43 days in France Itinerary
Created using Klarna Trips France trip planner
Start: Kelowna
Fly
1
Paris
— 6 nights
Train
2
Blois
— 5 nights
Train
3
La Rochelle
— 2 nights
Train
4
Bordeaux
— 3 nights
Drive
5
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
— 3 nights
Drive
6
Albi
— 4 nights
Drive
7
Carcassonne
— 4 nights
Drive
8
Sete
— 3 nights
Drive
9
Avignon
— 5 nights
Train
10
Lyon
— 5 nights
Fly
11
Paris
— 2 nights
Fly
End: Kelowna
Tue, Sep 20 - Tue, Nov 1
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Paris — 6 nights
©
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.Get a sense of the local culture at Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis and Hotel de Ville. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Dome des Invalides and Palais de Chaillot. Step out of Paris with an excursion to Chateau de Malmaison in Rueil-Malmaison--about 34 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation, pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedrale Saint-Louis des Invalides, don't miss a visit to Triumphal Way (Voie Triomphale), and examine the collection at Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature.
For reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Paris trip planner.
Kelowna, Canada to Paris is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. Traveling from Kelowna to Paris, you'll lose 9 hours due to the time zone difference. September in Paris sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 26th (Mon) to allow time for the car ride to Blois.
Side Trips
Chateau of Vincennes, Chateau de Malmaison, Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis, Albert Kahn Musee et Jardins
Find places to stay Sep 20 — 26:
Highlights from your trip
Blois — 5 nights
©
Town of Art and History
Situated on the banks of the lower Loire river, Blois opens doors to many activities centered along the banks of the river.Le Chateau des Enigmes and Escalier Denis Papin will appeal to history buffs. Get a sense of the local culture at Chateau de Villesavin and Centre-ville. Venture out of the city with trips to Basilique Notre-Dame de Cléry-Saint-André (in Clery-Saint-Andre), Vendome (Chateau de Vendome & Abbaye de la Trinite) and Hotel Groslot (in Orleans). There's lots more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Nicolas, step into the grandiose world of Domaine National de Chambord, walk around Les Jardins de l’Ancien Eveche, and admire the masterpieces at Maison de la BD.
For ratings, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read our Blois online day trip planner.
Traveling by car from Paris to Blois takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Blois can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) to allow time to drive to La Rochelle.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Sep 26 — Oct 1:
Highlights from your trip
La Rochelle — 2 nights
©
White City
Driving on the narrow streets can be difficult in La Rochelle so walking or biking will give you the best view of the pale stone buildings that give the Vieux Port, or old port, a distinctly Mediterranean quality.Start off your visit on the 1st (Sat): visit a coastal fixture at Phare du quai Valin, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise St-Sauveur, and then wander the streets of Quartier Saint Nicolas. Keep things going the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at Chapelle Notre-Dame de l'Esperance, then get to know the fascinating history of Rue Sur-les-Murs, then enjoy the sea views from Phare du Bout du Monde, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise Saint-Martin d'Esnandes.
For more things to do, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our La Rochelle vacation planning tool.
You can drive from Blois to La Rochelle in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Blois in October, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in La Rochelle, with lows of 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Bordeaux.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Oct 1 — 3:
Highlights from your trip
Bordeaux — 3 nights
©
The Port of the Moon
With a long history of producing regional wines since the Romans brought grapevines here during the first century, so many people consider Bordeaux to be the wine capital of the world.You'll discover tucked-away gems like Chateau Ambe Tour Pourret and Chateau Saint Ahon. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Port de la Lune and Eglise Collegiale de Saint-Emilion. Explore Bordeaux's surroundings by going to Chateau Les Chaumes (in Fours), Saint-Emilion (Chateau Franc Mayne, Chateau de Ferrand, &more) and Chateau Panet, Vignobles Carles (in Saint-Christophe-Des-Bardes). There's more to do: explore the historical opulence of Chateau du Taillan and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise St Louis des Chartrons.
