Dreaming of castles, wine, charming towns, and iconic French sights?
Yep, I was too, which is how I ended up on this 2 week France road trip.
I did this exact trip on my last visit to France and completely fell in love with the diversity of regions.
One day, we were walking medieval ramparts, the next we were sipping Champagne overlooking vineyards. If you want to see the best of northern and eastern France, with a mix of famous highlights and hidden gems, this itinerary really hits all those spots for me.
So if you’re stuck trying to figure out the best things to do, where to stay, and which towns and villages you can’t miss, this itinerary has it all.
⏰ Short on time?
👉 Pre Book these activities before you leave
– Mont St Michel Join this guided walk!
– Château de Chenonceau in Loire Valley Book skip-the-line tickets here
– Champagne Tasting tours Book your tasting here
– Palace of Versailles Get skip-the-line tickets here
👉 We rented our car form Paris here
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Why This Itinerary Works
This route forms a loop, beginning and ending in Paris, and avoids backtracking. It takes you through historical towns, coastal marvels, vineyard-covered countryside, and storybook villages. It moves at a quick pace and is packed full of unforgettable sights.
You’ll get a mix of:
- Iconic landmarks: Mont Saint-Michel, Versailles
- Wine & food regions: Loire Valley, Champagne, Burgundy
- Fairytale towns: Colmar, Amboise
- Cultural gems: Strasbourg, Rouen
And yes, you will need to drive. We rented a car in Paris and dropped it off there after two weeks.
➡️ We rented our car form Paris here
France 2-Week Itinerary Overview
- Days 1–2: Paris to Rouen
- Days 3–4: Mont Saint-Michel
- Days 5–7: Loire Valley (base in Amboise)
- Days 8–9: Dijon
- Days 10–11: Colmar & Alsace
- Days 12–13: Reims & Epernay (Champagne)
- Day 14: Return to Paris with a stop in Versailles
Days 1–2: Paris → Rouen
Skip the Paris rush and head straight to Rouen, a beautiful medieval town with half-timbered houses and a hauntingly gorgeous Gothic cathedral.
👉 Explore the Gros Horloge and old town streets
👉 Visit Rouen Cathedral
👉 Learn about Joan of Arc’s final days
👉 Grab a coffee in Place du Vieux-Marché
Stay overnight in the historic centre so you can walk everywhere easily. We stayed at Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert which also had underground parking.
👉 Hotel we loved here
Where I stayed in Rouen
Watch our hotel review staying at Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert.
Days 3–4: Mont Saint-Michel
This magical island abbey is one of the most unforgettable sights in France. We stayed just across the bay and walked in at sunset and it was breathtaking without the crowds.
👉 Visit Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
👉 Walk the bay at low tide
➡️ Join this guided walk!
👉 Enjoy sunset views from the mainland
👉 Stay overnight to see it glow after dark
I recommend staying just across from Mont St Michel. We stayed at Le Relais Du Roy and it is a short walk to the shuttle bus and walk way. Plus the hotel has parking.
Where I stayed at Mont Saint Michel
Watch our hotel review staying at Le Relais Du Roy.
Days 5–7: Loire Valley (Base: Amboise)
Next, head to castle country. We based ourselves in Amboise, which has charm and easy access to other châteaux.
👉 Château de Chambord – French Renaissance masterpiece
👉 Château de Chenonceau – built over the river, absolutely stunning.
➡️ Book skip-the-line tickets here
👉 Château Clos Lucé – Leonardo da Vinci’s final home
👉 Wine tasting in Vouvray or Montlouis
👉 Stroll through Amboise’s old town and riverside
In the Loire Valley, you can’t miss the experience of staying in a real French château. We stayed in the Chateau des Arpentis while we were here. It was such a unique experience and added to visiting the Loire Valley.
Where I stayed in the Liore Valley
Watch our hotel review staying at Chateau des Arpentis.
Days 8–9: Dijon
Time to head east into Burgundy, land of mustard, pinot noir, and historic streets.
