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Perfect 10 Days Itinerary in France - by train

Updated: May 7

Dreaming about exploring the most dreamy parts of France this year? Want the most incredible voyage where you combine French culture, museums and fashion in Paris with medieval towns in Provence and lazy days in the sea breeze on the French Riviera? Then you have come to the right place!


This itinerary by train will take you through 3 different incredible parts of France. Starting with four days in Paris, then moving into the beautiful country side of Provence, exploring medieval towns - and ending with taking a scenic train to the French Riviera. Spending your final time in either Nice or Menton.


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Table of Contents



10 Day Itinerary in France - by train



This itinerary includes three locations. From a classy city escape in Paris, scenic train journey through lush landscapes of France, strolling medieval towns, cycling through lavender fields and sipping delicious wine in Provence, and finally boarding yet another scenic train along the French riviera. Only to spend some lazy days at the sea on the French Riviera where focus lies on Mediterranean food, relaxation, beach life, exploring glamorous stores and sea side towns. Let's dive in!




3 days in Paris

Our journey will start with 4 days in the magical city of love - Paris. Diving into culture, exploring breathtaking sights such as Louvre, Eiffel Tower or the Versailles, dining in world class and exploring picturesque boutique shops. Paris is the perfect choice and has something for everyone.


3 days in Provence

Taking the train from Paris to Avignon takes just under 3 hours, or to Cavaillon it takes about 4 hours. The fastest option is taking the high-speed train TGV.


Arriving in Provence you'll have several options for a perfect trip. Lavender fields, wine tours, fine dining and strolling medieval towns. Life in Provence moves at a slower pace.


4 days on the French Riviera

From Provence we will take the train directly to Nice, along the French Riviera. If you want to stay in Menton it is another 40 minutes by regional train from Nice. Menton is a colorful vibrant sea town, close to the border of Italy it has influences from this country and offers the perfect mix between Italy and France. Nice on the other hand, offers beaches and beach clubs, luxury hotels, authentic cheese shops & makes a great base for visiting medieval towns or dreamy beach towns such as Antibes, Eze or Cannes.


Day 1 -4: Paris



Where to stay in Paris

  • La Demeure (€€): Cozy and stylish hotel with a warm atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat in a vibrant neighborhood.

  • Esprit St germain (€€€): Chic and intimate five-star boutique hotel with a residential feel, nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain

  • Miiro Le Grand Hôtel Cayré (€€€): Elegant and design-forward stay with a Parisian touch, perfectly located in Saint-Germain.

  • Hotel Splendide (€€€): Classic charm meets modern comfort in this refined boutique hotel, ideal for a romantic getaway.

  • Madison hotel (€€€): Elegant and eco-conscious boutique hotel in the heart of Saint-Germain, committed to sustainable hospitality


6 Unique Things to do in Paris


  1. Explore the Louvre at night for a magical, crowd-free museum experience - top rated tour here: Louvre night tour


  1. Take a private morning tour of Versailles with pickup from Paris - here is a great Versailles tour


  1. Stroll through Montmartre, with its cobbled streets, artists, shops and stunning rooftop views


  1. Enjoy a gourmet Seine river dinner cruise with Eiffel Tower views on the Don Juan II, a Michelin-starred experience


  1. Take a French patisserie class and learn to make your own macarons or éclairs


  1. Visit the Dior Gallery for fashion lovers, followed by lunch at Maison Revka or Café de la Paix



Day 4-6: Provence



Provence is a dreamy region in the south of France, with lavender fields, charming villages on hilltops - and where life moves at a slower pace. Known for its beautiful light, colorful markets and Mediterranean cuisine, Provence captures the essence of French art de vivre—perfect for slow travel, wine tasting and scenic train journeys through olive groves and vineyards.


Where to stay in Provence

In Provence you can stay in historic locations such as castles or old beautiful buildings. Here are some of the most unique hotels in Avignon.


AVIGNON



6 Unique Things to do in Provence


  1. Cycle through lavender fields in full bloom (best in late June to mid-July) for the ultimate Provençal postcard moment

  2. Wander local markets in towns like L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue or Aix-en-Provence — overflowing with olives, soaps, and sun-ripened produce

  3. Go on a wine tour and taste some of southern France’s finest vintages

  4. Dine at a countryside Michelin-starred restaurant, where farm-to-table takes on new meaning under olive trees

  5. Explore medieval hilltop villages like Gordes, Roussillon, or Les Baux-de-Provence — each with its own unique charm and views

  6. Stay in a castle or old chateau and make a visit to the past, breakfast in an old courtyard or sleeping in a tower


Day 6-10: French Riviera

Menton, a 40 min train ride from Nice
Menton, a 40 min train ride from Nice

Known for its sun-kissed beaches, glamorous resorts, and charming coastal villages, the French Riviera is the definition of the postcard perfect summer. With its stunning Mediterranean coastline, chic towns like Nice and Cannes, or authentic Italian vibed town of Menton and a rich cultural scene, it’s the perfect destination for relaxation.


Where to stay on the French Riviera
Hotel Riva Art, Menton
Hotel Riva Art, Menton

NICE


MENTON


Top things to do on the French Riviera


  1. Visit the hilltop village of Èze – Explore this medieval gem perched above the Mediterranean, offering breathtaking views and a visit to the famous Fragonard perfume factory.

  2. Explore the hidden beaches of Porquerolles Island – Take a boat to this serene island, known for its crystal-clear waters, scenic hiking trails, and uncrowded beaches.

  3. Take a scenic drive along the Corniche roads – Experience the iconic coastal roads like the Corniche d’Or, offering spectacular cliffside views of the Mediterranean and stunning coastal villages.

  4. Explore the glamorous sea side towns - St Tropez & Cannes are two places where luxury is the essence of the places. Why not book a boat trip and combine a stop in St Tropez with some snorkeling?

  5. Enjoy a wine tasting tour – the French Riviera invites you to slow down, preferably sipping a glass of wine. Lots of opportunities to go on an intimate tour and taste local wines with scenic vineyard views.

  6. Stroll through the historic old town of Menton – Known for its citrus groves and pastel-colored buildings, Menton’s charming streets are perfect for a leisurely walk and discovering hidden cafés and art galleries.


How to get around

Getting around France is quite easy if you stay connected to the rail network. The trains are mostly quite fast and efficient. This route includes places accessible by train, which makes it easy.


Train Tickets you need for this itinerary & what to expect

Book train tickets at sncf-connect.com 


  • Day 4: Paris - Avignon, which is a 3 hour train ride going through the many beautiful French landscapes


  • Day 6: Avignon - Nice, which is approximately a 3 hour train ride, going thorugh the picturesque landscapes of Provence, and finally making its way to the French riviera - an unforgettable view


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Hopefully now you feel ready to plan the perfect summer trip to France! If you enjoyed this guide and want more train travel tips & learn how to plan your own dreamy train voyage. Check out my train e-book below.



And don't forget to follow @therailvoyage on instagram, tiktok or facebook for more slow travel inspiration.


Enjoy the adventure! Bon Voyage!

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