France continues to hold its title as number 1 world’s most visited country, attracting an incredible 217.8 million visitors in 2025. For those who have limited holiday time but want to experience the best of the country, here is a carefully planned 10-day itinerary to France from the United States, complete with daily destinations, transportation details, recommended areas to stay, and an estimated middle-class travel budget for each day.
Day 1 – Arrival in Paris
Fly from the United States to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
What to do:
- Check into hotel (recommended to stay at Central Paris) and rest after the flight.
- Afternoon walk along the Seine River and visit the Eiffel Tower (view from the ground or go up if time allows).
- Evening dinner at a bistro near Saint-Germain.
Day 2 – Explore Paris
What to do:
- Morning: Visit the Louvre Museum (book tickets online).
- Midday: Walk through Tuileries Garden and lunch in a café.
- Afternoon: Visit Notre Dame surroundings and Saint-Michel area.
- Evening: Go to Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for sunset view.
Day 3 – Day Trip from Paris to Versailles
How to get there: Take RER C train from central Paris to Versailles (about 45 minutes).
What to do:
- Visit the Palace of Versailles including gardens and the Hall of Mirrors.
- Return to Paris in late afternoon.
- Free evening in Paris or optional Seine River cruise.
Day 4 – Travel to the Loire Valley (Tours)
How to get there: Take a TGV train from Paris Montparnasse to Tours (about 1 hour 20 minutes).
What to do:
- Morning travel and hotel check-in (city center of Tours, near train station or old town).
- Afternoon visit to Château de Chenonceau (reachable by local train or guided tour).
- Dinner at a restaurant in Tours’ Place Plumereau area.
Day 5 – Loire Valley to Bordeaux
How to get there: Take train from Tours to Bordeaux Saint-Jean (around 3 hours).
What to do:
- Morning visit to Château de Chambord or a smaller castle near Tours.
- Afternoon train to Bordeaux and check in (city center of Bordeaux near the riverfront or Place de la Bourse).
- Evening walk through old Bordeaux and dinner with local wine.
Day 6 – Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion
How to get there: Take a half-day or full-day wine tour to Saint-Émilion (book in advance).
What to do:
- Morning: Visit vineyards and cellars in Saint-Émilion.
- Afternoon: Explore the medieval village and return to Bordeaux.
- Evening: Free time at the Miroir d’Eau or along the Garonne River.
Day 7 – Travel to Avignon (Provence)
How to get there: Take TGV train from Bordeaux to Avignon (about 5 hours, change in Lyon if needed).
What to do:
- Travel in the morning and check into hotel (Avignon old town or near the Palais des Papes.)
- Afternoon visit to Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon.
- Evening dinner at a Provençal restaurant.
Day 8 – Provence Villages
How to get there: Join a small group tour or rent a car for a day trip to Luberon villages.
What to do:
- Visit Gordes, Roussillon, and local lavender fields (if in season).
- Lunch in a local village restaurant.
- Return to Avignon for a relaxed evening.
Day 9 – Travel to Nice (French Riviera)
How to get there: Take TGV from Avignon to Nice (around 3 hours).
What to do:
- Morning travel and check-in (Old Town Nice or near Promenade des Anglais).
- Afternoon walk along Promenade des Anglais and the Old Town.
- Optional short train trip to Monaco or Èze.
- Dinner by the sea.
Day 10 – Nice and Departure
Transfer to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport for flight home (or train to Paris if your return flight departs from there).
What to do:
- Morning free time for shopping or a café breakfast.
- Visit Cours Saleya market if time allows.
- Depart for airport.
Estimated Total Costs
(per person, excluding international flight)
- Accommodation: €1,100 to €1,300
- Food and daily expenses: €450 to €600
- Local transport, trains, and entry fees: €400 to €500
- Total for 10 days in France: approximately €2,000 to €2,400 per person
Tips for first-time visitors to France
1. Learn a few basic French phrases: simple greetings like bonjour (hello), merci (thank you), and s’il vous plaît (please).
2. Book popular attractions in advance
3. Use trains for intercity travel
4. Eat like the locals
5. Watch out for pickpockets
6. Carry a reusable water bottle: tap water in France is safe to drink.
Eskimo eSIM Covers France
If you are planning to visit France but worry about buying a travel SIM card there, especially in tourist areas where prices can be high, you can activate Eskimo eSIM even before you depart. With Eskimo eSIM, there is no need to change SIM cards. Simply activate it through the Eskimo app and purchase a data plan directly from the app. For a 10-day trip to France, the 10 GB data plan is the most suitable option. You can check it out here.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit France?
The best time to visit France is from April to October.
How much should I budget for flights from the United States to France?
Round-trip flights from major U.S. cities to Paris usually range between €600 and €1,000 depending on the season and booking time. Booking at least two to three months in advance often gives better deals.
Can I adjust the itinerary to focus on fewer cities?
Yes, travelers who prefer a slower pace can reduce the number of destinations.