👉 Walk the Owl Trail (La Chouette) for a self-guided town tour
👉 Visit the Ducal Palace and Fine Arts Museum
👉 Try mustard at the Maille boutique
👉 Eat regional dishes like coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon
We stayed at Mama Shelter. Fun vibe, great rooftop, and easy parking. Dijon is also great as a base for a short wine route detour.
Where I stayed in Dijon
Watch our hotel review staying at Mama Shelter.
Days 10–11: Colmar & Strasbourg (Alsace)
This was one of the most magical parts of the trip. Colourful houses, cobbled streets, and village vibes straight from a storybook.
👉 Wander Petite Venise in Colmar
👉 Visit Unterlinden Museum
👉 Day trip to nearby villages like Eguisheim or Riquewihr
👉 In Strasbourg: see the Cathedral and ride the canal boat
👉 Try Alsatian specialties like tarte flambée and kugelhopf
Colmar for charm, Strasbourg for city life. Both have good pedestrian centres and great Christmas markets if you’re visiting in winter. We stayed Hotel Le Colombier in Colmar.
Where I stayed in Colmar
Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Le Colombier.
Days 12–13: Reims & Epernay (Champagne)
You’ve made it to bubbly country! Visit some of the world’s most famous Champagne houses, and don’t forget to toast your road trip so far.
Visit the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral
Tour a Champagne house like Moët & Chandon
➡️ Book your tasting here
Stroll the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay
Learn about UNESCO-listed wine cellars
Stay in Reims for convenience or Epernay for vineyard vibes. We did a tasting and stayed nearby to avoid driving afterwards. We chose to stay in Reims at Hôtel de La Paix for more dining options.
Where I stayed in Reims
Watch our hotel review staying at Hôtel de La Paix.
Day 14: Versailles → Paris
Before returning to Paris, make a final grand stop at Versailles, it’s worth at least half a day.
👉 Explore the Palace of Versailles ➡️ Get skip-the-line tickets here
👉 Rent bikes or a golf cart to see the gardens
👉 Visit the Grand Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet
Then return your car in Paris and celebrate an epic road trip with a stroll along the Seine or a night in Montmartre.
Where did I stay in Paris
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Le Millie Rose in Paris!
France Road Trip Tips
- Car rental: Book early and make sure it includes unlimited mileage. We picked ours up at Gare Montparnasse.
- Parking: Use apps like Parkopedia. Many hotels offer secure lots.
- Tolls: Budget €100–150 total for toll roads.
- Timing: Late spring and early fall are ideal. Avoid August, it’s peak local holiday time.
FAQ for a France Road Trip
Yes! Highways are well-maintained, and signs are clear. Just watch for tolls and roundabouts.
If you’re from outside the EU, yes, bring one along with your license.
April–June or September–October are ideal for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vineyard beauty.
Expect €1500–€2500 depending on hotels, rental car, meals, and tours.
Yes, especially for Mont Saint-Michel and Colmar. They fill up fast.
Mostly yes, but some stops (like Mont Saint-Michel and Loire vineyards) are easier by car. If you’re going train-only, modify accordingly.
You’ll average 2 nights per destination, enough to explore without feeling rushed.
Absolutely! It gave me the perfect mix of culture, nature, food, and iconic sights, all at a pace that still felt relaxing.
Read More 
Cozy Things to Do in Paris in Winter
First Time at the Louvre? Here’s How to Plan Your Visit
Driving in France as a Tourist and How to Rent a Car
How to see Colmar in One Day – Itinerary, Photos Things to Do!
Top Things to Do in One Day in Rouen France!
Best Castle Hotels Loire Valley to Stay In (aka Château)
How to Spend 2 days in Loire Valley? The Perfect Itinerary with Map!
The Perfect Strasbourg in One Day Itinerary (With Map)
One Day in Reims France (Day trip Itinerary, What to See, Champagne Houses and more)
Top 10 Fairytale Towns in Alsace, France to Visit (with Map)
PIN THIS PAGE FOR LATER
Add comment