20 days in France Itinerary
Created using Inspirock France holiday maker
Start: Washington DC
Fly
1
Paris
— 2 nights
Fly
2
Sarlat-la-Caneda
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Rocamadour
— 1 night
Drive
4
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
— 3 nights
Drive
5
Castellane
— 1 night
Drive
6
Antibes
— 2 nights
Fly
7
Calvi, Corsica
— 2 nights
Drive
8
Ajaccio, Corsica
— 1 night
Drive
9
Bonifacio, Corsica
— 2 nights
Fly to Geneva, Shuttle to Chamonix
10
Chamonix
— 2 nights
Drive
11
Annecy
— 1 night
Bus to Geneva, Fly to Washington DC
End: Washington DC
Mon, Aug 10 - Sat, Aug 29
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View full calendar
Paris — 2 nights
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City of Light
A beautiful and romantic city fit for any itinerary, Paris brims with historic associations and remains vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design.On the 11th (Tue), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre, take in the views from Pont Alexandre III, then don't miss a visit to Eiffel Tower, then admire the striking features of Arc de Triomphe, and finally admire the masterpieces at Musee d'Orsay. On your second day here, admire the masterpieces at Louvre Museum, then admire the striking features of Palace of Versailles, and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at L'Orangerie.
To see more things to do, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Paris trip itinerary website.
Washington DC, USA to Paris is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central European Standard Time (CET) is 6 hours. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Washington DC in August, with highs in Paris at 77°F and lows at 57°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Sarlat-la-Caneda.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Aug 10 — 12:
Sarlat-la-Caneda — 2 nights
Medieval Capital of the Dordogne Valley
Sarlat-la-Caneda is the capital of the former Périgord Noir, now referred to as the Aquitaine region that is home to a historical area consisting of impeccably preserved 14th-century buildings and sites.Start off your visit on the 13th (Thu): make a trip to Vieux Sarlat, get interesting insight from Canoes Loisirs, then step into the grandiose world of Chateau de Castelnaud, then step into the grandiose world of Chateau de Beynac, and finally stroll around Les Jardins de Marqueyssac. Here are some ideas for day two: Head underground at Le Gouffre de Proumeyssac, Head underground at Grotte de Rouffignac, make a trip to Roque Saint-Christophe Fort et Cite Troglodytiques, then explore the historical opulence of The Maison Forte de Reignac, then Head underground at Grotte de Font de Gaume, and finally step into the grandiose world of Chateau de Commarque.
For where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Sarlat-la-Caneda trip builder website.
Traveling by flight from Paris to Sarlat-la-Caneda takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In August, daily temperatures in Sarlat-la-Caneda can reach 82°F, while at night they dip to 55°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to drive to Rocamadour.
Side Trips
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, Roque Saint-Christophe Fort et Cite Troglodytiques, The Maison Forte de Reignac, Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, Chateau de Beynac
Find places to stay Aug 12 — 14:
Highlights from your trip
Rocamadour — 1 night
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Balcony of the Dordogne Valley
Rocamadour is only accessible by one road leading into the port town built on the face of a cliff with a large number of buildings cantilevered over the edge.Start off your visit on the 15th (Sat): contemplate the long history of Cite Religieuse, identify plant and animal life at La Foret des Singes, then look for all kinds of wild species at Rocher des Aigles, then explore the fascinating underground world of Grottes de Lacave, and finally explore the fascinating underground world of Gouffre de Padirac.
To see more things to do, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Rocamadour itinerary planner.
