux and sightseeing
• DAY 14: Train to Paris and fly home

This France itinerary is jam-packed with activities, and you get to visit the most iconic towns in different French regions. 

You can also do this itinerary the other way around! Starting with Bordeaux and ending with Strasbourg – the transportation options are the same!

The trip starts and ends in Paris, making booking a round-trip flight ideal.

You’ll be on the move quite a bit, but in a country as large as France, you have to choose between covering a lot of ground and exploring at a leisurely pace.

You don’t need to rent a car in France, as the best way to do this trip is by train! 

Trains in France are faster than cars for long-distance journeys, and you can save up to 5 hours by taking a train!

However, you can rent a car for a day on certain days. For example, if you want to drive the Alsace wine route or take a road trip along the French Riviera. 

DAY 1:  Paris Highlights

You’ll start your French adventure in the city of lights – Paris. 

Paris is a big city, so you’ll need 2 full days to see the most important landmarks and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this vibrant city. 

I know you can’t wait to see the Eiffel Tower, so you’ll do it on the first day – but save it for later in the day, so you can also see it light up and sparkle!

Start the day with a visit to the Louvre Museum. Take some photos in front of the iconic glass pyramid before going in. 

Keep in mind that the Museum is huge! You could easily spend hours admiring the art, so start the day early if you want to explore the Museum.

Depending on your time in the Museum, you can grab lunch and eat on the benches in the beautiful Jardin de Tuileries.

Next up is the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral – it is still in renovation and you can’t get inside, but you can admire it from Petit Pont Cardinal Lustiger.

Stroll the streets of the lively Latin Quarter and visit the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore.

Jardin du Luxembourg is just a short walk away, and it is certainly worth a trip!

You could walk for about an hour to the Eiffel Tower, or simply take the metro. I suggest you go to Trocadéro and cross the bridge to the Tower. 

A fun way to see Paris is to go on a boat tour along the Seine, and boat tours start right in front of the Eiffel Tower!

If you’re hungry, consider a dinner boat tour! It is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris.

Where to stay in Paris?

As you only have 2 days in Paris, you’ll want to stay close to the city center, so you don’t waste time on transportation.

• Hôtel des Arts Montmartre: Beautiful boutique hotel in one of the most charming areas of Paris.
• La Maison Favart: Treat yourself to a luxurious stay in the heart of the city with this top-rated hotel. 
• Hotel de Neuville Arc de Triomphe: This fantastic budget-friendly hotel is close to the metro in a calm area.

DAY 2: Paris Hidden Gems

There are so many things to do in Paris, so you’re up for an active day again.

To be fair, landmarks you’ll visit today are hardly hidden gems anymore, starting with the picturesque Montmarte. 

Montmartre is my favorite Paris quarter. It’s one of the best places in France for couples, with charming cobblestone streets and romantic restaurants.

It is also known as the quarter of the artists, as you can buy art and watch painters work on their paintings on the main square.

After admiring the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, make your way to the lively Le Marais quarter. 

Also known as the Jewish neighborhood, this is a place to get the best falafel in town and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this city. 

After Le Marais, head to the iconic Champs-Élysées. This famous street is best known for shopping and Arc de Triomphe.

I’d argue that the view from the Arc de Triomphe is better than from the Eiffel Tower, simply because you can also see the Eiffel Tower!

Also, climbing the Arc de Triomphe is free for EU citizens and residents under 26, which is great if you’re visiting France on a budget.

DAY 3: Train to Strasbourg

Start your day early with a train to Strasbourg. Thanks to the fast TGV trains, a trip from Paris to Strasbourg takes just about 2 hours.

If you take one of the morning trains, you’ll have an entire day in Strasbourg to explore. 

Strasbourg is best known for its UNESCO-listed Grande-Île and the Strasbourg Cathedral. 

I lived in Strasbourg for 2 years and absolutely loved the half-timbered houses in La Petite France. 

Head to Vauban Dam and Ponts Couvert, it is one of the best spots to see the picturesque riverfront houses of the Old Town. 

You can also climb to the top of the Cathedral and the viewing platform offers a majestic view over the relatively flat city.

If you’re visiting France in winter, Strasbourg is one of the best Christmas Market destinations in France!

Where to stay in Strasbourg?

Strasbourg is relatively small with great public transport, but I suggest you stay in the Old Town area.

This way, you’ll be able to stroll through the Old Town and be close to the train station for easy day trips!

• Hôtel Régent Contades: A beautiful hotel in a calm area on the edge of Old Town. 
• Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg: Stunning historic property in the heart of the Old Town.
• BOMA easy living hotel: Budget-friendly hotel in the city center, close to all tourist attractions.

