10 Day Southern France Tour Packages

Southern France Itineraries for 10 days

Compiled by

MelissaSouthern France travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Southern France Itinerary, incl. Paris and Provence

  Seven historic cities showcase Southern France's treasures, from Lyon's gastronomy to Arles' Roman ruins over 10 days. Guided tours highlight Viviers' cathedral, Avignon's papal palace, and Tournon's vineyards.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Paris

    Begin your journey in the City of Light. Get to your hotel early because Paris morning traffic around Charles de Gaulle airport can be difficult. Take a Seine river cruise in the late afternoon when the sunlight creates perfect photo conditions of the Eiffel Tower. Book your Notre Dame visit first thing in the morning to skip the biggest crowds.

    
  • Day 3

    Paris to Lyon

    Take the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Lyon. The trip takes about 2 hours. The Lyon Part-Dieu station can be tricky to navigate so watch for signs to the river dock where your cruise ship will be waiting. If you arrive with time to spare, Lyon's Vieux Town is just a 15-minute walk away.

    
  • Day 4

    Beaune

    Check out the impressive Hospices de Beaune, a 15th-century hospital that's now a wine auction house. It's about a 45-minute morning drive from Chalon-sur-Saône through Burgundy's vineyards. Pack a light jacket for the wine caves under Beaune - they stay cool even in summer.

    
  • Day 5

    Lyon

    Discover France's food capital. Take the funicular up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica instead of climbing the steep hill. You'll get great city views from the top. If you're biking, be careful on the cobblestones in Vieux Lyon's traboules (hidden passageways).

    
  • Day 6

    Tournon

    The local vineyards offer great hiking and Rhône Valley views. Start early before the afternoon heat kicks in - summer temperatures often reach 85°F/30°C. The 16th-century castle stands out in the town and looks beautiful from the river.

    
  • Day 7

    Viviers

    Bring good walking shoes for this medieval town. The cobbled streets up to France's smallest cathedral are quite steep. Morning visits work best when the narrow streets provide shade.

    
  • Day 8

    Avignon

    Visit the Papal Palace early before the crowds arrive. Afternoon is best for canoeing when water levels are good. Stop by the Pont d'Avignon bridge right before sunset for beautiful photos.

    
  • Day 9

    Arles

    Follow Van Gogh's path through the city that sparked his most famous paintings. Visit the 2,000-year-old Roman arena in the morning when it's quieter. End your day with a special Provençal dinner featuring local dishes.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure from Marseille

    Plan for an hour's transfer from Arles to Marseille Airport. Book flights after 11 AM to have enough time for ship departure and traffic.

    

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• 10 Day France Itinerary, incl. Paris and Bordeaux Wine Country

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Paris

    Your first two days are in the City of Light. Get to the Louvre by 8:30 AM to avoid the crowds, especially in peak season. Visit the Mona Lisa first before the room gets too busy. The best time for Eiffel Tower visits is late afternoon when the lighting is better for photos and lines are shorter. Stay in the Marais district for its authentic feel and good Metro connections.

    
  • Day 3

    Paris to Bordeaux

    Take the TGV train from Paris to Bordeaux. It's about 2 hours, and the Bordeaux Saint-Jean station is just 15 minutes from the cruise dock. Bring a small day bag since your main luggage goes straight to your cabin.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Cadillac and Médoc

    Your wine region exploration begins. Visit Château de la Brède in Cadillac where philosopher Montesquieu lived. Wear good walking shoes since the grounds are big and can get muddy. In Médoc, take the scenic Route des Châteaux if you're interested in wine tasting.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Blaye and Saint-Émilion

    Visit the Citadel of Blaye early to avoid the heat. The views of the river are beautiful from up there. In Saint-Émilion, explore the medieval streets and underground church. One visitor noted: "The underground church carved from limestone is remarkable, but wear sturdy shoes as the steps can be slippery and uneven."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Bordeaux

    Back in Bordeaux, visit La Cité du Vin wine museum. Book tickets online to skip the lines. Start your morning at Marché des Capucins for fresh oysters and local cheese. If you like seafood, take the trip to Arcachon Bay to try oysters right from the producers.

  • Day 10

    Departure

    On your final day, book an afternoon flight to avoid morning traffic. Start your day with breakfast at a local café if time allows. Most open at 7 AM.

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• 10 Day France Itinerary, incl. Paris and Nice

  10-day Southern France exploration visiting medieval villages, Roman ruins, and Provence landscapes. Highlights include Pope's Palace concert, Beaujolais wine tasting, and Les Baux castle tour, with luxury Scenic Sapphire accommodation.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Paris

    Start your French adventure in Paris's 9th Arrondissement. Visit the Eiffel Tower before 8:30 AM to avoid long lines. Spend your morning walking the elegant boulevards and visiting the stunning Palais Garnier opera house. "The 9th district is perfect for first-time visitors - everything is walkable and the cafes are less touristy than near the Champs-Élysées," notes a local traveler. In the afternoon, check out Montmartre's hidden winery behind Sacre-Coeur.

    
  • Day 3

    Paris to Lyon

    Take the TGV train from Paris to Lyon. The trip takes about 2 hours. Book your tickets 3 months ahead for the best prices. When you arrive at Lyon's Perrache station, look for the taxi stand signs to get to your river cruise departure point.

    
  • Day 4

    Lyon

    Start your day in France's food capital by exploring the traboules (secret passageways) in Vieux Lyon. "Don't miss the morning market at Les Halles - the cheese selection is incredible and the vendors let you sample everything," a previous visitor suggests. If you want some exercise before lunch, join the morning bike tour to Tête d'or Park before trying Lyon's traditional bouchon restaurants.

    
  • Day 5

    Mâcon and Beaujolais

    Your ship stops in Mâcon, where you can access the Beaujolais wine region. Visit wineries in the morning when it's quiet. Another good option is the goat cheese farm tour, which includes a scenic 40-minute drive through the countryside each way.

    
  • Day 6

    Vienne

    Explore this Roman city early in the day on foot. Bring good walking shoes for the Roman theatre's steep steps. Bike tours follow flat riverside paths that work well for casual cyclists. Plan indoor activities after 2 PM to avoid summer heat.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Avignon

    You'll need two days to see this medieval walled city properly. Start with the Papal Palace first thing in the morning before crowds arrive. "The evening classical concert in the Palace was magical - the acoustics in the 14th-century halls are incredible," one traveler shares. Visit the Pont du Gard aqueduct early, before tour groups show up.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Arles to Nice

    Finish your trip in Van Gogh's Arles. The Roman amphitheater looks beautiful in morning light for photos. Visit the village of Les Baux later in the day. Plan your departure flight from Nice for the afternoon, since the drive from Arles takes 3 hours.

    

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