You can drive from Sarlat-la-Caneda to Rocamadour in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In August in Rocamadour, expect temperatures between 82°F during the day and 57°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can drive to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Aug 14 — 15:
Highlights from your trip
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc — 3 nights
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Vallon-Pont-d'Arc is a commune in the Ardèche department in southern France.Vallon-Pont-d'Arc is a capital of prehistoric and cultural tourism. Escape the urban bustle at Caverne du Pont-d'Arc and Gorges de l'Ardeche. Step off the beaten path and head to Grand Site de l'Aven d'Orgnac and Grotte de la Salamandre. Change things up with these side-trips from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc: Base Canyon de la Besorgues (in Labastide-sur-Besorgues), Centre Equestre De Mejannes Le Clap (in Mejannes-le-Clap) and GEO Ardeche Canyon (in Aubenas). And it doesn't end there: explore the striking landscape at Le Pont d'Arc, scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour, Head underground at Aven Grotte Forestiere, and take a memorable tour with Tours.
Plan my day in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.
Traveling by car from Rocamadour to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Rocamadour in August, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc is a bit warmer at night with lows of 63°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Castellane.
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Plan my day in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.
Traveling by car from Rocamadour to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Rocamadour in August, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc is a bit warmer at night with lows of 63°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Castellane.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Aug 15 — 18:
Highlights from your trip
Castellane — 1 night
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Castellane is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. Start off your visit on the 19th (Wed): see the sights as you ascend with a climbing tour, let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, and then push the limits with an extreme tour.
To find other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Castellane trip planner.
You can drive from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Castellane in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Castellane can reach 89°F, while at night they dip to 63°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Antibes.
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To find other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Castellane trip planner.
You can drive from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Castellane in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Castellane can reach 89°F, while at night they dip to 63°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Antibes.
Find places to stay Aug 18 — 19:
Highlights from your trip
Antibes — 2 nights
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Diamond of the French Riviera
The prosperous French Riviera resort town of Antibes is a popular summer destination featuring tons of beaches to suit couples, families, and any type of lifestyle, along with dozens, if not hundreds of cafes, bars, and salons de thé (tea) along the Mediterranean coast.Kick off your visit on the 20th (Thu): trek along La Pointe de l'Aiguille, then zoom along the surf with Jets'Cool, then see majestic marine mammals with TakSea, and finally see the vivid underwater world at Lion of the Sea (Lion de Mer). On the 21st (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: make a trip to La Croisette, head off the coast to Île Sainte-Marguerite, and then contemplate the long history of Lérins Islands.
To find traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Antibes online tour planner.
Drive from Castellane to Antibes in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. While traveling from Castellane, expect a bit cooler days and somewhat warmer nights in Antibes, ranging from highs of 81°F to lows of 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) to allow time to fly to Calvi.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Aug 19 — 21:
Highlights from your trip
Calvi, Corsica — 2 nights
Calvi is a commune in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica.It is the seat of the Canton of Calvi, which contains Calvi and one other commune, Lumio. Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): don't miss a visit to Les Calanche Cliffs, identify plant and animal life at Nature Reserve of Scandola, get a new perspective on things with Galeria Marina, then discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and finally contemplate the long history of Citadelle de Calvi. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: see Off-Road Tours, then explore the ancient world of Village abandonné d'Occi, and then make a trip to Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra.
You can plan Calvi trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.
You can fly from Antibes to Calvi in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Expect a daytime high around 85°F in August, and nighttime lows around 67°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) early enough to go by car to Ajaccio.
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You can plan Calvi trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.
You can fly from Antibes to Calvi in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Expect a daytime high around 85°F in August, and nighttime lows around 67°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) early enough to go by car to Ajaccio.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Aug 21 — 23:
Highlights from your trip
Ajaccio, Corsica — 1 night
With a dreamy location on the west coast of the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, Ajaccio is a mecca of seaside summer tourism.On the 24th (Mon), tour the pleasant surroundings at Presqu’Ile Isolella, scramble along the landscape with Canyoning Corse, and then zoom along the surf with a waterskiing or jet-skiing adventure.
To see photos, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, use the Ajaccio trip site.