To find reviews, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Bordeaux trip itinerary planner.
Traveling by car from La Rochelle to Bordeaux takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. October in Bordeaux sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Oct 3 — 6:
Highlights from your trip
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle — 3 nights
©
Do some cultural sightseeing at Musee du Patrimoine Agricole et Automobile de Salviac and Bastide du Perigord. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Musee La Rue du temps qui Passe and Jardin Exotique. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Castelnaud-la-Chapelle: Chateau de Fumel (in Fumel), Eglise Saint Louis (in Montcabrier) and Chateau de Chambert (in Floressas).
For photos, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Castelnaud-la-Chapelle trip builder app.
Traveling by car from Bordeaux to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Bordeaux in October, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, with lows of 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) so you can go by car to Albi.
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For photos, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Castelnaud-la-Chapelle trip builder app.
Traveling by car from Bordeaux to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Bordeaux in October, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, with lows of 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) so you can go by car to Albi.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Oct 6 — 9:
Highlights from your trip
Albi — 4 nights
©
Albi is a commune in southern France. Popular historic sites such as Les Chateaux de Bruniquel and Le Quartier Du Castelviel are in your itinerary. Get a sense of the local culture at Chateau de Brousse le Chateau and Musee-Mine Departemental. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Albi: Chateau de Coupiac (in Coupiac), Eglise Saint-Corneille (in Puycelci) and Castle of Montaigut (in Gissac). There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Academie des Miniatures et des petits gouters, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedrale Saint-Alain, explore the historical opulence of Chateau de Mauriac, and admire the landmark architecture of Palais de la Berbie.
For maps, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Albi online day trip planner.
You can drive from Castelnaud-la-Chapelle to Albi in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train; or do a combination of taxi, train, and bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in October since evenings lows in Albi dip to 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Carcassonne.
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For maps, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Albi online day trip planner.
You can drive from Castelnaud-la-Chapelle to Albi in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train; or do a combination of taxi, train, and bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in October since evenings lows in Albi dip to 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Carcassonne.
Side Trips
Chateau de Coupiac, Cathedrale Saint-Alain, Chateau de Brousse le Chateau, Chateau de Mauriac, Musee-Mine Departemental
Find places to stay Oct 9 — 13:
Highlights from your trip
Carcassonne — 4 nights
©
Medieval Heart of France
Best known as a fortified town, Carcassonne is a walled city that provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the location for many scenes in Kevin Costner's movie "Robin Hood." For a daily dose of excitement, medieval jousting tournaments are held twice per day between the two walls--while this may sound like a typical touristy show, it's actually an entertaining display of combative competition and horsemanship.Your cultural itinerary includes sights like La Cite Medievale and Centre Culturel De La Memoire Combattante. Discover out-of-the-way places like Memorial House (Maison des Memoires) and Porte Narbonnaise. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Carcassonne: Basilique Notre-Dame de Marceille (in Limoux), Tour Magdala (in Rennes-le-Chateau) and Chateau de Termes (in Termes). There's still lots to do: admire the landmark architecture of Abbaye de Saint-Papoul, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise Notre-Dame, visit Place Marechal Leclerc, and contemplate the long history of Bastide de Mirepoix.
To find where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, read Carcassonne trip planner.
You can drive from Albi to Carcassonne in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in October, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 17th (Mon) to allow time for the car ride to Sete.
Side Trips
Mirepoix, Basilique Notre-Dame de Marceille, Tour Magdala, Abbaye de Saint-Papoul, Chateau de Termes
Find places to stay Oct 13 — 17:
Highlights from your trip
Sete — 3 nights
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Sète, known as Cette until 1928, is a commune in the Hérault department in the Occitanie region in southern France. Get some cultural insight at Prieure Saint-Michel de Grandmont and Manufacture Royale de Villeneuvette. Cimetiere le Py and Phare du Mont Saint-Clair will appeal to history buffs. Go for a jaunt from Sete to La Tamarissiere to see Bunker 638 about 38 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Plage de la Corniche, view the masterpieces at Galerie Dock Sud, make a trip to Jardin du Chateau d'eau, and delve into the distant past at Abbaye Saint-Felix-de-Montceau.