DAY 4: Alsace Villages and Wine Route

Your second day in Strasbourg is a day trip day, and you have a couple of options. 

You’ll visit the Alsace villages in both cases, it just depends on how would you like to do it. 

A budget-friendly option is taking a train from Strasbourg to Colmar and exploring this picturesque town before taking a bus to one of the Alsace villages. 

I combined Colmar and Riquewhir on the same trip and found that I had enough time to enjoy both.

If you’re a wine lover, you must visit Alsace Wine Route, and the best way to do it is on a wine tour! It combines a visit to the local wineries and discovering the hilltop medieval villages.

The route is especially charming if you visit France in autumn, during the harvest season!

Finally, you can rent a car for a day, drive down the Alsace Wine Route, and explore the villages on your own. 

The downside of driving yourself is that you can’t drink (seriously don’t), but you get the freedom to craft your itinerary.

DAY 5: Train to Lyon

Today is a long travel day, as you’ll be taking a train from Strasbourg to Lyon. 

I suggest you take a train early in the morning, so you have an entire afternoon to explore the city. 

The tourist area of Lyon is divided between the Old Town and the new city center. Luckily, everything is within walking distance!

The Vieux Lyon is charming, with old houses and cobblestone streets. Take Fourvière funicular to reach to Basilica of Notre Dame and the best view of the city.

I also loved strolling along the riverside and admiring the riverfront houses of the Old Lyon from the modern city center side. 

Where to stay in Lyon?

I suggest staying around Place Bellecour, as you’ll be within walking distance from most tourist attractions and a short metro ride from the train and bus station.

• Le Phénix Hôtel: Beautiful hotel on the edge of Lyon’s iconic Old Town.
• Keystone Boutique Hôtel: Ideally located budget-friendly boutique hotel in Lyon.

DAY 6: Day trip to Annecy

On your second day in Lyon, you’ll go on a day trip to Annecy. 

You can take a train or a bus to Annecy they both take about 2 hours, but buses are usually cheaper than trains in France. 

The city center of Annecy is quite compact, so you can easily discover the city by leisurely strolling the city center for a couple of hours. 

The main tourist attractions are Le Palais de I’Île and Château d’Annecy.

Another fun activity to do in Annecy is to take a paddleboat and sail around the lake!

DAY 7: Train to Nice

Today is the longest travel day of this 2 week France itinerary.

You’ll take a train from Lyon to Nice, the direct train takes about 4 and a half to 5 hours, so take the morning train to have an afternoon in the city.

After you check into your hotel, head to the city center of Nice. The tourist area of the city is quite compact, and you can easily see all the main tourist attractions in a couple of hours.

If you’re visiting Nice in the summer, you’ll have time to enjoy one of the best French beaches, right in the city center of Nice. 

The main tourist attractions in Nice are the seafront Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna, the Old Town, and Colline du Château.

Where to stay in Nice?

Stay close to the beach if you’re visiting in the summer, but the entire city center of Nice is compact and beautiful.

• Hôtel Apollinaire Nice: Beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town.
• Hôtel de la Fontaine: Budget friendly option, just 2 minute walk from the beach.

DAY 8: Day trip from Nice

On your second day in Nice, you should go on a day trip!

You have two options, you can use public transport or rent a car for a day and go on a French Riviera road trip.

You can visit several French coastal towns by car, and it is well worth it to rent a car for a day.

Some of my favorites are Èze, Menton, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Cannes. 

If you’re traveling in France by public transport, you can still visit one or two places by bus or train!

I took a local bus on a day trip from Nice to Monaco, it costs less than 5€ for a return ticket, and you get to add another country to your list of places you visited!

DAY 9: Train to Marseille

You’re leaving Nice today and heading to Marseille, the largest coastal town in France. 

You can take a train or a bus on this relation. As there are no fast trains connecting these two cities, it takes about the same time by train or bus. 

I took a bus as it was significantly cheaper than a train, and it takes about 2 to 3 hours.

The main tourist attraction in Marseille is the Old Port. You can stroll along the seafront promenade along the port from Place d’Armes fortifications to Marseille Citadel on the other side.

The best viewpoint in Marseille is the Basilica of Notre Dame of la Garde, and it is especially stunning for sunset!

Where to stay in Marseille?

Marseille is a big city, and I recommend staying close to the Vieux Port. This is the city center and the most touristy area of the city.

• Hotel C2: Luxurious hideaway spot right in the city center, a true hidden gem. 
• Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port: Iconic hotel with a view of the Old Port. 
• Hotel Belle-Vue Vieux-Port: This beautiful budget-friendly hotel has a fantastic view of the Old Port.