Drive from Calvi to Ajaccio in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 83°F in August, and nighttime lows around 64°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Bonifacio.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Aug 23 — 24:
Highlights from your trip
Bonifacio, Corsica — 2 nights
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At the southernmost tip of the island of Corsica, Bonifacio is a city with chalk-white limestone outcrops sculpted into unusual shapes by the ocean.On the 25th (Tue), explore the fascinating underground world of Grottes de Bonifacio, make a trip to Escalier du Roi d'Aragon, contemplate the long history of Bonifacio Citadel, then kick back and relax at Plage du Petit Sperone, and finally head off the coast to Iles Lavezzi. On the 26th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: tour the pleasant surroundings at Plage du Grand Sperone, then see Le Club de Voile de Bonifacio, then enjoy the sand and surf at Plage de San Giovanni, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Plage De Roccapina.
To see other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, read Bonifacio vacation site.
Drive from Ajaccio to Bonifacio in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Ajaccio in August, you will find days in Bonifacio are a bit warmer (89°F), and nights are about the same (61°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) early enough to travel to Chamonix.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Aug 24 — 26:
Highlights from your trip
Chamonix — 2 nights
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Alpine Capital of the World
Situated near the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and, most notably, the Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and known as the Alpine Capital of the World.On the 27th (Thu), cross one thing off your bucket list with A2L-Parapente, take in the dramatic natural features at Les Gorges de la Diosaz, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Brevent Cable Car, and finally explore the activities along Lac Blanc. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 28th (Fri): fly down the slopes at Domaine des Planards, glide through the air with a parasailing or paragliding tour, take in the awesome beauty at Aiguille du Midi, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Glacier des Bossons, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Vallee Blanche.
To see traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, use the Chamonix trip maker site.
Getting from Bonifacio to Chamonix by combination of flight and shuttle takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and bus; or do a combination of car and ferry. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can drive to Annecy.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Aug 26 — 28:
Highlights from your trip
Annecy — 1 night
Venice of the Alps
The canals is in Annecy helped earn the medieval town the nickname the Venice of the Alps.On the 29th (Sat), explore the activities along Lake Annecy, explore the striking landscape at Les Gorges du Fier, then fly like a bird with a parasailing or paragliding tour, and finally don't miss a visit to La Vieille Ville.
To find ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Annecy online attractions planner.
Traveling by car from Chamonix to Annecy takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In August, plan for daily highs up to 77°F, and evening lows to 57°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Aug 28 — 29:
Highlights from your trip
France travel guide
France has been the world's most popular tourist destination for decades, and geographically, it is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Its cities are holiday hot spots and contain some of the greatest treasures in Europe, its countryside is prosperous and well tended, and it boasts dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris, the French Riviera, the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport resorts of the French Alps, as well as the castles of the Loire Valley, Brittany, and Normandy. The country is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly wines and cheeses, as well as its history, culture, and fashion industry.
You'll find that the French people are very polite and may react coldly to you if you forget this. You might be surprised as you're greeted by other customers and the proprieter when you walk into a restaurant or a shop. Be sure to take your sightseeing off the beaten path in France. Besides the famous Eiffel Tower and the chic resorts of the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera) you'll find many places to visit in the form of museums filled with fine art, crafts, and archaeological relics, wonderful medieval villages and castles, diverse national parks, and local shopping direct from artisans themselves.
Whether you're touring the Christmas Markets or going skiing during winter, viewing the springtime influx of color in Provence, sunbathing on the Mediterranean coast in the summer, or watching the fall foliage against the backdrop of the châteaux in the Loire Valley, you're sure to find just the right place to be. Spring is a time when the tourist attractions are just starting to expand their hours, but it may still be cold in the mountainous regions and the north. Summer is the busiest time in France with the longest hours for many museums and attractions, but it's often when you will experience the most crowds. Winter in France is filled with winter carnivals, Christmas Markets, and of course, skiing. Fall is a time to celebrate the release of Beaujolais nouveau wine in November, as well as experience Nuit Blanche, a day in October when major attractions, museums, galleries, parks, and swimming pools remain open all night.