To find photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Sete road trip planning site.
Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Sete takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in October, and nighttime lows around 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Avignon.
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To find photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Sete road trip planning site.
Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Sete takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in October, and nighttime lows around 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Avignon.
Side Trips
Manufacture Royale de Villeneuvette, Prieure Saint-Michel de Grandmont, Bunker 638, Abbaye Saint-Felix-de-Montceau
Find places to stay Oct 17 — 20:
Highlights from your trip
Avignon — 5 nights
©
City of Popes
An ancient town center surrounded by medieval ramparts, Avignon is a major city of Provence and a Mediterranean city in the Vaucluse department on the left bank of the Rhône River.You'll discover tucked-away gems like Musee du Petit Palais and Wine Safari. Basilique Saint Pierre and Eglise St-Vincent will appeal to history buffs. Venture out of the city with trips to Abbaye de Saint-Hilaire (in Menerbes) and Eglise Medievale Notre-Dame-d'Alydon (in Oppede). There's much more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet, get a new perspective on nature at Museum Requien, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, and get engrossed in the history at Musee Lapidaire.
Find out how to plan Avignon trip without stress by asking Klarna Trips to help create an itinerary.
Traveling by car from Sete to Avignon takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In October, daily temperatures in Avignon can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Tue) to allow time to take a train to Lyon.
Side Trips
Tarascon, Distillerie A. Blachere, Abbaye de Saint-Hilaire, Eglise Medievale Notre-Dame-d'Alydon, Tours du Rhone
Find places to stay Oct 20 — 25:
Highlights from your trip
Lyon — 5 nights
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Culinary Capital of France
Lyon is a historical city with a vibrant cultural scene as the birthplace of cinema, the silk capital of the globe, and the second biggest Renaissance city following Venice.Explore hidden gems such as Cathedrale Saint Vincent and Cite medievale de Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne. Musee de l'Imprimerie de Lyon and Hotel-Dieu-Musee Greuze are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore Lyon's surroundings by going to Eglise Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Perouges (in Perouges), Basilique d'Ars (in Ars-sur-Formans) and Eglise Saint-Martin (in Chapaize). And it doesn't end there: awaken your taste buds at some of the top wineries in the area, take an unorthodox tour of Traboules - Hotel Cour des Loges, examine the collection at Musee Urbain Tony Garnier, and take an in-depth tour of Musee d'Histoire de Lyon.
To find photos, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Lyon sightseeing planner.
Traveling by train from Avignon to Lyon takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Avignon in October: highs in Lyon hover around 21°C, while lows dip to 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Paris.
Side Trips
Eglise Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Perouges, Cathedrale Saint Vincent, Hotel-Dieu-Musee Greuze, Basilique d'Ars, Cite medievale de Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne
Find places to stay Oct 25 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
Paris — 2 nights
©
City of Light
Kick off your visit on the 30th (Sun): pause for some serene contemplation at Paroisse Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, explore the different monuments and memorials at Cimetiere de Montmartre, then get curious at Musee des Arts et Metiers, and finally examine the collection at Musee des Arts Forains. Keep things going the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at Église Saint-Eustache, see the interesting displays at Musee du Parfum - Fragonard, then stop by Quartier de l'Opera, and finally get to know the fascinating history of Triumphal Way (Voie Triomphale).
For traveler tips and tourist information, you can read our Paris trip planner.
You can fly from Lyon to Paris in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Tue) early enough to fly back home.
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For traveler tips and tourist information, you can read our Paris trip planner.
You can fly from Lyon to Paris in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Tue) early enough to fly back home.
Find places to stay Oct 30 — Nov 1:
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.