DAY 10: Day trip to Calanques

Your second day in Marseille is a relaxing one. You can sleep in today, as it is a beach day – or a hike day if you’re visiting France in winter.

Calanques National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in France, and it is easily accessible by public transport. 

It is also a great way to add an easy hiking trip to your 2 weeks in France itinerary. 

The French Alps are hard to fit if you only have 2 weeks to discover the country, so it is a good alternative for hiking lovers!

The starting point is the charming coastal town of Cassis, and you can hike along the rugged coast and swim on 3 pristine beaches. 

DAY 11. Train to Montpellier and sightseeing

Start your day early as you’re catching a bus or a train to Montpellier. As there is no fast train on this route, it is also worth traveling by bus as it takes the same time.

The drive takes less than 2 hours, so you’ll have an entire afternoon and evening in Montpellier.

So, what do you do in one day in Montpellier?

The main tourist attractions in Montpellier are the Old Town and the beaches. You won’t have time for the beach if you don’t have a car, so explore the cobblestone streets of Old Town!

Where to stay in Montpellier?

You only have one night in Montpellier, so you should stay in the city center to be close to all the attractions and the bus or train station.

• Grand Hôtel du Midi Montpellier: Ideally situated beautiful hotel right on the edge of the Old Town.
• Hôtel Ulysse Montpellier Centre: I stayed in and loved this budget-friendly hotel, and it is just a short walk from the historic center.

DAY 12: Train to Toulouse and sightseeing

A train from Montpellier to Toulouse takes about 2 hours, so get one in the morning to have an afternoon in the city. 

Toulouse, also known as the Pink City, is one of the most underrated destinations in France. 

The architecture is so unique, with red brick buildings and blue windows, and the city has so much to offer.

I love the river in the city center, and how locals gather for a walk along the river or just to enjoy the sunset.

Where to stay in Toulouse?

As you only have one day in Toulouse, I suggest staying within the city center area.

• TOP Pick: Hôtel Innes 
• Luxury Option: Boutique Hotel SOCLO
• Budget Option: Le Duplex

DAY 13: Train to Bordeaux and sightseeing

The next morning hop on a train or a bus to Bordeaux, they take approximately the same and the station is at the same place.

The entire city center of Bordeaux is under UNESCO protection, offering a chance to admire its impressive architecture from the Golden Age of the city. 

The main tourist attractions in Bordeaux are Place de la Bourse with its mesmerizing Miroir d’Eau, medieval gates to the city – Porte Cailhau, and 18th-century prison tower – Grosse Cloche.

Of course, Bordeaux is well known for its wines, and you can enjoy local varieties in many wine shops in the city if you don’t have time to visit the vineyards.

Finally, end the day by watching the majestic Bordeaux sunset – it’s one of the best I’ve seen in France!

Where to stay in Bordeaux?

My favorite area of Bordeaux is around Jardin Public, but there are hidden gems throughout the city center. 

• Hotel La Zoologie & Spa Bordeaux: This beautiful hotel is in the heart of the city center.
• Villas Foch Boutique Hotel: The best hotel in Bordeaux, ideally located and luxurious. 
• Moxy Bordeaux: This trendy budget-friendly hotel in the north of Bordeaux and has a stunning city view. 

DAY 14: Train to Paris and fly home

On your final day, you’ll take a train back to Paris. It’s good to know that you can take a direct train from Bordeaux to Charles de Gaulle Airport, which is the main Paris airport.

Depending on when is your flight, you might even have time to grab breakfast and enjoy a calm morning in Bordeaux.

How To Get Around France?

So, what is the best way to get around France?

You don’t need a car for this itinerary. In fact, it is quicker and more comfortable to get around France by train than driving long distances. 

Public transportation in France is quick and reliable most of the time – when there are no strikes.

Buses are cheaper than trains, but trains are quicker than buses for long distances, like Paris to Bordeaux. However, it takes about the same time for places within the same region – like Lyon to Annecy.

Trains in France can get expensive if you want to be spontaneous and book last-minute tickets. I highly recommend booking your train tickets well in advance to get the best price.

While having a car offers more flexibility and allows you to stray from a strict itinerary, trains are the better option for this trip.

However, you can rent a car for a day or two at certain places. 

For example, you can get a car for a day to explore the picturesque villages of Alsace from Strasbourg or go on a road trip along the French Riviera from Nice. 

Summary: France 2 Week Itinerary

And there you have it! The best route to discover the highlights of France in two weeks- straight from a local living in France and traveling around the country regularly.

This two-week France itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors, as it offers a great overview of the country’s diverse regions.

2 weeks might seem like a long time, but France is a large country and you’ll have to skip some regions.